ASTM D3354-21 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3354-21 — Standard Test Method for Blocking Load of Plastic Film by the Parallel Plate Method. This standard specifies a laboratory procedure to quantify unwanted adhesion (blocking) between layers of plastic film by measuring the blocking load required to separate two film layers using parallel plates.

Abstract

This test method yields quantitative information regarding the degree of blocking (film-to-film adhesion) for plastic films. Using a parallel-plate arrangement and a controlled load, the procedure reports a blocking load (in grams) that will cause two 100 cm² areas of film to separate. The method is intended for comparative and quality-control testing and is limited to a maximum measured load of 200 g. Values are expressed in SI units.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: December 1, 2021
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 83.140.10 (Films and sheets)
• Edition / version: D3354-21 (2021 revision)
• Number of pages: 4

Scope

The standard covers a laboratory test procedure that measures the blocking load between two layers of plastic film having a contact area of 100 cm². It provides equipment and conditioning requirements, specimen preparation, test procedure, limits (maximum test load 200 g), and reporting conventions. The method is intended to give quantitative information about the degree of blocking; it is not designed to determine susceptibility to blocking under all end-use conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and purpose: quantifying film-to-film blocking load (unwanted adhesion).
• Apparatus: parallel block faces (100 mm × 100 mm), a constant-rate-of-load device or equivalent loading arrangement, and means to prevent sliding of blocks.
• Specimen size and contact area: 100 cm² (typically 100 mm × 100 mm).
• Conditioning: reference to conditioning practice for plastics (e.g., ASTM D618) before testing.
• Test limits and units: reporting in SI units; maximum measurable load 200 grams.
• Referenced terminology and practices: alignment with ASTM D883, E456, and interlaboratory precision guidance (E691).
• Reporting: blocking load in grams, test conditions (temperature, pressure, conditioning), and any deviations from the procedure.

Typical use and users

Used by polymer and film manufacturers, converters, packaging engineers, quality-control and materials testing laboratories, and R&D groups to assess adhesive interactions between film layers. Typical applications include comparative product development, production quality checks, incoming inspection of film materials, and verification of anti-block or release treatments.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards include ASTM D618 (conditioning of plastics for testing), ASTM D883 (terminology relating to plastics), ASTM E456 (quality and statistics terminology), ASTM E691 (precision and bias of interlaboratory studies), and ISO 11502 (Determination of Blocking Resistance). The test method is maintained under ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics, Subcommittee D20.19 (Film, Sheeting, and Molded Products).

Keywords

blocking, blocking load, plastic film, film-to-film adhesion, parallel plate method, test method, ASTM D3354, anti-block, release coating, conditioning, SI units

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3354-21 is a standardized laboratory test method to measure the blocking load (degree of unwanted adhesion) between layers of plastic film using a parallel plate arrangement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, apparatus requirements (100 mm × 100 mm block faces and loading device), conditioning references, the test procedure, measurement limits (maximum 200 g), and reporting practices for blocking load results in SI units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Film manufacturers, packaging converters, quality-control and materials testing laboratories, and R&D teams use it for product development, acceptance testing, and process control related to blocking behavior.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is D3354-21, approved December 1, 2021. It is the active version of the standard as of its 2021 revision.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics standards and sits with other film- and sheet-related methods; it references and complements other ASTM practices and test methods (for conditioning, terminology, and precision) and aligns with similar ISO guidance on blocking resistance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Blocking, blocking load, plastic film, parallel plate, film-to-film adhesion, anti-block, test method, ASTM D3354.