ASTM D2126 Standard Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging
What is ASTM D2126?
ASTM D2126 is a standard test method for determining how rigid cellular plastics respond to controlled thermal and humid exposure. The method involves exposing the specimens to selected temperature and relative-humidity conditions and measuring changes in their dimensions and, if specified, mass. Laboratories can use the results to compare dimensional stability, check the relative stability of materials, and set acceptance criteria for rigid cellular plastics. ASTM D2126 (Standard Test Method for Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to Thermal and Humid Aging) provides several commonly used exposure conditions while allowing purchasers and suppliers to agree on other conditions that represent a specific application.
Get Certified ASTM D2126 Testing for Reliable Thermal and Humid Aging Evaluation
Laboratories use accurate thermal and humid aging evaluation to understand the response of rigid cellular plastics to environmental exposure. ASTM D2126 establishes controlled aging exposures and measurement methods to determine dimensional changes after aging. Reliable and reproducible results require proper specimen preparation, temperature control, humidity control, and dimensional measurement. The method also enables laboratories to compare materials under controlled environmental conditions and identify their relative dimensional stability.
What is the scope of ASTM D2126?
ASTM D2126 specifies the procedures for controlled thermal and humid environments for rigid cellular plastics. The purchaser and supplier agree on the exposure conditions based on the intended application. The method uses SI units as the standard and provides commonly used combinations of temperature and relative humidity.
Specific material: Rigid cellular plastics and cellular plastic materials for testing under humid and thermal exposure.
Objective: To determine the dimensional and mass response of cellular plastics following controlled environmental aging.
Property measurement: changes in length, width, thickness, and, as indicated, mass.
Method: Controlled exposure in circulating-air ovens, cold boxes, or humidity ovens followed by measurement of dimensions and mass.
Result: Laboratories determine the percentage change in each measured dimension and mass when required.
Test Limitations: The results help compare materials under environmental conditions but do not directly predict product performance or provide engineering design data.
Environmental conditions: The standard provides commonly used temperature and relative-humidity conditions, while laboratories can use other agreed conditions for specific applications.
Applications: Dimensional stability evaluation, material comparison, quality control, insulation materials, cellular plastic research, and acceptance testing.
What are the uses of ASTM D2126 testing?
ASTM D2126 testing allows laboratories to assess the rigidity response of cellular plastics at higher, lower, or humid temperatures. This method enables laboratories to compare dimensional stability following controlled exposure. This standard-
Evaluates dimensional changes after thermal exposure.
Tests for dimensional change in response to humid exposure.
Compares the relative stability of different cellular plastics.
Helps evaluate the effects of selected temperature and humidity conditions.
Supports quality control and research programs for rigid cellular plastics.
Measures mass change when the applicable requirement specifies it.
Which Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D2126?
ASTM D2126 covers the testing of rigid cellular plastics in thermal and humid conditions. The material specification should define any special specimen preparation, dimensions, conditioning, or testing parameters. If the material specification does not provide these requirements, laboratories can apply the default conditions of ASTM D2126.
Why is ASTM D2126 important?
ASTM D2126 provides a method to evaluate the dimensional stability of rigid cellular plastics under specific temperature and humidity environments. Dimensional changes can indicate how stable a material remains in a particular environment. Laboratories can compare two or more cellular plastics and use the results to establish acceptance criteria.
ASTM D2126 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide
ASTM D2126 requires equipment that can maintain the selected exposure temperature and humidity and instruments that can accurately determine dimensional changes. Required equipment includes a balance, circulating-air oven, cold box, dial-type gauge or appropriate vernier caliper, and humidity oven.
Technicians prepare rigid cellular plastic specimens according to the applicable material specification or the default requirements of ASTM D2126.
Specimen Preparation
Technicians machine or saw specimens with smooth edges and faces free from cracks. Laboratories may finish the surfaces with No. 0 or finer sandpaper and remove loose dust before testing.
Specimen Dimensions
Test specimens must have minimum dimensions of 100 × 100 mm × thickness supplied (4 × 4 in. × thickness supplied) unless the applicable material specification establishes different requirements. Materials intended for use with natural or laminated skin surfaces should retain the skin during testing.
Instrumentation
Laboratories use a balance capable of weighing specimens to 0.05%, a circulating-air oven, a cold box, a humidity oven, a dial-type gauge with a minimum foot area of 6.5 cm² (1 in.²), or a vernier caliper with graduations no larger than 0.1 mm (0.005 in.).
Testing Procedures and Requirements for ASTM D2126
ASTM D2126 subjects rigid cellular plastic specimens to specified temperature and humidity conditions and measures dimensional and, if specified, mass changes. Technicians should follow the applicable material specification when it establishes different preparation or testing requirements. Other reference ASTM documents include D883 and D1037. The complete testing procedure of ASTM D2126 is given as:
Technicians prepare specimens with smooth surfaces and edges and determine the original dimensions and mass when required. They measure the three principal dimensions before environmental exposure.
Thermal and Humid Exposure
Skilled personnel place the specimens in a circulating-air oven, cold box, or humidity oven at the selected exposure condition. Common conditions include −73 ± 3 °C, −40 ± 3 °C, 70 ± 2 °C, 100 ± 2 °C, and 150 ± 2 °C at ambient humidity, as well as 23 ± 2 °C at 50 ± 5 % RH, 38 ± 2 °C at 97 ± 3 % RH, and 70 ± 2 °C at 97 ± 3 % RH.
Post-Exposure Measurement
After the specified exposure period, technicians normally allow specimens to return to room temperature before making the final measurements. If the specification requires measurement at the exposure condition, the laboratory must report that condition.
Calculation and Evaluation
Analysts calculate dimensional and, when specified, mass changes as percentages of the original measurements. The general calculation uses the original measurement and final measurement to determine percentage change. Laboratories report individual changes and evaluate the material response under the selected exposure conditions.
ASTM D2126 Testing Process and Data Collection
Technicians first determine the rigid cellular plastic and check its material specification. They smooth the specimen edges and faces and note the original dimensions and weight, if necessary. Technicians then choose the temperature and relative-humidity conditions and introduce the specimens to the environmental equipment. After the specified exposure period, technicians remove the specimens and normally allow them to return to room temperature before measuring them. Analysts record the final length, width, thickness, and mass when required. They derive the percentage change from the original measurements and compare the results for materials or against the relevant acceptance criteria.
ASTM D2126 Testing Procedure Using a Circulating-Air Oven
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
Correct specimen preparation, consistent environmental conditions, and careful dimensioning are all important factors to ensure that reproducible ASTM D2126 results can be obtained. Common difficulties are the breakage of the specimen edges, incorrect size dimensions, poor temperature or humidity stability, poor airflow, specimen crushing during measuring, and inaccurate first or last measurements. Calibrated equipment, exposure conditions, careful handling of specimens, and material specifications should all be followed in laboratory use.
ASTM D2126 Analysis Results and Interpretation
The report provides a summary of the dimensional change of the tested rigid cellular plastic under the given thermal and humid aging conditions. The results are used to determine dimensional stability, relative stability of cellulosic plastics in a specific environment, and whether they meet applicable acceptance criteria.
Laboratories present ASTM D2126 results for change in dimensions in %, mass changes in %, exposure temperature in °C, and relative humidity in %.
Technicians record the initial and final specimen dimensions and calculate the dimensional change after exposure under the agreed temperature, humidity, and exposure-duration conditions.
Analysts record the specimen identification, exposure condition, temperature, humidity, exposure time, dimensions, and any changes or observations made during testing.
Engineers compare the measured dimensional change with applicable material specifications or acceptance criteria to evaluate the dimensional stability of the tested rigid cellular plastic under the specified aging environment.
The method determines dimensional changes in length, width, and thickness and can measure mass changes if specified.
What specimen size does ASTM D2126 use?
The default specimen dimensions are a minimum of 100 × 100 mm × thickness supplied (4 × 4 in. × thickness supplied). The applicable material specification takes precedence when it specifies different dimensions.
Which equipment does ASTM D2126 use?
ASTM D2126 requires a balance, circulating-air oven, cold box, humidity oven, and dimensional-measurement equipment, such as a dial-type gauge or appropriate vernier caliper.
Which temperature and humidity conditions does ASTM D2126 use?
Common conditions include temperatures from −73°C to 150°C at ambient humidity and humid conditions such as 23 ± 2°C at 50 ± 5% RH and 38 ± 2°C or 70 ± 2°C at 97 ± 3% RH.
Suyog Kamble is an Operations Associate at Matestlab Inc. Suyog holds a postgraduate degree in organic chemistry and is trained in material science topics. Know More
Testimonials
Real results
Engineers trust us with what matters most
“We had a great experience working with this company for our ASTM E84 testing. They were the first company to respond to our inquiry within just a few minutes of submitting it. From start to finish, the communication was excellent, and the entire process was swift, straightforward, and hassle-free.”
Ivars FancyWalls
United States
“Very good communication, testing associates were very patient with delays on our end. Reasonable turnaround time for results and nicely detailed report. Analysts were also quick to answer any follow-up questions. Happy with results.”
Skye Henderson
United States
“Matestlab connected us with an accredited lab within days, cutting weeks off our product validation timeline.”
Rebecca Kozodoy-Pins
United States
Why Choose Matestlab?
Matestlab is a unified testing services partner based in the USA. Matestlab offers raw material and product testing services through accredited, expert laboratories primarily based in the USA. Matestlab supports physical, thermal, chemical, electrical, mechanical, environmental, and characterization testing needs through its global network of 2200+ accredited testing laboratories. Matestlab's in-house materials science experts curate and design comprehensive testing programs matched to the sample material and specific testing need, with regulatory requirements and confidentiality in mind.
If you are looking for a managed and trusted testing partner to achieve your research goals, feel free to schedule a meeting with us or send us a request at connect@matestlabs.com to learn more about our services. For a quick quote, call us at (302)244-7710. We are happy to serve you.
Start Your Testing Project Today
Define your requirements and get access to specialized laboratories ready to deliver results
