Significance and Use

4.1 Penetration resistance is an important end-use performance of thin flexible materials where a sharp-edged product can destroy the integrity of a barrier wrap. This will permit package entry/exit of gases, odors, and unwanted contaminates, causing potential harm to the product and reducing shelf-life. Material response to penetration will vary with numerous factors, such as film thickness, elastic modulus, rate of penetration, temperature, shape and type of probe. Consequently, material responses from puncture to stretch may be observed and quantified using this method. Although numerous combinations of experimental factors can be devised and used to simulate specific end-use applications, the recommended conditions in this method should be followed for standard comparisons of materials.

Scope

1.1 This test method permits flexible barrier films and laminates to be characterized for slow rate penetration resistance to a driven probe. The test is performed at room temperature, by applying a biaxial stress at a single test velocity on the material until perforation occurs. The force, energy, and elongation to perforation are determined.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regar. 

ASTM F1306 is a specification regarding the slow rate penetration resistance properties of flexible barrier films and laminates. Thin, flexible specimens must be of uniform thickness at 0.0025 mm or 0.0001 in.

A universal testing machine with a recording device and penetration probe are needed to perform this test. Ultimately, the force, energy, and elongation to perforation of the material are observed. Before conducting ASTM F1306, one should read the whole ASTM specification.