ASTM D705-99(2020)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Urea-Formaldehyde Molding Compounds
Standard Specification for Urea-Formaldehyde Molding Compounds
ABSTRACT
This specification covers the testing and requirements for two types of compression-molding, thermosetting urea-formaldehyde molding compounds. Type 1 are general purpose molding compounds with alpha-cellulose fillers, while, Type 2 are general purpose molding compounds with cellulose fillers other than alpha-cellulose. The molding compounds shall be of uniform composition, and the apparent density, bulk factor, plasticity, particle size, and color shall be compounded as to conform to the requirements prescribed herein. Also, sampled test specimens shall be examined and conform correspondingly to the following physical requirements: specific gravity; flexural strength; impact resistance; water absorption; dielectric strength; and arc resistance.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers compression molding thermosetting, urea-formaldehyde molding compounds as further defined in 3.1.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
Note 1: The properties included in this specification are those required to identify the types of molding compounds covered. There may be other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics. Transfer or injection molding will usually result in different physical and electrical characteristics than compression molding.
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 2: ISO 2112-1977(E) is similar but not equivalent to this specification. Product classification and characterization are not the same.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2020
- Technical Committee
- D20 - Plastics
- Drafting Committee
- D20.16 - Thermosetting Materials
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Refers
ASTM D256-06 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics - Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2005
Overview
ASTM D705-99(2020), Standard Specification for Urea-Formaldehyde Molding Compounds, prescribes the characteristics and testing requirements for general-purpose, thermosetting urea-formaldehyde molding compounds intended for compression molding. This internationally recognized standard, developed by ASTM International’s Committee D20 on Plastics, distinguishes between two primary types based on the cellulose filler used:
- Type 1: General purpose compounds with alpha-cellulose filler
- Type 2: General purpose compounds with non-alpha-cellulose filler
The standard ensures a uniform composition and prescribes critical requirements such as apparent density, bulk factor, plasticity, particle size, and color. It supports manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users by guaranteeing performance consistency in molded components.
Key Topics
- Product Classification: Compounds are classified by filler type, which influences color options and end-use properties.
- Physical Requirements: Detailed physical property benchmarks include:
- Specific gravity (minimum 1.45 for both types)
- Flexural strength (55.2 MPa for Type 1, 51.7 MPa for Type 2)
- Impact resistance (Izod, 10.7 J/m), and water absorption (max 2.0%)
- Dielectric strength and arc resistance for electrical insulation performance
- Testing Procedures: Specifies preparation and conditioning methods for test specimens, referencing ASTM standard methods for measurement.
- Packaging and Marking: Outlines standardized packaging to ensure safe transport and clear identification of product type, color, and quantity.
Applications
The urea-formaldehyde molding compounds specified in ASTM D705-99(2020) are widely used in industries that require:
- Electrical components: Due to their excellent dielectric strength and arc resistance, these compounds are ideal for insulating parts and casings in electrical and electronic devices.
- Household goods: Their good strength, surface quality, and ability to be colored (particularly Type 1) make them suitable for appliance handles, buttons, and other consumer products.
- Automotive and industrial parts: Components where mechanical robustness and moisture resistance are essential often use these molding compounds to ensure long-term durability.
Compliance with ASTM D705 ensures that molded products meet critical safety, mechanical, and electrical performance standards, supporting reliable and safe end-use performance.
Related Standards
For broader context and further reference in the field of thermosetting plastics and molding compounds, users may also review:
- ASTM D149: Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
- ASTM D256: Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
- ASTM D570: Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
- ASTM D790: Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
- ISO 2112-1977(E): Plastics - Aminoplastic Moulding Materials - Specification (note: not equivalent, differing in classification and characterization)
Practical Value
Adhering to ASTM D705-99(2020) assists manufacturers and procurement teams in:
- Ensuring product consistency and safety through rigorous and standardized test methods
- Streamlining supply chain communications with clear requirements for packaging and marking
- Meeting international trade expectations, as the standard was developed in line with WTO principles on technical barriers to trade
By specifying urea-formaldehyde molding compounds to ASTM D705, organizations demonstrate a commitment to quality, performance, and regulatory compliance in both domestic and global markets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D705-99(2020) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Urea-Formaldehyde Molding Compounds". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers the testing and requirements for two types of compression-molding, thermosetting urea-formaldehyde molding compounds. Type 1 are general purpose molding compounds with alpha-cellulose fillers, while, Type 2 are general purpose molding compounds with cellulose fillers other than alpha-cellulose. The molding compounds shall be of uniform composition, and the apparent density, bulk factor, plasticity, particle size, and color shall be compounded as to conform to the requirements prescribed herein. Also, sampled test specimens shall be examined and conform correspondingly to the following physical requirements: specific gravity; flexural strength; impact resistance; water absorption; dielectric strength; and arc resistance. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers compression molding thermosetting, urea-formaldehyde molding compounds as further defined in 3.1. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Note 1: The properties included in this specification are those required to identify the types of molding compounds covered. There may be other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics. Transfer or injection molding will usually result in different physical and electrical characteristics than compression molding. 1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note 2: ISO 2112-1977(E) is similar but not equivalent to this specification. Product classification and characterization are not the same. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers the testing and requirements for two types of compression-molding, thermosetting urea-formaldehyde molding compounds. Type 1 are general purpose molding compounds with alpha-cellulose fillers, while, Type 2 are general purpose molding compounds with cellulose fillers other than alpha-cellulose. The molding compounds shall be of uniform composition, and the apparent density, bulk factor, plasticity, particle size, and color shall be compounded as to conform to the requirements prescribed herein. Also, sampled test specimens shall be examined and conform correspondingly to the following physical requirements: specific gravity; flexural strength; impact resistance; water absorption; dielectric strength; and arc resistance. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers compression molding thermosetting, urea-formaldehyde molding compounds as further defined in 3.1. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Note 1: The properties included in this specification are those required to identify the types of molding compounds covered. There may be other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics. Transfer or injection molding will usually result in different physical and electrical characteristics than compression molding. 1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note 2: ISO 2112-1977(E) is similar but not equivalent to this specification. Product classification and characterization are not the same. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D705-99(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D705-99(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D149-20, ASTM D790-17, ASTM D790-15, ASTM D790-15e1, ASTM D3892-15, ASTM D3892-93(2009), ASTM D618-08, ASTM D792-08, ASTM D790-07e1, ASTM D790-07, ASTM D256-06ae1, ASTM D256-06a, ASTM D256-06, ASTM D618-05, ASTM D256-05a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D705-99(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D705 −99 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Urea-Formaldehyde Molding Compounds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D705; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* Impact Resistance of Plastics
D495 Test Method for High-Voltage, Low-Current, Dry Arc
1.1 This specification covers compression molding
Resistance of Solid Electrical Insulation
thermosetting, urea-formaldehyde molding compounds as fur-
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
ther defined in 3.1.
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
standard.
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
als
NOTE1—Thepropertiesincludedinthisspecificationarethoserequired
to identify the types of molding compounds covered. There may be other
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics. Transfer or
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
injection molding will usually result in different physical and electrical
D956 Practice for Compression Molding Specimens of
characteristics than compression molding.
Amino Molding Compounds (Withdrawn 1992)
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This
2.2 ISO Standard:
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
ISO 2112-1977(E) Plastics—Aminoplastic Moulding
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user 4
Materials—Specification
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
environmental practices and determine the applicability of 3. Classification
regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 The molding compounds covered by this specification
shall be designated by types, based upon their principal
NOTE 2—ISO 2112-1977(E) is similar but not equivalent to this
specification. Product classification and characterization are not the same.
characteristics and the fillers used.
3.1.1 Type 1—A general purpose molding compound with
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
alpha-cellulose filler.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.2 Type 2—A general purpose molding compound with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
cellulose filler other than alpha-cellulose.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. General Requirements
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 The molding compounds shall be of uniform composi-
tion. The apparent density, bulk factor, plasticity, particle size,
2. Referenced Documents
2 and color shall be compounded as to conform to the require-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ments prescribed in this specification.
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
DielectricStrengthofSolidElectricalInsulatingMaterials
5. Detail Requirements
at Commercial Power Frequencies
5.1 Test specimens molded in accordance with Practice
D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
D956 shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 1.
6. Sampling
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
6.1 A batch of molding compound shall be considered as a
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.16 on Thermosetting
Materials. unit of manufacture as prepared for shipment and may consist
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
of a blend of two or more production runs.
approvedin1943.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2012asD705 - 99(2012).DOI:
10.1520/D0705-99R20.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
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