1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of flexural properties of plastic lumber with rectangular or square cross-sections. The test specimens are whole 'as manufactured' pieces without any altering or machining of surfaces beyond cutting to length. As such, this is a test method for evaluating the properties of plastic lumber as a product and not a material property test method. Flexural strength cannot be determined for those products that do not break or that do not fail in the extreme outer fiber.

1.2 Test Method A designed principally for products in the flat or 'plank' position.

1.3 Test Method B designed principally for those materials in the edgewise or 'joist' position.

1.4 Plastic lumber is currently made predominately with recycled plastics where the product is non-homogeneous in the cross-section. However, this test method would also be applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from virgin resins or other plastic composite materials.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulator limitations prior to use.

Note 1There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics

D2915 Practice for Sampling and Data-Analysis for Structural Wood and Wood-Based Products

D5033 Guide for Development of ASTM Standards Relating to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics

D5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid Plastics Specimens

E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Keywords

flexural properties; plastic lumber; recycled plastics; secant modulus; specimen; stiffness; strength; stress at a given strain;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.140.01 (Rubber and plastic products in general)

DOI: 10.1520/D6109-97E01

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