This International Standard specifies methods for testing flexible and semi-rigid cellular plastics made from polyethylene. Cellular plastics containing copolymers of ethylene or blends of polymers with polyethylene may also be tested by the procedures of this International Standard provided these materials have characteristics similar to polyethylene as described in ISO 1872-1  or copolymers of ethylene as described in ISO 4613-1.

Mandatory tests suitable for characterization of cellular polyethylene regardless of end use are described in Clause 7. Optional tests for the determination of properties that are relevant to certain uses are described in Clause 8.

The specimens shall be cut so that the edges are clean and the sides are planar and normal to the surface. The specimens shall be cut from the sample so that a representative value is determined for each physical property investigated. With anisotropic samples take specimens in the appropriate direction.

Clauses 7 and 8 outline the requirements for the number of specimens their shape and their dimensions. Unless otherwise required by a specific test method the surfaces of the specimens shall be the same as the surface of the material in normal use.

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references only the edition cited applies. For undated references the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 845:2006 Cellular plastics and rubbers Determination of apparent density

ISO 1663 Rigid cellular plastics Determination of water vapour transmission properties

ISO 1798 Flexible cellular polymeric materials Determination of tensile strength and elongation at break

ISO 1856 Flexible cellular polymeric materials Determination of compression set

ISO 1872-1 Plastics Polyethylene (PE) moulding and extrusion materials Part 1: Designation system and basis for specifications 1

ISO 1923 Cellular plastics and rubbers Determination of linear dimensions

ISO 2796 Cellular plastics rigid Test for dimensional stability

ISO 2896 Rigid cellular plastics Determination of water absorption

ISO 3386-1 Polymeric materials cellular flexible Determination of stress-strain characteristics in compression Part 1: Low-density materials

ISO 3582 Flexible cellular polymeric materials Laboratory assessment of horizontal burning characteristics of small specimens subjected to a small flame

ISO 4613-1 Plastics Ethylene/vinyl acetate (E/VAC) moulding and extrusion materials Part 1: Designation and specification

ISO 4651 Cellular rubbers and plastics Determination of dynamic cushioning performance ISO 7850:1986 Cellular plastics rigid Determination of compressive creep

ISO 8301 Thermal insulation Determination of steady-state thermal resistance and related properties Heat flow meter apparatus

ISO 8302 Thermal insulation Determination of steady-state thermal resistance and related properties  Guarded hot plate apparatus

ISO 8497 Thermal insulation Determination of steady-state thermal transmission properties of thermal insulation for circular pipes

ISO 9772 Cellular plastics Determination of horizontal burning characteristics of small specimens subjected to a small flame