Standard Test Method for Comparison of Bond Strength or Ply Adhesion of Similar Laminates Made from Flexible Materials

Laminates are made by bonding together two or more layers of material or materials. Their performance is often dependent on the ability of the laminate to function as a single unit. If the plies have not been properly bonded together, the performance may be adversely affected. Laminates may maintain adequate bond strength under standard test conditions, but under conditions of use may exhibit an increase or decrease in bond strength. Applying heat, such as in boilable pouch applications, may adversely affect bond strength, as may cold temperatures, such as those encountered in freezer storage of foods. Fats and oils may also influence bond strength as well as the softness or moduli of the plies. This test method can be used to compare bond strength of similar materials and to study changes under these and other conditions of end use, providing caution is used with respect to the effects of the included force to bend the separated plies.