The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published five standards for recycled plastic lumber. I have included the scope of each standard below. There is a charge to order each standard. Contact ASTM Customer Services at (610) 832-9585, or by fax at (610) 832-9555 and reference the D numbers (i.e. D6108-97).
ASTM Recycled Plastic Lumber Standards
Standard Test Method for D6108-97 Compressive Properties of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the mechanical properties of plastic lumber and shapes, when the entire cross-section is loaded in compression at relatively low uniform rates of straining or loading. Test specimens in the "as manufacured" form are employed. 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 Plastic lumber and plastic shapes are currently made predominantly with recycled plastics. However, this test method would also be applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from virgin resins, or where the product is non-homogenous in the cross-section.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.4 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 1- There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
Ordering Information Price: $ 18.00 Printed Pages: 5
Subject Index compressive properties; compressive strength; modulus of elasticity; plastic lumber; plastic shapes; recycled plastic; secant modulus; stress at a given strain
Standard Test Methods for D6109-97 Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic Lumber
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 fall 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 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-homogenous in the cross-section.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
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 regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1- There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
Ordering Information Price: $ 18.00 Printed Pages: 6
Subject Index flexural properties; plastic lumber; recycled plastics; secant modulus; specimen; stiffness; strength; stress at a given strain
Standard Test Method for D6111-97 Bulk Density and Specific Gravity of Plastic Lumber and Shapes by Displacement
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-homogenous in the cross-section.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 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 1- There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
Ordering Information Price: $ 15.00 Printed Pages: 4
Subject Index density; plastic lumber; plastic shapes; recycled plastic; specific gravity
Standard Test Methods for D6112-97 Compressive and Flexural creep and Creep-Rupture of Plastic Lumber and Shapes
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the creep and creep-rupture properties of plastic lumber and shapes, when loaded in compression or flexure under specified environmental conditions. test specimens in the "as-manufactured" form are employed. As such, these are test methods for evaluating the properties of plastic lumber or shapes as a product and not material property test methods.
1.2 Plastic lumber and plastic shapes are currently made predominantly with recycled plastics. However, this test method would also be applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from virgin resins where the product is non-homogenous in the cross-section.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.4 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 1- There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
Ordering Information Price: $ 21.00 Printed Pages: 19
Subject Index creep; creep-rupture; plastic lumber; recycled plastic
Standard Test Methods for D6117-97 Mechanical Fasteners In Plastic Lumber and Shapes
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the evaluation of fastener use with "as manufactured" plastic lumber and shapes through the use of two different testing procedures.
1.2 The test methods appear in the following order: Test Method A- Nail, Staple, or Screw Withdrawal Test; Test Method B- Lateral Nail, Staple, or Screw Resistance 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-homogenous in the cross-section.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.
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 1- There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
Ordering Information Price: $ 18.00 Printed Pages: 7
Subject Index mechanical fasteners; plastic lumber; plastic shapes; recycled plastics
To order copies of these documents, please contact ASTM Customer Services at (610) 832-9585, or by fax at (610) 832-9555 and reference the D numbers (i.e. D6108-97).
The Environmental Purchasing Program
The King County Environmental Purchasing Program assists County agencies in implementation of King County Executive Policy CON-7-1-2, which requires agencies to use recycled and other environmentally preferable products "wherever practicable."
The program assembles information about these products and makes it available to specific agency users who can evaluate them and attempt to develop applications in County projects.
These procurement bulletins contain information about the results of product evaluations and other accomplishments of County agencies. We hope this information will help you find ways to use recycled materials in the work of your agency and that you will contact us if we can help you with further information or if you have suggestions.
Updated: June 25, 1998
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