Scope of ASTM D883: Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics

What Is ASTM D883?

ASTM D883 is a standard maintained by ASTM International Committee D20 on Plastics. It defines the technical terms used throughout the plastics industry — in ASTM test standards, material specifications, engineering drawings, regulatory submissions, and commercial contracts. The standard covers definitions of terms related to plastic materials, processing methods, properties, and testing procedures.

The scope of D883 is precise and intentional: it covers only terms specific to the plastics industry or that have meanings within the plastics context that differ from general usage. Terms that are generally understood or adequately defined in other readily available sources are deliberately excluded.

When a term is used in any ASTM document for which Committee D20 is responsible, it is included in D883 only after review and approval by Subcommittee D20.92, ensuring that the definitions are technically rigorous and broadly accepted. Definitions that match those of other standards bodies — such as IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) — are identified with the source organization’s abbreviation, promoting international harmonization.

Why ASTM D883 Terminology Matters

Preventing Misinterpretation of Test Results

Many properties measured in plastics testing — toughness, brittleness, stiffness, creep, shrinkage, weatherability — have precise technical meanings that differ from colloquial usage. When engineers specify that a material must not exhibit “crazing” or must demonstrate acceptable “stress relaxation,” the technical definition from D883 ensures everyone interprets the requirement identically.

Supporting Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory agencies referencing ASTM test methods for plastics — whether for building materials, packaging, automotive parts, or electronic components — rely on D883 to interpret the terminology in those methods consistently. Consistent terminology reduces compliance ambiguity and supports defensible regulatory submissions.

Enabling Accurate Material Specification

When a material specification lists properties using D883 terminology, material suppliers and quality laboratories use the same definitions — reducing disputes, enabling direct comparison of test reports, and supporting fair procurement decisions.

Facilitating International Trade

D883 harmonizes plastics terminology with international bodies, including ISO and IUPAC. This alignment is critical for manufacturers exporting plastic products internationally — or sourcing plastic materials globally — who need test reports and specifications to mean the same thing across borders.

Key Term Categories in ASTM D883

ASTM D883 organizes its definitions across several categories relevant to the plastics industry:

Polymer and Resin Types: Definitions of generic polymer classifications — thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, blends, alloys, copolymers — and specific resin types including chlorinated PVC, allyl resins, chemically foamed polymers, and others.

Physical and Mechanical Properties: Precise definitions of properties such as hardness, tensile strength, elongation, creep, stress relaxation, fatigue, impact resistance, brittleness, and dimensional stability — ensuring consistent interpretation of test results.

Processing Terms: Definitions related to molding, extrusion, compounding, and conversion processes — including terms like shrinkage, warpage, flash, sink mark, and knit line — that are essential for process engineers and quality professionals.

Degradation and Weathering: Definitions of degradation phenomena — chalking, crazing, discoloration, oxidative degradation, photo-oxidation — that are critical for materials used in outdoor or harsh-environment applications.

Testing and Measurement: Definitions that support accurate interpretation of ASTM D-series test methods for plastics, including terms related to specimen preparation, conditioning, and test reporting.

Industrial Applications of ASTM D883

Automotive: ASTM D883 terminology underlies the entire language of automotive plastic material specifications — from instrument panel polymers to under-hood components and exterior trim. OEM material specification writers and Tier 1 suppliers alike rely on D883 to define property requirements unambiguously.

Electronics: The plastics used in electronic housings, connector bodies, and PCB substrates are specified using D883 terminology. Properties such as dielectric strength, flammability classification, and dimensional stability are defined within the D883 framework.

Packaging: The packaging industry uses D883 terminology to specify barrier properties, seal-strength behavior, flex-crack resistance, and environmental stress-cracking resistance of plastic packaging materials.

Aerospace and Defense: Structural and non-structural plastic components in aerospace systems are specified using D883-compliant terminology in material datasheets, procurement documents, and test reports.

Medical Devices: Medical device manufacturers rely on D883 terminology when specifying the properties of polymer housings, tubing, and implant components for regulatory submissions — ensuring that biocompatibility and performance requirements are unambiguously defined.

How ASTM D883 Integrates with Other Plastic Test Standards

ASTM D883 is the terminological foundation that underpins the entire D20 family of plastics test standards:

• ASTM D638 — Tensile properties of plastics
• ASTM D256 — Impact resistance (Izod/Charpy)
• ASTM D785 — Rockwell hardness of plastics
• ASTM D3418 — Thermal properties by DSC
• ASTM D1238 — Melt flow rate

When any of these standards reference a property or process term, D883 governs the definition of that term — creating a coherent, integrated system for plastics characterization.

Conclusion

ASTM D883 serves as the foundational terminology standard for the plastics industry, ensuring that all technical terms related to materials, properties, processing, and testing are defined consistently and accurately. Eliminating ambiguity in communication enables reliable material specification, accurate test interpretation, regulatory compliance, and seamless collaboration across global industries, making it essential for effective plastics engineering and quality assurance.

Infinita Lab’s Plastic Testing Services

Infinita Lab provides comprehensive plastics testing in accordance with ASTM D20 standards — including mechanical, thermal, chemical, and physical characterization of all polymer types. With access to 2,000+ accredited partner laboratories nationwide, Infinita Lab delivers fast, accurate, and standards-compliant testing results that align with ASTM D883 terminology and the full suite of ASTM plastic test methods.

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