ASTM F88/F88M-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F88/F88M-23 — Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials. This test method specifies procedures to measure the strength of seals in flexible barrier materials by applying a controlled peel/separation force to a specimen and reporting average and maximum seal strength per unit width, plus the observed mode of failure. The method is used to evaluate seal integrity, process capability, and user opening force considerations for seals between flexible materials and between flexible and rigid or semi-rigid materials.

Abstract

ASTM F88/F88M-23 describes a quantitative peel/separation test for seals in flexible barrier packaging. The method defines specimen preparation, test fixtures and three common support techniques, test speeds, and calculations for average and maximum seal strength (expressed per unit width). It clarifies units (SI and inch-pound systems used independently), addresses reporting of failure modes, and provides guidance for consistent test execution and result interpretation to support process validation and quality control.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: 2023 (current designation F88/F88M‑23; current edition approved in 2023)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 55.040 — Packaging materials and accessories (Primary barrier packaging / packaging physical properties)
• Edition / version: F88/F88M‑23 (2023 edition)
• Number of pages: 20

Scope

This test method covers measurement of the strength of seals in flexible barrier materials. It applies to seals between two flexible materials or between a flexible material and a rigid or semi‑rigid material. The method measures the force required to separate a test strip containing the seal and identifies the specimen failure mode. It is intended for use with specimens from any source (laboratory or commercial) and is not intended to simulate user interaction with an entire packaged product; separate test methods cover some packaged‑product scenarios.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of average seal strength (average force per unit width) and maximum seal strength (peak force per unit width).
• Specimen preparation and dimensions, and guidance on sampling from seals or packages.
• Three recommended support/fixturing techniques (commonly referenced as Technique A — unsupported, Technique B — supported 90°, and Technique C — supported 180°) to control bending contributions to measured force.
• Test machine requirements and typical test rates (commonly 200–300 mm/min or approximately 8–12 in/min) and data collection practices for force vs. extension.
• Calculation conventions (e.g., reporting based on data within a defined portion of the curve, handling of end effects, units treated independently for SI and inch‑pound systems).
• Identification and reporting of failure modes (adhesive failure, cohesive failure, substrate tear, delamination, etc.).
• Requirement to document fixtures, technique, orientation of materials in grips, and any special fixturing because these affect results and comparability.
• References and normative cross‑references to related ASTM procedures and guides for tensile properties, conditioning, validation, and terminology.

Typical use and users

Used by packaging engineers, material scientists, quality assurance and process control teams, R&D groups, contract testing laboratories, and regulatory or compliance personnel. Common applications include validation and monitoring of sealing processes, specification verification for barrier pouches and lidding seals, vendor qualification, incoming inspection of films and laminate seals, and failure analysis when seal defects or package integrity issues occur.

Related standards

Standards and practices typically referenced alongside F88/F88M include: ASTM D882 (tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting), ASTM E171 (conditioning and testing of flexible barrier packaging), ASTM E177 (use of the terms precision and bias), ASTM E691 (interlaboratory precision studies), ASTM F904 (separation of plies for bond strength of laminated flexible materials), ASTM F2824 (mechanical seal strength testing for round cups and peelable lids), and Guide F3263 (packaging test method validation). Terminology standards for plastics and packaging are also commonly used for consistency.

Keywords

seal strength, peel test, flexible barrier materials, average seal strength, maximum seal strength, peel rate, specimen fixturing, Technique A, Technique B, Technique C, packaging, barrier films, seal integrity, test method validation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F88/F88M‑23 is a standardized test method that specifies how to measure the peel/separation strength of seals in flexible barrier packaging materials and how to report average and maximum seal strength and failure modes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, test fixtures and support techniques, test machine settings and data collection, calculation of average and maximum seal strength per unit width, and reporting of failure modes for seals between flexible materials and between flexible and rigid or semi‑rigid materials.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging and materials engineers, QA/QC teams, contract test labs, and R&D groups use the method for process validation, incoming inspection, specification compliance, and troubleshooting of seal performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation F88/F88M‑23 indicates the 2023 edition (current as of the 2023 release). Users should confirm they have the latest edition or any interim revisions from ASTM International before relying on the method for compliance or regulatory submissions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to ASTM Committee F02 on Primary Barrier Packaging and is commonly used with other F02 and cross‑committee standards (for example, D882, E171, F2824 and F904) and with Guide F3263 for test method validation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Seal strength, peel test, flexible barrier, average seal strength, maximum seal strength, packaging, barrier films, seal integrity, test fixtures, technique A/B/C.