ASTM D882

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

This standard provides essential data on the tensile strength of stretch wrap film, elongation, and modulus of elasticity, which is used to determine it’s tensile properties.

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ASTM D882

Scope and Purpose of ASTM D882

ASTM D882 is a widely recognized test method used to determine the tensile properties of thin plastic films and sheeting materials. This standard provides essential data on the tensile strength of stretch wrap film, elongation, and modulus of elasticity, which are crucial for material selection and quality control. By measuring how plastic responds to tension, manufacturers can ensure their products meet performance and durability requirements.

The plastic tensile strength test evaluates the ability of plastic films to withstand forces before breaking. This test is essential for industries such as packaging, food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where plastic materials must maintain structural integrity under stress. ASTM D882 helps in:

  • Assessing material performance in various applications.
  • Ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Improving product durability and reliability.

Industries Where It’s Applied

  1. Packaging Industry: ensures plastic films used in food and pharmaceutical packaging meet durability requirements.
  2. Medical Device Manufacturing: evaluates the strength of plastic used in sterile medical packaging.
  3. Adhesive and Coating Industry: assesses the performance of laminated and coated plastics.
  4. Electronics and Quality Control: ensures protective films for electronics maintain tensile integrity.
ASTM D882 contents

Significance in the Industry

  1. Helps the packaging industry select the best materials for stretch wrap films.
  2. Ensures medical device manufacturing industry compliance with regulatory standards.
  3. Helps adhesive and coating industry manufacturers develop high-strength materials.
  4. Provides electronics industry quality assurance for plastic materials used in electrical insulation.

The plastic tensile strength test evaluates the ability of plastic films to withstand forces before breaking. This test is essential for industries such as packaging, food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where plastic materials must maintain structural integrity under stress. ASTM D882 helps in:

  • Assessing material performance in various applications.
  • Ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Improving product durability and reliability.
ASTM D882 plastic tensile strength testing machine

Test Preparation

A uniform cross-section specimen undergoes tensile testing using a mechanical testing machine, where force and extension are recorded. Grip separation and test speed are adjusted based on material elongation and testing objectives. The test determines properties like tensile stress, elongation, and modulus.

Stretch Wrap Film Tensile Strength

  • The maximum stress a plastic material can withstand before breaking.
  • Higher tensile strength indicates greater resistance to stretching and deformation.

Stretch Wrap Film Elongation at Break

  • Measures how much a plastic film stretches before failure.
  • Essential for stretch wrap films, which need high elongation for secure packaging.

Stretch Wrap Film Modulus of Elasticity

  • Indicates the material’s stiffness or resistance to deformation.
  • Higher values suggest a more rigid plastic.

The tensile equipment consists of a constant rate-of-crosshead-movement testing machine with the following components:

  • Fixed Member: Holds one grip and remains stationary.
  • Movable Member: Holds the second grip and moves during testing.
  • Grips: Secure the test specimen between the fixed and movable members. They can be fixed or self-aligning but must minimize slippage and uneven stress distribution.
  • Specimens must be cut into strips of uniform width and thickness, typically between 5.0 mm and 25.4 mm wide.
  • The material should be free from nicks and tears, as these can lead to premature failure.
  • For anisotropic materials, specimens should be tested in both parallel and perpendicular orientations to the principal axis.
  1. The specimen is secured in the grips of a mechanical testing machine.
  2. The machine applies a tensile force at a controlled rate of grip separation.
  3. The force and elongation data are recorded until the specimen fails.
  4. Tensile stress, elongation, and modulus of elasticity are calculated.
  • The rate of testing should be maintained within 5% of the set speed.
  • The strain rate is determined based on the initial grip separation and material type.
  • If modulus values are needed, separate specimens should be used.
astm d882 plastic tensile strength test

Required Testing Equipment

TST-01 Tensile and Elongation Tester

TST-01 is a specialized cling peel tester that is specially designed to conduct ASTM D882 tests. 

More About TST-01

 

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