ASTM D4635-16 - Standard Specification for Plastic Films Made from Low-Density Polyethylene and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene for General Use and Packaging Applications

1.1 This specification covers unpigmented, unsupported, low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene films (hereafter referred to as film or films) with densities ranging from 0.910-0.925 g/cm³ per Specification D4976.

1.2 This specification is applicable to homopolymer polyethylene, but is not restricted to it. It is applicable to films made from polyethylene copolymers, and also applicable to films made from blends of homopolymers and copolymers, including ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers.

1.3 The thickness of the films covered by this specification is 101.6 μm or less (0.004 in. or less), inclusive. The maximum width of the sheet or layflat is 3.30 m (130 in.).

1.4 This specification does not cover oriented heat-shrinkable films.

1.5 This specification allows for the use of recycled polyethylene film or resin as feedstock, in whole or in part, as long as all of the requirements of this specification are met and as long as any specific requirements as governed by the producer and end user are also met. (See Note 3.)

1.6 This specification defines the levels of the various physical properties from which specifications for specific films may be described. The levels of physical properties required by a film for a given application are selected from Section 6. However, Sections 2 – 5 relating to tolerances shall apply without change to all film falling within the scope indicated by the title and 1.1 – 1.4.

1.7 This specification covers dimensional tolerances, classifications, intrinsic quality requirements, and test methods. The dimensional tolerances include thickness, width, and length or yield. Classification defines types, classes, surfaces, and finishes. The intrinsic quality requirements include density, workmanship, tensile strength, heat sealability, and odor, as well as the classification properties for impact strength, coefficient of friction, optical properties, and surface treatment. A sampling method is included.

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.9 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 10, of this specification: 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.