Effects of component properties and orientation on corrugated container endurance

Experiments are performed to determine the impact of several physical properties on the creep behavior of three different sets of corrugated containers subjected to static loading and a cyclic humidity environment ranging from 50% to 80% relative humidity in a 24 h period. One sample set had basis weights of the fluted medium varied from 68 to 205 g/m² while keeping the basis weight of the linerboard facings at 205 g/m². This varied the out‐of‐plane shear rigidity of the single wall board by a factor of three. Another set of corrugated samples investigated effects of lateral or linear corrugating by rotation of either linerboards, fluted medium or both. This equalizes hygroexpansivity and affects lifetime. A third series of boxes had barrier coatings applied to their surfaces to determine the effect on lifetime. Creep and lifetime are determined to be inversely related and a multiple regression model for lifetime was sought based on the data set. Homogenization of the corrugated board properties through either increased medium basis weight or component rotation (lateral or linear corrugating) and application of barrier coating will in general, increase the endurance of edge loaded corrugated board in cyclic humidity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.