ISO 3038:1975

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.