1.1 This test method covers the determination of the temperature at which plastics and elastomers (as defined by Terminology D883) exhibit brittle failure under specified impact conditions. Two routine inspection and acceptance procedures are also provided. NOTE 1—When testing rubbers for impact brittleness use Test Method D2137. When testing plastic sheeting for impact brittleness, use Test Method D1790.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 Due to the potential safety and environmental hazards associated with mercury-filled thermometers, the use of alternative temperature measuring devices (such as thermocouples and RTDs) is encouraged. Warning—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause serious medical issues. Mercury, or its vapor, has been demonstrated to be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state or country may be prohibited by law.
1.4 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 and ISO 974 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.
1.5 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 D746-20 Referenced Document
ASTM D1790 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic Sheeting by Impact
ASTM D2137 Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property-Brittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
ASTM D618 Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing*, 2021-07-15 Update
ASTM D832 Standard Practice for Rubber Conditioning For Low-Temperature Testing
ASTM D883 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics*, 2024-02-01 Update
ASTM E1 Standard Specification for ASTM Thermometers
ASTM E1137/E1137M Standard Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers
ASTM E608/E608M Standard Specification for Mineral-Insulated, Metal-Sheathed Base Metal Thermocouples
ASTM E77 Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
ISO 974 Plastics - Determination of the brittleness temperature by impact
ASTM D746-20 history
2020ASTM D746-20 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact
2014ASTM D746-14 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact
2013ASTM D746-13 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact
2007ASTM D746-07 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact
2004ASTM D746-04 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact
1998ASTM D746-98e1 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact