5.1 All materials and products covered by these test methods must withstand tensile forces for adequate performance in certain applications. These test methods allow for the measurement of such tensile properties. However, tensile properties alone may not directly relate to the total end use performance of the product because of the wide range of potential performance requirements in actual use.

5.2 Tensile properties depend both on the material and the conditions of test (extension rate, temperature, humidity, specimen geometry, pretest conditioning, etc.); therefore materials should be compared only when tested under the same conditions.

5.3 Temperature and rate of extension may have substantial effects on tensile properties and therefore should be controlled. These effects will vary depending on the type of material being tested.

5.4 Tensile set represents residual deformation which is partly permanent and partly recoverable after stretching and retraction. For this reason, the periods of extension and recovery (and other conditions of test) must be controlled to obtain comparable results.

1.1 These test methods cover procedures used to evaluate the tensile (tension) properties of vulcanized thermoset rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers. These methods are not applicable to ebonite and similar hard, low elongation materials. The methods appear as follows:

Test Method A—Dumbbell and Straight Section Specimens

Test Method B—Cut Ring Specimens

Note 1: These two different methods do not produce identical results.

1.2 The values stated in either SI or non-SI units shall be regarded separately as normative for this standard. The values in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently, without combining values.

1.3 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.