1.1?This classification system covers styrene-maleic anhydride materials suitable for molding or extrusion. This classification system does not apply to alloys or blends of styrene-maleic anhydride materials with non-elastomeric thermoplastics. Styrene-maleic anhydride materials, being thermoplastic, are reprocessable and recyclable. This classification system allows for the use of those materials provided that all the specific requirements of this classification system are met.

1.2?The properties included in this standard are those required to identify the compositions covered. Other requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are to be specified by using the suffixes as given in Section 5.

1.3?This classification system and subsequent line call out (specification) are intended to provide means of calling out properties of plastic materials used in the fabrication of end items or parts. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Materials should be selected by those having expertise in the plastics field after careful consideration of the design and the performance required of the part, the environment to which it will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, costs involved, and the inherent properties of the material other than those covered by this classification system.

1.4?The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5?The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 11, of this classification system. 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.

1.6?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.