Overview
ISO 15359:1999 specifies a laboratory method to measure the static and kinetic coefficients of friction for paper and board using the horizontal plane method. The standard defines how to prepare specimens, the required apparatus and test conditions, and the procedures for measuring friction before wear (first slide) and after a specified amount of wear (third slide). It is intended for quality control, material characterization and comparative evaluation of paper and board surfaces.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: One sheet slides over another under a controlled normal (perpendicular) load; horizontal force to initiate and maintain sliding is recorded.
- Apparatus essentials:
- Horizontal table with incompressible flat top and anti-slip provisions
- Sled with flat underside (nominal area ~60 mm × 60 mm) producing normal pressure 2.2 kPa ± 0.6 kPa (typical sled mass ≈ 800 g ± 100 g)
- Elevator to lower/lift sled without backsliding
- Load cell (accuracy ±2%) and fast recording means to capture the transient static peak
- Guidance system to prevent rotation and ensure parallel orientation
- Compressible backing (closed-cell neoprene, 1.5–3.0 mm thick) for uniform pressure distribution
- Key test parameters:
- Ramp time (force increase to static peak): 0.5 s – 5 s
- Rest time after contact: ≥1 s and ≤20 s before applying pulling force
- For third-slide measurements, allow at least 70 mm slide distance
- Minimum of six valid tests per configuration
- Load-cell and recording must capture static and kinetic friction peaks
- Sampling and conditioning: Samples representative of the lot per ISO 186; condition specimens per ISO 187. Avoid contamination and handling that can alter surface friction.
Applications and users
- Quality control in papermaking and converting
- Packaging engineers assessing slip characteristics of linerboard, sack paper and corrugated board
- Printing and office-paper manufacturers (e.g., copy paper where first-slide static friction is critical)
- Material testing laboratories and R&D teams comparing surface treatments, coatings or calendaring effects
- Suppliers and buyers specifying friction properties in procurement or compliance documents
Related standards and notes
- Normative references: ISO 186 (sampling), ISO 187 (conditioning), ISO 4046 (vocabulary)
- Annex A: recommended symbols/directions for machine (MD) and cross directions (CD)
- Annex B: summary of test conditions for common paper and plastics methods
Keywords: ISO 15359, coefficient of friction, paper and board testing, horizontal plane method, static friction, kinetic friction, friction testing standards.