This specification covers unpigmented, unsupported, low-density polyethylene films (hereafter referred to as film or films) for general use and packaging applications. It is applicable to films made from polyethylene copolymers, and also applicable to films made from blends of homopolymers and copolymers, including ethylene/vinylacetate copolymers. The low-density polyethylene film shall be classified by Types 1, 2, and 3; Surfaces 1, 2, and 3; Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4; and Finishes 1, 2, 3, and 4. The film shall be made from an ethylene homopolymer, ethylene copolymers, or blends of homopolymers or copolymers, or homopolymer and copolymer, so that it meets the density and other film requirements specified. Tests shall be performed to conform to the specified properties of the material in accordance with the following test methods: conditioning; test conditions; thickness; yield; flatness; density; coefficient of friction; clarity; haze; wetting tension; impact resistance; tensile properties; heat sealability; and odor.

1.1 This specification covers unpigmented, unsupported, low-density polyethylene films (hereafter referred to as film or films) from Class 1 polyethylenes per Specification D 4976.

Note 1—The density of a film will not necessarily be equal to the density of a molded plaque from the same resin.

Note 2—Blends of ethylene/vinylacetate (EVA) with low-density polyethylene may have densities up to 0.929 g/cm³.

1.2 This specification is applicable to homopolymer polyethylene, but is not restricted to it. It is applicable to films made from polyethylene copolymers, and also applicable to films made from blends of homopolymers and copolymers, including ethylene/vinylacetate copolymers.

1.3 The thickness of the films covered by this specification is 100 μm or less (0.004 in. or less), inclusive. The maximum width of the sheet or layflat is 3.00 m (120 in.).

1.4 This specification does not cover oriented heat-shrinkable films.

1.5 This specification allows for the use of recycled polyethylene film or resin as feedstock, in whole or in part, as long as all of the requirements of this specification are met and as long as any specific requirements as governed by the producer and end user are also met. (See Note 3.)

Note 3—Guide D 7209 describes terminology and definitions related to recycled plastics.

1.6 This specification defines the levels of the various physical properties from which specifications for specific films may be described. The levels of physical properties required by a film for a given application are selected from Section 6. However, Sections 2-5 relating to tolerances shall apply without change to all film falling within the scope indicated by the title and 1.1-1.4.

1.7 This specification covers dimensional tolerances, classifications, intrinsic quality requirements, and test methods. The dimensional tolerances include thickness, width, and length or yield. Classification defines types, classes, surfaces, and finishes. The intrinsic quality requirements include density, workmanship, tensile strength, heat sealability, and odor, as well as the classification properties for impact strength, coefficient of friction, optical properties, and surface treatment. A sampling method is included.

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.9 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 10, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 4—There is no similar or equivalent ISO specification.