This specification covers the identification of polyethylene plastic pipe and fitting materials. Cell classification of materials shall be according to tests of primary properties like density, melt index, flexural modulus, tensile strength at yield, slow crack growth resistance, and hydrostatic strength classification. Materials shall be manufactured by molding and extrusion of polyethylene plastic in the form of powder, granules, or pellets. Color and ultraviolet stabilizer, thermal stability, brittleness temperature, density, tensile strength at yield, and elongation at break shall conform to this specification.

1.1 This specification covers the identification of polyethylene plastic pipe and fittings materials in accordance with a cell classification system. It is not the function of this specification to provide specific engineering data for design purposes, to specify manufacturing tolerances, or to determine suitability for use for a specific application.

1.1.1 Some plastic pipe and fitting PE compounds classified by this standard are sold as a base material and then combined with other material(s) (for example, color or additive concentrate) by the pipe or fitting manufacturer into a final classified compound either prior to or during production of the final article. This standard, excluding the requirements of Table 1, properties 5 and 6, and 6.1.1, can be used for property verification of the incoming base material(s) in accordance with 8.1.

1.1.2 In the case of PE compounds sold as the compound classified by the standard, see 8.1 regarding property verification of the incoming classified compound.

1.1.3 Compounds with a cell classification value other than ‘0’ for the Hydrostatic Strength Classification (property 6) rely on a defined formulation. The composition of the defined formulation can be obtained from the owner of the formulation.

Note 1: Deviations from the defined formulation may affect the Hydrostatic Strength Classification.

1.2 Polyethylene plastic materials, being thermoplastic, are reprocessable and recyclable (Note 3). This specification allows for the use of those polyethylene materials, provided that all specific requirements of this specification are met.

Note 2: The notes in this specification are for information only and shall not be considered part of this specification.

Note 3: See Guide D5033 for information and definitions related to recycled plastics.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 4: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.

1.5 For information regarding molding and extrusion materials see Specification D4976. For information regarding wire and cable materials see Specification D1248.

1.6 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.