BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

13655:2002

Plastics — Mulching
thermoplastic films for
use in agriculture and
horticulture

The European Standard EN 13655:2002 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 83.140.10

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
BS EN 13655:2002

National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN 13655:2002.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
PRI/75, Plastic films and sheets, which has the responsibility to:

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enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
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A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
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been prepared under the
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Strategy Committee, was
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Strategy Committee on
31 October 2002

Amendments issued since publication

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© BSI 31 October 2002

ISBN 0 580 40663 6

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 13655
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM October 2002

ICS 83.140.10

English version

Plastics - Mulching thermoplastic films for use in agriculture and

horticulture

Plastiques - Films thermoplastiques de paillage pour Kunststoffe - Thermoplastische Mulchfolien für den Einsatz
utilisation en agriculture et horticulture in der Landwirtschaft und im Gartenbau

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 October 2001.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13655:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 13655:2002 (E)

Content

FOREWORD................................................................................................................................................................................3

1 SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................................................................4

2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................................4

3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................................................................4

4 PLASTICS MATERIALS ...................................................................................................................................................5

5 TYPES AND USE.................................................................................................................................................................5

6 DURATION ..........................................................................................................................................................................6

7 REQUIREMENTS OF THE MULCHING FILMS..........................................................................................................7

8 TEST METHOD ..................................................................................................................................................................7

8.1 APPEARANCE ..................................................................................................................................................................7
8.2 THICKNESS ......................................................................................................................................................................7
8.3 WIDTH ............................................................................................................................................................................7
8.4 DETERMINATION OF TENSILE PROPERTIES .......................................................................................................................7
8.5 DETERMINATION OF IMPACT RESISTANCE .......................................................................................................................7
8.6 TOTAL LIGHT TRANSMISSION (TRANSPARENT AND DIFFUSING FILM)...............................................................................7
8.7 IR EFFECTIVENESS (
IR)...................................................................................................................................................7
8.7.1 Principle .................................................................................................................................................................7
8.7.2 Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................................8
8.7.3 Procedure ...............................................................................................................................................................8
8.7.4 Setting out the results .............................................................................................................................................8
8.8 RESISTANCE TO ARTIFICIAL WEATHERING.......................................................................................................................9
8.8.1 Principle .................................................................................................................................................................9
8.8.2 Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................................9
8.8.3 Test conditions........................................................................................................................................................9
8.8.4 Procedure ...............................................................................................................................................................9
8.8.5 Results ....................................................................................................................................................................9
9 DESIGNATION ...................................................................................................................................................................9

10 MARKING.....................................................................................................................................................................10

ANNEX A (NORMATIVE) MEASURE OF THE RELATIVE LIGHT TRANSMISSION ...............................................16

2
 EN 13655:2002 (E)

FOREWORD

This document (EN 13655:2002) has been prepared by. Technical Committee CEN /TC 249, "Plastics" the
secretariat of which is held by IBN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by April 2003, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
April 2003.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this document: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

3
EN 13655:2002 (E)

1 Scope
This standard is applicable to transparent films, transparent clear and diffusing films (thermic) and black or
black/white films based on polyethylene and its copolymers, which are designed to be used for mulching the
vegetable, fruit and flower crops.

This standard is intended to establish the basic requirements for the optical and mechanical characteristics of
various types of film.

From a detailed consideration of the different mulching plastics films used in agriculture and horticulture in the
European market, different types of film are considered:

- transparent films (normal)

- transparent clear and diffusing films (thermic)

- black and black/white films

The range of thicknesses considered is from 10 m up to 250 m.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated references, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriated places in the text and publications are listed hereafter. For dated
references subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European Standard
only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication
referred to applies (including amendments).

EN 2155-5, Aerospace series - Test methods for transparent materials for aircraft glazing – Part. 5 : Determination
of visible light transmission
EN ISO 527-1, Plastics - Determination of tensile properties - Part 1: General principles (ISO 527-1:1993
including corr. 1:1994)

EN ISO 527-3, Plastics - Determination of tensile properties - Part 3: Test conditions for films and sheets (ISO 527-
3:1995)
EN ISO 4892-2, Plastics - Method of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon arc sources

ISO 4591, Plastics - Film and sheeting - Determination of average thickness of a sample and average thickness
and yield of a roll by gravimetric techniques (gravimetric thickness)
ISO 4592, Plastics - Film and sheeting - Determination of length and width

ISO 4593, Plastics - Film and sheeting - Determination of thickness by mechanical scanning
ISO 7765-1, Plastics film and sheeting - Determination of impact resistance by the free falling dart method - Part 1:
Staircase method

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

3.1
width
total width of the film when laid flat, given in millimetres.

4
 EN 13655:2002 (E)

3.2
nominal width
width declared by the manufacturer in millimeters.

3.3
thickness
given in micrometer.

3.4
nominal thickness
thickness declared by the manufacturer in micrometers.

3.5
length of the roll
largest dimension of the roll in mm.

3.6
longitudinal direction of the roll (MD)
direction parallel to the length of the roll corresponding to the extrusion direction.

3.7
transverse direction of the roll (TD)
direction parallel to the width (at right angles to the length).

4 Plastics materials
Mulching films are usually manufactured from:

- low density polyethylene (PE-LD), linear low density polyethylene (PE-LLD)

- ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (E/VAC)

- ethylene butyl acrylate copolymers

- blends of the above mentioned polymers and copolymers

5 Types and use

The different types of mulching films and their optical characteristics and use are shown in Table 1.

5
EN 13655:2002 (E)

Table 1: Characteristics and use of mulching films

Type Characteristics Use

Normal Medium transparency When normal IR effectiveness is

requested

No influence on weeds growth

Thermic clear High transparency When high IR effectiveness is

requested

No influence on weeds growth

Thermic diffusing Diffusing light When high IR effectiveness and

diffusing light is requested

No influence on weeds growth

Black or black/white Very low light transmission Prevents weeds growth

6 Duration
The duration of a mulching film is declared by the manufacturer and is determined by testing the decrease of the
tensile strain at break after artificial weathering (see 9.8).The film is classified as class N or A (see Table 2),
depending on the time required to reduce the value of its tensile strain at break to the 50% of the initial value.

Table 2 - Mulching films - Classification on the basis of the duration

Class Duration (hours)

N  400

A  1 700

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 EN 13655:2002 (E)

7 Requirements of the mulching films

Table 3, 4 and 5 indicate the requirements of normal, thermic and diffusing, black and black/white films
respectively.

8 Test method
8.1 Appearance

This method is carried out as follows:first check the roll's winding. The free edges of the roll must be sealed with
adhesive tape or by some other similar means, in order to prevent its unwinding.Then check if it has been wrapped
onto the roll properly. The edges should be properly in line and there should be sufficient tension to prevent the
various layers of the roll from transversal slipping while it is being handled (this should be done horizontally). Then
unroll at least 2 m of film off the roll and examine it against the light, holding it tight at arms length in order to check
its optical aspects.The film shall look homogeneous and free from visible defects which may affect its functionality.

8.2 Thickness

The thickness of the single points of the film shall be determined in accordance with ISO 4593 and average
thickness shall be determined in accordance with ISO 4591.

8.3 Width

The width of the film shall be determined in accordance with ISO 4592.

8.4 Determination of tensile properties

The tensile properties shall be determined according to EN ISO 527-3 using a test specimen type 2 10 mm width
with a test speed of 500 mm/min. Test procedure shall refer to EN ISO 527-1.

8.5 Determination of impact resistance

The determination of impact resistance (Dart drop test) shall be determined in accordance with ISO 7765-1 method
A.

Note - Films which are wider than 2000 mm are usually wound on a reel and folded lengthwise at least
once.These folds are retained even when the film is laid out flat, and this may affect test results.
Therefore, a distinction must be made between the sample sheets taken from the folds ("fold" area) and
sample sheets from areas which have not been folded ("flat" area).

8.6 Total light transmission (transparent and diffusing film)

The total light transmission is determined in accordance with EN 2155-5 on five specimens cut from the mulching
film.

8.7 IR effectiveness (
ir)

The IR effectiveness
ir is the percentage of the total light transittance within wave numbers ranging from 1470 cm
-
1 -1
and 770 cm

8.7.1 Principle

The method consists of measuring the IR transmission spectrum of thermic film within wave numbers ranging from
1430 cm to 770 cm -1 (between 7 m and 13 m wavelengths).
-1

7
EN 13655:2002 (E)

This range of wavelengths corresponds to the field of maximum emission of the energy irradiated by the earth's
surface.

8.7.2 Apparatus
-
Infrared spectrophotometer allowing to measure and record continuously transmittance between 1500 and 700 cm
1
. Analytical balance with a 0,1 mg margin of error or planimeter.

8.7.3 Procedure

The measurement is done on 5 specimens taken from the film under test. Put each specimen to be checked on the
specimen holder of the spectrophotometer and record the spectrum of transmission from 1500 cm to 700 cm-1.
-1

Measure the area between 100% transmittance and the curve of the spectrum using the instrument’s software or
with the help of a planimeter.

Also the following weighing method can be used.

Cut a sheet bearing the trace of the spectrum (or a copy of it) at 1430 cm-1 and 770 cm-1 and along the lines of
0% and 100% transmittance. Weigh this rectangle to an accuracy of 0,1 mg. This mass shall be stated as P100.

Then cut along the outline of the spectrum and weigh the part representing the transmission.

This second mass shall be stated as Pt.

8.7.4 Setting out the results

- According to the "planimeter method" the percentage of the measured area of the spectrum in respect to the total
area is the value of the IR effectiveness.

- According to the weighing method, the IR effectiveness (
ir) in the range of wavelengths between 7 m to 13 m
is given by the ratio:

P P
100 – t

ir = ________ x 100

P
100

Alternatively the IR effectiveness can be calculated by the instrument’s software.

8
 EN 13655:2002 (E)

8.8 Resistance to artificial weathering

8.8.1 Principle

This measurement involves determining the variation of tensile strain at break of the film after exposure to a Xenon
arc light source that simulates the relative spectral irradiance of solar light in accordance with ISO 4892-2 or with
other correlated methods.

Depending on resistance to the artificial weathering the mulching films are classified in 2 categories (see table 2).

A sample of the film is irradiated according to 9.8.3 for the time corresponding to the specified class (see table 2).
After irradiation the tensile strain is determined on five rectangular specimens, taken longitudinally (MD), 10 mm
wide and 150 mm long, according to EN ISO 527-3.

8.8.2 Apparatus

The apparatus is described in ISO 4892-2. It consists of Xenon arc source with a double borosilicate filter for
simulating the direct sunlight.

Other test methods and test conditions may be used to check the film classification (as reported in table 2), only
when it can be shown that there is a correlation with the test and the method ISO 4892-2.

This may be useful when the ISO method test needs times which are too longs for routine testing.

8.8.3 Test conditions

 The irradiance at the wave length of 340 nm is fixed at 0,35 W/m² nm. In this condition the irradiance in the
visible range (300 nm to 800 nm) is about 400 W/m².

 Spray cycle; duration of spraying 18 min ± 0,5 min, dry interval between spraying: 102 min ± 0,5 min

 Black standard temperature 65 °C ± 3 °C

 Relative humidity (65 ± 5)%.

8.8.4 Procedure

Five samples of film are irradiated according to 9.8.3, for the time corresponding to the class of the table 2.

After irradiation, the tensile strain is determined on all 5 samples, 10 mm wide and 150 mm long taken
longitudinnaly (MD) according to EN ISO 527-3.

8.8.5 Results

The arithmetic mean of the 5 measurements is calculated, and compared to the value of the elongation at break of
table 3, 4 or 5 depending on the type and thickness of the film.

The duration is in accordance with the considered class when the arithmetic mean is equal or greater than 50% of
the initial value of the film.

9 Designation
Film designation shall include:

- the wording : MULCHING FILM

9
EN 13655:2002 (E)

- reference to this standard

- type of film according to Table 1

- width (mm)

- nominal thickness (mm)

- duration according to Table 2 (Class N or A)

Example of designation of a normal film, 5000 mm wide and 50 m thick with artificial weathering duration of 1700
h

MULCHING FILM EN 13655 NORMAL 5000 50 A

10 Marking
The marking shall include:

- designation

- manufacturer’s trade mark

- manufacturing data (month and year)

Table 3 - Normal films

Properties Unit Nominal thickness of the film (m) Test method

 10  25  50
Appearance and dimensional properties

Appearance(rol Regular see 9.1

led film)

Limiting
deviation of
overage % 5 ISO 4591
thickness vs
nominal

Limiting
deviation of
point to point % + 25 + 25  15 ISO 4593
thickness vs
nominal - 20 -15

Limiting
deviation of
point to point % 2 2 2 ISO 4592
widths vs
nominal

10
 EN 13655:2002 (E)

Mechanical properties

Tensile stress MPa 9 9 9

at yield

(MD + TD) 1)

Tensile stress MPa  20  20  16 EN ISO 527-3

at break

(MD + TD) 1)

Tensile strain %  300  300  250

at break

(MD + TD) 1)

Dart drop test

Flat  120
-------- cN  50  80 ------------------ ISO 7765-1

Fold  70
Optical properties

Total light %  85 EN 2155.5

transmission

Duration h Type N or type A EN ISO 4892-2

1) See 3.6 and 3.7

11
EN 13655:2002 (E)

Table 4 - Thermic (1) and thermic diffusing (2) films

Type Nominal thickness (m) Test

of film method
Properties Unit

 35  50  75  100
Appearance and dimensional properties

Appearance regular see 9.1

(Rolled film) 1- 2

Limiting deviation
of overage
thickness vs.
nominal
1-2 % 5 ISO 4591

Limiting deviation
of point to point
thickness vs. 1-2 %  15 ISO 4593
nominal

Limiting deviation % 2 ISO 4592

of point to point
widths vs. nominal

1-2

Mechanical properties

Tensile stress at 1-2 3,5

yield (MD + TD) 1)
MPa

Tensile stress at 1-2 12 EN ISO

break 527-3

(MD + TD) 1)

Tensile strain at
break
1-2 %  200  300
(MD + TD) 1)

Dart Drop test EN 7765-1

Flat 1-2 cN  80  90  190  250

12
 EN 13655:2002 (E)

Optical properties

Total light 1  89
transmission
--------- % ---------------------------------------------------------------- EN 2155-5

2  85
IR effectiveness 1-2  40  55  60  65 see 9.7

Duration 1-2 h Type N or type A EN ISO

4892-2

1) See 3.6 and 3.7

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EN 13655:2002 (E)

Table 5 - black (1), black/white (2) films

Nominal thickness (m) Test method

Properties Unit

< 30  30  50  80  100

Appearance and dimensional properties

Appearance % Regular see 9.1

(Rolled film)

Limiting
deviation of
overage % ±5 ISO 4591
thickness vs.
nominal

Limiting
deviation of
point to point % +25  15 ISO 4593
thickness vs.
nominal - 20

Limiting of
point to point
width vs. % 2 ISO 4592
nominal

Mechanical properties

Tensile stress MPa 9

at yield

(MD + TD) 1)

Tensile stress MPa  16 EN ISO

at break 527-3

Tensile strain
at break
%  180  200  250
(MD + TD) 1)

14
 EN 13655:2002 (E)

Dart Drop test

Flat  70  80  90  190  250 ISO 7765-1

---------- cN --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------

Fold  40  50  60  130  150

Optical properties

Relative light % Annex A

transmission
 10-2

Duration h Type N or Type A EN ISO

4892-2

1) See 3.6 and 3.7

15
EN 13655:2002 (E)

ANNEX A
(Normative)
Measure of the relative light transmission
A1 Principle
This test consists of determining the opacity of black and black/white films by a measurement of the relative light
transmission, I, when the film is exposed to a source of light of specified luminous intensity, Io.

A2 Apparatus
A2.1 Source of light: lamp for camera of 1000 W power

A2.2 Luxmeter with a screen 1/10 and screen 1/100 which allows to measure from 1 up to 200.000 lx minimum.

A2.3 Compressed air device to cool the film subjected to radiations.

A3 Assembly of the measure device

The assembling of these different elements is carried out as follows:

The source of light is positioned on the perpendicular of the photoelectric cell at an height of about 20 up to 30 cm
to set on initial light transmission Io of 100.000 lx.

This source shall have a switch in order to turn on and off the light rapidly.

Put the film on the cell to cover it totally.

The pressure air device is placed over the photoelectric cell in order to cool the film which is placed on the cell
during the measurement as it is subjected to strong calorific radiation of the source of light.

Read the light transmission I.

Note - with this device a black film subjected to a luminous initial density of 100.000 lx transmits a luminous
intensity in the order from 0,1 up to 0,001 lx.

The luxmeter cannot measure less than 1 lx, and it is is preferable to use an amplifier which can increase 1000
times the signal.

A4. Expression of results

The relative light transmission IR is the ratio of the intensity of the transmitted light I and the initial light Io

I
IR

Io

16
blank
BS EN
13655:2002
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