Standard Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Because of the wide variety of potential uses of rigid cellular plastics, artificial exposure to estimate the effective behavior of these materials must be based, to a great extent, on the intended application. Toward this end, this test method is intended to recommend a variety of conditions from which one or more of the desired exposure conditions can be selected. (Note 3)  
4.2 The conditions recommended in this test method have been widely used in artificially exposing rigid cellular plastics and in determining the effects of various temperatures and humidities on these materials. Final test measurements are determined after the specimens return to room temperature. Where specified, the specimens will be tested at the exposure condition, but must be reported as such.  
4.3 Dimensional changes measured by this test method can be used to compare the performance of materials in a particular environment, to assess the relative stability of two or more cellular plastics, or to specify an acceptance criterion for a particular material. The results of this test method are not suitable for predicting end-use product performance or characteristics, nor are they adequate for engineering or design calculations.
Note 3: Where thermal shock is known or suspected to occur due to rapid heating to (or cooling from) a particular temperature, guidance on the permissible heating or cooling rates, or both, shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the material concerned.
Note 4: The dimensional change of a specimen can vary depending upon the age of the sample or the length of time between specimen preparation and the beginning of the test, or both.  
4.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters covered in the materials specification, or combination thereof, shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test metho...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the thermal and humid exposure of rigid cellular plastics. Conditions used shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.  
Note 1: A list of commonly used exposure conditions is found in Table 1.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 2: This test method is equivalent to ISO 2796 in the sampling and calculation sections. It is not equivalent to ISO 2796 in the procedure section.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
30-Nov-2020
Technical Committee
D20 - Plastics

Relations

Effective Date
01-Feb-2024
Effective Date
01-Nov-2023
Effective Date
01-Apr-2022
Effective Date
01-Jan-2020
Effective Date
01-Aug-2019
Effective Date
15-Apr-2019
Effective Date
01-Feb-2019
Effective Date
01-Dec-2018
Effective Date
01-Nov-2018
Effective Date
01-Oct-2017
Effective Date
01-Oct-2017
Effective Date
15-Aug-2017
Effective Date
15-Nov-2013
Effective Date
15-Nov-2013
Effective Date
15-Nov-2013

Overview

ASTM D2126-20: Standard Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging establishes procedures for evaluating how rigid cellular plastics, such as foam insulation materials, respond when exposed to controlled temperature and humidity conditions over time. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is widely referenced across the plastics and construction industries to assess dimensional stability and the aging behavior of these materials under simulated environmental conditions.

The method is particularly valuable for comparing materials, assessing stability under specified environments, and developing acceptance criteria during material selection or quality control processes. However, the results are not intended for engineering or design calculations, and should not be used to predict performance in end-use applications.

Key Topics

  • Thermal and Humid Exposure Procedures: The standard provides guidelines for exposing rigid cellular plastic specimens to various combinations of temperature and humidity, as agreed upon by the supplier and purchaser, ensuring conditions are tailored to specific intended uses.
  • Dimensional Stability Measurement: Dimensional changes in length, width, and thickness are tracked throughout exposure and after specimens return to room temperature, allowing for clear assessment of material stability.
  • Specimen Preparation and Testing: Requirements for specimen size, surface finishing, conditioning, and the minimum number of test units are outlined to maintain consistency and reliability across tests.
  • Reporting and Comparison: Results are expressed as percentage changes in dimensions or mass. The test also includes visual assessments for changes in material appearance, with standardized terminology and statistical reporting methods.
  • Selection of Exposure Conditions: The method includes commonly used temperature and humidity levels, helping users simulate various environmental stresses, including extreme cold and hot, dry and humid climates.

Applications

  • Material Comparison: ASTM D2126-20 is essential for manufacturers and purchasers seeking to compare the performance of different rigid cellular plastics under standardized aging conditions.
  • Quality Assurance: Regular use of this standard helps manufacturers ensure product batches meet stability requirements before release.
  • Product Development: Designers and engineers use these test results to evaluate new materials and formulations, identifying options with superior resistance to warping or shrinkage during field exposure.
  • Specification Compliance: By referencing this method, parties can develop or verify acceptance criteria for plastic materials in contractual or regulatory contexts.
  • Certifications and Regulatory Support: The method's alignment with recognized quality practices supports compliance with both domestic and international requirements, and provides a credible approach for products seeking certification in the global marketplace.

Related Standards

  • ASTM D883 - Terminology Relating to Plastics: Defines key terms for interpreting test results.
  • ASTM D1037 - Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials: Used in analyzing panel materials with or without laminated surfaces.
  • ASTM E456 - Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics.
  • ISO 2796 - Cellular Plastics, Rigid - Test for Dimensional Stability: Related international standard, equivalent in sampling and calculation but differing in exposure procedures.

By following ASTM D2126-20, stakeholders in plastics manufacturing and related industries can reliably assess the durability and performance of rigid cellular plastics under simulated real-world aging, strengthening both product quality and customer confidence.

Buy Documents

Standard

ASTM D2126-20 - Standard Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging

English language (3 pages)
sale 15% off
sale 15% off
Standard

REDLINE ASTM D2126-20 - Standard Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging

English language (3 pages)
sale 15% off
sale 15% off

Get Certified

Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

Smithers Quality Assessments

US management systems and product certification.

ANAB United States Verified

DIN CERTCO

DIN Group product certification.

DAKKS Germany Verified

Sponsored listings

Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D2126-20 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Because of the wide variety of potential uses of rigid cellular plastics, artificial exposure to estimate the effective behavior of these materials must be based, to a great extent, on the intended application. Toward this end, this test method is intended to recommend a variety of conditions from which one or more of the desired exposure conditions can be selected. (Note 3) 4.2 The conditions recommended in this test method have been widely used in artificially exposing rigid cellular plastics and in determining the effects of various temperatures and humidities on these materials. Final test measurements are determined after the specimens return to room temperature. Where specified, the specimens will be tested at the exposure condition, but must be reported as such. 4.3 Dimensional changes measured by this test method can be used to compare the performance of materials in a particular environment, to assess the relative stability of two or more cellular plastics, or to specify an acceptance criterion for a particular material. The results of this test method are not suitable for predicting end-use product performance or characteristics, nor are they adequate for engineering or design calculations. Note 3: Where thermal shock is known or suspected to occur due to rapid heating to (or cooling from) a particular temperature, guidance on the permissible heating or cooling rates, or both, shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the material concerned. Note 4: The dimensional change of a specimen can vary depending upon the age of the sample or the length of time between specimen preparation and the beginning of the test, or both. 4.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters covered in the materials specification, or combination thereof, shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test metho... SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers procedures for the thermal and humid exposure of rigid cellular plastics. Conditions used shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier. Note 1: A list of commonly used exposure conditions is found in Table 1. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note 2: This test method is equivalent to ISO 2796 in the sampling and calculation sections. It is not equivalent to ISO 2796 in the procedure section. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Because of the wide variety of potential uses of rigid cellular plastics, artificial exposure to estimate the effective behavior of these materials must be based, to a great extent, on the intended application. Toward this end, this test method is intended to recommend a variety of conditions from which one or more of the desired exposure conditions can be selected. (Note 3) 4.2 The conditions recommended in this test method have been widely used in artificially exposing rigid cellular plastics and in determining the effects of various temperatures and humidities on these materials. Final test measurements are determined after the specimens return to room temperature. Where specified, the specimens will be tested at the exposure condition, but must be reported as such. 4.3 Dimensional changes measured by this test method can be used to compare the performance of materials in a particular environment, to assess the relative stability of two or more cellular plastics, or to specify an acceptance criterion for a particular material. The results of this test method are not suitable for predicting end-use product performance or characteristics, nor are they adequate for engineering or design calculations. Note 3: Where thermal shock is known or suspected to occur due to rapid heating to (or cooling from) a particular temperature, guidance on the permissible heating or cooling rates, or both, shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the material concerned. Note 4: The dimensional change of a specimen can vary depending upon the age of the sample or the length of time between specimen preparation and the beginning of the test, or both. 4.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters covered in the materials specification, or combination thereof, shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test metho... SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers procedures for the thermal and humid exposure of rigid cellular plastics. Conditions used shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier. Note 1: A list of commonly used exposure conditions is found in Table 1. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note 2: This test method is equivalent to ISO 2796 in the sampling and calculation sections. It is not equivalent to ISO 2796 in the procedure section. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D2126-20 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.100 - Cellular materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D2126-20 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D883-24, ASTM D883-23, ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1, ASTM D883-20, ASTM D883-19c, ASTM D883-19a, ASTM D883-19, ASTM D883-18a, ASTM D883-18, ASTM E456-13A(2017)e1, ASTM E456-13A(2017)e3, ASTM D883-17, ASTM E456-13ae3, ASTM E456-13ae1, ASTM E456-13a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D2126-20 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2126 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid
Aging
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2126; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 2796 Cellular Plastics Rigid-Test for Dimensional Sta-
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the thermal and
bility
humid exposure of rigid cellular plastics. Conditions used shall
be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—A list of commonly used exposure conditions is found in
3.1 Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance
Table 1.
with Terminology D883, unless otherwise specified. For terms
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
relating to precision and bias and associated issues, the terms
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminol-
ogy E456.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Because of the wide variety of potential uses of rigid
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
cellular plastics, artificial exposure to estimate the effective
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
behavior of these materials must be based, to a great extent, on
NOTE 2—This test method is equivalent to ISO 2796 in the sampling
the intended application. Toward this end, this test method is
and calculation sections. It is not equivalent to ISO 2796 in the procedure
intended to recommend a variety of conditions from which one
section.
or more of the desired exposure conditions can be selected.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
(Note 3)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4.2 The conditions recommended in this test method have
been widely used in artificially exposing rigid cellular plastics
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical and in determining the effects of various temperatures and
humidities on these materials. Final test measurements are
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
determined after the specimens return to room temperature.
Where specified, the specimens will be tested at the exposure
2. Referenced Documents
condition, but must be reported as such.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.3 Dimensional changes measured by this test method can
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
be used to compare the performance of materials in a particular
D1037 Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-
environment, to assess the relative stability of two or more
Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
cellular plastics, or to specify an acceptance criterion for a
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
particular material. The results of this test method are not
suitable for predicting end-use product performance or
characteristics, nor are they adequate for engineering or design
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
calculations.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.22 on Cellular Materials -
Plastics and Elastomers.
NOTE 3—Where thermal shock is known or suspected to occur due to
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
rapid heating to (or cooling from) a particular temperature, guidance on
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D2126 - 15. DOI:
the permissible heating or cooling rates, or both, shall be obtained from
10.1520/D2126-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2126 − 20
TABLE 1 Temperature and Relative Humidity Conditions
stant mass at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 4°F) and 50 6 10 % relative
Temperature, °C (°F) Relative Humidity, % humidity before exposure.
−73±3(−100 ± 6) ambient
−40±3(−40±6) ambient 8. Procedure
70±2(158±4) ambient
8.1 Make the following measurements after conditioning.
100±2(212±4) ambient
150±2(302±4) ambient
8.1.1 Mass—Determine mass, when specified, within
23±2(73±4) 50±5
0.05 %.
38±2(100.0 ± 4) 97 ± 3
8.1.2 Dimensions—Determine the dimensions of the three
70±2(158±4) 97±3
other temperatures and humidities selected for individual needs
principal axes to the nearest 60.1 %. For standard-size
specimens, make one measurement per dimension at the
approximate center of each face. If larger specimens are used,
the manufacturer of the material concerned.
make three measurements of length and width, and five
NOTE 4—The dimensional change of a specimen can vary depending
measurementsofthickness.Ifspecimensdistort,reportthemas
upon the age of the sample or the length of time between specimen
distorting under the specified aging conditions.
preparation and the beginning of the test, or both.
4.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall
8.2 Expose the test specimens conditioned in accordance
be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any
with 7.1 in a circulating air oven, humidity oven, or cold box
test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing
maintained at one of the combinations of temperature and
parameters covered i
...


This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D2126 − 15 D2126 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid
Aging
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2126; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the thermal and humid exposure of rigid cellular plastics. Conditions used shall be
agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
NOTE 1—A list of commonly used exposure conditions is found in Table 1.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 2—This test method is equivalent to ISO 2796 in the sampling and calculation sections. It is not equivalent to ISO 2796 in the procedure section.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1037 Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 2796 Cellular Plastics Rigid-Test for Dimensional Stability
3. Terminology
3.1 The terms given in Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminology D883 are applicable to this test
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.22 on Cellular Materials - Plastics
and Elastomers.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015Dec. 1, 2020. Published October 2015December 2020. Originally approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 20092015
as D2126 - 09.D2126 - 15. DOI: 10.1520/D2126-15.10.1520/D2126-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2126 − 20
TABLE 1 Temperature and Relative Humidity Conditions
Temperature, °C (°F) Relative Humidity, %
−73 ± 3 (−100 ± 6) ambient
−40 ± 3 (−40 ± 6) ambient
70 ± 2 (158 ± 4) ambient
100 ± 2 (212 ± 4) ambient
150 ± 2 (302 ± 4) ambient
23 ± 2 (73 ± 4) 50 ± 5
38 ± 2 (100.0 ± 4) 97 ± 3
70 ± 2 (158 ± 4) 97 ± 3
other temperatures and humidities selected for individual needs
method., unless otherwise specified. For terms relating to precision and bias and associated issues, the terms used in this standard
are defined in accordance with Terminology E456.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Because of the wide variety of potential uses of rigid cellular plastics, artificial exposure to estimate the effective behavior of
these materials must be based, to a great extent, on the intended application. Toward this end, this test method is intended to
recommend a variety of conditions from which one or more of the desired exposure conditions can be selected. (Note 3)
4.2 The conditions recommended in this test method have been widely used in artificially exposing rigid cellular plastics and in
determining the effects of various temperatures and humidities on these materials. Final test measurements are determined after
the specimens return to room temperature. Where specified, the specimens will be tested at the exposure condition, but must be
reported as such.
4.3 Dimensional changes measured by this test method can be used to compare the performance of materials in a particular
environment, to assess the relative stability of two or more cellular plastics, or to specify an acceptance criterion for a particular
material. The results of this test method are not suitable for predicting end-use product performance or characteristics, nor are they
adequate for engineering or design calculations.
NOTE 3—Where thermal shock is known or suspected to occur due to rapid heating to (or cooling from) a particular temperature, guidance on the
permissible heating or cooling rates, or both, shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the material concerned.
NOTE 4—The dimensional change of a specimen can vary depending upon the age of the sample or the length of time between specimen preparation and
the beginning of the test, or both.
4.4 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any test
specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters covered in the materials specification, or combination
thereof, shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no specifications, then the default conditions
apply.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Balance, capable of weighing, to 0.05 %, a test specimen having a mass of 100 g or less.
5.2 Oven, circulating-air, capable of holding the required temperature of exposure within 62°C (4°F).
5.3 Cold Box, capable of maintaining the required temperature of exposure within 63°C (5°F).
2 2
5.4 Gauge, dial-type, with a minimum foot area of 6.5 cm (1 in. ) (Note 5). A vernier caliper having graduations not larger than
0.1 mm (0.005 in.) can also be used. Care shall be taken that the specimen is not crushed in an
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...