Cobb Testing on Cardboard and Paper Packages

Paper and cardboard packaging materials have a tendency to absorb water. In case of leakage from products carried in paper or cardboard packaging, the packaging may be damaged. The tendency of a paper and cardboard package to absorb water determines its durability. For this reason, water absorption and holding capacity should be checked.

Cobb Value is determined to determine the water absorption capacity of paper and cardboard packaging. The Cobb Test is performed on paper packaging material with a thickness of 0.1 mm and without bubbles.

For the Cobb Sizing Testing, the sample is cut to the size of the steel platform of the device and the sample is compressed. A certain amount of water is poured into the device according to the sample and it is kept for 120 to 300 seconds depending on the paper type. At the end of the time, the sample is compressed with a cylinder to remove excess water and the sample is weighed.

Cobb Value = Weight of sample after test – Weight of sample before testing

If the water absorption capacity of paper and cardboard packages is low, the packaging and product will be damaged in case of liquid products being transported and leakage. For this reason, the Cobb Testing is one of the tests performed on paper and cardboard packaging products to determine the quality of the packaging.

Contact Nanolab Packaging Analysis Laboratory for Cobb Testing.