Test of packaging material

Purpose of testing packaging material

1.
2.
3.
4.

Selection of packaging material

Comparison of two or more different packaging materials
As an aid in designing of package
Assure quality and conform specification
In overall we test packaging material to see its whether it has the required functions.

1. Tensile Strength:
It is a measure of films resistance to being pulled apart at a constant rate of speed.
Maximum load that a material can support without fracture when being stretched, divided by the original
cross-sectional area of the material. Tensile strengths have dimensions of force per unit area and in the
English system of measurement are commonly expressed in units of pounds per square inch, often
abbreviated to psi. When stresses less than the tensile strength are removed, a material returns are either
completely or partially to its original shape and size. As the stress reaches the value of the tensile strength,
however, a material, if ductile, that has already begun to flow plasticity rapidly forms a constricted region
called a neck, where it then fractures.
Tensile properties are an important and common way to compare physical properties of diverse materials,
from steel to plastic. In the narrower realm of flexible films, these tests provide measurement of attributes
we can see and feel: strength, stiffness, and resistance to stretching. The tensile strength of polypropylene
increases significantly by the orientation process. Resin selection and orientation method are the primary
variables that influence tensile values. Therefore, tensile properties are almost entirely defined by product
design itself. Small variations in tensiles will inevitably result due to normal process variation, but the
performance effect is insignificant.
Test principles
Each end of a film specimen, of specific width and measured thickness, is held by a clamp or grip. One
grip is stationary, while the other is pulled away from the first at a pre-selected velocity. The machine
continuously measures the changing distance between the grips and the force exerted on them as they pull
the film apart. The test is completed when the sample breaks.
Today, most machines run automatically after the operator selects settings, loads the specimen, and
initiates the test. Most are also equipped with microprocessors that perform the calculations and
automatically display all the resulting values. But, the test concepts are best understood by studying loadextension curves like the ones shown in Graph 1. These are actual machine direction (MD) and transverse
direction (TD) load-extension curves for a typical, tender-oriented, 75 gauges OPP. In Graph 1, load is
plotted as a function of extension, and the tensile tester software calculates the following properties that
are noted in Table 4.

Graph 1: Typical OPP load-extension curves

Table 4: Tensile values from Graph 1
Results

Sample
Description

Thickness (mil)

Ultimate
Strength (kspi)

Modulus (kpsi)

Elongation (%)

MD pull

.75

18.9

343

174

2
TC pull
.75
39.3
687
Table 4 values are software-generated results based on the following equations.
Max Load (lbf)
Initial cross-sectional area

Ultimate Tensile Strength (psi) =

45

Max Load (lbf)

1 in x .00075 in

Modulus (psi) = At any point on the elastic region tangent line (Stress Strain) =
Load (lbf)
Initial cross-sectional area
Elongation (%) =

Extension (in)
Initial grip separation

Extension at failure x 100

Initial grip separation

=
=

Load (lbf)
.00075 in2

Extension (in)
2 in

Extension at failure x 100

2 in

Test conditions like pull speed, initial grip separation, full-scale load, and sample width will affect the
results. Tensile properties can change with small changes in temperature; so it is important to conduct
tests in a controlled environment. Standard laboratory temperature is 72F (22C) 2F (1C).
Other factors affecting the tensile strength are the composition of material, method of processing, type of
packaging material, their physical properties and Machinability.
Tensile strength is a most important value for materials used in applications such as heavy-duty bags. A
large value for elongation is an index of toughness, since it indicates a material will absorb a large amount

of

energy

before

breaking.

An instrument called Good Brand Tensile Tester is used for this purpose. The specimen is clamped
between jaws and pulling force is applied. The force at which the specimen breaks is noted as kg/15mm.
Elongation is a strength property. It is measured by the same instrument on a calibrated scale (having a
pointer) and the result is expressed as:
% Elongation = (reading100) / (2 inch)
A schematic diagram of the instrument is given below:

Dynamic Tensile Strength

This measures the energy required to break a specimen of specified dimension by subjecting it to an
impact stress. The paper is clamped in a sigmoid shape. A pendulum is released to cut the paper. This test
is important for construction of multiwall paper bags as it gives an index to the capacity of the sample to
absorb impact shock.
Instrument
Van der Korput Baarn Tensile Tester is used for this purpose. The specimen is clamped between jaws in
sigmoid shape. The pendulum is released and the impact (kg.cm) as registered on the scale is noted.

2. Tear resistance
It is the force necessary to continue tearing a sample after a nick has been made. This test is very
important for all films as well as for paper. High tear values may be needed for machine operations or for
package strength. However, low tear values are necessary and useful for easy opening of some package
types. Tear strength is reported in grams.
A tear tester has a stationary clamp and a movable clamp on a pendulum, means for holding this
pendulum in a raised position, then quickly releasing it, and a scale that registers the arc through which
the released pendulum swings. Samples of paper or film are clamped into the tester and nicked to start the

tear; then the pendulum clamp is released. This tears the sample and the scale
registers the arc. As the arc is proportional to the tear strength of the sample,
calibration of the arc gives the tear strength.
Tear test is of two types edge tearing and internal tearing. Internal tearing is mostly frequently used for
measuring the tear resistance of papers and plastic films. The tear resistance depends on the type of
packaging material, physical properties, processing method and the condition of testing.
An instrument named Tear-ASTM-D-1922 is most widely used for measuring tear resistance.

2. Resistance to abrasion
This test is done to measure the ability of a packaging material to withstand surface wear during rubbing
and friction. The test consists of abrading the sample with a wheel of standard abrasion pad (abradant) for
a definite number of revolutions and finding its volume loss.
Volume loss = weight loss/specific gravity.

3. Drop test
Drop Test: The test simulates actual shocks by dropping the package and its content freely against a
rigid plane surface from a predetermined height. For example, a drop test can be conducted so that the
package hits the surface diagonally against one corner, as in the picture beside.

Fig: Drop testing of a box

4. Stack load test

The Compression/Stacking Tests: This test is performed to assess the ability of a transport package to
withstand compressive forces and to protect its contents during compression. The test may also be used
as a stacking test to investigate the performance of i.e. the bottom package in a stack during storage in a
warehouse.

The test is carried out by stacking the packaged material above one
another or by placing a fixed weight above the unit pack for a certain time.
It can also be done by compressing a pack from two opposite sides and
measuring the pressure applied to break/deform the container.
Fig: compression testing of a wooden box.
This
test
is
generally applicable in case of wooden box, paper box, paperboards, cans and
other secondary packaging material. This property is also important for finding the stacking height in a
warehouse.

5. Vibration test
The Vibration Test: Various forms of transportation vibrations can be simulated in a laboratory through
a vibration test. The test-bench can be made to swing and vibrate in almost any direction with a number of
frequencies and amplitudes to emulate the transportation being used.
Vibration refers to mechanical oscillations about an equilibrium point. The oscillations may be periodic
such as the motion of a pendulum or random such as the movement of a tire on a gravel road.
Vibration testing is accomplished by introducing a forcing function into a structure, usually with some
type of shaker. Alternately, a DUT (device under test) is attached to the "table" of a shaker. For relatively
low frequency forcing, servo-hydraulic (electro-hydraulic) shakers are used. For higher frequencies,
electro-dynamics shakers are used. Generally, one or more "input" or "control" points on the DUT are
kept at a specified vibration level. Other "response" points experience maximum vibration level
(resonance) or minimum vibration level (anti-resonance).
Two typical types of vibration tests performed are random- and sine test. Sine (one-frequency-at-a-time)
tests are performed to survey the structural response of the device under test (DUT). A random (all
frequencies at once) test is generally considered to more closely replicate a real world environment, such
as road inputs to a moving automobile.
Most vibration testing is conducted in a single DUT axis at a time, even though most real-world vibration
occurs in various axes simultaneously. MIL-STD-810G, released in late 2008, Test Method 527, calls for
multiple exciter testing.

6. Overall migration test

a. Water vapor transmission rate
b. Gas transmission rate
Water vapor transmission rate(WVTR)
Definition
WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) is the steady state rate at which water vapor permeates through a
film at specified conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Values are expressed in g/100 in 2/24 hr
in US standard units and g/m2/24 hr in metric (or SI) units. Test conditions vary, but ExxonMobil has

standardized to 100F (37.8C) and 90% RH, which is the most common set of conditions reported in
North America.
Relevance to package performance
A critical function of flexible packaging is to keep dry products dry (potato chips, pretzels, fortune
cookies...) and moist products moist (cheese, muffins, chewing gum...). Without protective packaging,
products will quickly gain or lose moisture until they are at equilibrium with the environmental relative
humidity. At this point, crispy products are soggy, and chewy products are hard and dry.
WVTR is the standard measurement by which films are compared for their ability to resist moisture
transmission. Lower values indicate better moisture protection. Only values reported at the same
temperature and humidity can be compared, because transmission rates are affected by both of these
parameters.
The order of water vapor resistivity in films of 1 mm is as follows, BOPP > HDPE > cast PP >BPET
>LDPE>EVOH at 100F (38C), 90% RH for 1 mil film
What affects the WVTR of OPP films ?
The most obvious factor that impacts WVTR is thickness: if an OPP of the same product design is twice
as thick as another, its WVTR will be half the value. This is so because WVTR is an inherent, bulk film
property of OPP.
It is common to find variation in the reported WVTR values for same-gauge OPP films produced or
measured by different manufacturers. The primary factors causing these differences are:
1. Raw material: Homopolymer PP resin differences in average molecular chain length, range of
chain lengths, and degree of crystallinity can account for up to a 10% difference in WVTR.
Additives and copolymer resin layers can account for differences of up to 30%.
2. Process: Normal differences in process conditions between one orienter and another account for
about 5% variation in WVTR values. (WVTR is reduced through orientation, because the
crystalline regions of the polymer matrix are aligned. In other words, orientation efficiently
"packs" polymer chains, so that larger spaces are minimized. Process conditions affect this
"packing," and therefore, WVTR values.)
3. Measurement: The instrument manufacturer, MOCON,states a test precision of :t3% with their
PERMATRON-W product line. Therefore, trained operators using this type of instrumentation
will generate values from .34 to .36 when testing a 1 mil OPP with a nominal WVTR of .35 g/100
in2/24 hr.
Test principles
ExxonMobil test cell looks like Figure below. Dry nitrogen gas is swept through a chamber where the
test film acts as the membrane separating this dry gas stream from a "wet" nitrogen stream on the other
side. The partial pressure difference creates a driving force for the water vapor to permeate through the
film to the low pressure side. The barrier of the film determines how much water vapor can transfer, and
this is continuously measured by an infrared detector in the outgoing stream of the dry side.

Figure 3: Cross-section of a WVTR test cell

The test is complete when equilibrium, or steady state, is achieved, which is when the infra-red sensor
detects water molecules leaving the dry chamber at a constant rate. The amount of water vapor
permeating through the sample per unit time period is not changing. This rate is the sample WVTR and is
recorded in units of g-H2O/100 in2/24 hr at 100F (37.8C), 90% RH.
Oxygen transmission rate
Definition
OTR (oxygen transmission rate) is the steady state rate at which oxygen gas permeates through a film at
specified conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Value are expressed in cc/100 in 2/24 hr in US
standard units and cc/m2/24 hr in metric (or SI) units. Standard test conditions are 73F (23C) and 0%
RH.
Relevance to package performance
The air we breathe is about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, with very small concentrations of other gases
like carbon dioxide and argon. Essential to human and animal life, oxygen gas is also a reactive
compound that is a key player in food spoilage. Most of the chemical and biological reactions that create
rancid oils, molds, and flavor changes require oxygen in order to occur. So, it is not surprising that food
packaging (and some non-food packaging for products where atmospheric oxygen causes harm) has
progressed and found ways to reduce oxygen exposure and extend the shelf life of oxygen-sensitive
products.
There are two methods for reducing product exposure to oxygen via flexible packaging.
1. MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) is a process for replacing the air in the headspace of a
package with another gas before the final seal is made. This is also called gas flushing. The most
common replacement gases are nitrogen or nitrogen/carbon dioxide mixtures. The shelf lives of

potato chips, dried fruits, nuts, and shredded cheese are commonly extended by this packaging
method.
2. Vacuum packaging is where the atmosphere is drawn out and eliminated, rather than being
replaced by another gas. This vacuum forces the flexible material to conform to the product
shape. Meats (fresh and processed) and cheeses are commonly packaged this way.
Once air has been replaced or eliminated from the package, there must be an adequate oxygen barrier and
seal integrity to keep a low oxygen concentration inside the pack. Otherwise, the driving force created by
the oxygen partial pressure differences (21% outside the bag and 0-2% inside the bag) will cause an
ingress of oxygen and destroy the benefit of removing it in the first place. OTR values are used to
compare the relative oxygen barrier capabilities of packaging films. An industry rule-of-thumb is that a
material is considered a "high oxygen barrier" if its OTR is less than 1 cc/100 in 2/24 hr (15.5 cc/m2/24 hr).
Table 10 shows OTR values for common polymer packaging films. Note that the table is divided into two
sections. The first contains normalized (1 mil) values for common materials. The second section displays
the OTRs for coated or metallized films where the total film thickness is unimportant, because the barrier
is primarily coming from the additional layer.
Generally asked question: Many customers ask about the carbon dioxide (CO 2) and nitrogen (N2)
transmission rates through film. ExxonMobil does not perform transmission testing with these gases, but
a value range can be estimated from OTR values by using the following relationships.
CO2 TR will be 3 to 5 times the OTR value at 73F (23C), 0% RH
N2 TR will be .2 to .4 times the OTR value at 73F (23C), 0% RH
For example, the OTR of 110 AXT is .40 cc/100 in 2/24 hr @ 73F (23C), 0% RH. Therefore, at the same
conditions, the CO2 TR is approximately 1.2 - 2.0 cc/100 in2/24 hr and the N2 TR is approximately .08 to .
16 cc/100 in2/24 hr.
What affects the OTR of films
Good oxygen barrier is achieved by combining functional layers to create a film with the required barrier,
as well as those other properties necessary to produce a serviceable package. For example, EVOH has
exceptional OTR properties, but needs moisture barrier and mechanical properties provided by layers that
are coextruded or laminated around it.
OTR is most affected by the following factors.
1. Thickness of barrier layer: Generally, the thicker the oxygen barrier-providing layer, the better the
barrier. But there are process and cost limitations that restrict the thicknesses that can be realistically
produced or successfully utilized.
2. Copolymer ratio, plasticizer content, and polymerization process: All PVdCs (or EVOHs or
PVOHs) are not created equal. Properties are compromised during polymer and product
development, so that total performance in target applications is optimized. There can be substantial

differences in OTR values depending on the selections made. For example, both ASB-X and AXT
are PVdC-coated and sealable, but their OTRs are 4.5 cc/100 in 2/24 hr and .40 cc/1 00 in 2/24 hr,
respectively. ASB-X has the poorer OTR, but a broader seal range than AXT.
3. Base film surface compatibility: The physical and chemical characteristics of the base film surface
have a major effect on the OTR after metallization, and to a lesser degree, after coating. This is
evidenced by Met PET's exceptional barrier, as well as the difference in OTRs between various
metallized OPP products
Test Principle
Conceptually, a test cell looks like Figure 4. Dry nitrogen gas is swept through a chamber, where the test
film acts as the membrane separating this stream from an oxygen stream on the other side. The partial
pressure difference creates a driving force for oxygen molecules to diffuse through the film to the low
pressure side. The film barrier determines the rate of oxygen permeation, and this is continuously
measured by a MOCON patented coulometric sensor in the outgoing ,stream of the nitrogen side. The
standard test conditions are; 73F (23C) and 0% RH.

4.
Figure 4: Cross-section of an OTR test cell
The test is complete when equilibrium, or steady state, is achieved; that is, it is complete when the sensor
detects a constant amount of oxygen in the nitrogen carrier stream. The rate of oxygen permeating
through the sample is not changing. This rate is the sample OTR and is recorded in units of cc/100 in 2/24
hr or cc/m2/24 hr at 73F (23C), 0% RH.
It is important to discuss the effects of relative humidity on OTR, even though the ASTM standard
procedure is at dry conditions. Relative humidity has a dramatic and negative effect on the OTRs of some
materials, most notably nylon, EVOH and PVOH. The effect is especially pronounced at RHs over about
70%.

Film Type

OTR @ 73F (23C), 0% RH

(cc/100 in2/24 hr)

(cc/m2/24 hr)

The following OTRs are bulk material properties displayed at 1 mil. You may divide by the gauge (in
mil) in order to approximate OTR at a different thickness.
EVOH* (ethylene vinyl alcohol)

.005 - .12

.08 - 1.9

Biax Nylon-6

1.2 - 2.5

18.6 - 39

OPET (oriented polyester)

2-6

31 - 93

OPP

100 - 160

1550 - 2500

Cast PP

150 - 200

2300 - 3100

HDPE (high density polyethylene)

150 - 200

2300 - 3100

OPS (oriented polystyrene)

280 - 400

4350 - 6200

LDPE (low density polyethylene)

450 - 500

7000 - 8500

7. Optical test
-gloss
-opacity
-haze
-light transmission
-optical density
a. Gloss:
Gloss is a measurement of the relative luster or shininess of a film surface. ExxonMobil uses 45-degree
gloss, where the incident light beam strikes the film surface at a 45 degree angle from the perpendicular.
A sensor measures the amount of light reflected by the film at a mirror image angle. The gloss value is the
ratio of this reflected light to incident light and is reported in gloss units. Theoretically, the range of the
gloss scale is 0 to 100.
Shininess, brilliance, and sparkle are properties related to a film's gloss value. They can be valuable
appearance attributes for packages, labels, or graphic arts items.
Precise comparisons of gloss values can only be made when the measurements are performed on samples
of the same general type of material, using the same procedure and test angle. In particular, it is not valid
to compare the gloss values of transparent films and opaque films.
What affects film gloss
Gloss is primarily determined by material selection and surface smoothness, which are defined during
product and process development. Day-to-day process variations will have an insignificant effect on
gloss. Transparent films have two reflecting surfaces. Although rare, this can lead to gloss values that
exceed 100.

Test principles
ExxonMobil uses commercially available gloss meters to measure 45-deg gloss consistent with ASTM
procedure D 2457. The simplified diagram in Figure 2 graphically summarizes the test.

Figure 2: Gloss measurement

b. Opacity
Definition
Opacity represents a substrate's light blocking ability. It is primarily used as a property of paper and
predicts the relative visibility on one side of the paper of the images that exist on the other side. Because
white opaque films are replacing paper in some applications, ExxonMobil measures opacity for some
white films.
There are two common types of opacity measurements, and ExxonMobil uses the one called "89%
reflectance backing," also called "contrast ratio." This value is equal to 100 times the ratio of the diffuse
reflectance of a film sample backed by a black body (<.5% reflectance) to the diffuse reflectance of the
same sample backed by a white body (89% reflectance). The units are percent, and a perfectly opaque
material will have an opacity value of 100%.
Relevance to performance
Originally developed for paper, this property predicts the appearance of two-side printed paper. Higher
opacity values allow better readability on one side, because the print showing through from the other side
is less noticeable.
Now, the same test used for paper is being applied to opaque polymer films that compete in paper
markets, most notably labels. Depending on the product design and film thickness, opacity values for
OPPalyte films range from 60% to 95%.

What affects the opacity of OPPalyte films

Opacity, like light transmission, is determined mostly by pigment and cavitation characteristics, which are
controlled by proprietary resin formulations and film-making process conditions. ExxonMobil technology
creates high opacity levels with a minimum use of inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO 3)
and titanium dioxide (TiO2).
Test principles
Although opacity has to do with light-blocking ability, the test actually measures two reflectance values.
The ratio of these values times 100 is equal to percent opacity. The equation, with descriptions of the
variables follows.
Opacity (89% reflectance backing) = CO.89 = 100 (R0 + RO.89)
CO.89 is the contrast ratio, which is another name for this type of opacity measurement.
R0 is the reflectance of the substrate when it is backed by a black body of 0.5% reflectance or less. Any
light that passes through a partially opaque sheet will reflect back negligibly.
R0.89 is the reflectance of the substrate when it is backed by a white body having a reflectance of 89%.
This value will be higher than R 0 (or equal to it, if the sample is perfectly opaque) because any light that
passes through the substrate will largely be reflected, and a portion of that will transmit through the film a
second time (in the opposite direction).
c. Optical density
Definition
Optical density, which ExxonMobil measures with a transmission densitometer, is a representation of a
material's light blocking ability. The optical density scale is unitless and logarithmic, and it enhances the
data resolution for materials that transmit only a small fraction of incident light. ExxonMobil uses optical
density measurements with metallized films only.
Relevance to performance
Transmission densitometers are traditionally used to evaluate the light transmission properties of
photographic film. The same test is now used to also represent the thickness of the aluminum layer of
vacuum-metallized films. Since layer thickness affects important performance-related properties like film
barrier, light transmission, and appearance, optical density provides critical data for process control of the
metallizing process.
Depending on the product design, ExxonMobil metallized films have optical density values ranging from
2.0 to 3.0, which is equivalent to light transmission values of 0.1% to 1.0%.

What affects the optical density of metallized films

Metallizing process parameters and base film characteristics control the aluminum layer thickness and
uniformity, and therefore, the optical density.
Test principles
ExxonMobil data are provided by commercial densitometers that meet standard conditions defined by
ANSI. A unidirectional, perpendicular light beam is directed onto the film sample. The light that is
transmitted through the film is collected, measured, and logarithmically amplified. The densitometer
calculates and displays the optical density value. ExxonMobil uses the Tobias TBX transmission
densitometer and Macbeth models TD903 and TD932.
The optical density values represent the following calculation and relationship to % light transmission.

Optical Density (unitless) =

log10(

Incident light
Transmitted light

) = log10(

100
Light transmission (%)

Optical density values are reported to two decimal places.

d. Haze
Definition
Haze is the scattering of light by a film that results in a cloudy appearance or poorer clarity of objects
when viewed through the film. More technically, haze is the percentage of light transmitted through a film
that is deflected more than 2.5 (degrees) from the direction of the incoming beam. This property is used
to describe transparent and translucent films, not opaque films.
Relevance to performance
Film clarity is a highly desirable feature for most clear packaging and label applications. It tends to
symbolize quality and contributes to the positive visual display of the product. Compared to other flexible
plastic films, clear OPP has one of the lowest haze values, generally less than 3%.
What determines the haze level of a clear film
Haze is greatly influenced by material selections and product design. Resin characteristics, such as
crystallinity and molecular weight distribution, have a key impact. Copolymers are generally hazier than
homopolymers. Additives and coatings usually contribute to increased haze. All other things being equal,
thicker films will be hazier than thinner films. Additional variables, like process temperatures in the
different stages of film-making, can further affect haze, so they are tightly controlled.
Test principles

As represented in Figure 1, a unidirectional light beam is directed onto the film specimen. After it enters
an integrating sphere, a photo detector measures the total light transmitted by the film and the amount of
transmitted light that is scattered more than 2.5. Haze is the percentage of total transmitted light that is
scattered by more than 2.5.

Figure 1: Haze measurement

Commercial hazemeters are typically used for this testing, but ASTM D 1003 also allows the use of a
spectrophotometer, provided it meets the procedure requirements. ExxonMobii uses the SKY-Gardner
XL-211 Haze-gard and Haze-gard plus hazemeters consistent with ASTM guidelines. The hazemeter may
also be set up to measure and display light transmission.

e. Light transmission
Definition
Light transmission is the percentage of incident light that passes through a film. ExxonMobil generally
evaluates this property for OPPalyte films.
Relevance to performance
This property is significant to the performance of opaque films like OPPalyte. Customers expect these
products to obstruct light transmission in a predictable way, which is important for the appearance of
printed graphics and protecting light-sensitive packaged products. OPPalyte film light transmission values
range from 15% to 50%, depending on the product design and film thickness.

NOTE:

Metallized films are very effective at blocking light transmission, but the preferred test for

these films is optical density.

What affects light transmission
In OPPalyte films, light transmission is determined mostly by pigment and cavitation characteristics,
which are controlled by proprietary resin formulations and film-making process conditions. Since light
transmission is usually a critical property for white opaque films, it is measured regularly. Product will be
rejected if values are outside the specified tolerance limits.
Test principles
A unidirectional perpendicular light beam is directed onto the film specimen, and a photo detector
measures the total light transmitted by the specimen after it enters an integrating sphere. Commercial
hazemeters are typically used for this testing, but ASTM D 1003 also allows for the use of a
spectrophotometer, provided that it meets the procedure requirements. ExxonMobil uses the BYKGardner XL-211 haze-gard and haze-gard plus hazemeters consistent with ASTM guidelines.
The hazemeter when set up to measure light transmission will display the final result as a percentage to
the nearest tenth.

Light Transmission (%) =

Total light transmitted by specimen

Incident light

100

The same test equipment with a different setup is also used to measure and display haze.

8. Machinability test
Machinability refers to the ease of which packaging material may be used in manufacturing and
packaging operations. Material with a lower machinability causes less tool wear, require less cutting
force and power, provide a better surface finish and better chip disposal.
It also includes the following;
- Handling properties
- Slip properties/frictional properties
- Printability
- Efficiency
- Convenience function
- Crimp test
- Sealibility etc

9. Elongation impact test

Impact Strength
The pendulum impact tester can be used to measure impact strength of papers, boards and films. An
impacting head on the end of a pendulum is swung through an arc into and through sample. Tester has a
means of measuring difference between potential energy of pendulum at maximum height in free swing

and potential energy of the pendulum after rupture of sample. This difference in energy is defined as
impact strength and is reported in units of kilogram-centimeters. It is useful in predicting resistance of a
material to breakage from dropping or other quick blows.
A test similar in scope, method and significance is the dart drop test. Weighted dart is dropped from
standard height onto taut sample. Significance and purpose are the same as in the pendulum test. Dart unit
is weight of dart in grams that breaks sample 50% of the time.

Fig: horizontal impact test

These tests give an index of material's dynamic strength and approximate what will occur when package
is dropped.

10.Burst Strength/Bursting strength test

It is the ability of a material to resist rupture by pressure
This test is also known as Muller test. The bursting strength test gives an indication of tensile strength and
stretch of paper. The instrument may use hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. This test is used as a control
test in the paper mill. The bursting strength is largely accepted as a specification for boards used in
container construction and also for all types of papers.
The specimen is fixed in the testing equipment and the pressure (pneumatic or hydraulic) is applied. The
pressure (psig or kg/cm2) at which the specimen ruptures is noted.