This specification is provided as a public service by the Preservation Directorate of the Library of Congress. Any commercial reproduction that implies endorsement of a product, service or materials, in any publication, is strictly prohibited by law. This Specification is written for L.C. purchasing purposes and is subject to change when necessary.
I. General Specifications - II. Product Requirements - III. Inspection
A. Composition
The composition of the plastic container stated in the following table is designed to provide containers that not only last long, but also have as little influence as possible on motion picture film in contact with the material.
Material | Inert homo- or co-polymer polypropylene, or high density polyethylene (HDPE) |
Density | 0.94 g/ml or higher at 25° C |
Izod Impact (ASTM D256A) |
At least 1.5 ft-lbs/inch of notch for a 1/8 inch specimen |
Tensile Yield Strength (ASTM D638) |
At least 4,000 psi |
Tensile Stress at Break |
At least 3,800 at 1,000 psi |
Young's Modulus (ASTM D790) |
No more than 230,000 psi |
Flexural Modulus (ASTM D790) |
No more than 250,000 psi |
Flexural Strength at 5% Deflection (ASTM D790) |
At least 7,500 psi |
Flame Retardant | Should preferably be free of halogens. However, halogenated flame retardants will also be accepted, but the total halogen content must not exceed 4% (w/w). |
UL Flammability Rating (UL-94) |
V-2 or better |
Antioxidant | Distearyl thiodipropionate (DSTDP), 1.0%, or other antioxidants subject to prior approval. |
Heat Deflection Temperature (ASTM D648) |
220°F at 66 psi, or higher |
Coloring Agent and Other Additives |
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B. Accelerated Aging Test
C. Drop Test
An acceptable container must survive a real-life drop test conducted from a height of 6 feet while containing a full roll of film by dropping it on its edge. This drop test will be conducted with the container and the contents at room temperature and also after prior conditioning at a near-freezing temperature. Any container that cracks will be disqualified from further competition.
A. Construction
B. Desirable features
A. Submission of samples
B. Selection criteria
A selection panel composed of at least 3 Library personnel will be assembled under the guidance of a procurement officer. Samples that survive the drop test specified in section I.C. will be evaluated according to following criteria:
Product(s) with the highest score will be selected for procurement.