ASTM D1239-22a

Standard Test Method for Resistance of Plastic Films to Extraction by Chemicals

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is intended to be a rapid empirical test to determine the loss of the plasticizer or other extractable components from the plastic film when immersed in liquids commonly used in households.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method for resistance of plastic films to chemicals covers the measurement of the weight loss of film after immersion in chemicals.  
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
Note 2: Film is defined as sheeting having nominal thickness not greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.), in accordance with Terminology D883.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in other units are nominal values given 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: 31-Aug-2022
• ICS: 83.140.10 - Films and sheets
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.19 - Film, Sheeting, and Molded Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1600-13 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D883-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D882-09 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009

Overview

ASTM D1239-22a: Standard Test Method for Resistance of Plastic Films to Extraction by Chemicals is a widely recognized ASTM standard designed to determine the resistance of thin plastic films to chemical extraction. This method measures the weight loss of plastic films after immersion in various chemicals, providing a rapid, empirical assessment of extractable components-such as plasticizers-when films are exposed to household liquids. Covering plastic films up to 0.25 mm in thickness, this test is crucial for evaluating the chemical durability and suitability of flexible packaging and film products in environments where chemical exposure is common.

Key Topics

• Purpose: Assesses loss of plasticizer and extractable additives from plastic films upon chemical immersion.
• Scope: Applies to plastic sheeting with a nominal thickness of 0.25 mm or less, in compliance with ASTM terminology.
• Testing Conditions: Utilizes standard laboratory conditions relating to temperature and humidity for pre-conditioning and testing.
• Chemicals Used: Includes distilled water, soap solutions, oils (cottonseed and mineral), kerosine, and ethyl alcohol, among others listed in referenced ASTM D543.
• Measurement: Involves calculating the percentage of weight lost as a measure of extraction resistance.
• Reporting Requirements: Specifies detailed documentation, including film identification, test parameters, average weight changes, and observed specimen changes.
• Limitations: Results can be influenced by specimen thickness and the nature of the chemical, so direct comparisons between different films should consider these variables.

Applications

The ASTM D1239-22a test method is highly relevant for a variety of practical applications, especially in the plastics and flexible packaging industries:

• Quality Control in Manufacturing: Ensures plastic films meet resistance standards for chemical extraction before release to market, supporting consistent product performance.
• Material Selection: Helps manufacturers and designers select chemical-resistant films for packaging food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, and other sensitive contents.
• Comparative Analysis: Allows for benchmarking and comparative evaluation of new films or formulations against existing products or performance standards.
• Product Safety: Evaluates the integrity of plastic films used in environments where exposure to oils, detergents, or solvents is likely, supporting safety and regulatory compliance.
• Research and Development: Facilitates innovation by identifying how different additives and formulary changes affect extractability and film durability.

Related Standards

ASTM D1239-22a references and interacts with several key ASTM documents, leveraging established terminology and procedures for comprehensive evaluation:

• ASTM D543 – Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical Reagents.
• ASTM D882 – Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting.
• ASTM D883 – Terminology Relating to Plastics.
• ASTM D1600 – Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics.

There is currently no ISO equivalent to ASTM D1239-22a, establishing its role as the principal method for this specific test.

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Keywords: chemical resistance, plastic films, ASTM D1239, extraction, weight loss, plasticizer loss, household chemicals, packaging materials, plastic film testing, chemical durability.

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: D1239 − 22a
Standard Test Method for
Resistance of Plastic Films to Extraction by Chemicals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1239; 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. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of technical terms pertain-
1.1 This test method for resistance of plastic films to
ing to plastics used in this test method, refer to Terminology
chemicals covers the measurement of the weight loss of film
D883. For abbreviations used in this test method, refer to
after immersion in chemicals.
Terminology D1600.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
4. Significance and Use
NOTE 2—Film is defined as sheeting having nominal thickness not
greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.), in accordance with Terminology D883.
4.1 This test method is intended to be a rapid empirical test
to determine the loss of the plasticizer or other extractable
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
components from the plastic film when immersed in liquids
standard. The values stated in other units are nominal values
commonly used in households.
given for information only.
5. Apparatus
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1 Balance—An analytical balance, capable of weighing to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
0.0001 g.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
NOTE 3—An analytical balance capable of weighing to 0.001 g can be
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
used when the specimen thickness is greater than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) and
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- the extracted weight loss of the specimen exceeds 0.005 g.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.2 Containers—Container with a diameter of at least 65
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mm(2.5in.)andaminimumvolumetoholdonespecimenplus
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
400 mL of solvent in accordance with 9.2.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6. Materials
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.1 Distilled Water—Freshly prepared distilled or deionized
2. Referenced Documents
water.
6.2 Soap Solution (1 %)—Dissolve 12 g of dehydrated pure
2.1 ASTM Standards:
white soap flakes (dried for1hat 105°C) in 1200 mL of
D543 Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to
distilled water. This is sufficient solution to test three speci-
Chemical Reagents
mens.
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Sheeting
6.3 Cottonseed Oil—Household cooking grade.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
6.4 Mineral Oil, USP—Heavy grade, sp gr 0.875 to 0.905.
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
6.5 Kerosine.
tics
6.6 Ethyl Alcohol (50 %), as described in Test Method
D543.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
6.7 Any other standard or supplementary reagent listed in
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting, and
Test Method D543.
Molded Products.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally
7. Test Specimen
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D1239 – 22. DOI:
10.1520/D1239-22A.
7.1 The test specimens for plastic films shall be in the form
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
of squares 50 6 0.25 mm (2 in.) on each side. At least three
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
specimens of each sample shall be tested with each chemical
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. reagent.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1239 − 22a
testsshouldbemadeonallsamplesatalowertemperatureorforlesstime.
7.2 Nothing in this test method precludes the use of speci-
mens of other dimensions or the making of other tests on the
9.4 Remove the specimens from the liquids and gently wipe
same specimens after they have been exposed to the chemicals.
with a solvent-soaked lint-free soft cloth or absorbent tissue.
Another acceptable specimen is a disk 50 6 0.25 mm (2 in.) in
Specimenstakenfromwaterorvolatilesolventslikeacetoneor
diameter (total area 41.5 cm ), or a tension specimen at least
gasoline require no rinsing, but simply wipe dry as directed;
50 mm (2 in.) longer than the grip separation as prescribed in
rinse specimens tested in salt solutions, soaps, acids, or alkalis,
Test Methods D882.
with water before wiping to dryness.
7.3 A nominal tension specimen, uniform in width and 9.4.1 Specimens tested in nonvolatile oils require special
thickness, shall not be less than 5.0 mm (0.20 in.) or greater consideration.These specimens are to be rinsed with a reagent-
than 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) in width. grade solvent, such as hexane, heptane, methanol, and petro-
leumether,whichisvolatileandwhichisapoorsolventforthe
7.4 For such specimens, use a proportionate amount of
film, but a good solvent for the oil. If such a solvent is used, it
chemical and container of appropriate dimensions so that the
is important to make sure that this solvent itself does not cause
specimen can be immersed in a completely vertical position
weightlossfromthefilm.Therecanbeproblemsinthosecases
during the test.
where both the film and the nonvolatile oil are nonpolar.
7.5 The amount of chemical used shall be approximately 8
9.5 It is realized that if the immersion chemical is not
mL/cm of the specimen, counting the area of both sides of the
volatile, has good adhesion to the film, and does not attack the
specimen.
film,then,asaresult,anincreaseinspe
...

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: D1239 − 22 D1239 − 22a
Standard Test Method for
Resistance of Plastic Films to Extraction by Chemicals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1239; 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*
1.1 This test method for resistance of plastic films to chemicals covers the measurement of the weight loss of film after immersion
in chemicals.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
NOTE 2—Film is defined as sheeting having nominal thickness not greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.), in accordance with Terminology D883.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in other units are nominal values given 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D543 Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to Chemical Reagents
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of technical terms pertaining to plastics used in this test method, refer to Terminology D883. For
abbreviations used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1600.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting, and Molded
Products.
Current edition approved May 1, 2022Sept. 1, 2022. Published May 2022September 2022. Originally approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 20142022 as
D1239 – 14.D1239 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/D1239-22.10.1520/D1239-22A.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1239 − 22a
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is intended to be a rapid empirical test to determine the loss of the plasticizer or other extractable components
from the plastic film when immersed in liquids commonly used in households.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Balance—An analytical balance, capable of weighing to 0.0001 g.
NOTE 3—An analytical balance capable of weighing to 0.001 g can be used when the specimen thickness is greater than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) and the
extracted weight loss of the specimen exceeds 0.005 g.
5.2 Containers—Container with a diameter of at least 65 mm (2.5 in.) and a minimum volume to hold one specimen.specimen
plus 400 mL of solvent in accordance with 9.2.
6. Materials
6.1 Distilled Water—Freshly prepared distilled or deionized water.
6.2 Soap Solution (1 %)—Dissolve 12 g of dehydrated pure white soap flakes (dried for 1 h at 105°C) in 1200 mL of distilled
water. This is sufficient solution to test three specimens.
6.3 Cottonseed Oil—Household cooking grade.
6.4 Mineral Oil, USP—Heavy grade, sp gr 0.875 to 0.905.
6.5 Kerosine.
6.6 Ethyl Alcohol (50 %),as described in Test Method D543.
6.7 Any other standard or supplementary reagent listed in Test Method D543.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 The test specimens for plastic films shall be in the form of squares 50 6 0.25 mm (2 in.) on each side. At least three specimens
of each sample shall be tested with each chemical reagent.
7.2 Nothing in this test method precludes the use of specimens of other dimensions or the making of other tests on the same
specimens after they have been exposed to the chemicals. Another acceptable specimen is a disk 50 6 0.25 mm (2 in.) in diameter
(total area 41.5 cm ), or a tension specimen at least 50 mm (2 in.) longer than the grip separation as prescribed in Test Methods
D882.
7.3 A nominal tension specimen, uniform in width and thickness, shall not be less than 5.0 mm (0.20 in.) or greater than 25.4 mm
(1.0 in.) in width.
7.4 For such specimens, use a proportionate amount of chemical and container of appropriate dimensions so that the specimen can
be immersed in a completely vertical position during the test.
7.5 The amount of chemical used shall be approximately 8 mL/cm , of the specimen, counting the area of both sides of the
specimen.
NOTE 4—Direct comparison of values should not be made between samples of different thicknesses, since percentage weight loss is a function of
thickness.
D1239 − 22a
8. Conditioning
8.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than 40
h prior to test for those tests where conditioning is required. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and
65 % relative humidity.
8.1.1 Note that for some hygroscopic materials, such as nylons, the material specifications call for testing “dry as-molded
specimens.” Such requirements take precedence over the above routine preconditioning to 50 % relative humidity and require
sealing the specimens in water vapor-impermeable containers as soon as molded and not removing them until ready for testing.
8.2 Test Conditions—Conduct tests in the standard laboratory atmosphere of 23 6 2°C (73 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative
humidity, unless otherwise specified in the material specification or by customer requirem
...