ISO 15359 and Paper Friction Testing
ISO 15359 evaluates friction behavior by measuring the force required to initiate movement and maintain sliding between two paper or board surfaces under a specified load. The standard also uniquely assesses friction behavior after repeated sliding cycles, helping laboratories understand how surface wear influences friction performance.
Friction performance plays a critical role in paper converting, printing, packaging production, transportation, and automated handling systems. Excessively high friction may cause feeding difficulties, while insufficient friction can lead to stacking instability, slippage, and production inefficiencies. As a result, accurate COF measurement has become an essential quality control activity for paper manufacturers, converters, packaging suppliers, and testing laboratories.
ISO 15359 Test Principle
ISO 15359 uses the horizontal plane method.
Two test specimens are placed in surface contact:
- One specimen is attached to a stationary table.
- The second specimen is attached to a weighted sled.
- A pulling force is applied in a controlled manner.
- The force required to initiate motion and sustain movement is recorded.
The test measures:
- Static Coefficient of Friction at First Slide (μS1)
- Static Coefficient of Friction at Third Slide (μS3)
- Kinetic Coefficient of Friction (μK)
Unlike some friction standards that only evaluate initial sliding behavior, ISO 15359 assesses friction after repeated wear cycles, providing valuable information about surface durability and friction stability.
ISO 15359 Test Procedure
Static COF at the First Slide
For determining the initial static friction:
- Mount paper specimens on the sled and test table.
- Ensure machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) orientations are correctly aligned.
- Lower the sled at approximately 3.0 mm/s ± 2.0 mm/s.
- Allow the sled to rest for 1–20 seconds.
- Apply force gradually until sliding begins.
- Record the force required to initiate movement (FS1).
- Repeat until at least six valid measurements are obtained.
Static and Kinetic COF After Wear
When evaluating friction after repeated sliding:
- Perform the initial slide and record FS1.
- Continue movement according to the prescribed travel profile.
- Repeat the sliding process three times using the same specimen pair.
- Record:
- Third-slide static force (FS3)
- Average kinetic friction force (FK) during the specified travel interval
- Obtain at least six valid replicate tests.
This approach allows laboratories to evaluate how friction characteristics change after surface interaction and wear
Calculation of Friction Coefficients
ISO 15359 calculates friction coefficients by dividing measured friction force by the normal force generated by the sled weight.
Static Coefficient of Friction at First Slide
Where:
- μS1 = Static coefficient of friction at first slide
- FS1 = Average force required to initiate motion
- m = Sled mass
- g = 9.81 m/s²
Static Coefficient of Friction at Third Slide
Kinetic Coefficient of Friction
The kinetic coefficient should not be reported if significant stick-slip behavior is observed during testing.
Equipment Required for ISO 15359 Testing
An effective coefficient of friction measurement device should provide:
- Accurate force measurement
- Stable sled movement
- Controlled travel speed
- Consistent specimen alignment
- Automated data acquisition
- Static and kinetic friction analysis
COF-01 Coefficient of Friction Tester
The COF-01 Coefficient of Friction Tester is suitable for friction testing of paper, board, plastic films, packaging materials, and coated substrates.
Alternative Solution: TST-01 Tensile Tester with COF Fixture
For laboratories seeking greater testing flexibility, the TST-01 Tensile Tester with COF Fixture combines tensile testing and friction testing within a single platform.
Advantages
- Tensile property testing
- Friction coefficient measurement
- Peel testing
- Seal strength testing
- Tear testing
- Multi-fixture compatibility
This solution is particularly attractive for:
- Packaging laboratories
- Medical packaging manufacturers
- Research institutions
- Multi-purpose quality control facilities
The adjustable speed range of 1–500 mm/min enables adaptation to various material testing requirements beyond standard friction measurements.
ISO 15359 vs Other Friction Standards
| Standard | Material Focus | Metoda |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 15359 | Paper and board | Horizontal plane with wear evaluation |
| ISO 8295 | Plastic films and sheets | Horizontal plane |
| ASTM D1894 | Plastic film and sheeting | Horizontal plane |
| TAPPI T549 | Paper and paperboard | Horizontal plane |
| DIN 53119 | Paper and packaging materials | Friction measurement |
| EN ISO 8295 | Plastic materials | COF determination |
The distinguishing feature of ISO 15359 is its evaluation of friction behavior before and after repeated sliding cycles, providing insight into wear-related friction changes.