This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: F3300 − 18

Standard Test Method for

Abrasion Resistance of Flexible Packaging Films Using a
Reciprocating Weighted Stylus1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3300; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the abra-
sion resistance of flexible non-conductive films and packaging
materials using a weighted stylus that wears completely
through a film by oscillating or reciprocating back and forth
along a linear path until an electrical circuit is completed
shutting down the test.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
conformance with the standard.
1.3 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 appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
Packaging Components for Testing
D6988 Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film
Test Specimens
E171/E171M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible
Barrier Packaging
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F02 on Primary
Barrier Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F02.20 on
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2018. Published March 2018. DOI: 10.1520/
F3300-18
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
F2251 Test Method for Thickness Measurement of Flexible
Packaging Material
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 abrasion—the wearing away of any part of a material
by rubbing against another surface.
3.1.2 abrasion cycle—in abrasion testing, one or more
movements of an abradant across a material surface, or the
material surface across an abradant, that permits a return to its
starting position.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—In the case of the linear abrading
device, an abrasion cycle consists of one complete forward and
one complete backward stroke.
3.1.3 abrasion resistance—in abrasion testing, the ability of
a material to withstand degradation caused by the rubbing of
one material against another.
3.1.4 durability—the ability of a material to withstand
deterioration from the sum of all sources.
3.1.5 non-conductive film—any film used in this test method
that allows the stylus to completely abrade through the film,
making a hole, and does not prematurely stop the test before
the hole is made.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—The stylus (on one side of the film) and
the mandrel (on the other side of the film) form part of an
electrical circuit that signals the end of the test. Wearing a hole
through a non-conductive film closes the circuit and stops the
test. A conductive film would conduct electricity between the
stylus and the mandrel before the film completely abrades
through and prematurely signal the end of the test.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A specimen is abraded using a linear rubbing action. The
test specimen, mounted over a mandrel and held in place by
two plates, is rubbed back and forth with the hemispherical tip
of a special stylus. The hemispherical tip rubs the specimen
until it abrades through and the test is automatically stopped.

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 F3300 − 18
Resistance to abrasion in this test method is reported as the
number of back-and-forth cycles to breakthrough. Variables
that influence the rubbing action are pressure on the specimen,
temperature, relative humidity, and speed.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Materials such as engineered thermoplastic films are
often used for flexible barrier packaging. However, handling
and transportation can cause abrasion to the packaging film and
possibly compromise the integrity of the contents (e.g., sterility
of a medical device). This test method provides a comparative
ranking of material performance that can be used as an
indication of relative end-use performance.
5.2 The resistance of material surfaces to abrasion, as
measured on a testing machine under laboratory conditions, is
only one of several factors contributing to wear performance or
durability as experienced in the actual use of the material.
While abrasion resistance and durability are frequently related,
the relationship varies with different end uses and different
factors may be necessary in any calculation of predicted
durability from specific abrasion data.
5.3 The resistance of material surfaces to abrasion may be
affected by factors including test conditions of temperature and
humidity, type of abradant, pressure between the specimen and
abradant, mounting or tension of the specimen, and type, kind,
or amount of finishing materials such as coatings or additives.
Other causes of variation include local material movement
during testing, material direction alignment, material
characteristics, and mandrel and stylus wear. For consistency,
samples to be evaluated under special environmental condi-
tions shall be conditioned under those same conditions. It is
important that the test instrument be shown to operate properly
under special environmental conditions.
FIG. 1 Linear Abrading Device
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5.4 This test method may not be suitable for all films,
including the following cases:
5.4.1 Films that stretch and generate a ripple in the abraded
region during testing,
5.4.2 Films that have a thickness greater than 0.25 mm
(0.010 in.), or are of such rigidity that forming over the
mandrel would cause internal stresses that weaken the film, and
5.4.3 Conductive films.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Linear Abrading Device,3 as shown in Fig. 1, consisting
of the following elements:
6.1.1 Crank-Slide Drive Mechanism (not shown) to operate
an oscillating arm in a linear distance of 25.4 mm (1 in.) at a
speed of 30 cycles/min,
6.1.2 Splined Shaft, such that it cannot rotate during the test,
mounted vertically at the end of the oscillating arm,
6.1.3 A means to increase the vertical force on the stylus.
This may be as simple as adding additional mass to the top of
the splined shaft,
6.1.4 Attachment affixed to the end of the splined shaft to
securely hold the stylus perpendicular to the test specimen,
6.1.5 Mechanism to keep stylus off specimen surface until
time of test,
6.1.6 Means to automatically stop the test when the stylus
abrades through the specimen and contacts the mandrel, and
6.1.7 Specimen Table, to which the flexible material holder
can be secured.
3
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is Taber® Industries, 455 Bryant Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. If you are
aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Interna-
tional Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting
of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
 F3300 − 18
6.2 Accessory Weight Holder and Weights, which can be
perched on top of the splined shaft to change the load applied
to the specimen.
6.2.1 Flexible Material Holder,—as shown in Fig. 2, con-
sisting of a mandrel, base, and top plate to secure the specimen
so that it is held rigidly during testing. The bottom plate shall
have a 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) radius or cradle to accept the
mandrel and have three holes to assist with alignment and
set-up (see Fig. 3). The top plate shall include a 6.35 mm (0.25
in.) radius that is 5.60 mm (0.22 in.) deep to secure the
specimen and mandrel and include a cutout center slot through
which the stylus will be able to contact the test specimen. The
mandrel shall have a diameter of 11.94 mm (0.47 in.) and
include a hole to insert a banana plug for the automatic shut-off
system.
6.2.2 Stylus, which is of sufficient length to be anchored
securely in the stylus holder mounted on the splined shaft with
enough exposed length for the stylus holder to avoid rubbing
against the upper sample holder plate. The stylus shall be 1.5 6
0.1 mm in diameter and have a hemispherical tip of the same
diameter. The stylus shall be made from steel heat treated to a
hardness of Rockwell C55 to C61 and the spherical radius shall
have a surface finish of 8 rms.
7. Specimen Preparation
7.1 Specimen Size—Specimens shall be cut in a rectangular
shape to a minimum of 38 mm (1.5 in.) wide and 50 mm (2 in.)
long. Half of the specimens should be cut with the long side of
the rectangle parallel to the film machine direction. The
remainder of the specimens should be cut with the long side
parallel to the film transverse direction. The long side of the
rectangle is parallel to the linear path of stylus travel. The short
side of the rectangle must be narrow enough to allow the film
to lay flat on the base and not bunch up around the positioning
pins of the flexible material holder. Material thickness shall be
less than 0.25 mm (0.01 in.).
7.2 Using an indelible marker, label each specimen with
sample identification, such as machine direction and sample
number. Other useful information may include, for example,
sealant versus non-sealant side and top versus bottom for
non-symmetric film. Markings shall not be in the path of the
stylus movement. .
7.3 When testing different types of materials or film struc-
tures for comparison purposes, it is advised to measure film
thickness in accordance with either Guide D6988 or Test
FIG. 2 Flexible Material Holder
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Method F2251 before the test. To simplify comparison testing,
it is recommended that the same weight should be used on the
stylus for all samples, letting the number of cycles to break-
through differentiate the abrasion resistance.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 The pressure of the top plate against the sample should
prevent film distortion or movement during testing.
NOTE 1—If there are concerns of slippage during a test, a piece of
double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, such as 3M 9492MP, may
be applied to the recessed portion of the flexible material holder top plate
as a way to prevent specimen movement during the test.
8.2 The stylus shall be inserted into its holder such that the
hemispherical end is exposed.
NOTE 2—The condition of the abrading tip of the stylus should be
monitored and the stylus replaced when test results are affected.
Alternatively, the stylus may be replaced according to a preventive
maintenance schedule. Do not allow the stylus to rub against any hard or
rough surface. Wear may be evaluated either with the use of a microscope
or by control charting the number of cycles to breakthrough of a control
film. A control film can be any lot of film similar to those undergoing
abrasion testing in which the analyst has confidence in the consistency of
its abrasion resistance. This control film can be set aside and periodically
sampled and tested to generate a body of data that validates the confidence
in the test and the equipment.
8.3 Stroke Length—Set the stroke length using the recom-
mended method given in the instrument instructions (see
6.1.1).
8.4 Speed—Set the speed using the recommended method
given in the instrument instructions. A typical starting point is
30 cycles/min (see 6.1.1).
8.5 Load—The weight applied to the film sample is the sum
of the shaft-stylus assembly of the instrument and any added
weights. For the apparatus described in 6.1, the shaft-stylus
assembly consists of a standard weight holder, a splined shaft,
a stylus holder and a stylus. One approach to the selection of a
starting weight applied to the film may be found in Appendix
X1.
NOTE 3—The weight of the shaft-stylus assembly is provided by the
instrument manufacturer. Disassembling the spline shaft from the instru-
ment is not recommended due to possible damage to the bearing guiding
the shaft.
NOTE 4—Sets of weights may be obtained from the manufacturer that
fit the standard weight holder. These have been scribed and weighed to the
nearest gram and may be used without re-weighing.
 F3300 − 18
FIG. 3 Proper Alignment for Fixture Base
8.6 Alignment of Flexible Material Holder—Sections 8.6.1
– 8.6.4 describe the alignment procedure for the base plate of
the flexible material holder to a specimen table or other type of
mounting fixture that is attached to or incorporated in the linear
abrading device.
8.6.1 Position the oscillating arm so it is at the end of its
stroke (to the right most position). Align the base plate by
lowering the stylus into the right most alignment hole. Lift the
stylus out of the hole (see Fig. 3).
8.6.2 Position the oscillating arm so it is at the beginning of
its stroke (to the left most position). Lower the stylus into the
left most alignment hole. If necessary, pivot the position of the
base plate so the stylus can be lowered into the left alignment
hole.
8.6.3 Once aligned, tighten the fasteners to secure the base
plate of the flexible material holder to the specimen table.
8.6.4 Verify that the base plate is properly aligned by
following 8.6.1 and 8.6.2, and adjust as necessary.
8.7 Test Cycles—Set the number of cycles to breakthrough
to a number greater than 1000 unless otherwise specified. With
the automatic shutoff, the linear abrading device will stop
automatically should the stylus abrade through the specimen
material before the number of cycles is completed.
8.8 Automatic Shutoff—Follow the manufacturer’s recom-
mended instructions to connect the automatic shutoff feature to
the linear abrading device and flexible material holder.
9. Conditioning
9.1 Prior to testing, condition all specimens according to
established procedures specific to the material being evaluated
or as agreed upon between the interested parties. If none are
specified, condition samples in accordance with either Practice
E171/E171M or D4332.
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10. Procedure
10.1 Visually inspect the test specimen to ensure it is free
from blemishes, imperfections, particulate matter, or debris. If
any are found, discard and select a new test specimen.
10.2 Place one test specimen over the recess of the top plate
with the desired film direction parallel to the testing direction
and the side to be tested facing the recess. Center the mandrel
over the specimen, then use a gentle force to press the mandrel
into the recess while ensuring that there are no wrinkles in the
specimen.
NOTE 5—For non-symmetric laminated film structures, it is recom-
mended to test both sides or the side where abrasion failures are likely to
occur. This approach should also be considered for films that have a
sealant.
10.3 Carefully place the mandrel and top plate of the
flexible material holder in position over the bottom plate.
Fasten two thumb nuts at a diagonal from each other, until all
four fasteners are tight and the specimen is secured in place.
NOTE 6—Sections 10.2 and 10.3 describe one method of mounting film.
Other methods are possible. The goal is to mount the film securely without
wrinkles and for the film to remain unwrinkled by the abrasion action.
10.4 Position the oscillating arm so that the stylus is located
at the beginning of its stroke (to the left most position).
10.5 Prior to each test, clean the stylus with isopropyl
alcohol. Load the desired weight on the shaft.
10.6 Gently lower the stylus onto the specimen and begin
the test immediately (see Fig. 4). Do not allow the stylus to
drop onto the specimen.
NOTE 7—The stylus should not sit on the specimen surface for longer
than 2 s before the test commences. Otherwise, the stylus may indent the
specimen, which can have an influence on the test results.
 F3300 − 18
FIG. 4 Close-up of Test Set-Up
10.7 When breakthrough occurs, testing will automatically
cease. Raise the stylus and remove the specimen. Examine the
specimen to be sure that the stylus abraded completely through
the specimen.
10.8 Record the number of abrasion cycles to breakthrough
and the total weight applied.
10.9 Repeat 10.1 – 10.8 for replicates of the film using the
load as determined in 8.5. Statistical methods should be
employed to determine the number of replicates. Calculate the
average of the test results and standard deviation.
11. Interpretation of Results
11.1 Cycles to Breakthrough—The number of cycles to
breakthrough provides an indication of abrasion resistance.
Generally, the greater the number of cycles, the higher the
abrasion resistance.
12. Report
12.1 State that the specimens were tested in accordance with
Test Method F3300. Describe the product sampled, including
characteristics such as machine or cross machine (transverse)
direction, film structure, side in contact with the stylus, and
number of samples per web width.
12.2 Report the following information:
12.2.1 Temperature and humidity during conditioning and at
time of testing,
12.2.2 Total weight applied,
12.2.3 Film thickness,
12.2.4 Number of cycles to breakthrough for each of the
specimens tested,
12.2.5 Average and standard deviation of the number of
cycles to breakthrough if replicate testing is performed, and
12.2.6 Any deviation from the procedure described in this
test method.
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13. Precision and Bias
13.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
interlaboratory study conducted in 2015. Eight laboratories
tested several variations of three packaging films. Every “test
result” represents an individual determination, and the labora-
tories reported five replicate test results for each material
combination. Practice E691 was followed for the design and
analysis of the data; the details are given in ASTM Research
Report RR:F02-1042.4
13.1.1 Repeatability, r—The difference between repetitive
results obtained by the same operator in a given laboratory
applying the same test method with the same apparatus under
constant operating conditions on identical test material within
short intervals of time would in the long run, in the normal and
correct operation of the test method, exceed the following
values only in one case in 20.
13.1.1.1 Repeatability can be interpreted as maximum dif-
ference between two results, obtained under repeatability
conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes
under normal and correct operation of the test method.
13.1.1.2 Repeatability limits are listed in Table 1.
13.1.2 Reproducibility, R—The difference between two
single and independent results obtained by different operators
applying the same test method in different laboratories using
different apparatus on identical test material would, in the long
run, in the normal and correct operation of the test method,
exceed the following values only in one case in 20.
13.1.2.1 Reproducibility can be interpreted as maximum
difference between two results, obtained under reproducibility
conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes
under normal and correct operation of the test method.
4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:F02-1042. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at service@astm.org.
 F3300 − 18
TABLE 1 Abrasion Resistance (Number of Cycles to Breakthrough)
Average Reproducibility
Repeatability Standard Deviation Coefficient
Average, Time Standard
Material of
x̄C to Failure Deviation,
Sx̄ Sr SL Variation
(minutes)D SR

Sample 1 MDA 200 1947.51 64.8 631.97 773.01 529.03 936.71 32.5
Sample 1 MD 400 169.46 5.6 50.81 72.96 38.95 82.71 30.0
Sample 1 TDB 200 2468.63 82.3 577.09 665.71 494.37 829.20 23.4
Sample 1 TD 400 151.09 5.0 55.99 88.38 39.66 96.87 37.1
Sample 2 MD 700 2804.00 93.5 1377.84 1938.78 1070.83 2214.85 49.1
Sample 2 MD 1000 297.66 9.9 174.40 228.93 141.19 268.97 58.6
Sample 2 TD 700 2205.37 73.5 995.40 1243.30 825.63 1492.47 45.1
Sample 2 TD 1000 336.31 5.9 177.95 228.12 145.80 270.73 52.9
Sample 3 MD 500 230.40 7.7 74.71 99.53 60.00 116.22 32.4
Sample 3 TD 500 132.00 4.4 40.35 57.18 31.21 65.14 30.6
A
MD = machine direction.
B
TD = transverse (cross-machine) direction.
C
x̄ = average of 5 replicates.
D
Average Time to Failure (minutes) = x̄ average ÷ 30 cycles/min.

13.1.2.2 Reproducibility limits are listed in Table 1. 13.4 Comments on the Design of the Study:
13.1.3 The terms repeatability limit and reproducibility limit 13.4.1 Data was taken in both the MD and TD to illustrate
are used as specified in Practice E177. sensitivity of stylus direction to film orientation.
13.1.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements 13.1.1
13.4.2 Two levels of added weights were used to show the
and 13.1.2 would have an approximate 95 % probability of
effect of weight choice on variation between replicates.
being correct.
13.4.3 Three different films were selected to show the effect
13.2 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted of material choice on number of cycles to breakthrough.
reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test
method, therefore no statement on bias is being made. 13.4.4 The outer 3-4 m of each sample roll were unwound
and discarded. All the specimens for each material were taken
13.3 The precision statement was determined through sta- from the next 1-2 m off the roll. A number of sheets were cut
tistical examination of all usable test results, from as many as and marked with the sample identity and the machine direction.
seven laboratories, on several variants of three materials. The
This allowed all the specimens of a sample to be taken from the
materials were described as the following (the use of the mils
same few seconds of manufacture, minimizing the risk of
unit is for identification purposes only and is not intended to be
variation due to changing manufacturing conditions over time.
an exact thickness measure.)
Sample 1 4-mil polyethylene film
Sample 2 41⁄2-mil 7-layer coextrusion containing polyamide-6 14. Keywords
Sample 3 1.4-mil biaxially-oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate) film
14.1 abraser; abrasion; abrasion resistance; flexible film;
To judge the equivalency of two test results, it is recom- linear abrader; packaging; wear
mended to choose the packaging material closest in character-
istics to the test material.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE USE OF THE TABER LINEAR ABRASION TEST IN CHARACTERIZING ABRASION RE-
SISTANCE

X1.1 The linear abrasion test has been useful in analyzing
packaging films in two ways:
X1.1.1 A single weight may be used as a performance test to
measure production lot variation, evaluate stability of abrasion
resistance over time, and differentiate similar film structures,
and
X1.1.2 A curve may be generated that is characteristic of a
film structure’s abrasion resistance response to a series of
weights.
X1.2 The following discussion is offered as an introduction
to the use of this test method. As the analyst becomes more
familiar with the information the test method provides, more
data than recommended here could lead to a more powerful
investigative tool. This test method has the potential of
building relationships to fundamental polymer properties and
how processing methods affect and alter them.
X1.3 Practical Considerations of this Test Method:

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 F3300 − 18
X1.3.1 At 30 cycles/min, a practical range of individual test
time might be between 5 min (150 cycles to breakthrough) and
3 h (5400 cycles to breakthrough).
X1.3.2 An abrasion resistance curve might use a minimum
of four to five weights spanning a range of 150-200 g. This uses
50 g between weights. This should provide enough information
to allow a comparison between similar film structures that
might be used in the same application. Interpolation between
the 50-g increments would allow selection of a single weight
that could differentiate the structures.
X1.3.3 Too much weight may gouge the film or cause it to
tear. While no objective definition of abrasion has been offered,
gouging or tearing, or even the presence of “chatter” (where
the stylus does not maintain constant contact with the film and
instead bounces along and doesn’t abrade the film smoothly)
should not be considered abrasion.
X1.3.4 Too little weight may extend the test to an imprac-
tical length of time.
X1.3.5 The thicker the film, the heavier the weight needed
to abrade the film in a practical time.
X1.3.6 Monolayer polyethylene (PE) films have been
shown to abrade the quickest with the lightest amount of
weight. Monolayer PE films less than a nominal 1 mil (25 µm)
have not been tested.
X1.3.7 There are presently three types of shafts and two
weight holders available for the instrument described in 6.1.
The total weight of shaft plus the stylus, stylus attachment (to
affix the stylus to the shaft), and weight holder is summarized
in the following table. The weight holder is required to support
additional weights.
Plus Stylus Plus Weight Holder
Spline Shaft Attachment Weight Holder Weight Holder
(15 g) (72 g) (167 g)
Steel (300 mm; 180 g) 195 g 267 g 362 g
Aluminum (300 mm; 85 g) 100 g 172 g 267 g
Aluminum (150 mm; 41 g) 56 g 128 g 223 g
X1.3.8 Analysis of replicates of films at each weight is
necessary to properly construct an abrasion resistance curve. A
minimum of 3 replicates is suggested; more may be added
depending upon the dispersion of the test results for a given
weight. Heavier weights and shorter test times seem to give
less spread of data than lower weights and longer test times.
X1.3.9 In general, the following weight set is recommended
with the purchase of an instrument: 2 × 10 g, 3 × 20 g, 2 × 50
g, 2 × 100 g, 3 × 250 g. Combinations of this set will allow a
choice of weights added to the shaft in 10-g increments over a
range of 1130 g. It will also allow selection of single weights
for specific applications down to 10-g increments.
X1.4 Recommended Protocol to Find a Starting Weight and
Weight Range:
X1.4.1 The analyst may wonder what weight might be used
to characterize the abrasion resistance of an unknown film.
Using the above guidelines, the following approach has been
found to rapidly narrow the selection of a starting weight
around which a series of weights may be selected. Replicate
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analysis need not be performed for this initial study, although
the data obtained can be added later as part of a film
characterization.
X1.4.1.1 To assist the choice of weights, depending on the
type of shaft used, a 20 g weight may be added to the short
shaft or a 30 g weight added to the long shaft to round the
weights up close to either 150 g or 200 g of starting weight.
The addition of weight in 50 g increments then seems more
intuitive.
X1.4.1.2 Select a weight and run the test.
X1.4.1.3 If the breakthrough is achieved in less than 60 min
but more than 5 min, note the weight as a possible maximum
weight for the test.
(1) Increase the weight by a minimum of 50 g and retest to
see if the time to breakthrough gets closer to the 5 min limit.
(2) If the test time is less than 5 min (150 cycles), decrease
the weight by 100 g and retest.
X1.4.1.4 If the test time extends beyond 60 min, allow the
test to continue until either the test stops or 3 h is reached. If
the test still has not finished, stop the test and increase the
weight by 100 g and retest.
X1.4.2 Once a starting weight has been found, a series of
weights can be selected and evaluated that meets the 5 min to
3 h test time criterion.
X1.5 Suggestions for the Abrasion Resistance Curve:
X1.5.1 Plotting the curves using a spreadsheet program is
helpful. There are enough features in such programs that make
curve analysis uncomplicated.
X1.5.2 The variables of interest for a single film are the
weights and the number of cycles to breakthrough.
X1.5.2.1 If different thicknesses of the same film structure
are to be analyzed, it is recommended that a separate curve be
made for each thickness.
X1.5.2.2 If different film structures are to be compared, it is
recommended that a separate curve be made for each film
structure.
X1.5.2.3 Other variables to be accounted for include (not an
exhaustive list):
(1) The surface facing the stylus.
(2) Machine direction or cross machine direction of the
film parallel to the stylus path.
(3) Extent of film orientation imparted by different film
processing methods
(4) Complexity of film structure (monolayer versus multi-
layer).
(5) Types of polymers used in the structure.
(6) Environmental conditioning before testing.
(7) Film stiffness or modulus.
X1.5.3 A number of users have found that plotting weight
on the x-axis and log10(cycles to breakthrough) on the y-axis
gives a nearly linear correlation over the short range of weights
suggested here. Adding the results of more weights outside the
200-g range seems to give a greater deviation from linearity but
may give more predictive power of abrasion resistance.
X1.5.4 Plot all the data, not just the averages of cycles-to-
breakthrough for each weight. This helps to visually assess
 F3300 − 18
dispersion of the data at each weight. If more than one film is
plotted on the same set of axes, the dispersion of the data could
help assess potential overlap of results if the films are to be
compared.

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