Designation: D618 13

Standard Practice for

Conditioning Plastics for Testing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D618; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* D756 Practice for Determination of Weight and Shape

Changes of Plastics Under Accelerated Service Conditions
1.1 In general, the physical and electrical properties of (Withdrawn 1998)3
plastics are influenced by temperature and relative humidity in D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
a manner that materially affects test results. In order to make als
reliable comparisons between different materials and between D5032 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity
different laboratories, it is necessary to standardize the humid- by Means of Aqueous Glycerin Solutions
ity conditions, as well as the temperature, to which specimens E104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity
of these materials are subjected prior to and during testing. This by Means of Aqueous Solutions
practice defines procedures for conditioning plastics (although 2.2 ISO Standard:
not necessarily to equilibrium) prior to testing, and the condi- ISO 291 PlasticsStandard Atmospheres for Conditioning
tions under which they shall be tested. and Testing4
1.2 For some materials, it is possible that a material speci- 3. Terminology
fication exists that requires the use of this practice, but with
3.1 Definitions:
some procedural modifications. The material specification
3.1.1 room temperaturea temperature in the range from 20
takes precedence over this practice. Refer to the material to 30C (68 to 86F).
specification before using this practice. Table 1 in Classifica-
tion D4000 lists the ASTM material specifications that cur- 3.1.2 standard laboratory atmospherean atmosphere hav-
ing a temperature of 23C (73.4F) and a relative humidity of
rently exist.
50 % with standard tolerances as specified in Section 8 shall be
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the the standard laboratory atmosphere.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.3 standard laboratory temperaturea temperature of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 23C (73.4F) with standard tolerance as specified in Section 7
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- shall be the standard laboratory temperature.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
NOTE 1This standard and ISO 291 address the same subject matter,
but differ in technical content. ISO 291 describes only two temperature 4.1 Conditioning of specimens is typically conducted: (1)
and humidity conditions for conditioning or testing, or both. for the purpose of bringing the material into equilibrium with
normal or average room conditions, (2) simply to obtain
2. Referenced Documents reproducible results, regardless of previous history of
exposure, or (3) to subject the material to abnormal conditions
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
of temperature or humidity in order to predict its service
D709 Specification for Laminated Thermosetting Materials behavior.
4.2 The conditioning procedures prescribed in this practice
1
are designed to obtain reproducible results and have the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Durability of Plastics.
potential to give physical values somewhat higher or somewhat
Current edition approved June 1, 2013. Published July 2013. Originally approved lower than values under equilibrium at normal conditions,
in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D618 - 08. DOI: 10.1520/
D0618-13.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D618 13
depending upon the particular material and test. Depending on 7.1.3.1 It is possible that the temperature and relative
the thickness, type of material and its previous history, it is humidity measured are not representative of a condition
possible that it would take 20 to 100 days or more to ensure elsewhere in an enclosure or room because of local effects or
substantial equilibrium under normal conditions of humidity deficiency in circulation of air. If required, additional measure-
and temperature. Consequently, conditioning for reproducibil- ments shall be made throughout the area to show compliance to
ity must of necessity be used for general purchase specifica- the temperature and relative humidity conditions specified.
tions and product control tests. 7.2 Relative Humidity:
7.2.1 When tolerance for temperature is 62C, the tolerance
5. Sampling
for relative humidity shall be 610 %.
5.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the ASTM test 7.2.2 When tolerance for temperature is 61C, the tolerance
methods for the specific properties to be determined. for relative humidity shall be 65 %.
6. Test Specimens NOTE 2Annex B of ISO 291 provides background information on the
calculation of tolerance for relative humidity based on the allowed
6.1 The numbers and types of test specimens shall be in fluctuation in set point temperature.
accordance with the ASTM test methods for the specific
8. Designations for Conditioning
properties to be determined.
8.1 Designation for Conditioning Prior to Test:
7. Requirements for Conditioning Atmospheres 8.1.1 Designate conditioning of test specimens as follows:
7.1 When data are to be obtained for comparison purposes 8.1.1.1 A number indicating in hours the duration of the
at a specific temperature, select the test temperature and conditioning,
associated tolerance from Table 1. 8.1.1.2 A number indicating in degrees Celsius the condi-
7.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, tolerance for temperature tioning temperature, or
shall be as given in Table 1. 8.1.1.3 A number indicating relative humidity, whenever
7.1.2 When a tolerance of 61C (61.8F) is required, it relative humidity is controlled, or a word to indicate immersion
shall be specified and shall be reported. in a liquid.
7.1.3 The position for measurement of temperature and 8.1.2 The numbers shall be separated from each other by
relative humidity measurementmeasurements shall be made slant marks. A sequence of conditions shall be denoted by use
as close as possible to the center of the room or chamber. of a plus ( + ) sign between successive conditions. Des shall
be used to indicate desiccation over anhydrous calcium chlo-
ride. Temperature and relative humidity tolerances shall be in
accordance with Section 7, unless otherwise specified.
TABLE 1 Test Temperatures and Tolerances
Test Tolerance, NOTE 3Examples:
Temperatures, C (F)A plus or minus, C (F) Condition 96/23/50Condition 96 h at 23C and 50 % relative humidity.
70 (94) 2.0 (3.6) Condition 48/50/waterCondition 48 h at 50C in water.
55 (67) 2.0 (3.6) Condition 48/50 + 96/23/50Condition 48 h at 50C; then condition 96 h
40 (40) 2.0 (3.6) at 23C and 50 % relative humidity.
25 (13) 2.0 (3.6) Condition 48/50 + DesCondition 48 h at 50C followed by desiccation.
0 (32) 2.0 (3.6)
23 (73)B 2.0 (3.6) 8.2 Designation for Test Condition:
35 (95) 2.0 (3.6) 8.2.1 Designate test conditions as follows:
50 (122) 2.0 (3.6) 8.2.1.1 A capital letter T following the prior conditioning
70 (158) 2.0 (3.6)
90 (194) 2.0 (3.6) designation and separated therefrom by a colon.
105 (221) 2.0 (3.6) 8.2.1.2 A number indicating in degrees Celsius the test
120 (248) 2.0 (3.6) temperature;
130 (266) 2.0 (3.6)
155 (311) 2.0 (3.6) 8.2.1.3 A number indicating the relative humidity in the test
180 (356) 2.0 (3.6) whenever relative humidity is controlled.
200 (392) 3.0 (5.4) 8.2.2 The numbers shall be separated from each other by a
225 (437) 3.0 (5.4)
250 (482) 3.0 (5.4) slant mark, and from the T by a dash. Temperature and
275 (527) 3.0 (5.4) relative humidity tolerances shall be in accordance with
300 (572) 3.0 (5.4) Section 7, unless otherwise specified.
325 (617) 4.0 (7.2)
350 (662) 5.0 (9.0) NOTE 4Examples:
400 (752) 6.0 (10.8) Condition 24/180: T180Condition 24 h at 180C: Test at 180C.
450 (842) 8.0 (14.4)
500 (932) 10.0 (18.0)
Condition 96/35/90: T3590Condition 96 h at 35C and 90 %
600 (1112) 12.0 (21.6) relative humidity: Test at 35C and 90 % relative humidity.
A
The test temperature is the temperature at which the chamber or room is 9. Standard Procedures for Conditioning Prior to Test
controlled. The tolerance is the maximum allowable variation of the temperature
indicated by the temperature output device during equilibrium conditions. If the 9.1 Procedure ACondition 40/23/50 for specimens 7 mm
indicated temperature is outside the limit defined by the test temperature plus or (0.25 in.) or under in thickness, 88/23/50 for specimens over 7
minus the tolerance, immediately implement procedures to correct the problem.
B
Standard Laboratory Temperature. mmCondition test specimens 7 mm or under in thickness in
the standard laboratory atmosphere for a minimum of 40 h

2
 D618 13
immediately prior to testing. Treat test specimens over 7 mm in 23 6 1C (73.4 6 1.8F) for a period of time as specified in the
thickness as above, except that the minimum time shall be applicable materials specification.
88 h. Provide adequate air circulation on all sides of the test 9.7 Procedure GCondition 40/27/65 for specimens 7 mm
specimens by placing them in suitable racks, hanging them (0.25 in.) or under in thickness, 88/27/65 for specimens over 7
from metal clips or laying them on wide-mesh, wire screen mmCondition test specimens in the standard laboratory
frames with at least 25 mm (1 in.) between the screen and the atmosphere for the minimum of 40 or 88 hours prior to testing.
surface of the bench.
NOTE 11Procedure G has been found useful in tropical climates.
NOTE 5Procedure A is generally satisfactory and is recommended
unless other methods are specified. Note that Procedure A of Practice
9.8 Constant relative humidity can be obtained only by
D618 differs from Condition A of Specification D709 and of the Military careful temperature control. Procedures for maintaining close
Specifications MIL-P designation in that Condition A means as received, tolerances are described in Practice E104. When use of acid or
no special conditioning. salt solutions has a deleterious effect on materials being tested,
NOTE 6If for any particular material or test, a specific longer time of use glycerin solutions in accordance with Practice D5032 to
conditioning is required, the time shall be agreed upon by the interested control relative humidity.
parties. It is acceptable to use shorter conditioning times for thin
NOTE 12A considerable number of other procedures that might be
specimens provided equilibrium is substantially obtained.
considered as functional are outlined in Practice D756.
9.2 Procedure BCondition 48/50 + DesCondition NOTE 13It has been found that, for certain tests and materials, more
specimens for a period of 48 h in a circulating-air oven at a reliable data are obtained in enclosures with circulating air rather than still
air. In such cases enclosures with circulating air should be used.
temperature of 50 6 2C (122 6 3.6F). Remove the speci-
mens from the oven and cool to the room temperature in a 10. Tests at Normal Temperatures
desiccator over anhydrous calcium chloride for a period of at 10.1 Unless otherwise specified, test materials conditioned
least 5 h for specimens 7 mm (0.25 in.) or under in thickness, in the standard laboratory atmosphere in the same atmosphere.
and at least 15 h for specimens over 7 mm in thickness,
immediately prior to testing. 10.2 Unless otherwise specified, test materials conditioned
in accordance with Procedure B at room temperature condi-
NOTE 7Procedure B is commonly used for the purpose of obtaining tions. Start the test as soon as possible, but do not allow more
reproducible test results on the thermosetting materials by means of a than 12 h to elapse between removal of the specimens from the
short-time conditioning period, or where the specific effects of moderate desiccator and the start of the tests.
drying are to be determined. The use of other enclosures, desiccants, or
desiccating techniques that produce and maintain an atmosphere equiva- 10.3 Unless otherwise specified, test materials conditioned
lent to that over anhydrous calcium chloride is acceptable. Note that in accordance with Procedures C and F in the same atmo-
Procedure B of Practice D618 is the same as Condition E-48/50 of
Specifications D709 and of the Military Specifications MIL-P designation.
sphere.
10.4 Unless otherwise specified, wipe materials conditioned
9.3 Procedure CCondition 96/35/90Condition speci-
in accordance with Procedures D and E immediately with a
mens for a period of 96 h in an atmosphere of 90 % relative
damp cloth, then with a dry cloth, and test them at room
humidity at a temperature of 35C (95F). The tolerances for
temperature. Specimens should only be removed from the
this procedure shall be as follows:
water as the tests are ready to be conducted. Start the tests
Time, h 2
Temperature, C (F) 1 (1.8)
immediately and complete them as soon as possible.
Humidity, % 2
11. Tests at Other Standard Test Temperatures
NOTE 8Procedure C is recommended wherever the specific effects of 11.1 When tests are desired at standard test temperatures
exposure to severe atmospheric moisture are to be determined.
prescribed in Section 7, transfer materials to the test conditions
NOTE 9It has been found that, for certain tests and materials, more
reliable data are obtained in enclosures with circulating air rather than still
within 12 h, preferably immediately, after completion of the
air. In such cases use enclosures with circulating air. preconditioning (in accordance with Procedure A or B). Hold
the specimens at the test temperature for no more than 5 h prior
9.4 Procedure DCondition 24/23/waterCondition to test, and in no case for less than the time required to ensure
specimens by immersion in distilled water for 24 6 12 h at 23 thermal equilibrium.
6 1C (73.4 6 1.8F).
NOTE 14Specific materials, specimen geometries, or physical condi-
9.5 Procedure ECondition 48/50/water + 1/23/water tioning arrangements require more than 5 h to reach thermal equilibrium.
Condition specimens by immersion in distilled water for 48 6 In these cases, or for materials that are not adversely affected by longer
12 h at 50 6 1C (122 6 1.8F), and cool them by immersion conditioning times, it is permissible to use conditioning times longer than
5 h.
in a sufficient quantity of distilled water to reduce the tempera-
ture to 23C (73.4F) within 1 h. 12. Selection of Conditioning Procedure
NOTE 10Procedures D and E have been found useful in ASTM 12.1 In the case of materials covered by ASTM
electrical and mechanical tests, and are used extensively in Military specifications, reference should be made thereto to determine
Specifications MIL-P designation. the conditioning procedures to be used.
9.6 Procedure FCondition /23/96 (time as specified in 12.2 In the case of all other materials, the choice between
applicable materials specification)Condition specimens in an procedures should preferably be based on the one that gives the
atmosphere of 96 6 1 % relative humidity at a temperature of most reproducible test results.

3
 D618 13
13. Report 13.1.4 Actual range of temperature and relative humidity if
the standard tolerances are not used.
13.1 The report of any test referencing this practice shall
state: NOTE 15The abbreviated nomenclature of Sections 8 and 9 should be
used wherever practicable.
13.1.1 Conditioning procedure used,
13.1.2 Conditioning time used, to the nearest 12 h, if not 14. Precision and Bias
specified in the procedure, 14.1 No statements of precision and bias are applicable to
13.1.3 Temperature, to the nearest degree Celsius, and the this practice; these are dependent upon the ASTM test methods
relative humidity, to the nearest percent, of the atmosphere in for the specific properties to be determined.
the vicinity of the specimen during the test, except that where
the test extends longer than 30 min, the actual ranges of 15. Keywords
temperature and relative humidity shall be reported, and 15.1 conditioning; humidity; plastics; temperature

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue, D618 - 08,
that may impact the use of this standard. (June 1, 2013)

(1) Added 9.7, Procedure G, for tropical climates. (2) Made previous Note 11 as mandatory 9.8.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the ASTM website (www.astm.org/
COPYRIGHT/).