ASTM F119-82(2022)

Standard Test Method for Rate of Grease Penetration of Flexible Barrier Materials (Rapid Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is valuable in the development and selection of flexible barrier materials suited for use as grease barriers.  
4.2 The test is rapid in comparison with other methods because of the extremely small quantity of oil required for detection (about 6 μg). The actual time to failure is a multiple of the values obtained by this test method. When permeation is through an absorbent structure such as kraft paper coated with polyethylene, the failure times will be longer and variable, depending on the variation in porosity and thickness of the structure.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides standard conditions for determining the rate of grease penetration of flexible barrier materials. Pinholes, which can be measured by a separate test, will increase the rate of grease penetration as determined by this test method.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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, health, and environmental 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: 30-Nov-2022
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: F02 - Primary Barrier Packaging
• Drafting Committee: F02.10 - Permeation

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1898-68(1989) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Withdrawn 1998)
• Effective Date: 29-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM D618-08 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D618-05 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM D618-00 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2000
• Refers: ASTM D374-99(2004) - Standard Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insulation (Withdrawn 2013)
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1999
• Refers: ASTM D374-99 - Standard Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1999

Overview

ASTM F119-82(2022), titled Standard Test Method for Rate of Grease Penetration of Flexible Barrier Materials (Rapid Method), is an international standard established by ASTM International. This test method provides a standardized approach for determining the rate at which grease penetrates flexible barrier materials, such as packaging films. The rapid method is particularly useful for product development and quality assurance, as it allows for faster comparisons between materials due to the minimal amount of oil required for detection and testing.

The test is designed for use with a wide variety of flexible barrier packaging materials and helps manufacturers, converters, and quality control laboratories evaluate whether these materials provide sufficient resistance against grease permeation for their intended end uses.

Key Topics

• Grease Barrier Performance: The primary focus is to measure how effectively a flexible material can resist grease penetration, which is critical in applications such as food packaging.
• Standardized Test Conditions: This method prescribes exact sample preparation, test temperatures, specimen dimensions, and procedures to ensure consistency and reproducibility.
• Test Procedure: Flexible barrier specimens are exposed to a small, controlled amount of grease. The time taken for grease to visually penetrate and affect a ground-glass plate underneath is recorded.
• Relevance of Film Defects:
  • Pinholes and creases in materials can accelerate grease permeation.
  • This method is sensitive to such imperfections, making it suitable for identifying material weaknesses.
• Units and Reporting: Results are given in SI units, including calculations for average time to failure and standard deviations, essential for comparison and quality documentation.

Applications

• Packaging Material Development: The standard is vital when developing new flexible barrier films or coatings that require resistance to oils and greases, such as those used in snack food, dairy, or fast-food wrappers.
• Material Selection: Enables manufacturers and end-users to select films or laminates that meet specific grease resistance requirements, reducing food spoilage and packaging failures.
• Quality Assurance: Widely used in quality control laboratories to ensure compliance with customer specifications and regulatory guidelines.
• Comparative Testing: Quickly differentiates between various substrates, thicknesses, and surface treatments, providing actionable insights during material selection.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports adherence to global food safety and packaging standards by ensuring barrier materials meet performance expectations for grease penetration.

Related Standards

A number of related ASTM and industry standards complement the use and understanding of ASTM F119-82(2022):

• ASTM D374: Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insulation - Used for precise measurement of specimen thickness as required in grease penetration testing.
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing - Ensures samples are conditioned for repeatable results.
• ASTM D1898 (Withdrawn): Practice for Sampling of Plastics - Provides a foundation for developing appropriate sampling methods.
• TAPPI T465: Standard for Creasing of Paper for Permeability Tests - Relevant for testing paper-based laminates or coated materials.

For organizations involved in the production or procurement of flexible packaging materials, compliance with ASTM F119 and related standards is essential for ensuring material integrity, protecting contents, and maintaining customer satisfaction.

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Keywords: flexible barrier packaging, grease penetration, ASTM F119, packaging film testing, quality assurance, food packaging standards, rapid test methods, permeation testing.

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: F119 − 82 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Rate of Grease Penetration of Flexible Barrier Materials
(Rapid Method)
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF119;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
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 2.2 TAPPI Standard:
TAPPI T465 sm-52 Creasing of Paper for Water Vapor
1.1 This test method provides standard conditions for deter-
Permeability Tests
mining the rate of grease penetration of flexible barrier
materials. Pinholes, which can be measured by a separate test,
3. Summary of Test Method
will increase the rate of grease penetration as determined by
3.1 Flexible barrier materials, uncreased or creased by a
this test method.
standard procedure, are exposed on one side to grease con-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as tained in a weighted cotton patch.The time required to show a
visual change caused by wetting (reduction in light scattering)
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only. of a ground-glass back-up plate is measured.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 This test method is valuable in the development and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
selection of flexible barrier materials suited for use as grease
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
barriers.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 The test is rapid in comparison with other methods
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
because of the extremely small quantity of oil required for
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
detection (about 6 µg). The actual time to failure is a multiple
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ofthevaluesobtainedbythistestmethod.Whenpermeationis
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
through an absorbent structure such as kraft paper coated with
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
polyethylene, the failure times will be longer and variable,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
depending on the variation in porosity and thickness of the
structure.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D374Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insu-
5.1 Backing Plates, ground-glass, 50mm by 50mm by
lation (Metric) D0374_D0374M
3mm(2in.by2in.by ⁄8in.),veryfinegrindononesideonly.
D618Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
NOTE 1—The ground-glass backing plates may be prepared from 2in.
D1898Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Withdrawn 1998)
by 2in. squares of ⁄8in. plate glass by lightly grinding the surface with a
silicon carbide abrasive as follows: Place a piece of plate glass approxi-
mately 1ft square on a flat surface. Mix some abrasive and water in small
quantities to make a fairly uniform paste. Place one of the 2in. squares of
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF02onPrimary
plate glass face down in the abrasive paste, and rotate it in a figure eight
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.10 on
movement with the finger tips using the slightest amount of pressure.
Permeation.
Whenthepastegetstooheavy,removetheplateglasssquarefromthebed
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally
and wash it to remove all traces of abrasive.Add more water to the thick
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F119–82 (2015).
abrasive paste on the bed. (If necessary, add small amounts of abrasive.)
DOI: 10.1520/F0119-82R22.
Continue the process until a uniform and light overall etch is present on
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
the face of the square. When a uniform etch has been obtained, wash the
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.
3 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI),
www.astm.org. 15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F119 − 82 (2022)
square thoroughly to remove all traces of abrasive and pat dry with lens
on the specimen for 15 s. Remove the specimen and unfold it.
tissue.
Then fold it on the same side to make a new crease at a 90°
5.2 Weights, 50-g, 20 mm (0.75 in.) in diameter at the base. angle to the first crease, following the same procedure. Flatten
the specimen by unfolding it and placing it under platen for 15
5.3 Patches, rifle cleaning, cotton flannel.
s.
5.4 Medicine dropper.
7.4 Test Unit—Aminimumofthreesimilarspecimensmake
5.5 Forced-Circulation Oven, designed to maintain a test
up a test unit.
temperature of 40°C or 60°C within 61°C.
5.6 Creasing Surface, consisting of a flat rectangular plate
8. Procedure
(for example, a piece of machined metal plate about 10 mm
8.1 Placethetestspecimenofmeasuredthicknessonaclean
thick or a piece of plate glass) with a width at least 75 mm (3
ground-glass backing plate. The film specimen should more
in.) on all sides.
than cover the glass backing plate so premature edge creep
5.7 Creasing Platen, consisting of a 5.5-kg (12-lb) square
failure does not occur. Test specimens should include flat,
metal bar with 65-mm (2.5-in.) sides and a flat base.
creased into, and creased away from the side that will come
into contact with grease in the package.
NOTE 2—The developers of this method believe that a standard crease
is easier to obtain with a flat platen than with a roller. The weight of the
NOTE 3—Previously used ground-glass backing plates should be
platen was selected to conform to the weight loading per inch of crease in
thoroughlycleanedbyallowingthemtostandovernightinachromicacid
TAPPI T465 sm-52.
solution.
5.8 Flat Strip of wood or metal to give the specimen a
8.2 Cut the cotton flannel rifle cleaning patches into 20-mm
preliminary light crease.
(0.75-in.) diameter disks to just fit under the 50-g weight.
5.9 Thickness Measuring Device, capable of measuring
8.3 Placetwocottonflanneldisksontopofeachotheratthe
thickness of specimens in compliance with Test Methods
D374. center of the test specimen.
8.4 Place the 50-g weight on the patches and preheat the
6. Reagents
entireassembly(glass,testspecimen,cottondisks,andweight)
6.1 Animal Oil (lard).
to the desired test temperature (40°C or 60°C 61°C) for 30
6.2 Mineral Oil.
min.Thisisparticularlynecessarywhenshortfailuretimesare
expected, where 630 min would be critical.
6.3 Vegetable Oil.
6.4 Other reagents, such as butter, tallow, and oils. These 8.5 With the assembly still in the oven, remove the weights
may be substituted for standard reagents listed above to
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