ASTM D2221-01(2015)

Standard Test Method for Creep Properties of Package Cushioning Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 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 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.  
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2015
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.13 - Interior Packaging

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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 (Reapproved 2015)
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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.1.2 permanent set—the permanent change in thickness of
anunloadedcushionasaresultofanappliedcompressiveload
1.1 This test method covers the determination of creep
for any given time interval and any given unloaded recovery
properties of package cushioning materials. It is applicable to
time period.
materials available in bulk, sheet, or molded form used for the
cushioning of articles during storage, handling, and shipment.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1 The test apparatus consists of a suitable testing device
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
having a base plate and a guided movable platen which can be
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
loaded with weights.The loaded movable platen is placed on a
and are not considered standard.
cushion to simulate static compressive loading of cushioning
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the material in actual packaging. By measuring the change in
thickness of the loaded cushion with time, creep properties of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
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
cushion thickness change under static load. Creep data ob-
2. Referenced Documents
tained by this test method are applicable to the cushion under
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the conditions of the particular test and are not necessarily the
D4332Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
same as obtained in a complete pack in actual packaging
Packaging Components for Testing
environments. Data may be affected by magnitude of static
E105Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
load, specimen area, shape, and thickness, by varying ambient
E122PracticeforCalculatingSampleSizetoEstimate,With
conditionsoftemperature,humidity,byfrictioninthemovable
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
platenguidesystem,andbyactualcushionthickness.Vibration
Lot or Process
in the vicinity of the test fixtures may also influence data
results.
3. Terminology
6. Apparatus
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 creep—the deformation of a material occurring with
6.1 Movable, Guided Platen, capable of being weighted to
time and due to an externally applied constant stress. For achieve the desired loading along with a base to support the
cushioning materials specifically, it may be defined as the
sample throughout the duration of the test. Two such assem-
change in thickness of a cushion under static compressive load blies are shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
over a period of time.
6.2 Static Load Box Fixture (Fig. 1), consisting of a mov-
able guided platen and an outer box that shall act as the guide
and the base plate for supporting the sample.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
6.2.1 Base Plate (Outer Box), may be constructed of ⁄4 in.
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior
(19.0 mm) minimum white pine and fabricated to reduce
Packaging.
swellingwhichmayoccurathighhumidity.Aflatrigidplateof
Current edition approved April 1, 2015. Published May 2015. Originally
appropriate dimensions is placed on the inside bottom surface
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D2221–01 (2010).
DOI: 10.1520/D2221–01R15.
and used as the base plate.The plate can be made of a material
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
such as aluminum, steel, rigid plastic sheeting or glass.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.2.2 Movable Guided Platen (Inner Box), may be loaded
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. with weights (for example, lead shot or molded lead weights),
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D2221 − 01 (201
...

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: D2221 − 01 (Reapproved 2010) D2221 − 01 (Reapproved 2015)
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. A number 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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. 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 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.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 creep—the deformation of a material occurring with time and due to an externally applied constant stress. For cushioning
materials specifically, it may be defined as the change in thickness of a cushion under static compressive load over a period of time.
3.1.2 permanent set—the permanent change in thickness of an unloaded cushion as a result of an applied compressive load for
any given time interval and any given unloaded recovery time period.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The test apparatus consists of a suitable testing device having a base plate and a guided movable platen which can be loaded
with weights. The loaded movable platen is placed on a cushion to simulate static compressive loading of cushioning material in
actual packaging. By measuring the change in thickness of the loaded cushion with time, creep properties of the cushioning
material can be obtained.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 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.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior Packaging.
Current edition approved April 1, 2015. Published January 2010May 2015. Originally approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 20012010 as
D2221 – 01.D2221 – 01 (2010). DOI: 10.1520/D2221–01R10.10.1520/D2221–01R15.
2
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D2221 − 01 (2015)
6. Apparatus
6.1 Movable, Guided Platen, capable of being weighted to achieve the desired loading along with a base to support the sample
throughout the duration of the test. Two such assemblies are shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
6.2 Static Load Box Fixture (Fig. 1), consisting of a movable guided platen and an outer box that shall act as the guide and the
base plate for supporting the sample.
3
6.2.1 Base Plate (Outer Box), may be constructed of ⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) minimum
...