Overview
ISO 3038:1975 specifies an immersion test method to determine the water resistance of glue bonds in corrugated fibreboard. The procedure measures how long a set of adhesive lines remain intact when a prepared specimen is submerged, making this standard relevant where high wet-strength performance of corrugated board is required. Sampling is carried out in accordance with ISO/R 186.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Applicable to all types of corrugated fibreboard and especially boards requiring high resistance to wet conditions.
- Sampling: Take enough material to cut at least five specimens (minimum size cited: 100 mm × 150 mm); corrugations should be perpendicular to the long side of the specimen.
- Specimen conditioning: Boards should generally be allowed to age (about 3 days) so glue properties stabilize.
- Immersion medium and conditions: Use distilled water at 20 ± 3 °C; specimens are immersed so the test zone remains 25 mm below the water surface and air bubbles are avoided.
- Load and attachments: A total mass of 250 ± 1 g (typically copper weight or equivalent) is attached to each specimen; lower edges are reinforced with adhesive tape and eyelets as specified.
- Observation and end-point: Monitor specimens at least every 24 hours (or more frequently if required). The test end-point is the complete separation of the five adhesive lines under test, indicated by the fall of the mass (automatic recording is permitted).
- Result expression and reporting: Water resistance is expressed as the time in hours to rupture. The test report must include test reference, date/place, product identification, number of specimens, number of ruptures and observation intervals, and notes on whether fibres or tape remain after rupture.
Practical applications
- Quality control for corrugated board manufacturers to verify adhesive performance in wet conditions.
- Incoming inspection by converters and packers specifying boards for moisture-prone shipments (food, beverages, chemicals, outdoor storage).
- Laboratory testing to compare adhesive formulations and bonding processes.
- Procurement specifications and compliance testing for packaging suppliers and brand owners requiring documented wet-strength data.
Who uses this standard
- Packaging engineers and material scientists
- Corrugated board manufacturers and converters
- Independent test laboratories and quality assurance teams
- Procurement and regulatory personnel managing packaging performance requirements
Related standards
- ISO/R 186 - Sampling method for papers and boards (referenced for specimen selection and sampling procedures)
- ISO/TC 6 - the technical committee responsible for papers, board and pulps (for broader corrugated board standards and guidance)
Keywords: ISO 3038:1975, corrugated fibreboard, water resistance, glue bond, immersion test, packaging testing, adhesive strength, quality control.