ISO 17281-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Plastics — Determination of fracture toughness (GIC and KIC) at moderately high loading rates (1 m/s). This ISO standard gives principles and practical guidance for measuring Mode I fracture‑toughness parameters (energy‑release rate GIC and stress‑intensity factor KIC) for plastics when tested at load‑point displacement rates up to about 1 m/s.

Abstract

The document supplements ISO 13586 by extending linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) test procedures to moderately high loading rates where dynamic effects (vibration, inertial loads) can influence measured quantities. It explains the limitations of the LEFM approach at higher speeds, provides guidance to control or account for dynamic effects, and identifies the range of materials and specimen requirements for valid measurements.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed).
• Publication date: August 2018.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 83.080.01 (Plastics).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (ISO 17281:2018).
• Number of pages: 29.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle data as published by ISO.

Scope

Specifies principles and guidelines for determining fracture toughness of plastics in crack‑opening mode (Mode I) using a LEFM approach at load‑point displacement rates up to about 1 m/s. The standard covers rigid and semi‑rigid thermoplastic and thermosetting moulding, extrusion and casting materials and their compounds containing short fibres (typically ≤ 7.5 mm), notes the increased importance of dynamic effects at higher rates, and indicates where the procedures in ISO 13586 remain applicable or need provisos.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement of Mode I fracture‑toughness parameters GIC and KIC using a LEFM approach.
• Applicability to tests carried out at load‑point displacement rates up to ≈1 m/s (moderately high rates).
• Guidance on controlling or accounting for dynamic effects (system vibrations, inertial forces) that arise at higher testing rates.
• Specimen and test‑geometry requirements inherited from ISO 13586 (linearity of load‑displacement response, specimen size limits, notch/crack tip sharpness).
• Extensions and caveats for materials containing short fibres (guidance in annexes to address heterogeneity and anisotropy).
• Recommendations for instrumentation, data reduction and validation when dynamic contributions are non‑negligible.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, plastics manufacturers, R&D groups, certification and conformity bodies, and engineers assessing fracture performance of polymeric components exposed to rapid loading. Typical applications include qualification of polymer grades, comparison of toughening or reinforcement strategies, and failure‑analysis work where moderately high loading rates are relevant.

Related standards

Closely related to ISO 13586 (LEFM fracture‑toughness testing at lower rates) and other fracture‑toughness standards in the plastics and materials domain (e.g., standards addressing essential work of fracture, J‑R curves, plane‑strain fracture toughness). ISO 17281:2018 replaces/updates earlier editions (ISO 17281:2002).

Keywords

fracture toughness, GIC, KIC, Mode I, LEFM, plastics, high loading rate, dynamic effects, specimen requirements, ISO 13586.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17281:2018 is an International Standard that provides principles and guidance for determining Mode I fracture toughness (GIC and KIC) of plastics when tested at moderately high load‑point displacement rates (up to about 1 m/s).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test principles, specimen considerations, dynamic effects associated with higher loading rates, applicability limits of LEFM, and guidance to control or account for inertial and vibrational contributions to measurements. It supplements ISO 13586 to extend LEFM applicability to higher rates.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials test laboratories, polymer and composite manufacturers, R&D engineers, and conformity/qualification bodies that need reliable fracture‑toughness data for plastics under moderately high loading conditions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 edition (ISO 17281:2018) is the current confirmed edition published in August 2018; an earlier edition (ISO 17281:2002) was withdrawn and superseded by the 2018 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of ISO standards on fracture‑toughness measurement for plastics and is intended to be used alongside ISO 13586 (LEFM tests at lower rates) and other related fracture standards developed under ISO/TC 61/SC 2.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: fracture toughness, GIC, KIC, Mode I, LEFM, plastics, high loading rate, dynamic effects, specimen geometry.