Designation: D 618 – 05

Standard Practice for

Conditioning Plastics for Testing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 618; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* E 104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity

1.1 In general, the physical and electrical properties of by Means of Aqueous Solutions
plastics are influenced by temperature and relative humidity in 2.2 ISO Standard:
a manner that materially affects test results. In order that ISO 291 Plastics—Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning
reliable comparisons may be made of different materials and and Testing3
between different laboratories, it is necessary to standardize the 3. Terminology
humidity conditions, as well as the temperature, to which
specimens of these materials are subjected prior to and during 3.1 Definitions:
testing. This practice defines procedures for conditioning 3.1.1 room temperature—a temperature in the range from
plastics (although not necessarily to equilibrium) prior to 20 to 30°C [68 to 85°F].
testing, and the conditions under which they shall be tested. 3.1.2 standard laboratory atmosphere—an atmosphere hav-
1.2 For some materials, there may be a material specifica- ing a temperature of 23°C [73.4°F] and a relative humidity of
tion that requires the use of this practice, but with some 50 % with standard tolerances as specified in 3.2 shall be the
procedural modifications. The material specification takes standard laboratory atmosphere.
precedence over this practice. Refer to the material specifica- 3.1.3 standard laboratory temperature—a temperature of
tion before using this practice. Table 1 in Classification D 4000 23°C [73.4°F] with standard tolerance as specified in 3.2 shall
lists the ASTM material specifications that currently exist. be the standard laboratory temperature.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2 Tolerances:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.3 relative humidity—standard tolerance shall be 65 %.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.3.1 Discussion—Where the closer tolerance 62 % is re-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- quired, it may be specified and the tolerance used reported.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.4 standard test temperatures other than standard labora-
tory temperature—when data are to be obtained for compari-
NOTE 1—ISO 291 is related to this practice; however, ISO 291 de- son purposes at a specific temperature either above or below
scribes only two temperature and humidity conditions for conditioning or
the standard laboratory temperature, the temperature should be
testing, or both.
selected from the following:
2. Referenced Documents Test Tolerance,
Temperatures, °C [°F] plus or minus, °C [°F]
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 −70 [−94] 2.0 [3.6]
D 709 Specification for Laminated Thermosetting Materials −55 [−67] 2.0 [3.6]
−40 [−40] 2.0 [3.6]
D 756 Practice for Determination of Weight and Shape −25 [−13] 2.0 [3.6]
Changes of Plastics Under Accelerated Service Conditions 0 [32] 2.0 [3.6]
D 4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Mate- 35 [95] 1.0 [1.8]
50 [122] 2.0 [3.6]
rials 70 [158] 2.0 [3.6]
D 5032 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humid- 90 [194] 2.0 [3.6]
ity by Means of Aqueous Glycerin Solutions 105 [221] 2.0 [3.6]
120 [248] 2.0 [3.6]
130 [266] 2.0 [3.6]
155 [311] 2.0 [3.6]
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and 180 [356] 2.0 [3.6]
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.50 on Permanence Properties. 200 [392] 3.0 [5.4]
Current edition approved November 1, 2005. Published November 2005. 225 [437] 3.0 [5.4]
Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D 618 - 00.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 D 618 – 05
Test Tolerance, 7.1.1.2 A number indicating in degrees Celsius the condi-
Temperatures, °C [°F] plus or minus, °C [°F] tioning temperature, or
250 [482] 3.0 [5.4]
275 [527] 3.0 [5.4]
7.1.1.3 A number indicating relative humidity, whenever
300 [572] 3.0 [5.4] relative humidity is controlled, or a word to indicate immersion
325 [617] 4.0 [7.2] in a liquid.
350 [662] 5.0 [9.0]
400 [752] 6.0 [10.8] 7.1.2 The numbers shall be separated from each other by
450 [842] 8.0 [14.4] slant marks. A sequence of conditions shall be denoted by use
500 [932] 10.0 [18.0] of a plus ( + ) sign between successive conditions. “Des” shall
600 [1112] 12.0 [21.6]
be used to indicate desiccation over anhydrous calcium chlo-
3.5 temperature—standard tolerance shall be 62°C ride. Temperature and relative humidity tolerances shall be in
[63.6°F]. accordance with Section 3, unless otherwise specified.
3.5.1 Discussion—Where the closer tolerance 61°C
NOTE 2—Examples:
[61.8°F] is required, it may be specified and the tolerance used Condition 96/23/50—Condition 96 h at 23°C and 50 % relative humidity.
reported. Condition 48/50/water—Condition 48 h at 50°C in water.
3.6 temperature and relative humidity measurement— Condition 48/50 + 96/23/50—Condition 48 h at 50°C; then condition 96 h
measurements shall be made as close as possible to the center at 23°C and 50 % relative humidity.
of the room or chamber. Condition 48/50 + Des—Condition 48 h at 50°C followed by desiccation.
3.6.1 Discussion—The temperature and relative humidity 7.2 Designation for Test Condition:
indicated at the control point, or on a recorder, may not be 7.2.1 Test condition may be designated as follows:
representative of a condition elsewhere in an enclosure or room 7.2.1.1 A capital letter “T” following the prior conditioning
because of local effects or deficiency in circulation of air. designation and separated therefrom by a colon.
Additional measurements shall be made throughout the area to 7.2.1.2 A number indicating in degrees Celsius the test
show compliance to the temperature and relative humidity temperature;
required. 7.2.1.3 A number indicating the relative humidity in the test
whenever relative humidity is controlled.
4. Significance and Use
7.2.2 The numbers shall be separated from each other by a
4.1 Conditioning of specimens may be undertaken: (1) for slant mark, and from the “T” by a dash. Temperature and
the purpose of bringing the material into equilibrium with relative humidity tolerances shall be in accordance with
normal or average room conditions, (2) simply to obtain Section 3, unless otherwise specified.
reproducible results, regardless of previous history of expo-
sure, or (3) to subject the material to abnormal conditions of NOTE 3—Examples:
Condition 24/180: T—180—Condition 24 h at 180°C: Test at 180°C.
temperature or humidity in order to predict its service behavior. Condition 96/35/90: T—35—90—Condition 96 h at 35°C and 90 %
4.2 The conditioning procedures prescribed in this practice relative humidity: Test at 35°C and 90 % relative humidity.
are designed to obtain reproducible results and may give
physical values somewhat higher or somewhat lower than 8. Standard Procedures for Conditioning Prior to Test
values under equilibrium at normal conditions, depending upon 8.1 Procedure A—Condition 40/23/50 for specimens 7 mm
the particular material and test. To ensure substantial equilib- [0.25 in.] or under in thickness, 88/23/50 for specimens over 7
rium under normal conditions of humidity and temperature, mm—Condition test specimens 7 mm or under in thickness in
however, may require from 20 to 100 days or more depending the standard laboratory atmosphere for a minimum of 40 h
upon thickness and type of material and its previous history. immediately prior to testing. Treat test specimens over 7 mm in
Consequently, conditioning for reproducibility must of neces- thickness as above, except that the minimum time shall be
sity be used for general purchase specifications and product 88 h. Provide adequate air circulation on all sides of the test
control tests. specimens by placing them in suitable racks, hanging them
from metal clips or laying them on wide-mesh, wire screen
5. Sampling
frames with at least 25 mm [1 in.] between the screen and the
5.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the ASTM test surface of the bench.
methods for the specific properties to be determined.
NOTE 4—Procedure A is generally satisfactory and is recommended
6. Test Specimens unless other methods are specified. Note that Procedure A of Practice
D 618 differs from Condition A of Specification D 709 and of the Military
6.1 The numbers and types of test specimens shall be in Specifications MIL-P designation in that Condition A means “as received,
accordance with the ASTM test methods for the specific no special conditioning.”
properties to be determined. NOTE 5—If for any particular material or test, a specific longer time of
conditioning is required, the time shall be agreed upon by the interested
7. Designations for Conditioning parties. Shorter conditioning times may be used for thin specimens
7.1 Designation for Conditioning Prior to Test: provided equilibrium is substantially obtained.
7.1.1 Conditioning of test specimens may be designated as 8.2 Procedure B—Condition 48/50 + Des—Condition the
follows: specimens for a period of 48 h in a circulating-air oven at a
7.1.1.1 A number indicating in hours the duration of the temperature of 50 6 2°C [122 6 3.6°F]. Remove the speci-
conditioning, mens from the oven and cool to the room temperature in a

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 D 618 – 05
desiccator over anhydrous calcium chloride for a period of at h to elapse between removal of the specimens from the
least 5 h for specimens 7 mm [0.25 in.] or under in thickness, desiccator and the start of the tests.
and at least 15 h for specimens over 7 mm in thickness, 9.3 Unless otherwise specified, test materials conditioned in
immediately prior to testing. accordance with Procedures C and F in the same atmosphere.
NOTE 6—Procedure B is commonly used for the purpose of obtaining
9.4 Unless otherwise specified, wipe materials conditioned
reproducible test results on the thermosetting materials by means of a in accordance with Procedures D and E immediately with a
short-time conditioning period, or where the specific effects of moderate damp cloth, then with a dry cloth, and test them at room
drying are to be determined. Other enclosures, desiccants, or desiccating temperature. Specimens should only be removed from the
techniques may be used that produce and maintain an atmosphere water as the tests are ready to be conducted. Start the tests
equivalent to that over anhydrous calcium chloride. Note that Procedure B immediately and complete them as soon as possible.
of Practice D 618 is the same as Condition E-48/50 of Specifications
D 709 and of the Military Specifications MIL-P designation. 10. Tests at Other Standard Test Temperatures
8.3 Procedure C—Condition 96/35/90—Condition the 10.1 When tests are desired at standard test temperatures
specimens for a period of 96 h in an atmosphere of 90 % prescribed in 3.4, transfer materials to the test conditions
relative humidity at a temperature of 35°C [95°F]. The toler- within 1⁄2 h, preferably immediately, after completion of the
ances for this procedure shall be as follows: preconditioning (in accordance with Procedure A or B). Hold
Time, h 62 the specimens at the test temperature for no more than 5 h prior
Temperature, °C [°F] 61 [1.8]
Humidity, % 62
to test, and in no case for less than the time required to ensure
thermal equilibrium.
NOTE 7—Procedure C is recommended wherever the specific effects of
exposure to severe atmospheric moisture are to be determined. NOTE 13—Specific materials, specimen geometries, or physical condi-
NOTE 8—It has been found that, for certain tests and materials, more tioning arrangements require more than 5 h to reach thermal equilibrium.
reliable data are obtained in enclosures with circulating air rather than still In these cases, or for materials that are not adversely affected by longer
air. In such cases enclosures with circulating air should be used. conditioning times, it is permissible to use conditioning times longer than
5 h.
8.4 Procedure D—Condition 24/23/water—Condition the
specimens by immersion in distilled water for 24 6 1⁄2 h at 23 11. Selection of Conditioning Procedure
6 1°C [73.4 6 1.8°F]. 11.1 In the case of materials covered by ASTM specifica-
8.5 Procedure E—Condition 48/50/water + 1/23/water— tions, reference should be made thereto to determine the
Condition the specimens by immersion in distilled water for 48 conditioning procedures to be used.
6 1⁄2 h at 50 6 1°C [122 6 1.8°F], and cool them by 11.2 In the case of all other materials, the choice between
immersion in a sufficient quantity of distilled water to reduce procedures should preferably be based on the one that gives the
the temperature to 23°C [73.4°F] within 1 h. most reproducible test results.
NOTE 9—Procedures D and E have been found useful in ASTM
electrical and mechanical tests, and are used extensively in Military 12. Report
Specifications MIL-P designation. 12.1 The report of any test referencing this practice shall
8.6 Procedure F—Condition /23/96 (time as specified in state:
applicable materials specification)—Condition the specimens 12.1.1 Conditioning procedure used,
in an atmosphere of 96 6 1 % relative humidity at a tempera- 12.1.2 Conditioning time used, to the nearest 1⁄2 h, if not
ture of 23 6 1°C [73.4 6 1.8°F] for a period of time as specified in the procedure,
specified in the applicable materials specification. 12.1.3 Temperature, to the nearest degree Celsius, and the
relative humidity, to the nearest percent, of the atmosphere in
NOTE 10—Constant relative humidity can be obtained only by careful
temperature control. Procedures for maintaining close tolerances are
the vicinity of the specimen during the test, except that where
described in Practice E 104. When use of acid or salt solutions has a the test extends longer than 30 min, the actual ranges of
deleterious effect on materials being tested, use glycerin solutions in temperature and relative humidity shall be reported, and
accordance with Practice D 5032 to control relative humidity. 12.1.4 Actual range of temperature and relative humidity if
NOTE 11—A considerable number of other procedures that might be the standard tolerances are not used.
considered as functional are outlined in Practice D 756.
NOTE 12—It has been found that, for certain tests and materials, more NOTE 14—The abbreviated nomenclature of Sections 7 and 8 should be
reliable data are obtained in enclosures with circulating air rather than still used wherever practicable.
air. In such cases enclosures with circulating air should be used.
13. Precision and Bias
9. Tests at Normal Temperatures 13.1 No statements of precision and bias are applicable to
9.1 Unless otherwise specified, test materials conditioned in this practice; these are dependent upon the ASTM test methods
the standard laboratory atmosphere in the same atmosphere. for the specific properties to be determined.
9.2 Unless otherwise specified, test materials conditioned in
accordance with Procedure B at room temperature conditions. 14. Keywords
Start the test as soon as possible, but do not allow more than 1⁄2 14.1 conditioning; humidity; plastics; temperature

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 D 618 – 05
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue, D 618 - 00,
that may impact the use of this standard. (November 1, 2005)

(1) Added Note 13.

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