Overview
ISO 15987:2003 defines requirements and test methods for biaxially oriented transparent polyamide (nylon) films, primarily intended for packaging use. The standard covers both films used alone and films laminated with other materials, and it classifies films into two groups: treated with corona discharge and not treated with corona discharge.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and classification
- Applies to biaxially oriented transparent polyamide (nylon) films for packaging.
- Two classes: corona-treated (for improved surface energy) and untreated.
- Appearance
- Films must be free from visible flaws, wrinkles, stains or foreign matter that impair serviceability.
- Film splices in rolls must be clearly marked (e.g., colored tape).
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Width tolerance: +4 / 0 mm from nominal (example width increments 40 mm).
- Length in roll: +1% / 0% of nominal (examples given: 4 000 m ±4 m, etc.).
- Core inside diameter: +2 / 0 mm tolerance.
- Thickness tolerance: ±10% of nominal (examples provided for common µm values).
- Physical properties (minimum/maximum)
- Tensile strength (break): ≥ 150 MPa (longitudinal and transverse).
- Tensile strain at break: ≥ 200%.
- Dimensional change on heating: ≤ 6% (measured after heating at 160 ± 3 °C for 30 min).
- Oxygen transmission (coefficient): specified per 100 µm, measured per ISO 15105-1/2.
- Haze: ≤ 8% (ISO 14782).
- Wetting tension: ≥ 40 mN/m for corona-treated films (ISO 8296).
- Testing and conditioning
- Conditioning at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH per ISO 291.
- Tensile testing per ISO 527-3 (test speed 200 ± 20 mm/min).
- Thickness measurement per ISO 4593; oxygen transmission per ISO 15105 parts 1 and 2.
- Packaging and marking
- Packaging, unit size and marking (product name, classification, nominal dimensions, manufacture date, manufacturer) to be agreed by parties.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO 15987 is used by:
- Packaging film manufacturers producing biaxially oriented nylon films.
- Film converters and laminators specifying material properties for multi-layer films.
- Quality assurance and testing laboratories performing standardized evaluations (tensile, haze, OTR, wetting tension).
- Specifiers and procurement teams in food, pharmaceutical and consumer-packaged-goods industries for material selection.
Note: for food-contact uses the film must also meet applicable regulatory food-safety requirements.
Related standards
Key normative references cited in ISO 15987:
Keywords: ISO 15987, biaxially oriented polyamide, nylon films, packaging films, film thickness tolerance, oxygen transmission, haze, wetting tension, corona discharge, film testing.