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ASTM D3354
ASTM D3354
This is a standard test method (ASTM D3354) used to determine the blocking load of plastic film via the parallel plate method. Blocking is the phenomenon of adjacent layers of plastic film adhering to each other under pressure, heat, storage conditions, and/or characteristics of the material. Overblocking may result in problems for unwinding, packaging, and product handling and will impact manufacturing efficiencies and product performance. ASTM D3354 defines a controlled testing method to determine the force needed to separate film surfaces after a certain amount of force and period of contact. The test is used to determine the adhesion properties between plastic films when stored or when in processing.
Significance
Blocking resistance is an important quality parameter of plastic films, and therefore ASTM D3354 is widely used in the flexible packaging industry. Cinemas with high blocking tendencies can lead to production delays, troubles with feeding on the packaging machine, and damage to packaged products. This is done in a set way and essentially allows manufacturers to compare their different film formulations, surface treatments, additives, and processing techniques using blocking load. Tests offer useful information for product development, quality control purposes, and material selection. Evaluating films consistently based on ASTM D3354 provides the manufacturer with know-how for creating films to run smoothly during the conversion, storage, transportation, and end-use applications. Scope ASTM D3354 covers the determination of blocking load in plastic films using the parallel plate testing method. The standard requires a test to be performed that measures the force needed to part the surfaces of film pressed together under controlled conditions. It is suitable for the manufacturers of plastic film, packaging companies, the supply of packaging materials, testing laboratories, and research organizations, as well as the quality assurance sections and teams who participate in the material development and assessment of flexible packaging materials.