T 539 cm-88

PROVISIONAL METHOD – 1982

CLASSICAL METHOD – 1988
© 1988 TAPPI

The information and data contained in this document were prepared

by a technical committee of the Association. The committee and the
Association assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the
use of such information or data, including but not limited to any
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The user is responsible for determining that this document is the most
recent edition published.

Determination of polyethylene (resin) adhesion to

porous substrates

1. Scope

1.1 This method provides a procedure to obtain subjective, but comparative, data for adhesion between
coated and laminated constructions.
1.2 This method is applicable to constructions where the substrate surface is subject to failure under peel
conditions (i.e. paper, board, cloth, etc.).

2. Significance

2.1 When polyethylene is extrusion-coated onto substrates, it is desirable that the adhesion be at a satisfactory
level. If the adhesion is poor, the polyethylene will delaminate when an attempt is made to use the material, resulting
in poor appearance and loss of physical properties.
2.2 Analysis of a sample of coated substrate through use of this procedure will determine that proper
adherence has been obtained.

3. Materials

3.1 Razor blade, single edge.

3.2 Cellophane tape, 25 mm (1 in.) wide, #610 "Scotch" brand or equivalent.

4. Sampling and test specimens

Obtain a sample in accordance with TAPPI T 400 "Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper, Board, Pulp
Handsheets, and Related Products." From each sample obtain ten specimens. A sample is defined as being an area no
less than the machine width times at least 3.4 ft (102 cm) in the machine direction. Specimens are obtained by random
marking of an area such that five areas across the web and five areas in the machine direction are obtained.

5. Procedure

5.1 If the coating or lamination cannot be separated by tearing, make a small "X" cut in the coating only or
one ply of the lamination and firmly adhere a strip of cellophane tape to the specimen over the "X." While holding the
specimen against a flat, horizontal surface, quickly strip the tape from the specimen.

NOTE 1: Under some conditions, a quick stripping of the tape may not cause separation or may otherwise yield misleading results. A slow
strip, at a rate of about 6" in 10 seconds, repeated two or three times, may be necessary to start separation.

Approved by the Extrusion Coating Committee of the Polymers, Laminations, and Coatings Division
TAPPI
T 539 cm-88 Determination of polyethylene (resin) adhesion to porous substrates / 2

NOTE 2: All tests are to be conducted in the CD (cross direction) of the sample for best results.

If the coating or lamination separates, attempt to delaminate the specimen by pulling the plies apart. Rate the adhesion
according to the descriptions shown in Table 1.

6. Calculation

Adhesion ratings are defined as "poor" for the lowest rating and "excellent" as the highest rating. The average rating
from ten test specimens determines the final rating applied to the structure being tested. Each rating is assigned points
as noted in Table 1 for adhesion and the points are averaged.

Example: Ten specimens were tested from a sample and three were rated as excellent and seven good. Since each
excellent rating is worth 5 points, then 3 × 5 = 15 points; each good rating is worth 3 points, so 7 × 3 = 21 points; for
a total of 36 points.

Average rating = (Total points/Number of specimens) = (36/10) = 3.6

Table 1. Adhesion ratings

Assigned value,
Adhesion characteristic Rating points/test sample

Coating or lamination cannot be

separated by tear or tape. Excellent 5

Coating or lamination separates with

100% fiber tear of a porous substrate Very good 4
(paper, cloth, etc.)

Coating or lamination has considerable

resistance to delamination Good 3
Coating or lamination separates with
more than 50% fiber tear of a porous
substrate.

Coating or lamination has slight

resistance to delamination. Fair 2
Coating or lamination separates
with less than 50% fiber tear of a
porous substrate.

Coating or lamination has no

resistance to delamination. Poor 1
Coating or lamination separates with
no evidence of fiber tear of a porous
substrate.

The average test result would thus be reported as "good (3.6)."

7. Report

For a complete report, record the information listed below in pen or indelible pencil directly into the permanent log.
7.1 Complete sample identification and date.
7.2 Each specimen rating.
7.3 Average test result.
7.4 Any unusual characteristics, i.e., extremes or irregularities noted in test results.

8. Precision

8.1 Repeatability (within a laboratory) = 80 ± 5% based on six-month study of one product

(kraft/polyethylene structure). Repeatability may vary with other structures and paper grades.
3 / Determination of polyethylene (resin) adhesion to porous substrates T 539 cm-88

8.2 Reproducibility and comparability values are not available, as defined by TAPPI T 1206 "Precision
Statement for Test Methods."

9. Additional information

9.1 Effective date of issue: May 27, 1988.

9.2 This method was formerly UM 540 and has been revised editorially to conform to TAPPI format for
Classical Test Methods.

Your comments and suggestions on this procedure are earnestly requested and should be sent to the TAPPI Technical
Divisions Administrator.