• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer

1-800-685-2088 | support@mat-cs.com

  • LinkedIn
MAT-CS - Materials Characterization Services

Materials Characterization Services

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Consulting
  • Analytical Techniques
    • Bulk Analysis
    • Microscopy and Microanalytical
    • Surface and Thin Film
    • Polymer Characterization
    • Optical Measurements
    • Liquids and Gases
    • Electrical / Electronics
    • Reliability Testing
    • Miscellaneous
  • Test Methods
    • ASTM Methods List
    • ISO Methods List
    • AATCC
    • AOAC
    • AOCS
    • EPA, SM
    • FDA BAM
    • IP
    • JEDEC
    • MIL-STD
    • OCSPP
    • OPPTS
    • REACH
    • RoHS
    • SEMI
    • TAPPI
    • USP/EP/JP
  • Resources
    • Experiment Design
    • Consulting
    • The Laboratory Landscape
    • Quality Programs
    • Regulatory-Based Analyses
  • Contact
  • Get a Quote!
MAT-CS Home Cover

ASTM D1248

ASTM D1248 – Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion Materials for Wire and Cable

Description:

Abstract

This specification provides for the identification of polyethylene plastics extrusion materials for wire and cable in such a manner that the seller and the purchaser can agree on the acceptability of different commercial lots or shipments. The polyethylene plastics are identified primarily on the basis of two characteristics, namely, density and flow rate (previously identified as melt index). The former is the criterion for assignment as to type which are as follows: Type 0,Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV, the latter for designation as to category which are: Category 1,Category 2, Category 3,Category 4, and Category 5. Other attributes important for certain applications are covered by three general classes and by specifying in greater detail, by grades, a minimum number of key characteristics covered too broadly or not at all by the type, class, and category designations. Each of five types and categories is subdivided into four classes according to composition and use as follows: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D. In addition, the materials can be classified into different grades namely Grade E1, Grade E2, Grade E3, Grade E4, Grade E5, Grade E6, Grade E7, Grade E8, Grade E9, and Grade E10. The extrusion material for wire and cable shall be polyethylene plastic in the form of powder, granules, or pellets. The extrusion materials for wire and cable shall be as uniform in composition and size and as free of contamination as can be achieved by good manufacturing practice. Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the following physical properties of extrusion materials: tensile stress, elongation, brittleness temperature, environmental stress-crack resistance, thermal stress-crack resistance without cracking, dissipation factor before and after milling, dielectric constant, volume resistivity, water immersion stability, absorption coefficient, weatherability for colored materials, and carbon content.

Scope

1.1 This specification provides for the identification of polyethylene plastics extrusion materials for wire and cable in such a manner that the seller and the purchaser can agree on the acceptability of different commercial lots or shipments. The tests involved in this specification are intended to provide information for identifying materials according to the types, classes, categories, and grades covered. It is not the function of this specification to provide specific engineering data for design purposes.

1.2 This specification does not allow for the use of recycled plastics (see Note 3).

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 12, of this specification: 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 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.

NOTE 2: This standard has undergone major revision from the reapproval of 1989 and now covers only polyethylene for wire and cable applications. For information regarding molding and extrusion materials, see Specification D4976. For information regarding plastic pipe materials, see Specification D3350.

NOTE 3: See Guide D7209and 3.1.2 of this standard for information and definitions related to recycled plastics.

Related Test Methods

ASTM D483

ASTM D4829

ASTM D4828

ASTM D4824

ASTM D482

ASTM D4815

ASTM D4814

ASTM D4812

ASTM D4811

ASTM D4810

ASTM D4809

ASTM D4808

Previous Post:MAT-CS Home CoverASTM D1246
Next Post:ASTM D1253MAT-CS Home Cover

Ready to start your analysis?

Get a Quote!
MAT-CS

Your One Source for Materials Analysis

1-800-685-2088

support@mat-cs.com

  • Home
  • Analytical Techniques
  • Test Methods
  • Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Get a Quote!
  • Special Analysis Request

  • LinkedIn

Copyright © 2025 by Materials Characterization Services ยท All Rights Reserved
Website Built, Hosted, and Managed by Digital Donkey Marketing