ASTM D4000-23

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: D4000 − 23
Standard Classification System for
Specifying Plastic Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4000; 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* responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This standard provides a classification system for tabu-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
lating the properties of unfilled, filled, and reinforced plastic
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
materials suitable for processing into parts.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 1—The classification system serves many of the needs of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
industries using plastic materials. The standard is subject to revision as the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
need requires; therefore, the latest revision should always be used.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 The classification system and subsequent line call-out
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(specification) is intended to be a means of identifying plastic
materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not
2. Referenced Documents
intended for the selection of materials. Material selection
2.1 ASTM Standards:
should be made by those having expertise in the plastics field
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
after careful consideration of the design and the performance
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
required of the part, the environment to which it will be
at Commercial Power Frequencies
exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the inherent
D150 Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permit-
properties of the material not covered in this document, and the
tivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
economic factors.
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
1.3 This classification system is based on the premise that
Impact Resistance of Plastics
plastic materials can be arranged into broad generic families
D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of
using basic properties to arrange the materials into groups,
Insulating Materials
classes, and grades. A system is thus established which,
D395 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Compression Set
together with values describing additional requirements, per-
D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplas-
mits as complete a description as desired of the selected
tic Elastomers—Tension
material.
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
D495 Test Method for High-Voltage, Low-Current, Dry Arc
1.4 In all cases where the provisions of this classification
Resistance of Solid Electrical Insulation
system would conflict with the referenced ASTM specification
D569 Method for Measuring the Flow Properties of Ther-
for a particular material, the latter shall take precedence.
moplastic Molding Materials (Withdrawn 1995)
NOTE 2—When using this classification system the two-letter, three-
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
digit suffix system applies.
D573 Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air
NOTE 3—When a material is used to fabricate a part where the
Oven
requirements are too specific for a broad material call-out, it is advisable
for the user to consult the supplier to secure a call-out of the properties to
D575 Test Methods for Rubber Properties in Compression
suit the actual conditions to which the part is to be subjected.
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D624 Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vul-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
canized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
1 2
This classification system is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Materials. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved March 15, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D4000 - 20. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D4000-23. www.astm.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
D4000 − 23
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and D1693 Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of
Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position Ethylene Plastics
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics D1784 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
D648 Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlo-
Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position rinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
D695 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid D1822 Test Method for Determining the Tensile-Impact
Plastics Resistance of Plastics
D706 Classification System and Basis for Specifications for D1929 Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature
Cellulose Acetate Molding and Extrusion Compounds of Plastics
(CA) D2116 Specification for FEP Resin Molding and Extrusion
D707 Classification System and Basis for Specification for Materials
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Molding and Extrusion Com- D2137 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Brittleness Point
pounds (CAB) of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
D747 Test Method for Apparent Bending Modulus of Plas- D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
tics by Means of a Cantilever Beam (Withdrawn 2019) ness
D785 Test Method for Rockwell Hardness of Plastics and D2287 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Electrical Insulating Materials Nonrigid Vinyl Chloride Polymer and Copolymer Mold-
D787 Specification for Ethyl Cellulose Molding and Extru- ing and Extrusion Compounds
sion Compounds D2288 Test Method for Weight Loss of Plasticizers on
D788 Classification System for Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Heating (Withdrawn 2010)
(PMMA) Molding and Extrusion Compounds D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-
D789 Test Method for Determination of Relative Viscosity tended for Outdoor Applications
of Concentrated Polyamide (PA) Solutions D2583 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plas-
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced tics by Means of a Barcol Impressor (Withdrawn 2022)
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi- D2584 Test Method for Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced
als Resins
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela- D2632 Test Method for Rubber Property—Resilience by
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement Vertical Rebound
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics D2843 Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burning
D955 Test Method of Measuring Shrinkage from Mold or Decomposition of Plastics
Dimensions of Thermoplastics D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
of Transparent Plastics Plastics (Oxygen Index)
D1149 Test Methods for Rubber Deterioration—Cracking in D2951 Test Method for Resistance of Types III and IV
an Ozone Controlled Environment Polyethylene Plastics to Thermal Stress-Cracking (With-
D1203 Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using drawn 2006)
Activated Carbon Methods D3012 Test Method for Thermal-Oxidative Stability of
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics Polypropylene Using a Specimen Rotator Within an Oven
by Extrusion Plastometer D3159 Specification for Modified ETFE Fluoropolymer
D1248 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Molding and Extrusion Materials
Materials for Wire and Cable D3222 Specification for Unmodified Poly(Vinylidene Fluo-
D1430 Classification System for Polychlorotrifluoroethylene ride) (PVDF) Molding Extrusion and Coating Materials
(PCTFE) Plastics D3275 Classification System for E-CTFE-Fluoroplastic
D1434 Test Method for Determining Gas Permeability Char- Molding, Extrusion, and Coating Materials
acteristics of Plastic Film and Sheeting D3307 Specification for Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) Resin Mold-
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics ing and Extrusion Materials
D1499 Practice for Filtered Open-Flame Carbon-Arc Expo- D3350 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fit-
sures of Plastics tings Materials
D1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density- D3418 Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthal-
Gradient Technique pies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differ-
D1525 Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of ential Scanning Calorimetry
Plastics D3638 Test Method for Comparative Tracking Index of
D1562 Classification System and Basis for Specification for Electrical Insulating Materials
Cellulose Acetate Propionate Molding and Extrusion D3713 Test Method for Measuring Response of Solid Plas-
Compounds (CAP) tics to Ignition by a Small Flame (Withdrawn 2000)
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas- D3763 Test Method for High Speed Puncture Properties of
tics Plastics Using Load and Displacement Sensors
D4000 − 23
D3801 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning D4673 Classification System for and Basis for Specification
Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position for Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene (ABS) Plastics and
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics Alloys Molding and Extrusion Materials
D3895 Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Poly-
D4745 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
olefins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Filled Polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE) Molding and Extru-
D3915 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
sion Materials Using ASTM Methods
and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Com-
D4804 Test Method for Determining the Flammability Char-
pounds for Plastic Pipe and Fittings Used in Pressure
acteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
Applications (Withdrawn 2015)
D4812 Test Method for Unnotched Cantilever Beam Impact
D3935 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Resistance of Plastics
Polycarbonate (PC) Unfilled and Reinforced Material
D4894 Specification for Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
D3965 Classification System and Basis for Specifications for
Granular Molding and Ram Extrusion Materials
Rigid Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Materials
D4895 Specification for Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
for Pipe and Fittings
Resin Produced From Dispersion
D3985 Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate
D4976 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and
Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric
Extrusion Materials
Sensor
D4986 Test Method for Horizontal Burning Characteristics
D4020 Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Poly-
of Cellular Polymeric Materials
ethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
D5021 Specification for Thermoplastic Elastomer–Chlori-
D4066 Classification System for Nylon Injection and Extru- 3
nated Ethylene Alloy (TECEA) (Withdrawn 2007)
sion Materials (PA)
D5046 Classification for Fully Crosslinked Elastomeric Al-
D4067 Classification System and Basis for Specification for 3
loys (FCEAs) (Withdrawn 2000)
Reinforced and Filled Poly(Phenylene Sulfide) (PPS)
D5048 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning
Injection Molding and Extrusion Materials Using ASTM
Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid
Methods
Plastics Using a 125-mm Flame
D4101 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
D5132 Test Method for Horizontal Burning Rate of Poly-
Polypropylene Injection and Extrusion Materials
meric Materials Used in Occupant Compartments of
D4181 Classification for Acetal (POM) Molding and Extru-
Motor Vehicles
sion Materials (Withdrawn 2005)
D5138 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
D4203 Specification for and Basis for Specifications for
Liquid Crystal Polymers Molding and Extrusion Materials
Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) Injection and Extrusion Ma-
(LCP)
terials
D5203 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and
D4216 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Extrusion Materials from Recycled Post-Consumer
and Related PVC and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(HDPE) Sources (Withdrawn 2016)
(CPVC) Building Products Compounds
D5204 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
D4329 Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Ap-
Polyamide-Imide (PAI) Molding and Extrusion Materials
paratus Exposure of Plastics
D5205 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
D4349 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Polyetherimide (PEI) Materials
Polyphenylene Ether (PPE) Materials
D5279 Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Prop-
D4364 Practice for Performing Outdoor Accelerated Weath-
erties: In Torsion
ering Tests of Plastics Using Concentrated Sunlight
D5336 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
D4396 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Polyphthalamide (PPA) Injection Molding Materials
and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Com-
D5420 Test Method for Impact Resistance of Flat, Rigid
pounds for Plastic Pipe and Fittings Used in Nonpressure
Plastic Specimen by Means of a Striker Impacted by a
Applications
Falling Weight (Gardner Impact)
D4474 Classification System for Styrenic Thermoplastic
D5476 Classification System for Thermoplastic Polyure-
Elastomer Injection Molding and Extrusion Materials
thane Materials (TPU) (Withdrawn 2005)
(TES) (Withdrawn 2008)
D5575 Classification System for Copolymers of Vinylidene
D4507 Specification for Thermoplastic Polyester (TPES)
Fluoride (VDF) with Other Fluorinated Monomers
Materials (Withdrawn 1999)
D5593 Classification for Thermoplastic Elastomers—
D4549 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Olefinic (TEO) (Withdrawn 2005)
Polystyrene and Rubber-Modified Polystyrene Molding
D5628 Test Method for Impact Resistance of Flat, Rigid
and Extrusion Materials (PS)
Plastic Specimens by Means of a Falling Dart (Tup or
D4617 Classification System for Phenolic Compounds (PF)
(Withdrawn 2012) Falling Mass)
D4634 Classification System and Basis for Specification for D5630 Test Method for Ash Content in Plastics
D5676 Specification for Recycled Polystyrene Molding and
Styrene-Maleic Anhydride Molding and Extrusion Mate-
rials (S/MA) Extrusion Materials (Withdrawn 2004)
D4000 − 23
D5857 Specification for Polypropylene Injection and Extru- 2.2 Federal Standard:
sion Materials Using ISO Protocol and Methodology Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 302
D5927 Classification System for andBasis for Specifications
for Thermoplastic Polyester (TPES) Injection and Extru-
2.3 Underwriters Laboratories:
sion Materials Based on ISO Test Methods
UL94 Standards for Tests for Flammability for Parts in
D5990 Classification System and Basis for Polyketone In- Devices and Appliances
jection Molding and Extrusion Materials (PK)
2.4 IEC and ISO Standards:
D6314 Specification for Fluorocarbon Perfluoromethoxy
IEC 60112 Recommended Method for Determining the
(MFA) Resin Molding and Extrusion Materials (With-
Comparative Tracking Index of Solid Insulation Materials
drawn 2002)
Under Moist Conditions
D6338 Classification System for Highly Crosslinked Ther-
IEC 60243 Recommended Methods of Test for Electrical
moplastic Vulcanizates (HCTPV) Based on ASTM Stan-
Strength of Solid Insulating Materials at Power Frequen-
dard Test Methods
cies
D6339 Classification System for and Basis for Specifications
IEC 60695-2-12 Fire Hazard Testing—Part 2–12: Glowing/
for Syndiotactic Polystyrene Molding and Extrusion
Hot-Wire Based Test Methods—Glow-Wire Flammability
(SPS)
Test Method for Materials
D6358 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
IEC 60695-11-10 Fire Hazard Testing—Part 11-10: Test
Poly (Phenylene Sulfide) (PPS) Injection Molding, Extru- Flames—50 W Horizontal and Vertical Flame Tests
sion and Blow Molding Materials Using ISO Methods IEC 60695-11-20 Fire Hazard Testing—Part 11-20: Test
D6360 Practice for Enclosed Carbon-Arc Exposures of Plas- Flames—500 W Flame Test Methods
IEC 62631-2-1 Dielectric and resistive properties of solid
tics
D6394 Classification System for and Basis for Specification insulating materials—Part 2-1: Relative permittivity and
dissipation factor—Technical frequencies (0.1 Hz to 10
for Sulfone Plastics (SP)
MHz)—AC methods
D6778 Classification System and Basis for Specification for
IEC 62631-3-1 Dielectric and resistive properties of solid
Polyoxymethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
insulating materials—Part 3-1: Determination of resistive
(POM)
properties (DC methods)—Volume resistance and volume
D6779 Classification System for and Basis of Specification
resistivity—General method
for Polyamide Molding and Extrusion Materials (PA)
IEC 62631-3-2 Dielectric and resistive properties of solid
D6835 Classification System for Thermoplastic Elastomer-
insulating materials—Part 3-2: Determination of resistive
Ether-Ester Molding and Extrusion Materials (TEEE)
properties (DC methods)—Surface resistance and surface
D6869 Test Method for Coulometric and Volumetric Deter-
resistivity
mination of Moisture in Plastics Using the Karl Fischer
IEC 62631-3-3 Dielectric and resistive properties of solid
Reaction (the Reaction of Iodine with Water)
insulating materials—Part 3-3: Determination of resistive
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and
properties (DC methods)—Insulation resistance
Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (With-
ISO 62 Plastics—Determination of Water Absorption
drawn 2015)
ISO 75-1 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of De-
D8033 Classification System for Poly(Ether Ether Ketone)
flection Under Load—Part 1: General Principles
(PEEK) Molding and Extrusion Materials
ISO 75-2 Plastics—Determination of Temperature of De-
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
flection Under Load—Part 2: Plastics and Ebonite
Determine Conformance with Specifications
ISO 178 Plastics—Determination of Flexural Properties of
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Rigid Plastics
Building Materials
ISO 179 Plastics—Determination of Charpy Impact Strength
E96/E96M Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of
of Rigid Materials
Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
ISO 180 Plastics—Determination of Izod Impact Strength of
E104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity
Rigid Materials
by Means of Aqueous Solutions
ISO 294-4 Plastics—Injection Moulding of Test Specimens
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction
of Thermoplastic Materials—Part 4: Determination of
and Materials
Moulding Shrinkage
E162 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials
ISO 527–1 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties—
Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
Part 1: General Principles
E662 Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke
Generated by Solid Materials
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
sumption Calorimeter
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
F372 Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate of
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com.
Flexible Barrier Materials Using an Infrared Detection
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Technique (Withdrawn 2009) 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
D4000 − 23
ISO 527-2 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties— ISO 6603-1 Plastics—Determination of Multiaxial Impact
Part 2: Test Conditions for Moulding and Extrusion Behavior of Rigid Plastics—Part 1: Falling Dart Method
Plastics ISO 6721-1 Plastics—Determination of Dynamic Mechani-
ISO 604 Plastics—Determination of Compressive Properties cal Properties—Part 1: General Principles
ISO 868 Plastics—Determination of Indention Hardness by ISO 6721-2 Plastics—Determination of Dynamic Mechani-
Means of a Durometer (Shore Hardness) cal Properties—Part 2: Torsion-Pendulum Method
ISO 877 Plastics—Determination of Resistance to Change ISO 9772 Cellular Plastics—Determination of Horizontal
Upon Exposure Under Glass to Daylight Burning Characteristics of Small Specimens Subjected to
ISO 974 Plastics—Determination of the Brittleness Tem- a Small Flame
perature by Impact ISO 9773 Plastics—Determination of Burning Behaviour of
ISO 1133 Plastics—Determination of the Melt Mass-Flow Thin Flexible Vertical Specimens in Contact with a
Rate (MFR) and the Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) of Small-Flame Ignition Source
Thermoplastics ISO 11357-1 Plastics—Differential Scanning Calorimetry—
ISO 1183 Plastics—Methods for Determining the Density Part 1: General principles
and Relative Density of Non-Cellular Plastics ISO 11357-3 Plastics—Differential Scanning Calorimetry—
ISO 2039-2 Plastics—Determination of Hardness—Part 2: Part 3: Determination of Temperature and Enthalpy of
Rockwell Hardness Melting and Crystallization
ISO 3795 Road Vehicles, Tractors, and Machinery for Agri-
culture and Forestry—Determination of Burning Behavior 3. Terminology
of Interior Materials
3.1 Definitions—The definitions used in this classification
ISO 4577 Plastics—Polypropylene and Propylene—
system are in accordance with Terminology D883.
Copolymers—Determination of Thermal Oxidative Sta-
bility in Air-Oven Method
4. Significance and Use
ISO 4589 Plastics—Determination of Flammability by Oxy-
4.1 The purpose of this classification system is to provide a
gen Index
method of adequately identifying plastic materials in order to
ISO 4607 Plastics—Method of Exposure to Natural Weath-
give industry a system that can be used universally for plastic
ering
materials. It further provides a means for specifying these
ISO 4892 Plastics—Methods of Exposure to Laboratory
materials by the use of a simple line call-out designation.
Light Sources
ISO 4892–4 Plastics—Methods of Exposure to Laboratory 4.2 This classification system was developed to permit the
Light Sources—Part 4: Open-flame Carbon-arc addition of property values for future plastics.
ISO 5659 Plastics—Smoke Regeneration—Part 2: Determi-
5. Classification
nation of Optical Density by a Single-Chamber Test
TABLE 1 Standard Symbols for Generic Families With Referenced Standards and Cell Tables
A
Standard Symbol Plastic Family Name ASTM Standard Suggested Reference Cell Tables for
B
Materials Without an ASTM Standard
Unfilled Filled
ABA acrylonitrile-butadiene-acrylate E
ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene D3965, D4673
AMMA acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate E
ARP aromatic polyester (see LCP)
ASA acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate E
CA cellulose acetate D706
CAB cellulose acetate butyrate D707
CAP cellulose acetate proprionate E D
CE cellulose plastics, general E D
CF cresol formaldehyde H H
CMC carboxymethyl cellulose E
CN cellulose nitrate E D
CP cellulose propionate D1562
CPE chlorinated polyethylene F
CPVC chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) D4396, D1784, D3915, D4216
CS casein H H
CTA cellulose triacetate E D
EC ethyl cellulose D787 E D
E-CTFE ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer D3275
EEA ethylene-ethyl acrylate F
EMA ethylene-methacrylic acid F
EP epoxy, epoxide H H
EPD ethylene-propylene-diene
EPM ethylene-propylene polymer F D
ETFE ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer D3159
EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate F
FCEA fully crosslinked elastomeric alloy D5046
FEP perfluoro (ethylene-propylene) copolymer D2116
D4000 − 23
TABLE 1 Continued
A
Standard Symbol Plastic Family Name ASTM Standard Suggested Reference Cell Tables for
B
Materials Without an ASTM Standard
Unfilled Filled
FF furan formaldehyde H H
HCTPV highly crosslinked thermoplastic vulcanizates D6338
IPS impact polystyrene (see PS)
LCP liquid crystal polymer D5138
MF melamine-formaldehyde H H
PA polyamide (nylon) D4066-94, D4066-01, D6779
PAEK polyaryletherketone
PAI polyamide-imide D5204 G G
PARA polyarylamide
PB polybutene-1 F
PBT poly(butylene terephthalate) (see TPES)
PC polycarbonate D3935
PCTFE polymonochlorotrifluoroethylene D1430
PDAP poly(diallyl phthalate) H H
PE polyethylene D1248, D4976, D3350, D4020, D5203
PEBA polyether block amide
PEEK polyetheretherketone D8033
PEI polyether-imide D5205
PEKK polyetherketoneketone
PEO poly(ethylene oxide)
PESU polyether sulfone D6394
PET poly(ethylene terephthalate), general (see TPES)
PETG glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate comonomer (see TPES)
PF phenol-formaldehyde D4617
PFA perfluoro alkoxy alkane D3307
PI polyimide G G
PIB polyisobutylene F
PK polyketone D5990
PMMA Poly(methyl methacrylate) D788 D
PMP poly(4-methylpentene-1) F
POM polyoxymethylene (acetal) D4181, D6778
POP polyphenylene oxide (see PPE)
PP polypropylene D4101, D5857
PPA polyphthalamide D5336, D6779
PPE polyphenylene ether D4349
PPH polyphenylene G H
PPOX poly(propylene oxide)
PPS poly(phenylene sulfide) D4067, D6358
PPSU poly(phenyl sulfone) D6394 G G
PSU polysulfone D6394
PS polystyrene D4549, D5676
PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene D1430, D3159, D3222, D3307, D4745,
D4894, D4895, D6314
PUR polyurethane F D
PVAC poly(vinyl acetate) F D
PVAL poly(vinyl alcohol) F D
PVB poly(vinyl butyral) F D
PVC poly(vinyl chloride) D2287 F D
PVDC poly(vinyl idene chloride) F D
PVDF poly(vinyl idene fluoride) D3222
PVF poly(vinyl fluoride) F D
PVFM poly(vinyl formal) F D
PVK poly(vinylcarbazole) F D
PVP poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) F D
SAN styrene-acrylonitrile D4203
SB styrene-butadiene E D
SI silicone plastics G G
S/MA styrene-maleic anhydride D4634
SMS styrene-methylstyrene E D
SPS syndiotactic polystyrene D6339
TECEA thermoplastic elastomer-chlorinated ethylene alloy D5021
TEEE thermoplastic elastomer, ether-ester D6835
TEO thermoplastic elastomer-olefinic D5593
TES thermoplastic elastomer-stryenic D4474
TPE thermoplastic elastomer (see individual material)
TPES thermoplastic polyester (general) D4507, D5927
TPU thermoplastic polyurethane D5476
UF urea-formaldehyde H H
UP unsaturated polyester
VDF vinylidene fluoride D5575
A
The standards listed are those in accordance with this classification.
B
Cell Tables A and B have been reserved for the referenced standards and will apply to unfilled and filled materials covered in those standards.
D4000 − 23
2 (class) = flame retarded, and 2 (grade) with requirements given in the
5.1 Plastic materials shall be classified on the basis of their
(PC) basic property table of Classification D3935.
broad generic family. The generic family is identified by letter
NOTE 6—A previous edition of this standard used three digits for group,
designations as found in Table 1. These letters represent the
class, and grade; 0122 is equivalent to what was 122.
standard abbreviations for plastics in accordance with Termi-
5.1.2 Basic property tables have been developed to sort the
nology D1600.
commercially available unreinforced plastics into groups,
NOTE 4—For example: PA = polyamide (nylon), EMA = ethylene-
classes, and grades. These tables are found in the standards
methacrylic acid, and EVA = ethylene-vinyl acetate.
listed in Table 1.
5.1.1 The generic family is classified into groups in
5.1.2.1 Where a standard does not exist for this classifica-
accordance, in general, with the chemical composition. These
tion system the letter designation for the generic family will be
groups are further subdivided into classes and grades as shown
followed by four 0’s and the use of cell table that applies (see
in the basic property table that applies. The letter designation
5.3).
applicable is followed by a four-digit number indicating group,
NOTE 7—Example—PI0000 would indicate a polyimide plastic (PI)
class, and grade. The first two digits indicate the group, the
from Table 1, and 0000 indicating no basic property table requirements.
third digit the class, and the fourth digit the grade.
5.2 Reinforced or filled versions, or both of the basic
ASTM D4000 Line Call-Out
materials are identified by a single letter from Table 2 that
1 2
SPECIFIC
indicates the reinforcement or filler, or both, used and two
digits that indicate the nominal quantity in percent by weight.
Broad Group Class Grade
generic x x x x A second letter from Table 2A may be used to indicate the form
type
or structure of the reinforcement or filler, or both, but is neither
1 = Two or more letters identify the generic family based on Terminology D1600.
necessary nor functional for mixtures. Thus, a letter designa-
2 = Four digits identify the specific chemical group, the modification or use
class, and the grade by viscosity or level of modification. A basic property table tion G for glass and 33 for percent by weight, G33, specifies a
will provide property values.
reinforced or filled material with 33 percent by weight of glass,
The D4000 line call-out can be used only if the plastic is
and another letter designation E following the G (that is, GE33)
listed in Table 1 and has no more than one material standard
specifies a filled material with 33 percent by weight of glass in
referenced. If two or more standards are referenced for a
the form of beads (or spheres or balls).
material, a direct D4000 line call-out is ambiguous.
5.2.1 The generic family is based on the broad chemical
makeup of the base polymer. By its designation, certain
NOTE 5—An example using the group, class, and grade is as follows:
PC0122 would indicate: PC = polycarbonate, 01 (group) = polycarbonate, inherent properties are specified.
ASTM D4000 Line Call-Out
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
SPECIFIC CELL
REQUIREMENTS
Broad Group Class Grade Reinforcement % Table x x x x x Suffix
generic x x x x Reinforcement Physical
type Properties
1 = Two or more letters identify the generic family based on Terminology D1600.
2 = Four digits identify the specific chemical group, the modification or use class, and the grade by viscosity or level of modification. A basic property table will provide
property values.
3 = One letter indicates reinforcement type; an optional second letter indicates form of the reinforcement.
4 = Two digits indicate percent of reinforcement.
5 = One letter refers to a cell table listing of physical specifications and test methods.
6 = Five digits refer to the specific physical parameters listed in the cell table.
7 = Suffix codes indicate special requirements based on the application, and identify special tests (see Section 7).
D4000 − 23
A B
TABLE 2 Reinforcement-Filler Symbols and Tolerance
Symbol Material Tolerance
C Carbon and graphite ±2 percentage points
D Alumina trihydrate ±2 percentage points
E Clay ±2 percentage points
F Cellulose ±2 percentage points
G Glass ±2 percentage points
H Aramid ±2 percentage points
J Boron ±2 percentage points
K Calcium carbonate ±2 percentage points
L Lubricants (for example, PTFE, graphite, and so forth) Depends upon material and process—to be specified
M Mineral ±2 percentage points
N Natural organic (cotton, sisal, hemp, flax, and so forth) ±2 percentage points
P Mica ±2 percentage points
Q Silica ±2 percentage points
R Combinations of reinforcements or fillers, or both ±3 percentage points
S Synthetic organic ±2 percentage points
T Talcum ±2 percentage points
V Metal ±2 percentage points
W Wood ±2 percentage points
X Not specified To be specified
A
Ash content of filled or reinforced materials, or both may be determined using either Test Method D5630 or ISO 3451–1 where applicable.
B
Additional symbols may be added to this table as required.
TABLE 2A Symbols for the Form or Structure of Fillers and Reinforcing Materials
Symbol Form or Structure
C Chips, cuttings
D Fines, powder
E Beads, spheres, balls
F Fiber
G Ground
H Whisker
K Knitted fabric
L Layer
M Mat (fabric, thick)
N Non-woven (fabric, thin)
P Paper
R Roving
S Flake
T Cord
V Veneer
W Woven fabric
X Not specified
Y Yarn
5.2.2 The requirements for special or reinforced materials entered as the cell number. Likewise, when an acceptable value
will use the classification system as described by the addition is not available in the cell table, the number 9 should be used
of a single letter that indicates the proper cell table in which the and a suffix used indicating the specific value (see 7.3). Thus,
properties are listed. A specific value is designated by the cell the letter designation “A” for cell table and 53380 for property
number for each property in the order in which they are listed values shall always be written A53380. The cell tables that may
in the table. When a property is not to be specified, a zero is be used for each generic family are listed in Table 1.
D4000 − 23
The following three examples illustrate correct usage of the system. Note that the second example specifies one of two referenced standards shown in Table 1 of
D4000-09b.
The first example is for a cellulose triacetate containing 33 percent glass reinforcement and with the property requirements shown in Table D of ASTM D4000.
ASTM D4000-09b CTA0000 G33 D53380
Basic Requirements
ASTM D4000-09b CTA 00 0 0 G 33
_____ __ ____ __ __ _ _ _ __
| | | | | | |
Plastic Generic Group Class Grade Glass Percent
(cellulos (Other) (Other) (Other) Reinforced Glass
triacetate)
Cell Requirements
D 5 3 3 8 0
_ _ _ _ _ _
| | | | | |
Cell Table Tensile Flexural Izod Deflection Unspeci-
fied
Strength Modulus Impact Tempera-
ture
Requirements from Table D of Classification D4000 - 09b
The second example is for a PET copolymer with 30 percent glass reinforcement with the properties requirements shown in Table A of ASTM D5927-09.
ASTM D5927-09 TPES0310 G30 A22450
Basic Requirements
ASTM D5927-09 TPES 03 1 0 G 30
_____ __ ____ __ __ _ _ _ __
| | | | | | |
Plastic Generic Group Class Grade Glass Percent
(thermo- (polyethyl- (PET G) (Other) Reinforced Glass
plastic ene tere-
polyester) phthalate
copolymer)
Cell Requirements
A 2 2 4 5 0
_ _ _ _ _ _
| | | | | |
Cell Table Tensile Tensile Charpy Deflection Unspeci-
fied
Strength Modulus Impact Tempera-
ture
Requirements from Table A of Classification D5927 - 09
The third example is for a reinforced plastic where the shape or form of the reinforcement is included. The designation D4066 - 94b PA0120G33A53380 indicates
the following with the material requirements from Classification D4066 - 94b:
PA0120 = Nylon 66 heat stabilized from Table PA of Classifica-
tion D4066 - 94b,
G33 = Glass reinforced with 33 % glass, nominal, no require-
ment for shape or form,
A = Table A (D4066) for property requirements,
5 = Tensile strength, 175 MPa, min,
3 = Flexural modulus, 7500 MPa, min,
3 = Izod impact, 75 J/m, min,
8 = Deflection temperature, 235°C, min, and
0 = Unspecified.
NOTE 8—The type and amount of reinforcement are sometimes shown
porated in this standard (preceding Section 17). These tables
on the supplier’s technical data sheet. If necessary, additional control of
should be used in the same manner as the cell tables that appear
these reinforcements shall be accomplished by the use of the suffix part of
in the material specifications.
the system (Section 7).
5.3 To facilitate the identification of new, special, and
reinforced materials where basic property tables are not pro-
vided in a material specification, cell tables have been incor-
D4000 − 23
5.3.1 Although the values listed in cell tables include the enced standard is to be used. When the requirements for a
range of properties available in existing materials, that does not material are included in this standard, the following sections
imply that every possible combination of properties exists or are applicable.
can be obtained.
8. General Requirements
6. Basic Requirements 8.1 The composition of the specified material shall be
uniform and shall conform to the requirements specified
6.1 The main table or cell tables in the referenced ASTM
herein.
classification standard found in Table 1, are to be used to
develop a line call-out for each Plastic Family Name. A direct
9. Detail Requirements
D4000 line call-out can be used only if the plastic is listed in
9.1 The material shall conform to the requirements pre-
Table 1 and has no more than one material standard referenced.
scribed in the table (basic property, reinforced, cell, and suffix)
6.2 The cell tables included in this standard shall be used to
as they apply.
develop a line call-out only for the materials not covered by a
9.2 For the purpose of determining conformance with this
classification standard in Table 1. When the existing main or
classification system, all specified limits, in this standard are
cell tables do not adequately describe the material, then
absolute limits as defined in Practice E29.
suffixes are used in place of, or in addition to, a cell table
9.3 With the absolute method, an observed value or a
designation.
calculated value is not rounded, but is to be compared directly
6.3 A line call-out assembled using this classification sys-
with the specified limiting value. Conformance or nonconfor-
tem becomes a specification. The line call-out shall refer to the
mance with the specification is based on this comparison.
standard used and contain the broad and specific type of
plastic, together with the appropriate identifiers followed by
10. Sampling
special suffix requirements, as they apply. The following
10.1 Sampling shall be statistically adequate to satisfy the
summarizes the line call-out and the entire system as detailed
requirements of 15.4. A lot of material shall be considered as a
in this standard.
unit of manufacture as prepared for shipment, and may consist
of a blend of two or more “production runs” or batches.
7. Suffix Requirements
11. Numbers of Tests
7.1 When requirements are needed that supersede or supple-
ment the property table or cell table requirements, they shall be 11.1 The number of tests conducted shall be consistent with
the requirements of Sections 10.1 and 15.4.
specified through the use of suffixes. In general, the first suffix
letter indicates the special requirement needed and the second
12. Specimen Preparation
letter indicates the condition or test method, or both, with a
three-digit number indicating the specific requirement. The
12.1 The test specimens shall be molded as specified for the
suffixes that may be used are listed in Table 3 (following 16.1). specific materials under test in the ASTM standard specifica-
tions for the materials.
7.2 Basic requirements from property or cell tables, as they
apply, are always in effect unless these requirements are
13. Conditioning
superseded by special suffix requirements in the line call-out.
13.1 Condition the test specimens at 23 6 2°C and 50 6
NOTE 9—When using the suffixes for additional requirements of the
10 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to testing for
material, the user must keep in mind that not all tests are routinely
those tests where conditioning is specified unless otherwise
conducted by the supplier. When these requirements are necessary to
directed in the ASTM standard specification for the material.
identify particular characteristics important to specific applications they
shall be specified.
13.2 Conduct tests in the standard laboratory atmosphere of
23 6 2°C and 50 6 10 % relative humidity unless otherwise
7.3 The following is an example of a line call-out specifi-
directed in the ASTM standard specification for the material.
cation with suffix for a reinforced nylon:
13.3 For materials sensitive to atmospheric exposure, spe-
Suffix Requirements
cial preparations for conditioning and test conditions should be
G A 140
adhered to as provided in the referenced standard for the
| | |
material.
Specific Test Requirement
Gravity Method
|
14. Test Methods
Requirements from Suffix Table
Acceptable Line call-out format for above 14.1 Determine the properties enumerated in this classifica-
D6779 PA0120 G33 A53380 GA140
tion system by means of the test methods referenced.
ASTM D6779 Referenced Standard, latest issue
PA0120G33 Plastic Material Basic Cell
15. Inspection and Certification
A53380 A Table Property Requirements
GA140 Suffix Requirements
15.1 Inspection and certification of the material supplied
7.4 When a standard for a material is listed in Table 1, the under this classification system shall be for conformance to the
requirements of the referenced standard apply and the refer- requirements specified herein.
D4000 − 23
15.2 Lot-acceptance inspection shall be the basis on which 15.5 A report of the test results shall be furnished when
acceptance or rejection of the lot is made. The lot-acceptance requested. The report shall consist of results of the lot-
inspection shall consist of those tests which ensure process
acceptance inspection for the shipment and the results of the
control during manufacture as well as those necessary to ensure
most recent periodic-check inspection.
certifiability in accordance with 15.4.
NOTE 10—If recycled plastics are allowed in the standard, insert the
15.3 Periodic check inspection shall consist of the tests
following phrase after the word “shipment” in the last sentence of 15.5:
specified for all requirements of the material under this
“and the percent by weight of recycled plastic, as defined in 3.1 of Guide
classification system. Inspection frequency shall be adequate to
D7209, if requested.”
ensure the material is certifiable in accordance with 15.4.
16. Packaging, Packing, and Marking
15.4 Certification shall be that the material was manufac-
tured by a process in statistical control, sampled, tested, and
16.1 Provisions of Practice D3892 apply for packaging,
inspected in accordance with this classification system, and
packing, and marking of plastic materials.
that average values for the lot meet the requirements of the
specification (line call-out).
A
TABLE 3 Suffix Symbols and Requirements
Symbol Characteristic
A Color (unless otherwise shown by suffix, color is understood to be natural)
Second letter A = does not have to match a standard
B = must match standard
Three-digit number 001 = color and standard number on drawing
002 = color on drawing
B Fluid resistance
Second letter A = reference fuel A, ASTM D471, aged 70 h at 23 ± 2°C
B = reference fuel C, ASTM D471, aged 70 h at 23 ± 2°C
C = ASTM #1 oil, ASTM D471, aged 70 h at 100 ± 2 °C
D = IRM 902 oil, ASTM D471, aged 96 h at 100 ± 2°C
E = IRM 903 oil, ASTM D471, aged 70 h at 100 ± 2°C
F = Distilled water, ASTM D471, aged 70 h at 100 ± 2°C
Three digit number is obtained from Suffix Table 1. It indicates change in hardness, tensile strength, elongation, and volume.
Example: BC 132 specifies that material, after aging in ASTM #1 oil for 70 h at 100°C, can have changed no more than 2 Shore D points,
5 % tensile strength, 15 % elongation, and 5 % in volume.
C Melting point—softening point
Second letter B = ASTM D1525, load 10 N, Rate A (Vicat)
C = ASTM D1525, load 10 N, Rate B (Vicat)
D = ASTM D3418 (Transition temperature DSC/DTA) (ISO 11357-1 and ISO 11357-3)
G = ISO 306, load 10 N, heating rate 50°C/h (Vicat)
H = ISO 306, load 10 N, heating rate 120°C/h (Vicat)
I = ISO 306, load 50 N, heating rate 50°C/h (Vicat)
J = ISO 306, load 50 N, heating rate 120°C/h (Vicat)
K = ASTM D1525, load 50 N, Rate A (Vicat)
L = ASTM D1525, load 50 N, Rate B (Vicat)
Three-digit number = minimum value °C
E Electrical
Second letter A = dielectric strength (short-time), ASTM D149 (IEC 60243)
...