PSA B62 0300 Classification and Properties of Thermoplastic, Thermoset, Thermoplastic Elastomer and Rubber Materials

The standard “PSA B62 0300 Classification and properties of thermoplastic, thermoset, thermoplastic elastomer and rubber materials”, developed by PSA, a French multinational automotive company, is used to translate the properties of a material into a code form and is used to:

• To define the tests to be performed to classify the material.
• To specify the criteria that the material must meet during the development of a particular part.

This standard applies to thermoplastics, thermosets, rubbers, and thermoplastic elastomers, whether rigid or flexible, compact or lightweight, reinforced or unreinforced. Materials requiring a specific certification procedure are classified according to this standard.

Thermoplastic elastomers are included in this standard. A material is considered as such if it has the following properties:

• A tension retention of less than 75 percent at 20 percent elongation after 70 plus/minus 1 hour at 23 plus/minus 2 degrees according to ISO 2285 and PSA D10 5010 standards.
• According to ISO 1431-1 and PSA D10 5010 standards, at least 72 hours ozone resistance at 200 ppm, cracking time.

Unless otherwise specified, tests shall be performed on test pieces taken perpendicular to the injection or calendaring direction. The following materials are subject to specific standards:

• Alveolar materials
• Wires and fibers
• Rubbers for seals
• Vulcanized rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers for hoses
• Rubbers for anti-vibration parts
• belts
• Decorations

In the high-stakes world of automotive manufacturing, where safety, durability, and performance are paramount, standardized material specifications play a vital role. One of these critical standards, PSA B62 0300, outlines the classification and requirements for a wide range of polymeric materials used in vehicle manufacturing, ensuring consistency, reliability, and compatibility across global supply chains. As electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver assistance systems reshape the industry, PSA B62 0300 and similar standards remain crucial for innovation and quality control.

This standard addresses the evolving needs of modern automobiles, from lightweight components in electric vehicles to robust seals in traditional engines. By harmonizing material properties, it helps manufacturers reduce defects, optimize costs, and comply with stringent environmental regulations.

The PSA B62 0300 standard applies to materials used in both interior and exterior vehicle components, including instrument panels, gaskets, bumpers, and under-hood components. This standard covers:

• Rigid and flexible forms: Both compact and foamed versions for structural and aesthetic applications.
• Environmental conditions: Materials must perform in temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius to +120 degrees Celsius, be UV resistant, and withstand humidity cycles.
• Part development criteria: Beyond classification, it establishes benchmarks for aging, flammability, and adhesion testing to guide prototyping and validation processes.

This broad applicability allows suppliers to tailor their offerings to meet PSA's stringent requirements. Testing under this standard is typically performed by accredited laboratories, and compliance is verified using standard protocols such as tensile strength (ISO 527 standard) and hardness (Shore A/D scales).

The PSA B62 0300 standard essentially establishes a classification system that divides materials into categories based on their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and suitability for end use. The key elements are broken down as follows:

• Material categories:
  • Thermoplastics: Easily moldable plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA) are ideal for injection molded parts.
  • Thermosets: Heat-cured resins, such as phenolic or epoxy, used in high-heat applications such as engine mounts.
  • Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs): Flexible, rubber-like materials for seals, valued for their recyclability.
  • Rubbers: Natural or synthetic elastomers for vibration damping and weather resistance.

Each category includes subclasses based on fillers, reinforcements (e.g., fiberglass), and flame retardant or UV resistant additives.

• Performance characteristics: This standard mandates minimum thresholds for essential characteristics tested according to international norms:
  • Tensile strength (ISO 527 standard): Typical requirement is less than 20 MPa (thermoplastics). Guarantees load-bearing capacity.
  • Elongation at break (ISO 527 standard): Typical requirement is at least 200 percent (elastomers). Measures flexibility and ductility.
  • Hardness (ISO 868 standard): Typical requirement is 70-95 Shore A (TPEs). Measures stiffness for fit and feel.
  • Heat aging (ISO 188 standard): Typical requirement is no more than 20 percent change after 168 hours at 100°C. Simulates long-term thermal exposure.
  • Flammability (ISO 3795 standard): Typical required burning rate of up to 100 mm/min. Meets safety standards for indoor use.

These properties are adapted to the application areas: hot (engine compartment), warm (passenger compartment) and cold (exterior).

• Testing and validation: Compliance involves a multi-stage process:
  • Initial classification: Material suppliers provide samples for basic property testing.
  • Application-specific trials: Durability under simulated driving conditions (e.g. ozone resistance according to ISO 1431 standard).
  • Certification: Successful materials often receive PSA approval, which is listed in databases to facilitate supplier matching.

Non-conformance can lead to batch rejection, highlighting the standard's role in supply chain reliability.

Our organization, with its competent and experienced team, has been understanding the needs of its customers for years, providing them with the advanced testing services they need, and assisting them in establishing, implementing, and improving management systems. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the PSA B62 0300 "Classification and Properties of Thermoplastic, Thermoset, Thermoplastic Elastomer, and Rubber Materials" standard.