1.1 This terminology covers definitions of technical terms used in the plastics industry. Terms that are generally understood or adequately defined in other readily available sources are not included.

1.2 When a term is used in an ASTM document for which Committee D20 is responsible it is included only when judged, after review, by Subcommittee D20.92 to be a generally usable term.

1.3 Definitions that are identical to those published by another standards body are identified with the abbreviation of the name of the organization; for example, IUPAC is the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

1.4 A definition is a descriptive phrase or a single sentence with additional information included in discussion notes.

1.5 For literature related to plastics terminology, see Appendix X1.

1.6 Subsections 1.6.1 – 1.6.5 contain references to specific terminology standards that are relevant to specific plastic products or applications. In case of conflict between a definition contained in Terminology D883 and one contained in another standard, the definition given in Terminology D883 shall prevail.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.