ASTM D2423-90(2017)

Standard Test Method for Surface Wax on Waxed Paper or Paperboard

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Many of the functional properties of waxed paper and paperboard are related to the amount of wax present as a surface film. Test methods which determine wax load by solvent extraction do not differentiate between the wax present as a surface wax layer and that which has penetrated into the substrate. This test method, which mechanically removes the wax, measures the amount on each surface of the substrate.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the weight of wax on the surface of waxed paper.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-May-2017
• ICS: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.10 - Properties of Petroleum Waxes and Alternative Wax-like Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D646-96(2007) - Standard Test Method for Grammage of Paper and Paperboard (Mass Per Unit Area) (Withdrawn 2010)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007

Overview

ASTM D2423-90(2017) is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the surface wax content of waxed paper and paperboard. Developed by ASTM, this standard outlines a mechanical procedure for accurately measuring the weight of wax present as a surface film on each side of paper or paperboard substrates. The protocol is vital because many functional properties of waxed paper products are directly related to the amount of wax coating the surface, which influences properties such as barrier strength, moisture resistance, and printability.

The test method relies on mechanically scraping off the surface wax and weighing specimens before and after the removal process to quantify the wax weight. All measurements under this standard are conducted in SI units, ensuring consistency and comparability.

Key Topics

• Purpose of Surface Wax Measurement: The method is significant for distinguishing wax present as a surface film from wax that has penetrated into the substrate, unlike solvent extraction techniques.
• Test Procedure Highlights:
  • Preparation of waxed paper specimens (usually 100 mm x 100 mm).
  • Initial weighing using an analytical balance.
  • Mechanical removal of surface wax from each side using a razor blade.
  • Progressive weighing and calculation of surface wax weight in grams per square metre.
• Apparatus Required: Analytical balance, razor blade, trimming board or cutter, measuring device, cushion pad.
• Reporting: Results are recorded in grams per square metre, with conversion options for other commercial units where needed.
• Precision and Reproducibility: The method is designed with repeatability and reproducibility criteria for laboratory consistency.

Applications

The ASTM D2423 standard is widely used across industries where the performance characteristics of waxed paper and paperboard are critical. Key application areas include:

• Food Packaging: Ensuring optimal surface wax for moisture and grease resistance, which impacts shelf life and product protection.
• Industrial Wrapping: Providing reliable performance for moisture barriers in packaging of machinery, hardware, or perishables.
• Label and Point-of-Sale Materials: Where surface wax uniformity affects print fidelity and visual presentation.
• Quality Control: Manufacturers and converters of waxed paper employ this standard as part of their routine product testing and quality assurance protocols.
• Material Specification and Compliance: Customers and suppliers use the results to verify that materials meet specific industry or contractual requirements.

This test method ensures product consistency, regulatory compliance, and end-use suitability by delivering precise, surface-specific wax measurement.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced in conjunction with ASTM D2423-90(2017) and are relevant to the assessment and specification of paper and paperboard materials:

• ASTM D646: Test Method for Mass Per Unit Area of Paper and Paperboard of Aramid Papers (Basis Weight) - provides foundational weight measurement procedures.
• ASTM D585: Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product (note: withdrawn but referenced for sampling guidance).

These related standards offer broader context for both the testing environment and the comprehensive evaluation of waxed paper products.

Keywords: ASTM D2423, surface wax, waxed paper, waxed paperboard, test method, barrier properties, packaging materials, quality control, paper standards, ASTM International

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: D2423 − 90 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Surface Wax on Waxed Paper or Paperboard
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2423; 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 3.1.1 basis weight of paper, n—basis weight is expressed in
grams per square metre. In countries where the metric system
1.1 This test method covers determination of the weight of
is not universal, basis weight is also expressed in pounds per
wax on the surface of waxed paper.
ream.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.2 ream of paper (news and wrapping), n—500 sheets
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
each 610 mm by 914 mm (24 in. by 36 in.).
standard.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—For factors to convert basis weight in
grams per square metre to other commercial reams, see Test
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Method D646.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 The quantity of wax present as a surface film on paper
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
or paperboard is determined through the difference in weight of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specimens before and after scraping with a razor blade.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Many of the functional properties of waxed paper and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
paperboard are related to the amount of wax present as a
surface film. Test methods which determine wax load by
2. Referenced Documents
solvent extraction do not differentiate between the wax present
as a surface wax layer and that which has penetrated into the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
substrate. This test method, which mechanically removes the
D585 Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of
wax, measures the amount on each surface of the substrate.
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product
(Withdrawn 2010)
6. Apparatus
D646 Test Method for Mass Per Unit Area of Paper and
Paperboard of Aramid Papers (Basis Weight) (Withdrawn
6.1 Pad of paper to be used as a cushion under the waxed
2022)
paper specimens during the scraping operation.
6.2 Analytical Balance, capable of reproducing weights to
3. Terminology
the nearest 0.001 g.
3.1 Definitions:
6.3 Razor Blade, single-edged for scraping the wax from the
specimen.
6.4 Trimming Board, or other device for cutting paper
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
specimens. A paper cutter having an attachment for ensuring
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.10 on Properties of Petroleum Waxes and Alternative Wax-like
parallelism of the opposite edge of the trimmed sheet, or a
Materials.
template, or a die cutter is recommended.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally approved
ɛ1
in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D2423 – 90(2012) . DOI:
6.5 Measuring Device, capable of measuring the size of the
10.1520/D2423-90R17.
specimen to an accuracy 0.5 mm.
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 7. Sampling
the ASTM website.
7.1 Select samples that are free of wrinkles, cuts, or other
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. defects in accordance with Practice D585.
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D2423 − 90 (
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