ASTM D1003 is a standard test method for measuring the haze and luminous transmittance of transparent plastics. Haze is a measure of the amount of light that is scattered by particles in a transparent material. Luminous transmittance is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a transparent material.

The test method is applicable to transparent plastics that are at least 1.5 mm thick. The sample is placed in a haze meter, and the amount of light that is scattered and transmitted is measured. The haze is then calculated from the measurements.

The test method provides two procedures for measuring haze:

• Procedure A: This procedure uses a hazemeter that is equipped with a 2.5° integrating sphere.
• Procedure B: This procedure uses a spectrophotometer that is equipped with a 2.5° integrating sphere.

Procedure A is the preferred procedure, as it is more accurate and reproducible. However, Procedure B can be used if a spectrophotometer is the only instrument available.

The test method also provides specifications for the haze and luminous transmittance of transparent plastics. The haze specifications vary depending on the application of the plastic. For example, the haze specification for a plastic that is used in a window is typically lower than the haze specification for a plastic that is used in a food packaging material.

ASTM D1003 is a valuable tool for quality control in the plastics industry. It can be used to ensure that plastics meet the required haze and luminous transmittance specifications.

Here are some of the key requirements of ASTM D1003:

• The hazemeter or spectrophotometer must be calibrated with a standard reference material.
• The hazemeter or spectrophotometer must be able to measure haze and luminous transmittance over a range of values.
• The hazemeter or spectrophotometer must be able to produce accurate and reproducible results.
• The sample must be clean and free of defects.
• The sample thickness must be at least 1.5 mm.

By meeting these requirements, ASTM D1003 can be used to reliably measure the haze and luminous transmittance of transparent plastics.