ASTM D2116 Standard Specification for FEP Resin Molding and Extrusion Materials

Get Certified ASTM D2116 Testing for Reliable FEP Resin Materials

For successful molding and extrusion processes, FEP resin must have consistent processing, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Engineers measure these properties using ASTM D2116 to check lot quality. Testing helps manufacturers classify material performance, track production quality, and confirm that a lot meets standards.

• Covers FEP resins made from tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene with no more than 2% by weight of other fluoromonomers.
• Describes the different types of FEP resin by melt flow rate.
• Needs a uniform composition and lack of foreign matter.
• Evaluates melt flow rate, specific gravity, melting point, tensile strength, elongation, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor.
• Requires the average lot results to conform to the applicable requirements.

What are the uses of ASTM D2116 testing?

ASTM D2116 testing allows manufacturers to assess FEP resin for molding and extruding applications. The specification includes property data for material classification, quality control, and product development.

This standard:

• Determines the melt flow rate of FEP resin. 
• Evaluates specific gravity, melting point, tensile strength, elongation, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor.
• Helps classify FEP resin into the specified types, lot acceptance, and quality control.
• Supports selection of FEP resin for molding and extrusion applications.

Which materials can be tested under ASTM D2116?

ASTM D2116 covers FEP Resin molding and extrusion materials supplied in pellet form. The covered materials consist of tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers or modified FEP resins containing no more than 2% by weight of other fluoromonomers.

Why is ASTM D2116 Important?

ASTM D2116 specifies uniform specifications for FEP resin for molding and extrusion. Manufacturers can use these requirements to control lot quality and verify important processing, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.

Other reference ASTM documents include D150, D618, D638, D792, D883, D1238, D2600, D1708, D3892, D4591, and E691.

ASTM D2116 Testing Process and Data Collection

Technicians first determine the FEP resin lot and application material type. Then technicians prepare the representative specimens and compression-mold the resin into sheets approximately 1.5 ± 0.3 mm thick. Next, analysts perform the applicable melt flow, specific gravity, melting point, tensile, and electrical-property tests. Then laboratories record the measured values and compare the average lot results with the applicable FEP type requirements. Laboratories measure the following properties: melt flow rate, specific gravity, melting point, tensile strength, elongation, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Reliable and reproducible results require Consistent resin sampling, molding, resin conditioning, and test procedures in compliance with ASTM D2116. Variations in molded-sheet thickness, molding temperature, pressure, or specimen conditioning can affect test results. Common problems include inconsistent resin sampling, incorrect molded-sheet thickness, improper molding temperature, incorrect molding pressure, inadequate specimen conditioning, incorrect tensile specimen preparation, and inaccurate melt flow measurements. Before testing, technicians should confirm the type of resin, molding conditions, specimen size, equipment calibration, and conditioning requirements.