This classification system covers both developing property designations and specifications for thermoplastic compositions consisting of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) polymers modified with other fluoromonomers and property-enhancing additives. Four property codes are presented: code 1 - melt temperature, code 2 - melt-flow rate or melt viscosity, or both, code 3 - tensile strength and modulus, and code 5 - density. The melt temperatures, melt-flow rate, melt viscosity, tensile properties, specific gravity, volume resistivity, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, and limiting oxygen index shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.

1.1 This classification system covers both developing property designations and specifications for thermoplastic compositions consisting of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) polymers modified with other fluoromonomers and property-enhancing additives. The other fluoromonomers include one or more of the following: hexafluoropropylene (HFP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), and chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE). The additives are those that improve its flame resistance, processing, or physical properties. However, these additives are not normally considered to be reinforcing. This classification system covers thermoplastic compositions supplied in pellet or powder forms.

1.2 A designation or specification applies only to the virgin polymers prepared from vinylidene fluoride (>50 weight %) with one or more of the following comonomers: hexafluoropropylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and chlorotrifluoroethylene. Some polymers contain additives to enhance certain properties.

1.3 This system constitutes a line callout as a means of designating and specifying properties of VDF-based copolymers. At least four of the designated properties are used to define a polymer's specification. Specification criteria from international documents can be used if their criteria match designation properties currently used by this classification system.² This classification system is not intended for the selection of materials.

1.4 The manufacturer of the virgin resin shall establish the designation of a resin based on the property value criteria in this classification system.

1.5 The minimum specification properties are established by this classification system. Additional specification properties, based on the designation properties cited, can be established by the resin supplier and customer.

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

1.7 The property tests are intended to provide information for specifications of modified VDF-copolymer compositions. It is not the purpose of this classification system to provide engineering data for design purposes.

1.8 Test methods used in this classification system can result in the incidental production of hazardous materials. Modified VDF polymer fluoroplastics melt between 90 and 182°C (194 and 359°F) and are thermally stable up to about 350°C (662°F), or somewhat higher, depending on the composition. (Warning— Evolution of corrosive, colorless, and toxic hydrogen fluoride can occur under certain conditions.)

1.9 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. See Warning in 1.8 and Section 10 for specific hazards statements.