ASTM D5418-23
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Dual Cantilever Beam)
Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Dual Cantilever Beam)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using a very small amount of material. Since small test specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens be representative of the material being tested. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions.
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables can be used to provide a graphic representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting-resin systems), and damping behavior under specified conditions.
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies.
5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following:
5.3.1 The modulus as a function of temperature or aging, or both,
5.3.2 The modulus as a function of frequency,
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation, induced stress, and degradation of physical and chemical structure,
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus,
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance,
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The elastic modulus data generated is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition.
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in Practice D4065. In particular, this method identifies the procedures used to measure properties using what is known as a dual-cantilever beam flexure arrangement. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, and complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material systems.
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.
1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.6 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 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.7 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...
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Sep-2023
- Technical Committee
- D20 - Plastics
- Drafting Committee
- D20.10 - Mechanical Properties
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2022
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2022
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2022
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
Overview
ASTM D5418-23 is the standard test method for evaluating the dynamic mechanical properties of plastics in flexure using a dual cantilever beam arrangement. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines a procedure for determining the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, as well as composite systems, in the form of rectangular bars. The test employs dynamic mechanical instruments that provide key measurements such as elastic modulus (storage modulus), loss modulus, complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. This standard plays a critical role in the assessment of the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions, offering data integral to quality control, research and development, and engineering design.
Key Topics
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA): Utilizes forced, nonresonant vibration to measure viscoelastic behavior, including storage and loss moduli, and tan delta.
- Dual Cantilever Beam Flexure: The method is based on evaluating a rectangular bar clamped at both ends, with displacement applied at the center to assess flexural properties.
- Test Conditions: Measurements can cover a frequency range from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz, under controlled temperature or isothermal conditions.
- Material Assessment: Results can identify significant transitions in polymeric materials, such as the glass transition temperature, and assess behaviors including damping and cure state.
- Applicability: Suitable for a wide variety of plastics, whether molded directly to size or machined from sheets, plates, or molded shapes.
Applications
The ASTM D5418-23 standard is widely used in the plastics industry for several practical purposes:
- Quality Control: Provides manufacturers with a precise tool for ensuring consistency and performance of plastic materials through routine batch testing.
- Research and Development: Enables material scientists to characterize the thermomechanical behavior of new formulations, additives, and composite systems.
- Engineering Design: Supplies relevant viscoelastic property data necessary for designing plastic components and predicting their behavior under various environmental and loading conditions.
- Process Optimization: Assists in determining optimum processing conditions for thermosetting resins and evaluating the effectiveness of curing cycles.
- Aging and Durability: Assesses how modulus and other dynamic mechanical properties change due to thermal aging, frequency exposure, mechanical treatments, or the presence of fillers and reinforcements.
- Material Comparisons: Facilitates the comparison of different resins, additives, substrates, and fabrication methods on mechanical behavior.
Related Standards
For a comprehensive approach to evaluating dynamic mechanical properties of plastics, several related ASTM standards should be considered:
- ASTM D4065: Practice for Plastics - Dynamic Mechanical Properties: Determination and Report of Procedures
- ASTM D5279: Test Method for Plastics - Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Torsion
- ASTM D4092: Terminology for Plastics - Dynamic Mechanical Properties
- ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
- ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics
- ASTM E456: Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
Note: There is currently no ISO equivalent for ASTM D5418-23.
Conclusion
ASTM D5418-23 delivers a robust framework for characterizing the dynamic mechanical properties of plastic materials using a dual cantilever beam in flexure. Its precise methodology and broad applicability make it essential for quality assurance, product development, and engineering applications where an understanding of viscoelastic behavior is critical. Adhering to this standard ensures reliable, reproducible results that support both innovation and performance in the plastics industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D5418-23 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Dual Cantilever Beam)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using a very small amount of material. Since small test specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens be representative of the material being tested. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions. 5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables can be used to provide a graphic representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting-resin systems), and damping behavior under specified conditions. 5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies. 5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following: 5.3.1 The modulus as a function of temperature or aging, or both, 5.3.2 The modulus as a function of frequency, 5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation, induced stress, and degradation of physical and chemical structure, 5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping, 5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus, 5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance, 5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature, 5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and 5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives ... SCOPE 1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The elastic modulus data generated is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition. 1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in Practice D4065. In particular, this method identifies the procedures used to measure properties using what is known as a dual-cantilever beam flexure arrangement. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, and complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material systems. 1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz. 1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design. 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. 1.6 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 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. 1.7 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...
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using a very small amount of material. Since small test specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens be representative of the material being tested. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions. 5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these variables can be used to provide a graphic representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting-resin systems), and damping behavior under specified conditions. 5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived discrepancies. 5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following: 5.3.1 The modulus as a function of temperature or aging, or both, 5.3.2 The modulus as a function of frequency, 5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation, induced stress, and degradation of physical and chemical structure, 5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping, 5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus, 5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance, 5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature, 5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and 5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives ... SCOPE 1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The elastic modulus data generated is used to identify the thermomechanical properties of a plastics material or composition. 1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in Practice D4065. In particular, this method identifies the procedures used to measure properties using what is known as a dual-cantilever beam flexure arrangement. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, and complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material systems. 1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz. 1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design. 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. 1.6 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 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. 1.7 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...
ASTM D5418-23 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.140.01 - Rubber and plastics products in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D5418-23 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D5418-15, ASTM D883-24, ASTM D883-23, ASTM D883-22, ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1, ASTM E456-13a(2022), ASTM D6382/D6382M-99(2022), ASTM D4065-20. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D5418-23 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: D5418 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Dual
Cantilever Beam)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5418; 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.
1. Scope* Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic
properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and com-
2. Referenced Documents
posite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly
2.1 ASTM Standards:
or cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The elastic
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
modulus data generated is used to identify the thermomechani-
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
cal properties of a plastics material or composition.
D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Proper-
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for
ties: Determination and Report of Procedures
determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of
D4092 Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical
plastics using nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as
Properties
outlined in Practice D4065. In particular, this method identifies
D5279 Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Prop-
the procedures used to measure properties using what is known
erties: In Torsion
as a dual-cantilever beam flexure arrangement. Plots of the
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
elastic (storage) modulus, loss (viscous) modulus, and complex
modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or
3. Terminology
temperature are indicative of significant transitions in the
3.1 Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance
thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material sys-
Standard D4092 and Terminology D883 unless otherwise
tems.
specified. For terms relating to precision and bias and other
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies,
associated statistical issues, the terms used in this standard are
typically from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.
defined in accordance with Terminology E456.
1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and
4. Summary of Test Method
appropriate for use in engineering design.
4.1 This test method covers the determination of the elastic
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
modulus of plastics using dynamic mechanical techniques. A
standard.
bar of rectangular cross section is tested as a beam in dynamic
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
linear displacement or bending. The dual-cantilever beam
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
specimen is gripped between two clamps. The specimen of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
known geometry is placed in mechanical linear displacement,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
with the displacement strain or deformation applied at the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
center of the dual-cantilever beam. The forced-strain displace-
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. ment is at either a fixed frequency or variable frequencies, and
at either isothermal conditions or with a linear temperature
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
variation. The elastic or loss modulus, or both, of the polymeric
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
material system are measured in flexure.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5418 - 15. DOI: The particular method for measurement of the elastic and loss moduli and tan
10.1520/D5418-23. delta depends upon the individual instrument’s operating principles.
*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
D5418 − 23
5. Significance and Use 6.2 The apparatus consists of the following:
6.2.1 Fixed Grips—A fixed or essentially stationary fixture
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of character-
consisting of two grips to secure the rectangular specimen
izing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions
horizontally in a dual cantilever configuration.
using a very small amount of material. Since small test
6.2.2 Movable Grip—A movable grip applying the linear
specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens
displacement at the center of the rectangular beam.
be representative of the material being tested. The data
6.2.3 Grip Alignments—The grips shall be mechanically
obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and
aligned or centered, that is, they shall be attached in such a
development purposes. For some classes of materials, such as
manner that they will move into alignment as soon as any load
thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing
is applied.
conditions.
6.2.3.1 The test specimen shall be held in such a way that
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means
slippage relative to the grips is minimized as much as possible.
for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measur-
6.2.4 Deformation (Strain) Device—A device for applying a
ing the elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency,
continuous linear deformation (strain) to the specimen. In the
temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material
force-displacement device the deformation (strain) is applied
versus these variables can be used to provide a graphic
and then released (see Table 1 of Practice D4065).
representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness
6.2.5 Detectors—A device or devices for determining de-
of cure (thermosetting-resin systems), and damping behavior
pendent and independent experimental parameters, such as
under specified conditions.
force (stress), deformation (strain), frequency, and temperature.
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions.
Measure temperature with a precision of 61°C, frequency,
Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the
strain, and force to 61 %.
conditions under which the data was obtained is essential to
6.2.6 Temperature Controller and Oven—A device for con-
assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent
trolling the temperature, either by heating (in steps or ramps),
or perceived discrepancies.
cooling (in steps or ramps), or maintaining a constant specimen
5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following:
environment, or a combination thereof. Use a temperature
5.3.1 The modulus as a function of temperature or aging, or
controller that is sufficiently stable to permit measurement of
both,
environmental chamber temperature to within 1°C.
...
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: D5418 − 15 D5418 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Dual
Cantilever Beam)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5418; 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.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method outlines the use of dynamic mechanical instrumentation for determining and reporting the viscoelastic
properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and composite systems in the form of rectangular bars molded directly or cut
from sheets, plates, or molded shapes. The elastic modulus data generated may be is used to identify the thermomechanical
properties of a plastics material or composition.
1.2 This test method is intended to provide a means for determining the viscoelastic properties of a wide variety of plastics using
nonresonant, forced-vibration techniques as outlined in Practice D4065. In particular, this method identifies the procedures used
to measure properties using what is known as a dual-cantilever beam flexure arrangement. Plots of the elastic (storage) modulus,
loss (viscous) modulus, and complex modulus, and tan delta as a function of frequency, time, or temperature are indicative of
significant transitions in the thermomechanical performance of the polymeric material systems.
1.3 This test method is valid for a wide range of frequencies, typically from 0.010.01 Hz to 100 Hz.
1.4 Apparent discrepancies may arise in results obtained under differing experimental conditions. These apparent differences from
results observed in another study can usually be reconciled, without changing the observed data, by reporting in full (as described
in this test method) the conditions under which the data were obtained.
1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.6 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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.7 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved July 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2023. Published July 2015November 2023. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20072015 as
D5418 - 07.D5418 - 15. DOI: 10.1520/D5418-15.10.1520/D5418-23.
*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
D5418 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: Determination and Report of Procedures
D4092 Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties
D5279 Test Method for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Torsion
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions applicable to this practice see Terminology Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance Standard
D4092 and Terminology D883 unless otherwise specified. For terms relating to precision and bias and other associated statistical
issues, the terms used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminology E456.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method covers the determination of the elastic modulus of plastics using dynamic mechanical techniques. A bar of
rectangular cross section is tested as a beam in dynamic linear displacement or bending. The dual-cantilever beam specimen is
gripped between two clamps. The specimen of known geometry is placed in mechanical linear displacement, with the displacement
strain or deformation applied at the center of the dual-cantilever beam. The forced-strain displacement is at either a fixed frequency
or variable frequencies, and at either isothermal conditions or with a linear temperature variation. The elastic or loss modulus, or
both, of the polymeric material system are measured in flexure.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a simple means of characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of plastic compositions using a
very small amount of material. Since small test specimen geometries are used, it is essential that the specimens be representative
of the material being tested. The data obtained can be used for quality control and/or research and development purposes. For some
classes of materials, such as thermosets, it can also be used to establish optimum processing conditions.
5.2 Dynamic mechanical testing provides a sensitive means for determining thermomechanical characteristics by measuring the
elastic and loss moduli as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. Plots of moduli and tan delta of a material versus these
variables can be used to provide a graphic representation indicative of functional properties, effectiveness of cure (thermosetting-
resin systems), and damping behavior under specified conditions.
5.2.1 Observed data are specific to experimental conditions. Reporting in full (as described in this test method) the conditions
under which the data was obtained is essential to assist users with interpreting the data an reconciling apparent or perceived
discrepancies.
5.3 This test method can be used to assess the following:
5.3.1 The modulus as a function of temperature or aging, or both,
5.3.2 The modulus as a function of frequency,
5.3.3 The effects of processing treatment, including orientation, induced stress, and degradation of physical and chemical
structure,
5.3.4 Relative resin behavioral properties, including cure and damping,
5.3.5 The effects of substrate types and orientation (fabrication) on elastic modulus,
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.
The particular method for measurement of the elastic and loss moduli and tan delta depends upon the individual instrument’s operating principles.
D5418 − 23
5.3.6 The effects of formulation additives that might affect processability or performance,
5.3.7 The effects of annealing on modulus and glass transition temperature,
5.3.8 The effect of aspect ratio on the modulus of fiber reinforcements, and
5.3.9 The effect of fillers, additives on modulus and glass transition temperature.
5.4 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation,
conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the relevant ASTM material specification shall
take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no relevant ASTM material specifications, then the default
conditions apply.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The function of the apparatus is to hold a rectangular cross-sectional bar so that the material acts as the elastic and dissipative
element in a mechanically driven linear displacement system. Dynamic mechanical instruments described in this s
...
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