1.

ASTM D1709-16ae1
Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-
Falling Dart Method

These test techniques are for determining the amount of energy required for a plastic film to fail
under specific impact conditions from a free-falling dart. This energy is measured in terms of the
weight (mass) of a missile falling from a certain height, resulting in a 50% failure rate of the
specimens tested.
Two testing processes can be used
1. The staircase method is the most used strategy. Using this technique, the missile weight
used during the test is reduced or increased in equal increments after each specimen has
been tested, depending on the result (fail or not fail).
2. The alternate method involves testing specimens in ten-group increments. Each group is
given a different missile weight, which is adjusted in uniform increments from group to
group.
Sheeting with a nominal thickness of less than 0.25 mm has been arbitrarily defined as film
(0.010 in.). [1]

Figure 1 Impact resistance measuring device (source: Google)

 2. ASTM D1004-21
Standard Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and
Sheeting

This test method is for determining the tear resistance of flexible plastic film and sheeting at very
low loading rates of 51 mm (2 in.) per minute, and is used to determine the force required to
induce tearing. This test method provides a stress concentration in a small area of the specimen
due to the specimen shape. The tear resistance in newton’s is the greatest tension, which is
usually seen around the commencement of tearing (or pounds-force). The approach is not
suitable to film or sheeting materials that fail brittle during testing or have a maximum extension
of more than 101.6 mm (4 in.).
Consistent-Rate-of-Grip Separation Test—In this test, the grips holding the test specimen are
separated at a constant rate. [2]

Figure 2 Tear Resistance Measuring Device (source: Google)

 3. ASTM D7192-20 

Standard Test Method for High Speed Puncture Properties of Plastic Films
Using Load and Displacement Sensors
The purpose of this test procedure is to determine the puncture properties of plastic films at a
variety of test velocities.
Film is described by ASTM Terminology Standard D883 as having a thickness of less than 0.25
mm. Plastic materials with a thickness greater than this are not prohibited from use until they can
be demonstrated to be stiff. [3]

Figure 3 Film Puncture Measuring Device (Source: Instron)

4. ASTM D882-18 

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

The tensile characteristics of plastics in the form of thin sheeting and films (less than 1.0 mm
(0.04 in.) in thickness) are determined using this test method.
This test method can be used to test any plastic that falls within the specified thickness range and
the machine's capacity.
Using a tensile testing machine, the film is pulled at a speed of 200 mm/min, calculating the
strength when the film sample tears (a value obtained by dividing the tensile load by the cross-
sectional area of the sample) and the amount of elongation. The tensile elongation is calculated
using the following formula.
Tensile elongation (%) = 100 × (L - Lo) / Lo
Lo: Sample length before test, L: Sample length at break
Grip separation, extension indicators, and gauge mark displacement can all be used to quantify
specimen extension.
At one strain rate, the process for obtaining the tensile modulus of elasticity is included. [4]

Figure 4 Tensile Testing Device (Source: Google)

 5. ASTM D1894-14 
Standard Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of Friction of Plastic
Film and Sheeting
The coefficients of beginning and sliding friction of plastic film and sheeting when sliding over
itself or other substances at defined test circumstances are determined using this test procedure.
A stationary sled with a moving plane or a moving sled with a stationary plane can both be used
in this method. For a given sample, both approaches produce the same coefficients of friction
values.
The film-to-film friction coefficient is determined using a slip tester. The following formula is
used to calculate the values.
Resistance Value / Load = Friction Coefficient
As an option to this test, coefficient of friction may be run at temperatures other than 23°C by
heating only the plane while the sled is at ambient temperature. [5]

Figure 5 Static and Kinetic Coefficient Measuring Device (Source: Instron)

6. ASTM D5419-21 

Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR) of

Threaded Plastic Closures
The susceptibility of threaded plastic closures to failure owing to environmental stress cracking
is determined using this test method (ESC).
When threaded plastic closures are used, they can come into touch with chemicals that
significantly reduce the stress at which cracks develop. Soaps, detergents, oils, and liquid
bleaches are examples of such agents.
Closure material(s), closure design, molded-in stress, and applied stress are all major elements
that determine environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR) of threaded plastic closures.
This process can be used on any closure, but it's especially useful for those constructed of
polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene-based plastics (PS).
The values in inch-pound units should be considered the standard. [6]

7. ASTM D1239-14 

Standard Test Method for Resistance of Plastic Films to Extraction by

Chemicals
The weight loss of the film following immersion in chemicals is measured using this test method
for chemical resistance of plastic films.
Sheeting with a nominal thickness of less than 0.25 mm has been arbitrarily defined as film
(0.010 in.).

8. ASTM D7310-21 

Standard Practice for Defect Detection and Rating of Plastic Films Using
Optical Sensors
Using an optical scanning equipment, this technique aims to establish standardized approaches
and criteria for the observation and reporting of faults in various types of plastic film. After
preparing a suitable film from plastic resin, the scope includes in situ assessment of flaws in
films manufactured for specific uses. [7]

References

[1] "ASTM Standards," [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d1709-16ae01.html. [Accessed 29 01

2022].

[2] "ASTM International," [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d1004-21.html. [Accessed 29 1

2022].

[3] "ASTM International," [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d7192-20.html. [Accessed 29 1

2022].

[4] "ASTM INTERNATIONAL," [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d0882-18.html. [Accessed 29

01 2022].

[5] "ASTM INTERNATIONAL," [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d1894-14.html. [Accessed 29 1

 2022].

[6] "ASTM INTERNATIONALS," [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d5419-21.html. [Accessed 29

01 2022].

[7] "ASTM org.," ASTM INTERNATIONAL, [Online]. Available: https://www.astm.org/d7310-21.html.

[Accessed 29 01 2022].