ASTM F88

Application Materials

ASTM F88 focuses on determining the seal strength of flexible barrier materials. Common materials include plastics, foils, and laminates used in packaging industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

Test Process

1. Preparation: Cut test specimens from the sealed package, ensuring they are uniform in size.
2. Setup: Mount the specimen in the testing device, with each end of the seal gripped by the machine.
3. Testing: Apply a tensile force to the specimen at a constant rate until the seal separates.
4. Measurement: Record the force required to separate the seal.

Test Result Interpretation

• Peak Force: The maximum force recorded before the seal fails, indicating the seal strength.
• Mode of Failure: Observing how the seal fails (e.g., adhesive failure, cohesive failure, or substrate failure) provides insights into the seal quality.

Test Significance

• Quality Control: Ensures the integrity of packaging, preventing contamination or spoilage.
• Compliance: Helps meet industry standards and regulatory requirements for packaging.
• Product Safety: Confirms that seals can withstand handling, transportation, and storage conditions.

Instrument Requirements

• Tensile Testing Machine: Capable of applying controlled tensile force.
• Grips: Suitable for securely holding the test specimen without slipping or damage.
• Calibration: Regularly calibrated to ensure accuracy and repeatability of results.

Precautions

• Specimen Preparation: Accurate cutting and handling to avoid pre-test damage.
• Machine Calibration: Ensuring the testing machine is correctly calibrated.
• Test Conditions: Conduct tests under consistent environmental conditions to avoid variability.

Reference

ASTM F88/F88M-21 Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials