ISO/TC 61/SC 2 - Mechanical behavior

This document specifies a method for determining the fracture toughness in term of J and R curves for plastics. The method is suitable for use with ductile and semi-ductile polymers and polymer blends. It is not intended to be used with materials in which the crack front cannot be distinguished from additional deformation processes in advance of the crack tip. The method is unsuitable for polymers reinforced with fibres. NOTE J-R curves, produced in accordance with this test method, characterizes the crack growth resistance that cannot be characterized by linear elastic fracture mechanics according to ISO 13586.

This document specifies test procedures for the acquisition and presentation of multipoint data which demonstrate the behaviour of plastics under the following environments: — prolonged exposure to heat; — liquid chemicals; — environmental stress cracking under a constant tensile stress; — artificial weathering. The tests are listed in order of increasing severity of the environment. By testing under the least severe environments first, it is possible to make informed judgements regarding whether tests under more severe conditions are worthwhile.

This document specifies test procedures for the acquisition and presentation of multipoint data on the following mechanical properties of plastics: — dynamic modulus; — tensile properties at constant test speed; — ultimate stress and strain; — tensile stress-strain curves; — tensile creep; — Charpy impact strength; — puncture impact behaviour. The test methods and test conditions apply predominantly to those plastics that can be injection- or compression-moulded or prepared as sheets of specified thickness from which specimens of the appropriate size can be machined.

This document specifies a test method for the determination of abrasive wear resistance of plastics using abrasive material on a reciprocating motion. It also specifies calculation method for specific wear rate.

ISO 10350 identifies specific test procedures for the acquisition and presentation of comparable data for certain basic properties of plastics. In general, each property is specified by a single experimental value, although in certain cases properties are represented by two values obtained under different test conditions or along different directions in the material. The properties included are those presented conventionally in manufacturers' data sheets. This document applies to reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting materials where the reinforcement fibres are either discontinuous with a fibre length prior to processing greater than 7,5 mm or continuous (e.g. fabric, continuous-strand mat or unidirectional). ISO 10350-1 deals specifically with unreinforced and filled plastics, including those using fibres less than 7,5 mm in length.

1.1 This document specifies a method for determining Charpy impact properties of plastics from force-deflection diagrams. Different types of rod-shaped test specimens and test configurations, as well as test parameters depending on the type of material, the type of test specimen and the type of notch, are defined in ISO 179-1. Dynamic effects such as load-cell/striker resonance, test specimen resonance and initial-contact/inertia peaks are described in this document (see Figure 1, Curve b, and Annex A). 1.2 ISO 179-1 is suitable for characterizing the impact behaviour by the impact strength only and for using apparatus whose potential energy is matched approximately to the particular energy to break to be measured (see ISO 13802:2015, Annex E). This document is used to record a force-deflection or force-time diagram for detailed characterization of the impact behaviour, and for developing automatic apparatus, i.e. avoiding the need to match energy. The method described in this document is also suitable for: — acquiring more and different materials characteristics under impact conditions; — supervising the Charpy test procedure, as this instrumentation allows detection of typical operational mistakes, such as the specimen not being in close contact with the supports; — automatically detecting the type of break; — pendulum type instruments to avoid frequent changes of pendulum hammers; — measuring fracture mechanical properties described in other ISO standards. 1.3 For the range of materials which can be tested by this method, see ISO 179-1:2010, Clause 1. 1.4 For the general comparability of test results, see ISO 179-1:2010, Clause 1. 1.5 Information on the typical behaviour of materials can be obtained by testing at different temperatures, by varying the notch radius and/or specimen thickness and by testing specimens prepared under different conditions. It is not the purpose of this document to give an interpretation of the mechanism occurring at every point on the force-deflection diagram. These interpretations are a task for on-going scientific research. 1.6 The test results obtained with this method are comparable only if the conditions of test specimen preparation, as well as the test conditions, are the same. The impact behaviour of finished products cannot, therefore, be predicted directly from this test.

1.1 This document gives a general test method for the determination of the temperature of deflection under load (flexural stress under three-point loading) of plastics. Different types of test specimen and different constant loads are defined to suit different types of material. 1.2 ISO 75-2 gives specific requirements for plastics (including filled plastics and fibre-reinforced plastics in which the fibre length, prior to processing, is up to 7,5 mm) and ebonite, while ISO 75-3 gives specific requirements for high-strength thermosetting laminates and long-fibre-reinforced plastics in which the fibre length, prior to processing, is greater than 7,5 mm. 1.3 The methods specified are suitable for assessing the relative behaviour of different types of material at elevated temperature under load at a specified rate of temperature increase. The results obtained do not necessarily represent maximum applicable temperatures because, in practice, essential factors, such as time, loading conditions and nominal surface stress, can differ from the test conditions. True comparability of data can only be achieved for materials having the same room-temperature flexural modulus. 1.4 The methods specify preferred dimensions for the test specimens. 1.5 Data obtained using the test methods described are not intended to be used to predict actual end-use performance. The data are not intended for design analysis or prediction of the endurance of materials at elevated temperatures. 1.6 This method is commonly known as the heat deflection temperature or heat distortion temperature (HDT) test, although there is no official document using this designation.

1.1 This document specifies a method for determining the Izod impact strength of plastics under defined conditions. A number of different types of specimen and test configurations are defined. Different test parameters are specified according to the type of material, the type of test specimen and the type of notch. 1.2 The method is used to investigate the behaviour of specified types of specimen under the impact conditions defined and for estimating the brittleness or toughness of specimens within the limitations inherent in the test conditions. 1.3 The method is suitable for use with the following range of materials: — rigid thermoplastic moulding and extrusion materials, including filled and reinforced compounds in addition to unfilled types; rigid thermoplastics sheets; — rigid thermosetting moulding materials, including filled and reinforced compounds; rigid thermosetting sheets, including laminates; — fibre-reinforced thermosetting and thermoplastic composites incorporating unidirectional or non-unidirectional reinforcements such as mat, woven fabrics, woven rovings, chopped strands, combination and hybrid reinforcements, rovings and milled fibres and sheet made from pre-impregnated materials (prepregs); — thermotropic liquid-crystal polymers. 1.4 The method is not normally suitable for use with rigid cellular materials and sandwich structures containing cellular material. Notched specimens are also not normally used for long-fibre-reinforced composites or thermotropic liquid-crystal polymers. 1.5 The method is suited to the use of specimens which can be either moulded to the chosen dimensions, machined from the central portion of a standard multipurpose test specimen (see ISO 20753) or machined from finished or semi-finished products such as mouldings, laminates and extruded or cast sheet. 1.6 The method specifies preferred dimensions for the test specimen. Tests which are carried out on specimens of different dimensions or with different notches, or specimens which are prepared under different conditions, may produce results which are not comparable. Other factors, such as the energy capacity of the apparatus, its impact velocity and the conditioning of the specimens can also influence the results. Consequently, when comparative data are required, these factors are to be carefully controlled and recorded. 1.7 The method is not intended to be used as a source of data for design calculations. Information on the typical behaviour of a material can be obtained, however, by testing at different temperatures, by varying the notch radius and/or the thickness and by testing specimens prepared under different conditions.

1.1 This document specifies the general principles for determining the tensile properties of plastics and plastic composites under defined conditions. Several different types of test specimen are defined to suit different types of material which are detailed in subsequent parts of ISO 527. 1.2 The methods are used to investigate the tensile behaviour of the test specimens and for determining the tensile strength, tensile modulus and other aspects of the tensile stress/strain relationship under the conditions defined. 1.3 The methods are selectively suitable for use with the following materials: — rigid and semi-rigid moulding, extrusion and cast thermoplastic materials, including filled and reinforced compounds in addition to unfilled types; rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastics sheets and films; — rigid and semi-rigid thermosetting moulding materials, including filled and reinforced compounds; rigid and semi-rigid thermosetting sheets, including laminates; — fibre-reinforced thermosets and thermoplastic composites incorporating unidirectional or non-unidirectional reinforcements, such as mat, woven fabrics, woven rovings, chopped strands, combination and hybrid reinforcement, rovings and milled fibres; sheet made from pre-impregnated materials (prepregs); — thermotropic liquid crystal polymers. The methods are not normally suitable for use with rigid cellular materials, for which ISO 1926 is used, or for sandwich structures containing cellular materials.

This document specifies a method for determining the flexural properties of rigid and semi-rigid plastics under defined conditions. A preferred test specimen is defined, but parameters are included for alternative specimen sizes for use where appropriate. A range of test speeds is included. The method is used to investigate the flexural behaviour of the test specimens and to determine the flexural strength, flexural modulus and other aspects of the flexural stress/strain relationship under the conditions defined. It applies to a freely supported beam, loaded at midspan (three-point loading test). The method is suitable for use with the following range of materials: — thermoplastic moulding, extrusion and casting materials, including filled and reinforced compounds in addition to unfilled types; rigid thermoplastics sheets; — thermosetting moulding materials, including filled and reinforced compounds; thermosetting sheets. In agreement with ISO 10350-1[5] and ISO 10350-2[6], this document applies to fibre-reinforced compounds with fibre lengths ≤7,5 mm prior to processing. For long-fibre-reinforced materials (laminates) with fibre lengths >7,5 mm, see ISO 14125[7]. The method is not normally suitable for use with rigid cellular materials or sandwich structures containing cellular material. In such cases, ISO 1209-1[3] and/or ISO 1209-2[4] can be used. NOTE 1 For certain types of textile-fibre-reinforced plastic, a four-point bending test is used. This is described in ISO 14125. The method is performed using specimens which can be either moulded to the specified dimensions, machined from the central section of a standard multipurpose test specimen (see ISO 20753) or machined from finished or semi-finished products, such as mouldings, laminates, or extruded or cast sheet. The method specifies the preferred dimensions for the test specimen. Tests which are carried out on specimens of different dimensions, or on specimens which are prepared under different conditions, can produce results which are not comparable. Other factors, such as the test speed and the conditioning of the specimens, can also influence the results. NOTE 2 Especially for injection moulded semi-crystalline polymers, the thickness of the oriented skin layer, which is dependent on the moulding conditions, also affects the flexural properties. The method is not suitable for the determination of design parameters but can be used in materials testing and as a quality control test.

This document specifies a hardness test method for plastics using instrumented indentation in the micro scale with one clearly defined test condition to ensure reproducibility and comparability of test results. The test method is selectively suitable for use with the following materials: — moulding, extrusion and cast thermoplastic materials; rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastics sheets; — rigid and semi-rigid thermosetting moulding materials; thermosetting sheets. This test method could also be utilized for nanometric filled system, considering the fillers are distributed uniformly in the polymer matrix. This test method allows dumbbell type specimen, strip type specimen, platens and specimen cut from any finished parts or products. This test method is useful for quality control, material selection, and screening of new formulations. NOTE This document does not aim to describe all scientific or technical aspects of microhardness testing on plastics in general.

This document specifies dimensional requirements relating to test specimens prepared from plastics materials intended for processing by moulding, as well as to test specimens prepared by machining from sheets or shaped articles. It compiles the designations and dimensions of test specimens used for the acquisition of comparable data and also of other frequently used specimens. The following types of test specimen are specified: a) Type A1 and type A2 specimens (1 = injection moulded, 2 = machined from a sheet or shaped article) These are tensile test specimens from which, with simple machining, specimens for a variety of other tests can be taken (see Annex A). The type A1 specimen is a multipurpose test specimen. The principal advantage of a multipurpose test specimen is that it allows all the test methods mentioned in Annex A to be carried out by all test laboratories on the basis of comparable mouldings. Consequently, the properties measured are coherent as all are measured using similar specimens prepared in the same way. In other words, it can be expected that test results for a given set of specimens will not vary appreciably due to unintentionally different moulding conditions. On the other hand, if desired, the influence of moulding conditions and/or different states of the specimens can be assessed without difficulty for all of the properties measured. Also described are reduced-scale test specimens designated type Axy, where x is the number indicating the method of specimen preparation (1 = injection moulded, 2 = machined from a sheet or shaped article) and y is a number indicating the scale factor (1:y). These can be used e.g. when full-sized test specimens are not convenient or when sample material exists in small quantities only. b) Type B specimens These are bar specimens which can be directly moulded or can be machined from the central section of type A1 specimens or from sheets or shaped articles. c) Type C specimens These are small tensile test specimens which can be directly moulded or machined, e.g. from plates (Type D or type F specimens), from the central section of type A1 specimens or from sheets or shaped articles. d) Type D1 and type D2 specimens These are square plates of thickness 1 mm and 2 mm, respectively. e) Type F specimens These are rectangular plates intended for use in the analysis of mechanical anisotropy. If a particular type of test specimen is not mentioned in this document, this does not mean that there is any intention to exclude the use of the specimen. Additional specimen types can be added in future if they are commonly used.

This document specifies the principles and provides guidelines for determining the fracture toughness of plastics in the crack-opening mode (Mode I) by a linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEMF) approach, at load-point displacement rates of up to 1 m/s. It supplements ISO 13586 so as to extend its applicability to loading rates somewhat higher than is the case in the scope of the latter document. Fracture testing at high loading rates presents special problems because of the presence of dynamic effects: vibrations in the test system producing oscillations in the recorded quantities, and inertial loads producing forces on the test specimen different from the forces sensed by the test fixture. These effects need either to be controlled and, if possible, reduced by appropriate action, or else to be taken into account through proper analysis of the measured data. The relative importance of such effects increases with increasing testing rate (decreasing test duration). At speeds of less than 0,1 m/s (loading times of greater than 10 ms) the dynamic effects may be negligible and the testing procedure given in ISO 13586 can be applied as it stands. At speeds approaching 1 m/s (loading times of the order of 1 ms) the dynamic effects may become significant but still controllable. The procedure given in ISO 13586 can still be used though with some provisos and these are contemplated in this document. At speeds of several meters per second and higher (loading times markedly shorter than 1 ms) the dynamic effects become dominant, and different approaches to fracture toughness determination are required, which are outside the scope of this document. The general principles, methods and rules given in ISO 13586 for fracture testing at low loading rates remain valid except where expressly stated otherwise in this document. The methods are suitable for use with the same range of materials as covered by ISO 13586, i.e. — rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastic moulding, extrusion and casting materials; — rigid and semi-rigid thermosetting moulding and casting materials; and their compounds containing fibres ≤ 7,5mm in length. In general, fibres 0,1 mm to 7,5 mm in length are known to cause heterogeneity and anisotropy, especially significant in the fracture processes. Therefore, in parallel with Annex B of ISO 13586:2018, where relevant Annex C of this document offers some guidelines to extend the application of the same testing procedure, with some reservations, to rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics containing such short fibres. Although the dynamic effects occurring at high loading rates are largely dependent on the material tested as well as on the test equipment and test geometry used, the guidelines given here are valid in general, irrespective of test equipment, test geometry and material tested. The same restrictions as to linearity of the load-displacement diagram, specimen size and notch tip sharpness apply as for ISO 13586.

This document specifies the principles for determining the fracture toughness of plastics in the crack-opening mode (mode I) under defined conditions. Two test methods with cracked specimens are defined, namely three-point-bending tests and compact-specimen tensile tests in order to suit different types of equipment available or different types of material. The methods are suitable for use with the following range of materials, including their compounds containing short fibres of the length ≤ 7,5 mm: — rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastic moulding, extrusion and casting materials; — rigid and semi-rigid thermosetting moulding and casting materials. In general, short fibre lengths of 0,1 mm to 7,5 mm are known to cause heterogeneity and anisotropy in the crack tip fracture process zone. Therefore, where relevant, Annex B offers some guidelines to extend the application of the same testing procedure, with some reservations, to rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics containing such short fibres. Certain restrictions on the linearity of the load-displacement diagram, on the specimen width and on the thickness are imposed to ensure validity (see 6.4) since the scheme used assumes linear elastic behaviour of the cracked material and a state of plane strain at the crack tip. Finally, the crack needs to be sharp enough so that an even sharper crack does not result in significantly lower values of the measured properties.

The ISO 10350 series identifies specific test procedures for the acquisition and presentation of comparable data for certain basic properties of plastics. In general, each property is specified by a single experimental value, although in certain cases properties are represented by two values obtained under different test conditions. The properties included are those presented conventionally in manufacturers' data sheets. ISO 10350-1 applies predominantly to unreinforced and reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting materials that may be injection- or compression-moulded or prepared as sheets of specified thickness. For the purposes of ISO 10350-1, long-fibre-reinforced plastics are considered to have fibre lengths greater than 7,5 mm prior to moulding. NOTE ISO 10350-2 deals specifically with long- or continuous-fibre-reinforced plastics.

ISO 899-1 specifies a method for determining the tensile creep of plastics in the form of standard test specimens under specified conditions such as those of pretreatment, temperature and humidity. The method is suitable for use with rigid and semi-rigid non-reinforced, filled and fibre-reinforced plastics materials in the form of dumb-bell-shaped test specimens moulded directly or machined from sheets or moulded articles. The method is intended to provide data for engineering-design and research and development purposes. Data for engineering-design purposes requires the use of extensometers to measure the gauge length of the specimen. Data for research or quality-control purposes may use the change in distance between the grips (nominal extension). Tensile creep can vary significantly with differences in specimen preparation and dimensions and in the test environment. The thermal history of the test specimen can also have profound effects on its creep behaviour (see Annex A). Consequently, when precise comparative results are required, these factors are intended to be carefully controlled. If tensile-creep properties are used for engineering-design purposes, the plastics materials are intended to be tested over a broad range of stresses, times and environmental conditions.

ISO 13802:2015 specifies frequency and methods for the verification of pendulum impact-testing machines used for the Charpy impact test, Izod impact test, and tensile impact test described in ISO 179‑1, ISO 180, and ISO 8256, respectively. Verification of instrumented impact machines is covered insofar as the geometrical and physical properties of instrumented machines are identical to non instrumented machines. The force/work verification of instrumented machines is not covered in this International Standard.

ISO 16012:2015 specifies measuring equipment and procedures for the determination of the linear dimensions of rigid plastics test specimens. It is applicable to test specimens described in ISO 20753 but can also be used for other test specimens, and to thicknesses typically in the range 0,4 mm ≤ h ≤ 6,4 mm.

ISO 17541:2014 deals with quantitative evaluation of scratch-induced damage and scratch visibility in polymers. ISO 17541:2014 specifies two methods to assess scratch damage and scratch visibility expressed by three colour coordinates of a 3-D colour model. Method A uses a scratch tip capable of area-contact or line-contact with material surfaces under a constant load condition. It is represented by scratch damage index (SDI). Method B uses a scratch tip capable of line-contact under a linearly increasing load condition. It is represented by scratch visibility index (SVI). The methods are suitable for use with coated and uncoated thermoplastic and thermosetting moulding materials. The methods specify the preferred dimensions of testing specimens and the preferred scratch-tip geometry.

ISO 3167:2014 specifies requirements relating to multipurpose test specimens for plastic moulding materials intended for processing by injection or direct compression moulding.

ISO 15850:2014 specifies a method for measuring the propagation of a crack in a notched specimen subjected to a cyclic tensile load varying between a constant positive minimum and a constant positive maximum value. The test results include the crack length as a function of the number of load cycles and the crack length increase rate as a function of the stress intensity factor and energy release rate at the crack tip. The possible occurrence of discontinuities in crack propagation is detected and reported. The test can be also used for the purpose of determining the resistance to crack propagation failure. In this case, the results can be presented in the form of number of cycles to failure or total time taken to cause crack propagation failure versus the stress intensity factor.

ISO 29221:2014 specifies a method for the determination of the plane-strain crack-arrest fracture toughness, Kla, of polymeric materials by using a side-grooved, crack-line-wedge-loaded compact tension specimen to obtain a rapid crack run-arrest segment of flat-tensile separation with a satisfactory crack front. ISO 29221:2014 employs a static fracture analysis determination of the stress intensity factor at a short time after crack arrest. The estimate is denoted as Ka and when certain size requirements are met, the test result provides an estimate, termed as Kla, of the plane-strain crack-arrest toughness of the polymer. The specimen size requirements provide for in-plane dimensions large enough to allow the specimen to be modelled by linear elastic analysis.

ISO 306:2013 specifies four methods for the determination of the Vicat softening temperature (VST) of thermoplastic materials: method A50 using a force of 10 N and a heating rate of 50 K/h; method B50 using a force of 50 N and a heating rate of 50 K/h; method A120 using a force of 10 N and a heating rate of 120 K/h; method B120 using a force of 50 N and a heating rate of 120 K/h. The methods specified are applicable only to thermoplastics, for which they give a measure of the temperature at which the thermoplastics start to soften rapidly.

ISO 75-2:2013 specifies three methods, using different values of constant flexural stress, which can be used for the determination of the temperature of deflection under load of plastics (including filled plastics and fibre-reinforced plastics in which the fibre length, prior to processing, is up to 7,5 mm) and ebonite: method A, using a flexural stress of 1,80 MPa; method B, using a flexural stress of 0,45 MPa; method C, using a flexural stress of 8,00 MPa.

ISO 11403-2:2012 specifies test procedures for the acquisition and presentation of multipoint data on the following thermal and processing properties of plastics: enthalpy/temperature curve; linear-expansion/temperature curve; melt shear viscosity.

1.1 This International Standard specifies a general method for determining the resistance to abrasive wear of plastics under the action of abrasive wheels. It is equally applicable to moulded test specimens, components and finished products. 1.2 The particular test conditions and the method of expressing the results may differ according to the type of material. The test conditions and specific method are specified in the relevant standards for each material or product. This method is not applicable to cellular materials or paints.

ISO 527-2:2012 specifies the test conditions for determining the tensile properties of moulding and extrusion plastics, based upon the general principles given in ISO 527‑1.

ISO 179-1:2010 specifies a method for determining the Charpy impact strength of plastics under defined conditions. A number of different types of specimen and test configurations are defined. Different test parameters are specified according to the type of material, the type of test specimen and the type of notch. The method can be used to investigate the behaviour of specified types of specimen under the impact conditions defined and for estimating the brittleness or toughness of specimens within the limitations inherent in the test conditions. It can also be used for the determination of comparative data from similar types of material. The method has a greater range of applicability than that given in ISO 180 (Izod impact testing) and is more suitable for the testing of materials showing interlaminar shear fracture or of materials exhibiting surface effects due to environmental factors. The method is suitable for use with the following range of materials: rigid thermoplastic moulding and extrusion materials (including filled and reinforced compounds in addition to unfilled types) and rigid thermoplastics sheets; rigid thermosetting moulding materials (including filled and reinforced compounds) and rigid thermosetting sheets (including laminates); fibre-reinforced thermosetting and thermoplastic composites incorporating unidirectional or multi-directional reinforcements (such as mats, woven fabrics, woven rovings, chopped strands, combination and hybrid reinforcements, rovings and milled fibres) or incorporating sheets made from pre-impregnated materials (prepregs), including filled compounds; thermotropic liquid-crystal polymers.

ISO 25217:2009 specifies a method, based upon linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), for the determination of the fracture resistance of structural adhesive joints under an applied mode I opening load, using double cantilever beam (DCB) and tapered double cantilever beam (TDCB) specimens.

ISO 19252:2008 specifies a method for determining the scratch properties of plastics under defined conditions. The method involves making a scratch by moving a hard instrument (scratch tip) of specified geometry under specified conditions of load and speed across the surface of a test specimen and then assessing the result. The method is used to investigate the behaviour of specified types of specimen under the scratch conditions defined and for classifying the type of scratch of specimens within the limitations inherent in the test conditions. It can also be used to determine comparative data for different types of material by means of a so‑called scratch map in which the types of scratch behaviour for each set of test conditions of test load and test speed are determined using the basic method of constant-load testing, and also by means of the so‑called critical normal load determined using an alternative method of linearly increasing load testing. The method is suitable for use with uncoated and unlacquered thermoplastic moulding materials and thermosetting moulding materials. The method specifies the preferred dimensions for the test specimen and the preferred scratch-tip geometry.

ISO 18872:2007 specifies procedures for determining the tensile properties of moulding and extrusion plastics over a wide range of strain rate, including high rates appropriate to impact-loading situations. Properties are determined through a combination of measurements at low and moderate strain rates, the use of mathematical functions to model these results, the rate-dependence of parameters and the determination of parameters at high strain rates by extrapolation. Tensile properties at high strain rates are then derived by calculation. In this way, the experimental problems and associated errors with the measurement of properties at high rates are avoided.

ISO 21509:2006 concerns the verification of type A and D Shore hardness durometers used to conduct hardness tests as described in ISO 868.

ISO 8256:2004 specifies two methods (method A and method B) for the determination of the tensile-impact strength of plastics under defined conditions. The tests can be described as tensile tests at relatively high strain rates. These methods can be used for rigid materials (as defined in ISO 472), but are especially useful for materials too flexible or too thin to be tested with impact tests conforming to ISO 179 or ISO 180. These methods are used for investigating the behaviour of specified specimens under specified impact velocities, and for estimating the brittleness or the toughness of specimens within the limitations inherent in the test conditions. These methods are applicable both to specimens prepared from moulding materials and to specimens taken from finished or semi-finished products (for example mouldings, films, laminates, or extruded or cast sheets). Results obtained by testing moulded specimens of different dimensions may not necessarily be the same. Equally, specimens cut from moulded products may not give the same results as specimens of the same dimensions moulded directly from the material. Test results obtained from specimens prepared from moulding compounds cannot be applied directly to mouldings of any given shape, because values may depend on the design of the moulding and the moulding conditions. Results obtained by method A and method B may or may not be comparable. These methods are not suitable for use as a source of data for design calculations on components. Information on the typical behaviour of a material can be obtained, however, by testing different types of test specimen prepared under different conditions, and by testing at different temperatures. The two different methods are suitable for production control as well as for quality control.

ISO 17282:2004 gives guidelines for the acquisition and presentation of data that can be used for design with plastics. Emphasis is given to the acquisition of data needed by computerised methods for design. It includes data needed for the analysis of the flow of polymer melts during the manufacture of a component as well as data needed for the prediction of mechanical performance of the component in service. The data requirements cover design with unfilled plastics as well as filled, short-fibre reinforced and continuous-fibre reinforced materials.

ISO 75-3:2004 specifies a method for the determination of the temperature of deflection under load of high-strength thermosetting laminates and compression-moulded long-fibre-reinforced plastics in which the fibre length is greater than 7,5 mm. The flexural stress used is not fixed, as in ISO 75-2, but is a fraction (1/1000) of the initial (room-temperature) flexural modulus of the material under test. This allows the method to be applied to materials with a wide range of flexural moduli.

ISO 899-2:2003 specifies a method for determining the flexural creep of plastics in the form of standard test specimens under specified conditions such as those of pretreatment, temperature and humidity. It applies only to a simple freely supported beam loaded at mid-span (three-point-loading test). The method is suitable for use with rigid and semi-rigid non-reinforced, filled and fibre-reinforced plastics materials (see ISO 472 for definitions) in the form of dumb-bell-shaped test specimens moulded directly or machined from sheets or moulded articles. NOTE The method may be unsuitable for certain fibre-reinforced materials due to differences in fibre orientation. The method is intended to provide data for engineering-design and research and development purposes. Data for engineering-design purposes requires the use of extensometers to measure the gauge length of the specimen. Data for research or quality-control purposes may use the change in distance between the grips (nominal extension). Flexural creep may vary significantly with differences in specimen preparation and dimensions and in the test environment. The thermal history of the test specimen can also have profound effects on its creep behaviour (see Annex A). Consequently, when precise comparative results are required, these factors must be carefully controlled. If flexural-creep properties are to be used for engineering-design purposes, the plastics materials should be tested over a broad range of stresses, times and environmental conditions. The method may not be suitable for determining the flexural creep of rigid cellular plastics (attention is drawn in this respect to ISO 1209-1, Cellular plastics, rigid -- Flexural tests -- Part 1: Bending test, and ISO 1209-2, Cellular plastics, rigid -- Flexural tests -- Part 2: Determination of flexural properties).

ISO 868:2003 specifies a method for the determination of the indentation hardness of plastics and ebonite by means of durometers of two types: type A is used for softer materials and type D for harder materials. The method permits measurement either of the initial indentation or of the indentation after a specified period of time, or both. This method is an empirical method intended primarily for control purposes. No simple relationship exists between indentation hardness determined by this method and any fundamental property of the material tested. For specification purposes, it is recommended that ISO 48, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic -- Determination of hardness (hardness between 10 IRHD and 100 IRHD), be used for the softer materials.

This International Standard identifies the parameters associated with the friction and wear of plastics and the conditions that test methods should address to determine these characteristics. It is intended to provide a basis for further International Standards dealing with methods of test and the specifications of materials.

This International Standard specifies a method for determining the compressive properties of plastics under defined conditions. A standard test specimen is defined but its length may be adjusted to prevent buckling under load from affecting the results. A range of test speeds is included. The method is used to investigate the compressive behaviour of the test specimens and for determining the compressive strength, compressive modulus and other aspects of the compressive stress/strain relationship under the conditions defined. The method applies to the following range of materials:  rigid and semi-rigid [1] thermoplastic moulding and extrusion materials, including compounds filled and reinforced by e.g. short fibres, small rods, plates or granules in addition to unfilled types; rigid and semi-rigid thermoplastic sheet;  rigid and semi-rigid thermoset moulding materials, including filled and reinforced compounds; rigid and semirigid thermoset sheet;  thermotropic liquid-crystal polymers. In agreement with ISO 10350-1 and ISO 10350-2, this International Standard applies to fibre-reinforced compounds with fibre lengths u 7,5 mm prior to processing. The method is not normally suitable for use with materials reinforced by textile fibres (see references [2] and [5]), fibre-reinforced plastic composites and laminates (see [5]), rigid cellular materials (see [3]) or sandwich structures containing cellular material or rubber (see [4]). The method is performed using specimens which may be moulded to the chosen dimensions, machined from the central portion of a standard multipurpose test specimen (see ISO 3167) or machined from finished or semifinished products such as mouldings or extruded or cast sheet. The method specifies preferred dimensions for the test specimen. Tests which are carried out on specimens of different dimensions, or on specimens which are prepared under different conditions, may produce results which are not comparable. Other factors, such as the test speed and the conditioning of the specimens, can also influence the results. Consequently, when comparable data are required, these factors must be carefully controlled and recorded.

This part of ISO 2039 specifies a method for determining the hardness of plastics and ebonite by means of a loaded ball indenter. The ball indentation hardness determined by this method may provide data for research and development, quality control and acceptance or rejection under specifications.

This International Standard specifies methods for the determination of puncture-impact properties of rigid plastics in the form of flat test specimens, such as discs or square pieces, under defined conditions. Specimens may be moulded directly, cut from sheets or taken from finished products. Different types of test specimens and test conditions are defined. These falling-dart methods are used to investigate the behaviour of plastic sheeting or mouldings under the impact of a striker applied perpendicular to the plane of the specimen. This part of ISO 6603 can be used if it is sufficient to characterize the impact behaviour of plastics by a threshold value of impact-failure energy based on many test specimens. ISO 6603-2 is used if a force-deflection or force-time diagram, recorded at nominally constant striker velocity, is necessary for detailed characterization of the impact behaviour. These test methods are applicable to specimens with a thickness between 1 mm and 4 mm. NOTE For thicknesses less than 1 mm, ISO 7765 should preferably be used. Thicknesses greater than 4 mm may be tested if the equipment is suitable, but the test falls outside the scope of ISO 6603-1 and ISO 6603-2. These methods are suitable for use with the following types of material: _ rigid thermoplastic moulding and extrusion materials, including filled, unfilled and reinforced compounds and sheets; _ rigid thermosetting moulding and extrusion materials, including filled and reinforced compounds, sheets and laminates; _ fibre-reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composites incorporating unidirectional or non-unidirectional reinforcements such as mats, woven fabrics, woven rovings, chopped strands, combination and hybrid reinforcements, rovings, milled fibres and sheets made from pre-impregnated materials (prepregs). These methods are also applicable to specimens which are either moulded or machined from finished products, laminates and extruded or cast sheet. The test results are comparable only if the conditions of preparation of the specimens, their dimensions and surfaces as well as the test conditions are the same. In particular, results determined on specimens of different thickness cannot be compared with one another (see annex E of ISO 6603-2:—). Comprehensive evaluation of the reaction to impact stress requires that determinations be made as a function of impact velocity and temperature for different material variables, such as crystallinity and moisture content. The impact behaviour of finished products cannot be predicted directly from this test, but specimens may be taken from finished products (see above) for test by these methods. Test data developed by these methods should not be used for design calculations. However, information on the typical behaviour of the material can be obtained by testing at different temperatures and impact velocities (see annex D of ISO 6603-2:—), by varying the thickness (see annex E of ISO 6603-2:—) and by testing specimens prepared under different conditions. Two statistical methods of test are described in this part of ISO 6603: _ Method A: staircase method (individual) (preferred) In this method, a uniform energy increment is employed during testing. The energy is decreased or increased by the uniform increment after testing each specimen, depending upon the observed result (pass or fail) for the preceding test. _ Method B: group method (optional) In this method, successive groups of at least ten test specimens are tested. The impact failure energy is calculated by statistics.

This International Standard specifies a method for the determination of the temperature at which plastics that are not rigid at normal ambient temperature exhibit brittle failure under specified impact conditions. A supplementary technique using notched specimens develops brittleness values at a much higher temperature than are observed for unnotched specimens of the same plastic material. The method utilizes a statistical technique to quantify the brittleness failure temperature. Provisions are made for the testing of sufficient specimens to permit the calculation of the brittleness temperature on a statistical basis. Statistical techniques have been developed to quantify the brittleness temperature as is defined in 3.1. The method establishes the temperature at which there is a 50 % chance of failure in either unnotched or notched specimens. This method has been found useful for specification purposes, although it does not necessarily measure the lowest temperature at which the material may be used. In the measurement of the brittleness temperature, the precision of the measurement should preferably be _ 5 °C at the worst when establishing values used in material specifications.

Specifications of a method for the determination of the indentation hardness of plastics by means of the Rockwell hardness tester using the Rockwell M, L and R hardness scales. The Rockwell hardness number is derived from the net increase in depth of impression as the load on an indentor is increased from a fixed minor load to a major load and then returned to the same minor load. For materials having high creep and recovery, the time-factors involved in application of the major and minor loads have a considerable effect on the results of the measurements.

Application of the general method in ISO 458-1 for the above mentioned plastics according to the special case of the method with an angle of deflection between 55 and 65 . The temperatures according to three characteristic values of the torsion stiffness; 300 MPa, 23 MPa and 4 MPa are to be determined for the material under test.

Specification of a general method for the determination of the stiffness in torsion at various temperatures, particularly below 0 °C. An observation of torque and angle of deflection is made after an arbitrarily fixed time of load application, using the specified testing apparatus. This procedure is employed at a single temperature or at selected temperature intervals over a range specified for the material to be tested. The stiffness in torsion is expressed as the apparent torsional modulus of elasticity for each temperatur.

ISO 11403-3:2014 specifies test procedures for the acquisition and presentation of multipoint data which demonstrate the behaviour of plastics under the following environments: prolonged exposure to heat; liquid chemicals; environmental stress cracking under a constant tensile stress; artificial weathering. The tests are listed in order of increasing severity of the environment. By testing under the least severe environments first, it is possible to make informed judgements regarding whether tests under more severe conditions are worthwhile.

ISO 11403-1:2014 specifies test procedures for the acquisition and presentation of multipoint data on the following mechanical properties of plastics: dynamic modulus; tensile properties at constant test speed; ultimate stress and strain; tensile stress-strain curves; tensile creep; Charpy impact strength; puncture impact behaviour.