ASTM D4635-95 - 10.6.2001
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers unpigmented, unsupported, low-density polyethylene films (hereafter referred to as film or films) from Class I polyethylenes per Specification D4976.

Note 1-The density of a film will not necessarily be equal to the density of a molded plaque from the same resin.

Note 2-Blends of ethylene/vinylacetate (EVA) with low-density polyethylene may have densities up to 0.929 g/cm.

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

1.3 The thickness of the films covered by this specification is 100 µm or less (0.004 in. or less), inclusive. The maximum width of the sheet or layflat is 3.00 m (120 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.)

Note 3-Guide D5033 describes terminology and definitions related to recycled plastics.

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.

Note 4-There is no similar or equialent ISO specification.
 
2. Referenced Documents

F88-07

Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials

E1870-25

Standard Test Method for Odor and Taste Transfer from Polymeric Packaging Film

F1249-25

Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor

D2457-21

Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and Solid Plastics

D1922-23

Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method

D1938-19

Standard Test Method for Tear-Propagation Resistance (Trouser Tear) of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by a Single-Tear Method

D2578-23

Standard Test Method for Wetting Tension of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Films

D1894-24

Standard Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting

D1709-24

Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method

D1003-21

Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics

D1238-26

Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer

D1505-25

Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique

D618-21

Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D792-20

Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement

D882-26

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

D883-26b

Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics (Includes all amendments and changes 8/24/2026).

D4703-24

Standard Practice for Compression Molding Thermoplastic Materials into Test Specimens, Plaques, or Sheets

D4976-12a(2020)

Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 11/17/2022).

D4321-24

Standard Test Method for Package Yield of Plastic Film

D6988-26

Standard Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film Test Specimens

D7209-06

Standard Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (Withdrawn 2015)

E96/E96M-24a

Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 11/20/2024).

D2103-23a

Standard Specification for Polyethylene Film (Includes all amendments and changes 12/22/2023).