ASTM_D_4398_-_02.pdf

Designation:D 4398 02An American National StandardStandard Test Method forDetermining the Chemical Resistance of Fiberglass-Reinforced Thermosetting Resins by One-Side PanelExposure1,2This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4398;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope*1.1 This test method is intended for use in the evaluation ofthe chemical resistance of fiberglass-reinforced thermosettingresins that are subjected to one-side panel exposure to specificenvironments.It takes into consideration the coldwall effectsand radiation losses of heat transfer through the laminate wall.1.2 This test method is supplemental to Practice C 581 anddoes not supersede it.NOTE1There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety problems,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:C 581 Practice for Determining Chemical Resistance ofThermosetting Resins Used in Glass Fiber ReinforcedStructures Intended for Liquid Service3D 790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforcedand Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-als4D 2583 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of RigidPlastics by Means of a Barcol Impressor53.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 glass fiberglass filaments for engineering applica-tions,chiefly of a so-called 88E type made from a lime-alumina borosilicate glass that is relatively soda free,of highstrength-to-weight ratio.Glass fibers are used commercially inthe reinforcement of rigid engineering plastic structures.3.1.2 thermosetting resinslinear,relatively low molecularweight thermoplastic polymer chains with 88crosslinks whichbond the chains together with primary valence bonds.Oncecross-linked,such three-dimensional polymers will not softenup appreciably to their decomposition temperature.Typical ofsuch resin systems are the polymers,vinyl esters,and epoxies.4.Significance and Use4.1 The results obtained by this test method may serve as aguide in,but not as the sole basis for,predicting the possibleperformance of the particular glass-fiber-reinforced thermoset-ting resin laminate in the one-side exposure to the specificenvironment under evaluation.No attempt has been made toincorporate into the test method all of the factors that may enterinto the serviceability of a glass-fiber-reinforced resin structurewhen subjected to chemical environments.4.2 This test method provides for the determination ofchanges in the physical properties of the test panel and testmedia during and after the one-side exposure in the test media.Determination of changes include:Barcol hardness,appear-ance of panel,appearance of test media,flexural properties,and thickness.5.Apparatus5.1 Test CellThis is a laboratory unit in which only thesurface of one side of a test panel is subjected to the corrosiveor aggressive environment,which is the normal experience ofchemical processing equipment in actual plant operations.Itconsists of an open-ended glass cylinder,with several ground-glass joint nozzles for insertion of appropriate auxiliaries.Theends of the open glass cylinder are closed off with thefiberglass-reinforced resin panel to be tested,and are tightlysealed with chemical-resistant gaskets,allowing one side of thepanel to come in contact with the test media.5.1.1 Typical test cells are shown in Fig.1 and Fig.2.Otherlaboratory units for one-side corrosion testing of equal or largerdiameter may be used also with correspondingly appropriatepanel sizes.1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plasticsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.23 on Reinforced PlasticPiping Systems and Chemical Equipment.Current edition approved March 10,2002.Published May 2002.Originallypublished as D 4398 84.Last previous edition D 4398 95.2This revision included the addition of Note 1 and Section 12.3Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 08.04.4Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 08.01.5Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 08.02.1*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.5.2 Reflux CondenserTo maintain a constant liquid leveland constant concentration of the test media.5.3 Electrical Heating MantleWrapped on the exterior tosupply heat through the glass cylinder into the liquid,but notFIG.1 Test CellsFIG.2 Test CellsD 43982touching the test panel.An alternative source of heat can beprovided by an electrical heating