ASTM D4802-16 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4802-16(2024) — Standard Specification for Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Acrylic Plastic Sheet. This specification defines the composition, classification, finishes, types and required property tests for monolithic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) acrylic sheets manufactured by various processes (cast, extruded, etc.), including optical, mechanical and environmental performance criteria and acceptance requirements for general-purpose applications.

Abstract

This ASTM specification covers PMMA (acrylic) sheets composed primarily of methyl methacrylate (at least 80% by monomer basis). It classifies materials by categories and finishes, identifies UV-filtered and UV-transmitting types, and prescribes test methods and minimum property requirements for physical, optical, thermal and chemical performance. The reapproved 2016 edition carries a 2024 reapproval date and is intended for general-purpose acrylic sheet selection and quality control.

General information

• Status: Active — reapproval 2024 (designation D4802-16(2024)).
• Publication date: December 1, 2024 (reapproved edition of D4802-16).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: ICS 83.140.10 (Films and sheets) — Plastics / acrylic sheet materials.
• Edition / version: D4802-16(2024) (2016 standard, reapproved 2024).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (concise specification).

Scope

The standard applies to monolithic methacrylate (acrylic) sheets produced by different manufacturing processes. For the purposes of this specification, the sheet shall be composed of polymerized acrylic monomers of which at least 80% shall be methyl methacrylate. It is intended for general-purpose acrylic sheet applications and consolidates requirements formerly covered by several older specifications. The standard excludes specialty acrylic sheet standards that address unique end-use requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Material composition requirement: primary monomer content — minimum 80% methyl methacrylate.
• Classification by category: Category A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2 (reflecting optical quality and permitted use of reground/recycled material).
• Finishes and surface treatment: Finish 1, Finish 2, Finish 3 (surface texture/finish definitions and acceptance).
• Type designations: Type UVF (UV-filtering) and Type UVT (UV-transmitting) for sheets with specified spectral transmittance characteristics.
• Required physical and optical tests: index of refraction, specific gravity, luminous transmittance, haze, spectral transmittance.
• Mechanical and thermal tests: tensile strength and elongation at break, impact strength, deflection temperature under load, thermal stability, shrinkage.
• Durability and resistance tests: water absorption, abrasion resistance, coating adhesion, chemical resistance.
• Test method references: invokes specific ASTM test methods for measurement and acceptance criteria (see section on test methods in the standard).

Typical use and users

Typical applications include glazing and sight panels, signage and display panels, point-of-sale fixtures, architectural glazing components, lighting diffusers, instrument panels and many consumer and industrial uses where optical clarity, weathering and dimensional stability are required. Primary users are acrylic sheet manufacturers, material specifiers, architects, product designers, quality control and test laboratories, fabricators and purchasing professionals.

Related standards

Standards and documents commonly referenced or historically related include ISO 7823-1 (related PMMA sheet standards), older U.S. federal specifications consolidated by this standard (for example Fed. Spec. L-P-391 series and earlier ASTM D702/D1547 references), and ASTM classification/test standards for plastics such as ASTM D788 (classification systems) and various ASTM test methods invoked for optical and mechanical properties.

Keywords

ASTM D4802, PMMA, acrylic sheet, poly(methyl methacrylate), acrylic plastic, optical transmittance, UVF, UVT, finish, category, mechanical properties, thermal stability, chemical resistance.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4802-16(2024) is the ASTM International standard specification that defines requirements and test methods for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) acrylic plastic sheet intended for general-purpose applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers composition (minimum methyl methacrylate content), classification by category and finish, types (UV-filtering and UV-transmitting), and a set of required optical, physical, mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance tests and acceptance criteria for monolithic acrylic sheets.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Acrylic sheet manufacturers, material specifiers, designers, architects, fabricators, quality-control and test laboratories, and procurement professionals who need to specify or verify PMMA sheet properties.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition has been reapproved in 2024 and is currently active under the designation D4802-16(2024). It is used in its reapproved form for specification and compliance purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone specification for PMMA sheet but references and consolidates older federal and ASTM documents; it is often used in conjunction with other ASTM test and classification standards relevant to plastics and acrylic materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Acrylic sheet, PMMA, poly(methyl methacrylate), optical transmittance, UVF, UVT, finish, sheet classification, mechanical and thermal properties.