ISO 16260-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 16260:2016 — Paper and board — Determination of internal bond strength. This International Standard specifies a laboratory method using a defined pendulum impact to measure the energy required to rapidly delaminate (rupture in the Z‑direction) a test piece of paper or board; it is applicable to single‑ and multi‑ply papers and boards, including coated sheets and laminates, and uses double‑sided adhesive tape to initiate and transmit the delamination force.

Abstract

ISO 16260:2016 describes a procedure in which rupture of a test piece in the thickness (Z) direction is initiated by a pendulum with defined mass and velocity; the measured energy is used to determine internal bond strength. The method is particularly intended for papers and boards that may experience rapid Z‑direction impacts during printing or converting. The standard also notes limitations where compression damage or adhesive migration may make the test unsuitable.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (revised and replaced by a 2025 version).
• Publication date: 2016-06 (Edition 1, published May/June 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 85.060 (Paper and board).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 15 pages.

Scope

Defines a test method to determine the internal bond (cohesive strength through the thickness) of paper and board by measuring the energy required to produce a rapid delamination in the Z‑direction using a pendulum impact. The scope covers single‑ and multi‑ply materials, coated and laminated products, and is aimed at materials subject to shock, impact or impulse loads in the thickness direction. It also highlights material types and conditions for which the method may be inappropriate (e.g., easily compressed or highly porous substrates that allow adhesive migration).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of test specimen preparation and conditioning (sample size, orientation, environmental conditioning).
• Apparatus requirements: specified pendulum mass and velocity, clamps and fixture geometry for inducing Z‑direction rupture.
• Use of double‑sided adhesive tape applied under pressure to both faces of the test piece to transmit the delamination force.
• Test procedure for initiating and recording rapid delamination and calculation of internal bond energy/strength from measured pendulum energy loss.
• Reporting requirements: test conditions, specimen description, test results and any deviations or observed limitations.
• Limitations and suitability notes (unsuitable for compressible or highly porous materials where tape adhesion or compression alters results).

Typical use and users

Used by paper and board manufacturers, quality control laboratories, converters (printing and packaging), materials testing laboratories, and R&D groups to assess Z‑direction strength and resistance to delamination under impact or shock. Typical purposes include quality acceptance, material comparison, process control and product development for papers and boards intended for printing, packaging and laminating applications.

Related standards

Standards and test methods addressing paper and board mechanical properties and related tests (e.g., internal bond, tear, tensile and compression tests) are commonly referenced alongside ISO 16260; ISO/TC 6 technical committee documents and national equivalents or adoptions (for example, related EN or national methods) may be relevant. The 2016 edition has been revised and a newer ISO 16260 edition (2025) is published as the replacement.

Keywords

internal bond, Z‑direction, delamination, paper testing, board testing, pendulum impact, adhesive tape, cohesion, mechanical properties, ISO 16260.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16260:2016 is an ISO test method titled "Paper and board — Determination of internal bond strength" that specifies a pendulum impact procedure to measure the energy required to rapidly delaminate a paper or board specimen in the thickness (Z) direction.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, apparatus (pendulum impact device), test procedure using double‑sided adhesive tape, calculation of internal bond energy/strength and reporting; it is intended for single‑ and multi‑ply papers and boards, coated sheets and laminates, and notes limitations for compressible or porous materials.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Paper and board manufacturers, converters (printers and packagers), independent testing laboratories, and R&D and quality assurance teams working with substrates where Z‑direction resistance to impact or delamination is important.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition is withdrawn and has been revised; ISO shows it as withdrawn and replaced by ISO 16260:2025 (new version available). Users should consult the 2025 edition for the current method and any substantive changes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ISO standards for paper and board (work of ISO/TC 6 and its subcommittees). While not designated as a multi‑part series by number, it is used together with other ISO and national test methods that assess paper and board mechanical properties.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: internal bond, Z‑direction, delamination, pendulum impact, paper testing, board testing, cohesion, adhesive tape.