ISO/TC 61 - Plastics

This document specifies a method for the measurement of trace amounts of basic materials present in polyether polyols used in the production of polyurethanes. It is important to know the trace amount of basicity in a polyol to prevent gelation of the reaction mass during the production of polyurethane prepolymers. It is also useful to control the basicity in polyols used for polyurethane production to assure consistent and reproducible reaction behaviour. This method is suitable for quality control, as a specification test and for research. The applicable range is 0 μg to 50 μg/g, expressed as KOH. The method is not applicable to amine-based polyols. The values can be reported as CPR (controlled polymerization rate) units.

This document specifies two methods of determining the mass fraction of a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer which is amorphous, expressed as soluble in xylene at 25 °C. — Method 1: Reference method; — Method 2: Automated instrumental method.

This document specifies a test method for the determination of puncture impact properties of a plastic film using instruments for measuring force and deflection. It is applicable if a force-deflection or force-time diagram, recorded at nominally constant striker velocity, is required for detailed characterization of the impact behaviour. This test method is also required when a small number of test specimens are available, and the staircase method described in the ISO 7765-1 cannot be applied. The test method is applicable to films of up to 1 mm thickness and makes it possible to compare impact-penetration forces, biaxial deformabilities and energy-absorption capacities of films. Also, the transition region between brittle and tough behaviour of the film under the conditions of testing can be determined by varying the temperature or the penetration velocity or the relative humidity[1].

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 provides guidance and recommendations for the qualification of polymeric materials intended for laser-based powder bed fusion of polymers (PBF-LB/P). The parameters and recommendations presented in this document relate mainly to the material polyamide 12 (PA12), but references are also made to polyamide 11 (PA11). The parameters and recommendations set forth herein cannot be applicable to other polymeric materials.

This document specifies a method for determining the cross tensional strength of the bonded plates of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRPs) to metal assemblies, with a standard specimen loaded in cross tension and under specified conditions of preparation, conditioning and testing. This method is intended for testing those bonded plates used in bonding carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRPs) to metal assemblies.

This document provides a method for assessing the very early oxidative degradation state of polymers during outdoor weathering and indoor accelerated weathering tests and the influence of various additives can also be evaluated. This method is based on an analytical method in which the degree of progress of the oxidative degradation reaction of a polymer is sensitively detected by measurement of chemically induced ultra-weak photon emission (UPE).

This document specifies general conditions for the analysis of polymers using thermogravimetric techniques. It is applicable to liquids or solids. Solid materials can be in the form of pellets, granules or powders. Fabricated shapes reduced to appropriate specimen size can also be analysed by this method. This document establishes methods for the investigation of physical effects and chemical reactions that are associated with changes of mass. This document can be used to determine the temperature(s) and rate(s) of decomposition of polymers, and to measure at the same time the amounts of volatile matter, additives and/or fillers they contain. This document is applicable to measurements in dynamic mode (mass change versus temperature or time under programmed temperature conditions) or isothermal mode (mass change versus time at constant temperature). This document is applicable to measurements at different testing atmospheres, such as separation of decomposition in an inert atmosphere from oxidative degradation.

This document specifies the methods of test for determination of the properties of solid surfacing materials, as defined in Clause 3, in the form of shaped products. These methods are primarily intended for testing the materials specified in ISO 19712-1. The tests can be carried out on finished products, but are generally carried out on test panels of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test, and of the same material and finish as the finished product.

This document specifies two methods (isothermal and non-isothermal) for studying the crystallization kinetics of partially crystalline polymers using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is only applicable to molten polymers. NOTE These methods are not suitable if the molecular structure of the polymer is modified during the test.

This document specifies a system of designating textile glass yarns (including single, multiple-wound, folded (plied), cabled and textured yarns, strands, slivers and rovings) based on their linear density expressed in the tex system.

This document specifies two methods for evaluating the melting behaviour of semi-crystalline polymers. a) Method A: Capillary tube This method is based on the changes in shape of the polymer. It is applicable to all semi-crystalline polymers and their compounds. NOTE 1 Method A can also be useful for the evaluation of the softening of non-crystalline solids. b) Method B: Polarizing microscope This method is based on changes in the optical properties of the polymer. It is applicable to polymers containing a birefringent crystalline phase. It might not be suitable for plastics compounds containing pigments and/or other additives which can interfere with the birefringence of the polymeric crystalline zone. NOTE 2 Another method applicable to semi-crystalline polymers is described in ISO 11357‑3.

This document provides guidelines describing the adhesive bonding quality requirements suitable for use by adhesive user-companies utilizing adhesive bonding as a means of fabrication. In particular, the guidelines define various approaches to meeting quality requirements for fabrication and reporting procedures, both in workshops and on site. These guidelines aim to convey the importance of maintaining quality standards in fabrication and reporting procedures, keeping records and thus enabling documentation to provide the basis for risk evaluation of adhesively bonded structures in service and in use. These guidelines have been prepared such that: a) they are independent of the type of adhesively bonded structure; b) they are independent of adhesive user-companies’ and suppliers’ product recommendations; c) they define the quality requirements for adhesive bonding in terms of fabrication and reporting procedures, both in workshops and on site; d) they can be used as the basis for risk evaluation of adhesively bonded structures in service and in use; e) they can be used as a basis for assessing a fabricator's capability to produce adhesively bonded structures fulfilling specified quality requirements when they are detailed in one or more of the following: — a contract between the parties involved; — an application standard; — a regulatory statement. The guidelines contained within this document can be adopted in full or selectively chosen by the adhesive user to suit the structure concerned. The guidelines provide a flexible framework for the control of adhesive bonding activities in the following cases. Case 1 The provision of specific requirements for adhesive bonding in contracts that require the adhesive user to have a quality system other than ISO 9001. Case 2 The provision of specific requirements for adhesive bonding as guidance to an adhesive user developing a quality system. Case 3 The provision of specific requirements for references in application standards that uses adhesive bonding as part of its requirements or in a contract between relevant parties. Case 4 The provision of a framework for fabrication and reporting procedures to a quality standard, suitable in particular as a basis for the risk evaluation of adhesively bonded structures.

This document specifies two test methods for determining the refractive index of plastics, namely: — Method A: a refractometric method for measuring the refractive index of moulded parts, cast or extruded sheet or film, by means of a refractometer. It is applicable not only to isotropic transparent, translucent, coloured or opaque materials but also to anisotropic materials. — Method B: an immersion method (making use of the Becke line phenomenon) for determining the refractive index of powdered or granulated transparent materials by means of a microscope. Monochromatic light, in general, is used to avoid dispersion effects. NOTE The refractive index is a fundamental property which can be used for checking purity and composition, for the identification of materials and for the design of optical parts. The change in refractive index with temperature can give an indication of transition points of materials.

This document specifies the requirements and test methods for solid flat extruded sheets of polypropylene homopolymers (PP‑H) and polypropylene copolymers (PP‑B and PP‑R) without fillers or reinforcing materials. This document applies to PP sheet in rolled form. It applies only to thicknesses of 0,5 mm to 40 mm.

This document describes a compressive vibration, non-resonance method for determining the components of the compressive complex modulus E* of polymers at frequencies typically in the range 0,01 Hz to 100 Hz. The method is applicable for measuring dynamic storage moduli of semi-rigid polymers in the range 1 MPa to 1 GPa. This method is particularly suited to the measurements of dynamic moduli and loss factors of semi‑rigid plastics in the shape of a right-angled prism, cylinder or tube and can be conveniently used to study the variation of dynamic properties with temperature and frequency through most of the glass‑rubber relaxation region (see ISO 6721-1).

This document specifies a laboratory method for determining the flash-ignition temperature and spontaneous-ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace. It is one of a number of methods in use for evaluating the reaction of plastics to the effects of ignition sources. NOTE Information on additional ignition methods can be found in ISO 10093. This method does not give a direct measure of the combustibility or rate of burning of a material or any definition of the safe upper limit of temperature for the plastics in use, and it is inappropriate to use it alone to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test are suitable for use as elements of a fire hazard or fire risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use. Tests made under conditions of this method are potentially of considerable value in comparing the relative ignition characteristics of different materials. Values obtained represent the lowest ambient air temperature that has the potential to cause ignition of the material under the conditions of this test. Test values are expected to rank materials according to ignition susceptibility under actual use conditions. The results of this test method are not intended for fire safety engineering calculations.

This document specifies the requirements for the laboratory testing of the resistivity of specially prepared specimens of plastics rendered conductive by the inclusion of conductive fillers or suitable modification of the structure. The test is applicable to materials of resistivity less than 106 Ω⋅cm (104 Ω⋅m). The result is not strictly a volume resistivity, because of surface conduction, but the effects of the latter are generally negligible.

This document specifies the requirements and test methods for solid flat compression-moulded sheets of polyethylene (PE-UHMW and PE-HD, see ISO 1043-1) without fillers or reinforcing materials. It applies only to thicknesses from 10 mm to 200 mm.

This document specifies a T‑peel test for the determination of the peel resistance of an adhesive by measuring the peeling force of a T‑shaped bonded assembly of two flexible adherends. This test procedure does not provide design information. NOTE This method was originally developed for use with metal adherends but other, flexible, adherends can also be used.

This document specifies a set of basic properties commonly required for the selection and use of structural adhesives in different applications. ISO standard test methods and test conditions are also reviewed for the measurement of these data to facilitate traceability of recorded values (see Introduction).

This document specifies the designations for the main types of failure pattern of bonded assemblies and illustrates, through diagrams, their respective appearances. This document applies to all mechanical tests performed on a bonded assembly, regardless of the nature of the adherends and adhesive which make up the assembly.

This document specifies three test methods used for determining the average diameter (i.e. the average value of actual diameters) of staple fibres or filaments in a textile glass product.

This document specifies two categories of method for the determination of the vinyl acetate (VAC) content of ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVAC) copolymer, for use in the designation of such copolymers according to ISO 21301-1. One category is referred to as “reference methods”, the other as “test methods”. The “reference methods” are used to calibrate the method used for the determination of the vinyl acetate content of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers. The “test methods” are other methods which can be used for the determination if they are calibrated using one of the reference methods described in Clause 4, provided they show a certain permissible repeatability.

This document specifies the test conditions for the determination of the tensile properties of isotropic and orthotropic fibre-reinforced plastic composites, based upon the general principles given in ISO 527-1. NOTE 1 Unidirectional reinforced materials are covered by ISO 527-5. The methods are used to investigate the tensile behaviour of the test specimens and for determining the tensile strength, tensile modulus, Poisson's ratios and other aspects of the tensile stress-strain relationship under the defined conditions. The test method is suitable for use with the following materials: — fibre-reinforced thermosetting and thermoplastic composites incorporating non-unidirectional reinforcements such as mats, woven fabrics, woven rovings, chopped strands, combinations of such reinforcements, hybrids, rovings, short or milled fibres or preimpregnated materials (prepregs); NOTE 2 Injection moulded specimens are covered by ISO 527-2. — combinations of the above with unidirectional reinforcements and multidirectional reinforced materials constructed from unidirectional layers, provided such laminates are symmetrical; NOTE 3 Materials with completely or mainly unidirectional reinforcements are covered by ISO 527-5. — finished products made from materials mentioned above. The reinforcement fibres covered include glass fibres, carbon fibres, aramid fibres and other similar fibres.

This document specifies the test conditions for the determination of the tensile properties of unidirectional fibre-reinforced plastic composites, based upon the general principles given in ISO 527-1. NOTE Isotropic and orthotropic reinforced materials are covered by ISO 527-4. The methods are used to investigate the tensile behaviour of the test specimens and for determining the tensile strength, tensile modulus, Poisson's ratios and other aspects of the tensile stress-strain relationship under the conditions defined. The test method is suitable for all polymer matrix systems reinforced with unidirectional fibres and which meet the requirements, including failure mode, set out in this document. The method is suitable for composites with either thermoplastic or thermosetting matrices, including preimpregnated materials (prepregs). The reinforcements covered include carbon fibres, glass fibres, aramid fibres and other similar fibres. The reinforcement geometries covered include unidirectional (i.e. completely aligned) fibres and rovings and unidirectional fabrics and tapes. The method is not normally suitable for multidirectional materials composed of several unidirectional layers at different angles (see ISO 527-4).

This document specifies a test method, using thermodilatometry[1], for the determination of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of plastics in a solid state by thermomechanical analysis (TMA). This document also specifies the determination of the glass transition temperature using TMA. NOTE The coefficient of linear thermal expansion can be measured using various types of thermodilatometry apparatus. This document concerns only TMA apparatus.

This document specifies a method for the measurement of haze, an optical property resulting from wide-angle scattering of light, in transparent and substantially colourless plastics. This method is applicable to the measurement of haze values of less than 40 %. NOTE The haze of abraded or matted transparent plastics can be measured, but the value obtained can be erroneously lower than the true value due to light scattering within a narrow angle.

This document specifies the preparation of test specimens and gives the test methods applicable to semi-finished products of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

This document establishes a system of designation for processed unfilled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) products, which can occur in several forms. The PTFE used to make the semi-finished product is described in ISO 20568-1. The PTFE used to make the semi-finished product are virgin, reprocessed or recycled resin. The addition of up to 1,5 % by mass of pigment or colorant can be used.

This document provides uniform symbols for flame retardants added to plastics materials.

This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture. This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following characteristics: a) control of constituents; b) biodegradation; c) negative effects on terrestrial organisms. NOTE This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.

This document specifies the environmental conditions to evaluate the accelerated degradation for the adhesion interface performance in plastic-metal assemblies.

This document specifies the requirements for biaxially oriented polypropylene (PP) films, which are mainly used for packaging. The film can be used alone or in laminates with other films. This document applies only to films composed of more than 95 % (by mass) of polypropylene.

This document specifies the test methods for quality control of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) extruded double- and triple-skin flat sheets, obtained from colourless and coloured transparent, translucent and opaque grades of materials. The minimum sheet width is 600 mm. The main applications of these sheets are in building and agriculture (greenhouses).

This document specifies a method, by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide evolved, for the determination of the degree of aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials, including those containing formulation additives. The test material is exposed in a synthetic medium under standardized laboratory conditions to an inoculum from activated sludge under aerobic conditions. The conditions used in this document do not necessarily correspond to the optimum conditions allowing maximum biodegradation to occur, but this test method is designed to measure the biodegradation of plastic materials and give an indication of their potential biodegradability. The method enables the assessment of the biodegradation to be improved by calculating a carbon balance (optional, see Annex C). The method applies to the following materials: — natural and/or synthetic polymers, copolymers or mixtures thereof; — plastic materials which contain additives such as plasticizers, colorants or other compounds; — water-soluble polymers; — materials which, under the test conditions, do not inhibit the microorganisms present in the inoculum. Inhibitory effects can be determined using an inhibition control or by another appropriate method (see, for example, ISO 8192[1]). If the test material is inhibitory to the inoculum, a lower test concentration, another inoculum or a pre-exposed inoculum can be used.

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 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 the requirements and test methods for solid flat extruded sheets of impact-modified polystyrene (PS-I) without fillers and reinforcing materials. This document applies only to thickness 0,25 mm to 20,0 . It also applies to PS-I sheet in roll form.

This document specifies test methods for the measurement of the physical degradation of samples made with plastics materials when exposed to marine environmental matrices under aerobic conditions at laboratory scale. This document is not suitable for the assessment of degradation caused by heat (thermo-degradation) or light exposure (photo-degradation).

This document specifies requirements for non-modified flat poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) continuous cast sheets for general-purpose use. The sheets can be colourless or coloured, and can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The thickness range of the sheets covered by document is 1 mm to 10 mm.

This document covers the determination of the total luminous transmittance, in the visible region of the spectrum, of planar transparent plastics and substantially colourless plastics, using a double-beam scanning spectrophotometer. This document cannot be used for plastics which contain fluorescent materials. This document is applicable to transparent moulding materials, films and sheets not exceeding 10 mm in thickness. NOTE 1 Total luminous transmittance can also be determined by a single-beam instrument as in ISO 13468-1. NOTE 2 Substantially colourless plastics include those which are faintly tinted. NOTE 3 Specimens more than 10 mm thick can be measured provided the instrument can accommodate them, but the results cannot be comparable with those obtained using specimens less than 10 mm thick.

This document specifies a procedure for the determination of an elasticity index based on measurements of the shear storage modulus using oscillatory rheometers, establishes general principles, and gives guidelines for performance of measurements. The elasticity index is applicable to all thermoplastics and viscoelastic materials for which the elastic behaviour is a crucial application property.

This document specifies the requirements and test methods for solid flat extruded sheets of polyethylene homopolymers (PE-HD) without fillers or reinforcing materials. This document is applicable only to thicknesses of 0,5 mm to 40 mm. It also applies to PE-HD sheet in rolled form.

This document specifies a method for the separation of overlapping thermal transitions of plastics related to reversing and non-reversing heat flow rate, using temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry.

This document specifies the general principles of rotational and oscillatory rheometry. Detailed information is presented in Annex A. Further background information is covered in subsequent parts of the ISO 3219 series, which are currently in preparation.

This document specifies general terms and definitions that are used in the context of rotational and oscillatory rheometry. Further terms and definitions can be found in the other parts of the ISO 3219 series where they are used.

This document specifies procedures and requirements for plastics, and products made from plastics, that are suitable for recovery through organic recycling. The four following aspects are addressed: a) disintegration during composting; b) ultimate aerobic biodegradation; c) no adverse effects of compost on terrestrial organisms; d) control of constituents. These four aspects are suitable to assess the effects on the industrial composting process. This document is intended to be used as the basis for systems of labelling and claims for compostable plastics materials and products. This document does not provide information on requirements for the biodegradability of plastics which end up in the environment as litter. It is also not applicable to biological treatment undertaken in small installations by householders. NOTE 1 The recovery of compostable plastics through composting can be carried out under the conditions found in well-managed industrial composting processes, where the temperature, water content, aerobic conditions, carbon/nitrogen ratio and processing conditions are optimized. Such conditions are generally obtained in industrial and municipal composting plants. Under these conditions, compostable plastics disintegrate and biodegrade at rates comparable to yard trimmings, kraft paper bags and food scraps. NOTE 2 “Compostable” or “compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities” are expressions considered to be equivalent to organically recyclable for the purposes of this document.

This document specifies the continuous measurement method of shrinkage for thermosetting resin and/or UV curable resin.