1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of tensile
properties of plastics in the form of thin sheeting, including
film （less than 1.0 mm （0.04 in.） in thickness）.
NOTE 1—Film has been arbitrarily defined as sheeting having nominal
thickness not greater than 0.25 mm （0.010 in.）.
NOTE 2—Tensile properties of plastics 1.0 mm （0.04 in.） or greater in
thickness shall be determined according to Test Method D 638.
1.2 This test method may be used to test all plastics within
the thickness range described and the capacity of the machine
employed.
1.2.1 Static Weighing, Constant-Rate-of-Grip Separation
Test—This test method employs a constant rate of separation of
the grips holding the ends of the test specimen.
1.3 Specimen extension may be measured in these test
methods by grip separation, extension indicators, or displacement
of gage marks.
1.4 A procedure for determining the tensile modulus of
elasticity is included at one strain rate.
NOTE 3—The modulus determination is generally based on the use of
grip separation as a measure of extension; however, the desirability of
using extensometers, as described in 5.2, is recognized and provision for
the use of such instrumentation is incorporated in the procedure.
1.5 Test data obtained by this test method is relevant and
appropriate for use in engineering design.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information
only.
1.7 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 4—This test method is similar to ISO 527-3, but is not considered
technically equivalent. ISO 527-3 allows for additional specimen configurations,
specifies different test speeds, and requires an extensometer or
gage marks on the specimen.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D 4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D 5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid
Plastics Specimens
D 6287 Practice for Cutting Film and Sheeting Test Specimens
E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 527-3 Plastics—Determination of Tensile Properties—
Part 3: Test Conditions for Films and Sheets3
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms and symbols relating
to tension testing of plastics appear in the Annex to Test
Method D 638.
3.1.1 line grips—grips having faces designed to concentrate
the entire gripping force along a single line perpendicular to the
direction of testing stress. This is usually done by combining
one standard flat face and an opposing face from which
protrudes a half-round.
3.1.2 tear failure—a tensile failure characterized by fracture
initiating at one edge of the specimen and progressing across
the specimen at a rate slow enough to produce an anomalous
load-deformation curve.
1 These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film and
Sheeting.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2009. Published January 2009. Originally
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 882 - 02.
2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, , or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3 Available from American National Standards Institute （ANSI）, 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, .
1
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Tensile properties determined by this test method are of
value for the identification and characterization of materials for
control and specification purposes. Tensile properties may vary
with specimen thickness, method of preparation, speed of
testing, type of grips used, and manner of measuring extension.
Consequently, where precise comparative results are desired,
these factors must be carefully controlled. This test method
shall be used for referee purposes, unless otherwise indicated
in particular material specifications. For many materials, there
may be a specification that requires the use of this test method,
but with some procedural modifications that take precedence
when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to
refer to that material specification before using this test
method. Table 1 in Classification D 4000 lists the ASTM
materials standards that currently exist.
4.2 Tensile properties may be utilized to provide data for
research and development and engineering design as well as
quality control and specification. However, data from such
tests cannot be considered significant for applications differing
widely from the load-time scale of the test employed.
4.3 The tensile modulus of elasticity is an index of the
stiffness of thin plastic sheeting. The reproducibility of test
results is good when precise control is maintained over all test
conditions. When different materials are being compared for
stiffness, specimens of identical dimensions must be employed.
4.4 The tensile energy to break （TEB） is the total energy
absorbed per unit volume of the specimen up to the point of
rupture. In some texts this property has been referred to as
toughness. It is used to evaluate materials that may be
subjected to heavy abuse or that might stall web transport
equipment in the event of a machine malfunction in end-use
applications. However, the rate of strain, specimen parameters,
and especially flaws may cause large variations in the results.
In that sense, caution is advised in utilizing TEB test results for
end-use design applications.
4.5 Materials that fail by tearing give anomalous data which
cannot be compared with those from normal failure.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Testing Machine—A testing machine of the constant
rate-of-crosshead-movement type and comprising essentially
the following:
5.1.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary
member carrying one grip.
5.1.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a
second grip.
5.1.3 Grips—A set of grips for holding the test specimen
between the fixed member and the movable member of the
testing machine; grips can be either the fixed or self-aligning
type. In either case, the gripping system must minimize both
slippage and uneven stress distribution.
5.1.3.1 Fixed grips are rigidly attached to the fixed and
movable members of the testing machine. When this type of
grip is used, care must be taken to ensure that the test specimen
is inserted and clamped so that the long axis of the test
specimen coincides with the direction of pull through the
center line of the grip assembly.
5.1.3.2 Self-aligning grips are attached to the fixed and
movable members of the testing machine in such a manner that
they will move freely into alignment as soon as a load is
applied so that the long axis of the test specimen will coincide
with the direction of the applied pull through the center line of
the grip assembly. The specimens should be aligned as perfectly
as possible with the direction of pull so that no rotary
motion that may induce slippage will occur in the grips; there
is a limit to the amount of misalignment self-aligning grips will
accommodate.
5.1.3.3 The test specimen shall be held in such a way that
slippage relative to the grips is prevented insofar as possible.
Grips lined with thin rubber, crocus-cloth, or pressure-sensitive
tape as well as file-faced or serrated grips have been successfully
used for many materials. The choice of grip surface will
depend on the material tested, thickness, etc. Line grips padded
on the round face with 1.0 mm （40 mil） blotting paper or filter
paper have been found superior. Air-actuated grips have been
found advantageous, particularly in the case of materials that
tend to “neck” into the grips, since pressure is maintained at all
times. In cases where samples frequently fail at the edge of the
grips, it may be advantageous to increase slightly the radius of
curvature of the edges where the grips come in contact with the
test area of the specimen.
5.1.4 Drive Mechanism—A drive mechanism for imparting
to the movable member a uniform, controlled velocity with
respect to the stationary member. The velocity shall be regulated
as specified in Section 9.
5.1.5 Load Indicator—A suitable load-indicating mechanism
capable of showing the total tensile load carried by the
test specimen held by the grips. This mechanism shall be
essentially free of inertial lag at the specified rate of testing （see
Note 5）. Unless a suitable extensometer is used （see 5.2）, the
motion of the weighing system shall not exceed 2 % of the
specimen extension within the range being measured. The load
indicator shall determine the tensile load applied to the
specimen with an accuracy of 61 % of the indicated value, or
better. The accuracy of the testing machine shall be verified in
accordance with Practices E 4.
5.1.6 Crosshead Extension Indicator—Asuitable extensionindicating
mechanism capable of showing the amount of
change in the separation of the grips, that is, crosshead
movement. This mechanism shall be essentially free of inertial
lag at the specified rate of testing （see Note 5） and shall
indicate the crosshead movement with an accuracy of 61 % of
the indicated value, or better.
5.2 Extensometer （Optional）—Asuitable instrument may, if
desired, be used for determining the distance between two
designated points on the test specimen as the specimen is
stretched. This apparatus, if employed, shall be so designed as
to minimize stress on the specimen at the contact points of the
specimen and the instrument （see 8.3）. It is desirable that this
instrument automatically record the distance, or any change in
it, as a function of the load on the test specimen or of the
elapsed time from the start of the test, or both. If only the latter
is obtained, load-time data must also be taken. This instrument
must be essentially free of inertial lag at the specified speed of
testing （see Note 5）.
D 882 – 09
2
5.2.1 Modulus of Elasticity and Low-Extension
Measurements—Extensometers used for modulus of elasticity
and low-extension （less than 20 % elongation） measurements
shall, at a minimum, be accurate to 61 % and comply with the
requirements set forth in Practice E 83 for a Class C instrument.
5.2.2 High-Extension Measurements—Instrumentation and
measuring techniques used for high-extension （20 % elongation
or greater） measurements shall be accurate to 610 % of
the indicated value, or better.
NOTE 5—A sufficiently high response speed in the indicating and
recording system for the load and extension data is essential. The response
speed required of the system will depend in part on the material tested
（high or low elongation） and the rate of straining.
5.3 Thickness Gage—A dead-weight dial micrometer as
prescribed in Method C of Test Methods D 5947, or an
equivalent measuring device, reading to 0.0025 mm （0.0001
in.） or less.
5.4 Width-Measuring Devices—Suitable test scales or other
width measuring devices capable of measuring 0.25 mm （0.010
in.） or less.
5.5 Specimen Cutter—For the apparatus and techniques for
cutting film and sheeting used in this test method, refer to
Practice D 6287.
5.5.1 Devices that use razor blades have proven especially
suitable for materials having an elongation-at-fracture above
10 to 20 %.
5.5.2 The use of punch press or striking dies are not
recommended because poor and inconsistent specimen edges
may be produced.
6. Test Specimens
6.1 The test specimens shall consist of strips of uniform
width and thickness at least 50 mm （2 in.） longer than the grip
separation used.
6.2 The nominal width of the specimens shall be not less
than 5.0 mm （0.20 in.） or greater than 25.4 mm （1.0 in.）.
6.3 A width-thickness ratio of at least eight shall be used.
Narrow specimens magnify effects of edge strains or flaws, or
both.
6.4 The utmost care shall be exercised in cutting specimens
to prevent nicks and tears which are likely to cause premature
failures （Note 6）. The edges shall be parallel to within 5 % of
the width over the length of the specimen between the grips.
NOTE 6—Microscopical examination of specimens may be used to
detect flaws due to sample or specimen preparation.
6.5 Wherever possible, the test specimens shall be selected
so that thickness is uniform to within 10 % of the thickness
over the length of the specimen between the grips in the case
of materials 0.25 mm （0.010 in.） or less in thickness and to
within 5 % in the case of materials greater than 0.25 mm （0.010
in.） in thickness but less than 1.00 mm （0.040 in.） in thickness.
NOTE 7—In cases where thickness variations are in excess of those
recommended in 6.5, results may not be characteristic of the material
under test.
6.6 If the material is suspected of being anisotropic, two sets
of test specimens shall be prepared having their long axes
respectively parallel with and normal to the suspected direction
of anisotropy.
6.7 For tensile modulus of elasticity determinations, a
specimen gage length of 250 mm （10 in.） shall be considered
as standard. This length is used in order to minimize the effects
of grip slippage on test results. When this length is not feasible,
test sections as short as 100 mm （4 in.） may be used if it has
been shown that results are not appreciably affected. However,
the 250-mm gage length shall be used for referee purposes. The
speed of testing of shorter specimens must be adjusted in order
for the strain rate to be equivalent to that of the standard
specimen.
NOTE 8—Two round robin tests4 have shown that, for materials of less
than 0.25-mm （10-mil） thickness, line grips padded on the round side with
1.0-mm （40-mil） blotting paper give the same results with a 100-mm test
section as a 250-mm test section produces with flat-face grips.
NOTE 9—Excessive jaw slippage becomes increasingly difficult to
overcome in cases where high modulus materials are tested in thicknesses
greater than 0.25 mm （0.010 in.）.
7. Conditioning
7.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6
2°C （73.4 6 3.6°F） and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not
less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of
Practice D 618 unless otherwise specified by agreement or the
relevant ASTM material specification. In cases of disagreement,
the tolerances shall be 61°C （61.8°F） and 65 %
relative humidity.
7.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at 23 6 2°C （73.4 6
3.6°F） and 50 6 10 % relative humidity unless otherwise
specified by agreement or the relevant ASTM material specification.
In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C
（61.8°F） and 65 % relative humidity.
8. Number of Test Specimens
8.1 In the case of isotropic materials, at least five specimens
shall be tested from each sample.
8.2 In the case of anisotropic materials, at least ten specimens,
five normal and five parallel with the principal axis of
anisotropy, shall be tested from each sample.
8.3 Specimens that fail at some obvious flaw or that fail
outside the gage length shall be discarded and retests made,
unless such flaws or conditions constitute a variable whose
effect is being studied. However, jaw breaks （failures at the
grip contact point） are acceptable if it has been shown that
results from such tests are in essential agreement with values
obtained from breaks occurring within the gage length.
NOTE 10—In the case of some materials, examination of specimens,
prior to and following testing, under crossed optical polarizers （polarizing
films） provides a useful means of detecting flaws which may be, or are,
responsible for premature failure.
4 Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR: D20-
1058.
D 882 – 09
3
9. Speed of Testing
9.1 The speed of testing is the rate of separation of the two
members （or grips） of the testing machine when running idle
（under no load）. This rate of separation shall be maintained
within 5 % of the no-load value when running under fullcapacity
load.
9.2 The speed of testing shall be calculated from the
required initial strain rate as specified in Table 1. The rate of
grip separation may be determined for the purpose of these test
methods from the initial strain rate as follows:
A 5 BC （1）
where:
A = rate of grip separation, mm （or in.）/min,
B = initial distance between grips, mm （or in.）, and
C = initial strain rate, mm/mm·min （or in./in.·min）.
9.3 The initial strain rate shall be as in Table 1 unless
otherwise indicated by the specification for the material being
tested.
NOTE 11—Results obtained at different initial strain rates are not
comparable; consequently, where direct comparisons between materials in
various elongation classes are required, a single initial strain rate should
be used. For some materials it may be advisable to select the strain rates
on the basis of percent elongation at yield.
9.4 In cases where conflicting material classification, as
determined by percent elongation at break values, results in a
choice of strain rates, the lower rate shall be used.
9.5 If modulus values are being determined, separate specimens
shall be used whenever strain rates and specimen
dimensions are not the same as those employed in the test for
other tensile properties.
10. Procedure
10.1 Select a load range such that specimen failure occurs
within its upper two thirds. A few trial runs may be necessary
to select a proper combination of load range and specimen
width.
10.2 Measure the cross-sectional area of the specimen at
several points along its length. Measure the width to an
accuracy of 0.25 mm （0.010 in.） or better. Measure the
thickness to an accuracy of 0.0025 mm （0.0001 in.） or better
for films less than 0.25 mm （0.010 in.） in thickness and to an
accuracy of 1 % or better for films greater than 0.25 mm （0.010
in.） but less than 1.0 mm （0.040 in.） in thickness.
10.3 Set the initial grip separation in accordance with Table
1.
10.4 Set the rate of grip separation to give the desired strain
rate, based on the initial distance between the grips, in
accordance with Table 1. Zero the calibrated load weighing
system, extension indicator（s） and recording system.
NOTE 12—Extensometers may be used for modulus of elasticity determinations
with the expectation of obtaining more accurate values than
may be obtained using grip separation as the effective gage length.
Precautions should be taken to ensure that extensometer slippage and
undue stressing of the specimen do not occur. Refer also to 6.7.
10.5 In cases where it is desired to measure a test section
other than the total length between the grips, mark the ends of
the desired test section with a soft, fine wax crayon or with ink.
Do not scratch these marks onto the surface since such
scratches may act as stress raisers and cause premature
specimen failure. Extensometers may be used if available; in
this case, the test section will be defined by the contact points
of the extensometer.
NOTE 13—Measurement of a specific test section is necessary with
some materials having high elongation. As the specimen elongates, the
accompanying reduction in area results in a loosening of material at the
inside edge of the grips. This reduction and loosening moves back into the
grips as further elongation and reduction in area takes place. In effect, this
causes problems similar to grip slippage, that is, exaggerates measured
extension.
10.6 Place the test specimen in the grips of the testing
machine, taking care to align the long axis of the specimen
with an imaginary line joining the points of attachment of the
grips to the machine. Tighten the grips evenly and firmly to the
degree necessary to minimize slipping of the specimen during
test.
10.7 Start the machine and record load versus extension.
10.7.1 When the total length between the grips is used as the
test area, record load versus grip separation.
10.7.2 When a specific test area has been marked on the
specimen, follow the displacement of the edge boundary lines
with respect to each other with dividers or some other suitable
device. If a load-extension curve is desired, plot various
extensions versus corresponding loads sustained, as measured
by the load indicator.
10.7.3 When an extensometer is used, record load versus
extension of the test area measured by the extensometer.
10.8 If modulus values are being determined, select a load
range and chart rate to produce a load-extension curve of
between 30 and 60° to the X axis. For maximum accuracy, use
the most sensitive load scale for which this condition can be
met. The test may be discontinued when the load-extension
curve deviates from linearity.
10.9 In the case of materials being evaluated for secant
modulus, the test may be discontinued when the specified
extension has been reached.
TABLE 1 Crosshead Speeds and Initial Grip Separation
Percent Elongation
at Break
Initial Strain Rate,
mm/mm·min
（in./in.·min）
Initial Grip Separation Rate of Grip Separation
mm in. mm/min in./min
Modulus of Elasticity Determination
0.1 250 10 25 1.0
Determinations other than Elastic Modulus
Less than 20 0.1 125 5 12.5 0.5
20 to 100 0.5 100 4 50 2.0
Greater than 100 10.0 50 2 500 20.0
D 882 – 09
4
10.10 If tensile energy to break is being determined, some
provision must be made for integration of the stress-strain
curve. This may be either an electronic integration during the
test or a subsequent determination from the area of the finished
stress-strain curve （see Annex A2）.
11. Calculation
11.1 Toe compensation shall be made in accordance with
Annex A1 unless it can be shown that the toe region of the
curve is not due to the takeup of slack, seating of the specimen,
or other artifact, but rather is an authentic material response.
11.2 Breaking Factor （nominal） shall be calculated by dividing
the maximum load by the original minimum width of
the specimen. The result shall be expressed in force per unit of
width, usually newtons per metre （or pounds per inch） of
width, and reported to three significant figures. The thickness
of the film shall always be stated to the nearest 0.0025 mm
（0.0001 in.）.
Example—Breaking Factor = 1.75 kN/m （10.0 lbf/in.） of
width for 0.1300-mm （0.0051-in.） thickness.
NOTE 14—This method of reporting is useful for very thin films （0.13
mm （0.005 in.） and less） for which breaking load may not be proportional
to cross-sectional area and whose thickness may be difficult to determine
with precision. Furthermore, films which are in effect laminar due to
orientation, skin effects, nonuniform crystallinity, etc., have tensile properties
disproportionate to cross-sectional area.
11.3 Tensile Strength （nominal） shall be calculated by dividing
the maximum load by the original minimum crosssectional
area of the specimen. The result shall be expressed in
force per unit area, usually megapascals （or pounds-force per
square inch）. This value shall be reported to three significant
figures.
NOTE 15—When tear failure occurs, so indicate and calculate results
based on load and elongation at which tear initiates, as reflected in the
load-deformation curve.
11.4 Tensile Strength at Break （nominal） shall be calculated
in the same way as the tensile strength except that the load at
break shall be used in place of the maximum load （Note 15 and
Note 16）.
NOTE 16—In many cases tensile strength and tensile strength at break
are identical.
11.5 Percent Elongation at Break shall be calculated by
dividing the extension at the moment of rupture of the
specimen by the initial gage length of the specimen and
multiplying by 100. When gage marks or extensometers are
used to define a specific test section, only this length shall be
used in the calculation; otherwise the distance between the
grips shall be used. The result shall be expressed in percent and
reported to two significant figures （Note 15）.
11.6 Yield Strength, where applicable, shall be calculated by
dividing the load at the yield point by the original minimum
cross-sectional area of the specimen. The result shall be
expressed in force per unit area, usually megapascals （or
pounds-force per square inch）. This value shall be reported to
three significant figures. Alternatively, for materials that exhibit
Hookean behavior in the initial part of the curve, an offset yield
strength may be obtained as described in the Appendix of Test
Method D 638. In this case the value should be given as “yield
strength at —% offset.”
11.7 Percent Elongation at Yield, where applicable, shall be
calculated by dividing the extension at the yield point by the
initial gage length of specimen and multiplying by 100. When
gage marks or extensometers are used to define a specific test
section, only this length shall be used in the calculation. Before
calculating, correct the extension for “toe compensation” as
described in Annex A1. The results shall be expressed in
percent and reported to two significant figures. When offset
yield strength is used, the elongation at the offset yield strength
may be calculated.
11.8 Elastic Modulus shall be calculated by drawing a
tangent to the initial linear portion of the load-extension curve,
selecting any point on this tangent, and dividing the tensile
stress by the corresponding strain. Before calculating, correct
the extension for “toe compensation” as described in Annex
A1. For purposes of this determination, the tensile stress shall
be calculated by dividing the load by the average original cross
section of the test section. The result shall be expressed in force
per unit area, usually megapascals （or pounds-force per square
inch）, and reported to three significant figures.
11.9 Secant Modulus, at a designated strain, shall be calculated
by dividing the corresponding stress （nominal） by the
designated strain. Elastic modulus values are preferable and
shall be calculated whenever possible. However, for materials
where no proportionality is evident, the secant value shall be
calculated. Draw the tangent as directed in A1.3 and Fig. A1.2
of Annex A1, and mark off the designated strain from the yield
point where the tangent line goes through zero stress. The
stress to be used in the calculation is then determined by
dividing the load at the designated strain on the load-extension
curve by the original average cross-sectional area of the
specimen.
11.10 Tensile Energy to Break, where applicable, shall be
calculated by integrating the energy per unit volume under the
stress-strain curve or by integrating the total energy absorbed
and dividing it by the volume of the original gage region of the
specimen. As indicated in Annex A2, this may be done directly
during the test by an electronic integrator, or subsequently by
computation from the area of the plotted curve. The result shall
be expressed in energy per unit volume, usually in megajoules
per cubic metre （or inch-pounds-force per cubic inch）. This
value shall be reported to two significant figures.
11.11 For each series of tests, the arithmetic mean of all
values obtained shall be calculated to the proper number of
significant figures.
11.12 The standard deviation （estimated） shall be calculated
as follows and reported to two significant figures:
s 5=~（X2 2 n X¯ 2!/~n 2 1! （2）
where:
s = estimated standard deviation,
X = value of a single observation,
n = number of observations, and
X¯
= arithmetic mean of the set of observations.
12. Report
12.1 Report the following information:
D 882 – 09
5
12.1.1 Complete identification of the material tested, including
type, source, manufacturer’s code number, form, principal
dimensions, previous history, and orientation of samples with
respect to anisotropy （if any）,
12.1.2 Method of preparing test specimens,
12.1.3 Thickness, width, and length of test specimens,
12.1.4 Number of specimens tested,
12.1.5 Strain rate employed,
12.1.6 Grip separation （initial）,
12.1.7 Crosshead speed （rate of grip separation）,
12.1.8 Gage length （if different from grip separation）,
12.1.9 Type of grips used, including facing （if any）,
12.1.10 Conditioning procedure （test conditions, temperature,
and relative humidity if nonstandard）,
12.1.11 Anomalous behavior such as tear failure and failure
at a grip,
12.1.12 Average breaking factor and standard deviation,
12.1.13 Average tensile strength （nominal） and standard
deviation,
12.1.14 Average tensile strength at break （nominal） and
standard deviation,
12.1.15 Average percent elongation at break and standard
deviation,
12.1.16 Where applicable, average tensile energy to break
and standard deviation,
12.1.17 In the case of materials exhibiting “yield” phenomenon:
average yield strength and standard deviation; and
average percent elongation at yield and standard deviation,
12.1.18 For materials which do not exhibit a yield point:
average —% offset yield strength and standard deviation; and
average percent elongation at —% offset yield strength and
standard deviation,
12.1.19 Average modulus of elasticity and standard deviation
（if secant modulus is used, so indicate and report strain at
which calculated）, and
12.1.20 When an extensometer is employed, so indicate.
13. Precision and Bias
13.1 Two interlaboratory tests have been run for these
tensile properties. The first was run for modulus only, in 1977,
in which randomly drawn samples of four thin （;0.025 mm
（0.001-in.）） materials were tested with five specimens in each
laboratory. Elastic （tangent） modulus measurements were
made by six laboratories, and secant （1 %） modulus measurements
were taken by five laboratories. The relative precision
obtained in this interlaboratory study is in Table 2.
13.1.1 In deriving the estimates in Table 2, statistical
outliers were not removed, in keeping with Practice E 691.5
13.1.2 The within-lab standard deviation of a mean value,
S x¯, in each case was determined from the standard deviation,
S x¯, of the five individual specimens as follows: S x¯ = Sx/（5）1⁄2 .
The S x¯ values were pooled among laboratories for a given
material to obtain the within-lab standard deviation, Sr, of a test
result （mean of five specimens）. See 13.3-13.3.2 for definitions
of terms in the tables.
13.2 An interlaboratory test was run for all the other tensile
properties except modulus in 1981, in which randomly drawn
samples of six materials （one of these in three thicknesses）
ranging in thickness from 0.019 to 0.178 mm （0.00075 to 0.007
in.） were tested in seven laboratories. A test result was defined
as the mean of five specimen determinations. However, each
laboratory tested eight specimens, and the S x¯ was determined
from S x¯ = Sx/（5）1⁄2 as above. This was done to improve the
quality of the statistics while maintaining their applicability to
a five-specimen test result. The materials and their thicknesses
are identified in Tables 3-7, each of which contain data for one
of the following properties: tensile yield stress, yield elongation,
tensile strength, tensile elongation at break, and tensile
energy at break （see Note 17）.6
NOTE 17—Subsequent to filing the research report, examination of the
LDPE used in this study between crossed polarizers revealed lengthwise
lines representing substantial widthwise variation in molecular orientation
that probably was not successfully randomized out of the between-labs
component of variance.
NOTE 18—Caution: The following explanations of Ir and IR （13.3-
13.3.3） are only intended to present a meaningful way of considering the
Approximate precision of this test method. The data in Table 2 should not
be rigorously applied to the acceptance or rejection of material, as those
data are specific to the round robin and may not be representative of other
lots, conditions, materials, or laboratories. Users of this test method should
apply the principles outlined in Practice E 691 to generate data specific to
their laboratory and materials, or between specific laboratories. The
principles of 13.3-13.3.3 would then be valid for such data.
5 Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR: D20-
1084.
6 Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR: D20-
1101.
TABLE 2 Precision Data for Modulus
Tangent Modulus
Material Thickness,
mils
Average,
103 psi
Sr,
103 psi
SR,
103 psi
Ir,
103 psi
IR,
103 psi
LDPE 1.4 53.9 1.81 8.81 5.12 24.9
HDPE 1.6 191 5.47 16.2 15.5 45.9
PP 1.1 425 10.3 31.5 29.0 89.1
PET 0.9 672 13.8 55.5 39.1 157.1
Secant Modulus
LDPE 1.4 45.0 2.11 3.43 5.98 9.70
HDPE 1.6 150 3.29 9.58 9.30 27.1
PP 1.1 372 4.66 26.5 13.2 74.9
PET 0.9 640 10.0 27.5 28.4 77.8
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13.3 For the purpose of compiling summary statistics, a
test result has been defined to be the average of five replicate
measurements of a property for a material in a laboratory, as
specified in this test method. Summary statistics are given in
Table 3. In each table, for the material indicated, S（r） is the
pooled within-laboratory standard deviation of a test result,
S（R） is the between-laboratory standard deviation of a test
result, where r equals 2.83 3 S（r） （see 13.3.1） and R equals
2.83 3 S（R） （see 13.3.2）.
13.3.1 Repeatability, Ir （Comparing two test results for the
same material, obtained by the same operator using the same
equipment on the same day）—The two test results should be
judged not equivalent if they differ by more than the Ir value
for that material.
13.3.2 Reproducibility—In comparing two mean values
for the same material obtained by different operators using
different equipment on different days, either in the same
TABLE 3 Precision Data for Yield Stress
Material Thickness, mils Average, 103 psi （Sr）A 103 psi （SR）B 103 psi I（r）C 103 psi I（R）D 103 psi
LDPE 1.0 1.49 0.051 0.13 0.14 0.37
HDPE 1.0 4.33 0.084 0.16 0.24 0.44
PP 0.75 6.40 0.13 0.52 0.37 1.46
PC 4.0 8.59 0.072 0.29 0.20 0.82
CTA 5.3 11.4 0.12 0.50 0.34 1.43
PET 4.0 14.3 0.12 0.23 0.34 0.66
PET 2.5 14.4 0.14 0.54 0.40 1.52
PET 7.0 14.4 0.13 0.36 0.37 1.03
A S r is the within-laboratory standard deviation of the average.
B SR is the between-laboratories standard deviation of the average.
C Ir = 2.83 Sr.
D I R = 2.83 SR.
TABLE 4 Precision Data for Yield Elongation
Material Thickness, mils Average, % （Sr）A, % （SR）B, % I（r）C, % I（R）D, %
PP 0.75 3.5 0.15 0.41 0.42 1.2
PET 2.5 5.2 0.26 0.92 0.74 2.6
PET 4.0 5.3 0.25 0.60 0.71 1.7
PET 7.0 5.4 0.14 1.05 0.40 3.0
CTA 5.3 5.4 0.19 0.99 0.54 2.8
PC 4.0 6.9 0.24 0.98 0.68 2.8
HDPE 1.0 8.8 0.32 1.82 0.91 5.2
LDPE 1.0 10.0 0.55 3.41 1.56 9.6
NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.
TABLE 5 Precision Data for Tensile Strength
Material Thickness, mils Average, 103 psi （Sr）A 103 psi （SR）B 103 psi I（r）C 103 psi I（R）D 103 psi
LDPE 1.0 3.42 0.14 0.53 0.40 1.5
HDPE 1.0 6.87 0.27 0.81 0.76 2.3
PC 4.0 12.0 0.34 0.93 0.96 2.6
CTA 5.3 14.6 0.20 1.37 0.57 3.9
PP 0.75 28.4 1.57 4.56 4.4 12.9
PET 4.0 28.9 0.65 1.27 1.8 3.6
PET 7.0 30.3 0.83 1.32 2.3 3.7
PET 2.5 30.6 1.22 2.64 3.4 7.5
NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.
TABLE 6 Precision Data for Elongation at Break
Material Thickness, mils Average, % （Sr）A, % （SR）B, % I（r）C, % I（R）D, %
CTA 5.3 26.4 1.0 4.3 3 12
PP 0.75 57.8 4.4 12.7 12 36
PET 2.5 120 8.0 14.6 23 41
PET 7.0 132 5.8 10.6 16 30
PET 4.0 134 4.4 12.2 12 35
PC 4.0 155 5.4 17.1 15 48
LDPE 1.0 205 24.4 73.3 69 210
HDPE 1.0 570 26.0 91.7 74 260
NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.
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laboratory or in different laboratories, the means should be
judged not equivalent if they differ by more than the R value
for that material.
13.3.3 Any judgment made in accordance with 13.3.1 and
13.3.2 would have an approximate 95 % （0.95） probability of
being correct.
13.3.4 For further information, see Practice E 691.
13.4 Bias—The systematic error which contributes to the
difference between a test result and a true （or reference） value.
There are no recognized standards on which to base an estimate
of bias for these test methods.
14. Keywords
14.1 modulus of elasticity; plastic film; plastic sheeting;
tensile properties; tensile strength; toughness; yield stress
ANNEXES
（Mandatory Information）
A1. TOE COMPENSATION
A1.1 In a typical stress-strain curve （Fig. A1.1） there is a
toe region, AC, which does not represent a property of the
material. It is an artifact caused by a takeup of slack, and
alignment or seating of the specimen. In order to obtain correct
values of such parameters as modulus, strain, and offset yield
point, this artifact must be compensated for to give the
corrected zero point on the strain or extension axis.
A1.2 In the case of a material exhibiting a region of
Hookean （linear） behavior （Fig. A1.1）, a continuation of the
linear （CD） region of the curve is constructed through the
zero-stress axis. This intersection （B） is the corrected zerostrain
point from which all extensions or strains must be
measured, including the yield offset （BE）, if applicable. The
elastic modulus can be determined by dividing the stress at any
point along the line CD （or its extension） by the strain at the
same point （measured from point B, defined as zero-strain）.
A1.3 In the case of a material that does not exhibit any
linear region （Fig. A1.2）, the same kind of toe correction of the
zero-strain point can be made by constructing a tangent to the
maximum slope at the inflection point （H8）. This is extended to
intersect the strain axis at point B8, the corrected zero-strain
point. Using point B8 as zero strain, the stress at any point （G8）
on the curve can be divided by the strain at that point to obtain
a secant modulus （slope of line B8 G8）. For those materials with
no linear region, any attempt to use the tangent through the
inflection point as a basis for determination of an offset yield
point may result in unacceptable error.
TABLE 7 Precision Data for Tensile Energy to Break
Material Thickness, mils
Average, 103
in./lb⁄in.3
（Sr）A103
in./lb⁄in.3
（SR）B103
in./lb⁄in.3
I（r）C103
in./lb⁄in.3
I（R）D103
in./lb⁄in.3
CTA 5.0 3.14 0.14 0.70 0.4 2.0
LDPE 1.0 5.55 0.84 2.47 2.4 7.0
PP 0.75 11.3 1.19 3.11 3.4 8.8
PC 4.0 12.9 0.59 1.55 1.7 4.4
HDPE 1.0 26.0 1.87 5.02 5.3 14.2
PET 2.5 26.1 2.13 4.20 6.0 11.9
PET 4.0 27.1 1.42 2.75 4.0 7.8
PET 7.0 28.4 1.71 2.72 4.8 7.7
NOTE 1—See Table 3 for footnote explanation.
NOTE 1—Some chart recorders plot the mirror image of this graph.
FIG. A1.1 Material with Hookean Region
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A2. DETERMINATION OF TENSILE ENERGY TO BREAK
A2.1 Tensile energy to break （TEB） is defined by the area
under the stress-strain curve, or
TEB 5 *0
´T S d´ （A2.1）
where S is the stress at any strain, ´, and ´T is the strain at
rupture. The value is in units of energy per unit volume of the
specimen’s initial gage region. TEB is most conveniently and
accuray measured with a tension tester equipped with an
integrator. The calculation is then:
TEB 5 ~I/K!
~full scale load! ~chart speed! ~crosshead speed/chart speed!
~mean caliper! ~specimen width! ~gage length!
（A2.2）
where I is the integrator count reading and K is the maximum
possible count per unit time for a constant full scale load. This
whole calculation is typically done electronically. The results
are best expressed in megajoules per cubic metre （or inchpounds-
force per cubic inch）.
A2.2 Without an integrator, the area under the recorded
stress-strain curve can be measured by planimeter, counting
squares, or weighing the cut-out curve. These techniques are
time-consuming and likely to be less accurate, since the load
scale on some chart paper is not in round-number dimensions.
Moreover, if the curve coordinates are in terms of force and
extension instead of stress and strain, the calculated energy,
corresponding to the measured area, must be divided by the
product of gage length, specimen width, and mean caliper:
~curve area! ~force per unit chart scale! （A2.3）
TEB 5
~extension per unit chart travel!
~mean caliper! ~specimen width! ~gage length!
A2.3 For example, if the area under a force-extension curve
is 60 000 mm2, the load coordinate is 2.0 N/mm of chart scale,
the extension coordinate is 0.25 mm of extension per mm of
chart travel, and the specimen dimensions are 0.1 mm caliper,
15 mm width and 100 mm gage length, then the calculation for
tensile energy to break is:
TEB 5
~60 000 mm2! ~2.0 N/mm! ~0.25 3 10–3 m/mm!
~0.1 3 10–3m! ~15 3 10–3m! ~100 3 10–3m!
（A2.4）
TEB 5 200 MJ/m3
NOTE 1—Some chart recorders plot the mirror image of this graph.
FIG. A1.2 Material with No Hookean Region
D 882 – 09
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SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue （D 882 - 02）
that may impact the use of this standard. （January 1, 2009）
（1） Revised Section 7.
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D 882 – 09
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