Designation: D 4272 – 03

Standard Test Method for

Total Energy Impact of Plastic Films By Dart Drop1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4272; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* Impact Resistance by the Free Falling Dart Method—Part

1.1 This test method describes the determination of the total 2: Instrumented Puncture Test
energy impact of plastic films by measuring the kinetic energy 3. Terminology
lost by a free-falling dart that passes through the film.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard. The values given in brackets are for information only. 3.1.1 free-fall time—the measured time required for the dart
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the to travel through the sensing area with no film specimen in the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the clamp.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.2 missile weight—the weight of the dart plus the total
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- value of incremental weights attached, including the locking
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. collar.
3.1.3 test-fall time—the measured time for the dart to travel
NOTE 1—The ISO reference for this test method is ISO 7765-2; through the sensing area with a film specimen in the clamp.
however, this test method is not equivalent to Test Method D 4272. The
ISO test method calls for a direct readout of energy by using a load cell 4. Summary of Test Method
as part of the impactor head, while Test Method D 4272 calls for a
constant weight impactor, then measuring the time of travel through a 4.1 The velocity of a freely falling dart of specified shape
given distance to get energy values. Therefore, the two are not equivalent that has passed through a sheet of plastic film is determined by
in this respect. means of a photoelectric speed trap. The kinetic energy
corresponding to this velocity is calculated and compared with
2. Referenced Documents the kinetic energy of the same dart measured without a plastic
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 film in place. The loss in kinetic energy of the dart due to
D 374 Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insu- rupturing of the film is used as an index of impact resistance.
lation
D 618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing 5. Significance and Use
D 1709 Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film 5.1 Evaluation of the impact toughness of film is important
by the Free-Falling Dart Method in predicting the performance of a material in applications such
D 3420 Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of as packaging, construction, and other uses. The test simulates
Plastic Film the action encountered in applications where moderate-velocity
E 171 Specification for Standard Atmospheres for Condi- blunt impacts occur in relatively small areas of film.
tioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Materials 5.2 The values obtained by this test method are highly
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to dependent on the method and conditions of film fabrication as
Determine the Precision of a Test Method well as the type and grade of resin.
2.2 ISO Standard:3 5.3 Test methods employing different missile velocities,
ISO 7765–2 Plastics Film and Sheeting—Determination of impinging surface diameters, or effective specimen diameters
will most likely produce different results. Data obtained by this
1
test method cannot necessarily be compared directly with those
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film and Sheeting.
obtained by other test methods.
Current edition approved November 1, 2003. Published January 2004. Originally 5.4 The impact resistance of a film, while partly dependent
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as D 4272 - 99. on thickness, does not have a simple correlation with sample
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or thickness. Hence, impact values expressed in joules (ft·lbf)
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
normalized over a range of thickness will not necessarily be
the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 4272 – 03

FIG. 1 Elements of an Instrumented Dart Drop System

linear with thickness. Data from this test method are compa- results derived by different test methods. A study was con-
rable only for specimens that vary by no more than 615 % ducted in which four films made from two resins (polypropy-
from the nominal or average thickness of the specimens tested. lene and linear low-density polyethylene), with two film
5.5 The test results obtained by this test method are greatly thicknesses for each resin, were impacted using Test Methods
influenced by the quality of film under test. The influence of D 1709 (Test Method A), Test Method D 3420 (Procedures A
variability of data obtained by this procedure will, therefore, and B), and Test Method D 4272. The test results are shown in
depend strongly on the sample quality, uniformity of film Appendix X2. Differences in results between Test Methods
thickness, the presence of die marks, contaminants, etc. D 1709 and D 4272 are expected since Test Methods D 1709
5.6 Several impact test methods are used for film. It is represents failure-initiated energy, while Test Method D 4272
sometimes desirable to know the relationships among test is initiation plus completion energy. Some films may show

2
 D 4272 – 03
consistency when the initiation energy is the same as the total statistically significant effect on the values obtained.
energy. This statement and the test data also appear in the 6.2.6 Dart Holding Fixture—An electromagnetic, pneu-
significance and appendixes sections of Test Methods D 1709 matic, or mechanical system to suspend the dart in position
and D 3420. above the test specimen. It shall be adjustable vertically and
horizontally relative to the impact surface to insure that the dart
6. Apparatus
falls from the correct height and directly onto the center of the
6.1 The test apparatus shall be constructed essentially as clamped specimen. This fixture may be an integral part of the
shown in Fig. 1 and include the following: base. When the dart is in position to drop, the distance between
6.1.1 A rigid base containing a specimen clamping device, a the lower tip of the dart and the upper surface of the specimen
light sensitive speed trap, and a dart well or chamber for shall be 66 6 1 cm [26.0 6 0.4 in.]. A plumb bob shall be used
catching and retrieving the dart after impact. to precisely center the fixture over the specimen clamp to
6.1.2 A rigid fixture for holding the dart at the proper height insure that the dart strikes the center of the specimen. The
above the film surface. The dart holding fixture may be fixture shall release the dart without imparting any vertical or
attached to or form an integral part of the base unit. horizontal force that might affect the trajectory of the dart.
6.1.3 The dimensions of the impact apparatus shall conform 6.2.7 Dart—The impact dart shall have a single 38.10 6
to those shown in Fig. 1 and those listed below. 0.13 mm [1.500 6 0.005 in.] diameter hemispherical stainless
6.2 Specific Requirements for Individual Components: steel head. It shall have a mass of 227 6 5 g [0.50 6 0.01 lb]
6.2.1 Base—The base shall be rigid enough to prevent and a shaft of sufficient length and diameter to accommodate
movement between the specimen clamp and components of the any additional weights used to increase the mass of the dart.
timing system during impact. It shall be located on a flat The shaft shall be attached to the center of the flat surface of
surface that provides adequate support to prevent downward the dart head with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the
movement of the unit during impact. It shall be leveled to surface. The impact surface of the dart head shall be free of
insure that the impact surface of the specimen is exactly nicks, scratches, or other irregularities.
perpendicular to the trajectory of the dart.
6.2.2 Specimen Clamp—The apparatus shall be equipped NOTE 4—A stem diameter of 9.52 mm [0.37 in.] has been found to be
with a circular clamp to hold the specimen. The clamp may be satisfactory to resist bending.
mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically actuated. The 6.2.8 Dart Weights—Weights to increase the mass of the
diameter of the clamped area shall be 127 6 2 mm [5.0 6 0.1 dart in 227 6 5 g [0.50 6 0.01 lb] increments to a total of 1135
in.]. The clamping surface may be equipped with rubber 6 25 g [2.50 6 0.05 lb]. The diameter of the weights shall be
O-rings, round gaskets or other circular devices to prevent 31.8 mm [1.25 in.] or less and they shall attach securely to the
slippage of the specimen during impact. The clamp shall hold dart stem. Weights shall be of rigid, metallic construction, that
the specimen so that the impact surface is exactly perpendicu- is, not filled with lead shot or other loose material. In adjusting
lar to the trajectory of the dart and at the correct distance from the mass of the dart, incremental weights may be added
the tip of the dart. During impact, the specimen shall be held individually or as a single weight equivalent to the appropriate
with enough force to prevent slippage but not great enough to mass. If single weights are used, their masses shall vary in 227
distort, fracture, or otherwise damage the specimen in such a g [0.5 lb] increments.
way as to affect the impact strength of the film. 6.3 Other Required Equipment:
6.2.3 Light-Sensitive Speed Trap—A system comprised of
photocells, lasers, or other non-mechanical devices connected 6.3.1 Micrometer—For measuring specimen thickness with
to the timing device to measure the time-of-flight of the dart. an accuracy of 60.0025 mm [60.0001 in.]. (See Test Method
The distance from the bottom surface of the specimen to the D 374).
upper (starting) sensor shall be 23.5 6 1.0 cm [9.25 6 0.40 6.3.2 Plumb Bob—For adjusting the dart holding fixture so
in.]. The length of the speed trap, that is, the distance between that the dart strikes the specimen in the center of the specimen
the starting and stopping sensors shall be 19.87 6 0.51 cm clamp.
[7.82 6 0.20 in.].
6.2.4 Timing Device—An electronic timer capable of mea- 7. Test Specimens
suring to the nearest 10-5 s. 7.1 The minimum size for a single determination is at least
6.2.5 Dart Well—The bottom of the dart well shall contain 165.0 by 152.5 mm [6.5 by 6 in.]. However, for convenience in
adequate cushioning material to prevent damage to the dart handling, 165.0 by 200 mm [6.5 by 8 in.] is preferred, or a roll
head. If the impact machine utilizes an enclosed dart well, it 165.0 mm wide can be fed.
must contain a single unobstructed vent with a minimum area 7.2 The specimens shall be representative of the film under
of 645 mm2 [~1in.2] to provide adequate venting. study and shall be taken from the sample sheet in a manner
NOTE 2—Some dart impact machine designs utilize enclosed dart wells representative of sound sampling practice.
that do not permit adequate venting to the atmosphere during impact. Data 7.3 The sample shall be free of pinholes, wrinkles, folds, or
have shown that this has a significant effect on the observed impact value, other obvious imperfections, unless such imperfections are the
especially with films that exhibit high elongation during testing, resulting
in atypically high impact values.
variables under study.
NOTE 3—The use of smaller, multiple vents is permitted if it can be 7.4 A minimum of five test specimens is required to obtain
demonstrated that the venting efficiency is comparable and has no a reliable test result for a film sample.

3
 D 4272 – 03
7.5 The film shall be identified with material, roll or lot 10.3 Position the dart vertically in the holder and clamp the
number, extruder (if known), type (blown or cast), date of dart with the dart-holding device.
manufacture, treatment, sample source, and date of receipt. 10.4 Wait a few seconds for any vibrations to subside.
7.6 Measure and record the thickness of the film specimens 10.5 Release the dart. The dart shall fall straight.
in the area of impact to the nearest 0.0025 mm [0.0001 in.]. 10.6 Record the test-fall time, t2.
Reject samples that vary by more than 15 % from the nominal 10.7 Examine the film to determine the type of failure: for
or average thickness. example, hole, tear, shatter, etc. Some ductile materials may
cause deflection of the dart, thus causing erroneous results.
8. Preparation of Apparatus Such materials shall be retested using a heavier dart.
8.1 Turn on the counter and the power supply for the 10.8 Repeat 10.1-10.7 for the remaining specimens.
light-sensing unit and allow to warm up in sufficient time to
11. Calculation
reach equilibrium. (See manufacturer’s instructions.)
8.2 Without prior knowledge of the impact resistance of the 11.1 Calculate the energy to rupture for each test specimen
film tested or specific instructions, use a 908 g [2 lb] dart as follows (the derivation of the equation is given in Appendix
weight at 66 cm [26 in.] height. X1):
8.3 Position the dart vertically in the holder and clamp the In SI units:
dart with the dart-holding device. Allow a few seconds for any
vibration to subside and release the dart. Record the free-fall
time.
m
F S
E 5 2g d 2
1
t1 2 2
1
t2 2 D g2
1 4 ~ t1 2 2 t 2 2 ! G (1)

8.4 Repeat 8.3 four more times. Average the five measured where:
times and record as t1. E = energy to rupture, J,
8.4.1 The time reading of each of the five free-falls shall be m = missile mass, kg,
within 630 µs of the average. If it is not, check the timing g = gravitational constant, 9.81 m/s2,
system, the position of the sensing element, etc. until this d = distance between sensing elements, m,
repeatability is obtained with five free-falls. t1 = average free-fall time, s, and
t2 = test-fall time, s.
8.4.2 The dart shall not vibrate or rotate in the holder and
In inch-pound units:
shall fall straight.
8.4.3 To ensure consistency in drop of the dart and position
of impact of the dart on the film, the dart tip next to the holder
m
F S
E 5 2g d 2
1
t1 22
1
t2 2 D g2
1 4 ~ t1 2 2 t 2 2 ! G (2)
can be scribed so that it can be lined up in the same position
each time. where:
E = energy to rupture, ft·lbf,
9. Conditioning m = missile mass, lb,
g = gravitational constant, 32.2 ft/s2,
9.1 Conditioning—Unless otherwise specified, condition d = distance between sensing elements, ft,
the test specimens at 23 6 2°C [73.4 6 3.6°F] and 50 6 5 % t1 = average free-fall time, s, and
relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to test in t2 = test-fall time, s.
accordance with Procedure A of Practice D 618. In cases of 11.2 Calculate the energy to rupture for the film sample as
disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C [61.8°F] and 62% the average of the five energy values for the test specimens.
relative humidity.
9.2 Test Conditions—Conduct tests in the standard labora- 12. Report
tory atmosphere of 23 6 2°C [73.4 6 3.6°F] and 50 6 5 % 12.1 Report the following information:
relative humidity (Specification E 171). In cases of disagree- 12.1.1 Complete identification and description of the mate-
ment, the tolerances shall be 61°C [61.8°F] and 62 % rial tested, including type, source, manufacturer’s code, prin-
relative humidity. ciple dimensions, and previous history.
12.1.2 Energy to rupture for film sample, J (ft·lbf).
10. Test Procedure 12.1.3 Type of break.
10.1 Place the specimen over the bottom part of the clamp, 12.1.4 Average thickness and range of thickness for speci-
making sure that it is uniformly flat, that it is free of wrinkles mens tested to nearest 0.0025 mm [0.0001 in.].
and folds, and that it covers the gasket, O-ring, or other 12.1.5 Date of test.
mounting surface at all points. 12.1.6 Manufacturer and test instrument model number.
10.2 Clamp the specimen in place. 12.1.7 Dart mass, g.

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 D 4272 – 03
13. Precision and Bias Coefficient of Variation, %
Within- Between-
4
13.1 Precision—An interlaboratory round-robin study was Energy to Laboratories Laboratories
conducted by ten laboratories using three materials. Defining a Rupture, J (Vr) (VR)
Polystyrene 0.125 13.0 20.2
test result to be the average impact resistance from test of five Polyethylene 1.61 4.2 8.1
specimens per sample, analysis of the round-robin data in Polypropylene 3.38 12.5 20.9
accordance with Practice E 691 led to the following summary 13.2 Bias—Impact resistance is known only as a result of
statistics for a test result: empirical measurement. Therefore, a statement regarding bias
is not applicable, as the true value of the property is not known.
NOTE 5—An updated precision and bias statement for this test method
is needed. Anyone interested in conducting a new round robin study is
asked to contact the Subcommittee chairperson.

14. Keywords
4
Supporting data are available on loan from ASTM Headquarters. Request 14.1 dart drop; energy to break; film; free-falling dart;
RR:D20–1104. impact; instrumented impact; total energy

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. DERIVATION OF FORMULA

X1.1 The kinetic energy of a dart of mass (m) traveling at

a velocity of v is as follows:
m
F S
E 5 2g d 2
1
t1 2 –
1
t2 2 D g2
1 4 ~ t1 2 – t 2 2 ! G (X1.6)

kinetic energy 5 1 / 2 mv2 (X1.1)

where:
X1.2 If the time of the free-fall to travel between two E = energy to rupture, J,
light-sensing elements is t1, the distance traveled is d, and the m = missile mass, kg,
g = gravitational constant, 9.81 m/s2,
velocity entering the speed trap is v1 then:
d = distance between sensing elements, m,
d 5 1 / 2 gt12 1 v1t1 (X1.2) t1 = average free-fall time, s, and
or, solving for v1: t2 = test-fall time, s.
v1 5 ~d/t1! – ~gt1/2! (X1.3)
In inch-pound units:

X1.3 If the time of the dart to travel between the sensing

elements after breaking the film is t2 then:
m
F S
E 5 2g d 2
1
t1 2–
1
t2 2 D g2
1 4 ~ t1 2 – t 2 2 ! G (X1.7)

d 5 1 / 2 gt2 2 1 v2t2 (X1.4) where:

E = energy to rupture, ft·lbf,
and m = missile mass, lb,
v2 5 ~d/t2! – ~gt2/2! (X1.5) g = gravitational constant, 32.2 ft/s2,
d = distance between sensing elements, ft,
X1.4 The impact energy is defined as the kinetic energy lost t1 = average free-fall time, s, and
in breaking the film as follows: t2 = test-fall time, s.
In SI units:

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 D 4272 – 03

X2. IMPACT VALUES BY FOUR TEST METHODS

D 3420 D 3420 D 1709

D 4272
MaterialA Procedure AB Procedure BC (Test Method A)
J J g J ft·lbf J
D D
PP, 1 mil 0.30 0.27 0.07E 0.09E
PP, 2 mil 0.95 0.65 75F 0.49F 5.17E 7.01E
LLDPE, 1 mil 0.52 0.41 47G 0.30G 0.36H 0.49H
LLDPE, 3.5 mil 1.43 0.97 309I 2.00I 2.46H 3.34H
A
PP (polypropylene), LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene).
B
Four laboratories, two sets of data each.
C
Eight laboratories, two sets of data each.
D
Minimum weight of the tester was too heavy.
E
One laboratory, one set of data.
F
Three laboratories, one set of data each.
G
Two laboratories, one set of data each.
H
Two laboratories, one set of data each.
I
Five laboratories, one set of data each.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This section identifies the location of selected changes to this test method. For the convenience of the user,
Committee D20 has highlighted those changes that may impact the use of this test method. This section may also
include descriptions of the changes or reasons for the changes, or both.

D 4272 - 03: (5) Deleted Note 4 under 10.8 and incorporated this into 10.7.
(1) Five year review conducted. (6) Revised Note 5.
(2) Updated Section 2. (7) Added tolerances to dimensions in Fig. 1.
(3) Completely revised Section 6.
(4) Editorial revisions to 4.1, 5.3, 5.5, 7.1, 8.2, 10.1, 10.2, D 4272 - 99:
12.1.7, 14.1, X1.4, and Appendix X2 (Footnote A). Revised 11.1 and X1.4.

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