ASTM D 3368  FEP-Fluorocarbon Sheet and Film

Scope:

Standards outlined in ASTM D 3368 This specification’s scope stresses the demand for FEP-fluorocarbon sheet and film quality and uniformity. These goods must be uniform in appearance and free from blemishes, creases, holes, or scratches that can affect their usability. By the materials’ unpigmented qualities, the colour should also be homogeneous and range from transparent to translucent depending on thickness.

Test Procedure:

The test procedures were outlined in ASTM D 3368 Standard Specification. Using two specimens and Method A of Test Methods D 792, specific gravity is calculated. Two drops of a wetting agent (liquid detergent) are added to the water to increase wetting and lower surface tension for thorough sample wetting. This technique, which is essential for evaluating material properties, guaranteeing quality control and consistency in the production of FEP-fluorocarbon sheet and film, measures the specimens’ density in water.

Tensile strength and elongation are to be determined following Method A of Test Methods D 882 for sheet materials exceeding 0.254 mm [0.010 in.] nominal thickness.  If the die is of the steel rule type, it should possess a curvature of 4 ± 0.8 mm.

The tensile properties are determined following the procedures described in Test Method D 638. The initial jaw separation is set at 22.2 ± 0.13 mm [0.875 ± 0.005 in.], and the testing speed is maintained at 51 mm/min [2 in./min]. The specimen is clamped with approximately equal tab lengths in each jaw. If an extensometer is unavailable, elongation at break is calculated from the chart record and expressed as a percentage of the initial jaw separation. Test results are averaged. A full-scale load of 22.5 kg [50 lb] is considered suitable for this tensile property test.

The dielectric strength is determined through the short-time test, which follows the procedures detailed in Test Methods D 149. For this test, a 6.35-mm [1⁄4-in.] brass electrode with a 0.79-mm [1⁄32-in.] radius is employed.

An aluminium sheet strip with an adhesive coating is used to test cementability before applying regulated heat, pressure, and dwell time to seal the treated surface of the material. Then, peel strength is assessed at a speed of 30.5 cm/min [12 in./min] at a peel angle of 180°.

Video 01: FEP Film and Sheet

Test Specimen:

As a test specimen, ASTM D 3368 standard test procedure is used. FEP-Fluorocarbon 

Data:

The ASTM D 3368 standard test procedure calculates elongation,

                  Elogation = 100d22.2 or 0.875m

Where

 d is the distance on the chart, mm [in. ], 

m  is the chart speed magnification, chart speed/crosshead speed (both in the same units), and

 22.2  is the factor when d is in millimetres, or 

0.875  is the factor when d is in inches, the ASTM D 3368 standard test procedure calculates elongation

Conclusion:

As the ultimate standard for guaranteeing the quality and performance of FEP-based sheet and film products, ASTM D 3368, titled “Standard Specification for FEP-Fluorocarbon Sheet and Film,” establishes critical norms for the sector.