ASTM D1044-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1044-24 — Standard Test Method for Resistance of Transparent Plastics to Surface Abrasion by the Taber Abraser. This test method provides a reproducible procedure for estimating the resistance of light-transmitting (transparent) plastic materials to surface abrasion by quantifying changes in optical properties (primarily haze) after controlled abrasion.

Abstract

This standard describes using a Taber Abraser to abrade transparent-plastic specimens under defined conditions and then measuring the change in haze (per Test Method D1003) between abraded and unabraded specimens. The procedure yields a numerical abrasion ranking useful for material grading and specification. The method notes equivalencies and non‑equivalencies with related ISO and SAE procedures and gives guidance on equipment, wheel refacing, and hazemeter settings to improve interlaboratory agreement.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: 2024 (current edition updated June 18, 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 83.080.01 (Plastics in general).
• Edition / version: D1044-24 (2024 edition).
• Number of pages: 8 pages.

Scope

This test method estimates the resistance of transparent plastics to one type of surface abrasion by measuring the change in haze percentage (as defined in Test Method D1003) between abraded and unabraded specimens. It is intended for grading materials under conditions that correlate with wiping/cleaning type abrasion in service; it is not intended to provide fundamental material-wear mechanisms or to be directly comparable with all other abrasion test methods. The standard specifies SI units as primary.

Key topics and requirements

• Equipment: Taber Abraser configured per the standard (specified wheels such as CS-10/CS-10F or as agreed) and a calibrated hazemeter for D1003 haze measurements.
• Measurement basis: Abrasion resistance is quantified as the difference in haze (%) between abraded and unabraded specimens.
• Procedural controls: Wheel refacing (ST-11 refacing stone), wheel cleaning, stabilization of wheel surface temperature, and hazemeter aperture settings to limit variability.
• Comparability notes: Equivalent for the abrasion measurement to ISO 3537 (Section 8) and ISO 15082 (Section 11) only for this measurement; not equivalent to ISO 9352. Also referenced relative to SAE J3097 / ANSI Z26.1 Test 12.
• Units and reporting: SI units preferred; report haze before and after abrasion, test cycles, wheel type/load, and any procedural deviations.

Typical use and users

Used by materials and product manufacturers, quality and R&D laboratories, specifiers and procurement organizations, and independent test houses to compare and specify the abrasion resistance of transparent plastics used in applications such as glazing, displays, lenses, protective screens, and architectural products. The method is commonly used for material grading, acceptance testing, and product development.

Related standards

Key related documents include Test Method D1003 (Haze and luminous transmittance of transparent plastics), Test Method D4060 (abrasion by Taber for coatings/weight-loss procedures), ISO 3537 and ISO 15082 (related sections for abrasion measurement), SAE J3097 / ANSI Z26.1 Test 12 (similar tests), and classification references in ASTM D4000. Committee assignment: developed by ASTM Subcommittee D20.10 (Plastics, optical).

Keywords

abrasion, haze, hazemeter, Taber Abraser, transparent plastics, surface abrasion, CS-10, optical transmission.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1044-24 is a standardized test method that specifies how to evaluate the resistance of transparent plastics to surface abrasion using a Taber Abraser and haze measurements.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, Taber Abraser configuration and wheel handling, hazemeter measurement (D1003), reporting of haze change, and procedural details to reduce variability. It quantifies abrasion by the increase in haze after abrasion.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of clear plastics, test laboratories, material engineers, product designers (automotive glazing, displays, lenses, architectural glazing), and procurement/specification professionals.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is the current ASTM edition published in 2024 (D1044-24), with the ASTM record showing the current edition updated June 18, 2024. Earlier editions include 2019 and 2013.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a stand-alone test method within ASTM's D20 series (Plastics), and it is commonly used alongside related ASTM test methods such as D1003 and D4060 and referenced in plastics classification systems (e.g., D4000).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: abrasion, haze, Taber Abraser, transparent plastics, hazemeter, surface abrasion.