News

Home > News

What is the ASTM standard for MFI?

What is the ASTM standard for MFI?

There is no specific ASTM standard that directly corresponds to MFI (Melt Flow Index) testing. MFI is a measure of the flowability of a polymer when it is melted, typically used for assessing the viscosity or melt processability of thermoplastics. It is commonly determined using the ASTM D1238 standard test method.


ASTM D1238, titled "Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer," is the widely accepted standard for measuring the MFI of thermoplastic materials. It provides a standardized procedure for determining the rate of extrusion of a thermoplastic material through a specific die using a specified load and temperature.

Melt flow indexers(MFI).jpg

The MFI test involves melting a sample of the polymer and extruding it through a standardized die under controlled conditions of temperature, load, and elapsed time. The extruded material passes through the die and is collected in a vessel. The weight of the extrudate collected over a specified time interval is measured, and the MFI is calculated as the mass flow rate in grams per 10 minutes. This value represents the flowability or viscosity of the molten polymer.


ASTM D1238 covers a broad range of materials, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and other thermoplastic polymers. The test method provides a means to compare the flow properties of different polymers and to monitor the quality and consistency of the manufacturing process.


It is worth noting that MFI is just one of the many properties and characteristics that can be evaluated for plastic materials. Depending on the specific needs and requirements of a particular application, other ASTM standards may be applicable to test other aspects of the material, such as mechanical properties, thermal properties, or flame resistance.


In summary, the ASTM D1238 standard is widely used for MFI testing of thermoplastic materials. It provides a standardized procedure for determining the melt flow rates of different polymers and helps in assessing their flow properties.


Message