ASTM D3851-17(2022) PDF

Overview

ASTM D3851-17(2022) is the internationally recognized standard specification for microcellular polyurethane shoe soling materials, as developed by ASTM International. This standard establishes comprehensive physical property requirements and test methods for urethane microcellular materials intended for use in footwear outsoles. Its guidelines ensure consistent quality, performance, and safety in the production of polyurethane solings, benefiting footwear manufacturers, suppliers, and end users globally.

The scope of ASTM D3851-17(2022) includes requirements for material grades based on attributes like abrasion resistance, cut-growth resistance, tensile strength, and density. It also describes procedures for inspection, packaging, labeling, and identifying compliance, contributing to uniformity and reliability in the footwear industry.

Key Topics

• Material Grades: The standard identifies three grades of microcellular polyurethane materials, each suitable for various shoe soling applications based on their physical performance.
• Physical Properties: Requirements cover crucial attributes such as density, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, tear strength, durometer hardness, cut-growth resistance, and abrasion resistance. Compliance with these properties is verified using referenced ASTM test methods.
• Test Methods: ASTM D3851-17(2022) calls upon several established ASTM test methods to assess the material's performance, including:
  • D412 (Tensile strength and elongation)
  • D624 (Tear strength)
  • D2240 (Durometer hardness)
  • D792, D1622 (Density)
  • D3489 (Wear and abrasion)
  • D1052 (Cut-growth resistance)
• Inspection and Retest: Clear procedures for inspection and retesting ensure that both manufacturers and purchasers agree on quality and conformance before the materials are used.
• Packaging and Labeling: The specification requires correct packaging, shipping marks, and labeling to support traceability and compliance, with options for manufacturers to denote products meeting this ASTM standard.

Applications

ASTM D3851-17(2022) is essential for:

• Footwear Manufacturers: Ensures the soling materials provide the required durability, comfort, and safety in shoes, boots, and other footwear items. The standard supports quality assurance in production and procurement, resulting in longer-lasting, higher-performing footwear.
• Material Suppliers and Converters: Offers a clear benchmark for testing, classifying, and marketing polyurethane soling materials to footwear brands and OEMs.
• Quality Assurance and Testing Laboratories: Provides a detailed framework for evaluating materials prior to integration in footwear manufacturing, enhancing product reliability and reducing defects.
• Contract Negotiations: The standard's use of both SI and inch-pound units, as agreed by parties, simplifies international trade and contracts for global footwear supply chains.

Microcellular polyurethane soling materials specified under this standard are widely used in athletic, casual, work, and safety footwear due to their balance of flexibility, cushioning, abrasion resistance, and lightweight properties.

Related Standards

Key related ASTM standards referenced within ASTM D3851-17(2022) include:

• ASTM D412: Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers - Tension
• ASTM D624: Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
• ASTM D2240: Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness
• ASTM D792: Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics by Displacement
• ASTM D1622: Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• ASTM D3489: Test Methods for Microcellular Urethane Materials
• ASTM D1052: Test Method for Measuring Rubber Deterioration-Cut Growth Using Ross Flexing Apparatus
• ASTM D1938: Test Method for Tear-Propagation Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics

Note: There is no known ISO equivalent to ASTM D3851-17(2022), making it a unique and authoritative reference for microcellular polyurethane shoe soling materials in the global market.

Keywords: polyurethane shoe soling, microcellular urethane, ASTM D3851-17, shoe outsole materials, abrasion resistance, footwear standards, physical property testing, soling material specification.