ASTM D2838: Standard Test Method for Shrink Tension and Orientation Release Stress of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting

This test method covers the determination of the shrink tension and related characteristics, that is, shrink force and orientation release stress, of heat-shrinkable plastic film and sheeting of less than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) thickness. Two procedures are described that permit the measurement of shrink forces at predetermined temperatures. They are as follows:

Procedure A is designed to measure the maximum force exerted by a specimen that is totally restrained from shrinking as it is heated rapidly to a specific temperature.

Procedure B is designed to measure the maximum force exerted by a specimen that is permitted to shrink a predetermined amount prior to restraint while being heated rapidly to a specific temperature.

Orientation release stress can be determined from the data obtained using Procedure A.

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

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 1—Film has been arbitrarily defined as sheeting having nominal thickness not greater than 0.25 µm (0.010 in.).

NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this test method.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

film

orientation release stress

shrink force

shrink tension

thin sheeting