ASTM D8065/D8065M-16(2023)

Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Specifying Plastic Films

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this classification system is to provide a method of adequately identifying plastic films using a system that applies universally for plastic films. It further provides a means for specifying these films by the use of a simple line call-out designation.  
4.2 This classification system was developed to permit the addition of additional film products and property values.  
4.3 It is intended that the classification of plastic sheeting, >0.25 mm [0.010 in.] thickness, multi-layer structures, blends, and other variants will be addressed in related standards.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard provides a classification system for tabulating the properties of unfilled, single-layer plastic films.
Note 1: The classification system serves many of the needs of industries using plastic films. The standard is subject to revision as the need requires; therefore, the latest revision should always be used.
Note 2: Film is defined in Terminology D883 as an optional term for sheeting having a nominal thickness no greater than 0.25 mm [0.010 in.].  
1.2 The classification system and subsequent line call-out (specification) is intended to be a means of identifying plastic films used for applications including industrial, packaging, construction, and agriculture. It is not intended for the selection of materials to be used in films. This selection should be made by those having expertise in the plastics field after careful consideration of the end-use requirements, the environment to which the films will be exposed, the fabrication process to be employed, the inherent properties of the material not covered in this document, and the economic factors.  
1.3 This classification system is based on the premise that plastic films can be arranged into broad generic families based on materials with similar composition using basic film properties. A system is thus established which, together with values describing additional requirements, permits as complete a description as desired of the selected film.  
1.4 In all cases where the provisions of this classification system would conflict with the referenced ASTM specification for a particular film product, the latter shall take precedence.
Note 3: It is strongly recommended that this classification system be used for all new applications and specifications and that the specification of films using existing standards be expeditiously withdrawn or converted to this classification system.  
1.5 This classification system applies to commercial products and, as such, there is no control over the manufacturing parameters employed in producing the film. It shall be the responsibility of those developing the specification documents utilizing this classification system to identify the critical parameters and values to be used for the cell classifications and suffix requirements.  
1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 4: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 01.040.83 - Rubber and plastics industries (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 83.080.10 - Thermosetting materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.19 - Film, Sheeting, and Molded Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D8065/D8065M-16 - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Specifying Plastic Films
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-23 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D1203-23 - Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2022
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-22ae1 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2022
• Refers: ASTM D1203-22 - Standard Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D8195-18 - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Polyethylene Terephthalate Film and Sheeting
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D8065/D8065M-16(2023), titled Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Specifying Plastic Films, is an international ASTM standard designed to provide a universal system for identifying and specifying unfilled, single-layer plastic films. The classification system streamlines the selection and specification of plastic films used across various industries by adopting a logical, consistent methodology for cataloguing film properties. This standard is intended to promote clarity, uniformity, and efficiency in the communication and specification of plastic films, supporting industrial, packaging, construction, and agriculture applications.

Key Topics

• Classification System: Establishes a method for classifying unfilled, single-layer plastic films based on generic polymer composition and key properties, making use of a simple, structured line call-out.
• Identification and Specification: Offers a universally applicable designation system to help identify and specify films according to their most significant attributes.
• Extensibility: Allows for the addition of more film products and property values as new materials are developed or requirements change.
• Scope Limitations: Applies only to films up to 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) thick and intended for single-layer, unfilled products; multi-layer, blended, or thicker products are to be addressed by related standards.
• Test Methods and Parameters: References relevant ASTM test methods for measuring properties such as tensile strength, tear resistance, impact strength, haze, and coefficients of friction.
• Specification and Conformance: Details how to construct specification line call-outs and references required property values and suffixes for critical properties.

Applications

The classification and specification basis provided by ASTM D8065/D8065M-16(2023) is crucial for:

• Industrial Manufacturing: Assists manufacturers in consistent production runs and material certification, ensuring that the plastic films meet detailed application requirements.
• Packaging Industry: Used for specifying films for a variety of packaging formats, ensuring the right balance of mechanical and optical properties as well as regulatory compliance.
• Construction and Agriculture: Supports selection of films for applications such as vapor barriers, greenhouse films, and temporary protective sheeting, where durability and specific property ranges are essential.
• Procurement and Supply Chains: Streamlines communication between buyers and suppliers by providing a clear, concise, and universally recognized classification system that reduces ambiguity and improves material match.

Related Standards

ASTM D8065/D8065M-16(2023) references and is complemented by several related ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM D882 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
• ASTM D1709 - Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method
• ASTM D1003 - Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• ASTM D1922 - Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film
• ASTM D1004 - Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and Sheeting
• ASTM D3985 - Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting
• ASTM D1894 - Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting (Withdrawn 2023)
• ASTM D3892 - Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
• ASTM D883 - Terminology Relating to Plastics

These referenced standards provide detailed procedures for evaluating the properties specified in the classification system.

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Keywords: ASTM D8065, plastic film classification, plastic film specification, single-layer plastic films, plastic film test methods, industrial plastic films, packaging films standard, ASTM plastics standards, plastic film properties, material specification plastic film.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8065/D8065M − 16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for
Specifying Plastic Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8065/D8065M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope utilizing this classification system to identify the critical
parameters and values to be used for the cell classifications and
1.1 This standard provides a classification system for tabu-
suffix requirements.
lating the properties of unfilled, single-layer plastic films.
1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
NOTE 1—The classification system serves many of the needs of
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
industries using plastic films. The standard is subject to revision as the
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
need requires; therefore, the latest revision should always be used.
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
NOTE 2—Film is defined in Terminology D883 as an optional term for
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
sheeting having a nominal thickness no greater than 0.25 mm [0.010 in.].
conformance with the standard.
1.2 The classification system and subsequent line call-out
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
(specification) is intended to be a means of identifying plastic
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
films used for applications including industrial, packaging,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
construction, and agriculture. It is not intended for the selection
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of materials to be used in films. This selection should be made
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
by those having expertise in the plastics field after careful
consideration of the end-use requirements, the environment to
NOTE 4—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
which the films will be exposed, the fabrication process to be
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
employed, the inherent properties of the material not covered
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
in this document, and the economic factors.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.3 This classification system is based on the premise that
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
plastic films can be arranged into broad generic families based mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
on materials with similar composition using basic film prop-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
erties. A system is thus established which, together with values
describing additional requirements, permits as complete a 2. Referenced Documents
description as desired of the selected film.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
1.4 In all cases where the provisions of this classification
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
system would conflict with the referenced ASTM specification
at Commercial Power Frequencies
for a particular film product, the latter shall take precedence.
D150 Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permit-
NOTE 3—It is strongly recommended that this classification system be
tivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
used for all new applications and specifications and that the specification
D257 Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of
of films using existing standards be expeditiously withdrawn or converted
Insulating Materials
to this classification system.
D774/D774M Test Method for Bursting Strength of Paper
1.5 This classification system applies to commercial prod-
(Withdrawn 2010)
ucts and, as such, there is no control over the manufacturing
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
parameters employed in producing the film. It shall be the
Sheeting
responsibility of those developing the specification documents
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
of Transparent Plastics
This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
D1004 Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting, and
Molded Products.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D8065/D8065M – 16. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D8065_D8065M-16R23. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8065/D8065M − 16 (2023)
Plastic Film and Sheeting D6988 Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film
D1203 Test Methods for Volatile Loss from Plastics Using Test Specimens
D7192 Test Method for High Speed Puncture Properties of
Activated Carbon Methods
D1204 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Plastic Films Using Load and Displacement Sensors
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and
Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated
Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (With-
Temperature
drawn 2015)
D1239 Test Method for Resistance of Plastic Films to
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Extraction by Chemicals
Determine Conformance with Specifications
D1434 Test Method for Determining Gas Permeability Char-
E96/E96M Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of
acteristics of Plastic Film and Sheeting
Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
D1709 Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film
F88/F88M Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier
by the Free-Falling Dart Method
Materials
D1746 Test Method for Transparency of Plastic Sheeting
D1790 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic
3. Terminology
Sheeting by Impact
3.1 Definitions—The definitions used in this classification
D1894 Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of
system are in accordance with Terminology D883.
Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting (Withdrawn 2023)
D1922 Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of
4. Significance and Use
Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method
4.1 The purpose of this classification system is to provide a
D1938 Test Method for Tear-Propagation Resistance (Trou-
method of adequately identifying plastic films using a system
ser Tear) of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by a Single-
that applies universally for plastic films. It further provides a
Tear Method
means for specifying these films by the use of a simple line
D2176 Test Method for Folding Endurance of Paper and
call-out designation.
Plastics Film by the M.I.T. Tester
D2275 Test Method for Voltage Endurance of Solid Electri-
4.2 This classification system was developed to permit the
cal Insulating Materials Subjected to Partial Discharges
addition of additional film products and property values.
(Corona) on the Surface
4.3 It is intended that the classification of plastic sheeting,
D2305 Test Methods for Polymeric Films Used for Electri-
>0.25 mm [0.010 in.] thickness, multi-layer structures, blends,
cal Insulation
and other variants will be addressed in related standards.
D2457 Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and
Solid Plastics 5. Classification
D2578 Test Method for Wetting Tension of Polyethylene and
5.1 Films shall be classified by their generic polymer
Polypropylene Films
composition, specific sub-group, type, and other defining
D2582 Test Method for Puncture-Propagation Tear Resis-
characteristics as shown in the following examples.
tance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
NOTE 5—It should be emphasized that the scope of the following
D2732 Test Method for Unrestrained Linear Thermal
examples and tables are not limited to the information shown and can be
Shrinkage of Plastic Film and Sheeting
supplemented to include additional materials, descriptors, properties, etc.
D2838 Test Method for Shrink Tension and Orientation
as needed.
Release Stress of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
5.2 Generic classification shall follow the examples shown
D2923 Test Method for Rigidity of Polyolefin Film and
in Table 1 or, in accordance with D883, followed by the letter
Sheeting (Withdrawn 2015)
“F” for film.
D3354 Test Method for Blocking Load of Plastic Film by the
5.3 If applicable, the film is further classified by sub-groups
Parallel Plate Method
and types identified by a single-digit numerical codes as shown
D3417 Test Method for Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystalli-
by the examples described in Tables 2-4.
zation of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
(DSC) (Withdrawn 2004) 5.4 The film shall be further classified with two single digits
D3420 Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of to describe the process used to manufacture the film and the
Plastic Film film gauge as shown by the examples shown in Table 5.
D3801 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning
NOTE 6—Example (1), a Low density Polyethylene blown film, nominal
Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
gauge of 15 μ –PEF3011.
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D3985 Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate
TABLE 1 Examples of Generic Classifications (Based on Existing
Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric
Standards)
Sensor
Generic Classifications
D4272/D4272M Test Method for Total Energy Impact of
PE Polythylene
PP Polypropylene
Plastic Films by Dart Drop
PET Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
D5946 Test Method for Corona-Treated Polymer Films Us-
PVC Poly(vinyl chloride)
ing Water Contact Angle Measurements
D8065/D8065M − 16 (2023)
TABLE 2 Examples of Group Classifications (for PE Films)
7.3 The specific test procedure and conditions to be used
Group Classifications shall be specified or referenced in the cell table of the
0 Not applicable
classification document.
1 Linear low density polyethylene plastics (LLDPE)
2 Linear medium density polyethylene plastics (LMDPE)
7.4 Examples of typical suffix requirements, using PE as an
3 Low density polyethylene plastics (LDPE)
example, are shown in Tables 6-10. In this case, the critical
4 Medium density polyethylene plastics (MDPE)
5 High density polyethylene plastics (HDPE) properties selected are tensile properties, dart drop impact,
propagation-tear resistance. Haze, and COF.
NOTE 10—Example (1), PEF3011-A232340-B3-C34-D2-E22—a Low
TABLE 3 Examples of Group Classifications (for PP Films)
density Polyethylene blown film, nominal gauge of 25 m, tensile yield
Group Classifications
stress MD (10 MPa), tensile break strain MD (150 %), tensile modulus
0 Not applicable
MD (400 MPa), tensile yield stress TD (20 MPa), tensile break strain TD
1 Homopolymer polypropylene (HPP)
(300 %), tensile modulus TD (Not Specified), dart impact strength (125 g),
2 Random copolymer polypropylene (RPP)
propagation tear MD (150 g), propagation tear TD (600 g), Haze (3 %),
3 Impact copolymer polypropylene (CPP)
Static COF (0.25), and Kinetic COF (0.30).
7.5 The above are examples as specific properties and
TABLE 4 Examples of Type Classifications
values shall be identifie
...