EN ISO 177:2017 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 177:2017 - titled "Plastics - Determination of migration of plasticizers (ISO 177:2016)" - is a key European Standard developed by CEN to specify a standardized method for measuring the migration tendency of plasticizers from plastic materials. Plasticizers are additives used to increase plasticity or fluidity. The standard focuses on quantifying the rate at which plasticizers migrate from plastics, particularly films and sheets, into adjacent materials when in close contact.

This standardized test method applies broadly to plastics incorporated with plasticizers and helps evaluate plasticizer loss or migration into other materials including organic surface coatings like lacquers. It also supports detailed studies on different resin formulations and plasticizer concentrations to optimize plasticizer retention and migration characteristics.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose:

  • Determines the extent to which plasticizers migrate from plastic materials into other plastics or organic-coated surfaces.
  • Evaluates potential loss of liquid constituents in films, sheets, or molded plastics.
  • Supports quality control, material formulation insights, and compatibility assessments with contacting materials.

• Testing Principle:

  • A test specimen of the plastic is sandwiched between absorbent sheets that capture migrating plasticizers.
  • The assembly is heated under controlled temperature and pressure conditions for a specified duration.
  • Loss of mass from the plastic specimen versus gain by absorbent sheets quantifies migration.

• Test Specimen Preparation:

  • Specimens are discs, typically 50 mm diameter and 0.5 mm thick, derived from molded or pressed sheets.
  • Films require compression into thicker sheets for testing.
  • Finished products can be tested, requiring uniform thickness specimens.

• Apparatus & Conditions:

  • Precision analytical balance and micrometer.
  • Air circulating oven capable of 50 °C to 100 °C with ±2 °C control.
  • Absorbent discs made of materials like standard rubber, polyethylene without additives, or plasticizer-free polyvinyl acetate.
  • Pressure applied via glass plates and weights during heating.

• Test Procedure Highlights:

  • Conditioning specimens per ISO 291 standard atmospheres.
  • Assembly of test specimen sandwiched between absorbent backing discs, then heated, usually at 70 °C ± 2 °C for 24 hours or longer.
  • Optional extended periods for kinetic studies at 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 30 days.
  • Fresh absorbent sheets for each test to ensure accurate migration measurement.

• Result Expression:

  • Mean change in mass (grams) for specimens and absorbent sheets.
  • Consistency checks require repeat tests if variability is >±10%.
  • Reported as loss from plastic specimen and gain by absorbents, accounting for potential volatile components.

Applications

EN ISO 177:2017 offers invaluable applications across industries utilizing plasticized materials:

• Quality Assurance and Control:

  • Ensures plastics maintain desired plasticizer content during manufacturing, storage, and use.
  • Detects changes in plasticizer migration linked to shelf-life or service conditions.

• Material Development:

  • Guides formulation for plasticizer types and concentrations optimizing migration resistance.
  • Supports development of new plasticizer compounds and compatible resins.

• Product Safety and Compliance:

  • Facilitates compliance with regulations limiting plasticizer migration in food packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods.
  • Helps evaluate the risk of contamination or material degradation due to migration.

• Compatibility Testing:

  • Assesses interaction potential between plastic components and contacting surfaces, coatings, or adhesives.
  • Aids manufacturers in selecting suitable absorbent materials that minimize migration effects.

Related Standards

When implementing EN ISO 177:2017, the following related ISO standards are essential for complementary procedures:

• ISO 291 - Plastics - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing: Specifies environmental conditions for preparing specimens.
• ISO 293 - Plastics - Compression moulding of test specimens: Details preparation of specimens via compression molding.
• ISO 294-1 / ISO 294-3 - Plastics - Injection moulding of test specimens: Provides guidelines for injection molding of test specimens.
• ISO 4649 - Standard rubber material for absorbent backing discs.

These associated standards ensure consistent specimen preparation, conditioning, and testing environment, supporting reliable migration testing per EN ISO 177:2017 protocols.

Keywords: EN ISO 177:2017, plasticizer migration, plastics testing, absorbent backing discs, plasticizer loss, migration determination, plastic films, resin plasticizers, test specimens, plasticizer compatibility, plastics quality control, plastics standards, CEN plastics standard, ISO plastics testing