ASTM F88 – Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials

ASTM F88 – Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials

ASTM F88 – This test method covers the measurement of the strength of seals in flexible barrier materials. The test may be conducted on seals between a flexible

material and a rigid material.

Seals tested in accordance with this test method may be from any source, laboratory or commercial.

This test method measures the force required to separate a test strip of material containing the seal. It also identifies the mode of specimen failure.

Seal strength is a quantitative measure for use in process validation, process control, and capability.

Seal strength is not only relevant to opening force and package integrity, but to measuring the packaging processes’ ability to produce consistent seals.

Seal strength at some minimum level is a necessary package requirement, and at times it is desirable to limit the strength of the seal to facilitate opening.

 A portion of the force measured when testing materials may be a bending component and not seal strength alone.

A number of fixtures and techniques have been devised to hold samples at various angles to the pull direction to control this bending force.

Because the effect of each of these on test results is varied, consistent use of one technique (Technique A, Technique B, or Technique C) throughout a test series is

recommended.

ASTM F88 –  Technique A: Unsupported—Each tail of the specimen is secured in opposing grips and the seal remains unsupported while the test is being conducted.