ISO/TC 61/SC 2/WG 2 - Hardness and surface properties

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

States a general method for determining the resistance to abrasive wear of plastics under the action of abrasive wheels. Equally applicable to moulded test specimens, components and finished products. This method is not applicable to cellular materials or paints.

Specifies a method, which consists of forcing a ball under a specified load into the surface of a test specimen. The depth of impression is measured under load. The surface area of the impression is computed from its depth. The ball indentation hardness is then calculated from the following relationship: Ball indentation hardness = Applied load : Surface area of impression.

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

Specification of a method for the determination of the indentation hardness by means of two types of durometers: Type A for softer materials and type B for harder materials. The method permits measurement either of the initial indentation or of the indentation after a specified time of recovery. This method is an empirical test and primarily intended for control purposes.