ASTM D2221-01

Standard Test Method for Creep Properties of Package Cushioning Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method determines the extent and nature of cushion thickness change under static load. Creep data obtained by this test method are applicable to the cushion under the conditions of the particular test and are not necessarily the same as obtained in a complete pack in actual packaging environments. Data may be affected by magnitude of static load, specimen area, shape, and thickness, by varying ambient conditions of temperature, humidity, by friction in the movable platen guide system, and by actual cushion thickness. Vibration in the vicinity of the test fixtures may also influence data results.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of creep properties of package cushioning materials. It is applicable to materials available in bulk, sheet, or molded form used for the cushioning of articles during storage, handling, and shipment.  
1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Sep-2001
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.13 - Interior Packaging

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2221-94 - Standard Test Method for Creep Properties of Package Cushioning Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001
• Replaced By: ASTM D2221-01(2010) - Standard Test Method for Creep Properties of Package Cushioning Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Referred By: ASTM C1484-10(2018) - Standard Specification for Vacuum Insulation Panels
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation:D2221–01
Standard Test Method for
1
Creep Properties of Package Cushioning Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2221; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of creep 4.1 The test apparatus consists of a suitable testing device
properties of package cushioning materials. It is applicable to having a base plate and a guided movable platen which can be
materials available in bulk, sheet, or molded form used for the loaded with weights.The loaded movable platen is placed on a
cushioning of articles during storage, handling, and shipment. cushion to simulate static compressive loading of cushioning
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the material in actual packaging. By measuring the change in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the thickness of the loaded cushion with time, creep properties of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- the cushioning material can be obtained.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 This test method determines the extent and nature of
2. Referenced Documents
cushion thickness change under static load. Creep data ob-
2
2.1 ASTM Standards: tained by this test method are applicable to the cushion under
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or the conditions of the particular test and are not necessarily the
Packaging Components for Testing same as obtained in a complete pack in actual packaging
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling Of Materials environments. Data may be affected by magnitude of static
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, load, specimen area, shape, and thickness, by varying ambient
With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic conditionsoftemperature,humidity,byfrictioninthemovable
of a Lot or Process platenguidesystem,andbyactualcushionthickness.Vibration
in the vicinity of the test fixtures may also influence data
3. Terminology
results.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6. Apparatus
3.1.1 creep—the deformation of a material occurring with
time and due to an externally applied constant stress. For 6.1 Movable, Guided Platen, capable of being weighted to
cushioning materials specifically, it may be defined as the achieve the desired loading along with a base to support the
change in thickness of a cushion under static compressive load sample throughout the duration of the test. Two such assem-
over a period of time. blies are shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
3.1.2 permanent set—the permanent change in thickness of 6.2 Static Load Box Fixture (Fig. 1), consisting of a mov-
anunloadedcushionasaresultofanappliedcompressiveload able guided platen and an outer box that shall act as the guide
for any given time interval and any given unloaded recovery and the base plate for supporting the sample.
3
time period. 6.2.1 Base Plate (Outer Box), may be constructed of ⁄4 in.
(19.0 mm) minimum white pine and fabricated to reduce
1 swellingwhichmayoccurathighhumidity.Aflatrigidplateof
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior appropriate dimensions is placed on the inside bottom surface
Packaging.
and used as the base plate.The plate can be made of a material
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2001. Published November 2001. Originally
such as aluminum, steel, rigid plastic sheeting or glass.
published as D2221–63T. Last previous edition D2221–94. DOI: 10.1520/
6.2.2 Movable Guided Platen (Inner Box), may be loaded
D2221-01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
with weights (for example, lead shot or molded lead weights),
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and fabricated in the same manner as described in 6.2.1.Aflat
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
rigid plate similar to that described in 6.2.1 is placed between
the ASTM website.
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D2221–01
NOTE 1—All dimensions are for reference only and are dependent on
the materials tested.
FIG. 2 Typical Single Point Creep Apparatu
...