quality testing parametes of packaging materials

1. P V N A R A Y A N A N
PACKAGING MATERIALS AND PACKAGES
COMMON TESTS/ PERFORMANCE ASPECTS

2. SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTS
(I) TO MEET A SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT
(II) TO CONFORM TO A LAID DOWN SPECIFICATION
(III) FOR QUALITY CONTROL OF INCOMING, OUTGOING /
FINISHED MATERIALS
(IV) FOR EFFECTIVE ORDER PROCESSING
(V) TO HELP SUPPLIER – EFFECT ORDER
(VI) TO HELP THE MANUFACTURER TO MEET THE
DEMAND AND PRODUCT CONTROL
(VII) TO MEET LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND
(VIII) TO ACHIEVE CONSUMER SATISFACTION

3. TESTS – FACTORS
PVN
 OBJECTIVE
 TEST METHOD AND TYPE OF TESTS
 EQUIPMENT
 CONDITIONING
 SAMPLING
 SPECIMEN PREPARATION
 SIZE AND SHAPE OF SPECIMEN
 THICKNESS MEASUREMENT
 UNITS
 CONCEPTS OF STATISTICS
 PRESENTATION OF DATA

4. OBJECTIVE
1. QUALITY CONTROL OF ONLINE PROCESS
( CONVERTOR AND USER)
2. SPECIFICATION ASSUARNCE FOR USER
INDUSTRY
3. BENCH MARKING
4. RESEARCH AND PROJECT
5. PACKAGE PERFORMANCE STUDY

5. TEST METHOD AND TYPE OF TESTS
 STANDARD OF TESTING
 ( BIS, ISO, TAPPI, ASTM , DIN, ETC)
 DIFFERENT TEST PROCEDURES-
INHOUSE/ INDUSTRY STANDARDS,
 SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TESTS

6. EQUIPMENT
 DOMESTIC/ INTERNATIONAL EQUIPMENTS
 DIFFERENT QC EQUIPMENTS – COMPANIES
 PRECISION
 ACCURACY
 LEAST COUNT
 CALIBRATION OF EQUIPMENT

7. CONDITIONING
 Different standard conditions
 Duration of conditioning
 Maintenance of test condition

8. SAMPLING
 It is the process in which a specimen is selected to
evaluate quality so that it indicates the quality of
the whole/ lot
Selection of sample is as important as evaluating
sample

9. SAMPLING
FACT 5: TAKES CALCULATED RISK
FACT 1 : VARIATION EXISTS IN MASS PRODN
FACT 2 : REDUCES DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
FACT 3 : MINIMISES TIME
FACT 4 : OPTIMISES COST

10. PRIME NEED IN SAMPLING?
SAMPLE SHOULD BE A TRUE
REPRESENT OF LOT
EVERY PIECE SHOULD HAVE AN EQUAL
CHANCE TO BE SELECTED AS SAMPLE.
( UNBIASED)
SAMPLE SIZE SHOULD BE
APPROPRIATELY SELECTED

11. WHAT SHOULD BE
SAMPLE SIZE?
N = LOT SIZE
n = sample size
THIS FORMULA IS GIVEN IN THE FIRST STAGE BECAUSE IT IS SIMPLE TO
UNDERSTAND AND USE

12. RANDOM SAMPLING
Simple random sampling is the basic sampling
technique where we select a sample for study from
a population. Each individual is chosen entirely by
chance and each member of the population has an
equal chance of being included in the sample.
Every possible sample of a given size has the same
chance of selection; i.E. Each member of the
population is equally likely to be chosen at any
stage in the sampling process

13. SPECIMEN PREPERATION
 DISTRIBUTION-( SIDES TO CENTRE)
 SHARP KNIFE/SCALE
 SURFACE OF SAMPLING
 CLEANLINESS

14. SIZE AND SHAPE OF SPECIMEN
 ACCURACY
 NO. OF SPECIMEN
 MD AND CD

15. UNITS
 FPS UNITS ( foot, pound, second )
 CGS SYSTEM( centi meter, gram, second )
 MKS SYSTEM( meter, kilogram, second)
 SI UNITS( system international units_ 7 units)

16. CONCEPT OF STATISTICS
 Maintenance of data
 Use of statistical data analyzing tools
 Standard deviation
 Normal distribution

17. PRESANTATION OF DATA
 Quality assurance
 Maintenance of data

18. OTHERS
 Basic qualification of laboratory personnel
 Training of personnel's
 General awareness of testing procedures and
significance

19. PROPERTIES
A. PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL
B. BIOLOGICAL
C. BARRIER
D. THERMAL
E. OPTICAL
F. CHEMICAL
G. ELECTRICAL

20. A. PHYSICAL / MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES
THICKNESS BURST STRENGTH
DENSITY FLEX DURABILITY
YIELD STIFFNESS
TENSILE STRENGTH IMPACT STRENGTH
ELONGATION DEAD FOLD
TEAR STRENGTH FOLDING ENDURANCE
SURFACE ENERGY CREASING QUALITY
CO-EFFICIENT OF FRICTION
PUNCTURE RESISTANCE
SEAL STRENGTH
HOT TACK

21. B. BARRIER
MOISTURE VAPOUR
GASES (OXYGEN / NITROGEN / CARBON DIOXIDE)
ARROMA RETENTION
ODOUR PICKUP

22. C. THERMAL
THERMAL RESISTANCE
COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION
HEAT SHRINKAGE
USAGE TEMPERATURE RANGE
MELTING POINT
GLASS TRANSITION TEMPARATURE
SEALING TEMPERATURE
PROCESSING TEMPERATURE
MELT FLOW INDEX

23. D. OPTICAL
OPACITY
TRANSPARENCY
GLOSS
HAZE
WHITENESS
BRIGHTNESS
OPTICAL DENSITY- FOR METALISED FILMS

24. E. CHEMICAL
WATER ABSORPTION/ RESISTANCE
RESISTANCE TO OIL / GREASE/ ACIDS
COBB
SULPHATE CONTENT
CHLORIDE CONTENT
HEAVY METAL CONTENT
pH
ALKALI RESISTANCE/ SOAP/ SULFUR RESISTANCE

25. F. ELECTRICAL
DECAY OF STATIC CHARGE
CONDUCTIVITY

26. PACKAGING MEDIA
 PRIMARY MATERIALS
 PAPER/SPECIALITY PAPERS
 PAPER BOARD-FOLDING BOARD /CARTONS
 CORRUGATED FIBRE BOARD/ BOXES
 PLASTIC FILMS/ COEXTRUDED FILMS
 LAMINATES
 METAL-ALUMINIUM/ MS/GI/ TINPLATE/TFS
 WOOD/PLYWOOD
 GLASS
 JUTE AND TEXTILES

27. PACKAGING MEDIA
 ANCILLERY MATERIALS
 ADHESIVES
 STRAPS
 CUSHIONING MATERIALS
 CORROSION INHIBITORS
 PARTITIONS
 VARNISHES
 INKS
 TAPES
 CAPS/CLOSURES/ DISPENSERS
 NAILS

28. PAPER /SPECIALITY PAPER- PROPERTIES
 GRAMMAGE/ SUBSTANCE
 THICKNESS
 BULK
 TENSILE STRENGTH AND ELONGATION
 BURSTING STRENGTH

29. PAPER /SPECIALITY PAPER- PROPERTIES
 TEAR STRENGTH
 COBB VALUE
 STIFFNESS
 SMOOTHNESS/POROSITY/ROUGHNESS
 TENSILE ENERGY ABSORPTION
 RING CRUSH TEST

30. PAPER /SPECIALITY PAPER- PROPERTIES
 MOISTURE CONTENT
 CHLORIDE CONTENT
 SULPHATE CONTENT
 pH VALUE

31. PAPER /SPECIALITY PAPER- PROPERTIES
 BRIGHTNESS VALUE
 OPACITY VALUE
 WHITNESS VALUE
 SCUFF PROOFNESS(PRINTED)

32. SUBSTANCE/GRAMMAGE(GSM)
Ref: IS 1060 Part-1
Definition
 Substance / GSM is the
weight of 1 Square Metre
of the substrate . It is
expressed in Grams per
Square Metre (GSM).
Equipment
 Substance Indicator /
GSM Tester.

33. Grammage
 Bought and sold in accordance with its weight , this
has significance to consumer and producer in
defining price.
 With increase in GSM the thickness , rigidity, tensile,
bursting etc increases.

34. THICKNESS
REF: IS 1060 Part-1
 Thickness of a sample.
Generally expressed in
Microns (m) / Millimetre.
Related to grammage and
bulk density of material
Equipment
 Caliper Thickness Gauge
(Dead Weight Type)
Caliper Thickness Gauge

35. Thickness
Interpretation :
 Higher Thickness generally indicates thicker, heavier and
rigid .influence on all physical properties.
 Uniformity in thickness is important for most of
requirements.

36. TENSILE STRENGTH AND ELONGATION
Ref: IS 1060 PART ii
Tensile & Elongation - Tensile
Strength is the load that a paper or film
can sustain before breaking when
subjected to a pull force / stress.
Elongation is the extension of the PAPER
in its longitudinal direction before
breaking. A graph plotted with the Load
and Elongation as its axis will give you a
curve showing the elastic properties of
the MATERIAL.
 Equipment :Tensile Strength Tester

37. Tensile strength
Interpretation :
 This is indicative of the durability and serviceability of
many materials which are subjected to direct tensile
stresses.
 This has a multitude of implications on the final package
including runnability issues on automatic lines.
 Use as specification of QC.
 This property is influenced by moisture content of paper.

38. TENSILE ENERGY ABSORPTION
 ASTM D 882
Amount of area in stress –
strain plot for tensile
testing
Interpretation
The correlation between
elongation and tensile
strength
Equipment
UTM

39. BURSTING STRENGTH
Ref: IS 1060 Part 2
 Bursting Strength / Factor is the
resistance offered by the Board /
Paper against rupture due to an
external force in the
perpendicular direction.
 Burst Factor is a calculation
which can be derived from the BS
and GSM values of the sample.
Equipment
 Bursting Strength Tester

40. Bursting strength
Interpretation :
•Bursting Strength of the Board is an index of the quality of
the material only and does not necessarily indicate the
quality of the final package.
•This is combination test for tear and tensile strength test.
Higher value is better for processing and handling.

41. TEAR STRENGTH
Ref: TAPPI 414
Force required to tear the
paper both in MD and CD
directions. Tear testing
measures the force
required to continue the
tearing of an initial cut in
sheet materials.
Equipment
 Tear tester

42. Tear strength
Interpretation
 The increase in tear value related to consumer
convenience at usage
 The decrease in tear STRENGTH decrease the
machine performance

43. COBB VALUE
Ref: IS 1060 Part 1
 It is an index of the ability of
Paper / Board to absorb water /
oil when coming in surface
contact.
 Water Absorbtiveness is a
function of various characteristics,
such as sizing, porosity, etc.
 One minute COBB is normally
performing.
Equipment : COBB Tester

44. COBB value
Interpretation :
 High COBB means higher absorption of water / moisture
and hence longer drying time for printing inks and also
leading to smudging.
 Low COBB means lesser absorption of water / moisture and
hence poor bond between the Ink and Substrate.
 A balance of Print Quality, Ink Bond and Drying Time is to
be attained by maintaining proper COBB values

45. SMOOTHNESS/POROSITY/ROUGHNESS
 IS 1060 part-2
The porosity of the paper is
% of air penetrating
through the pores of plain
paper at a certain pressure
deference between the
surfaces.
Equipment
 Porosity tester

46. RING CRUSH TEST
 Ref: IS 4006 part-1
 Ring crush resistance of a
paper is the force necessary
for crushing a strip of
paper from its edges when
the strip is formed into a
ring.
Equipment
 UTM, ring crush tesing
rings.

47. Ring crush test
 This test is intended for
corrugated media, liner
and other papers and
boards for use in the
manufacture of packaging
cases and boxes.
 This value can be converted
to ECT (Edge Crush
Test)values of board and
subsequently into BCT
(Box Compression
Test)value of box.

48. MOISTURE CONTENT
Ref: IS 1060 part-1
 The % moisture in the
paper
Testing method
 Oven dry method/
toluene extraction/mass
chromatography/ FTIR

49. Moisture content
Interpretation
 It has important role on strength of the material,
printing ink absorbitivity , mold growth and product
protection in terms of corrosion and barrier.
 Neither high moisture level nor very dry condition
are desirable.

50. SULPHATE CONTENT
 REF: IS 1060 PART 2
 % Of residual sulphur in paper.
 The sulphate content has to be kept minimum for
direct food applications and corrosion prevention.
Testing
 Chemical method

51. CHLORIDE CONTENT
REF: IS 1060 PART 2
 % Of residual chloride in paper.
 The chloride content has to be kept minimum for
direct food applications and corrosion prevention.
Testing
 Chemical method

52. pH CONTENT
 REF: IS 1060 PART 2
 The acidity or alkanity of the paper
 For food application the paper has to be of neutral.
Testing method
 Chemical method
 Electrostatic method

53. BRIGHTNESS/ WHITNESS/OPACITY
REF: IS 1060 PART 2
 The brightness /
whiteness/ opacity are
optical properties.
Testing instrument
 Brightness tester

54. BRIGHTNESS/ WHITNESS/OPACITY
 Impart critical role on aesthetic look of the pack, this
has influence on print quality and graphic design.
 The % of brightness /whiteness or opacity is
measured with reference to 100% white body and
100% black body.

55. GLOSS
Reference : ASTM D 2457
 Measure of the ability of
the film to reflect incident
 Light , it is a surface and
overall property.
Apparatus
 Gloss meter

56. Gloss
• high gloss gives pleasing sparkle film and sharp Image of
any light source
• It varies with surface smoothness and flatness
• Chiefly due to reflection at the surface and Therefore
physical / chemical surface change will Affect gloss.

57. HAZE
REFERENCE:ASTM D - 1003
• Is a measure of the milkyness
Instrument
Spectrophotometer

58. Haze
Significance
 Cause of ‘haze’ is surface imperfection of the film
 Not necessarily proportional to the film thickness
 Haze is caused by light being scattered by surface
imperfections, in homogenities in film due to voids,
undissolved additives, cross linked material etc.

59. SCUFF PROOFFNESS
 The scuff prooffness is
ability to sustain
rubbing. The no. Of
revolutions of the sample
on another piece of
sample at a particular
speed and load is
measured.
Testing instrument
 Scuff prooffness tester

60. Scuff prooffness
Interpretation
 It is important to have good scuff resistance for good
print protection both during packaging operation
and distribution.
 Direct indication of print quality.

61. PAPER BOARD CARTONS/ FOLDING BOARD
CARTONS

62. FOLDING BOARD /CARTONS-UNIT
 DIMENSIONS
 GRAMMAGE
 THICKNESS
 BURSTING STRENGTH
 COBB VALUE

63.  STIFFNESS VALUE
 SCUFF PROOFNESS
 COMPRESSION STRENGTH
 BLOCKING RESISTANCE
 GLOSS VALUE
FOLDING BOARD /CARTONS-UNIT

64. DIMENSIONS
Ref: ASTM D 2658
 The internal and external dimensions are measured.
 Normally represented in , lx w x h
Significance
 The proper positioning(tight) of product in pack, the machinability
Testing equipment
 Vernier caliper, measuring scale

65. GRAMMAGE
Ref: IS 1060 Part -1
•Substance / GSM is the weight of 1 Square Metre of the
substrate (Duplex / White Board / E or F Flute Corrugated
Board) and is expressed in Grams per Square Metre (GSM).
Interpretation :
Higher GSM indicates thicker, heavier and rigid board.
Equipment:
Substance Indicator / GSM Tester.

66. BENDING STIFFNESS
REF: TAPPI T 489
 It is a measure of the
stiffness of the board
and its resistance to
bending force.
Equipment :
 Bending Stiffness Tester

67. BENDING STIFFNESS
Interpretation :
 This is a direct indicator to the rigidity or stiffness of the Duplex
/ White Board. This related to thickness , grammage and bulk
density of the material. Higher caliper gives higher stiffness.
 This data can be interpreted to evaluate / judge the performance
of the Duplex Board Carton / Mini Carton. Moisture content has
a direct influence on the stiffness value.
 The ability of board to be used for conversion has direct
correlation on bending stiffness.

68. SCUFF PROFFNESS
Ref: IS 4006
 The scuff or abrasion leads to spoilage of the print
and surface properties. Abrasion can be due to
continuous contact & movement of similar surface or
dissimilar surfaces. The test helps to assess the loss
in weight visual observations like print marring.
 Loss in weight in mg/ sq.M for given no. of
revolutions.

69. COMPRESSION STENGHT
 REF: Is 7028
 The stacking strength or
compression strength of folding
board cartons is maximum force
that the carton can stand before
failure during a continuous
pulling force.
 Safety factor
 This give idea about maximum
stackability of the carton.

70. BLOCKING RESISTANCE
Blocking
Reference : ASTM D 1893-61-T
• Is closely linked to friction
• Significant during
Sheet fed machine operation
Storage of empty pouches
Severe when in contact with
Smooth surfaces

71. GLOSS VALUE
REFERENCE :
ASTM D 2457
Measure of the ability of
the paper board to reflect
incident Light
EQUIPMENT
 GLOSS METER

72. Gloss
Significance:
high gloss gives pleasing sparkle board and sharp
Image of any light source
It varies with surface smoothness and flatness
Chiefly due to reflection at the surface and
Therefore physical / chemical surface change will
Affect gloss.

73. CORRUGATED FIBRE BOARD/ BOXES

74. CFB BOX/ BOARD
 Thickness of board
 Dimension
 Grammage of individual ply
 Type of flute
 Type of adhesive
 Bursting strength

75. CFB BOX/ BOARD
 Puncture resistance value
 Cobb value
 Compression strength value
 Stack load
 Edge crush test
 Flat crush test
 Bending Stiffness

76. Thickness of board
 The thickness is one property influencing the bending
stiffness of the corrugated board and hence the handling
resistance and the stackability of the conatiners.
 A 10% reduction in thickness gives about 20% reduction
in bending stiffness. And a reduction of 20 % gives 35 %
reduction in bending stiffness.
Equipment
 micrometer

77. DIMENSION
 The dimension of box is important in the following
way.
 1. proper fitment of unit packs or products.
 2. alignment of pack in carrier vehicles.
 3. internal and external dimensions of cartons are
important.
 4. tolerance limit.

78. GRAMMAGE
 The grammage is mass per unit area. The test pieces are
cut from conditioned raw specimens. The mass and area
of each test piece are measured and the grammage is
calculated from thes data.
 The GSM has major role on all performance characters of
board.
Equipment
 Cutting device, balance, measuring scale.

79. TYPE OF FLUTE/ FLUTE PROFILE
 IS : 4006 part -2
 Different flute profile- A , B, C, E, F, N, etc
 Higher flute height –higher box compression
 Lower flute height- higher puncture resistance
 Lower flute height- good printability

80. TYPE OF ADHESIVE
 Starch based adhesive
 % of each components
 Starch %

81. Flat crush test
 Ref: IS 6028
 Flat crush resistance is
the force required to
crush the flutes of the
corrugated board, the
force being applied
perpendicular to a plane
tangential to the flutes.
Equipment
 UTM

82. FCT
 FCT is a measure of the
ability of the corrugated
board to withstand flat
compression.
 this test is applying to
fluting to be used and this
give indication of the flat
crush resistance of the box,
 Give idea about the
puncture resistance of the
board.

83. BURSTING STRENGH
 Bursting Strength / Factor is the resistance offered by the Board
/ Paper against rupture due to an external force in the
perpendicular direction.
 Burst Factor is a calculation which can be derived from the BS
and GSM values of the sample.
Interpretation :
 bursting strength is depend on the basic material , formation
and construction. Bursting Strength of the Board is an index of
the quality of the material only and does not necessarily indicate
the quality of the final package.
Equipment
 Bursting Strength Tester

84. PUNCTURE RESISTANCE
 It is the measure of the
resistance of board (in sheet
form) to puncture due to any
external force.
Equipment
Puncture Tester

85. PUNCTURE RESISTANCE
Interpretation :
 This parameter is an index of the stiffness and rigidity
of the board. And also indicative of the performance of
the carton.
 Checks the ability of cartons to withstand quick and
instantaneous shock or load application.

86. COBB VALUE
 COBB is the water
absorptivity of board
for a particular time for
a particular area.
Testing equipment
COBB tester

87. Cobb VALUE
 Significant property for moisture sensitive product. The
humidity level and temperature also has a major role .
 The moisture content of box can alter its performance
during the logistics.
 Critical role on packaging of dangerous goods packaging.
 30 min cobb

88. EDGE CRUSH TEST
 REF: IS 4006
A specimen of
predetermined length
and height with flutes
running vertical is placed
between the platens and
force required to crush
the specimen is noted.
Equipment
 Compression tester

89. ECT
Significance
 This value can be correlated to BCT value.
 Gives idea directly to the convertor about the
performance of box in logistics.

90. Bending Stiffness
 Bending stiffness of a corrugated board is meant the
resistance of the board against bending in the elastic
area.
 Three point or 4 point method is using for
measurment.

91. FLEXIBLE LAMINATES

92. FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
 IDENTIFICATION BY DSC/FTIR
 THICKNESS/ CALIPER/ GAUGE/ MICRON
 GRAMMAGE
 INDIVIDUAL LAYER THICKNESS

93. FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
 TENSILE STRENGTH/PERCENTAGE
ELONGATION
 BOND STRENGTH
 COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION
 SCUFF PROOFNESS TEST

94. FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
 TEAR STRENGTH VALUE
 HEAT SEAL STRENGTH
 PRINT ADHESION TEST
 DYNE VALUE

95. FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
 EXTRACTABILITY- 4 SIMULANTS
 ESCR
 WVTR
 OTR
 GLOSS VALUE

96. IDENTIFICATION
The identification can be done by FTIR, DSC, MS GC
etc, chemical/ physical methods.
Significance
 Check for correct delivery of material, proper
polymerization , compliance with safety regulations.
 Relevant to most physical and barrier properties.

97. FTIR- Analysis
 Uses IR beam to simulate
molecular bond and
senses the absorption or
transmission spectra.
The comparison with
library of pure polymer
give indication of
polymer.

98. DSC Analysis
 The differential scanning
calorimetre uses the heat
absorption vs phase
transition temperature at a
constant time-temp
increase.( 10 dec/min) .
 The peaks are indication of
different polymers for their
MP, GT, CT, etc

99. Chemical method
 Colour
 Floatation test
 Flame test
 Solubility test
 Drop test-(sound )
 Rigidity- hardness test
• Visual observation
• Method of fabrication
• Penetration to hot rod and
cutting with knife
• Odour
• Burning test
• Bending test
• Film tear test
• Pyrolysis test

100. FLOATATION TEST
DROP A PIECE OF SAMPLE IN WATER
 SINKS
 DROP ON HARD
SURFACE
 METALLIC DULL SOUND
RING SOUND
PROBABLY PROBABLY
PC CA
PS CAB
SAN PVC
HIPS NYLON
ABS PTFE
PPS PMMA
OR OR
PPO ACETALS
 FLOATS
 EITHER PE OR PP
 SCRATCH IT WITH
NAIL
 EASILLY CAN BE CANN’T
 LOW GLOSS HIGH HIGH
 MAY BE MAY BE MAY BE
 LDPE HDPE PP

101. INDIVIDUAL LAYER THICKNESS
 Ensuring of specifications –related to individual
thickness and material combination.
 The sealing layer having less thickness will not give
proper sealing property.
 Barrier layer thickness is to be maintained for required
shelf life in terms of barrier.
Testing
 FTIR- both material identification and layer thickness
 Chemical separation and measurement by micrometer

102. TENSILE STRENGTH
Reference: ASTM D – 882 – 2000
 measured along MD and CD And expressed separately
 Higher along direction of stretch
Stress-strain curve: help to measure
Yield strength : indicates toughness of film
Module of elasticity : index of stiffness of film
High tensile value : facilitates ease in high speed wrapping /
packaging machinery

103. SEAL STRENGTH
 REFERENCE:ASTM F -
88 - 85
 Seal Strength is a measure
of the strength required to
break apart a seal joint
formed on an FFS machine.
Equipment :
 Tensile Strength Tester or a
Peel / Seal Strength Tester.

104. Seal strength
 Interpretation :
 A good seal is the result of proper material + proper
temperature + proper pressure + proper time (dwell time)
settings on the FFS machine.
 These functions can easily be set by a skilled operator to
give optimum performance. Poor seal strength of the seal
joints can lead to opening up and leakage of pouches at the
time of shipping or even if a slight pressure is exerted on
the samples.

105. •These vary from process to process and machine to machine
•Effective seal is a must to ensure completeness of the package
• Test conditions should simulate actual operation condition
•Is the force required to peel apart the sealed substrates
•Could be a dynamic or a static test schedule
Seal strength

106. COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION
Reference ASTM 1894 61-T
 Film to film, Film to metal
 Determined by the movement of a premade slid over A film or metal
surface
 Equipment
 1) Slip Friction Tester for Static Friction.
2) Dynamic Friction Tester for Dynamic / Kinetic Friction.

107. Coefficient of friction
 Can be modified to measure at elevated temperature To assess
temperature dependence of friction. The resultant high friction vs
adherance to machine Surface can be identified
 Loads and speed can be varied to duplicate actual production run
conditions
 Plays a major role in film behavior in packaging machinery
 Related to stack performance of pouches at retail ends

108. TEAR STRENGTH
REFERENCE: ASTM D - 1922 61-T
 Test measures the energy Absorbed by the sample in
propogating a tear from the initial cut
 High tear useful for heavy packages and industrial
applications
 Low tear desirable for easy opening packages
 Equipment: Tear tester

109. Yield
REFERENCE: ASTM D 4321-83
 Commercially important indicator
 Identifies number of packs per kg
Yield (sq.M. / Kg) = 1000
Density x thickness

110. Coefficient of friction
 Coefficient of Friction is a measure
of the frictional component of the
plastic film and can be correlated
with behavior of film on automatic
lines.
 Interpretation :
 Very High or Very low coefficient
of friction can lead to mis-
alignments in print area and cut
area on the formed pouches.

111. Blocking
REFERENCE : ASTM D 1893-61-T
The sticking of adjacent layers of films while keeping as rolls.
 IS CLOSELY LINKED TO FRICTION
• SIGNIFICANT DURING SHEET FED MACHINE
OPERATION STORAGE OF EMPTY POUCHES
SEVERE WHEN IN CONTACT WITH SMOOTH
SURFACES

112. DYNE VALUE
 ASTM- D2578-84
 The surface energy of the film/ laminate is indicated with
respect to dyne value.
 it measures the treatment level of polymers which have
been exposed to flame, corona, or plasma surface
modification.
 Performing for-basic research, product development,
process control, incoming inspection, finished product
dispositioning, sales, and marketing.
 the mixtures of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether and
formamide used in this method.

113. Dyne test
 cotton-tipped applicators, full-etch coating rods, and
solution-tipped "dyne pens" are typically used to
smoothly apply wetting solutions across polymer
surfaces. When a cotton applicator is used, the solution is
spread lightly over approximately a 1-sq-in. area. If the
continuous film of liquid remains intact - or fails to wet-
out - for two or more seconds, the next higher surface
tension solution is applied to a similar area. If the liquid
dissipates in less than two seconds, the next lower
numbered solutions are tried until an exact measurement
is attained.

114. EXTRACTABILITY/ MIGRATION
 IS 9025 part-1
 Simulants
 Water
 3 % acetic acid
 10 % ethanol
 50 % ethanol
 Olive oil

115. GLOSS
Reference : ASTM D 2457
• Measure of the ability of the film to reflect incident
Light
• high gloss gives pleasing sparkle film and sharp
Image of any light source
• It varies with surface smoothness and flatness
• Chiefly due to reflection at the surface and
Therefore physical / chemical surface change will
Affect gloss.

116. ESCR
 ASTM D5419 - 09
 Environmental stress crack resistance is a simulative
study of extreme humidity and temeperature
conditions for long period.
 38 dec Temp and 90 % RH.

117. WVTR
REFERENCE : ASTM E -
96 - 63 - T
• Represents water vapour
flows in unit time through
Unit area under specific
temperature and humidity
Conditions.
• Dish method /
instrumentation methods
are both Adopted

118. WVTR
• Highly significant as end-use performance as pouch
And bag particularly for hygroscopic products
• Directly relevant to shelf-life evaluation / offered

119. GTR
REFERENCE : ASTM D - 1434
• Represents quantum of flow of gases (air, oxygen, nitrogen,
Carbon dioxide)
• Flow is proportional to:
- Surface area
- Time
- Partial pressure differentiated and inversely to the thickness
• Signifies the extend of barrier to gases
• Significant for produce to lose co2 and pick-up o2

120. OTR
• Transmission Rate is the
measure of the ability of plastic
film to transfer oxygen / gases
from one side to the other side.
This is a very important test for
Product Compatibility.
 Significant for oily and fatty
foods to be free from oxygen
• Significant for CAP / MAP
packaging systems
• Significant for maintenance of
vacuum and gas flush
packaging systems

121. LEAKAGE TEST
 The pack leakage is
tested to measure any
pin holes or seal failure.
 Give indication about
seal integrity, pin holes ,
sealing conditions,
Test equipment
 Leakage tester

122. HEAT SHRINKAGE
Reference : ASTM D 2732
Linear thermal shrinkage at high temperature , Expressed as percentage
of original dimension
Heat shrinkage = length (ori.) - LENGTH (CAL) x 100
Length (ori.)
• Related to processing technique
• Related to level of orientation
• Relevance to end-use application
• Loss of strength at low temperature
• Development of brittleness

123. DART IMPACT
 Dart Impact is the resistance of
a film to rupture when
subjected to sudden load or
impact.
Equipment
 Dart Impact Tester / Impact
Resistance Tester.

124. Dart impact
Interpretation :
 Poor impact resistance can lead to tearing / leakage of
pouches when subjected to a little pressure.
 Results correlated to drop- Performance of filled bags-
And pouches
 Significant property in grading of polymers.

125. Bond strength
Ref: ASTM D 904
 The bond strength between the layers of multiple layer
films is measured.
 This gives indication about the good addition between
layers.
 Important for the proper achievement of all multiple
layer films ( physical and barrier)
Testing equipment
 UTM

126. PLASTIC BOTTLES

127. Plastic bottles
Ref : IS 2798 : 1998
 Weight
 Thickness
 Dimension
 Fill point
 Brimful capacity
 Test for verticality
 Drop impact test
 Stack load test
 Handle pull test
 Test for compatibility
 Leakage test
 Closure leakage test
 pressure leakage test
 Hydraulic pressure test

128. Weight
Interpretation :
 Higher weight bottles will be
more rigid and will have
better stack load provided
the weight distribution is
even.
 the material is sold
according to weight.
Equipment
 Standard Digital Balance.

129. Thickness
The bottle is cut open horizontally
into three pieces and the Wall
Thickness is measured at various
parts , the reading is expressed as
top, middle, and bottom.
Generally expressed in Microns
(m) / Millimetre.
Equipment
 Standard Micrometer (Analog /
Digital).
 Dia gauge caliper method.

130. Thickness
Interpretation :
 Higher Thickness bottles will be more rigid and will have
better stack load provided the weight / thickness
distribution is even.
 Thickness has influence on the OTR and WVTR properties.
It also has role on the ESCR of the bottles.

131. Dimensions
 Overall Height
 Diameter of body
 Neck height
 Inside dia of neck. ( insertion of plunger and
avoidance of overflow.)
 Neck dia and thread dia( proper capping ,filling )
 Shoulder angle( strength of bottle, height of bottle)
 Shoulder length( handling )

132. Dimensions – overall hieght
 Place the container on surface plate and measure to the highest
point on the container using a micrometer height gauge at two
positions. Close to part line and at 90 deg to the partline.
Equipment
 Vernier caliper
 Overall Height-
 (important in filling line ( plunger positioning ) for proper
filling and and stacking for even load distribution) .
 Variation in overall height cause spillage of liquid in filling
machine.

133. Dimensions -diameter
Equipment
 Vernier micrometer
 Circumference gauge
Significance
Diameter of body –for circular type bottles(
important in secondary packaging. proper sitting
and gap between the bottles.

134. Dimensions-neck height
Equipment
 Depth gauge
Significance
 Proper filling
 Capping
 Temper proof
 leakage

135. Dimensions- neck and thread dimeters
Equipment
 Vernier or micrometer
Significance
Neck dia and thread dia is
important for proper
capping ,filling , and leak
proof.

136. Fill point
 Ref: IS 2798
Fill the container with water to its rated capacity and determine fill
point by depth micrometer measurement from top sealing surface
to surface of liquid.
Significance
In production , the containers are filled to a specific height , it is
necessary that the fill point or the liquid level at rated contents shall
be held consistent.
It has correlation with volume availability and dimensional stability
of the container.

137. Brimful capacity
 The capacity of bottle
upto the brim of the
bottle.
 Significance
For determining the
allege of bottle

138. Leakage test
 Closure leakage:
container filled upto nominal capacity with coloured
liquid or the product to be packed at ambient
temperature are properly caped and kept inverted for
30 min without any support and tested for any
leakage.
 this give idea of perfection of cap, thread and neck .

139. Leakage test
 Vibration leakage
fill the container upto nominal
capacity with the product or
coloured water and close with the
usual closure. Kept in vibration
table and vibrated for pre
determined period of time.
The test helps to determine the
ability of the closure to prevent
leakage due to te transportation
vibration.

140. Leakage test
Air pressure leakage test
 This test is carried out by maintaining the specified
pressure in the container and detecting any leakage
with water or soap solution. Air pressure of relevant
material specification used for testing.
 This give indication about the capacity of containers
to carry pressurized liquids or gas.
 The capping efficiency.

141. Test for verticality
 The verticality of the
apparatus is measured
on filled containers to
obtain maximum
stability. The
arrangement is as shown
in fig.
 This is important in
filling line for plunger
positioning , capping
mechanism etc.

142. Drop impact test
 The containers filled up to
nominal capacity is capped
and used for dropping.
 Drop height–
1.2 m for 5 lit /kg
1.0 m for 10 lit/kg
0.5 m for 15 lit/kg
 This test is used to measure
the ability of the container to
withstand rough handling
while in a packed condition.
Equipment
 Drop tester

143. Stack load/ compression strength
 A force is applied to the
top face of the package
equivalent in magnitude
to the total weight of
identical packages
stacked on top to a
minimum stack height of
3m. The duration is 24
hr.
 Or compression strength
directly by a UTM is
tested.

144. Torque test
It is the measure of
the force required to
open the screwed
closures on bottles /
jars. Eg : Screw Caps
and ROPP Caps.
Equipment
 Torque Tester.

145. Torque test
Interpretation :
 If the Torque is too low, it will result in loose capping and
leakage. On the other hand, if the Torque is too high, the
consumer will have difficulty in opening the bottle and will
not buy the product again due to the inconvenience in
opening it.
 A balance of convenience and leak-free capping is to be
attained by maintaining proper torque values.

146. Other tests on bottles
 Hydrostatic pressure test
 Handle pull test
 Test for compatibility
 Test for ink adhesion
 Test for product resistance to printed containers
 Overall migration
 ESCR

147. TRANSPORT WORTHINESS

148. TRANSPORT WORTHINESS TESTS
 DONE AGAINST GIVEN STANDARD
 DONE AGAIST A REQUIRMENT
 DONE TO ASSESS MAXIMUM CAPABILITY
 DONE TO COMPARE PERFORMANCE

149. TRANSPORT HAZARDS
MACHANICAL/PHYSICAL
 DROPS
 IMPACTS
 COMPRESSION
 VIBRATION
 ROLLING
 PUNCTURE
 TEAR
 TORSSION
 TENSION

150. CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENTAL
 RAIN/LIQUID WATER
 SLEETING
 SALT SPRAY
 SAND AND DUST
 MICRO ORGANISMS
 HUMIDITY
 TEMPERATURE

151. TRANSPORT HAZARDS
AND
TRANSPORT WORTHINESS EVALUATION
Drop
Vertical
Drop
Impact
Horizontal
Vibratio
n
Compre-
ssion
Stack
Rolling Others
FACTORY + + + +
STORAGE ++ +++ + +
TRANSPORT +++ ++ +++ ++ ++ ++
WARE
HOUSE
++ +++ + +
RETAIL + +
CONSUMER +

152. TESTS HELD TO CONCLUDE
 OVERALL DURABILITY OF CONTAINER
 COST OPTIMISATION
 DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS
 REDUCE TRANSIT DAMAGE
 ADEQUACY OF INNER MATERIALS / FITMENTS

153. DROP
REF: IS 7028
DROP INTENSITY
---------------------------
WEIGHT
VOLUME & SIZE OF PACK
MODE OF HANDLING
EFFECT
-------------
BREAKAGE (PRODUCT & PACKAGE)
DAMAGE
LOOSENING & DISALIGMENT
TESTERS
---------------
DIVIDED TABLE TOP EQUIPMENT
HOIST TYPE TESTER TRIPPING DEVICE
SINGLE TABLE BASE TESTER

154. DROP TESTER

155. DROP TEST
 SIGNIFICANCE
 SIMULATION OF HANDLING SYSTEM-AUTOMATIC
/MANUAL/SEMI AUTOMATIC AT PRODUCTION
SITE,
 SIMULATION OF HALDLING SYSTEM WHILE
TRANSPORT
 EARLY PREDICTION OF DROP HAZARD HELPS TO
DESIGN THE PACK PROPERLY AND REDUCES THE
TRANSPORT LOSS.

156. VIBRATION
REF : IS 7028 INTENSITY
---------------------------
NATURE OF PRODUCT
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIAL/FRAGILITY
PACKAGING CONDITIONS
TRANSPORT CONDITIONS/AMPLITUDE FREQUENCY
TEST EQUIPMENT
---------------------------
VARIATION TABLE/SHOCK TABLE
EFFECT
---------------------------
STRUCTURAL FAILURE/AFFECTS CONTAINER REGIDITY
DAMAGE THROUGH ABRASION
DAMAGE TO CONTENTS

157. VARIATION TABLE

158. VIBRATION TEST
 SIGNIFICANCE
 A vibration tester can typically simulate 1000 kms of
road journey within 1 hour inside your laboratory.
 THE PRODUCT DAMAGE AFTER TEST CAN BE
CHECKED AND NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS CAN
BE DONE.
 NO NEED TO OBSERVE THE ENTIRE JOURNEY OF
THE PACK, TIME SAVING AND COST SAVING.

159. HORIZONTAL IMPACT
REF:IS 7028 INTENSITY
-------------------
EXTEND OF IMPACT
SPEED OF IMPACT
SURFACE OF IMPACT
TEST EQUIPMENT
-----------------------------
INCLINED IMPACT TESTER
EFFECT
-----------
PACKAGE / PRODUCT CRUSHING
BREAKING
CRACKING
DISTORTION
SHIFTS

160. INCLINED IMPACT TESTER

161. IMPACT TESTER
 SIGNIFICANCE
 SIMULATES SUDDEN BREAKAGE OF VEHICLES
AND IMPACT BETWEEN THE PACKS,
 SIMULATES THE SHRUDDING OF TRAIN
COMPARTMENTS.

162. COMPRESSION
STATIC & DYNAMIC STACK LOAD
IS 7028 PART 4 INTENSITY
---------------------------
PACKAGE SIZE & DIMENSION
PACKAGE WEIGHT
TYPE & PLACEMENT OF UNITS/INTERNAL FITMENTS
STORAGE / WAREHOUSING PATTERN
STORAGE CONDITIONS
TEST EQUIPMENT
---------------------------
COMPRESSION TESTER
STATIC LOAD FACILITIES
EFFECT
---------------------------
DAMAGE TO SHIPPER
DAMAGE TO INNER UNITS / PRODUCTS

163. COMPRESSION TESTER

164. ROLLING
INTENSITY
PACKAGE SIZE & SHAPE
TYPE OF HANDLING
TYPE OF ROLLING
TESTING EQUIPMENT
MANUAL
EFFECT
DAMAGE TO CONTAINER
DESHAPING
LEAKAGE / SLAPAGE

165. REVOLVING DRUM
INTENSITY
OVERALL HANDLING & TRANSPORT CONDITIONS
TESTING EQUIPMENT
REVOLVING DRUM WITH BARRIERS
EFFECT
DAMAGE
AFFECTS DURABILITY

166. SALT SPRAY
TO ASSESS CORROSION RESISTANCE
TEST PARAMETERS
20% WATER SOLUTION OF SODIUM
CHLORIDE
WET DENSE FOG ATMOSPHERE
50HRS
pH 6.5 – 7.2
TEMPARATURE 95ºF

167. SALT AND DUST
TEST PARAMETERS
SAND & DUST MIXTURE
– 0.5 G/CU FT . DENSITY
77ºF – 6 HRS
160ºF – 6 HRS
200’/ MIN . VELOCITY (STANDARD)
OR
2300’ / MIN VELOCITY (INTENSE)
EFFECT
ABRASION & SCRATCHES
SMUDGING
DEFACING
DAMAGES

168. RAIN / LIQUID WATER
TEST PARAMETERS
---------------------------
RAINFALL 1 X 4” HR
NOZZLE FOR WATER SPRAY
IN DROPLETS
SPREAD UNIFORMITY
TWO HOURS – 6 SIDES / ALLSIDES EXPOSED
EFFECT
---------------------------
WEIGHT GAIN
DELIMINATION
LOOSENING OF NAILS
STRUCTURAL WEEKNESS
MICROBIAL / INSECT INFESTATION

169. FUNGUS RESISTANCE
TEST SOLUTION : 10 ML DISTILLED WATER
0.005% DIOCTYL SODIUM SULFASUCCINATE
INTRODUCE IN CULTURE
RAKE WITH A STERILE WIRE
AGITATE TO GET A SPORATED SUSPENSION
TEST ITEM EXPOSE TO 25% RH., 86ºF
28 DAYS
OBSERVE
25% OR LESS OF SAMPLES HAVE FUNGUS
GROWTH
ON MORE THAN 4% SURFACE AREA
YES – PRONE TO FUNGUS
2% OR LESS AREA EXPOSED AREA HAVE
GROWTH
NO – NOT PRONE

170. TESTS AND CORRELATION
LABORATORY TEST Vs FIELD PERFORMANCE OF
PACKAGE
Vs PACKAGE – PROBABLE EFFICIENCY
LABORATORY TEST Vs EMPTY CONTAINER /
COMPONENTS
SIMPLER CONTROLS FOR BULK
PRODUCTION
MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION Vs CONTAINER

171. THANK YOU