ISO 6721-9:2019
(Main)Plastics - Determination of dynamic mechanical properties - Part 9: Tensile vibration - Sonic-pulse propagation method
Plastics - Determination of dynamic mechanical properties - Part 9: Tensile vibration - Sonic-pulse propagation method
This document describes a pulse propagation method for determining the storage component of the complex tensile modulus E' of polymers at discrete frequencies typically in the range 3 kHz to 10 kHz. The method is suitable for measuring materials with storage moduli in the range 0,01 GPa to 200 GPa and with loss factors below 0,1 at around 10 kHz. With materials having a higher loss, significant errors in velocity measurement are introduced through decay of amplitude. The method allows measurements to be made on thin films or fine fibres and long specimens, typically tapes of 300 mm × 5 mm × 0,1 mm or fibres of 300 mm × 0,1 mm (diameter). This method may not be suitable for cellular plastics, composite plastics and multilayer products.
Plastiques — Détermination des propriétés mécaniques dynamiques — Partie 9: Vibration en traction — Méthode de propagation de signaux acoustiques
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 10-Apr-2019
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 61/SC 5 - Physical-chemical properties
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 61/SC 5/WG 8 - Thermal analysis
- Current Stage
- 9093 - International Standard confirmed
- Start Date
- 06-Jun-2024
- Completion Date
- 13-Dec-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2017
Overview
ISO 6721-9:2019 specifies a sonic-pulse propagation method to determine the dynamic mechanical properties of plastics - specifically the tensile storage modulus (E') of polymers by measuring longitudinal sonic pulse velocity. The method targets discrete frequencies typically between 3 kHz and 10 kHz and is suitable for materials with storage moduli from 0.01 GPa to 200 GPa and loss factors below 0.1 (around 10 kHz). It is part of the ISO 6721 series on dynamic mechanical properties.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: determine longitudinal wave velocity v from the transit time of a single longitudinal sonic pulse and calculate tensile storage modulus by E' = ρ·v² (ρ = density).
- Frequency range: nominal 3–10 kHz (piezoelectric transducers with matching resonant frequency).
- Specimen types and dimensions:
- Thin films or fine fibres preferred.
- Typical specimen sizes: lengths 200–500 mm; widths 1–10 mm; thickness/diameter 0.1–1 mm.
- Example specimens: tapes 300 × 5 × 0.1 mm or fibres 300 mm × 0.1 mm (diameter).
- Apparatus and measurement:
- Two piezoelectric transducers (transmitting and receiving) aligned longitudinally; one transducer movable for distances approx. 50–500 mm.
- Distance L measured to ±0.5% accuracy; arrival time to ±0.5 µs.
- Velocity obtained from slope ΔL/Δt via linear regression of at least three separation distances.
- Material limits and considerations:
- Suitable for materials with loss factor < 0.1; higher loss introduces amplitude decay and velocity errors.
- Not generally suitable for cellular plastics, composite plastics, or multilayer products.
- Calculation and reporting: follow ISO 6721-1 for general principles; density must be measured per ISO 1183 methods. Report E' and v to three significant figures.
Applications and who uses it
- Used by materials scientists, polymer testing laboratories, R&D engineers, and quality control teams to:
- Characterize dynamic tensile stiffness of thin films, fibres, and long specimens.
- Support material selection for high-frequency mechanical or acoustic applications.
- Provide input data for simulation, product design, or acoustic/material compatibility studies.
- Also relevant to manufacturers of test instrumentation (sonic transducers, arrival-time electronics) and ISO-conformant testing services.
Related standards
- ISO 6721-1 - General principles for dynamic mechanical property measurement.
- ISO 1183-1 / ISO 1183-2 / ISO 1183-3 - Methods for determining density of non-cellular plastics (required for E' calculation).
- Other parts of the ISO 6721 series for complementary dynamic mechanical testing methods.
Keywords: ISO 6721-9, tensile vibration, sonic-pulse propagation method, dynamic mechanical properties, tensile storage modulus E', longitudinal wave velocity, polymer testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 6721-9:2019 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Plastics - Determination of dynamic mechanical properties - Part 9: Tensile vibration - Sonic-pulse propagation method". This standard covers: This document describes a pulse propagation method for determining the storage component of the complex tensile modulus E' of polymers at discrete frequencies typically in the range 3 kHz to 10 kHz. The method is suitable for measuring materials with storage moduli in the range 0,01 GPa to 200 GPa and with loss factors below 0,1 at around 10 kHz. With materials having a higher loss, significant errors in velocity measurement are introduced through decay of amplitude. The method allows measurements to be made on thin films or fine fibres and long specimens, typically tapes of 300 mm × 5 mm × 0,1 mm or fibres of 300 mm × 0,1 mm (diameter). This method may not be suitable for cellular plastics, composite plastics and multilayer products.
This document describes a pulse propagation method for determining the storage component of the complex tensile modulus E' of polymers at discrete frequencies typically in the range 3 kHz to 10 kHz. The method is suitable for measuring materials with storage moduli in the range 0,01 GPa to 200 GPa and with loss factors below 0,1 at around 10 kHz. With materials having a higher loss, significant errors in velocity measurement are introduced through decay of amplitude. The method allows measurements to be made on thin films or fine fibres and long specimens, typically tapes of 300 mm × 5 mm × 0,1 mm or fibres of 300 mm × 0,1 mm (diameter). This method may not be suitable for cellular plastics, composite plastics and multilayer products.
ISO 6721-9:2019 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO 6721-9:2019 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 6721-9:1997, ISO 6721-9:1997/Amd 1:2007. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ISO 6721-9:2019 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)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6721-9
Second edition
2019-04
Plastics — Determination of dynamic
mechanical properties —
Part 9:
Tensile vibration — Sonic-pulse
propagation method
Plastiques — Détermination des propriétés mécaniques
dynamiques —
Partie 9: Vibration en traction — Méthode de propagation de signaux
acoustiques
Reference number
©
ISO 2019
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
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below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
5 Test device . 2
5.1 Apparatus . 2
5.2 Transducers . 2
5.3 Transducer drive unit . 2
5.4 Pulse arrival time measuring equipment . 3
5.5 Temperature measurement and control equipment . 3
6 Test specimens. 3
6.1 General . 3
6.2 Shape and dimensions . 3
6.3 Preparation . 3
7 Number of specimens . 3
8 Conditioning . 3
9 Procedure. 3
9.1 Test atmosphere . 3
9.2 Mounting the specimen . 3
9.3 Performing the test. 3
9.4 Varying the temperature . 4
10 Calculation and expression of results . 5
10.1 Symbols . 5
10.2 Calculation of the longitudinal wave velocity . 5
10.3 Calculation of the tensile storage modulus, E' . 5
10.4 Significant figures . 5
11 Precision . 5
12 Test report . 5
Annex A (informative) Precision . 7
Bibliography . 8
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
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electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
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expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso
.org/iso/foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 5, Physical-
chemical properties.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 6721-9:1997), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 6721-9:1997/Amd.1:2007. The main changes compared
to the previous edition are as follows:
— the document has been revised editorially;
— normative references have been changed to undated.
A list of all parts in the ISO 6721 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/members .html.
iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6721-9:2019(E)
Plastics — Determination of dynamic mechanical
properties —
Part 9:
Tensile vibration — Sonic-pulse propagation method
1 Scope
This document describes a pulse propagation method for determining the storage component of the
complex tensile modulus E' of polymers at discrete frequencies typically in the range 3 kHz to 10 kHz.
The method is suitable for measuring materials with storage moduli in the range 0,01 GPa to 200 GPa
and with loss factors below 0,1 at around 10 kHz. With materials having a higher loss, significant errors
in velocity measurement are introduced through decay of amplitude.
The method allows measurements to be made on thin films or fine fibres and long specimens, typically
tapes of 300 mm × 5 mm × 0,1 mm or fibres of 300 mm × 0,1 mm (diameter).
This method may not be suitable for cellular plastics, composite plastics and multilayer products.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1183-1, Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non-cellular
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