ASTM D2673-14(2022) PDF

Overview

ASTM D2673-14(2022): Standard Specification for Oriented Polypropylene Film sets requirements for the physical and performance characteristics of oriented polypropylene (OPP) film. Developed by ASTM International, this standard applies to OPP films in thicknesses ranging from 10 to 75 μm (0.4 to 3.0 mils). The specification addresses uniaxially, biaxially, or balanced oriented films, including those with additives and functional coatings. It offers guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers to ensure consistent quality and performance, which is essential for applications in packaging, particularly for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.

Key Topics

• Material Scope: Covers Group 1 or 2 polypropylene (PP) or blends where PP is the main component.
• Performance Properties: OPP films may incorporate colorants, stabilizers, coatings, and other additives to enhance properties such as heat sealability and gas permeability.
• Annealing: Films can be heat-set (annealed) to minimize shrinkage and tension when exposed to heat.
• Physical Requirements: Specifies standards for appearance (freedom from defects), thickness, width, length, package yield, and blocking resistance.
• Classification System: Provides a six-parameter cell classification system for OPP film based on:
  • Coefficient of friction
  • Linear thermal shrinkage
  • Wetting tension
  • Heat-sealability
  • Gloss
  • Haze
• Food, Drug & Cosmetic Compliance: Films intended for these applications must meet relevant regulatory requirements.
• Testing Methods: Refers to a variety of ASTM test methods for characterization of properties including tensile strength, transparency, haze, blocking, and gas permeability.

Applications

Oriented polypropylene film is widely used due to its high tensile strength, clarity, barrier properties, and processability. Typical applications include:

• Flexible Packaging: Used for food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to its excellent oxygen and moisture barrier properties.
• Labeling: Employed as labeling stock because of its printability and durability.
• Overwraps: Common in wraps for candy, snack foods, and bakery items, leveraging high gloss and clarity.
• Lamination: Suitable for lamination with other materials to produce high-performance packaging films.
• Industrial Uses: Applied in industrial settings where moisture resistance and mechanical strength are required.

The physicochemical characteristics specified by ASTM D2673-14(2022) support optimal performance in these demanding environments, ensuring reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards are frequently referenced or relevant for compliant OPP film:

• ASTM D882: Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
• ASTM D1003: Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• ASTM D1894: Test Method for Coefficient of Friction
• ASTM D2732: Test Method for Unrestrained Linear Thermal Shrinkage
• ASTM D2457: Test Method for Specular Gloss
• ASTM D1922: Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance
• ASTM D6988: Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film
• ASTM D2578: Test Method for Wetting Tension
• ASTM D4321: Test Method for Package Yield
• ASTM F88/F88M: Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials
• ASTM D3354: Test Method for Blocking Load

These standards collectively help define the quality, performance, and suitability of OPP films in various commercial and regulatory contexts.

Keywords: ASTM D2673, oriented polypropylene film, OPP film specification, polypropylene film standard, packaging film, food packaging compliance, film classification, OPP testing methods, ASTM International standards.