ASTM D4020-11
Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
- Standard No.
- ASTM D4020-11
- Release Date
- 2011
- Published By
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Status
- Replace By
- ASTM D4020-18
- Latest
- ASTM D4020-18
- Scope
1.1 This specification provides for the identification of virgin, natural color, unmodified homopolymer ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) plastics molding and extrusion materials. This identification is made in such a manner that the seller and purchaser can agree on the acceptability of different commercial lots or shipments.
1.2 This specification also provides guidance for the characterization of UHMWPE materials based on various mechanical, thermal, electrical, and other analyses.
1.3 It is not intended to differentiate between various molecular weight grades of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene commercially available.
1.4 It is not the function of this specification to provide specific engineering data for design purposes.
1.5 Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylenes, as defined in this specification, are those linear polymers of ethylene which have a relative viscosity of 1.44 or greater, in accordance with the test procedures described herein.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions in Section 7 and the Annex and Appendixes, of this specification: 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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 18212;This standard and ISO 11542-1 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content. ISO 11542-1 provides a classification system based on various characteristics and a range of viscosity numbers determined in accordance with ISO 1628-3.
X2.1.1 This test method covers determination of the impact strength of UHMW-PE, which is extremely impact resistant. When tested in accordance with Test Method D256, Method A, UHMW-PE generally gives the NBF type of failure, rendering the test result invalid. This test method specifies the same type of pendulum impact test machine as that given in Test Method D256 but introduces a much higher degree of stress concentration into the specimen by double notching with a razor blade. Application of this test method shall be limited to the characterization of virgin, unmodified UHMW-PE resins, not commercially processed products. It is advised that the user be familiar with Test Method D256 before attempting to use this test method.
X2.1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
Note X2.18212;This test method and Annex B of ISO 11542-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content and results shall not be compared between the two test methods.
X4.1.1 This test method covers the determination of elongational stress as a characterization of the melt viscosity of UHMW-PE. The melt flow rate in accordance with test method D1238 cannot be determined for this material because ultra high molecular weight polyethylene does not have a melt flow. The elongational stress is also be referred to as ZST and flow value, or both.
X4.1.2 Application of this test method shall be limited to virgin, unmodified resin. The elongational s......
ASTM D4020-11 Referenced Document
- ASTM D1601 Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Ethylene Polymers
- ASTM D883 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
- ISO 11542-1 Plastics - Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW) moulding and extrusion materials - Part 1: Designation system and basis for specifications
- ISO 1628-3 Plastics - Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers - Part 3: Polyethylenes and polypropylenes
ASTM D4020-11 history
- 2018 ASTM D4020-18 Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
- 2011 ASTM D4020-11 Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
- 2005 ASTM D4020-05 Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
- 2001 ASTM D4020-01a Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
- 2001 ASTM D4020-01 Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
- 2000 ASTM D4020-00a Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
