TAPPI/ANSI T 569 om-14

PROVISIONAL METHOD – 2000

OFFICIAL TEST METHOD – 2007
CORRECTION – 2007
REVISED – 2009
REVISED – 2014
2014 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
liability under patent, copyright, or trade secret laws. The user is
responsible for determining that this document is the most recent
edition published.

CAUTION:
This Test Method may include safety precautions which are believed to be appropriate at the time of publication of the method. The intent of
these is to alert the user of the method to safety issues related to such use. The user is responsible for determining that the safety precautions are
complete and are appropriate to their use of the method, and for ensuring that suitable safety practices have not changed since publication of the
method. This method may require the use, disposal, or both, of chemicals which may present serious health hazards to humans. Procedures for the
handling of such substances are set forth on Material Safety Data Sheets which must be developed by all manufacturers and importers of
potentially hazardous chemicals and maintained by all distributors of potentially hazardous chemicals. Prior to the use of this method, the user
must determine whether any of the chemicals to be used or disposed of are potentially hazardous and, if so, must follow strictly the procedures
specified by both the manufacturer, as well as local, state, and federal authorities for safe use and disposal of these chemicals.

Internal bond strength (Scott type)

1. Introduction

Printing, converting and many product applications subject paper and paperboard to impulses, impacts and shock
loads into or out of the plane of the sheet. These can cause structural failures such as surface picks, blistering or
delaminations within the interior of the sheet. The common denominators of these failures are a) the high velocity of the
impact loads b) the short time period during which the material is stressed, frequently one to a few hundred milliseconds,
and c) the planar nature of the resultant sheet failure. Test results from this method may correlate with product failures of
this type.

2. Scope

2.1 This method defines a test that measures the energy required to rapidly delaminate a sheet-type specimen.
The “Z” directional rupture is initiated by the impact of a pendulum having both a controlled mass and a controlled
velocity that exceeds 6000 times the velocity of tensile strength and other dead-weight testers. The geometry of the
apparatus causes the tensile stress to be rotational in nature with negligible shear stress on the specimen.
2.2 The method is suitable for both single and multi-ply paper and paperboard, including coated sheets and
those that are laminated with synthetic polymer films.
2.3 Because sample preparation entails pressing double-coated tape to both sides of the test specimen under
relatively high pressures, this method may not be suitable for testing high strength handsheets or low basis weight (below
40 g/m2), porous, soft or low-density materials, such as tissue. Limitations include materials that permit significant
migration of the tape’s adhesive into the sample with potential tape-to-tape bonding, or materials that could be
structurally damaged or collapse during the press cycle.
2.4 To determine the applicability of the test method, it is important to visually inspect both sides of a set of
at least 10 delaminated samples. The ability to rupture a sample within the measurement range of the instrument is an
insufficient criterion. For interpretations of observations, see Section 9.2.
2.5 Because energy is absorbed during the elongation and stretching of the sample’s fiber network prior to
rupture, this internal bond test responds to the semi-elastic nature of paper and paperboard. The test is a measurement of
strain energy per unit sample area, which is proportional to the area under the stress-strain curve. Strength measurements
by this method do not correlate with “Z” direction tensile strength tests (ZDT) that measure the maximum (peak) stress in

Approved by the Standard Specific Interest Group for this Test Method
TAPPI
T 569 om-14 Internal bond strength (Scott type) / 2

a slow, constant rate of elongation or dead-weight rupture. Also, the constant rate of elongation specified in TAPPI T 541
“Internal Bond Strength of Paperboard (z-Direction Tensile),” (ZDT) and “X” and “Y” plane tensile tests per TAPPI T
494 “Tensile Breaking Properties of Paper and Paperboard (Using Constant Rate of Elongation Apparatus),” is several
orders of magnitude less than the rate attained in this method.

3. Summary

A sandwich consisting of double-coated tape, the paper specimen, and double-coated tape is pressed between a flat
metal anvil and an aluminum platen as shown in Figure 1. A pendulum impacts the top inside surface of the platen,
causing it to rotate and split the paper specimen in the thin, “Z” direction (see Figure 2). The energy absorbed in
rupturing the sample is computed by measuring the peak excess swing of the pendulum. The strength equation
parameters include a) the potential energy of the latched pendulum, b) the peak excess swing, c) the energy required to
accelerate a bare sample angle away from the pendulum, d) frictional losses, and e) internal vibration losses within the
pendulum.

4. Significance

4.1 Internal bond strength as defined in this method is indicative of the serviceability and processibility of
many types of paper and paperboard. These include printing papers, cover, label, release, linerboard, carton, carrier,
newsprint and others. Test results often correlate with high-speed surface and internal structural failures encountered in
both printing and converting operations.

Fig. 1. Sandwich consisting of double-coated tape, the paper specimen, and double-coated tape is
pressed between a flat metal anvil and an aluminum platen

Fig. 2. Positioning of the specimen sandwich, anvil, and platen so that the pendulum strikes at the center
of percussion of the platen when the center of oscillation (rotational axis) is at the outside corner of the
right angle of the platen.
3 / Internal bond strength (Scott type) T 569 om-14

4.2 Some fiber processing and papermaking characteristics can also be correlated with this type of internal
bond strength test. These include extent of refining, machine speed, pressing, interply bonding in multiple headbox
operations, and furnish composition such as long-to-short fiber mix, recycled content and the effect of dry strength
additives. The test responds to both individual fiber strength characteristics and to the degree of interfiber bonding, but
does not isolate and distinguish between these factors.
4.3 The combination of internal bond strength data with other TAPPI test methods can provide additional
strength and processibility information. An example is the combination with porosity data derived from TAPPI T 460
“Air Resistance of Paper (Gurley Method)” or TAPPI T 547 “Air Permeance of Paper and Paperboard (Sheffield
Method)” to predict blistering tendencies for coated web offset papers.

5. Apparatus and materials

5.1 A multiple specimen preparation station capable of pressing five 25.4 × 25.4 mm (1.00 inch × 1.00 inch)
samples, the ability to accommodate specimens of varying caliper up to 1.25 mm (0.050 inches) thick, with optional
clamping pressures on the specimen from 345 kPa (50 psi) to 1034 kPa (150 psi) in at least 345 kPa (50 psi) increments.
Pressure control shall be within ±21 kPa (3 psi) at the most commonly used clamping pressure of 690 kPa (100 psi) and
within ±34 kPa at the 1034 kPa (±5 at the 150 psi) level. A strongback is a component of the preparation station designed
to temporarily retain and align the five aluminum platens and prevent their deflection during sample pressing.
5.2 A pendulum mounted on a pedestal, with an axle supported at two points on ball or similar low-friction
bearings, and whose center of gravity is located 127 ± 0.6 mm (5.00 ± 0.025 inches) from the centerline of the axle. The
pendulum should be free to rotate from a horizontal position through at least a 180° swing and the impact ball on the
pendulum shall strike the aluminum platen (see Section 5.4) when it reaches the vertical 90° point in its swing. The
resultant 5.00-inch drop in the center of gravity thereby determines the velocity of the pendulum at impact. If weights are
added to the pendulum to extend its range, they must be positioned so that the center of gravity is not altered. In addition,
if adding weights alters the center of percussion of the pendulum, this factor must be reflected in the high-range
calibration for the instrument.

NOTE 1: For additional information regarding differences between manual and automated instruments, see Section 13.3.

5.3 A means for holding the pendulum in a horizontal position with provision for instantaneous release.
5.4 A stationary anvil (base) and a separable aluminum platen (sample angle) that is a right angle in cross
section. The specimen sandwich, anvil and platen are held stationary on a sample stage and positioned so that the
pendulum strikes at the center of percussion of the platen when the center of oscillation (rotational axis) is at the outside
corner of the right angle of the platen. See Figure 2.

NOTE 2: The physical properties of aluminum vary with different alloys thus affecting the coefficient of restitution between the aluminum
angle piece and the steel sphere impact point on the pendulum. It is recommended to use only aluminum angle pieces supplied by
the manufacturer of the instrument and designated for use on that instrument. Do not mix aluminum plates between instruments.

5.4.1 Worn and blemished platens can produce measurement errors of 15% and greater.
5.5 A means of mechanically or electronically registering the peak angular swing of the pendulum after it is
released and after it swings beyond the vertical (plumb) position.
5.6 A means to convert a measurement of the peak angular swing of the pendulum to internal bond strength
and provide a visual display of this value. This non-linear calculation may be done with a mechanical scale and friction
pointer or electronically with a digital computer. The minimum range of the instrument should be 0 - 525 joules/m2 (0 –
250 × 10-3 ft-lb/in2).
5.7 An optional means to extend the range of the instrument. This may be done by changing the complete
pendulum, adding weights to the pendulum or reducing the surface area of the test specimen by a percentage not
exceeding 40%.
5.8 A specimen cutter for cutting specimens 25.4 mm (1.00 in.) wide with straight parallel sides within 0.1
mm (0.004 inches) and long enough for alignment in the specimen preparation station (see tolerances in Section 7.3).
5.9 A knife or multi-blade cutting apparatus for separating and trimming the five specimens to obtain edges
without overlaps. The appropriate blade width is determined by the spacing of the anvils in the specimen preparation
station and is specified by the apparatus manufacturer as either .025 or .038 cm (.010 or .015 in.).
5.10 Double-coated paper tape 25.4 ± 0.8 mm (1.00 ± 0.03 in.) wide with a release liner. The tape should
exhibit a minimum adhesion to stainless steel of 45 oz/in. width when tested per ASTM D 3330, and should have a
T 569 om-14 Internal bond strength (Scott type) / 4

nominal thickness of 0.15 mm (see cautionary warning in Section 5.6.1). The 3M™ 410M tape is an example of a tape
which complies with these specifications. However, other tapes complying with these specifications should work equally
well.
5.10.1 Although manufacturers quote a shelf life of one year for rubber based tapes, there can be a significant
loss of tack after 6 months. Tape should be kept cool and dry by storing in an air-conditioned atmosphere, preferably at
70°F and 50% relative humidity. Tapes with ridges and gaps that indicate a loosely wound roll will dry out rapidly and
exhibit low tack. It may be necessary to strip back and discard two to three meters of an older or loosely wound roll to
reach a layer of acceptable tape.
5.11 A solvent such as isopropyl alcohol for removing adhesive residue from the anvils and platens.

6. Calibration

6.1 For both mechanical and electronic instruments, it is important to mount the instrument on a rigid bench
or table and carefully level it by means of its adjustable feet. Leveling is most accurately done with a 7.5 cm or longer
machinist’s level rather than relying on the limited resolution provided by the small circular levels mounted on
commercial instruments. Level the instrument both side-to-side and front-to-rear using either the sample stage or the
calibration weight slide as a reference surface in accordance with the instrument manufacturer’s instructions.
6.2 Pendulums of multi-piece construction must be checked for structural integrity by gently attempting to
twist the assembly along its length, perpendicular to its rotational axis (axle). If the lower portion of the pendulum is even
slightly loose with respect to the main body, internal vibration losses can affect proper calibration and the entire
pendulum assembly should be replaced.
6.3 Latch, then release the pendulum to establish a free-swing calibration point in accordance with the
instrument manufacturer’s instructions. The angular difference between the “calibration” line and “zero”on the scale for
mechanical instruments or the specific “free swing number“ and “zero” on the scale for the electronic instruments
represents the energy required to accelerate a bare aluminum platen away from the pendulum. This energy factor is
thereby removed from the strength equation relating the pendulum’s peak angular position to the energy required to
rupture a sample.
6.4 For mechanical instruments, establishing a proper free swing by following manufacturer’s instructions,.
6.5 For electronic instruments, the readout for the plumb pendulum position should be adjusted in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. The free swing value should then be re-checked and re-adjusted if necessary.
6.6 Test the calibration test weights, if provided with the instrument, by impacting with the pendulum in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Acceptable tolerances for the test weight readings are defined by the
manufacturer. After impact, it is important to catch the flying test weights so that their surfaces are not damaged by
falling on some hard surface.

7. Sampling and test specimens

7.1 Obtain a sample in accordance with TAPPI T 400 “Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper,
Paperboard, Containerboard or Related Product.”
7.2 Precondition, then condition the sample in accordance with TAPPI T 402 “Standard Conditioning and
Testing Atmosphere for Paper, Board, Pulp Handsheets and Related Products” prior to cutting the specimens.
7.2.1 Exposure of the paper to a high relative humidity before preconditioning and conditioning can lead to
erratic results. Careful protection of the samples from the time of sampling until testing is therefore very important.
7.3 From each test unit of the sample, accurately cut separate machine-direction and cross-direction
specimens 25.4 ± 0.1 mm (1.00 ± 0.004 in.) wide and 140 mm (5.5 in.) long. For accurate alignment in some specimen
preparation stations, the specimens should be 178 mm (7.0 inches) long. Handle specimens by the extreme ends of the
strip only. Ensure that strips are free from abnormalities, creases, or wrinkles.

8. Procedure

8.1 Perform the test in the testing atmosphere specified in TAPPI T 402.
8.2 Verify the width and parallelism of the samples. Lack of parallelism is indicated by a difference in width
at the two ends of the specimen.
8.3 Calibrate and adjust the testing apparatus as described in Sections 6.1 through 6.6.
8.4 Adjust and verify that the specimen preparation station exerts a pressure of 690 ± 21 kPa (100 ± 3 psi) at
all positions and that semi-automatic types produce a clamp period of three seconds. The objective is to use the least
pressure at or above 100 psi to avoid tape-to-metal separation at either the anvil or the aluminum platen.
5 / Internal bond strength (Scott type) T 569 om-14

8.5 Load the tape dispenser with a roll meeting the requirements of Section 5.10.

NOTE 3: Do not use aged tape. See 5.10.1.

8.6 Lay the bottom steel anvils in their respective numbered positions on the preparation station with the
locating holes on the front dowels and the slots toward the rear. Ensure that both the anvils and the aluminum platens are
free of adhesive and fiber remnants from previous tests.
8.7 Pull out a strip of tape sufficient to extend across the anvils and beyond at least 2.5 cm. If wrinkles, dry
spots or a noticeable lack of adhesion are apparent, that section of tape should be discarded. Bring the tape down on the
anvils between the guide pins aligning the front edge carefully with the slot or ridge delineating the central, specimen
area of the anvils. Avoid overlaps at the rear or front of the specimen area. Avoid air bubbles under the tape by keeping
very slight tension on the tape during placement. Eliminate air entrapment and raised tape areas by tapping lightly with
the back of the knife.
8.8 Place the strip of paper to be tested in exact position on this first layer of tape, being careful to hold the
specimen by the ends only. Cut the tape and pull out a second strip of tape to extend between the guide pins, across the
paper specimen and beyond at least 25 mm. Place the second strip of tape exactly on top of the paper specimen. Avoid
overlapping the tape beyond the rear and front edges of the paper specimen to avert tape-to-tape bonding which can
invalidate test results by restricting the paper rupture. Cut the tape-paper-tape sandwich with a knife.
8.9 Install the strongback loaded with five aluminum platens (angles) oriented with their vertical surfaces
toward the front. The surface of each platen that contacts the tape must be flat, free of protrusions from nicks and have
square edges.
8.10 For mechanical sample presses, clamp the strongback in position with the knurled thumbscrews. Apply
pressure by pulling the cam lever forward for two to three seconds. Clamping too long or at too high a pressure will cause
adhesive to penetrate the specimen and invalidate the test results (see Section 9.3). Release pressure by returning the
handle to its top position.
8.11 The clamp pressure should be set to 690 ± 14 kPa (100 ± 2 psi). For pneumatic or hydraulic sample
presses, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to trigger the automatic press cycle.
8.12 Unlock and remove the strongback carefully, leaving the aluminum platens adhered to the specimen
sandwich. Separate each of the five specimens with a knife of appropriate blade thickness (see Section 5.9). Insert the
knife between successive pairs of platens and anvils to cut through the sandwich of tape-paper-tape. On the end samples,
trim the specimen carefully to avoid any overlaps or lips. Alternatively, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when
using multi-blade automatic cutting stations.
8.13 Swing the pendulum to the right until it latches. For mechanical instruments, swing the plastic pointer to
this position also, ensuring that it touches the latch pin on the pendulum. Place the specimen on the sample stage with the
slot of the anvil to the right and the vertical portion of the aluminum platen to the left. The anvil should be as far to the
left as the locating pin will allow. Secure the assembly in place with the knurled thumbscrew on mechanical instruments
or by activating the automatic clamp on electronic versions.
8.14 To make the test, release the pendulum, allowing it to rupture the sample. On mechanical instruments,
depress the latch sharply and fully so that the pin does not drag on the lower latch. On electronic instruments use the
index finger, not a thumb, to depress the drop switch and release the switch before the pendulum passes through the
vertical position during its swing. Relatch the pendulum on its return swing. Read the results, reset the pointer on
mechanical instruments, remove the first anvil from the sample stage, secure the next specimen assembly, etc.
8.15 For many grades there will be no statistically significant difference in machine direction versus cross
direction test results. In this case, use at least two test strips, one in each principle direction of the paper, to get a total of
ten measurements. If one or more test specimens are rejected, additional test strips in one or both directions may be
necessary. However, the direction of testing should be consistent and reported.
8.16 If the impact of direction is unknown, or if it is known that the direction of testing has an impact, collect a
total of ten measurements in each direction. In that case, note the direction of testing for each average reported.

9. Calculations and interpretations of observations

9.1 Obtain numerical results directly from the test apparatus, and no calculations are necessary.
9.2 Examine both top and bottom surfaces of the specimen ruptures. Delamination near the mid-plane of the
specimen, at any plane bounded completely by fibers, multi-ply ruptures, splits with pillowing of a second ply, or
delaminations with clumps of fiber tufts on upper and lower plies indicate acceptable tests. Conversely, partial
delaminations, an unsplit tongue torn from the specimen, evidence of tape-to-tape bonding or tape show-through of any
type disqualify the test. Tape-to-metal peeling at the leading edge of the rupture invalidates that test sample. Tape-to-
T 569 om-14 Internal bond strength (Scott type) / 6

metal peeling at the trailing edge of the rupture may not invalidate the test if the results are within one standard deviation
of other tests on the same paper.
9.3 At internal bond strength levels below 900 J/m2 (450 × 10-3 ft-lb./in.2), tape-to-metal peeling should not
occur if a) the tape is fresh and its tack is correct, b) the sample anvils and platens are flat and free of blemishes, and c)
the sample press components are properly aligned to generate uniform and flat surface-to-surface contact. A clamp
pressure of 690 kPa (100 psi) should be adequate for these tests. Above 900 J/m2 it may be necessary to increase the
clamp pressure to as much as 1035 kPa (150 psi). Do not increase the clamp pressure on low basis weight and low caliper
printing grades because of the possibility of adhesive penetration into the specimen with areas of tape-to-tape bonding.
Do not increase the clamp pressure on easily deformed specimens such as handsheets or linerboard. Excessive pressure
produces abnormal test values. Increases in clamp pressure may be effective when testing heavier basis weight materials
that are not easily crushed, such as core board and carrier.

10. Report

10.1 Report for each set of ten tests:

10.1.1 The average internal bond strength in J/m2 or (if desired) ft-lb × 10-3/in.2 to three significant digits.
10.1.2 The standard deviation in the above units to two significant digits, or alternatively, as a percentage.
10.1.3 The number of tests rejected and the reason for the rejection.
10.1.4 The type of tape used and the clamp pressure, and the type of instrument (mechanical or electronic).
10.1.5 The direction of the paper alignment in the test (if relevant.)
10.2 Report any deviations in the test procedure such as clamp periods other than two to three seconds or
clamp pressure other than 690 kPa (100 psi).
10.3 Report any anomalies in the ruptured surfaces as detailed in Section 9.2.
10.4 If the apparatus repeatedly fails to rupture specimens from a test strip, and means for increasing the
instrument’s range are not available, test results may be reported as “greater than (the upper range of the instrument in
J/m2 or ft-lb × 10-3/in.2).”

11. Precision

11.1 Within a single laboratory, using one operator and fresh tape as specified in Sections 5.10 and 8.5, the
percent repeatability is largely dependent upon the homogeneity of the material being tested. Table 1 illustrates the
results of 10 replications for 4 different paper and board specimens; refer to TAPPI T 1200 “Interlaboratory Evaluation of
Test Methods to Determine TAPPI Repeatability and Reproducibility” for complete definitions of the statistical terms.
11.2 Reproducibility (between laboratories) = 23.7% for electronic instruments, and 47.1% for mechanical
instruments. These values of precision are averages calculated in accordance with T 1200, from 16 reports of the
Collaborative Testing Services Paper and Paperboard Program, 2004-06, for coated and uncoated cover stock, and fine
paper.
11.3 During the preparation of the new ISO Standard 16260 “Paper and board – Determination of internal
bond strength by pendulum impact” a new precision statement was obtained. The round robin tests were conducted over
the months of June through September, 2012 using four grades of paperboard and a uniform source of double-sided
3MTM 410M tape. Each laboratory was instructed to run ten tests on each sample for both machine and cross-machine
directions for a total of 20 test results per sample. The precision calculations were made according to TAPPI T 1200
using the spreadsheet available from the TAPPI website. The results are as follows:

Sample A: Manila envelope stock, 108 g/m2, Pulp – virgin kraft.

Sample B: Linerboard, 205 g/m2, Pulp – virgin kraft
Sample C: Coated cylinder board, 384 g/m2, Pulp – recycled old newsprint
Sample D: Coated folding box board, 303 g/m2, Pulp – Solid bleached sulfate
7 / Internal bond strength (Scott type) T 569 om-14

Table 1. Each test strip consisted of five 2.54 × 2.54 cm (1.00 × 1.00 in.) samples.
Samples were pressed at 690 kPa (100 psi) for 3 seconds
Tape: 3M Tape 406

Internal Bond Strength in J/m2 (ft-lb × 10-3/in.2).

Virgin Coated Coated

Test Strip Cover linerboard cover book

1 183(87) 212 (101) 296 (141) 393 (187)

2 183 (87) 216 (103) 298 (142) 395 (188)
3 181 (86) 206 (96) 290 (138) 383 (187)
4 177 (84) 198 (94) 290 (138) 399 (190)
5 183 (87) 219 (104) 304 (145) 399 (190)
6 179 (85) 221 (105) 301 (143) 414 (197)
7 183 (87) 233 (111) 296 (141) 380 (181)
8 183 (87) 221 (105) 292 (139) 412 (196)
9 185 (88) 208 (99) 292 (139) 395 (188)
10 181 (86) 210 (100) 298 (142) 397 (189)

Average, x 182 (86.2) 214 (102) 296 (141) 397 (189)

STD, Se 4.2 (2.0) 14 (6.8) 9.0 (4.3) 19 (9.2)
STD, Sr 1.8 (0.87) 6.3 (3.0) 4.0 (1.9) 8.6 (4.1)
Repeatability, r 5.0 (2.4) 18 (8.4) 11 (5.3) 24 (11.4)
Repeatability, % 2.8% 8.3% 3.8% 6.0%

11.3.1 The conditions of the test are the same as this test method and the calculations were made according to
TAPPI T 1200 using the spreadsheet available from the TAPPI website.
11.3.2 The repeatability standard deviation reported in Table 2 is the “pooled” repeatability standard deviation;
that is, the standard deviation is calculated as the root-mean-square of the standard deviations of the participating
laboratories.
11.3.3 The repeatability and reproducibility limits reported are estimates of the maximum difference which
should be expected in 19 of 20 instances, when comparing two test results for material similar to those described under
similar test conditions. These estimates may not be valid for different materials or different test conditions. Repeatability
and reproducibility limits are calculated by multiplying the repeatability and reproducibility standard deviations by 2.77.
The reproducibility data is reported in Table 3.

Table 2. Estimation of the repeatability

Sample Number of Mean internal Repeatability Coefficient of Repeatability
laboratories bond strength standard variation limit
deviation CV,r r
sr
2
J/m J/m2 % J/m2
Sample A 9 552 63.2 31.7 175
Sample B 12 396 36.7 25.7 102
Sample C 12 161 17.7 30.6 49.3
Sample D 12 157 13.0 23.0 36.1
T 569 om-14 Internal bond strength (Scott type) / 8

Table 3. Estimation of the reproducibility

Sample Number of Mean internal Reproducibility Coefficient Reproducibility
laboratories bond strength standard of variation limit
deviation CV,R R
sR
2
J/m J/m2 % J/m2
Sample A 9 552 81,0 40,7 225
Sample B 12 396 48,2 33,8 134
Sample C 12 161 26,3 45,2 72,9
Sample D 12 157 24,2 42,8 67,2

11.4 Paper tends to exhibit increasing variance in strength characteristics as strength increases and caliper
decreases. For grades where the specimen thickness approaches 3 fiber diameters and internal bond strength levels
exceed 600 J/m2 (286 ft-lb × 10-3/in.2) the percent repeatability can exceed 10%. Also, high-caliper, multi-ply materials
formed with multiple headboxes tend to exhibit more variance in strength characteristics than single-ply specimens. For
multi-ply boards with considerable recycle content, the repeatability in percent can exceed 10%, even at internal bond
strength levels below 300 J/m2 (143 × 10-3 ft-lb/in.2).
11.5 The standard deviation and repeatability are improved by using the a) lowest instrument range that permits
consistent sample ruptures, b) unblemished and unworn anvils and platens, and c) a sharp knife to avoid smearing the
tape adhesive and tearing the specimens at the edges.

12. Keywords

Internal bond, Fiber bonding, Bonding strength, Z-direction, Tensile stress, Delamination, Blistering, Picking,
Impact, Tensile energy absorption (TEA).

13. Additional information

13.1 Effective date of issue: April 30, 2014.

13.2 Comparisons of test data from the mechanical Scott Internal Bond Tester with data from later electronic
versions pose two problems. First, the upper and lower ranges on earlier instruments that use removable weights to
increase the range of the pendulum do not agree. The weight additions shift the pendulum’s center of percussion, thereby
affecting both its range and internal vibrational losses. To correct this problem, later electronic instruments use an
extrapolated lower range scale when extending the range of the instrument. While correlations and agreement with low
range scale (without additional pendulum weights) data are straightforward, it is not possible to correlate electronic
instrument test results with data taken on a mechanical instrument that is in the high range configuration.
13.3 The standard deviations of tests run on groups of mechanical instruments versus electronic instruments
are different. Statistically, the averages of tests with widely different standard deviations cannot be expected to be equal.
Collaborative Testing data over a three year period indicates that the averages for tests made on electronic instruments
have lower standard deviations and fall within approximately 1.0 to 1.4 standard deviations of tests on mechanical
instruments.
13.4 Revision history.
13.4.1 This test method is a revision and expansion of TAPPI UM 403 and the subsequent TAPPI T 833 pm-94
“Test for Interfiber Bond Using the Internal Bond Tester” to provide more detailed requirements of the apparatus,
calibration, and test procedure, with further definition of the scope and limitations of the method. It eliminates references
to “shear,” “windage,” and “dual range pendulum” for technical reasons and recognizes the use of recent electronic
instrument designs with differing range extension techniques.
13.4.2 In 2007, reproducibility precision data was inserted into the method, and the method was upgraded to
Official Method status.
13.4.3 In 2008, language was added to section 8 clarifying how many tests in each direction comprise a valid
measurement, as well as when directionality needs to be considered in testing.
13.4.4 The 2014 revision includes a suggested newer version of the tape (3MTM 410M) as the older tape
(3MTM 410B) is no longer available. During the development of ISO 16260 “Paper and board – Determination of
internal bond strength by pendulum impact” the technical experts from Germany reported that the test results can be
9 / Internal bond strength (Scott type) T 569 om-14

significantly affected by the alloy of aluminum (or more precisely the coefficient of restitution of the aluminum) used for
the manufacture of the angle platens. Note 2 was added to suggest that only those platens bought with the instrument be
used with that instrument. A revised precision statement was added based on the new double sided tape (3MTM 410M).

References

1. Blockman, A.F. and Wikstrand, W.C., “Interfiber Bond Strength of Paper,” Tappi 41(3):191A (1958).
2. Reynolds, W.F., “New Aspects of Internal Bonding Strength of Paper,” Tappi 57(3):116 (1974).
3. Huygen Corporation, “Instruction Manual - Huygen Internal Bond Tester” (AV-2, 1978 - 1991), (AV-3, 1994 -),
Model 1314, 1992 -).
4. Testing Machines Inc., “Instruction Manual - Model 80-01-01 TMI Monitor/Internal Bond Test Station” and “I-
Bond Prep-Station Instruction Manual.”
5. Varlen Instruments, Inc., “Instructions for Installing and Using the Internal Bond Tester, Model B.”

Your comments and suggestions on this procedure are earnestly requested and should be sent to the TAPPI Standards
Department. 