scope:

This test method² covers the determination of the average force to propagate tearing through a specified length of plastic film or nonrigid sheeting after the tear has been started, using an Elmendorf-type tearing tester. Two specimens are cited, a rectangular type, and one with a constant radius testing length. The latter shall be the preferred or referee specimen.

Because of (1) difficulties in selecting uniformly identical specimens, (2) the varying degree of orientation in some plastic films, and (3) the difficulty found in testing highly extensible or highly oriented materials, or both, the reproducibility of the test results may be variable and, in some cases, not good or misleading. Provisions are made in the test method to address oblique directional tearing which may be found with some materials.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in brackets are for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 13.1.

NOTE 1-This standard and ISO 6383-2 are technically equivalent.

* A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

² This test method has been adapted from TAPPI Standard Method T 414M-49, Internal Tearing Resistance of Paper. In testing certain plastic films, problems of reproducibility and interpretation of results are encountered which require special treatment to make the test method of most value. This test method is revised here specifically for use with plastic film and thin sheeting. For more complete explanation of certain aspects of the equipment, its calibration and adjustment, refer to TAPPI Standard Method T 414M-49.

The following additional references may be of interest in connection with this test method:

Painter, E. V., Chu, C. C., and Morgan, H. M., "Testing Textiles on the Elmendorf Tear Tester," Textile Research Journal, Vol XX, No. 6, June 1950, pp. 410-417.

Elmendorf, A., "Strength Test for Paper," Paper, Vol 26, April 21, 1920, p. 302.