ASTM D4216-03

1.1 This specification covers rigid plastic PVC and CPVC Exterior compounds composed of poly(vinyl chloride), chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride), vinyl chloride copolymers or vinyl chloride blends, and the necessary compound ingredients intended for use in making building products. The compounding ingredients may consist of lubricants, stabilizers, nonpoly(vinyl chloride) resin modifiers, colorants or pigments, or both, and inorganic fillers.

1.2 This specification is intended to provide classification of base compounds used to manufacture PVC and CPVC exterior building products. Physical properties may be determined by evaluating compounds of any color.

Note 1 - Two year weathering studies, without specific requirements for color change and physical property change, are recommended for all colors of new compounds and compounds for new applications to provide the basis for agreement between producer and buyer on the suitability of the compound for the intended application.

1.3 The requirements in this specification are intended for qualification, as well as for quality control of compounds used to manufacture building products. They are not applicable to finished building products. See Specifications D 3679 D 4477, D 4726, and F 964 for requirements for finished products.

1.4 It may be necessary, in special cases, to select specific compounds for unusual applications that require consideration of other properties not covered in this specification.

1.5 The rate of burning test, Test Method D 635, is used in this specification only as a screening test for identification of certain properties of the PVC compound; there is no flammability test or flammability requirement for the compound.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 11, 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 2 - There are no ISO standards covering the primary subject matter of this specification.

1.8 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes, which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.

1.9 Rigid PVC recycle plastic meeting the requirements of this specification may be usable in some applications. Refer to the specific requirements in the Materials and Manufacture Section of the applicable product standard.