Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Bhupendra Singh

„ Testing of Rigid Containers

„ Testing can be divided in to two parts :

• Quality Control : Testing of incoming raw materials

• Quality Assurance : Testing of finished products

„ Plastics testing can be divided into testing of plastic raw materials (generally
granules) & testing of finished products after moulding.

Testing procedures for Laboratory

„ Quality Control on plastic raw materials

− Melt Flow Index

− Notched Izod Impact
− Flexural Modulus

„ Quality Assurance of finished product

− Stacking Test
− Test for drop impact strength
− Test for closure effectiveness
− ESCR tests
− Vibration tests
− Storage tests
− Test for ink adhesion of printed container
− Test for product resistance of printed containers
− Other tests as per requirement

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 1:

Test Method for Measuring Melt Flow Index (MFI) / Melt Flow Rate (MFR):

„ Purpose
− It measures the flow of a molten polymer through an extrusion plastometer
under specific temperature and load conditions
− Used for differentiating various grades of plastic material.
− It is a quantitative technique for the Quality Control of Incoming Raw
Material.
„ Reference
− IS: 7328: 1992; ASTM D 1238
„ Method
− An extrusion plastometer consists of a vertical cylinder with a small
(0.0825 - inch diameter) orifice at the bottom and removable piston on top.
A charge of granules is placed in the cylinder and preheated for several
minutes. The piston is placed on top of the molten polymer and its weight
forces the polymer though the orifice to a collecting plate. The amount of
polymer collected after a specific interval is weighed and normalized to
the number of grams that would have been extruded in 10 minutes at 2.16
Kg weight and at 190° C.
„ Report
− The result is stated as MFI / (MFR) of a material in gm/10min at 2.16 Kg
weight and at 190° C.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 2:

Test Method for Measuring Stack Load Stability

„ Purpose
− To observe buckling of containers under constant load or when stacked
during transportation.
− The stack load test is used to determine the ability of a package to hold
pressure for an extended time period.
− Transport worthiness viz: ability to withstand compression loads occurring
during warehousing and transportation
„ Reference
− IS 10840, IS 6312: 1994, IS 2798: 1998
„ Method
− 4 containers shall be used for test. Fill containers with water to normal
capacity and close it with the closure. A force is applied to the top face of
the container equivalent in magnitude to the total weight of identical
packages stacked on top to a minimum stack height of 3 m for 24 hours
duration. The top load should be uniformly distributed on the containers.
„ Report
− Look for permanent deformation and damages on the packages, if not it
passes the test.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 3:

Test Method for Measuring Drop Impact Stability

„ Purpose
− To ascertain the bottles / containers manufactured pass drop impact as
some of them may carry chemicals which in contact may be hazardous.
− This test is a qualitative as well quantitative technique for the Quality
Assurance of the outgoing Plastic Blow Molded Container as finished
good.
− Transport worthiness viz: ability to withstand drops occurring during
loading /unloading.
− Significance: to check overall performance against handling and
distribution.
„ Reference
− IS 7408- 2000; IS 6312-1980; IS 6312 - 1980
„ Method
− Select 6 containers divide 2 sets of 3 each. Fill each container to its
nominal capacity with water. First set of containers shall be dropped on
the base from a height of 1.2 mtrs. Second set shall be dropped on the side
or on any external feature such as handles. Examine containers for signs
of rupture or leakage.
„ Report
− If containers failing in the first drop and on the same position on
subsequent containers, then the same has to be reported.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 3 contd . . .

DROP IMPACT TEST (IS-6312)

Drop sequence Details

1st diagonally on closure one drop on each container from

2nd diagonally on bottom 1.20 meter ht.
3rd flat at top
4th flat at bottom
5th flat on shorter side
6th flat on wider side

DROP IMPACT TEST (IS-7408)

Set – I (5 containers) Drop height

Drop flat on base 100 cm + 15cm…

till container fails
Set – II (5 containers) Drop height
Drop flat on side 100 cm + 15cm…
till container fails

DROP IMPACT TEST (IS-7394)

Drop sequence Details

1st flat on bottom both drops on same container

2nd diagonally on bottom from 2.0 meters ht.
Fill with 50% ethylene glycol & water same container from
mixture, expose to 00C for 1 hr.and drop 1.5 meters ht.
flat on bottom

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 4:

Test Method for Closure Effectiveness

„ Purpose
− The test is conducted for observing effectiveness of closure and to check
for leakage if any.
− This test is a qualitative as well quantitative technique for the Quality
Assurance of the outgoing Plastic Blow Molded Container as finished
goods.
− Indicates defect in closure system.
„ Reference
− IS 7408: 2000; IS 6312-1980; IS 2798: 1998
„ Method
− 3 containers shall be used. Fill each container to its nominal capacity with
the test load at ambient temperature. Close each container with closure as
per recommended torque. Invert closure and keep for 24 hours. Examine
for leakage after 24 hrs.
„ Report
− If the liquid spills out, that implies the closure is not effective.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 5:

Test Method for Environment Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR)

„ Purpose
− To test the bottle / closures for stress cracking
− This test is a qualitative as well quantitative technique for the Quality
Assurance of the outgoing Plastic Blow Molded Container as finished
goods.
− To detect the processing defects and resistance of container against
repetitive washing.
„ Reference
− IS 6312; IS 8747; IS 2798: 1998
„ Test Chemical
− Teepol B300
„ Method
− The container is filled to nominal capacity with the test liquid and secured
as for transport. The container is then placed in oven: 60°C for 48 hours
for containers up to 25 liters, 80°C for 48 hours for containers more than
25 liters.
− Fill the containers with 0.5% Teepol solution & exposed to 60+/-2° C for
48 hrs
− Pieces dipped into test liquid & exposed to 80+/-2° C for 48 hrs. and
observed for surface cracks (IS-6312)

„ Report
− The container is then checked for cracks developed if any and reported.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 6:

Test Method for Vibration Stability of the Plastic Containers

„ Purpose
− The method helps to determine the ability of a closure (on a container) to
prevent leakage due to transportation in vibration.
− This test is a qualitative as well quantitative technique for the Quality
Assurance of the outgoing Plastic Blow Molded Container as finished
goods.
− Transport worthiness of filled Blow Molded Containers can be determined
as per Indian Standard.
− This test is used to determine and evaluate the ability of Blow Molded
Plastic Container to withstand shock and vibration encountered during the
course of transporting products.
„ Apparatus
− A vibrating table, aptitude of vibration 25mm and frequency 8 HZ
„ Reference
− IS 12512; IS 2798: 1998
„ Method
− Fill the container to normal capacity with product / water and then close
the closure. Mount the container upside down on the table for 1 hour.
Check for leakage
„ Report
− If the liquid spills out, then the closure is not effective.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 7:

Test Method of Storage Stability of Plastic Containers

„ Purpose
− To test the loss in product filled in container
„ Reference
− IS 7394
„ Method
− Fill the container to its nominal capacity. Seal the closure and weigh the
container accurately. Store the container for a period of 30 days at 27+/-
2°C. Determine the loss of mass from the container
„ Report
− The loss in weight as per specifications of the Chemical filled, or as
agreed between the purchaser and the supplier.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 8:

Test for Ink Adhesion on the Container

„ Purpose
− To test the adhesion of ink to the bottle / container surface
„ Reference
− IS 7408 - 2000; IS 2798- 1998
„ Method
− Apply two strips of 25mm wide transparent adhesive tape on the printed
area, one down the length of container and other around the
circumference. Pass the tape on the container and leave it for 15 hrs. Pull
it slowly
„ Report
− Record the degree of print removal as nil, slight and severe

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 9:

Test for Product Resistance of Printed Containers

„ Purpose
− To test the resistance of ink on the containers, getting washed away due to
incompatibility of the product
„ Reference
− IS 7408- 2000
„ Method
− The containers should be printed at least 24 hrs before conducting the
tests. Immerse or smear the containers with the product to the packed and
leave for 1 hour. Rinse with cold water and leave to stand till dry. Rub
container with dry paper.
„ Report
− Record degree of print removal as nil, slight or severe.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 10:

Test Method for Determining Brimful Capacity of the Container

„ Purpose
− To test the brimful capacity of the bottle / container.
„ Reference
− IS 7408- 2000, IS 2798- 1998
„ Method
− Weigh the empty container. Fill the container with water at ambient
temperature up to the brim of the container. Place the rigid transparent
plastic disc on the neck face and top-up by carefully pouring water
through the slot until the water is seen just contacting the underside of the
disc. Weigh the filled container with the disc. The difference in the weight
recorded in grams is reported as brimful capacity.
„ Report
− Record the weight of the water in gram as the Brimful capacity of that
container.

Nominal & Brimful Capacity (IS-7408)

Nominal Capacity (ml) Min. Brimful Capacity(ml)

100 108
200 212
500 525
1000 1035
2000 2060
3000 3075
5000 5125
10000 10500
20000 21000
25000 26250

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 11:

Test Method for Dimensional Tolerances of the Container

„ Purpose
− To test the Dimensional Tolerance of the bottle / container.
„ Reference
− IS 7408- 2000
„ Method
− Container Height to Neck Face: The highest point of the neck face of the
finished empty container.
− Container Overall Height: The height of the finished empty container at
its highest point with closure and fitment.
− Container Diameter: The external diameter of the finished empty
container at a specified height, expressed as the mean of the two
perpendicular diameters, or as the circumference multiplied by 0.318 at
the same specified height.
− Neck Height: the perpendicular distance from the highest point of the
plane including the neck face to the nearest point of the finished containers
shoulder along a line passing through:
„ In the case of screw threaded necks, the outermost edge of the
thread; a feature below the thread of greater diameter than the
thread is considered as a part of the containers shoulder
„ In case of plain cylindrical necks, the outermost diameter point
excluding flash
„ In the case of necks having a bead or beads only, the outermost
point of the bead
− Neck Diameter: The external diameter of the neck, excluding thread and
/ or prominences, measured as the mean.
− Thread Diameter: The external diameter of the neck thread measured as
the mean of two perpendicular diameters avoiding the part line.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

− Neck Bore: The diameter of the inner periphery of the neck at a

specified depth.
− Neck Ovality: the difference between the maximum and the minimum
neck diameter.
„ Report
− Record as per the table given below.
Dimensional Tolerances

Container Overall Height

Tolerance on Overall height ± 2.00 % or 1.00 mm, whichever is
greater
Container Diameter
Tolerance for Container Diameter 1.5% or 0.1 mm, whichever is greater
Neck Height
Up to and including 75 mm overall ± 0.25 mm
height
Over 75 mm ± 0.40 mm
Neck and Thread Diameters
Tolerance for Neck and Thread ± 1.25 % or ± 0.25 mm, whichever is
Diameters greater
Wall Thickness
Minimum Wall thickness at any point
of the container shall be not less than
0.20 mm
Neck Bore
Shall be as agreed between purchaser
and supplier
Neck Ovality
Shall be as agreed between purchaser
and supplier

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 12:

Test Method for Leakage Test of the Container

„ Purpose
− To test the Leakage of the bottle / container.
„ Reference
− IS 2798- 1998;
„ Method
− The test is carried out by maintaining the specified pressure in the
container and detecting any leakage with water or soap solution.

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE TEST

„ Purpose
− To detect the performance of the container against internal pressures.
„ Reference
− IS 2798: 1998
„ Method
− A regulated water pressure of 0 to 15Kg/cm2 is applied for period of 5
minutes and observed for localized bulging or leakage.

„ Report
• Any sign of Rupture or leakage from the container other than from around
the mouth or localized bulging of the container shall be deemed to indicate
failure.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

AIR PRESSURE TEST

„ Purpose
− to detect the performance of the container against internal pressures.
„ Reference
− IS 2798: 1998

„ Method
− A regulated air pressure of 0.35 kg/cm2 is applied for period of 5 minutes
and observed for leakage.

„ Report
− Any sign of Rupture or leakage from the container other than from around
the mouth or localized bulging of the container shall be deemed to indicate
failure.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 13:

Test Method for Compatibility of the Container

„ Purpose
− To ascertain the bottles/container is reported to Pass / Fail the
compatibility test with the product.
− It checks the compatibility the Product-Package Compatibility.
„ Reference
− IS 2798-1998; IS-7551 -1975
„ Method
− Containers are filled with the product/ water to nominal capacity, closed
& exposed to 50 +/- 2°C for 28 days OR
− Pieces of equal Size (at least 15 cm2) from any part of the container
weighed, measured for dimensions and then cleaned, Test pieces are then
immersed in the liquid product & exposed at 50+/-2° C for 28 days.
(liquid and test pieces are agitated every 24 hrs).
• Visible Cracks
• Change in Weight
• Change in colour & shape
– For dry products the test may only be carried out on container but for
products which are not stable above 50° C storage test shall be carried out
at room temp.
– Based on the results the purchaser & supplier reach an agreement about
the stability of the plastic material for the intended purpose.
„ Report
− The Compatibility of the container with the product is reported as
compatible or not compatible.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 14:

Test Method for Migration of the additives from the Container in the product

„ Purpose
− To ascertain the bottles/containers if they Pass/ Fail the compatibility test
with the product.
− It checks the migration of the additives and other constituents to product.
„ Reference
− IS 9845-1981
„ Method
− Representative samples are subjected to overall migration test with
simulating liquids like n-Heptane, at 27 +/- 20 C for 30 minutes and
extract is determined gravimetrically.
− Maximum limit for extraction values 60 mg/liter.
„ Report
− The Migration level is reported in mg/liter.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 15:

Test Method for Top Load or Compression Strength of the Container

„ Purpose
− To check the load bearing capacity of the Container.
− This test also provides the Top Load Bearing Capacity of the Container.
„ Reference
− IS 7028
„ Method
− Compress the container vertically between two platens of the compression
strength tester and observe for vertical deformation
− Speed: 10 mm/minute
„ Report
− The Values of Compression are reported in Kg force

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 16:

Test Method for Leakage of Container under Vibratory Condition

„ Purpose
− To test the Leakage of the bottle / container under Vibratory condition.
„ Reference
− IS 7408- 1998;
„ Method
− Filled Containers are mounted on a vibration table in upside down position
and vibrated for 1 hr. and observed for leakage & closure tightness.
− Amplitude of 25 mm and frequency 180 c.p.m. is maintained during the
test.
„ Report
− The Leakage of the container through the Closure is evaluated. And the
Report is made as either container passing the test or any leakage is a
failure of the container.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 17:

Test Method for Leakage Test of the Container

„ Purpose
− To test the Leakage of the bottle / container.
„ Reference
− IS 6312;
„ Method
− Filled containers are placed on ground in upside down position for 30
minutes(IS-6312)
− Significance: to detect the perfect ness of closure system
„ Report
− Any sign of leakage from the container around the mouth of the container
shall be deemed to indicate failure.

by – Bhupendra Singh
Testing of Plastic Rigid Containers

Test Method No. 18:

Test Method for Handle Pull of the Container

„ Purpose
− Indicates ability of the handle to bear weight of the filled container.
− Performed on containers with detachable handles.
„ Reference
− IS 10840; IS 6312-1980;
„ Method
− The filled container is subjected to a vertical pull of double its nominal
filling capacity for 10 minutes and observed for damage.
„ Report
− Any sign of Rupture or leakage from the handle area of the container
shows failure of the container.

by – Bhupendra Singh