ASTM D1712-09 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM D1712-09(2020) — Standard Practice for Resistance of Plastics to Sulfide Staining. This practice provides a procedure to estimate the relative susceptibility of plastic compositions to staining caused by formation of metallic sulfides when plastics containing certain metal salts contact external sulfide sources (liquid, solid, or gas).

Abstract

This short practice defines specimen preparation and exposure conditions to assess discoloration of plastics in the presence of sulfide sources. It specifies conditioning, test specimen dimensions and test atmosphere, provides significance and use notes (examples of sulfide sources such as rubber, industrial fumes, foods, kraft paper), and gives guidance for evaluating relative susceptibility to sulfide staining.

General information

• Status: Active; current edition reapproved/issued as D1712-09 with reapproval in 2020.
• Publication date: Published / approved July 1, 2020 (effective July 2020).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 83.080.01 — Plastics in general (ASTM Committee D20, Subcommittee D20.50).
• Edition / version: D1712-09 (Reapproved 2020) — sometimes referenced as D1712-09R20.
• Number of pages: 2 pages (brief practice).

Scope

This practice covers determination of the resistance of plastics to staining in the presence of sulfides and states that values in SI units are standard. It does not purport to address all safety concerns; users must apply appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and review referenced precaution statements. Note: ASTM indicates there is no known ISO equivalent.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: estimate relative susceptibility of plastics to sulfide staining (formation of metallic sulfides with lead, cadmium, copper, antimony, etc.).
• Test specimens: representative specimens, typical dimensions given (example: ~100 × 13 × thickness mm or similar small specimens).
• Conditioning: condition specimens at 23 ±2 °C and 50 ±10 % RH for not less than 40 h (Procedure A of Practice D618 referenced).
• Test environment and evaluation: exposure to sulfide sources (liquid, solid, gas) and assessment of staining/discoloration; results reported in SI units as standard.
• Referenced standards and terminology: Practice references ASTM D618 (conditioning) and Terminology D883.

Typical use and users

Used by materials engineers, polymer and compounding laboratories, quality control teams, product designers, and failure-analysis labs to screen formulations and additives for susceptibility to sulfide-induced staining. Also of interest to manufacturers of colored or stabilized plastics where aesthetic appearance after exposure to sulfide sources is critical.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM documents include Practice D618 (conditioning of plastics for testing) and Terminology D883 (terminology relating to plastics). Users should consult the full D1712 practice for its references and any additional test methods that may be cited.

Keywords

sulfide staining; metallic sulfide; plastics; discoloration; ASTM D1712; conditioning; D618; D883; aesthetic durability; corrosion staining.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1712-09(2020) is a short ASTM practice that describes a procedure to determine the resistance of plastic compositions to staining caused by sulfide sources (formation of metallic sulfides with certain metal-containing additives).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, conditioning, exposure to sulfide sources, and evaluation of staining/discoloration; values are given in SI units and specific safety/precaution guidance is referenced in the full text.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Polymer scientists, QC and testing laboratories, manufacturers of plastics and plastic articles, and anyone assessing aesthetic durability of formulations or additives when exposed to sulfide-containing environments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice was reapproved/issued in 2020 as D1712-09(2020) and is listed as an active ASTM practice; however, a formal ASTM work item to withdraw D1712-09(2020) (WK97136) has been recorded (withdrawal ballot rationale cites lack of current interest and no referencing standards). Users should check ASTM records for any final withdrawal or reapproval actions before relying on the practice for formal compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D1712 is a stand‑alone ASTM practice within Committee D20 (Plastics) and Subcommittee D20.50 (Durability of Plastics); it references other ASTM practices/standards (for example D618 and D883) but is not a numbered series of related test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: sulfide staining; metallic sulfide; plastics; discoloration; aesthetic durability; ASTM D1712; conditioning; lead/cadmium/copper/antimony salts.