Validation of Elmendorf Method for Testing Perforated Corrugated Cardboard

Abstract

The Elmendorf method is a well-known test that provides valuable insight into the durability and lifespan characteristics of the observed material, i.e., paper or paperboard. The objective of this paper is to determine if it is possible to apply the Elmendorf test to perforated corrugated cardboard to measure tear resistance. An Instron tensile tester was used to obtain input data for a range of properties of perforated corrugated board and to validate the non-standard test technique. Correlation analysis was used to statistically verify and quantify the relationship between the results obtained by the two aforementioned methods. Specimens were cut from four different qualities of three-layer E-flute corrugated cardboards at five defined angles affected by five types of perforations. First, the graphical difference in Least Square mean values was analysed and the results were confirmed by correlation analysis. No significant difference in results between the two observed methods was determined, and the relationship was mostly interpreted as a high positive correlation. Therefore, the results obtained by the Elmendorf method can be used for a better understanding of the mechanical properties of perforated corrugated cardboard.

Keywords

• corrugated cardboard
• perforation
• tear resistant
• tensile strength