This test method provides data for quality control and acceptance or rejection under specifications.

Before proceeding with this test method, reference should be made to the ASTM specification of the material being tested. Any test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing parameters, or combination thereof, covered in the materials specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If there are no material specifications, then the default conditions herein apply. Table 1 of Classification System D4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.

1.1 This test method covers certain material specifications for which a history of data has been obtained using the standard microtensile specimen. The specimen geometry has been changed to be equivalent to that of ISO 12086-2:1995. In general, this test method is superseded for general use by either Test Methods D882 or Test Method D638. The very small Type V specimen in Test Method D638 is the recommended specimen when limited amounts of material are available.

1.2 This test method covers the determination of the comparative tensile strength and elongation properties of plastics in the form of standard microtensile test specimens when tested under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, humidity, and testing machine speed. It can be used for specimens of any thickness up to 3.2 mm (¹/₈ in.), including thin films.

1.3 This test method cannot be used for the determination of modulus of elasticity. For the determination of modulus, see Test Method D638 or Test Methods D882.

1.4 Test data obtained by this test method are relevant and appropriate for use in engineering design.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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.

Note 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.