ASTM F3009-14(2018)

Standard Specification for Polyolefin Composition Floor Tile

ABSTRACT
This specification is intended for polyolefin composition tile with either smooth or embossed surfaces flooring application for use in commercial, light commercial or residential surfaces flooring application. It covers a tile that is composed of binder, fillers and pigments. The binder consists of one or more resins of polyolefin, polyolefin copolymers or polyolefin ter-polymers (or other suitable), or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder provided the polyolefin portion of the binder system is greater than 50 %. This specification covers materials and manufacture, physical properties, mechanical properties, performance requirements, sampling, and inspection.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers polyolefin composition tile with either smooth or embossed surfaces flooring application for use in commercial, light commercial or residential surfaces flooring application.  
1.2 This specification covers a tile that shall be composed of binder, fillers and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyolefin, polyolefin copolymers or polyolefin ter-polymers (or other suitable), or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder provided the polyolefin portion of the binder system is greater than 50 %.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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.  
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-Sep-2018
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.80 - Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F3009-14 - Standard Specification for Polyolefin Composition Floor Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM F1914-18(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Short-Term Indentation and Residual Indentation of Resilient Floor Covering
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM F141-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2023
• Refers: ASTM F925-13(2020) - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM F2199-20 - Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Exposure to Heat
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1265-03a(2020) - Standard Test Method for Resistance to Impact for Resilient Floor Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM F141-12(2020) - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1514-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• 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

Overview

ASTM F3009-14(2018) is the internationally recognized standard specification for polyolefin composition floor tile used in commercial, light commercial, and residential applications. Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines requirements for floor tiles manufactured using polyolefin-based resins as the primary binder component. The specification covers important details for the material composition, manufacturing process, physical and mechanical properties, performance requirements, and inspection procedures. It aims to ensure consistent quality, durability, and safety for polyolefin composition floor tiles across various environments.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Polyolefin tiles must contain a binder system with more than 50% polyolefin (including homopolymers, copolymers, or ter-polymers), with remaining ingredients including fillers and pigments. Other compatible polymeric resins may also be incorporated.
• Tile Classification: The standard identifies three classes-Class 1 (solid tile), Class 2 (through pattern tile), and Class 3 (surface pattern tile). Tiles may have either smooth or embossed surface finishes.
• Physical Properties: Requirements include strict tolerances for tile dimensions, thickness, and squareness to ensure uniform installation and appearance.
• Performance Criteria: Tiles are evaluated for mechanical performance, including indentation resistance, impact resistance, deflection, and dimensional stability. ASTM-approved test methods are referenced for verifying these performance characteristics.
• Chemical and Environmental Resistance: Tiles must display resistance to common chemicals and environmental exposures such as heat and light, ensuring their suitability for demanding floor environments.
• Inspection and Sampling: Sampling procedures and quality inspection criteria are specified to ensure consistent batch quality during production, using recognized ANSI/ASQC methodologies.

Applications

Polyolefin composition floor tiles specified by ASTM F3009-14(2018) are designed for use in a wide range of flooring projects, including:

• Commercial Spaces: Offices, retail environments, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions benefit from the durability and resistance properties of these tiles.
• Light Commercial Settings: Spaces with moderate foot traffic such as small businesses and public corridors.
• Residential Buildings: Suitable for kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, and other living areas requiring resilient and easy-to-clean flooring.

These tiles are often selected for projects where long-lasting performance, cost-efficiency, and ease of maintenance are priorities. The specification’s stringent performance guidelines make polyolefin floor tiles a reliable choice for demanding installations.

Related Standards

ASTM F3009-14(2018) references and aligns with several other essential standards, ensuring comprehensive guidance and compatibility within resilient flooring systems:

• ASTM D883: Terminology relating to plastics.
• ASTM F141: Terminology relating to resilient floor coverings.
• ASTM F386: Test method for thickness of resilient flooring materials.
• ASTM F925: Test method for resistance to chemicals of resilient flooring.
• ASTM F1265: Test method for impact resistance of resilient floor tile.
• ASTM F1304: Measurement of heat stability by color change.
• ASTM F1514 / F1515: Testing for color changes due to heat and light exposure.
• ASTM F1914: Indentation testing for resilient floor covering.
• ASTM F2055, F2199: Size, squareness, and dimensional stability testing.

Other referenced practices and classification systems, such as ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 for sampling procedures, further support consistency in production and product evaluation.

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By following ASTM F3009-14(2018), manufacturers, contractors, and end-users can ensure that polyolefin composition floor tiles meet established international quality benchmarks for resilient, high-performance flooring solutions. This standard provides a clear framework for specification, procurement, quality assurance, and compliance in both new construction and renovation projects.

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: F3009 −14 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Polyolefin Composition Floor Tile
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3009; 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 D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
1.1 This specification covers polyolefin composition tile
F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Ma-
with either smooth or embossed surfaces flooring application
terials Having Flat Surfaces
for use in commercial, light commercial or residential surfaces
F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient
flooring application.
Flooring
1.2 Thisspecificationcoversatilethatshallbecomposedof
F1265 Test Method for Resistance to Impact for Resilient
binder, fillers and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or
Floor Tile
more resins of polyolefin, polyolefin copolymers or polyolefin
F1304 Test Method for Deflection of Resilient Floor Tile
ter-polymers (or other suitable), or any desirable combination.
F1514 TestMethodforMeasuringHeatStabilityofResilient
Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of
Flooring by Color Change
the binder provided the polyolefin portion of the binder system
F1515 Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resil-
is greater than 50 %.
ient Flooring by Color Change
F1914 Test Methods for Short-Term Indentation and Re-
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical sidual Indentation of Resilient Floor Covering
F2055 Test Method for Size and Squareness of Resilient
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. Floor Tile by Dial Gage Method
F2199 Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Expo-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sure to Heat
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2.3 Other Standards:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (most recent version)–Sampling Proce-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
dures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 Definitions:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.1 polyolefin, n—a polymer prepared by the polymeriza-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tion of an olefin(s) as essentially the sole monomer(s). (D20)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Classification
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 The polyolefin composition floor tile covered by this
2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on the
specification shall be non-asbestos formulated and classified as
dateofmaterialpurchaseformapartofthisspecificationtothe
follows: Class 1 for solid tile, Class 2 for through pattern tile,
extent referenced herein:
and Class 3 for surface pattern tile. These may have either
2.2 ASTM Standards:
smooth or embossed wearing surfaces.
5. Ordering Information
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on
Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.80
5.1 The purchaser shall state whether this specification is to
on Specifications.
beused,selectthepreferredoptionspermittedherein,andshall
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
include the following information in the invitation to bid and
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F3009-14. DOI:
10.1520/F3009-14R18 purchase order:
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 Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3009 − 14 (2018)
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification, 7.2 Thickness—Unless otherwise specified (see 5.1.5), the
5.1.2 Class, color, pattern, and wearing surface (see Section tile shall be furnished in 0.062-in. (1.588-mm), 0.080-in.
6), (2.032-mm), or 0.125-in. (3.175-mm) thickness.Atolerance of
5.1.3 Quantity in square feet or cartons, 60.005 in. (0.127 mm) shall be permitted when measured in
accordance with Test Method F386.
5.1.4 Size required (see 7.1),
5.1.5 Thickness required (see 7.2),
7.3 Squareness—When tested in accordance with Test
5.1.6 Lot formation if other than as specified in ANSI/
Method F2055, the out-of-squareness of the tile shall not
ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 11 and 13),
exceed 0.010 in. (0.254 mm).
5.1.7 Sampling, if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC
Z1.4 (see Sections 11 and 13),
8. Mechanical Properties
5.1.8 Packing requirements if other than as specified (see
8.1 Indentation:
16.1),
8.1.1 WhenthetileistestedinaccordancewithTestMethod
5.1.9 Depth of depressed areas, if required,
F1914 at a temperature of 77°F (25°C), the indentation at the
5.1.10 Palletization, if required (agreed upon between the
end of 1 min shall be not less than 0.007 in. (0.152 mm), and
manufacturer and the purchaser),
not more than 0.012 in. (0.381 mm).
5.1.11 Marking, if other than specified (agreed upon be-
8.1.2 Embossed Tile—When the requirement for flat surface
tween the manufacturer and the purchaser), (see 15.1), and
as set forth in Test Method F1914 cannot be met, the test shall
5.1.12 Other requirements (agreed upon between the manu-
be made by the manufacturer on un-embossed stock and the
facturer and the purchaser).
manufacturer shall supply a certificate of compliance.
6. Materials and Manufacture
8.2 Impact—When the tile is tested in accordance with Test
Method F1265, the tile shall not break or crack beyond the
6.1 Materials—The tile shall be composed of binder, fillers,
prescribed circle of zinc oxide paste.
and pigments.The binder shall consist of one or more resins of
8.2.1 For ⁄8-in. (3.175-mm) tile the weight shall be dropped
polyolefin, polyolefin copolymers, or polyolefin ter-polymers
from a height of 20 in. (508 mm). For tile gage less than ⁄8 in.,
(orothersuitable),oranydesirablecombination.Othersuitable
the weight shall be dropped from a height of 10 in. (254 mm).
polymeric resins may be incorporated as a part of the binder
Test all products with a 0.143-lb (0.065-kg) weight dropped 4
provided the polyolefin portion of the binder system is greater
times.
than 50 %.
6.2 Color, Pattern, and Wearing Surface—The color,
9. Performance Requirements
pattern, and wearing surface, as applicable shall be as specified
9.1 Deflection—The tile, when tested in accordance with
in the contract or order (see 5.1).
Test Method F1304, shall deflect not less than 1.0 in. (25.4
NOTE 1—The colors and patterns that are available are indicated in
individual manufacturer’s current catalogs. As manufactured, colors vary
mm) both across and with the grain, without breaking.
somewhat in hue and shade.
9.2 Dimensional Stability—When tested in accordance with
6.3 Solid Color Tile—Solid color tile shall be uniform
Test Method F2199, the linear dimensions shall not change
throughout.
more than 0.024 in. (0.610 mm) per linear foot.
6.4 Through Pattern Tile—In through pattern tile, either the
9.3 Resistance to Chemicals: The chemical resistance of the
pattern and colors on the surface of the tile extend entirely
tile shall be determined in accordance with Test Method F925.
through the thickness of the tile without significant change, or
Polyolefin composition floor tile shall have no more than a
the colors appearing on the surface shall extend throughout the
slight change in surface dulling, surface attack, or staining
entire thickness of the tile, although the appearance of the
when exposed to the following chemicals:
pattern created by these colors will change throughout the
9.3.1 White vinegar (5 % acetic acid),
thickness.
9.3.2 Rubbing alcohol (70 % isopropyl alcohol),
6.5 Surface Pattern Tile—The pattern of this tile need not
9.3.3 White mineral oil (medicinal grade),
extend through the entire thickness of the tile.
9.3.4 Sodium hydroxide solution (5 % NaOH),
6.5.1 The appearance of the tile, when the wearing layer is
9.3.5 Household ammonia solution (5 % NH OH),
removed to a depth of 0.010 in. (0.254 mm), shall compare
9.3.6 Household bleach (5.25 % NaOCl),
favorably for decoration with the tile’s original appearance.
9.3.7 Olive oil (light),
The removal of the wearing layer may be accomplished by any
9.3.8 Kerosene (K1),
suitable method.
9.3.9
...