Lamination of polyethylene composite films by ultrasonic welding: Investigation of peel behavior and identification of optimum welding parameters

Abstract

AbstractThe lamination of different polyethylene (PE) composite films by ultrasonic welding to fabricate peelable seals that open at defined burst pressures is investigated. The sealing time, pressure, and amplitude were varied within the range of 100–400 ms, 50–250 kPa, and 12–24 µm, respectively. T‐peel tests and electron micrographs revealed four different peel regimes, depending on the parameter combination: (I) Interlaminar peeling at low‐peel strength with uniform peeling along a weakly bonded PE lamination layer; (II) transition tearing at intermediate peel strength showing areas of interlaminar peeling and translaminar tearing; (III) translaminar tearing at high‐peel strength showing tears through the entire film; and, (IV) undefined tearing at varying tear strength occurring when vibration effects during welding lead to insufficient contact of the films or high pressures lead to a displacement of PE. This study will allow the systematic adjustment of ultrasonic welding parameters for PE films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40291.