1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the bulk density and specific gravity of plastic lumber and shapes in their as manufactured form. As such, this is a test method for evaluating the properties of plastic lumber or shapes as a product and not a material property test method.

1.2 This test method is suitable for determining the bulk specific gravity or bulk density by immersion of the entire item or a representative cross section in water. This test method involves the weighing of a one piece specimen in water, using a sinker with plastics that are lighter than water. This test method is suitable for products that are wet by, but otherwise not affected by water for the duration of the test.

1.3 Plastic lumber and plastic shapes are currently made predominately from recycled plastics. However, this test method would also be applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from virgin resins where the product is non-homogeneous in the cross-section.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.5 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 1There is no known ISO equivalent to this test method.

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

D1622 Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics

D1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics

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

D6108 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Plastic Lumber and Shapes

E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers

E12 Terminology Relating to Density and Specific Gravity of Solids, Liquids, and Gases

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

Keywords

density; plastic lumber; plastic shapes; recycled plastic; specific gravity;

ICS Code

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

DOI: 10.1520/D6111-09

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.