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Polypropylene Characterization Testing (Including Sample Preparation) |
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ASTM's Proficiency Test Program provides laboratories with a testing program that enables labs to compare, improve, and maintain performance in preparing polypropylene test samples and in conducting mechanical property tests on them. Conducted biannually, this program provides (for each test cycle) two different polypropylene resins, electronic report forms, and instructions for conducting the tests. Labs are instructed to prepare their samples in accord with specific ASTM and ISO standards. Labs then conduct tests in their facilities using the prepared specimens and the ASTM and ISO methods cited in ASTM D 4101 and ASTM D 5857, and record their test results on the data report forms. Each laboratory returns completed data report forms to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Published reports contain:
Participation is on an annual fee basis and open to all laboratories. Registration fees must be paid in advance to participate. Testing must be performed within the participant's laboratory. Participants are required to utilize molds and molding equipment capable of producing injection molded specimens per ASTM D 4101 and/or ASTM D 5857. Companies with multiple molding machines or laboratories may elect to use one or all of their facilities however, each unit's data will be treated as an individual participant and as an annual subscriber to the testing program. Each lab will receive appropriate quantities of two different polypropylene plastics materials for each test cycle that will be used to make the required number of ASTM and/or ISO test specimens needed for testing. Test resins will be distributed for ASTM by Clark Laboratories in Jefferson Hills, PA. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping the materials to registered participants. IMPORTANT: Non-continental U.S. particpants have the following options for receipt of samples.
Mold and Test Specimens Per ASTM D 4101-07 D6290 Color Determination of Plastic Pellets: Yellowness Index D5492 Determination of Xylene Solubles D1238 Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer D638 Tensile Properties of Plastics D790 Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials D256 Test for Izod Impact Resistance (Notched Specimens) D648 Test for Deflection Temperature Under Load Mold and Test Specimens Per ASTM D 5857-05a ISO 1133 Determination of Melt-Flow Rate ISO 527-2 Tensile Properties of Plastics ISO 178 Determination of Flexural Properties of Rigid Plastics ISO 179 -1 Test for Charpy Impact Resistance (Notched Impact) ISO 75-1&2 Test for Temperature of Deflection Under Load The program is offered twice yearly. Registration is on an annual basis and covers a subscription period of April and October. Samples, test instructions, and electronic report forms are distributed during the last week preceding the testing month. Labs have approximately one month to return test data to ASTM with final summary reports sent to participants approximately one month following receipt of test data.
WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE You receive test results, available only to participating laboratories that will help you:
If you need additional information, please contact PTP (e-mail ptp@astm.org ) or Fax (610) 832-9668. Committee D20 on Plastics has 750 members and is a developer of 470 standards. The Committee provides the technical direction for the program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D20 to determine if modifications to the ASTM test methods are warranted. Committee D20 is coded by ASTM to maintain confidentiality. |