This specification focuses on granular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resins that have never been preformed or molded, and are normally processed by methods similar to those used in powder metallurgy or ceramics, or by special extrusion processes. These PTFE resins are homopolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, or, in some cases, modified homopolymers containing not more than one percent by weight of other fluoromonomers. The materials included herein do not include mixtures of PTFE resin with additives such as colorants, fillers or plasticizers; nor do they include reprocessed or reground resin or any fabricated articles. Included are specimen preparation, test methods and requirements for materials, melting characteristics, bulk density, particle size, water content, standard specific gravity, thermal instability index, and mechanical (tensile) properties.

1.1 This specification covers granular resins and test methods for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that have never been preformed or molded and are normally processed by methods similar to those used in powder metallurgy or ceramics, or by special extrusion processes. These PTFE resins are homopolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, or, in some cases, modified homopolymers containing not more than one percent by weight of other fluoromonomers. The usual methods of processing thermoplastics generally are not applicable to these materials because of their viscoelastic properties at processing temperatures. The materials included herein do not include mixtures of PTFE resin with additives such as colorants, fillers or plasticizers; nor do they include reprocessed or reground resin or any fabricated articles. The methods and properties included are those required to identify the various types of resins. Additional procedures are provided in the Appendix for further characterization of the resins.

1.2 The values stated in SI units as detailed in IEEE/ASTM SI-10 are to be regarded as the standard, and the practices of IEEE/ASTM SI-10 are incorporated herein.

1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the Specimen Preparation section, Section 9, and the Test Methods section, Section 10, of this specification: This specification 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. See Notes 3 and 9 for specific cautionary statements.

Note 1: Information in this specification is technically equivalent to related information in ISO 12086-1 and ISO 12086-2.

1.4 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.