ASTM D 1239 Test for Plastic Film Chemical Extraction

Scope:

This ASTM D 1239 standard test method, was developed as a quick empirical assessment, measures how likely plastic film is to lose plasticizer or extractable ingredients when immersed in normal household liquids. Its objective is to assess how susceptible the film is to damage brought on by routine liquid contact.

Test Procedure:

The ASTM D 1239 test method is described as follows Before submerging the samples, the chemical reagent must be kept at the test temperature for a minimum of 4 hours. Each specimen is placed into a separate container containing 400 mL of the liquid after being weighed. If necessary, the specimen is hung vertically inside the liquid using paper clips or other small weights to ensure complete submersion and prevent floating or curling. The specimen-containing jars are then covered and maintained at the chosen test temperature. Alternative test settings include either 4 hours at 23°C or 4 or 24 hours at 40°C, while standard test conditions involve 24 hours at 23°C.

After being removed from the liquids, the specimens are carefully cleaned using a soft cloth or absorbent tissue. Samples obtained from water or volatile solvents like acetone or gasoline do not need to be rinsed; they are simply wiped dry as instructed. However, specimens exposed to salt solutions, soaps, acids, or alkalis should be rinsed with water before being wiped dry.

Special caution should be taken for specimens evaluated in nonvolatile oils. These specimens need to be rinsed with a volatile solvent that is effective for oil but not for the film. Precautions should be taken to prevent the film from losing weight due to this solvent. Examples of potential solvents include petroleum ether, hexane, and heptane.

It is known that the specimen’s weight may increase after the test if the immersion chemical is nonvolatile, adheres well to the film, and does not damage it. A weight correction should be established by conditioning a second sample of the same film using the same procedure as the standard test. However, these samples should only be soaked in the particular chemical for 5 minutes before rinsing and drying them. The average % weight loss must be multiplied by the average percentage weight gain of this blank sample. No correction is required if the blank sample loses weight due to this operation. The difference in weight growth should be reported as a percentage if a sample accumulates more weight than its blank.

Video: plastic film

Test Specimen:

ASTM D 1239 standard test method using the test specimens for plastic films must be squares measuring 50 x 50 by 0.25 inches (2 inches) on each side. With each chemical reagent, at least three samples of each sample must be examined.

Data:

ASTM D 1239 standard test method using the amount of weight lost as a result of extraction, is expressed as a percentage of the original amount.

specimen weight will be determined using the formula below:

                 Loss of weight % = W1-W2W1100

where

W1 is the specimen’s weight following the conditioning period 

 W2 is the specimen’s weight following the test’s conclusion.

Conclusion:

The ASTM D 1239 Standard Test Method, which evaluates plastic films’ resistance to chemical extraction, gives important information about their durability and applicability for a variety of applications.