The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (FoC) evaluates plastic materials’ resistance to chemical reagents in accordance with the ASTM D543 standard.
What is ASTM D543?
The American Society for Testing and Materials developed ASTM D543 as the standard test for experts assessing the chemical resistance of plastics. The standard evaluates a plastic’s susceptibility to chemical interaction by determining how chemical reagents impact a plastic’s appearance and mechanical and physical properties. During the test procedure, technicians expose plastic specimens to various types of test chemicals, including cleaning agents, solvents, acids, and bases. The plastic specimens endure exposure to these chemicals in controlled conditions for predetermined durations. The test procedure allows technicians to measure the various changes the specimen may have experienced, including changes in the following characteristics:
- Dimensions
- Weight
- Tensile strength
- Visual appearance
The ASTM D543 standard is effective at testing a wide range of general plastics, including cold-molded, hot-molded, sheet materials, and laminated resinous products.
About Our ASTM D543 Testing Services
Our environmental testing lab performs ASTM D543-compliant tests. Our services simulate the real-world conditions products may experience in environments where prolonged exposure to chemicals is likely to occur. ASTM D543 is commonly used to test materials used for the following applications:
- Automotive and aerospace (Including plastic components that encounter fluids, fuels, and lubricants)
- Medical devices (Equipment exposed to cleaning agents and disinfectants)
- Chemical storage (Plastic components used in containers, pipes, and tanks)
- Construction (Plastic seals, coatings, and structural components)
- Consumer product packaging (Plastic packaging that may be exposed to household fluids and chemicals)
The Importance of ASTM D543
The information gathered from the ASTM D543 testing standard is beneficial to manufacturers seeking to strengthen material selection strategies. By determining a product’s behavior in controlled conditions, manufacturers can make informed decisions about the suitability of their products for specific applications. The test results from the ASTM D543 tests can be an indicator of a product’s service life and potential risks when exposed to specific chemical solutions.
Contact Us
Contact +1 (888) 287-5227 or submit a web form to speak with one of our team members to learn more about our environmental testing capabilities.
