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Determining The Charpy Impact Resistance of Notched Specimens of Plastics
Determining The Charpy Impact Resistance of Notched Specimens of Plastics
1. Scope* priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 This test method is used to determine the resistance of bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
plastics to breakage by flexural shock as indicated by the NOTE 4—This standard resembles ISO 179 in title only. The content is
energy extracted from standardized (see Note 1) pendulum- significantly different.
type hammers, mounted in standardized machines, in breaking
standard specimens with one pendulum swing. This test 2. Referenced Documents
method requires specimens to be made with a milled notch (see 2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
Note 2). The notch produces a stress concentration which D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
promotes a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. The results of D 647 Practice for Design of Molds for Test Specimens of
this test method are reported in terms of energy absorbed per Plastic Molding Materials3
unit of specimen width (see Note 3). D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D 4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Mate-
NOTE 1—The machines with pendulum-type hammers have been stan-
dardized in that they must comply with certain requirements including a rials
fixed height of hammer fall, which results in a substantially fixed velocity D 4066 Classification System for Nylon Injection and Ex-
of the hammer at the moment of impact. Hammers of different initial trusion Materials (PA)
energies (produced by varying their effective weights), however, are D 5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid
recommended for use with specimens of different impact resistance. Plastics Specimens
Moreover, manufacturers of the equipment are permitted to use different E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
lengths and constructions of pendulums with possible differences in
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
pendulum rigidities resulting (see Section 5). Be aware that other
differences in machine design do exist.
3. Terminology
NOTE 2—The specimens are standardized in that they have a fixed
length and fixed depth, however, the width of the specimens is permitted 3.1 Definitions—For definitions related to plastics, see Ter-
to vary between limits. One design of milled notch is allowed. The notch minology D 883.
in the specimen serves to concentrate the stress, minimize plastic
deformation, and direct the fracture to the part of the specimen behind the 4. Summary of Test Method
notch. Scatter in energy-to-break is thus reduced. Because of differences
4.1 A notched specimen is supported as a horizontal simple
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in the elastic and viscoelastic properties of plastics, however, response to
a given notch varies among materials. beam and is broken by a single swing of the pendulum with the
NOTE 3—Caution must be exercised in interpreting the results of this impact line midway between the supports and directly opposite
test method. The following testing parameters have been shown to affect the notch.
test results significantly: method of specimen fabrication, including but
not limited to processing technology, molding conditions, mold design, 5. Significance and Use
and thermal treatment; method of notching; speed of notching tool; design 5.1 Before proceeding with this test method, refer to the
of notching apparatus; quality of the notch; time between notching and
material specification for the material being tested. Any test
test; test specimen thickness; test specimen width under notch; and
environmental conditioning. specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions and testing
parameters required by the materials specification shall take
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the precedence over those required by this test method. Table 1 of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Classification D 4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved March 15, 2006. Published April 2006. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D 6110 - 05a. Withdrawn.
NOTE 5—The toss energy, or the energy used to throw the free ends of 6. Apparatus
the broken specimen, is suspected to represent a very large fraction of the 6.1 Pendulum Impact Machine—The machine shall consist
total energy absorbed when testing relatively dense and brittle materials. of a massive base on which are mounted a pair of supports for
No procedure has been established for estimating the toss energy for the
Charpy method.
holding the specimen and to which is connected, through a
rigid frame and bearings, one of a number of pendulum-type
5.4 For tough, ductile, fiber-filled, or cloth-laminated mate- hammers having an initial energy suitable for use with the
rials, the fracture propagation energy is usually large compared particular specimen to be tested (or one basic pendulum
to the fracture initiation energy. When testing these materials, designed to accept add-on weights), plus a pendulum holding
energy losses due to fracture propagation, vibration, friction and releasing mechanism and a mechanism for indicating the
between the striking nose and the specimen has the potential to breaking energy of the specimen. The specimen anvil, pendu-
become quite significant, even when the specimen is accurately lum, and frame shall be sufficiently rigid to maintain correct
machined and positioned, and the machine is in good condition alignment of the striking edge and specimen, both at the
with adequate capacity (see Note 6). Significant energy losses moment of impact and during the propagation of the fracture,
due to bending and indentation when testing soft materials and to minimize energy losses due to vibration. The base shall
have also been observed. be sufficiently massive so that the impact will not cause it to
move. The machine shall be designed, constructed, and main-
NOTE 6—Although the frame and the base of the machine must be
sufficiently rigid and massive to handle the energies of tough specimens tained so that energy losses due to pendulum air drag (wind-
without motion or excessive vibration, the pendulum arm cannot be made age), friction in the pendulum bearings, and friction and inertia
very massive because the greater part of its mass must be concentrated in the indicating mechanism are held to a minimum.
near its center of percussion at its striking nose. Locating the striking nose 6.1.1 Pendulum—The simple pendulum shall consist of a
precisely at the center of percussion reduces the vibration of the pendulum single or multi-membered arm with a bearing on one end and
arm when used with brittle specimens. Some losses due to pendulum arm a head, containing the striking nose, on the other. Although a
vibration (the amount varying with the design of the pendulum) will occur
with tough specimens even when the striking nose is properly positioned.
large proportion of the mass of the simple pendulum is
concentrated in the head, the arm must be sufficiently rigid to
5.5 In a well-designed machine of sufficient rigidity and maintain the proper clearances and geometric relationships
mass, the losses due to vibration and friction in the pendulum between the machine parts and the specimen and to minimize
bearing and in the indicating mechanism will be very small. vibrational energy losses, which are always included in the
Vibrational losses are observed when wide specimens of tough measured impact value. A machine with a simple pendulum
materials are tested in machines of insufficient mass, or in design is illustrated in Fig. 1. Instruments with a compound-
machines that are not securely fastened to a heavy base. pendulum design also have been found to be acceptable for
5.6 Since this test method permits a variation in the width of use. A compound-pendulum design is illustrated in Fig. 2.
the specimens and since the width dictates, for many materials, 6.1.1.1 The machine shall be provided with a basic pendu-
whether a brittle, low-energy break (as evidenced by little or no lum capable of delivering an energy of 2.7 6 0.14 J [2.0 6
drawing down or necking and by a relatively low energy 0.10 ft-lbf]. This pendulum shall be used for specimens that
absorption) or a ductile, high-energy break (as evidenced by extract less than 85 % of this energy when breaking a speci-
considerable drawing or necking down in the region behind the men. Heavier pendulums or additional weights designed to
notch and by a relatively high energy absorption) will occur, it attach to the basic pendulum shall be provided for specimens
is necessary that the width be stated in the specification that require more energy to break. A series of pendulums such
covering that material and that the width be stated along with that each has twice the energy of the next lighter one has been
the impact value. found convenient.
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mm in.
A 10.16 6 0.05 0.400 6 0.002
B 63.5 max 2.50 max
61.0 min 2.40 min
C 127.0 max 5.00 max
124.5 min 4.90 min
D 0.25R 6 0.05 0.010R 6 0.002
E 12.70 6 0.15 0.500 6 0.006
FIG. 4 Dimensions of Simple Beam, Charpy Type, Impact Test Specimen
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composite specimens shall be noted in the report of test results. between the anvils. Position the edge of the non-cavity (wider
7.5 Each specimen shall be free of twist and shall be edge) surface centered on the micrometer’s flat circular anvil.
bounded by mutually perpendicular pairs of plane, paralleled 8.3 Cutter Speed and Feed Rate—Select the cutter speed
surfaces and free from scratches, pits, and sink marks. The and feed speed based on the material being tested. The quality
specimens shall be checked for conformity with these require- of the notch will be adversely affected by thermal deformations
ments by visual observation against straight edges, squares or and stresses induced during the cutting operation if proper
flat plates, and by measuring with micrometer calipers. Any conditions are not selected.5 The notching parameters used
specimen showing observable or measurable departure from shall not alter the physical state of the material, such as by
one or more of these requirements shall be rejected or raising the temperature of a thermoplastic above its glass
machined to the proper size and shape before testing. A transition temperature.
specimen that has a slight twist to its notched face of 0.05 mm 8.3.1 In general, high cutter speeds, slow feed rates, and
[0.002 in.] at the point of contact with the pendulum striking lack of coolant induce more thermal damage than a slow cutter
edge will be likely to have a characteristic fracture surface with speed, fast feed speed, and the use of a coolant. Too high a feed
considerable greater fracture area than for a normal break. In speed/cutter speed ratio, however, has been shown to cause
this case, the energy to break and toss the broken section will impacting and cracking of the specimen. The range of cutter
be considerably larger (20 to 30 %) than for a normal break. speed/feed ratios possible to produce acceptable notches has
been shown to be extended by the use of a suitable coolant.
8. Notching Test Specimens 8.3.1.1 For some thermoplastics, suitable notches have been
NOTE 8—When testing a material for the first time, it is necessary to produced using cutter speeds from 54 to 150 m/min and a feed
study the effect of all variations in the notching conditions, including rate of 89 to 160 mm/min without a water coolant. Satisfactory
cutter dimensions, notch depth, cutter speed, and feed rate. To establish notches also have been produced using the same cutter speeds
that the notching parameters are suitable, it is advisable to notch several at feed speeds of from 36 to 160 mm/min with water coolant.
specimens of the material and inspect both the tool entrance and tool exit
side of each notched specimen, in accordance with Appendix X1. Adjust
the notching machine as required. The specimens used to determine
notching conditions shall not be used to make determinations of impact 5
Supporting data is available from ASTM Headquarters. Request Research
resistance. Report RR: D20-1066.
13.2.1 Repeatability—r is the interval representing the criti- would have an approximate 95 % (0.95) probability of being
cal difference between two test results for the same material, correct.
obtained by the same operator using the same equipment on the
13.3 There are no recognized standards by which to esti-
same day in the same laboratory. Two tests results shall be
mate bias of this test method.
judged not equivalent if they differ by more than the r value for
that material.
14. Keywords
13.2.2 Reproducibility—R is the interval representing the
critical difference between two test results for the same 14.1 Charpy impact; impact resistance; notch sensitivity;
material, obtained by different operators using different equip- notched specimen
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WINDAGE AND FRICTION CORRECTION CHART
A2.1 The procedure for the calculation of the windage and EM = full-scale reading for pendulum used, J [ft·lbf],
friction correction in this annex is based on the equations L = distance from fulcrum to center of strike of pen-
developed by derivation in Appendix X3. This procedure is dulum, m [ft],
acceptable as a substitute for the graphical procedure described hM = maximum height of center of strike of pendulum at
in Annex A1 and is applicable to small electronic calculator start of test, m [ft], and
and computer analysis. bmax = maximum angle pendulum will travel with one
swing of the pendulum.
A2.2 Calculate L, the distance from the axis of support to
the center of percussion as indicated in 6.3. It is assumed here A2.7 Measure specimen breaking energy, ES, J [ft·lbf].
that the center of percussion is approximately the same as the
A2.8 Calculate b for specimen measurement Es as:
center of strike.
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b 5 cos–1 $1 – [~hM/L!~1 – ES/EM!#% (A2.2)
A2.3 Measure the maximum height, hM, of the center of
percussion (center of strike) of the pendulum at the start of the where:
test as indicated in X2.11. b = angle pendulum travels for a given specimen, and
ES = dial reading breaking energy for a specimen, J [ft·lbf].
A2.4 Measure and record the energy correction, EA, for
windage of the pendulum plus friction in the dial, as deter- A2.9 Calculate total correction energy, ETC as:
mined with the first swing of the pendulum with no specimen ETC 5 ~EA – ~EB/2!!~b/bmax! 1 ~EB/2! (A2.3)
in the testing device. This correction must be read on the
energy scale, EM, appropriate for the pendulum used. where:
ETC = total correction energy for the breaking energy, Es,
A2.5 Without resetting the position of the indicator ob- of a specimen, J [ft·lbf], and
tained in A2.4, measure the energy correction, EB, for pendu- EB = energy correction for windage of the pendulum, J
lum windage after two additional releases of the pendulum [ft·lbf].
with no specimen in the testing device. A2.10 Calculate the impact resistance using the following
A2.6 Calculate bmax as follows: formula:
Is 5 ~Es – ETC!/t (A2.4)
bmax 5 cos–1 $1 – [~hM/L!~1 – EA/EM!#% (A2.1)
where:
where: Is = impact resistance of specimen, J/m [ft·lbf/in.] of width,
EA = energy correction for windage of pendulum plus
and
friction in dial, J [ft·lbf], t = width of specimen or width of notch, m [in.]
(Nonmandatory Information)
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X1.2 Apparatus:
X1.2.1 Optical Device, with minimum magnification of
603, Filar glass scale and camera attachment.
X1.2.2 Transparent Template, that will be developed in this
procedure.
X1.2.3 Ruler.
X1.2.4 Compass.
X1.2.5 Plastic Drafting Set Squares (Triangles),
45–45–90°.
X1.3 A transparent template must be developed for each
magnification and for each microscope used. It is preferable
that each laboratory standardize on one microscope and one
magnification. It is not necessary for each laboratory to use the
same magnification because each microscope and camera
combination have somewhat different blowup ratios.
X1.3.1 Set the magnification of the optical device at a
suitable magnification with a minimum magnification of 603.
X1.3.2 Place the Filar glass slide on the microscope plat-
form. Focus the microscope so the most distinct of the Filar
scale is visible.
X1.3.3 Take a photograph of the Filar scale (see
Fig. X1.1).
X1.3.4 Create a template similar to that shown in
Fig. X1.2.
X1.3.4.1 Find the approximate center of the piece of paper.
X1.3.4.2 Draw a set of perpendicular coordinates through
the center point.
X1.3.4.3 Draw a family of concentric circles that are spaced
in accordance with the dimensions of the Filar scale. This task
is accomplished by first setting a mechanical compass at a
distance of 0.1 mm [0.004 in.] as referenced by the magnified
photograph of the Filar eyepiece. Subsequent circles shall be NOTE 1—1003 Reference
spaced 0.02 mm apart [0.001 in.], as rings, with the outer ring NOTE 2—0.1 mm major scale; 0.01 mm minor scale
FIG. X1.1 Filar Scale
being 0.4 mm [0.016 in.] from the center.
X1.3.5 Photocopy the paper with the concentric circles to
make a transparent template of the concentric circles. platform. Place the notched specimen on top of the slide. Focus
X1.3.6 Construct Fig. X1.3 by taking a second piece of the microscope. Move the specimen around using the platform
paper, finding its approximate center, and marking this point. adjusting knobs until the specimen’s notch is centered and near
Draw one line through this center point. Label this line zero the bottom of the viewing area. Take a picture of the notch.
degree (0°). Draw a second line perpendicular to the first line
through this center point. Label this line 90°. From the center X1.4.1 Determination of Notching Radius (Fig. X1.4):
draw a line that is 44° relative to the 0°. Label the line 44°. X1.4.1.1 Place the picture on a sheet of paper. Position the
Draw another line at 46°. Label the line 46°. picture so that bottom of the notch in the picture faces
downwards and is about 64 mm [2.5 in.] from the bottom of the
X1.4 Place a microscope glass slide on the microscope paper. Tape the picture down to the paper.
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NOTE 1—Magnification = 1003
FIG. X1.2 Example of Transparent Template for Determining Radius of Notch
X1.4.1.2 Draw two lines along the sides of the notch X1.4.1.7 Examine the notch to ensure that there are no flat
projecting down to a point where they intersect below the notch spots along the measured radius.
Point I (see Fig. X1.4B). X1.4.2 Determination of Notch Angle—Place transparent
X1.4.1.3 Open the compass to about 51 mm [2 in.]. Using template for determining notch angle (Fig. X1.3) on top of the
Point I as a reference, draw two arcs intersecting both sides of photograph attached to the sheet of paper. Rotate the picture so
the notch (see Fig. X1.4C). These intersections are called 1a that the notch tip is pointed towards you. Position the center
and 1b. point of the template on top of the Point I established in 0° axis
X1.4.1.4 Close the compass to about 38 mm [1.5 in.]. Using of the template with the right side straight portion of the notch.
Point 1a as the reference point, draw an arc (2a) above the Check the left side straight portion of the notch to ensure that
notch, draw a second arc (2b) that intersects with arc 2a at this portion falls between the 44° and 46° lines. If not, replace
Point J. Draw a line between I and J. This establishes the the blade.
centerline of the notch (see Fig. X1.4D)
X1.4.1.5 Place the transparent template on top of the picture X1.5 A picture of a notch shall be taken at least every 500
and align the center of the concentric circles with the drawn notches or if a control sample gives a value outside its 3-sigma
centerline of the notch (see Fig. X1.4E). limits for that test.
X1.4.1.6 Slide the template down the centerline of the notch
until one concentric circle touches both sides of the notch. X1.6 If the notch in the control specimen is not within the
Record the radius of the notch and compare it against the limits requirements, take a picture of the notching blade and analyze
of 0.2 to 0.3 mm [0.008 to 0.012 in.]. it by the same procedure used for the specimen notch. If the
notching blade does not meet ASTM requirements or shows the correct notch in the specimen, it will be necessary to
damage, it shall be replaced with a new blade which has been evaluate other conditions (cutter and feed speeds) to obtain the
checked for proper dimensions. correct notch dimension for that material.
X1.7 If a cutter has the correct dimensions, but does not cut
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X2. CALIBRATION OF PENDULUM-TYPE HAMMER IMPACT MACHINES FOR USE WITH PLASTIC SPECIMENS
X2.1 This calibration procedure applies specifically to the a mass of at least 23 kg if it is used at capacities higher than 2.7
Charpy impact machine. J [2 ft·lbf].
X2.2 Locate the impact machine on a sturdy base. It shall X2.3 Check the level of the machine in both directions on
not walk on the base and the base shall not vibrate appreciably. the plane of the base with spirit levels mounted in the base, by
Loss of energy from vibrations will give high readings. It is a machinist’s level if a satisfactory reference surface is
recommended that the impact tester be bolted to a base having available, or with a plumb bob. Level the machine to within
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or the bearings are dirty. To clean the bearings, dip them in
contact with the specimen, a thin line of oil, ink, or dye will be
grease solvent and spin dry in an air jet. Clean the bearings
transferred across the entire width of the bar.
until they spin freely or replace them. Oil very lightly with
X2.8 When the pendulum is hanging free in its lowest instrument oil before replacing. A reproducible method of
position, the energy reading must be within 0.2 % of full scale. starting the pendulum from the proper height must be devised.
X2.9 Swing the pendulum to a horizontal position, and X2.14 The shaft about which the pendulum rotates shall
support it by the striking edge in this position with a vertical have no detectable radial play, less than 0.05 mm [0.002 in.].
bar. Allow the other end of this bar to rest at the center of a load An end play of 0.25 mm [0.010 in.] is permissible when a
pan on a balanced scale. Subtract the weight of the bar from the 9.8-N [2.2-lbf] axial force is applied in alternate directions.
total weight to find the effective weight of the pendulum. The
X2.15 The machine shall not be used to indicate more than
effective pendulum weight shall be within 0.4 % of the
85 % of the energy capacity of the pendulum. Extra weight
required weight for that pendulum capacity. If weight must be
added to the pendulum will increase available energy of the
added or removed, take care to balance the added or removed
machine. This weight must be added so as to maintain the
weight without affecting the center of percussion relative to the
center of percussion within the tolerance stated in 6.1.2.
striking edge. It is not advisable to add weight to the opposite
Correct effective weight for any range is calculated as follows:
side of the bearing axis from the striking edge to decrease the
effective weight of the pendulum since the distributed mass has W 5 Ep / h (X2.1)
the potential to result in large energy losses from vibration of where:
the pendulum. W = the effective pendulum weight, N [lbf] (see X2.9),
X2.10 Calculate the effective length of the pendulum arm Ep = potential or available energy of the machine, J [ft 3
or the distance to the center of percussion from the axis of lbf], and
h = the vertical distance of fall of the pendulum striking
rotation by the procedure in 6.1.2. The effective length must be
edge, m [ft] (see X2.11).
within the tolerance stated in 6.1.1.2.
Each 4.5 N [1 lbf] of added effective weight increases the
X2.11 Determine the vertical distance of fall of the pendu- capacity of the machine by 2.7 J [2 ft 3 lbf].
lum striking edge from its latched height to its lowest point. NOTE X2.1—If the pendulum is designed for use with add-on weight, it
This distance shall be 610 6 2 mm. This measurement is made is recommended that they be obtained through the equipment
with a half-width specimen positioned on the anvils. Place a manufacturer.
X4.1 Joules per metre cannot be converted directly into 1ft·lbf/in. = (39.37)(1.356) J/m
kilojoules per square metre. 1ft·lbf/in. = 53.4 J/m
1ft·lbf/in. = 0.0534 kJ/m
NOTE X4.1—If the optional units of kJ/m2 [ft·lbf/in.2] are required the
cross-sectional area under the notch must be reported. 1ft·lbf/1550 in.2 = 1.356 J/m2
1ft·lbf/in.2 = (1550)(1.356) J/m2
1ft·lbf/in.2 = 2101 J/m2
X4.2 The following examples are approximations: 1ft·lbf/in.2 = 2.1 kJ/m2
1ft·lbf/39.37 in. = 1.356 J/m
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue,
D 6110 - 05a, that may impact the use of this standard. (March 15, 2006)
Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue, D 6110 - 05,
that may impact the use of this standard. (November 1, 2005)
(1) Revised 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 6.1, 6.1.5, and 10.3.5. (2) Editorially corrected Fig. 4.
Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue, D 6110 - 04,
that may impact the use of this standard. (July 1, 2005)
(1) Removed further permissive language. (3) Revised figures in Appendix X1.
(2) Revised X2.7.
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