The ASTM F88/F88M standard published by the American Testing and Materials Organization (ASTM) defines a test method for measuring the strength of gaskets in flexible barrier materials. This test method is applied on gaskets between a flexible material and a rigid material. Gaskets tested according to this test method may be from any source or commercial. With this test method, the force required to separate a test strip containing the gasket is measured. In addition, the mode of sample failure is determined.
Gasket strength is the tensile strength of the gasket at ambient temperature. This strength is the maximum force required to separate two layers of a gasket under certain conditions.
The tests are done in three different ways:
According to that standard, seal strength is not only about measuring opening force and package integrity, but also measuring the process capability to produce consistent seals. Sealing strength is a necessary packaging requirement, and it is desirable to limit the strength to facilitate unpacking. Properties of interest are the maximum sealing force and, in some cases, the average force to open the seal.
In these tests, a rectangular specimen is used. The specimens are cut to a specific width. The seal is then peeled off by holding it in the jaws of a force test stand set to separate at a constant speed of 200-300 mm/min, and the force and displacement are continuously measured. The peak force required to separate the seal is recorded, which is also expressed as peak force per width of seal material. A tensile testing machine with jaws and a load cell of appropriate range is used in these tests. This can be a vertical test stand or, alternatively, a horizontally oriented device. Where necessary, the specimens are conditioned according to ASTM E171 ( standard practice for conditioning and testing flexible barrier packing).
Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer standard testing services for the leak strength of flexible barrier materials under the ASTM F88/F88M-15 standard, thanks to our trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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