Acceptance Testing—The test methods in Specification D3218 for the determination of the properties of polyolefin monofilaments are considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of polyolefin monofilaments, unless specified in the individual test method. These test methods are the best available and are used extensively in the trade.

If there are differences or practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more) comparative test should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, test samples that are as homogeneous as possible, drawn from the material from which the disparate test results were obtained, and randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The test results from the two laboratories should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found either its cause must be found and corrected or future test results for that material must be adjusted in consideration of the known bias.

This specification covers polyolefin monofilament yarn materials, and test methods for standard polyolefin monofilaments. The direct yarn number in tex or in denier, tensile properties in terms of breaking force, breaking tenacity, elongation at break and initial modulus shall be determined from a sample material. The width, thickness, gloss, hot water shrinkage, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, stability to thermal oxidation and cleanliness of the material shall also be analyzed.

1.1 This specification covers polyolefin monofilament yarn materials, and test methods for standard polyolefin monofilaments. While designed primarily for testing standard polyolefin monofilaments, many of the procedures can be used, with little or no modification, for other polyolefin monofilaments. However, testing on non-standard polyolefin monofilaments should be conducted with caution. See 3.1 for a definition of standard polyolefin monofilament.

1.2 Only on condition that interlaboratory precision data are available for the specific procedure is any test method described, or referenced in this specification, recommended for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of polyolefin monofilaments.

1.3 The specification for polyolefin raw materials appears in Section 4.

1.4 The test methods for individual properties appear in the following sections:

Note 1—In most instances, the suitability of these procedures for polymeric yarns in general, and polyolefin monofilaments in particular, is already accepted in commercial transactions (see 6.1).

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard; the values in English units are provided as information only and are not exact equivalents.

1.6 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification: This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.