ASTM D2534-88(2017)

Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Kinetic Friction for Wax Coatings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The coefficient of friction is related to the slip properties of many commercial articles that have been coated with petroleum wax (for example, butter cartons and wax-impregnated or hot melt coated corrugated board).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the coefficient of kinetic friction for a petroleum wax coating or wax-based hot melt coating when sliding over itself.  
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.  
1.3 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 D1465-10 - Standard Test Method for Blocking and Picking Points of Petroleum Wax
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1465-04 - Standard Test Method for Blocking and Picking Points of Petroleum Wax
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1465-90(2000) - Standard Test Method for Blocking and Picking Points of Petroleum Wax
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2000

Overview

ASTM D2534-88(2017): Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Kinetic Friction for Wax Coatings is an internationally recognized method published by ASTM International. This standard specifies the procedure to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction for petroleum wax coatings or wax-based hot melt coatings when these materials slide over themselves. It plays a vital role in quality assessment for manufacturers dealing with wax-coated products such as butter cartons and wax-impregnated or hot melt coated corrugated board. The coefficient of kinetic friction measured by this standard correlates directly with a product’s slip properties, impacting functionality, handling, and end-use performance.

Key Topics

• Kinetic Friction Measurement: The core of this standard is the quantitative evaluation of the coefficient of kinetic friction between wax-coated surfaces. The process involves sliding a loaded, coated specimen across a matching surface at a controlled speed and documenting the resistance encountered.
• Test Apparatus and Procedure: Includes detailed guidance on preparing test specimens, assembling sled and plane apparatus, conditioning materials, and executing the test under specified conditions.
• Sample Conditioning and Preparation: Emphasizes the importance of specimen conditioning at 23°C and 50% relative humidity, and the careful preparation and mounting of test samples to ensure valid results.
• Result Calculation and Reporting: Provides instructions on calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction (μk) and requires reporting the average from three separate tests for accuracy.
• Precision and Reproducibility: Supplies data on repeatability and reproducibility derived from interlaboratory testing, ensuring users understand the expected variability and reliability of results.

Applications

ASTM D2534-88(2017) is widely applicable across industries where wax coatings are used for packaging and surface finishing. Key applications include:

• Packaging Industry: Used to evaluate the slip properties of petroleum wax-coated paperboard, corrugated board, and cartons, ensuring easy handling, automated filling, and resistance to sticking during transport and storage.
• Food Industry: Essential for producers of butter cartons and other wax-coated packaging, where reliable slip and stacking properties are vital for manufacturing, distribution, and consumer use.
• Quality Control: Enables manufacturers to maintain consistent product performance by monitoring the kinetic friction of wax coatings batch-to-batch.
• Research and Development: Supports the development of new wax blends and coating processes by providing a standardized method for friction assessment and comparison.

Related Standards

For comprehensive material testing and quality assurance, ASTM D2534-88(2017) references and relates to additional industry standards, including:

• ASTM D1465: Test Method for Blocking and Picking Points of Petroleum Wax – Used for evaluating wax application quality and performance on substrates.
• ASTM D585 (Withdrawn 2010): Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product – Provided guidance for sample selection and lot acceptance before its withdrawal.
• International Standardization Principles: Developed under guidelines established by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring global acceptance and harmonization.

Practical Value

Utilizing ASTM D2534-88(2017) helps manufacturers and quality assurance teams in the paper, packaging, and food sectors to:

• Ensure wax-coated products meet industry and regulatory slip property requirements
• Minimize production issues such as sticking and jamming during processing or transportation
• Compare and control the quality of different coating formulations and application techniques
• Demonstrate compliance with international testing and quality standards for global trade

Keywords: coefficient of kinetic friction, wax coatings, petroleum wax, packaging friction test, ASTM D2534, slip properties, wax-impregnated board, hot melt coatings, packaging quality control.

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: D2534 − 88 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Coefficient of Kinetic Friction for Wax Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2534; 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 equal and opposite to the force required to maintain sliding of
the surface with a uniform velocity.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the coef-
ficient of kinetic friction for a petroleum wax coating or
4. Summary of Test Method
wax-based hot melt coating when sliding over itself.
4.1 A coated surface under load is pulled at a uniform rate
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
over a second coated surface. The force required to move the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
load is measured, and the coefficient of kinetic friction is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
calculated.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 The coefficient of friction is related to the slip properties
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of many commercial articles that have been coated with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
petroleum wax (for example, butter cartons and wax-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
impregnated or hot melt coated corrugated board).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6. Apparatus
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 Sled Assembly, as shown in Fig. 1, weighing 180 g 6
2. Referenced Documents
1 g, and consisting of the following parts:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1.1 Brass Block, 25 mm (1 in.) wide by 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.)
D585 Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of
thick by 75 mm (3 in.) long,
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product
6.1.2 Microscope Slide, cemented to one surface, 25 mm
(Withdrawn 2010)
(1 in.) by 75 mm (3 in.), and
D1465 Test Method for Blocking and Picking Points of
6.1.3 Detachable Handle, using 1.5 mm ( ⁄16 in.) weld rod.
Petroleum Wax
6.2 Horizontal Plane Assembly and Pulling Device, consist-
ing of a metal or wood sheet covered by a smooth, flat piece of
3. Terminology
glass approximately 150 mm by 300 mm (6 in. by 12 in.). The
3.1 Definitions:
plane shall be supported by two 250 mm by 300 mm (10 in. by
3.1.1 friction, n—the resistance to sliding exhibited by two
12 in.) diagonal shelf-brackets. A board attached across the
surfaces in contact with each other. Basically there are two
brackets shall be clamped in the jaws of the lower crosshead of
frictional properties exhibited by any surface; static friction
an electronic load cell-type tension tester. Adjust the assembly
and kinetic friction.
so that the glass surface is level. Attach a low-friction pulley at
3.1.2 kinetic friction, n—the force that resists motion when
the edge of the plane with the outer side centered directly
a surface is moving with a uniform velocity; it is, therefore,
beneath the load cell of the testing machine and the bottom side
level with the sled handle. Connect the sled handle to the load
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
cell of the tester by a light, flexible metal cable or polyester
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
cord passing around the pulley.
Subcommittee D02.10 on Properties of Petroleum Waxes and Alternative Wax-like
Materials.
6.3 Low-Friction Pulley, consisting of a pulley mounted in
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally approved
hardened steel cone bearings on a metal fork. The pulley
in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D2534 – 88 (2012). DOI:
should be constructed from materials having hardness and
10.1520/D2534-88R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or durability equivalent to phenolic-type materials.
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. Materials
the ASTM website.
3 7.1 Scissors or Cutter, suitable for cutting waxed specimen
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. to the desired dimensions.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2534 − 88 (2017)
FIG. 1 Coefficient of Kinetic Friction Sled Assembly
7.2 Adhesive Tapes, single-faced and double-faced, 13 mm 10. Procedure
1 3
to 20 mm ( ⁄2 in. to ⁄4 in.) in width.
10.1 Lay down two strips of double-faced adhesive tape
along the length of the plane so that they are approximately
8. Sampling and Test Specimens
100 mm (4 in.) between centers.
8.1 Test specimens may be flexible, such as wax-coated
10.2 Attach the 250 mm by 130 mm specimen to the
paper, or rigid, such as wax-coated paperboard or corru
...