D695

D695 is an ASTM International standard, titled Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Plastics and Rigid Plastic Composites. It provides a procedure for determining the compressive properties of rigid plastics and their composites, including materials that are unreinforced or reinforced.

Scope and purpose: The method is used to obtain quantitative measures of a material’s behavior under compressive loading, such as the compressive yield strength, the ultimate compressive strength, and the modulus of elasticity in compression. The standard is applicable to a wide range of rigid plastic materials and composite formulations, and it is commonly used in quality control, material development, and comparative testing.

Test method and specimen: The procedure involves preparing specimens with parallel end faces and subjecting them to axial compression between rigid loading platens under a specified loading rate. The test records the applied load and the corresponding deformation to generate a stress–strain response from which mechanical properties are derived.

Outputs and interpretation: Key results include compressive yield strength, compressive strength, and the modulus of elasticity in compression. The test can also provide deformation, failure strain, and related observations that help characterize material performance under compressive stress.

Applications and relation to other standards: D695 is routinely used alongside related plastics standards (for example, tensile and flexural methods) to provide a comprehensive mechanical profile of a material. It supports material selection, product design, and quality assurance across industries that use rigid plastics and their composites.

See also: Other ASTM plastics test methods such as D638 (tensile properties) and D790 (flexural properties).