SIST EN ISO 20568-1:2017 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 20568-1:2017 (CEN adoption of ISO 20568-1:2017) defines a standardized designation system for fluoropolymer dispersions and moulding and extrusion materials. The standard provides a structured way to identify and classify fluoropolymers (e.g., PTFE, PFA, FEP, PVDF, ETFE) using a multi-part designation that can be used as the basis for material specifications. It applies to unmodified materials and to formulations modified by additives, colorants, fillers or reinforcements.

Key topics and requirements

• Designation architecture: Materials are described using an identity block and an individual-item block subdivided into five data blocks (1 to 5). The individual-item block begins with a hyphen and uses commas to separate data blocks.
• Data block contents:
  • Data block 1: Polymer identification (abbreviated term per ISO 1043-1) and composition symbols (e.g., PTFE, PFA, PVDF).
  • Data block 2: Fillers or reinforcing materials and nominal content.
  • Data block 3: Intended application and/or processing method, plus important properties, additives and supplementary information.
  • Data block 4: Designatory properties - specific measurable attributes used to differentiate materials.
  • Data block 5: Information required for formal specifications (used when defining contractual or test requirements).
• Designatory properties detailed (selected examples):
  • For PTFE granular and ram-extrusion resins: standard specific gravity (SSG), bulk density, particle size.
  • For PTFE dispersions: PTFE % in dispersion, surfactant %, surfactant tolerance.
  • For melt-processable resins (CPT, ETFE, FEP, PFA, PVDF, etc.): melting peak temperature, melt mass-flow rate (MFR).
  • For PCTFE: zero-strength time (ZST); for some copolymers: glass transition temperature (Tg).
• Scope limitations: The standard provides the designation framework; it does not supply engineering performance data or processing conditions. Where test methods are needed, ISO 20568-2 and other referenced standards (ISO 1133-1, ISO 11357 series, ISO 1043-1) are used.

Applications and users

Who uses EN ISO 20568-1:2017:

• Materials engineers and R&D teams for consistent polymer identification.
• Quality managers and test laboratories preparing material specifications and reports.
• Procurement/specification writers and suppliers to unambiguously describe fluoropolymer grades.
• Regulatory and compliance professionals who need standardized material descriptions.

Practical uses:

• Creating product data sheets, purchasing specifications, and supplier contracts.
• Classifying batches for inventory, traceability and acceptance testing.
• Communicating formulation information (fillers, additives, dispersion parameters) across the supply chain.

Related standards

• ISO 20568-2 (test specimen preparation and property determination)
• ISO 1043-1 (polymer abbreviation symbols)
• ISO 1133-1 and ISO 11357 series (MFR, DSC methods)
• ASTM specifications referenced within the document for related material classes

Keywords: EN ISO 20568-1:2017, fluoropolymer designation, PTFE dispersion, moulding and extrusion materials, specification system, melt-processable fluoropolymers.