Investigating the High-Temperature Peel Properties of Medical Packaging Materials

This paper proposes a novel measurement method, for investigating the high temperature peel properties of medical packaging materials using a modified tensile testing machine. This technique provides information on the temperature dependence of peel strength. High temperature peel strength is an important parameter during pouch manufacture, sterilization and also in service. A link exists between high temperature peel and hot tack. A bond with superior high temperature peel should also rapidly form a reliable bond after sealing, reducing the chance of failure during the pouch manufacture process. Sufficient peel strength at evaluated temperature is also necessary for Eto (Ethylene Oxide) sterilization. In addition, medical packaging materials may be subjected to high ambient temperatures during shipping, which can weaken the seal and lead to failure. The high temperature peel strengths of two grades of wax/polymer type adhesive coated Tyvek® were compared. The peel strength was found to decline with increasing temperature in a linear manner.