This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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Designation: D882 − 18

Standard Test Method for

Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D882; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
These test methods have been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense to replace Method 1013 of Federal Test
Method Standard 406.

1. Scope* 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-

1.1 This test method covers the determination of tensile dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting and films (less ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) in thickness). Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
NOTE 1—Film is defined in Terminology D883 as an optional term for Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sheeting having a nominal thickness no greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.).
NOTE 2—Tensile properties of plastics 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) or greater in
2. Referenced Documents
thickness shall be determined according to Test Method D638.
1.2 This test method can be used to test all plastics within 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
the thickness range described and the capacity of the machine D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
employed. D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
1.3 Specimen extension can be measured by grip separation, D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-

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extension indicators, or displacement of gage marks. als
1.4 The procedure for determining the tensile modulus of D5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid
elasticity is included at one strain rate. Plastics Specimens
D6287 Practice for Cutting Film and Sheeting Test Speci-
NOTE 3—The modulus determination is generally based on the use of
grip separation as a measure of extension; however, the desirability of mens
using extensometers, as described in 6.2, is recognized and provision for D6988 Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film
the use of such instrumentation is incorporated in the procedure. Test Specimens
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
appropriate for use in engineering design. E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the E2935 Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in
standard. The values in parentheses are provided for informa- Laboratory Applications
tion only.
2.2 ISO Standard:
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the ISO 527-3 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties—
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Part 3: Test Conditions for Films and Sheets3
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3. Terminology
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions:
NOTE 4—This test method is similar to ISO 527-3, but is not considered 3.1.1 For definitions of terms that appear in this test method
technically equivalent. ISO 527-3 allows for additional specimen relating to plastics, refer to Terminology D883.
configurations, specifies different test speeds, and requires an extensom-
eter or gage marks on the specimen. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

1 2
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting, contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and Molded Products. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D882 - 12. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D0882-18. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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3.2.1 Definitions of terms and symbols relating to tension cially flaws can cause large variations in the results. In that
testing of plastics appear in the Annex to Test Method D638. sense, caution is advised in utilizing TEB test results for
3.2.2 line grips—grips having faces designed to concentrate end-use design applications.
the entire gripping force along a single line perpendicular to the 5.5 Materials that fail by tearing give anomalous data which
direction of testing stress. This is usually done by combining cannot be compared with those from normal failure.
one standard flat face and an opposing face from which
protrudes a half-round. 6. Apparatus
3.2.3 flat grips—grips having flat faces and lined with thin
6.1 Testing Machine—A testing machine of the constant
rubber, crocus-cloth, emery cloth, or pressure-sensitive tape.
rate-of-crosshead-movement type and comprising essentially
3.2.4 tear failure—a tensile failure characterized by fracture the following:
initiating at one edge of the specimen and progressing across 6.1.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary
the specimen at a rate slow enough to produce an anomalous member carrying one grip.
force-deformation curve. 6.1.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a
second grip.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.1.3 Grips—A set of grips for holding the test specimen
4.1 A specimen of uniform cross-section is loaded in tension between the fixed member and the movable member of the
via means of a mechanical testing machine. Force and or testing machine; grips can be either the fixed or self-aligning
extension are recorded during the test. Various techniques for type. In either case, the gripping system must minimize both
specimen gripping and extension measurement are addressed. slippage and uneven stress distribution.
Depending on the elongation of the material and the desired 6.1.3.1 Fixed grips are rigidly attached to the fixed and
properties to be gained from the testing, various combinations movable members of the testing machine. When this type of
of grip separation and test speed are utilized. Properties such as grip is used, care must be taken to ensure that the test specimen
tensile stress, elongation and modulus can be calculated. is inserted and clamped so that the long axis of the test
specimen coincides with the direction of pull through the
5. Significance and Use center line of the grip assembly.
5.1 Tensile properties determined by this test method are of 6.1.3.2 Self-aligning grips are attached to the fixed and
value for the identification and characterization of materials for movable members of the testing machine in such a manner that

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control and specification purposes. Tensile properties can vary they will move freely into alignment as soon as a force is
with specimen thickness, method of preparation, speed of applied so that the long axis of the test specimen will coincide
testing, type of grips used, and manner of measuring extension. with the direction of the applied pull through the center line of
Consequently, where precise comparative results are desired, the grip assembly. The specimens must be aligned as perfectly
these factors must be carefully controlled. This test method as possible with the direction of pull so that no rotary motion
shall be used for referee purposes, unless otherwise indicated will cause slippage to occur in the grips; there is a limit to the
in particular material specifications. For many materials, there amount of misalignment self-aligning grips will accommodate.
can be a specification that requires the use of this test method, 6.1.3.3 The test specimen shall be held in such a way that
but with some procedural modifications that take precedence slippage relative to the grips is prevented insofar as possible.
when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to Grips lined with thin rubber, crocus-cloth, emery cloth, or
refer to that material specification before using this test pressure-sensitive tape as well as file-faced or serrated grips
method. Table 1 in Classification D4000 lists the ASTM have been successfully used for many materials. The choice of
materials standards that currently exist. grip surface will depend on the material tested, thickness, etc.
5.2 Tensile properties can be utilized to provide data for Line grips padded on the round face with 0.75-1.00 mm
research and development and engineering design as well as (0.030-0.040 in.) blotting paper or filter paper have been found
quality control and specification. However, data from such superior. Air-actuated grips have been found advantageous,
tests cannot be considered significant for applications differing particularly in the case of materials that tend to “neck” into the
widely from the force-time scale of the test employed. grips, since pressure is maintained at all times (see Notes 5-7).
In cases where samples frequently fail at the edge of the grips,
5.3 The tensile modulus of elasticity is an index of the it could be advantageous to slightly increase the radius of
stiffness of thin plastic sheeting. The reproducibility of test curvature of the edges where the grips come in contact with the
results is good when precise control is maintained over all test test area of the specimen.
conditions. When different materials are being compared for
stiffness, specimens of identical dimensions must be employed. NOTE 5—Caution needs to be taken when choosing the type of grips and
the type of grip surfaces to use for testing specimens films composed of
5.4 The tensile energy to break (TEB) is the total energy high strength LLDPE and VLDPE resins. Test results tend to differ more
absorbed per unit volume of the specimen up to the point of when comparing these types of specimens films tested with the grips lined
rupture. In some texts this property has been referred to as with different materials.
toughness. It is used to evaluate materials that are subjected to NOTE 6—The gage of pressure sensitive tape, thin rubber, crocus-cloth,
and emery cloth needs to be adequate enough to prevent slipping and
heavy abuse or that can stall web transport equipment in the premature failures of the test specimens (for example, pressure sensitive
event of a machine malfunction in end-use applications. tape is used on the surface of the grips: the test specimen can may begin
However, the rate of strain, specimen parameters, and espe- to tear at the edge of the grips during the test if the tape is too thin.).

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NOTE 7—The grit size of crocus-cloth and emery cloth is suggested to 6.5 Specimen Cutter—Refer to Practice D6287 for the
be at least 800. The use of these materials helps to prevent test specimens apparatus and techniques for cutting film and sheeting used in
from slipping in the grips. One must be cautious when using these
materials so that premature failures of the test specimens do not occur.
this test method.
6.5.1 Devices that use razor blades have proven especially
6.1.4 Drive Mechanism—A drive mechanism for imparting suitable for materials having an elongation-at-fracture above
to the movable member a uniform, controlled velocity with 10 to 20 %.
respect to the stationary member. The velocity shall be regu- 6.5.2 The use of a punch press or a striking die is not
lated as specified in Section 10. recommended because of their tendency to produce poor and
6.1.5 Force Indicator—A suitable force-indicating mecha- inconsistent specimen edges.
nism capable of showing the total tensile force carried by the 6.5.3 The use of a cutting template and a single razor blade
test specimen held by the grips. This mechanism shall be is not recommended as it will affect the parallelism of the test
essentially free of inertial lag at the specified rate of testing (see specimen.
Note 8). Unless a suitable extensometer is used (see 6.2), the
motion of the weighing system shall not exceed 2 % of the 7. Test Specimens
specimen extension within the range being measured. The
force indicator shall determine the tensile force applied to the 7.1 The test specimens shall consist of strips of uniform
specimen with an accuracy of 61 % of the indicated value, or width and thickness at least 50 mm (2 in.) longer than the grip
better. The accuracy of the testing machine shall be verified in separation used.
accordance with Practices E4. 7.2 The nominal width of the specimens shall be not less
6.1.6 Crosshead Extension Indicator—A suitable extension- than 5.0 mm (0.20 in.) or greater than 25.4 mm (1.0 in.).
indicating mechanism capable of showing the amount of 7.3 A width-thickness ratio of at least eight shall be used.
change in the separation of the grips, that is, crosshead Narrow specimens magnify effects of edge strains or flaws, or
movement. This mechanism shall be essentially free of inertial both.
lag at the specified rate of testing (see Note 8) and shall
indicate the crosshead movement with an accuracy of 61 % of 7.4 The utmost care shall be exercised in cutting specimens
the indicated value, or better. to prevent nicks and tears that cause premature failures (see
Note 9). The edges shall be parallel to within 5 % of the width
6.2 Extensometer (Optional)—A suitable instrument used over the length of the specimen between the grips.

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for determining the distance between two designated points on
the test specimen as the specimen is stretched. The use of this NOTE 9—Microscopical examination of specimens can be used to detect
flaws due to sample or specimen preparation.
type of instrument is optional and is not required in this test
method. This apparatus, if employed, shall be so designed as to 7.5 Test specimens shall be selected so that thickness is
minimize stress on the specimen at the contact points of the uniform to within 10 % of the average thickness over the
specimen and the instrument (see 9.3). It is desirable that this length of the specimen between the grips in the case of
instrument automatically record the distance, or any change in specimens 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) or less in thickness and to
it, as a function of the force on the test specimen or of the within 5 % in the case of specimens greater than 0.25 mm
elapsed time from the start of the test, or both. If only the latter (0.010 in.) in thickness but less than 1.00 mm (0.040 in.) in
is obtained, force-time data must also be taken. This instrument thickness.
must be essentially free of inertial lag at the specified speed of NOTE 10—In cases where thickness variations are in excess of those
testing (see Note 8). recommended in 7.5, results tend not to be characteristic of the material
6.2.1 Modulus of Elasticity and Low-Extension under test.
Measurements—Extensometers used for modulus of elasticity 7.6 If the material is suspected of being anisotropic, two sets
and low-extension (less than 20 % elongation) measurements of test specimens shall be prepared having their long axes
shall, at a minimum, be accurate to 61 % and comply with the respectively parallel with and normal to the suspected direction
requirements set forth in Practice E83 for a Class C instrument. of anisotropy.
6.2.2 High-Extension Measurements—Instrumentation and
7.7 For tensile modulus of elasticity determinations, a
measuring techniques used for high-extension (20 % elonga-
specimen gage length of 250 mm (10 in.) shall be considered
tion or greater) measurements shall be accurate to 610 % of
as standard. This length is used in order to minimize the effects
the indicated value, or better.
of grip slippage on test results. When this length is not feasible,
NOTE 8—A sufficiently high response speed in the indicating and test sections as short as 100 mm (4 in.) can be used if it has
recording system for the force and extension data is essential. The been shown that results are not appreciably affected. However,
response speed required of the system will depend in part on the material the 250-mm (10-in.) gage length shall be used for referee
tested (high or low elongation) and the rate of straining.
purposes. The speed of testing of shorter specimens must be
6.3 Thickness Gauge—A dead-weight dial or digital mi- adjusted in order for the strain rate to be equivalent to that of
crometer as described in Test Methods D5947 or D6988 as the standard specimen.
appropriate for the material or specimen geometry being tested.
6.4 Width-Measuring Devices—Suitable test scales or other
width measuring devices capable of measuring 0.25 mm (0.010
in.) or less.

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NOTE 11—Two round robin tests4 have shown that, for materials of less effect is being studied. However, jaw breaks (failures at the
than 0.25-mm (0.010 in.) in thickness, line grips padded on the round side grip contact point) are acceptable if it has been shown that
with 1.0-mm (0.040-in.) blotting paper give the same results with a
100-mm (4-in.) test section as a 250-mm (10-in.) test section produces
results from such tests are in essential agreement with values
with flat-face grips. obtained from breaks occurring within the gage length.
NOTE 12—Excessive jaw slippage becomes increasingly difficult to NOTE 13—In the cases of some materials, examination of specimens,
overcome in cases where high modulus materials are tested in thicknesses prior to and following testing, under crossed optical polarizers (polarizing
greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.). films) provides a useful means of detecting flaws, which can be, or are,
responsible for premature failure.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6 10. Speed of Testing
2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not 10.1 The speed of testing is the rate of separation of the two
less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of members (or grips) of the testing machine when running idle
Practice D618 unless otherwise specified by agreement or the (under no force). This rate of separation shall be maintained
relevant ASTM material specification. In cases of within 5 % of the no-force value when running under full-
disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and capacity force.
65 % relative humidity.
10.2 The speed of testing shall be calculated from the
8.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 required initial strain rate as specified in Table 1. The rate of
3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity unless otherwise grip separation shall be determined for the purpose of these test
specified by agreement or the relevant ASTM material speci- methods from the initial strain rate as follows:
fication. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C
A 5 BC (1)
(61.8°F) and 65 % relative humidity.
where:
9. Number of Test Specimens A = rate of grip separation, mm (or in.)/min,
9.1 In the case of isotropic materials, at least five specimens B = initial distance between grips, mm (or in.), and
shall be tested from each sample. C = initial strain rate, mm/mm·min (or in./in.·min).
9.2 In the case of anisotropic materials, at least ten 10.3 The initial strain rate shall be as in Table 1 unless
specimens, five normal and five parallel with the principal axis otherwise indicated by the specification for the material being

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of anisotropy, shall be tested from each sample. tested.
9.3 (Optional) It is acceptable to test a reduced number of NOTE 14—Results obtained at different initial strain rates are not
test specimens: comparable; consequently, where direct comparisons between materials in
(1) No less than three test specimens shall be tested. various elongation classes are required, a single initial strain rate must be
(2) No less than six test specimens in the case of anisotro- used. For some materials it is advisable to select the strain rates on the
basis of percent elongation at yield.
pic materials, three normal and three parallel with the principle
axis of anisotropy, shall be tested. 10.4 In cases where conflicting material classification, as
(3) Allowed for in-line quality control sampling. determined by percent elongation at break values, results in a
(4) Allowed for samples not sufficient in size to provide a choice of strain rates, the lower rate shall be used.
minimum of five test specimens (10 test specimens for aniso- 10.5 If modulus values are being determined, separate
tropic materials). specimens shall be used whenever strain rates and specimen
(5) Standard deviation is not to be calculated or reported dimensions are not the same as those employed in the test for
due to the reduced number of data points. other tensile properties.
9.4 Specimens that fail at some obvious flaw or that fail
outside the gage length shall be discarded and retests made, 11. Procedure
unless such flaws or conditions constitute a variable whose 11.1 Select a force range such that specimen failure occurs
within its upper two thirds. A few trial runs could be necessary
4
to select a proper combination of force range and specimen
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
width.
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D20-1058.

TABLE 1 Crosshead Speeds and Initial Grip SeparationA

Initial Strain Rate, Initial Grip Separation Rate of Grip Separation
Percent Elongation
mm/mm·min
at Break mm in. mm/min in./min
(in./in.·min)
Modulus of Elasticity Determination
0.1 250 10 25 1.0
Determinations other than Elastic Modulus
Less than 20 0.1 125 5 12.5 0.5
20 to 100 0.5 100 4 50 2.0
Greater than 100 10.0 50 2 500 20.0
A
See Fig. A3.1 and Fig. A3.2 in Annex A3 to set the initial grip separation correctly.

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11.2 Measure the cross-sectional area of the specimen at 11.9 In the case of materials being evaluated for secant
three points along its length (center and within approximately modulus, the test can be discontinued when the specified
13 mm of each end of the gage length). Measure the width to extension is reached.
an accuracy of 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) or better. Measure the 11.10 If tensile energy to break is being determined, some
thickness to an accuracy of 0.0025 mm (0.0001 in.) or better provision must be made for integration of the stress-strain
for specimens less than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) in thickness and to curve. This can be either an electronic integration during the
an accuracy of 1 % or better for specimens greater than 0.25 test or a subsequent determination from the area of the finished
mm (0.010 in.) but less than 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) in thickness. stress-strain curve (see Annex A2).
11.3 Set the initial grip separation in accordance with Table
1. 12. Calculation
11.4 Set the rate of grip separation to give the desired strain 12.1 Toe compensation shall be made in accordance with
rate, based on the initial distance between the grips, in Annex A1 unless it can be shown that the toe region of the
accordance with Table 1. Zero the calibrated force weighing curve is not due to the takeup of slack, seating of the specimen,
system, extension indicator(s) and recording system. or other artifact, but rather is an authentic material response.
12.2 Breaking Factor (nominal) shall be calculated by
NOTE 15—Extensometers can be used for modulus of elasticity deter-
minations with the expectation of obtaining more accurate values than can dividing the maximum force by the original average width of
be obtained using grip separation as the effective gage length. Precautions the specimen. The result shall be expressed in force per unit of
must be taken to ensure that extensometer slippage and undue stressing of width, usually newtons per metre (or pounds per inch) of
the specimen do not occur. Refer also to 7.7. width, and reported to three significant figures. The thickness
11.5 In cases where it is desired to measure a test section of the film shall always be stated to the nearest 0.0025 mm
other than the total length between the grips, mark the ends of (0.0001 in.).
the desired test section with a soft, fine wax crayon or with ink. Example—Breaking Factor = 1.75 kN ⁄m (10.0 lbf/in.) of
Do not scratch these marks onto the surface since such width for 0.1300-mm (0.0051-in.) thickness.
scratches can act as stress raisers and cause premature speci- NOTE 17—This method of reporting is useful for very thin films (0.13
men failure. Extensometers can be used if available; in this mm (0.005 in.) and less) for which breaking force is not proportional to
case, the test section will be defined by the contact points of the cross-sectional area and whose thickness is difficult to determine with
extensometer. precision. Furthermore, films which are in effect laminar due to

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orientation, skin effects, nonuniform crystallinity, etc., have tensile prop-
NOTE 16—Measurement of a specific test section is necessary with erties disproportionate to cross-sectional area.
some materials having high elongation. As the specimen elongates, the 12.3 Tensile Strength (nominal) shall be calculated by di-
accompanying reduction in area results in a loosening of material at the
inside edge of the grips. This reduction and loosening moves back into the viding the maximum force by the original average cross-
grips as further elongation and reduction in area takes place. In effect, this sectional area of the specimen. The result shall be expressed in
causes problems similar to grip slippage, that is, exaggerates measured force per unit area, usually megapascals (or pounds-force per
extension. square inch). This value shall be reported to three significant
11.6 Place the test specimen in the grips of the testing figures. The maximum force can occur at the yield point, the
machine, taking care to align the long axis of the specimen breaking point, or in the area between the yield point and the
with an imaginary line joining the points of attachment of the breaking point.
grips to the machine. Tighten the grips evenly and firmly to the NOTE 18—When tear failure occurs, so indicate and calculate results
degree necessary to minimize slipping of the specimen during based on force and elongation at which tear initiates, as reflected in the
test. force-deformation curve.
11.7 Start the machine and record force versus extension. 12.4 Tensile Strength at Break (nominal) shall be calculated
11.7.1 When the total length between the grips is used as the in the same way as the tensile strength except that the force at
test area, record force versus grip separation. break shall be used in place of the maximum force (Note 18
11.7.2 When a specific test area has been marked on the and Note 19).
specimen, follow the displacement of the edge boundary lines NOTE 19—In many cases tensile strength and tensile strength at break
with respect to each other with dividers or some other suitable are identical, but not always.
device. If a force-extension curve is desired, plot various 12.5 Percent Elongation at Break shall be calculated by
extensions versus corresponding forces sustained, as measured dividing the extension at the moment of rupture of the
by the force indicator. specimen by the initial gage length of the specimen and
11.7.3 When an extensometer is used, record force versus multiplying by 100. When gage marks or extensometers are
extension of the test area measured by the extensometer. used to define a specific test section, only this length shall be
11.8 If modulus values are being determined, select a force used in the calculation; otherwise the distance between the
range and chart rate to produce a force-extension curve of grips shall be used. The result shall be expressed in percent and
between 30 and 60° to the X axis. For maximum accuracy, use reported to two significant figures (see Note 18).
the most sensitive force scale for which this condition can be 12.6 Tensile Yield Strength, where applicable, shall be
met. It is acceptable to discontinue the test when the force- calculated by dividing the force at the yield point by the
extension curve deviates from linearity. original average cross-sectional area of the specimen. The

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result shall be expressed in force per unit area, usually where:
megapascals (or pounds-force per square inch). This value s = estimated standard deviation,
shall be reported to three significant figures. Alternatively, for X = value of a single observation,
materials that exhibit Hookean behavior in the initial part of the n = number of observations, and
curve, an offset yield strength shall be obtained as described in X̄ = arithmetic mean of the set of observations.
the Appendix of Test Method D638. In this case the value shall
be given as “yield strength at —% offset.” 13. Report
12.7 Percent Elongation at Yield, where applicable, shall be 13.1 Report the following information:
calculated by dividing the extension at the yield point by the 13.1.1 Complete identification of the material tested, includ-
initial gage length of specimen and multiplying by 100. When ing type, source, manufacturer’s code number, form, principal
gauge marks or extensometers are used to define a specific test dimensions, previous history, and orientation of samples with
section, only this length shall be used in the calculation. Before respect to anisotropy (if any),
calculating, correct the extension for “toe compensation” as
13.1.2 Method of preparing test specimens,
described in Annex A1. The results shall be expressed in
percent and reported to two significant figures. When offset 13.1.3 Thickness, width, and length of test specimens,
yield strength is used, the elongation at the offset yield strength 13.1.4 Number of specimens tested,
shall be calculated. 13.1.5 Strain rate employed,
12.8 Elastic Modulus, shall be calculated by drawing a 13.1.6 Grip separation (initial),
tangent to the initial linear portion of the force-extension curve, 13.1.7 Crosshead speed (rate of grip separation),
selecting any point on this tangent, and dividing the tensile 13.1.8 Gage length (if different from grip separation),
stress by the corresponding strain. Before calculating, correct 13.1.9 Type of grips used, including facing (if any),
the extension for “toe compensation” as described in Annex 13.1.10 Conditioning procedure (test conditions,
A1. For purposes of this determination, the tensile stress shall temperature, and relative humidity if nonstandard),
be calculated by dividing the force by the average original
cross section of the test section. The result shall be expressed 13.1.11 Anomalous behavior such as tear failure and failure
in force per unit area, usually megapascals (or pounds-force at a grip,
per square inch), and reported to three significant figures. 13.1.12 Average breaking factor and standard deviation,

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13.1.13 Average tensile strength (nominal) and standard
12.9 Secant Modulus, at a designated strain, shall be calcu-
deviation,
lated by dividing the corresponding stress (nominal) by the
designated strain. Elastic modulus values are preferable and 13.1.14 Average tensile strength at break (nominal) and
shall be calculated whenever possible. However, for materials standard deviation,
where no proportionality is evident, the secant modulus values 13.1.15 Average percent elongation at break and standard
shall be calculated. Draw the tangent as directed in A1.3 and deviation,
Fig. A1.2 of Annex A1, and mark off the designated strain from 13.1.16 Where applicable, average tensile energy to break
the yield point where the tangent line goes through zero stress. and standard deviation,
The stress to be used in the calculation is then determined by 13.1.17 In the case of materials exhibiting “yield” phenom-
dividing the force at the designated strain on the force- enon: average yield strength and standard deviation; and
extension curve by the original average cross-sectional area of average percent elongation at yield and standard deviation,
the specimen. 13.1.18 For materials which do not exhibit a yield point:
12.10 Tensile Energy to Break, where applicable, shall be average —% offset yield strength and standard deviation; and
calculated by integrating the energy per unit volume under the average percent elongation at —% offset yield strength and
stress-strain curve or by integrating the total energy absorbed standard deviation,
and dividing it by the volume of the original gage region of the 13.1.19 Average modulus of elasticity and standard devia-
specimen. As indicated in Annex A2, this shall be done directly tion (if secant modulus is used, so indicate and report strain at
during the test by an electronic integrator, or subsequently by which calculated), and
computation from the area of the plotted curve. The result shall 13.1.20 When an extensometer is employed, so indicate.
be expressed in energy per unit volume, usually in megajoules
per cubic metre (or inch-pounds-force per cubic inch). This 14. Precision and Bias
value shall be reported to two significant figures.
14.1 Two interlaboratory tests have been run for these
12.11 For each series of tests, the arithmetic mean of all tensile properties. The first was run for modulus only, in 1977,
values obtained shall be calculated to the proper number of in which randomly drawn samples of four thin (;0.025 mm
significant figures. (0.001-in.)) materials were tested with five specimens in each
12.12 The standard deviation (estimated) shall be calculated laboratory. Elastic (tangent) modulus measurements were
as follows and reported to two significant figures: made by six laboratories, and secant (1 %) modulus measure-
ments were taken by five laboratories. The relative precision
s5 =~ ( X 2
2 n X̄ 2 ! / ~ n 2 1 ! (2) obtained in this interlaboratory study is in Table 2.

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TABLE 2 Precision Data for Modulus
Tangent Modulus
Material Thickness, Average, Sr, SR, Ir, IR,
mils 103 psi 103 psi 103 psi 10 3
psi 103 psi
LDPE 1.4 53.9 1.81 8.81 5.12 24.9
HDPE 1.6 191 5.47 16.2 15.5 45.9
PP 1.1 425 10.3 31.5 29.0 89.1
PET 0.9 672 13.8 55.5 39.1 157.1
Secant Modulus
LDPE 1.4 45.0 2.11 3.43 5.98 9.70
HDPE 1.6 150 3.29 9.58 9.30 27.1
PP 1.1 372 4.66 26.5 13.2 74.9
PET 0.9 640 10.0 27.5 28.4 77.8

14.1.1 In deriving the estimates in Table 2, statistical that probably was not successfully randomized out of the between-labs
outliers were not removed, in keeping with Practice E691.5 component of variance.
14.1.2 The within-lab standard deviation of a mean value, 14.3 For the purpose of compiling summary statistics, a test
Sx̄, in each case was determined from the standard deviation, result has been defined to be the average of five replicate
Sx̄, of the five individual specimens as follows: Sx̄ = Sx/(5) ⁄ . 12
measurements of a property for a material in a laboratory, as
The Sx̄ values were pooled among laboratories for a given specified in this test method. Summary statistics are given in
material to obtain the within-lab standard deviation, Sr, of a test Table 3. In each table, for the material indicated, S(r) is the
result (mean of five specimens). See 14.3 – 14.3.2 for defini- pooled within-laboratory standard deviation of a test result,
tions of terms in the tables. S(R) is the between-laboratory standard deviation of a test
14.2 An interlaboratory test was run for all the other tensile result, where r equals 2.83 × S(r) (see 14.3.1) and R equals
properties except modulus in 1981, in which randomly drawn 2.83 × S(R) (see 14.3.2). (Warning—The following explana-
samples of six materials (one of these in three thicknesses) tions of Ir and IR (14.3 – 14.3.3) are only intended to present a
ranging in thickness from 0.019 to 0.178 mm (0.00075 to 0.007 meaningful way of considering the Approximate precision of
in.) were tested in seven laboratories. A test result was defined this test method. Do not rigorously apply the data in Table 2 to

04/02/2019
as the mean of five specimen determinations. However, each the acceptance or rejection of material, as those data are
laboratory tested eight specimens, and the Sx̄ was determined specific to the round robin and are not necessarily representa-
from Sx̄ = Sx/(5) ⁄ as above. This was done to improve the
12 tive of other lots, conditions, materials, or laboratories. Users
quality of the statistics while maintaining their applicability to of this test method need to apply the principles outlined in
a five-specimen test result. The materials and their thicknesses Practice E691 to generate data specific to their laboratory and
are identified in Tables 3-7, each of which contain data for one materials, or between specific laboratories. The principles of
of the following properties: tensile yield strength, yield 14.3 – 14.3.3 would then be valid for such data.)
elongation, tensile strength, tensile elongation at break, and 14.3.1 Repeatability—The value below which the absolute
tensile energy at break (see Note 20).6 difference between two test results obtained under repeatability
conditions is likely to occur with a probability of approxi-
NOTE 20—Subsequent to filing the research report, examination of the
LDPE used in this study between crossed polarizers revealed lengthwise
mately 0.95 (95 %).
lines representing substantial widthwise variation in molecular orientation 14.3.2 Reproducibility—The value below which the abso-
lute difference between two test results obtained under repro-
ducibility conditions is likely to occur with a probability of
5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
approximately 0.95 (95 %).
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D20-1084. 14.3.3 For further information, see Practice E691 and for
6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may information on equivalence testing, see Practice E2935.
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D20-1101.

TABLE 3 Precision Data for Yield Stress

Material Thickness, mils Average, 103 psi (Sr)A 103 psi (SR)B 103 psi I(r)C 103 psi I(R)D 103 psi
LDPE 1.0 1.49 0.051 0.13 0.14 0.37
HDPE 1.0 4.33 0.084 0.16 0.24 0.44
PP 0.75 6.40 0.13 0.52 0.37 1.46
PC 4.0 8.59 0.072 0.29 0.20 0.82
CTA 5.3 11.4 0.12 0.50 0.34 1.43
PET 4.0 14.3 0.12 0.23 0.34 0.66
PET 2.5 14.4 0.14 0.54 0.40 1.52
PET 7.0 14.4 0.13 0.36 0.37 1.03
A
S r is the within-laboratory standard deviation of the average.
B
SR is the between-laboratories standard deviation of the average.
C
Ir = 2.83 Sr.
D
I R = 2.83 SR.

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TABLE 4 Precision Data for Yield Elongation
Material Thickness, mils Average, % (Sr)A , % (SR)B , % I(r)C , % I(R)D , %
PP 0.75 3.5 0.15 0.41 0.42 1.2
PET 2.5 5.2 0.26 0.92 0.74 2.6
PET 4.0 5.3 0.25 0.60 0.71 1.7
PET 7.0 5.4 0.14 1.05 0.40 3.0
CTA 5.3 5.4 0.19 0.99 0.54 2.8
PC 4.0 6.9 0.24 0.98 0.68 2.8
HDPE 1.0 8.8 0.32 1.82 0.91 5.2
LDPE 1.0 10.0 0.55 3.41 1.56 9.6

NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.

TABLE 5 Precision Data for Tensile Strength

Material Thickness, mils Average, 103 psi (Sr)A 103 psi (SR)B 103 psi I(r)C 103 psi I(R)D 103 psi
LDPE 1.0 3.42 0.14 0.53 0.40 1.5
HDPE 1.0 6.87 0.27 0.81 0.76 2.3
PC 4.0 12.0 0.34 0.93 0.96 2.6
CTA 5.3 14.6 0.20 1.37 0.57 3.9
PP 0.75 28.4 1.57 4.56 4.4 12.9
PET 4.0 28.9 0.65 1.27 1.8 3.6
PET 7.0 30.3 0.83 1.32 2.3 3.7
PET 2.5 30.6 1.22 2.64 3.4 7.5

NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.

TABLE 6 Precision Data for Elongation at Break

(Sr)A (SR)B I(r)C , % I(R)D
Material Thickness, mils Average, % ,% ,% ,%
CTA 5.3 26.4 1.0 4.3 3 12

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PP 0.75 57.8 4.4 12.7 12 36
PET 2.5 120 8.0 14.6 23 41
PET 7.0 132 5.8 10.6 16 30
PET 4.0 134 4.4 12.2 12 35
PC 4.0 155 5.4 17.1 15 48
LDPE 1.0 205 24.4 73.3 69 210
HDPE 1.0 570 26.0 91.7 74 260

NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.

TABLE 7 Precision Data for Tensile Energy to Break

Average, 103 A
103
(Sr)in./lb )B 103
(SRin./lb C
103
I(r)in./lb D
103
I(R)in./lb
Material Thickness, mils in./lb
in.3 in.3 in.3 in.3 in.3
CTA 5.0 3.14 0.14 0.70 0.4 2.0
LDPE 1.0 5.55 0.84 2.47 2.4 7.0
PP 0.75 11.3 1.19 3.11 3.4 8.8
PC 4.0 12.9 0.59 1.55 1.7 4.4
HDPE 1.0 26.0 1.87 5.02 5.3 14.2
PET 2.5 26.1 2.13 4.20 6.0 11.9
PET 4.0 27.1 1.42 2.75 4.0 7.8
PET 7.0 28.4 1.71 2.72 4.8 7.7

NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.

14.4 Bias—The systematic error which contributes to the 15. Keywords

difference between a test result and a true (or reference) value. 15.1 modulus of elasticity; plastic film; plastic sheeting;
There are no recognized standards on which to base an estimate tensile properties; tensile strength; toughness; yield stress
of bias for these test methods.

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ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. TOE COMPENSATION

A1.1 In a typical stress-strain curve (Fig. A1.1) there is a toe elastic modulus can be determined by dividing the stress at any
region, AC, which does not represent a property of the material. point along the line CD (or its extension) by the strain at the
It is an artifact caused by a takeup of slack, and alignment or same point (measured from point B, defined as zero-strain).
seating of the specimen. In order to obtain correct values of
such parameters as modulus, strain, and offset yield point, this A1.3 In the case of a material that does not exhibit any
artifact must be compensated for to give the corrected zero linear region (Fig. A1.2), the same kind of toe correction of the
point on the strain or extension axis. zero-strain point can be made by constructing a tangent to the
maximum slope at the inflection point (H'). This is extended to
A1.2 In the case of a material exhibiting a region of intersect the strain axis at point B', the corrected zero-strain
Hookean (linear) behavior (Fig. A1.1), a continuation of the point. Using point B' as zero strain, the stress at any point (G')
linear (CD ) region of the curve is constructed through the on the curve can be divided by the strain at that point to obtain
zero-stress axis. This intersection (B) is the corrected zero- a secant modulus (slope of line B' G'). For those materials with
strain point from which all extensions or strains must be no linear region, any attempt to use the tangent through the
measured, including the yield offset (BE), if applicable. The inflection point as a basis for determination of an offset yield
point can result in unacceptable error.

04/02/2019
NOTE 1—Some equipment plot the mirror image of this graph. NOTE 1—Some equipment plot the mirror image of this graph.
FIG. A1.1 Material with Hookean Region FIG. A1.2 Material with No Hookean Region

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A2. DETERMINATION OF TENSILE ENERGY TO BREAK

A2.1 Tensile energy to break (TEB) is defined by the area scale on some chart paper is not in round-number dimensions.
under the stress-strain curve, or Moreover, if the curve coordinates are in terms of force and
εT extension instead of stress and strain, the calculated energy,
TEB 5 *0
S dε (A2.1) corresponding to the measured area, must be divided by the
where S is the stress at any strain, ε, and εT is the strain at product of gage length, specimen width, and mean caliper:
rupture. The value is in units of energy per unit volume of the
specimen’s initial gage region. TEB is most conveniently and ~ curve area! ~ force per unit chart scale! (A2.3)
accurately measured with a tension tester equipped with an
~ extension per unit chart travel!
integrator. The calculation is then: TEB 5
~ mean caliper! ~ specimen width! ~ gage length!
TEB 5 ~ I/K ! (A2.2)
A2.3 For example, if the area under a force-extension curve
~ full scale load! ~ chart speed! ~ crosshead speed/chart speed! is 60,000 mm2, the force coordinate is 2.0 N/mm of chart scale,
~ mean caliper! ~ specimen width! ~ gage length! the extension coordinate is 0.25 mm of extension per mm of
where I is the integrator count reading and K is the chart travel, and the specimen dimensions are 0.1 mm caliper,
maximum possible count per unit time for a constant full scale 15 mm width and 100 mm gage length, then the calculation for
force. This whole calculation is typically done electronically. tensile energy to break is:
The results are best expressed in megajoules per cubic metre
(or inch-pounds-force per cubic inch). ~ 60 000 mm2 ! ~ 2.0 N/mm! ~ 0.25 3 1023 m/mm!
TEB 5
~ 0.1 3 1023 m ! ~ 15 3 1023 m ! ~ 100 3 1023 m !
A2.2 Without an integrator, the area under the recorded (A2.4)
stress-strain curve can be measured by planimeter, counting
squares, or weighing the cut-out curve. These techniques are TEB 5 200 MJ/m 3
time-consuming and likely to be less accurate, since the force

04/02/2019
A3. SETTING THE CORRECT INITIAL GRIP SEPARATION

A3.1 Initial Grip Separation Settings Using Flat Grip Inserts

and Line Grip Inserts (Fig. A3.1 and Fig. A3.2)

FIG. A3.1 Initial Grip Separation Using Flat Grip Inserts

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FIG. A3.2 Initial Grip Separation Using Line Grip Inserts

A3.2 It is acceptable for the shape of the grip inserts to A3.4 The initial strain rate required will be incorrect if the
differ depending on the testing instrument being used, but the initial grip separation is not set correctly.
distance between the points of contact will be the same.

04/02/2019
A3.3 Calculation of ultimate elongation will be incorrect if
the initial grip separation is not set correctly.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D882 - 12)
that may impact the use of this standard. (August 1, 2018)

(1) Added Section 4 Summary of Test Method. (7) Subsections 12.3 and 12.6: Revised to use original average
(2) Renumbered subsequent sections after the addition of cross-sectional area as opposed to original minimum cross-
Section 4. sectional area to stay consistent with how modulus is calcu-
(3) Subsection 7.5: Clarified that the 10% uniformity of thick- lated.
ness is based on average thickness. (8) Subsection 14.3.1 and 14.3.2: Revised using the new
(4) Subsection 9.3: Removed redundancy of stating that the ASTM D20 boiler plate statements for reproducibility and
number of specimens needs to be reported as it is already stated repeatability.
in the report section. (9) The term “chart recorder” was changed to “instrument” in
(5) Subsection 11.2: Clarified the number of measurements to Annex A1, Note 1 of Figure A1.1 and Annex A1, Note 1 of
take for cross-sectional area. Now states to take three as Figure A1.2.
opposed to several. (10) Permissive language removed throughout where appli-
(6) Subsection 12.2: Revised to use average width of specimen
cable.
as opposed to minimum to stay consistent with how stress and
modulus are calculated.

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