ASTM D3354-21

Standard Test Method for Blocking Load of Plastic Film by the Parallel Plate Method

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Blocking develops in film processing and storage when layers of smooth film are in intimate contact with nearly complete exclusion of air. Temperature, or pressure, or both, can induce or change the degree of adhesion of the surfaces.  
5.2 The procedure of this test method closely simulates the operation of separating film in some end-use applications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method yields quantitative information regarding the degree of blocking (unwanted adhesion) existing between layers of plastic film. It is not intended to measure susceptibility to blocking.  
1.2 By this procedure, the film-to-film adhesion, expressed as a blocking load in grams, will cause two layers of film with an area of contact of 100 cm2 to separate. The test method is limited to a maximum load of 200 g.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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 1: This test method is similar to ISO 11502 Method B, but is not technically equivalent.  
1.5 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: 30-Nov-2021
• ICS: 83.140.10 - Films and sheets
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.19 - Film, Sheeting, and Molded Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013

Overview

ASTM D3354-21 is the Standard Test Method for Blocking Load of Plastic Film by the Parallel Plate Method, published by ASTM International. This standard outlines a quantitative procedure to determine the degree of blocking, or unwanted adhesion, between layers of plastic film. Blocking commonly develops during the processing and storage of polymer films, especially when smooth surfaces are placed in intimate contact and air is nearly excluded. Temperature, pressure, or a combination of both can affect the extent of film-to-film adhesion.

This test method closely simulates the process of separating film layers, as encountered in numerous end-use and packaging applications. The method yields the blocking load, expressed in grams, required to separate two layers of plastic film with a contact area of 100 cm², up to a maximum force of 200 grams.

Key Topics

• Blocking Load Measurement: Provides a clear, repeatable method for quantifying the force needed to separate layers of plastic film using the parallel plate method.
• Sample Preparation and Conditioning: Specifies film specimen dimensions, preparation from rolls or sheets, and required environmental conditioning parameters for accurate and comparable results.
• Testing Apparatus: Describes two types of devices:
  • Constant-rate-of-load device
  • Constant-rate-of-separation machine, maintaining a controlled velocity to measure the force required for separation
• Procedure Details: The standard covers sample placement, securing the film to the plates, measurement steps, and recording results, all to ensure reproducibility and reliability.
• Precision and Bias: Offers guidance on repeatability and reproducibility, including the need to generate precision data specific to the user's materials and testing environments.

Applications

ASTM D3354-21 provides practical value in multiple industries that utilize plastic films, including:

• Quality Control: Ensures film products meet required levels of blocking resistance during production and after storage.
• Packaging: Manufacturers can simulate and evaluate real-world conditions where films may stick together, such as in roll-stock materials or bags.
• Material Development: Supports R&D efforts to compare formulations, additives, or processing conditions to minimize unwanted adhesion.
• Supplier Specification: Standardizes acceptance criteria for films delivered from suppliers, helping to avoid downstream issues in converting and packaging lines.
• Regulatory Compliance: Offers an internationally recognized method to demonstrate product performance as required by buyers and global trade agreements.

This method is essential for producers, converters, and users of plastic film who need consistent, objective data on blocking performance under defined conditions.

Related Standards

• ISO 11502: Determination of Blocking Resistance (the ASTM method is similar to ISO 11502 Method B, but is not technically equivalent).
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing, referenced for specimen conditioning guidelines.
• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics, for standard terminology across methods.
• ASTM E456: Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics, applied for precision and bias definitions.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method, used to assess precision in round-robin studies.

By following ASTM D3354-21, organizations can reliably compare film-to-film adhesion, improve process control, and meet the demanding requirements of the plastics and packaging industries with confidence.

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: D3354 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Blocking Load of Plastic Film by the Parallel Plate Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3354; 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* 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 11502 Determination of Blocking Resistance
1.1 This test method yields quantitative information regard-
ing the degree of blocking (unwanted adhesion) existing
3. Terminology
between layers of plastic film. It is not intended to measure
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this standard are defined in
susceptibility to blocking.
accordance with Terminology D883, unless otherwise speci-
1.2 By this procedure, the film-to-film adhesion, expressed
fied. For terms relating to precision and bias and associated
as a blocking load in grams, will cause two layers of film with
issues,thetermsusedinthisstandardaredefinedinaccordance
an area of contact of 100 cm to separate. The test method is
with Terminology E456.
limited to a maximum load of 200 g.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
4.1 Twopiecesoffilm,whichareincontactwitheachother,
only.
are placed between two 100-mm (4-in.) square blocks. The
ends of the films that extend past the blocks are secured to the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the respective upper and lower block. The force required to
overcome the adhesion (blocking force) between the two
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- pieces of film or until they reach 1.9 cm of separation is
measured in grams using a constant-rate-of-load or a constant-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
rate-of separation device.
NOTE 1—This test method is similar to ISO 11502 Method B, but is not
technically equivalent.
5. Significance and Use
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 Blocking develops in film processing and storage when
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
layers of smooth film are in intimate contact with nearly
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
complete exclusion of air. Temperature, or pressure, or both,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
can induce or change the degree of adhesion of the surfaces.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 5.2 The procedure of this test method closely simulates the
operation of separating film in some end-use applications.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
6.1 The parallel block faces shall be square and 100 6 0.1
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics mm (on each edge with a flat and slightly knurled or sand-
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
blasted finish of root mean square 125). A means must be
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to provided to prevent the blocks from sliding when they are in
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
contact during loading.
6.2 Constant-Rate-of-Load Device :
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting, and
Molded Products. Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3354 - 15. DOI: The sole source of supply of the electro mechanical apparatus known to the
10.1520/D3354-21. committee at this time is Oakland Instrument Corporation, 5220- 12 Avenue East,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Shakopee, MN 55379. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which
the ASTM website. you may attend.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3354 − 21
2 2
6.2.1 An instrument with 100-cm (4-in. ) blocks which 6.3.4 Load Indicator—A suitable load-indicating mecha-
electronicallytimesaloadingrateof90gramsperminute(61) nism capable of showing the tensile load, the greater of 1 % of
(see Fig. 1). The force required to separate the blocks is the indicated force or 5 grams, carried by the test specimen
displayed electronically. held by the block.
NOTE2—Onsomeconstant-rate-ofloaddevices,theweightisaddedby 6.4 Accessory Equipment—May include a 100 by 180-mm
moving a weight axially along the beam with a precision-drive system.
template or die, double-faced pressure-sensitive tape.
This may be accomplished using a stepper motor with a digital stepping
drive with 60 cycles as its reference control. The load rate must be 90
7. Test Specimens
grams per minute.
7.1 Cut unseparated test specimens with a 100 by 180-mm
6.3 Constant-Rate-of-Separation Testing Device—A testing
template with the longer length being in the machine direction.
machine of the constant-rate-of crosshead-movement type and
Due to variations in gage and blocking tendencies, it is
comprising essentially the following:
desirable to select several sample locations across the width of
6.3.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary
the film. Five specimens shall be tested. If the test specimens
member carrying one aluminum block 100 by 100 61mm
are taken from a roll, care should be taken that the roll is in
with appropriate rigid adapter for mounting in a universal
good condition. Best results are obtained when specimens are
testing machine.
taken at least 25 mm below the outer surface of film rolls.
6.3.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a
second aluminum block 100 by 100 6 1 mm with rigid
8. Conditioning
coupling for mounting in a universal testing machine.
6.3.3 Drive Mechanism—A drive mechanism for imparting
8.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6
to the movable member a uniform, controlled velocity with
2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not
respect to the stationary member. The speed of testing, 5.1
less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of
mm/min, is the rate of separation of the two blocks when
Practice D618 unless otherwise specified by agreement or the
running idle (under no load). This rate of separation shall be
relevant ASTM material specification. In cases of
maintained within 5 % of the no-load value when running
disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and
under full-capacity load.
65 % relative humidity.
8.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6
3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3354 − 15 D3354 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Blocking Load of Plastic Film by the Parallel Plate Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3354; 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*
1.1 This test method yields quantitative information regarding the degree of blocking (unwanted adhesion) existing between layers
of plastic film. It is not intended to measure susceptibility to blocking.
1.2 By this procedure, the film-to-film adhesion, expressed as a blocking load in grams, will cause two layers of film with an area
of contact of 100 cm to separate. The test method is limited to a maximum load of 200 g.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This test method is similar to ISO 11502 Method B, but is not technically equivalent.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 11502 Determination of Blocking Resistance
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms Terms used in this test method, refer to standard are defined in accordance with
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting, and Molded
Products.
Current edition approved April 1, 2015Dec. 1, 2021. Published April 2015December 2021. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
D3354 - 11.D3354 - 15. DOI: 10.1520/D3354-15.10.1520/D3354-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3354 − 21
Terminology D883, unless otherwise specified. For terms relating to precision and bias and associated issues, the terms used in
this standard are defined in accordance with Terminology E456.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Two pieces of film, which are in contact with each other, are placed between two 100-mm (4-in.) square blocks. The ends of
the films that extend past the blocks are secured to the respective upper and lower block. The force required to overcome the
adhesion (blocking force) between the two pieces of film or until they reach 1.9 cm of separation is measured in grams using a
constant-rate-of-load or a constant-rate-of separation device.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Blocking develops in film processing and storage when layers of smooth film are in intimate contact with nearly complete
exclusion of air. Temperature, or pressure, or both, can induce or change the degree of adhesion of the surfaces.
5.2 The procedure of this test method closely simulates the operation of separating film in some end-use applications.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The parallel block faces shall be square and 100 6 0.1 mm (on each edge with a flat and slightly knurled or sand-blasted finish
of root mean square 125). A means must be provided to prevent the blocks from sliding when they are in contact during loading.
6.2 Constant-Rate-of-Load Device :
2 2
6.2.1 An instrument with 100-cm (4-in. ) blocks which electronically times a loading rate of 90 grams per minute (61) (see Fig.
1). The force required to separate the blocks is displayed electronically.
NOTE 2—On some constant-rate-of load devices, the weight is added by moving a weight axially along the beam with a precision-drive system. This may
be accomplished using a stepper motor with a digital stepping drive with 60 cycles as its reference control. The load rate must be 90 grams per minute.
6.3 Constant-Rate-of-Separation Testing Device—A testing machine of the constant-rate-of crosshead-movement type and
comprising essentially the following:
6.3.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary member carrying one aluminum block 100 by 100 6 1 mm with appropriate
rigid adapter for mounting in a universal testing machine.
6.3.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a second aluminum block 100 by 100 6 1 mm with rigid coupling for
mounting in a universal testing machine.
6.3.3 Drive Mechanism—A drive mechanism for imparting to the movable member a uniform, controlled velocity with respect to
the stationary member. The speed of testing, 5.1 mm/min, is the rate of separation of the two blocks when running idle (under no
load). This rate of separation shall be maintained within 5 % of the no-load value when running under full-capacity load.
6.3.4 Load Indicator—A suitable load-indicating mechanism capable of showing the tensile load, the greater of 1 % of the
indicated force or 5 grams, carried by the test specimen held by the block.
6.4 Accessory Equipment—May include a 100 by 180-mm template or die, double-faced pressure-sensitive tape.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 Cut unseparated test specimens with a 100 by 180-mm template with the longer length being in the machine direction. Due
to variations in gage and blocking tendencies, it is desirable to select several sample locations across the width of the film. Five
The sole source of supply of the electro mechanical apparatus known to the committee at this time has discontinued production and the apparatus is no longer available.
is Oakland Instrument Corporation, 5220- 12 Avenue East, Shakopee, MN 55379. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
D3354 − 21
FIG. 1 Electro-Mechanical Device
specimens shall be tested. If the test specimens are taken from a roll, care should be taken that the roll is in good condition. Best
results are obtained when specimens are taken at least 25 mm below the outer surface of film rolls.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than
40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618 unless otherwise specified by agreement or the relevant ASTM
material specification. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and 65 % relative humidity.
8.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity unless otherwise specified
by agreement or the relevant ASTM material specification. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and
65 % relative humidity.
Procedures
9. Procedure A—Constant-Rate-of-Load Device
9.1 Place double-coated tape over two parallel small faces of each aluminum block, or place the holding magnets on the blocks
as if a sample were being mounted.
9.2 Operate the instrument several times, then determine the average of three “block” determinations as “test tare.”
9.3 Gently place the un-separated film specimen between the two plates w
...