FTM28 evaluation of bleeding through paper
scope procedure
This procedure describes the spectrometric assessment
of the migration of a label adhesive through the paper
substrate at elevated temperature.
test equipment
Ventilated ovens.
Paper cutter.
Substrate: Label paper, release liner as appropriate, and
polyester film.
Reflectance Spectrophotometer Example: Hunterlab
Ultrascan XE.
test pieces
These should be strips from representative samples of label
material. (e.g. of the 3 layers: label paper, adhesive and
release paper)
For each sample being evaluated, and for each temperature
at which the test will be done, prepare 3 strips of samples
of about 5 cm x 20 cm, cut in the machine coated direction.
Prepare following samples:
Sample A: label laminate
(face paper ± adhesive ±release paper)
Sample B: label laminate
Sample C: non coated face paper
test conditions
Sample A is kept as reference for further testing.
Sample B and C are exposed to accelerating aging at 60oC
during 2 weeks.
Samples B can be tested either :
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
• under light pressure from a carton board which will
ensure that the sample remains flat after test,
• or under a pressure of about 70 g/cm2 which would
simulate roll pressure during storage.
Sample C will be aged, and kept under light pressure under
a cardboard to ensure it will remain flat (see samples B).
Above time and temperature can be adjusted to fit special
requirements.
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Ageing:
• Place the strip (sample B) to be tested in oven, by
piling up the strips of samples on top of the other with
polyester films between the samples.
• Do the same for sample C.
• Take the samples out of the oven after 2 weeks ageing.
Allow to cool to room temperature.
Testing:
Differences between aged samples (B) and references
(A and C) can be observed either visually or measured with
a spectrophotometer.
1 - Visual comparison:
The aged samples are compared to reference A, to detect
any bleed through.
The samples are either ranked on bleed through
characteristics or on their non acceptance if any bleeding
occurs.
2 - Use of a spectrophotometer
Reference sample:
• Place the center of sample A or C at the reflectance
port, with the label paper facing the transmittance port.
• Set the spectrophotometer as follows:
• Scale: CIELAB
• Illuminant: C
• Observer: 2°
• Area view: Large
• Selected Indices: WI E313-98
• Measure whiteness index (according to ASTM E 313) in
the middle of each of the three samples which have
been prepared.
Aged samples:
Measure whiteness index (according to ASTM E 313) in
the middle of each of the three samples which have been
prepared.
results
Calculate the average for each set of 3 readouts.

Average whiteness index of the aged coated samples B = WI(B)

Average whiteness index of reference sample A = WI(A)
Average whiteness index of reference sample C = WI(C)

The bleed through resistance BTR (%) is measured as:

The smaller the drop, the lower the degree of bleed

through and the better the quality of the label.

notes
Detailed information on how to use the Hunterlab
Ultrascan XE spectrophotometer are provided in the
Hunterlab operating manual.

The following internet site:

http://www.hunterlab.com/manuals/appendixa2_5.pdf

is providing explanations on the various color scales, color

difference scales, indices, and procedures available for
display in the data views of Universal Software used by the
Hunterlab equipment.
Universal Software performs integration of reflectance/
transmittance values over the visible spectrum to arrive at
tristimulus X, Y, and Z values. The ASTM 308 is providing
more information on how to calculate the tristimulus
values.

Issued March 2012

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

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