Designation: PS 93 – 98

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Provisional Standard Specification for

Fabricated Shapes and Finished Parts Fabricated From
Polyimide Resins1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation PS 93; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope weight fluorocarbon resin fillers.

1.1 Form—This provisional specification covers rod, bar, 2.2.3 Type 3—15 % by weight molybdenum disulfide filler.
tube, or slab molded from unfilled or filled polyimide resin, NOTE 2—Filler contents shown above are approximate. See Table 1 for
parts machined therefrom, and parts direct-formed from the exact composition.
powder. 2.3 Polymer composition shall be specified by use of
1.2 This provisional specification is identical to and is type/class designations in accordance with Table 1.
intended to replace MIL-R-46198. 2.4 Manufacturing method and product form shall be speci-
NOTE 1—There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard. fied by use of a suffix letter in accordance with Table 2.
1.3 The values are stated in U.S. customary units and are 2.5 When applying the suffix letter, the type/class designa-
regarded as the standard in all property and dimensional tables. tion shall precede the letter.
The SI units given in parentheses are for information only. 3. Referenced Documents
1.4 Provisional standards achieve limited consensus through
approval of the sponsoring subcommittee.2 3.1 ASTM Standards:
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics3
D 695 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid
test methods portion of this provisional specification: This
Plastics3
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
D 790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
als3
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
D 792 Test Methods for Specific Gravity and Density of
tions prior to use.
Plastics by Displacement3
2. Significance and Use D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics3
2.1 Application—Parts in this provisional specification are D 1708 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics by
used primarily for applications requiring a combination of Use of Microtensile Specimens3
properties including self-lubricity and low coefficients of D 3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics4
friction and thermal expansion coupled with heat resistance for E 8 Methods of Tension Testing of Metallic Materials5
continuous operations at temperatures up to 500°F (250°C) and 3.2 ANSI Standards:6
for short term exclusions to 900°F (482°C). ANSI Z1.4 Standard for Sampling Plans and Tables for
2.2 Classification—Parts shall be made from polyimide Inspection by Attributes (MIL-STD-105)
resin of the following types and classes (see 6.2): 3.3 Military Standards:7
2.2.1 Type 1—Unfilled base resin. MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
2.2.2 Type 2—Resin with graphite filler. MIL-STD-1189 Bar Code Symbology, Standard Depart-
2.2.2.1 Class 1—15 % by weight graphite filler. ment of Defense
2.2.2.2 Class 2—40 % by weight graphite filler.
2.2.2.3 Class 3—15 % by weight graphite and 10 % by
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.
1 5
This provisional specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
6
D-20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.20 on Plastic Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Products. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
7
Current edition approved June 26, 1998. Published September 1998. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D,
2
Provisional standards exist for two years subsequent to the approval date. 700 Robbins Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111–5094, Attn: NPODS.

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 PS 93
TABLE 1 Polymer Composition and Form contract or purchase order, the contractor may use their own or
Type/Class
Polymer Composition “M” and
“D” Form
any other facilities suitable for the performance of the inspec-
“P” Forms tion requirements specified herein, unless disapproved by the
Same composition as “M” and procuring activity. The procuring activity reserves the right to
“P” forms except up to the
following amounts of PTFEA
perform any of the inspections set forth in the specification
are added for mold release: where such inspections are deemed necessary to ensure sup-
plies and services conform to prescribed requirements.
Type 1 unfilled polyimide polymer 0.5 % by weight
6.1.1 Responsibility for Compliance—All items shall meet
Type 2, filled polyimide polymer 0.5 % by weight all requirements of Sections 5 and 7. The inspection set forth in
Class 1 containing 14 to 16 % by this specification shall become a part of the contractor’s overall
weight graphite
inspection system or quality program. The absence of any
Type 2, filled polyimide polymer 2.0 % by weight inspection requirements in the specification shall not relieve
Class 2 containing 35 to 39 % by the contractor of the responsibility of ensuring that all products
weight graphite
or supplies submitted to the procuring activity for acceptance
Type 2, filled polyimide polymer comply with all requirements of the contract. Sampling in
Class 3 containing 12 to 14 % by
weight graphite and 9 to 11 %
quality conformance does not authorize submission of known
by weight PTFE defective material, either indicated or actual, nor does it
B
commit the procuring activity to acceptance of defective
Type 3 filled polyimide polymer
containing 14 to 16 % by
material.
weight molybdenum disulfide 6.1.2 Certificate of Compliance (COC)—Unless otherwise
A
Polytetrafluoroethylene compound. specified in the contract or purchase order, the supplier shall
B
No “D” product form in Type 3. furnish with each shipment a certificate of compliance (in
triplicate) signed by a duly authorized representative of the
TABLE 2 Manufacturing Method and Form supplier, stating compliance with the requirements specified
Suffix Letter Product Form herein and listing the specific results of all the acceptance tests.
M hot isostatically molded billet The certificate of compliance shall also include this specifica-
P hot unidirectionally pressed slab tion number, the purchase order number, and the batch number.
D direct formed (pressed) and sintered parts
6.2 Classification of Inspections—The inspection require-
ments specified herein are classified as follows:
4. Terminology a. First Article (that is, preproduction) inspection (see 6.2.1),
and
4.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
b. Quality Conformance (that is, lot acceptance) inspection
nology D 883 unless otherwise indicated.
(see 6.2.2).
5. Requirements 6.2.1 First Article Inspection—First article inspection shall
5.1 First Article—When specified in the contract or pur- consist of all the quality assurance tests contained in this
chase order, a sample shall be subjected to first article specification. First article tests shall be performed on initial
inspection (see 6.2.1 and 8.2) material or in the event of a formulation change. In the absence
5.2 Material—The material shall consist of polyimide res- of a formulation change, first article inspection shall be
ins with a base polymer structure derived from pyromellitic performed only when specified (see 8.2).
dianhydride and 4,48–diaminodiphenylether or other equiva- 6.2.2 Quality Conformance Inspection—Lot acceptance
lent polyimide resins that meet the requirements of this tests shall be made on each lot of material and shall be the basis
provisional specification. The material shall conform to the for acceptance or rejection of the lot except when first article
composition requirements of Table 1. The resins, depending on tests are performed. Lot acceptance tests shall consist of
type and class, may contain up to 50 weight % of pigments, testing, at 75 6 5°F (24 6 2°C), for tensile strength, tensile
fillers, or lubricants, and no fibrous reinforcement. Recycle of elongation at break, and specific gravity (see 6.4) and the
unworked resin from mold filling overflow shall be permitted dimensional, visual, and packaging inspections specified
to the extent that the resultant material meets all property herein.
requirements specified herein. No reground material shall be 6.2.2.1 Dimensional and Visual Inspections:
permitted. (1) “P” Product—Dimensional and visual inspection shall
5.3 Workmanship—The polyimide plastic material shall be be performed on 100 % of all shapes designated as “P”
free of major defects and contaminants that would be detri- product.
mental to fabrication or performance of a finished part. (2) “M” Product—Dimensional inspection shall be per-
formed on shapes designated as “M” product.
6. Quality Assurance Provisions (3) “D” Product—Unless otherwise specified, dimensional
6.1 Responsibility for Inspection—Unless otherwise speci- and visual inspection of material designated as “D” product
fied in the contract or purchase order, the contractor is shall be performed using ANSI Z1.4, Level 1, 2.5 % AQL.
responsible for the performance of all inspection requirements 6.2.2.2 Packaging Inspection—An inspection shall be made
as specified herein. Except as otherwise specified in the in accordance with Table 3 to determine that packing and
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 PS 93
TABLE 3 Examination of Packaging TABLE 4 Mechanical Properties (Minima)
Examine Defects NOTE 1—For parts and specimens direct-formed (pressed and sintered)
Packing Not level specified; not in accordance with contract from powder, tensile strength, elongation, and flexural strength are
requirements. Any nonconforming component, component measured perpendicular to the pressing direction. This is the direction for
missing, damage, or otherwise defective affecting serviceability. maximum strength so that the strength minima listed may not apply in
Inadequate application of components, such as incomplete
closures of case liners; container flaps; loose or inadequate
other directions. Compressive strength is measured parallel to the pressing
slappings; bulged or distorted container. direction so that the strength levels listed are true minima.
Compres-
Quantity of Less than specified or indicated quantity. Flexural
Specific sive
Material Strength,
Type/ Tensile Strength, Tensile Elonga- Gravity, Strength,
MPa
Class MPa (ksi) tion, % 75 6 MPa
Weight Gross weight exceeds specified requirements. (ksi),A 75
5°F (ksi),A 75
6 5°F
6 5°F
Markings Interior or exterior markings omitted, illegible, incorrect,
incomplete, of improper size, location, sequence, method of 75 6 5°F 500 6 75 6 500 6
application, or not in accordance with contract requirements. 5°FA 5°F 5°FA
1M 76 (11) 34.5 (5.0) 4.8 4.0 1.42 103 (15) 241 (35)
1P 69 (10) 27.6 (4.0) 4.5 4.0 1.42 83 (12) 207 (30)
marking comply with section requirements. The sample unit 1D 65.5 (9.5) 34.5 (5.0) 5.0 4.5 1.33 69 (10) 186 (27)
for this examination shall be one shipping container fully
2/1M 55.2 (8.0) 29.7 (4.3) 3.5 2.5 1.49 83 (12) 186 (27)
packed selected just prior to the closing operation. Shipping 2/1P 44.8 (6.5) 25.5 (3.7) 3.0 2.0 1.49 65.5 (9.5) 172 (25)
containers fully prepared for delivery shall be examined for 2/1D 55.2 (8.0) 27.6 (4.0) 3.5 2.5 1.41 76 (11) 172 (25)
closure defect. 2/2M 44.8 (6.5) 20.7 (3.0) 1.3 0.8 1.64 55.2 (8.0) 110 (16)
6.3 Sampling for Inspection—Sampling for inspections and 2/2P 32.4 (4.7) 13.8 (2.0) 1.3 0.8 1.64 51.7 (7.5) 103 (15)
acceptance shall be performed in accordance with ANSI Z1.4, 2/2D 41.5 (6.0) 24.1 (3.5) 1.8 1.0 1.55 55.2 (8.0) 103 (15)
unless otherwise specified. 2/3M 37.9 (5.5) 17.2 (2.5) 2.0 1.8 1.54 58.6 (8.5) 110 (16)
6.4 Test Methods—Testing shall be in accordance with the 2/3P 24.1 (3.5) 13.8 (2.0) 2.0 1.5 1.54 37.9 (5.5) 103 (15)
test methods specified herein for each lot submitted for 2/3D 44.8 (6.5) 20.7 (3.0) 4.0 3.0 1.43 55.2 (8.0) 103 (15)
inspection. The material for testing shall be molded or ma- 3/M 31.1 (4.5) ... 2.7 ... 1.57 55.2 (8.0) ...
chined from molded shapes and tested for the characteristics 3/P 31.1 (4.5) ... 2.7 ... 1.57 65.5 (9.5) ...
listed in Table 4, as applicable. A
Shall be tested for initial acceptance of material, if requested by procuring
6.4.1 Tensile Strength—Tensile strength shall be determined activity, or in the event of formulation change. Material shall be capable of meeting
in accordance with Specification D 638 using Test Method D or exceeding minimum requirements when tested at option of procuring activity.

1708 (micro-tensile specimen) for “M” and “P” product and

Methods E 8 (tension test specimens for powdered metal
products) for “D” product. Crosshead speed shall be 5 mm/min
for “D” product and 1.3 mm/min for “M” and “P” product.
6.4.2 Tensile Elongation at Break—Tensile elongation shall
be determined in accordance with Specification D 638 using
Test Method D 1708 for “M” and “P” product and Methods E
8 (tension test specimens for powdered metal products) for “D”
product.
6.4.3 Specific Gravity—Specific gravity shall be determined
in accordance with Test Methods D 792, Method A.
6.4.4 Flexural Strength—Flexural strength shall be deter-
mined in accordance with Test Methods D 790, Method 1,
Procedure A.
6.4.5 Compressive Strength—Compressive strength shall be
determined in accordance with Test Method D 695.
7. Packaging
7.1 Packing—The material shall be packed in accordance
with Practice D 3892.
7.2 Marking—In addition to any special marking required
by the contract or purchase order, shipping containers shall be
marked in accordance with MIL-STD-129.
8. Notes
8.1 Intended Use—The polyimide materials covered by this
specification are used to make parts for military jet engines and
in many other military applications. End uses for parts made
from this material include the following: vane bushings in jet
engines; piston rings in tank shock absorbers; thrust washers in
tanks and armored vehicle transmissions; and valve seats in the
stabilizing system of missiles. Other end uses include various
bushings, bearings, thrust washers, seal rings, wear strips and
pads, lock nut and lock bolt inserts, balls, valve seats, and
thermal and electrical insulators.
8.2 Ordering Data:
8.2.1 Acquisition Requirements—Acquisition documents
should specify the following:
8.2.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification,
8.2.1.2 Type and class of material (see 2.2),
8.2.1.3 Whether first article inspection is required (see 5.1),
and
8.2.1.4 Level of packing required (see 7.1).
9. Keywords
9.1 high temperature plastic; jet engine parts; polyimide
resin

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 PS 93
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with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
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views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.