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D3595-14 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
๐ Classification and Material Types
ASTM D3595โ14 (Reapproved 2019) defines the standard specification for extruded plastic sheet and film manufactured from Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE). The standard applies to materials from 0.015 to 0.25 mm in thickness. Section 4.1 defines four distinct types based on moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), dimensional stability, and crystallinity:
| ๐ฆ Type | ๐ Description | ๐ฏ Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Transparent film | High and low MVTR |
| Type II | Dimensionally stable transparent sheet/film | Low MVTR |
| Type III | Dimensionally stable transparent film | Very low MVTR |
| Type IV | Low crystalline transparent film | High ductility, extremely low MVTR |
The standard also provides a one-line callout system in Section 4.2 for specifying materials, and refers to Classification System D1430 for the base PCTFE formulations.
๐ก SI Unit Standard: As stated in Section 1.2, all values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard for this specification. Inch-pound units provided are for reference only.
๐ Dimensional Specifications and Conditioning
The scope of this standard strictly covers extruded sheet and film. Thickness is the primary dimensional requirement, ranging from 0.015 to 0.25 mm (equivalent to 0.0006 to 0.01 in.). Conditioning of test specimens must adhere strictly to Practice D618 to ensure accurate and reproducible test results. Packaging and packing procedures must follow Practice D3892.
โ ๏ธ Safety Considerations: The user of this standard is responsible for establishing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices. The standard (Section 1.3) does not claim to address all safety concerns associated with its use.
๐งช Key Test Methods and Evaluation
Performance verification relies on a suite of ASTM standard test methods. The differentiation of Types I through IV heavily depends on the results of the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) test.
| ๐ Standard | โ๏ธ Test Method | ๐ Measured Property |
|---|---|---|
| D882 | Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting | Tensile strength and elongation |
| F1249 | Water Vapor Transmission Rate Using Modulated Infrared Sensor | Moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) |
| D1204 | Linear Dimensional Changes at Elevated Temperature | Dimensional stability |
๐ Terminology Reference: General terms comply with Terminology D883, while the abbreviation PCTFE (Polychlorotrifluoroethylene) is defined in Terminology D1600. A lot is defined as one production run or a uniform blend of runs.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
๐ What thickness range of PCTFE materials does ASTM D3595 cover?
The standard covers extruded sheet and film specifically in thicknesses from 0.015 to 0.25 mm (0.0006 to