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D4397-16 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D4397-16 (Reapproved 2023) defines the specification for polyethylene sheeting up to 250 µm (10 mils) in thickness for construction, industrial, and agricultural use. It establishes a standardized framework for material quality, dimensional tolerances, and performance testing.
📐 Scope and Terminology
Section 1 of the standard restricts the thickness scope to sheeting of 250 µm (0.010 in. or 10 mils) or less. SI units are the primary standard. Users must comply with applicable safety regulations as stated in Section 1.4. No known ISO equivalent exists at the time of publication.
Section 3 provides key definitions critical to product specification and compliance. Nominal thickness (3.2.3), nominal width (3.2.4), nominal length (3.2.1), and nominal net weight (3.2.2) refer exclusively to values declared on product labels, invoices, or sales literature, forming the basis of commercial agreements and acceptance testing.
⚙️ Test Methods and Conditioning
The standard mandates rigorous testing protocols by referencing industry-standard ASTM methods. All specimens must be conditioned according to Practice D618 prior to evaluation to ensure repeatability under controlled humidity and temperature.
- D882: Tensile properties (MD/TD).
- D1709: Impact resistance via free-falling dart.
- E96/E96M: Water vapor transmission rate.
- F88/F88M: Seal strength of sheeting.
- D6988: Precision thickness measurement.
💡 Technical Note: Proper conditioning per D618 (typically 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 10% relative humidity) is essential for obtaining valid tensile and impact results on polyethylene sheeting. Deviations can significantly alter measured properties.
⚠️ Safety Alert: Per Sections 1.3 and 1.4, the user bears sole responsibility for establishing safe handling practices and determining regulatory compliance prior to using this standard.
📊 Key Measured Properties
Performance requirements are derived from the referenced test methods and applied to the nominal dimensions defined in Section 3. Sheeting grades are differentiated by their additive packages (e.g., UV inhibitors, antistatic agents) and physical strength.
| 🟦 Property | 📏 Test Method | 🎯 Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | D6988 | Per nominal value & tolerance |
| Tensile Strength | D882 | Minimum break load (MD/TD) |
| Impact Resistance | D1709 | Minimum dart impact weight |
| Water Vapor Transmission | E96/E96M | Maximum g/m²/day |
| Seal Strength | F88/F88
📥 Standard Documents Download |