ASTM F2217/F2217M-13(2023) PDF

Overview

ASTM F2217/F2217M-13(2023) - Standard Practice for Coating/Adhesive Weight Determination - establishes a standardized procedure for measuring the amount of coating or adhesive applied to a substrate. Applicable to materials such as films, papers, and nonwovens, this standard provides a reliable method for quantifying coating weight, expressed as weight per given area (e.g., g/m² or lb/ream).

The standard outlines the importance of coating weight as an indicator of essential functional properties like sealability, peelability, and appearance. Manufacturers, converters, and end users in the packaging, labeling, and medical devices sectors can use this standard to consistently assess coating and adhesive application on products.

Key Topics

• Sample Preparation and Conditioning

  • Selection and conditioning of representative coated substrate samples
  • Use of templates for precise, known unit area

• Weighing and Coating Removal

  • Initial weighing of coated samples with an analytical balance (recommended accuracy: 0.0001 g)
  • Removal of the coating/adhesive using an appropriate solvent-selected so that the coating is soluble while the substrate remains intact

• Operator Assessment

  • Operator training required for consistent and effective coating removal
  • Subjectivity in process highlights the importance of operator expertise

• Calculation and Reporting

  • Calculation of coating or adhesive weight by comparing mass before and after coating removal, normalized to sample area
  • Units reported in either SI (g/m²) or inch-pound (lb/ream) systems; systems cannot be interchanged for the same test
  • Comprehensive reporting requirements to ensure traceability and reproducibility

• Safety Considerations

  • Handling solvents safely using protective equipment and fume hoods
  • Responsibility on users to determine and implement appropriate health, safety, and environmental practices

Applications

ASTM F2217/F2217M is widely adopted across multiple industries where coated substrates play a critical role. Its applications include:

• Flexible Packaging

  • Measurement of adhesive layers and coatings in food and medical packaging materials to verify functional properties such as barrier performance and seal integrity

• Medical and Pharmaceutical Packaging

  • Assurance of consistent adhesive coating in packaging for medical devices and products, critical for sterility and ease of use

• Industrial Papers and Films

  • Quality control in manufacturing of coated papers or films for graphic arts, labels, or other specialty applications

• Product Development and R&D

  • Formulation optimization by R&D labs to determine optimal coating weights for desired performance metrics

Adhering to this standard ensures reliable, consistent, and repeatable determination of coating or adhesive weights, making it invaluable for both quality assurance and production monitoring.

Related Standards

Organizations and professionals utilizing ASTM F2217/F2217M may also find the following standards relevant:

• ASTM E171/E171M: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging-referenced for standard sample conditioning procedures
• Other ASTM Coating Standards: For different substrates or specialized coating types
• International Standards on Packaging and Materials Testing: As recognized by the World Trade Organization’s principles for international standards development

By following ASTM F2217/F2217M-13(2023), stakeholders throughout the packaging and materials industries enhance product quality, promote consistency, and facilitate conformance to regulatory and client requirements.