ASTM D1623-17 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM D1623-17 (Reapproved 2023) — Standard Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics. The standard specifies procedures, specimen geometries, and test conditions for measuring tensile strength and tensile-adhesion (bond) properties of rigid cellular plastics and laminated/sandwich constructions.

Abstract

This test method establishes a standard procedure for determining tensile and tensile-adhesion properties of rigid cellular plastics using three specimen types (Type A, B, and C) under defined laboratory conditions (temperature, humidity, and crosshead speed). It describes required apparatus (constant‑rate crosshead testing machine, self‑aligning grips, extension indicator, lathe cutter), conditioning, specimen preparation, and failure-mode observations needed to quantify tensile strength and bond integrity in foams and sandwich panels.

General information

• Status: Published / Reapproved (active as reapproved document).
• Publication date: 30 April 2023 (designation D1623-17; reapproved 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 83.100 — Cellular materials (Plastics section, Committee D20).
• Edition / version: D1623-17 (Reapproved 2023).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

The standard covers determination of tensile properties and tensile-adhesion (bond) properties of rigid cellular plastics in standardized specimen shapes, including three specimen types optimized for bulk material (Type A), smaller samples or sandwich cores (Type B), and bonded-core/substrate adhesive tests (Type C). SI units are the standard; inch‑pound values are given for information only. The method is intended for rigid foams such as polyurethane, polystyrene, phenolic foams and similar cellular materials used in insulation, sandwich panels, and structural cores.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen types and geometries: Type A (preferred when sufficient material), Type B (for smaller specimens), Type C (for tensile‑adhesion/bond tests).
• Required apparatus: constant‑rate‑of‑crosshead testing machine, self‑aligning grips, load/extension indicators, and a lathe cutter for specimen preparation.
• Conditioning and test environment: standard laboratory atmosphere (23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 10 % RH) and specimen conditioning prior to test.
• Test speed and rupture timing: recommended crosshead rates to produce rupture in ~3–6 minutes (guidance provided by specimen dimensions and test section length).
• Number of replicates: minimum of three specimens; discard specimens that fail at visible flaws and retest as required.
• Units and reporting: report SI units (metric) as standard; report failure mode (cohesive in foam, adhesive at interfaces) and tensile/adhesion values.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, foam and sandwich‑panel manufacturers, quality control teams, R&D groups, and specifiers in construction, transportation, and aerospace who need standardized tensile and bond strength data for rigid cellular plastics and laminated assemblies. It supports product development, acceptance testing, failure analysis, and comparison of materials or bonding methods.

Related standards

Commonly referenced with ASTM D638 (Tensile Properties of Plastics), ASTM D883 (Terminology Relating to Plastics), and ASTM E691 (Interlaboratory study practice). It is maintained by Committee D20 (Plastics) and is grouped with other rigid cellular plastics standards such as ASTM D1621 (Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics).

Keywords

tensile test, tensile adhesion, rigid cellular plastics, foam tensile, sandwich panel bond, Type A specimen, Type B specimen, Type C specimen, ASTM D1623, foam adhesion strength.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1623-17 (Reapproved 2023) is a test method that describes how to measure tensile and tensile‑adhesion properties of rigid cellular plastics using standardized specimen shapes, apparatus, conditioning, and test procedures.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation (three specimen types), required test equipment and grips, conditioning and test atmosphere, test speed guidance, number of specimens, and reporting of tensile strength and adhesion (bond) behavior and failure modes for rigid cellular plastics and bonded assemblies.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing labs, manufacturers of rigid foams and sandwich panels, R&D and quality personnel in construction, automotive, aerospace interiors, and packaging who need standardized tensile and bond measurements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the D1623-17 edition that was reapproved in 2023 (designation shows original/revision year 2017, reapproved 2023). As of the reapproval it is the current ASTM test method under that designation; users should check ASTM publication lists for any later revisions or withdrawals before relying on it for compliance requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the cellular‑materials cluster of ASTM plastics standards (Committee D20) and is commonly used alongside related D16xx series documents such as D1621 (compressive properties) and other mechanical test methods for plastics and cellular materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Tensile, tensile adhesion, rigid cellular plastics, foam testing, specimen types A/B/C, bond strength, ASTM D1623.