Abstract

A standardised T-peel test was applied to electrolytic tinplate in order to assess the mechanical strength of coatings used on food containers. The amount of strength necessary to separate such substrates and the total energy required to detach different coatings was measured. The effect of temperature and curing time on the adhesive joints was also evaluated. The results indicated which factors must be kept in mind for the correct application of this test. Finally, this study validated the importance of the T-peel test in the quality control of containers in order to increase the service life of the tinplate/food system.