SIST EN ISO 62:2009 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 62:2008 - Plastics - Determination of water absorption (ISO 62:2008) specifies standardized test procedures to quantify the water absorption (water uptake) and moisture diffusion behavior of solid plastics in the through‑the‑thickness direction. The standard covers mass‑change measurements after exposure to controlled water or humidity conditions and defines how to derive the equilibrium moisture content and, for single‑phase materials, the moisture diffusion coefficient using Fickian diffusion assumptions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to flat or curved solid plastics and many reinforced polymer‑matrix composites tested below their glass transition temperature (Tg).
  • Not applicable to cellular plastics, granulates or powders (capillary and additional absorption effects).
  • Multi‑phase absorption behavior (e.g., some hardened epoxies) is outside the model in this standard.
• Test principle
  • Water uptake determined by measuring change in mass (difference between initial and post‑exposure mass) and expressing it as percentage of initial mass.
  • Supports both equilibrium and non‑equilibrium comparisons (quality control vs. material property determination).
• Test methods
  • Method 1: Immersion in distilled water at 23 °C.
  • Method 2: Immersion in boiling distilled water (not for plastics that lose shape).
  • Method 3: Determination of water‑soluble matter lost during immersion.
  • Method 4: Exposure to a controlled relative humidity (commonly 50 % RH) at specified temperatures.
• Specimens and apparatus
  • Defined specimen sizes (e.g., square specimens per ISO 294‑3, typical thickness 1.0 ± 0.1 mm), minimum three specimens per material.
  • Balance accuracy, oven conditions, controlled water baths and desiccators are specified.
• Data and analysis
  • Results expressed as percentage by mass; diffusion coefficient can be derived assuming Fickian behavior and homogeneity.
  • Includes precision statement and guidance for reporting test conditions and tolerances.

Applications and who uses this standard

• Materials and quality engineers performing water absorption testing, moisture resistance evaluation, and batch control for thermoplastics and composites.
• R&D teams comparing polymer formulations or assessing environmental conditioning effects (swelling, extraction of soluble components).
• Test laboratories certifying materials for components exposed to moisture (automotive, electrical, consumer goods, medical devices).
• Designers and failure analysts evaluating material suitability for humid or immersed service conditions.

Related standards

• ISO 175: Methods for effects of immersion in liquid chemicals.
• ISO 294‑3: Injection moulding of test specimens - small plates.
• ISO 2818: Preparation of test specimens by machining.

EN ISO 62:2008 is essential when specifying repeatable, comparable procedures for measuring water absorption in plastics, determining diffusion coefficients, and supporting material selection for moisture‑sensitive applications.