Overview
ISO 7214:2012 - "Cellular plastics - Polyethylene - Methods of test" defines standardized laboratory procedures for testing flexible and semi‑rigid cellular plastics made from polyethylene. It specifies mandatory characterization tests and a suite of optional methods for properties relevant to particular end uses. The standard applies also to materials containing ethylene copolymers or blends with similar characteristics to polyethylene (as per ISO 1872-1 and ISO 4613-1).
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 7214 organizes test methods and requirements for reliable, reproducible evaluation of cellular polyethylene. Major technical topics include:
- Specimen preparation and conditioning
- Clean, planar specimens; directions for anisotropic materials
- Conditioning and atmosphere during test (typical: 23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 10 % RH)
- Mandatory tests (characterization)
- Apparent density (ISO 845)
- Compressive stress (ISO 3386-1) - stresses at 10 %, 25 % and 50 % deformation
- Compression set (ISO 1856) - 25 % deformation for 22 h, recovery measurements
- Tensile strength and elongation (ISO 1798)
- Dimensional stability at elevated temperature (methods A or B)
- Water absorption (methods for >25 mm and ≤25 mm thickness)
- Burning characteristics (ISO 3582 or ISO 9772)
- Optional tests (use‑specific)
- Dynamic cushioning performance, compressive creep, thermal conductivity, water‑vapour transmission, dynamic stiffness, cell count (Annex A), tear strength, and permanent set after repeated compression
- Measurement rules and reporting
- Dimension measurement (ISO 1923), specimen sizing, test atmospheres and details required in the test report
Applications and who uses ISO 7214
ISO 7214 is used by:
- Manufacturers of cellular polyethylene foams for quality control and product development
- Testing laboratories performing material certification and comparative testing
- Specifiers, architects and engineers who require verified material data for design (thermal, mechanical and flame behavior)
- Procurement and regulatory bodies defining material acceptance criteria
Typical product areas where cellular polyethylene properties are critical include packaging and cushioning, thermal insulation, acoustic applications, sports and protective equipment, automotive trims, and flotation/marine uses.
Related standards
ISO 7214 references and aligns with other standards for test methods and materials, including:
Using ISO 7214:2012 ensures consistent, comparable test data for cellular polyethylene, supporting product development, compliance and informed material selection.
