Overview
ISO 17855-1:2014 establishes a standardized system for the designation of polyethylene (PE) moulding and extrusion materials. This international standard, developed by ISO, is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and users of PE thermoplastics who require clear, unambiguous identification and specification of material types. Applicable to all polyethylene homopolymers and most copolymers (excluding some specialized forms), ISO 17855-1:2014 supports quality assurance, procurement, and technical communication across the plastics industry.
Polyethylene, a widely used thermoplastic polymer, is available in various grades and forms, making standardized identification crucial for consistent performance in applications ranging from packaging to piping.
Key Topics
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Polyethylene Identification:
The standard covers the classification of polyethylene homopolymers and copolymers based on density and melt mass-flow rate (MFR). It includes materials in powder, granule, or pellet form, whether unmodified or modified with additives, colorants, or fillers.
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Designation System Structure:
The designation is structured into multiple data blocks, each providing specific and relevant information:
- Data Block 1: Polyethylene type symbol (e.g., PE-LD, PE-HD)
- Data Block 2: Filler or reinforcing material codes
- Data Block 3: Intended application and key properties/additives
- Data Block 4: Designatory properties such as density and melt mass-flow rate
- Data Block 5 (optional): Additional requirements for specific applications
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Scope Limitations:
The standard does not cover masterbatches, PE-UHMW (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), or EPM rubber. Reference to ISO 11542-1 is recommended for PE-UHMW materials.
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Basis for Specifications:
ISO 17855-1:2014 is intended as a framework for developing detailed product specifications, rather than providing engineering or performance data.
Applications
ISO 17855-1:2014 is widely applicable in industries that handle polyethylene moulding and extrusion materials, including:
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Material Specification and Procurement:
Provides a uniform system for requesting specific grades of polyethylene for manufacturing and processing.
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Quality Assurance and Documentation:
Streamlines communication between suppliers and customers, ensuring that technical properties and material types are accurately described in contracts and technical documents.
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Processing and Manufacturing:
Assists engineers and production teams in selecting appropriate PE materials for applications such as blow moulding, injection moulding, extrusion (films, pipes, profiles), wire and cable jacketing, and coating.
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Product Development and R&D:
Offers a clear framework for describing new or modified polyethylene materials with specific combinations of density, MFR, colorants, and additives.
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Regulatory and Compliance Reporting:
Facilitates adherence to international standards for labelling, product traceability, and technical reporting.
Related Standards
For comprehensive implementation and understanding, ISO 17855-1:2014 makes reference to several key related standards:
- ISO 1043-1: Plastics – Symbols and abbreviated terms for basic polymers and characteristics
- ISO 1133-1: Determination of melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics
- ISO 1183 (Parts 1, 2, 3): Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics
- ISO 1872-2: Preparation of test specimens and determination of properties for polyethylene moulding and extrusion materials
- ISO 11542-1: Designation and specifications for ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW)
By following ISO 17855-1:2014, organizations enhance the reliability and consistency of polyethylene material specifications in global markets, supporting efficient product development and high standards of quality in plastics manufacturing.