An American National Standard

Designation: D 774/D 774M – 97 ( Reapproved 2002)

Standard Test Method for

Bursting Strength of Paper1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 774/D 774M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope TAPPI T 403 Bursting strength of paper4

1.1 This test method covers measurements of the bursting 3. Terminology
strength of paper and paper products occurring as single or
laminated flat sheets not over 0.6 mm [0.025 in.] in thickness 3.1 Definitions: Definitions shall be in accordance with
having a bursting strength of 30 kPa up to 1400 kPa [4 psi up Terminology D 1968 and the Dictionary of Paper.4
to 200 psi]. 4. Significance and Use
1.2 This test method is not intended for use in testing
corrugated boxboard, liner board, or hardboards that tend to cut 4.1 Bursting strength is widely used as a measure of the
the thin rubber diaphragm. resistance to rupture in many kinds of paper. The test is
relatively easy and inexpensive to make and appears to
NOTE 1—Similar procedures for making bursting strength measure- simulate some use requirements.
ments are found in ISO 2758 and TAPPI 403.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or in other units shall 5. Apparatus
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each 5.1 Bursting Tester, having the following features and
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system auxiliary equipment:
must be used independently of the other, without combining 5.1.1 Clamp, for firmly and uniformly securing the test
values in any way. specimen without slippage during the test (recommended
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the clamping load 2700 N [600 lb]) between two annular, plane,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the parallel, and preferably stainless steel surfaces.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5.1.1.1 The upper clamping surface (the clamping ring) has
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- a circular opening 30.50 6 0.05 mm [1.200 6 0.002 in.] in
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. diameter. The surface which is in contact with the paper during
testing has a continuous, spiral, 60° V-groove, at least 0.25 mm
2. Referenced Documents [0.010 in.] deep and of 0.8 mm [1⁄32 in.] pitch, the groove
2.1 ASTM Standards: starting at 3.2 mm [1⁄8in.] from the edge of the opening. The
D 585 Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of circular edge of the opening that is in contact with the paper
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, or Related Products2 during testing is relieved of sharpness with a very fine abrasive
D 646 Test Method for Grammage of Paper and Paperboard cloth (such as crocus cloth) but not rounded off enough to alter
(Weight per Unit Area)2 the diameter of the opening.
D 685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products 5.1.1.2 The lower clamping surface (the diaphragm plate)
for Testing2 has an opening 33.1 6 0.1 mm [1.302 6 0.003 in.] in diameter.
D 1968 Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products2 Its surface has a series of concentric 60° V-grooves 0.30 mm
2.2 ISO Standard: [0.012 in.] deep, 0.8 mm [1⁄32in.] apart, the center of the first
ISO 2758 Paper—Determination of bursting strength3 groove being 3.2 mm [1⁄8in.] from the edge of the opening. The
2.3 TAPPI Standard: thickness of the plate at the opening is 0.66 mm [0.026 in.].
The lower edge which is in contact with the rubber diaphragm
is rounded to an arc of 6.4 mm [0.25 in.] radius to prevent
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D06 on Paper cutting of the diaphragm when pressure is applied.
and Paper Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D06.92 on Test 5.1.1.3 The clamping ring is connected to a clamping
Methods. mechanism through a swivel-type joint or other means to
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1997. Published November 1998. Originally
approved in 1944. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as D 774 – 96a.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
3 4
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th Available from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry,
Floor, New York, NY 10036. Technology Park/Atlanta P.O. Box 105113, Atlanta, GA 30348.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 774/D 774M – 97 ( Reapproved 2002)
TABLE 1 Gage Characteristics
Range of bursting pressure Range of gage Scale graduation intervals Expansibility of gage
kPa psi kPa psi kPa psi mL/kPa mL/psi
28–77 4–11 0–105 0–15 0.7 0.1
56–161 8–23 0–210 0–30 1.5 0.2 0.080 0.011
105–135 15–45 0–420 0–60 3.5 0.5 0.050 0.007
210–630 30–90 0–840 0–120 3.5 0.5 0.030 0.004
525–1575 75–225 0–2100 0–300 14.0 2.0 0.007 0.001

ensure an even clamping pressure. During tests, the circular of distension of the specimen by an amount depending upon its expansi-
edges of the openings in the two clamping plates are required bility. When a number of gages are mounted on a single apparatus, care
to be concentric to within 0.25 mm [0.01 in.]. must be taken that only the gage on which the measurement is being made
is open to the hydraulic system; otherwise an erroneously low burst
NOTE 2—Because the clamping mechanism and clamping surfaces are pressure will be recorded.
subject to considerable wear or distortion, they should be examined
5.1.4.3 To avoid overloading and possible damage to the
periodically and repaired or replaced when necessary.
gage, a preliminary bursting test should be made with a
5.1.2 Circular Diaphragm, of pure gum rubber, 0.85 6 0.05 high-capacity gage.
mm [0.034 6 0.002 in.] thick. This is clamped between the 5.1.5 As an alternative, a pressure transducer which con-
lower clamping plate and the rest of the apparatus, so that nects to the tester in the same manner as the gage along with
before the diaphragm is stretched by pressure underneath, the its necessary signal processing circuitry may be used. This
center of its upper surface is below the plane of the clamping transducer displays the results in a digital form, and in addition,
surface. The pressure required to raise the free surface of the may provide an output for communication with various data
diaphragm 9 mm [3⁄8in.] above the top surface of the diaphragm processing devices (and can be substituted for the pressure
plate is required to be 306 5 kPa [4.3 6 0.8 psi]. In testing, a gage in 5.1.4).
bridge gage may be used, the test being carried out with the 5.1.5.1 Typical transducer ranges are shown in Table 2.
clamping ring removed. The diaphragm should be inspected 5.1.5.2 To avoid overloading and possibly damaging the
frequently for permanent distortion and, if distorted, replaced. transducer, a preliminary bursting test should be made with a
5.1.3 Means of applying controlled, increasing, hydrostatic high-capacity transducer.
pressure by a fluid, at the rate of 95 6 5 mL/min to the
underside of the diaphragm until the specimen bursts. The 6. Sampling
recommended fluid is USP (96 %) glycerin. Purified ethylene 6.1 Obtain the sample for testing in accordance with Prac-
glycol (the permanent types of radiator antifreeze with addi- tice D 585.
tives are not satisfactory) may be substituted if desired.
7. Test Specimens
NOTE 3—The hydraulic system, including the gages or transducers,
must be mounted so as to be free from externally induced vibration. 7.1 Not less than 20 specimens, each at least 64 by 64 mm
NOTE 4—Because the bursting resistance of paper increases with (2.5 by 2.5 in.), shall be obtained from each test unit of the
increased rate of loading, the rate of strain must be maintained effectively sample, so as to be representative of the test unit.
constant to obtain reproducible results. Any air present in the hydraulic
system of the tester will lower the rate of distortion of the specimen and 8. Calibration and Maintenance
must be substantially removed. Air is most commonly trapped under the 8.1 Calibrate the pressure-indicating device by means of a
rubber diaphragm and in the tubes of the gages. A simple method of dead-weight tester of the piston type. If the device is a
testing for the presence of excessive quantities of air is given in 8.3.
Bourdon-type gage, it must be calibrated while inclined at the
5.1.4 Pressure Gage— A maximum-reading pressure gage same angle at which it is to be used. Preferably, calibrate with
of the bourdon type, of appropriate capacity and with a the gage in its normal position. For an instrument error of less
graduated circular scale 95 mm [33⁄4 in.] or more in diameter. than 3 %, calibrate the pressure-indicating device in such a
5.1.4.1 The choice and characteristics of the gage are given manner that known pressures are applied dynamically at
in Table 1. The 0 to 840 kPa [0 to 120 psi] range gage may be approximately the same rate as in testing of paper. Maximum
used for any test within its capacity, if so noted in the report. reading pressure devices are subject to dynamic errors as well
5.1.4.2 The expansibility of a gage is in the volume of liquid as ordinary static calibration errors. A suitable method of
entering the gage tube per unit increase in pressure when air is dynamic calibration for greater precision is described in Tuck
absent. It can be determined most conveniently by means of a et al. (2).
dilatometer device described by Tuck and Mason (1)5. The 8.1.1 Calibrate gages in frequent use at least once a month.
gage expansibility must be within 15 % of the specified value. If a gage is accidentally used beyond its capacity, recalibrate
NOTE 5—An appreciable flow of liquid into the gage occurs from the before it is used again.
start of the test to the instant of burst. A gage, therefore, reduces the rate 8.2 Calibration of Transducer/Readout System—Calibrate
the transducer can be calibrated on the same device as is used
to calibrate gages.
5
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of 8.2.1 Calibrate transducers in frequent use should be cali-
this test method. brated at least once a month.

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 D 774/D 774M – 97 ( Reapproved 2002)
TABLE 2 Transducer/Digital Readout Characteristics unclamped margin of the specimen. If slippage is indicated,
Range of bursting pressure Range of transducer Accuracy discard the test and increase the clamping pressure for subse-
kPa psi kPa psi kPa psi quent tests.
5–300 2–50 0–300 0–50 1.0 0.25 10.3 Make at least ten acceptable tests, applying an equal
5–500 2–100 0–500 0–100 2.5 0.5 number to each side of the paper. Make no tests on areas
10–1000 2–200 0–1000 0–200 5.0 1.0 containing watermarks, creases, imperfections, or visible dam-
30–3000 5–500 0–3000 0–500 15.0 2.5
age.
10.4 After each test, return the measuring device to zero.
For the gage unit, this involves gently returning the indicator
8.3 Check for air in system. Any time that maintenance is needle to the zero point.
carried out on the apparatus that could allow air to enter the
hydraulic system, take steps to ensure that all of the air has 11. Calculation
been removed. 11.1 Calculate bursting strength as the arithmetic mean of
8.3.1 To determine if there is air in the system, first apply the test results (corrected for any gage error) on each sample.
pressure as described in 5.1.2 to raise the diaphragm 9 mm (3⁄8 11.2 To convert burst in psi (or points) to burst in kPa, use
in.) above the top of the diaphragm plate and hold for 1 min. the following conversion: burst (psi) 3 6.8948 = burst (kPa).
Any air trapped between the diaphragm and the fluid will show 11.3 The following additional calculations are sometimes
up as a white spot under the surface of the diaphragm. If this requested on burst test data. Determine grammage (basis
occurs, reinstall the diaphragm. weight) as described in Test Method D 646.
8.3.2 Observe the pressure developed. Pressures less than burst, kPa
the following indicate the presence of excessive quantities of Burst index 5
grammage, g/m 2
air in the system (or erroneous gage expansibilities in an
instrument equipped with a gage). burst, g/cm 2
Burst factor 5
Gage Range Pressure Developed, kPa [psi] grammage, g/m 2 ~usually oven dry!
0 to 30 83 [12] burst, psi
0 to 60 138 [20] Burst ratio 5 basis weight, lb/ream
0 to 120 241 [35]
0 to 300 621 [90]
Burst ratio is sometimes called “points per pound.”
8.3.3 A gradual loss in the pressure obtained indicates a leak 11.4 The mathematical relationship between burst factor
in the system; correct this. and burst index (see 11.3) is as follows:
8.3.4 After changing the diaphragm, if it is necessary to
purge air from the rest of the hydraulic system, clamp a piece
of sheet metal over the diaphragm so that it cannot distend.
Burst factor S D
g/cm 2
g/m 2
3 9.8067 3 10 22 5 Burst index S D kPa
g/m 2

Remove the cap from the bleeder valve adjacent to the gage or
12. Report
transducer. By means of a special device for forcing hydraulic
fluid into the system or by manually operating the hydraulic 12.1 Report the following information:
system, force the hydraulic fluid through the system until it 12.1.1 Bursting strength in kilopascals (or pounds per
emerges from the bleeder valve with an even flow and no square inch) as the arithmetical mean, corrected for any gage
evidence of free air bubbles are observed. Replace the cap on error, to three significant figures.
the bleeder valve before the fluid stops flowing. Remove sheet 12.1.1.1 Upon agreement of parties involved in the testing,
metal from clamping device and check diaphragm height, results may be reported with units of “points.” See 3.1.2.
adjusting if necessary. 12.1.2 Number of tests made.
12.1.3 Maximum and minimum values of acceptable re-
9. Conditioning sults.
9.1 Condition the sample in accordance with Practice 12.1.4 Type of instrument used, including whether equipped
D 685, and make all tests in the same standard atmosphere. with a gage or pressure transducer.

10. Procedure 13. Precision and Bias

10.1 Unless the approximate strength of the paper under 13.1 Precision:
testing is known, make a preliminary test to determine the 13.1.1 Repeatability (within a laboratory) = 5.4 %.
required capacity of the measuring device (gage or transducer) 13.1.2 Comparability (between materials) = 9.5 %.
being used. See Table 1 and Table 2. To avoid overload and 13.1.3 Reproducibility (between laboratories) = 14.3 %.
possible damage to a measuring device, begin the preliminary 13.1.4 These values are based on data obtained in an
bursting tests with a high-capacity gage. See 5.1. interlaboratory study (3) among 50 laboratories, on 34 mate-
10.2 Clamp the specimen securely in position, apply the rials using Perkins Model C instruments.
hydrostatic pressure as specified in 5.1.3 until the specimen 13.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
ruptures, and record the maximum registered by the pressure because the value of bursting strength is defined only in terms
gage. Watch carefully for any movement (buckling) of the of the test method.

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 D 774/D 774M – 97 ( Reapproved 2002)
14. Keywords
14.1 bursting strength; Mullen test; paper; paper products

REFERENCES

(1) Tuck, N. G. M., and Mason, S. G., “Some Factors Influencing the (3) Randall, E. B., Jr., and Lashof, T. W., “An Interlaboratory Study of the
Accuracy of Mullen Testers,” Pulp Paper Magazine Canada 50 (11): Measurement of the Bursting Strength of Paper,” Tappi 53 (5): 799
132 (1949). (1970).
(2) Tuck, N. G. M., Faichney, L. M., and Mason, S. G., “The Dynamic
Calibration of Maximum-Reading Pressure Gages,” Pulp Paper
Magazine Canada 54 (5): 102 (1953).

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