This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: D 624 – 9800e1

Standard Test Method for

Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and
Thermoplastic Elastomers1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 624; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

e1 NOTE—The table in Fig. 1 on DIE C was corrected editorially in March 2001.

1. Scope
1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring a property of conventional vulcanized thermoset rubbers rubber and
thermoplastic elastomers called tear strength.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-11 on Rubber and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D11.10 on Physical Testing.
Current edition approved March July 10, 1998. 2000. Published April 1998. September 2000. Originally published as D 624 – 41T. Last previous edition D 624 – 91
(1996). D 624 – 98.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 624 – 9800e1
D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers— – Tension2
D 1349 Practice for Rubber—– Standard Temperatures for Testing2
D 3182 Practice for Rubber—– Materials, Equipment, and Procedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing Standard
Vulcanized Sheets2
D 3183 Practice for Rubber—– Preparation of Pieces for Test Purposes from Products2
D 3767 Practice for Rubber—– Measurement of Dimensions2
D 4483 Practice for Determining Precision for Test Method Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Industries2
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO/34 Rubber, Vulcanized— – Determination of Tear Strength (Trouser, Angle, and Crescent Tear Pieces)3

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 thermoplastic elastometer (TPE)—a diverse family
3.1 The tear of rubber-like materials that, unlike conventional rubbers, can be processed rubber is a mechanical rupture process
initiated and propagated at a site of high stress cyoncentration caused a cut, defect, or localized deformation. The followikng
definitions define different techniques for mopleasuring the resic mstance to tear, i.e. the tealr strength, required for use with this
standard.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to T this Standard:
3.2.1 complete traceType A tear strength—the section of the graphical plot of maximum force versus jaw separation distance
between required to cause a nick or cut in a Type A (nicked crescent) test piece to grow by tearing the point at which rubber, divided
by the first peak occurs and thickness of the point at which the test is terminated. piece.
3.2.2 Die A (nicked crescent)Type B tear strength—the maximum force required to rupture the specified cause a nick or cut in
a Type B (nicked tab end) test piece to grow by tearing the rubber, divided by the thickness of the test piece. The force acts in
a direction substantially along the length of the test piece.
3.2.3 Die B (nicked tab end)Type C tear strength—the maximum force required to cause a nick or cut in the specified
crescent-shaped test piece with tab ends to grow by tearing rupture of the rubber, a Type C (right angle) test piece, divided by the
thickness of the test piece.
3.2.4 Die CType T or trouser tear strength—the maximum force mean or median force, calculated in accordance with
procedures in this method, required to cause propagate a rupture by tearing action of the right angle tear in a Type T (trouser) test
specimen; the force piece, divided by the thickness of the specimen. The force acts parallel to the tab ends of the specimen or at
45° to the 90° center angle. test piece.
3.2.5 Die TType CP or trouser constrained path tear strength—the mean or median force, calculated in accordance with the
Annex (see Annex, Methods A & B) procedures in this method, required to propagate a cut or tear in a specified trouser-shaped
type CP (constrained path) test specimen, piece, divided by the tear thickness of the test specimen, the grip force acting in a
direction parallel to the two legs. torn section.
3.2.6 Discussioncomplete trace—Other information can be extracted from—the section of a graphical plot of force versus jaw
separation distance between the tear curve using point at which the methods described in Annex A1. first peak occurs and the point
at which the test is terminated.
3.2.7 median—if n measured values are arranged in increasing order of magnitude and numbered 1 to n, the median of these
n values is the (n + 1)/25th value, if n is odd. If n is even, the median lies between the (n/2)th and (n/2 + 1)th values and is not
defined uniquely.
3.2.8 Discussion—Unless otherwise specified, it may be taken to be the arithmetic mean of these two measured values.
3.2.9 peak—a point at which the slope of a trace changes from positive to negative.
3.2.108 range—the difference between the greatest and the smallest observed test values.
3.2.11 tear strength—the force per unit thickness to (1) initiate a rupture or tear of the material, or (2) to propagate a tear in
circumstances where continued application of a force on a suitable test specimen results in a quasi-equilibrium tearing action.
3.2.12
3.2.9 valley—a point at which the slope of a trace changes from negative to positive.

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 ThA tearing strain (and stress) is applied to a test specimen by means of a tensile testing machine operated without
interruption at a constant rate of crosshead traverse until the specimen is completely torn.
4.2 This test method i measures the force per unit thiclkness required to rupture, initiate, or propagate a tear through a sheet
of rubber in the form of one of several test procedures using specimen shapes as follows:
4.2 A piece geometries:

2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

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 D 624 – 9800e1
4.2.1 Type A, a razor-nicked test piece with a crescent specimen (Die A),
4.3 A shape, as shown in Fig. 1, Die A. The force in this test piece acts in a direction substantially along the major axis (length)
and perpendicular to the “nick”, or razor cut. Type A is used to measure tear propagation and is normally cut from smaller test
specimens that can not accommodate other test types.
4.2.2 Type B, a razor-nicked test piece with a crescent specimen shape and with tab ends (Die B),
4.4 An unnicked 90° angle specimen (Die C), and
4.5 A specimen described ends, as shown in Fig. 1, Die B. The force in this test piece acts in a direction substantially along
the major axis (length) and perpendicular to the “nick”, or razor cut. Type B also measures tear piece, which propagation and is
preferred over Type A when the test sample allows.

FIG. 1 Type A, B and C Tear Test Specimen Cutting Dies

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 D 624 – 9800e1
4.2.3 Type C, an un-nicked test piece with a 90° angle on one side and with tab ends, as shown in Fig. 1, Die T.
4.6 No correlation C. The force acts on the test piece in a direction substantially parallel to the tab ends of results, one the
specimen versus another, obtained with any (45° to the 90° center angle) in the direction of these specimens is implied as an
inherent characteristic grip separation. Type C measures rupture, or tear initiation strength at the stress concentration located at the
90° apex. If tear initiation does not occur at the apex, the results are more indicative of thensile strength than tear strength.
4.2.4 Type T, a trouser tear test method.
4.7 Also included piece, as shown in Fig. 2. Type T measures thear propagation in a direction parallel to the length of both legs.
4.2.5 Type CP, a test method is Appendix X1, piece described in Fig. 3, which describes is a modified trouser tear specimen
test designated as piece with a constrained path for the tear. Type CP also measures tear test. Refer propagation in a direction
parallel to A the length of both legs, but the constrained path prevents the tear from propagating away from this path, and the
thicker legs eliminate the influence of leg ex Xtension which may occur with Type T test pieces. See (1) for more details
information on this type of CP tear testing.
4.3 No Correlation of results from one test which shows substantial promise type to another should be expected, as each test
type measures tear strength for measuring a realistic different tear strength that has been shown to be correlated with certain rubber
product performance. specimen geometry.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Conventional vulcanized rubbers
5.1 Vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) often fail in service applications due to the generation and
propagation of a special type of rupture called a tear. This test method measures the resistance to tearing action.
5.2 Since tear
5.2 Tear strength may be affected influenced to a large degree by stress-induced anisotropy (mechanical fibering) of the rubber
as well as by fibering), stress distribution, strain rate, and size of specimen, the test piece size. The results obtained in a tear strength
test can only be regarded as a measure of the strength a measure under the conditions of that particular test and may not necessarily
as having have any direct relation to service value. performance. The significance of tear testing must be determined on an

FIG. 2 Trouser Tear Test Specimen

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 D 624 – 9800e1

Cross Section Detail

A = 125 mm
B = 28.5 mm
C = 5.33 mm
D = 1.77 mm
E = 0.75 mm
FIG. 3 Schematic diagram of “Constrained Path” tear test piece
(1)

individual application or product performance basis.

5.3 Injection molded thermoplastic elastomers are known to be anisotropic in properties. The tear strength measured in different
directions can differ markedly.
6. General Principles
6.1 The test consists of measuring the force required to completely rupture or tear the specified test piece, as a continuation of
the cut or nick initially produced in the test piece or, in the case of Die C, completely across the width of the test piece.
6.1.1 The tearing force is applied by means of a tensile testing machine, operated without interruption at a constant rate of
cross-head traverse until the test piece is completely torn. For Die A, B, and C samples, the maximum force achieved is used to
calculate the tear strength. For Die T, the mean or median force is most commonly used but other ways of interpreting the data
are given in Annex A1.
7. Apparatus
76.1 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall, in general, shall conform to the requirements as specified in Test Methods
D 412. It shall be capable of registering the applied forces within 6 2 % of the total force range or capacity during the test while
maintaining the specified constant rate of jaw separation:
6.1.1 Fofr Type A, B or C test pieces, the jaws rate of jaw separation shall be 500 6 50 mm/min. (20 6 5 mm/min for the trouser
test piece Die 2.0 in./min.).
6.1.2 For Type T and 5006 Type CP test pieces, the rate of jaw separation shall be 50 mm/min for Die A, B, or C pieces. A
6 5 mm/min. (2 6 0.2 in./min.).
6.1.2.1 A low inertia machine having autographic a continuous recording of force is essential when using the Type T or Type
CP trouser test, Die T. tests.
NOTE 1—Inertia (pendulum) type dynamometers are apt to may give results that which differ one from one another because of frictional and inertial
effects. A low inertia (electronic or optical transducer) type dynamometer gives results that which are free from these effects and is preferred.
6.1.3 Calibration of the testing machine shall be routinely verified accoreding to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Verification of calibration shall be p evidenced by a written record which shows the date of verification and the testing machine’s
accuracy at that timed.
76.2 The test may be conducted at elevated or lower temperatures listed in D 1349 using equipment specified described in Test
Methods D 412.
76.3 Grips—The testing machine shall be provided equipped with a type of grip, for example air-actuated grip, grips that
tightens automatically as the tension increases and exerts a uniform pressure across the widened end of the test piece. Each grip
gripping surfaces. Grips shall incorporate a means for positioning so that the test specimens provide adequate pressure as tension
increases to prevent specimen slippage. Constant pressure pneumatic grips are satisfactory for most specimens. Test pieces shall
be inserted in the grips symmetrically positioned and in axial alignment with the direction of the pull. The depth of insertion shall
be such that of the test specimen is adequately gripped, within piece in the parallel portion, when testing Die A, B, or C test pieces.
Trouser test pieces grips must be consistent and sufficient to prevent slipping. Type T and Type CP specimens shall be inserted in
the grips as shown in accordance with Fig. 1.

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 D 624 – 9800e1
7.4 Specimen 2.
6.4 Test Piece Cutting Dies—The specimens Dies—Test pieces for tear resistance tests strength shall be cut out with one of the
steel from a test specimen using cutting dies conforming to one of the dimensions shown shapes described in Figs. 1 and 2, or
molded according to Fig. 2, 3 for Type CP tests.
6.4.1 The inside faces of the cutting dies shall be perpendicular to the plane formed by the cutting edges and polished for a
distance of which at least 5 mm (0.2 in.) from the cutting edge. The die shall at all times be kept sharp and free of all nicks to
avoid leaving ragged edges on the specimens. It from nicks.
6.4.2 It is important that the apex of the 90° angle due (Die C) in Die C be sharpened to provide a sharp corner. Good cutting
edges can be obtained by careful honing. Care shall be taken that If a segmented Die C is used, the cut edges are perpendicular
to segment incorporating the other surfaces of the specimen and have apex shall extend a minimum of concavity.
7.5 Nick Cutter:
7.5.1 A sharp razor blade or a sharp knife free of ragged edges 25 mm from the apex in both directions.
6.4.3 Test piece cutting dies shall be roustinely examined and verified for producing accuracy. One method may be by preparing
a cut or a nick in the Die A and B specimens. The trouser test piece shall be cut and measuring it for conformance to a depth of
40 6 5 mm in the direction indicated. (See Fig. 1.) It is important that the last dimensions listed in Figs. 1 mm (approximately)
and 2. Another method may be by testing of a control compound and comparing the cut is made test results with those obtained
with a razor blade or a sharp knife.
7.5.2 The essentials compound of a suitable apparatus for introducing the nick required for the nicked angle or crescent test
piece are as follows:
7.5.2.1 Means same formulation using dies known to be accurate. Verification shall be p documented by a dated written recovrd.
6.5 Nicking devices are used to make an initial cut in test pieces for clamping Type A or B tests.
6.5.1 The nicking device shall secure the test specimen firmly, especially piece in a manner that prevents movement, so that the
region where the nick is to be introduced. The cutting tool, consisting of mechanism introduces a razor blade or similar blade, shall
be clamped in on a plane perpendicular to the major axis of the test piece,. The blande shall be positioned to produce a precisely
controlled and cleanly separated cut in the specimen. Alternatively, a nicking die may also provide acceptable results so long as
to introduce the die is routinely examined and verified for ackcuracy as specified in the appropriate place. The blade clamping
device 6.4.3.
7. Test Piece Preparation
7.1 Cut test pieces shall prevent lateral movement and shall be fitted in guides obtained from molded test specimen sheets.
Compression molded test specimen sheets shall use molds conforming to enable the blade to Practice D 3182. Molded test
specimen sheets may also be prepared by injection molding into plaques. For test pieces cut from products, Practixce D 3183 shall
be followed.
7.1.1 Molded test specimen sheets shall be 2.3 6 1.0 mm (0.09 6 0.04 in.) thick with the milling grain or flow direction clearly
marked.
7.1.2 Injection molded test specimen sheets may not have the same degree of anisotropy as compression molded sheets, and this
may affect the tear test piece arranged results. In injection molded sheets, the grain direction is parallel to move in an analogous
manner. Means shall be provided the flow direction.
7.1.3 Anisotropy may also affect results for fine adjustment test pieces cut from products. A record of the depth orientation of
cut test pieces shall also be made in these cases.
7.2 Molded test pieces are molded in shapes defined by the nick. The adjustment for specifications in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 or Fig. 3.
Molded test pieces may produce different results from cut test pieces.
7.3 The usual practice is to test with the position grain running the length of the bl test piece. For Type A, B and C test pieces,
the tear would thus be recorded as across the grain. It is to be assumed, unless otherwise specified, that all Type A, B or C test
pieces are prepared in this manner. Type T and CP test pieces are also prepared with the clamped grain running parallel to the
length. This means that for Type T and CP tests the tear will be parallel to the grain. Where grain effects are significant and are
to be evaluated, an additional set of test piece, or both, pieces shall be d prepared with the grmain running across the length. Results
so obtained shall be recorded as with the grain for each blade by cutting one Type A, B or two preliminary nicks C tests and
measuring these with across the grain for Type T and CP tests.
7.4 Using the cutting die for the desired test type, cut the test pieces from the sheet with a m single impact stroke (by hand or
machine) to ensure smooth cut surfaces.
7.5 For Type A and B test pieces, nick the test piece using the nicking device described in 6. T5.1. Wet the blade shall be wetted
with water or soap solution prior to nicking.
7.5.3 The slit or nick shall be nicking the test piece. Nick the test piece to a depth of 0.50 6 0.05 mm (0.020 6 0.002 in.) in
depth.
7.5.4 To check that the depth with a single stroke of the blade. If a nicking die is used, the nick is within formed when the
specified limits, any suitable means may be used, for example, an optical projection apparatus. A convenient arrangement test piece
is cut from the sheet.
7.5.1 To assure a proper cut with the nicking device, one or two preliminary nicks shall be made on extra test pieces and the

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 D 624 – 9800e1
depth of the cut checked using a microscope giving at least with a minimum of 103 magnification f.
7.6 For Type T and CP test pieces, an initial cut should be made with travelling stage suitably illuminated. The eyepiece is fitted
with a graticule razor blade or crosswire by which to record sharp knife. The last 1 mm (approximately) of the cut shall be made
with a single stroke.
7.6.1 Type T test pieces shall have an initial cut of 40 6 5 mm as shown in Fig. 2.
7.6.2 Type CP test pieces shall have an initial cut of 60 6 5 mm made down the groove between the two legs.
7.7 Three test pieces per sagmple shall be tested for tear strength, and the median value of the test piece through pieces reported
as a distance equal to test result. If an individual test piece tear strength value deviates by more than 20% from the depth median
of all three test pieces, two additional test pieces shall be tested and the nick. The travel median of the stage all five values reported.
7.7.1 Tear testing is c inherently a highly variable measurement since it has many characteristics similar to fatigue testing and
is known to give widely dispersed test results, frequently with a stage micrometer. Alternatively, non-normal distribution. For
referee tear testing, a minimum of five test pieces is recommended.
7.8 Meavsure the thickness of each test piece.
7.8.1 For Type A, B, and C test pieces, measure the thickness at three pllaces across the width, near the center, using a
micrometer conforming to Practice D 3767. One of the measurements should be at the slit or apex. Record the median value for
calculation of test results.
7.8.2 For Type T test pieces, measure the thickness at three places across the length and record the median value.
7.8.3 For Type CP test pieces, the thickness of the tear path may be used. The apparatus shall have an accuracy measured one
of measurement two ways: (1) the total thickness of 0.025 the test piece along the groove is measured at three places, averaged,
and 3.60 mm is subtracted to account for the mold insert sections that form the groove; or better.
7.5.5 Die C (2) the torn surface is examined with a small binocular magnifier with a graduated reticle and D the thickness
measured and averaged. T the second method isp more accurate, but the two methods have been found to agree to within about
5 %. For routine work the first method has been found to be satisfactory. Base nd on the mold dimensions, the thickness is
approximately between 1.70 and 1.80 mm.

8. PreparationTest Piece Conditioning

8.1 Cut surfaces of Sample
8.1 Except as vulcanized rubber undergo a change over a period of time that may affect the initiation of tearing. Therefore, it
is important that the conditioning intervals after using cutting dies, nicking devices, razor blades or knives be otherwise specified
in this followed. Deviation from these intervals may affect the test method, results.
8.2 Test pieces shall be protected from exposure to light during the requirements of Practices D 3182 interval from vulcanization
to testing.
8.3 The minimum time between vulcanization and D 3183 testing shall be complied with and are made 16 h.
8.4 Test pieces shall be conditioned at a p standard laboratory temperature of this test method 23 6 2°C as defined in Practice
D 1349 for conventional vulanizer rubber.
8.2 Thermoplastic elastomer a minimum of 3 h before nicking or cutting. If the material is affected by moisture, the relative
humidity shall be maintained at 50 6 5 % and the specimen shall be conditioned for 24 h prior to testing.
8.5 Test pieces may be nicked or cut and tested immediately after conditioning but the maximum time between nicking or
cutting and testing shall be 24 h.
8.6 If test specimens are prepared from injectioned molded plaques prepared in accordance with procedures described in piece
preparation involves buffing, the interval between buffing and tespting shall not exceed 72 h. Nifcking or cutting shall be performed
after any aging treatment.
8.7 If the test is to be carried out at a temperature other than a standard laboratory (room) temperature, the test pieces shall be
conditioned at the test temperature for s a midnimum time sufficient to reach temperature equilibrium prior to testing. This period
should be kept as short as possic eble to avoid aging the testom pierces.

9. Test Specimens
9.1 The test specimens shall conform in shape according to Die T in Fig. 1 or to Die A, B, or C, as shown in Fig. 2.
NOTE 2—Conventional vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers often exhibit an anisotropic mechanical strength effect that influences their
physical properties. The effect may produce a pronounced difference in physical properties.
9.2 The milling or grain direction of conventional rubber shall be clearly marked on materials to be tested. The usual practice
is to test with the grain running the long way of the specimen. Die A, B, and C data so obtained shall be recorded as tear resistance
across the grain, and it is assumed that, unless otherwise specified, all Die A, B, and C test specimens are to be prepared in this
manner. However, Die T trouser tear samples are also prepared with the mill grain running the long way in the specimen which
means the tear is occurring with the grain rather than across it. Where grain effects are significant and are to be evaluated, an
additional set of test specimens shall be cut with the grain running across the specimen. Results so obtained shall be recorded as
tear strength with the grain for Die A, B, and C and across the grain for Die T trouser tear.

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 D 624 – 9800e1
NOTE 3—Die B has been modified slightly from that described in Method D 624 – 54 to conform to that specified in ISO/34. Dies conforming to
previous Die B configuration may be used.
9.3 Thermoplastic elastomers shall be tested with the tear direction either parallel or perpendicular to the flow direction of
molten material in the injection molded plaque from which the test specimens are die cut.
9.4 The thickness of the specimen shall be measured in three places across the width of the specimen, near its center, with a
micrometer conforming to the description as specified in Practice D 3767 and the median measurement used in the calculations.
One of the measurements shall be at the apex of the slit or the 90° angle, as applicable. The thickness of the test specimen should
not fall outside the limits of 1.3 to 3.2 mm (0.05 to 0.13 in.). It may be necessary to determine the tear strength of finished goods
that give specimens outside the above thickness limits. These results may not correlate with results obtained on pieces of standard
thickness.
10. Number of Test Specimens
10.1 Three specimens per item shall be tested for tear strength. The value reported shall be the median of those observed. If
any individual value deviates more than 20 % from this median, two additional specimens shall be tested, and the median of all
five specimens shall be reported.
10.2 Tear testing is inherently a highly variable measurement since it has many characteristics of fatigue testing that is known
to give widely dispersed test results, frequently with a non-normal distribution. For referee tear testing, the user of this test method
is urged to test at least five specimens.
11. Time Interval Between Vulcanization and Testing
11.1 The minimum time period between vulcanization and testing shall be 16 h.
11.2 The maximum allowable time period between nicking and testing shall be 24 h.
12. Conditioning Period for Test Specimens
12.1 The test pieces of specimens shall be protected from light during the interval between vulcanization and testing.
12.2 The specimens shall be conditioned, after any preparation as necessary, at a standard laboratory temperature (see Practice
D 1349) for at least 3 h before they are cut or nicked. The specimens may be nicked, measured and tested immediately but, if not
tested immediately, they shall be kept at 23 6 2°C or 27 6 2°C, as the case may be, until tested. If the preparation involves buffing,
the interval between buffing and testing shall not exceed 72 h. The cut or nick shall be made after any aging treatment has been
carried out.
12.3 If the test is to be carried out at a temperature other than a standard laboratory (room) temperature, the test pieces shall
be conditioned for a period sufficient to reach temperature equilibrium at the test temperature, immediately prior to testing. This
period shall be kept as short as possible in order to avoid aging the rubber.
13. Test Temperature
139.1 Unless otherwise specified, the standard test temperature for testing shall be 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). If the material is
affected by moisture, the relative humidity shall be maintained at 50 6 5 % and the specimen shall be conditioned for at least 24
h prior to testing. When testing at some other temperature is required, the temperature specified shall be one of those listed in
Practice D 1349, and the report shall include a statement of the temperature at which the test was made temperature and the length
of time that the specimen test piece was conditioned. Specimens shall be conditioned at least 3 h when the test temperature is 236
2°C.
14. conditioned.
10. Test Procedure
14.1 After conditioning
10.1 Prepare the test pieces and condition them as described in Sections 11 7 and 12, immediately mount 8.
10.2 Place the test piece in the grips of the testing machine. Apply a steadily increasing traction force machine using care to
adjust the test piece so that it will be strained uniformly along its length, and that sufficient material is clamped in the grips to
minimize slippage.
10.3 Start the machine at a steady rate of grip separation.
10.3.1 Fofr Type A, B or C test pieces, the grips rate of jaw separation shall be 500 6 50 mm/min for Die A, B mm/min. (20
6 2.0 in./min.).
10.3.2 For Type T and C t Type CP test piecies, the recommended rate of jaw separationd shall be 50 6 5 mm/min for trouser
test pieces until mm/min. (2 6 0.2 in./min.).
10.4 Strain the test piece until it is completely ruptured.
10.5 Record the maximum force for Die Type A, B and or C test pieces. When using the trouser For Type T or CP test specimen
pieces, make a strip- chart or autographic a continuous recording of the force throughout the tearing process. (See Annex A1).
15. Expression of Results
15.1 The process.

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 D 624 – 9800e1
11. Calculation
11.1 Calculate the tear strength Ts is given, strength, Ts, in kilonewtons per meter of thickness, by the formula:
F
Ts 5 d (1)

Ts 5 F/d (1)

wWhere:
F = the maximum force, N, in case of Dies N, for Types A, B or C. For Type T and C, and when using Die T, CP tests, F is
the peak, valley, mean or median (see Annex A1) force obtained from the recordering or autographic trace, N, calculated
in accordance with the annex, N (See 11.3), and
d = the median thickness, of the each test pieces, in mm.
151.21.1 When anisotropic effects are evaluated, determine the median and the range of the values for each direction. Express
the results to the nearest 0.1 kN/m.
151.31.2 Alternatively, the tear strength may be expressed in lbf/in.
NOTE 4—To lbf/in. To convert from lbf/inch to kN/m, multiply by 0.175.

16. Report
16.1 Report the following information:
16.1.1 Results calculated in accordance with Section 15, indicating which tear test specimen or die was used and a reference
to this standard. In trouser tear strength testing, Method A or B should be specified,
16.1.2 All observed and
11.2 The recorded data on which the calculations are based,
16.1.3 Date plot of test and date of vulcanization of rubber, if known,
16.1.4 Test temperature,
16.1.5 Type of testing machine used, and
16.1.6 The depth of the nick when using Die A or Die B.

17. Precision and Bias 4

17.1 This precision and bias section has been prepared in accordance with Practice D 4483. Refer to this practice stress versus
displacement for terminology and other statistical calculation details.
17.2 A Type 1 (interlaboratory) precision was evaluated in 1981 and another in 1988. Test repeatability and reproducibility are
short term; a period of a few days separates replicate test results. A test result is the median value, as specified by this method,
obtained on three determination(s) A, B or measurement(s).
17.3 In the 1981 C test program, one material (one rubber compound) was tested in four laboratories on two separate days. In
the 1983 test program, two materials (rubbers) were tested in five laboratories on two separate days. For both programs tests were
conducted for Dies B and C.
17.4 The results of the precision calculations for repeatability and reproducibility are given in Table 1 and Table 2.
17.5 The precision of this test method may be expressed in the format of the following statements which use an appropriate
value of r, R, (r) or (R), that is, that value to be used in decisions about test results (obtained with the test method). The appropriate
value pieces is that value of r or R associated with a mean level in the precision tables closest to the mean level under consideration
sharply increasing force until catastrophic failure occurs, at any given time, for any given material in routine testing operations.

4
The full details and test results of the interlaboratory test program used for this precision section are contained in a Research Report RR:D11-1027 obtainable from ASTM
headquarters.

TABLE 1 Type 1 Precision for Dies B and C (1981)A

Average
Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Die Value
(kN/m) Sr r (r) SR R (R)
B 81.6 5.11 14.5 17.7 16.8 47.6 58.3
C 44.5 3.84 10.9 24.4 4.69 13.3 29.8
C 44.5 3.84 10.9 24.4 4.69 13.3 29.8
A

Sr = repeatability standard deviation.

r = repeatability = 2.83 3 Sr.
((r)) = relative repeatability, expressed as a percentage of the average value.
SR = reproducibility standard deviation.
R = reproducibility = 2.83 3 SR.
((R)) = relative reproducieatability, expressed as a percentage of the average
value.

9
 D 624 – 9800e1
TABLE 2 Type 1 Precision for Dies B and C (1983)A
Average Value Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Die Material
(kN/m) Sr r (r) SR R (R)
B (1) H14327 47.4 2.29 6.47 13.7 14.4 40.7 85.8
B (1) H14327 47.4 2.29 6.47 13.7 14.4 40.7 85.8
B (2) R19526 85.1 5.50 15.6 18.3 25.0 70.8 83.2
C (1) H14327 40.0 1.14 3.23 8.1 9.35 26.4 66.1
C (3) H14327 40.0 1.14 3.23 8.1 9.35 26.4 66.1
C (2) R19526 49.7 2.83 8.02 16.1 8.58 24.3 48.8
C (4) R19526 49.7 2.83 8.02 16.1 8.58 24.3 48.8
A

Sr = repeatability standard deviation.

r = repeatability = 2.83 3 Sr.
((r)) = relative repeatability, expressed as a percentage of the average value.
SR = reproducibility standard deviation.
R = reproducibility = 2.83 3 SR.
((R)) = relative reproducieatability, expressed as a percentage of the average value.

17.6 Repeatability— The repeatability, r, of this test method has been established as which point the appropriate value tabulated
in the precision tables. Two single test results, obtained under normal test procedures, that differ by more than this tabulated r (for
any given level) must be considered as derived from different or non-identical sample populations.
17.7 Reproducibility— force sharply decreases. The reproducibility, R, of this test method has been established as the
appropriate peak or maximum force value tabulated in the precision tables. Two single test results obtained in two different
laboratories, under normal test method procedures, that differ by more than the tabulated R (for any given level) must be considered
is used to have come from different or non-identical sample populations.
17.8 Repeatability and reproducibility expressed as a percentage of calculate the mean level, (r) tear strength.
11.3 For Type T and ( R), have equivalent application statements as above for r and R. For the (r) and (R)statements, the
difference in the two single CP test results is expressed as a percentage of pieces, the arithmetic mean complete trace of force
throughout the two test results.
17.9 Bias—In test method terminology, bias is the difference between an average test value and the reference (or true) test
property value. Reference values do not exist for this test method since the value (of the test property) is exclusively defined by
the test method. Bias, therefore, cannot be determined.
17.10 For Dies B and C, repeatability, ( r), is not good (10 to 20 %) range, and reproducibility, (R), is poor (60 to 85 %) range.
18. Keywords
18.1 tear resistance; tear strength

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. TEAR CURVE ANALYSIS

A1.1 General Discussion

A1.1.1 This annex describes techniques for interpreting tear strength curves created by plotting stress versus grip travel or
displacement during testing. The similarities in curve shape for samples cut with Dies A, B, and C allow tearing process forms
a simple interpretation while the saw-toothed curve generated during the trouser tear test can be interpreted in several different
ways.
A1.2 Curve Shapes
A1.2.1 The simplistic tear curves generated when pulling samples cut from Dies A, B, and C are single-event shapes with one
maximum force peak at which catastrophic failure consisting of the specimen occurs.
A1.2.2 There are two peaks and valleys. Two primary types of saw-toothed curves which are illustrated in Fig. A1.1. Curve saw
toothed curves, a illustrates a characteristic tear commonly called “knotty tear” where the word “knotty” designates a large
magnitude transient increase in tearing force followed by a precipitous decrease, and the “increase-decrease” process repeats b are
illustrated in cyclic fashion. Each increasing force stage eventually produces a rapid tear or rupture which relieves concentrated
stress and increases torn length. Just as the maximum force reached before tearing is a measure of tear strength, the level to which
the force decreases before tear ceases also indicates important tear properties of the compound. Fig. 4. Saw toothed curves can be
interpreted in several different ways.
11.3.1 Curve a in Fig. 4 illustrates a characteristic tear commonly called “knotty tear”. The word “knotty” designates a large

10
 D 624 – 9800e1

FIG. 4 Smooth Tear and Knotty Tear Curve Types

magnitude transient increase in tearing force followed by a precipitous decrease. With this type of tear, the increase-decrease
process repeats in a cyclic fashion. Each increasing force stage eventually produces a rapid tear rupture which relieves concentrated
stress and increases torn length. Just as the maximum force reached before tearing is a measure of tear strength, the level to which
the force decreases before tear pauses also indicates important compound tear properties.
11.3.2 Curve b in Fig. 4 illustrates a typical “smooth tear” curve with minimal tear force amplitudes between the force at which
tear initiates and the initiation force at which tear ceases.

A1.3 Method A—Curve Analysis

A1.3.1 Terms for Curve Analysis—The terms used for curve analysis are defined in Section 3.
A1.3.2 Procedure for Die A, B, and C Type Tear Curves—The recorded plot of stress versus displacement for samples cut with
Dies A, B, and C shows a sharply positive slope until catastrophic failure occurs, at which point the trace slope turns sharply
negative. This produces a peak or maximum force value from which the tear strength is calculated.
A1.3.3 Procedure for Die T (Trouser Tear) Type Tear Curves—The “max-min” stress/displacement curve produced during the
Die T trouser tear test can be interpreted in four primary ways to yield different information about the tearing process.
A1.3.3.1 pause force.
11.4 Peak Only Analysis:
(1) This method examines only uses the peak forces generated during the tearing process. The peak force value generated
obtained defines the maximum stress concentration that the compound will bear before catastrophic failure occurs.
(2) occurs. This method should be used on curves resembling example a in Fig. 4.
11.4.1 The sum of the forces (at each peak) can be peak force values divided by the number of peaks to define a defines the
mean peak value.
(3) In force.
11.4.2 In establishing the repetitive pattern of transient tearing that creates the max-min saw-toothed curve, it is not uncommon
to have the initial or terminal final peaks, or both, be inconsistent in magnitude with those in the center of the curve. Such peaks
can be abnormally low or high depending on the physical properties of the compound and how quickly the transient tear pattern
is established or ended. Correction is made to eliminate these For any complete trace, individual peak force values in determining
the mean by comparing their magnitude to that of the raw mean and discarding all values that deviate from the raw mean by 20 %
or more. What results then is more should be discarded and a new mean of the significant peak data points.
A1.3.3.2 calculated to correct for abnormal values.
11.5 Valley Only Analysis:
(1) This method examines only uses the forces (opposite of peaks) at the valley positions on the saw-toothed curve as a
measure of the force to which the stress concentration must be relaxed for tearing to cease.
(2) cease. This method should be used on curves resembling example Asa in Fig. 4.
11.5.1 The sum of the forces at each valley are divided by the number of valleys to calculate the mean in valley force. As with
the peak only procedure, analysis, initial and terminal final valley forces may be abnormal. For any complete trace, individual
valley force values are compared to that deviate from the raw mean calculated by summing the force values at each valley and
dividing by the number of data points. Initial or terminal values greater than or equal to 20 % of this raw mean are or more should
be discarded and the a new mean is recalculated.
A1.3.3.3 calculated to correct for abnormal values.

11
 D 624 – 9800e1
11.6 Mean Force Analysis:
(1) of type Thea curves in Fig. 4 uses the arithmetic mean of the corrected mean peak only force value and the corrected valley
only force value will yield a mean force value. valley force. This should be considered as an average tear force value since it gives
equal consideration to peak and valley extremes. Be aware responses. Note that this value the mean force does not indicate the
magnitude of the difference between peak and valley forces but only represents the mean force. forces. It is possible for two tear
curves to show have the same mean force when one has a large magnitude of difference between the peak peaks and valley forces
valleys, while the other has a small magnitude difference between peaks and valleys.
11.7 Peak and Valley Analysis uses a concise report of difference.
(2) type The procedure for Method A analysis, which isa curves in Fig. 4 as the most concise, is to report the mean force value
with a plus or minus value determined by averaging the average of the greatest four to six peak force values and the average of
the lowest four to six valley force values to define the magnitude of variation there is from the mean.
A1.3.3.4 values.
11.8 Total Work Analysis—The measures the total work put into the sample required to achieve the tear can be obtained the
test piece by measuring the area under the force-extension force-displacement test curve. This The area can be measured
electronically by certain equipment with integration capability properly equipped instruments or it can be measured manually by
the use of a planimeter. This parameter will correlate with The mean force can be calculated by dividing the area under the curve
by the displacement indicated on the complete trace curve. As with other mean tear force since it gives full consideration to both
peak and valley extremes although it will values, the total work analysis method does not define account for the magnitude of
variation from the mean.

A1.4 Method B—Curve Analysis

A1.4.1 The terms mean. The total work analysis method can be used for Method B are defined on both types of curves shown
in Section 3.
A1.4.2 Procedure for Fig. 4.
11.9 Manual Curve Analysis may also be used as a method of calculating median mean force values.
11.9.1 Manual Curve Analysis for Type Curves (Knotty Tear): a
A1.4.2.1 Count Curves (Knotty Tear)—Count the number of peaks. Use 3.2.7 as a definition of the median peak force value.
To obtain this the median force value, locate, with a horizontal line, the lowest or No. 1 peak force value. Move upward from this
line on the force scale, the required number of peak force values peaks to arrive at the median. Scale from the median peak force
axis this value. In Fig. A1.1, 4, the lowest (No. 1) peak is indicated by force and the boldface arrow. The median peak is indicated
as assessed from the lowest No. 1 value.
A1.4.3 Procedure force points are identified.
11.9.2 Manual Curve Analysis for b Type Curves (Smooth Tear): b
A1.4.3.1 Smooth Curves (Smooth Tear)—Smooth type tear curves often consist of a series of tear propagation or torn length
sequences, each at essentially constant tearing force. In Fig. A1.1, 4, Curve b shows two such sequences (1) and (2), with (2)
approximately twice the length of (1). The tear strength for this type of curve should be calculated based on a weighted average
force basis. A median force is specified for Type b tear curves because it is easier to obtain than an average, and it does not give
undue weight to abnormally large or small peak forces.
11.49.3.2 A general formula for weighted average tear force is:
Tear Force ~Weighted Average! 5 n o (2)
Tear Force ~Weighted Average! 5 (2)
~TF1! 1 N2~TF2! 1 ··· Ni~TFi!
(~ni!
n0 ~TF1! 1 N2 ~TF2! 1 ···· Ni ~TFi!
(~ni!

((ni)
where:
no
n
0
= smallest observable segment (chart paper distance) for a constant tear force segment,
N2

12
 D 624 – 9800e1

N2 = n2/n0 = the weighting factor for constant tear force (TF) segment TF2, with n2 as the actual segment distance for TF2, and
n2no 5
the
weighting
fac-
tor
for
constant
tear
force
(TF)
segment
TF
((ni) ) = the sum of all no0 values, or total torn length, or chart paper distance measured in no0 units.
A1.4.3.3 Use this weighted average tear force
12. Report
12.1 Report the following information:
12.1.1 Median test results of three or five test pieces, calculated in Eq 1 accordance with Section 11.
12.1.2 Indicate which Type of test piece was used (A, B, C, T or CP) and whether the test piece was die cut, molded to form,
or obtained from a product.
12.1.3 For Type T, and CP test pieces the tear curve analysis method shall also be specified.
12.1.4 Test piece thickness.
12.1.5 The depth of the nick for Type A or B test pieces.
12.1.6 Grain direction if other than the conventional orientation (see 15.1).
A1.4.3.4 A median force Section 7.3). Indicate as with the grain or across the grain, or unknown if the conventional orientation
is specified not followed.
12.1.7 Maximum force, F for Annex A1, curve analysis Method B. The Type A, B or C test pieces, or the mean or median force
( for Type T and CP test pieces. For Type T and CP test pieces with tear curves similar to curve a in Fig. 4, the mean or median
peak and the mean or median valley forces should also be reported.
12.1.8 Date of test and date of vulcanization of the test sample, if known.
12.1.9 Test temperature, when the test is conducted at conditions other than standard room temperature.
12.1.10 Relative humidity when it is known) that the material is sensitive to humidity.
12.1.11 Type of testing machine and grips employed.
12.1.12 Any other details that are pertinent to the history of the test piece.
13. Precision and Bias 4
13.1 This precision and bias section has been prepared in accordance with Practice D 4483. Refer to this practice for
terminology and other statistical calculation details.
13.2 A Type 1 (interlaboratory) precision was evaluated in 1981 and another in 1988. Test repeatability and reproducibility are
short term; a period of a few days separates replicate test results. A test result is the median value, as specified by this method,
obtained on three determinations or measurements.
13.3 In the 1981 test program, one material (one rubber compound) was tested in four laboratories on two reasons: (1) it separate
days. In the 1983 test program, two materials (rubbers) were tested in five laboratories on two separate days. For both programs
tests were conducted for dies B and C only.
13.4 The results of the precision calculations for repeatability and reproducibility are given in Tables 1 and 2.
13.5 The precision of this test method may be expressed in the format of the following statements which use an appropriate
value of r, R, (r) or (R), that is, that value to be used in decisions about test results (obtained with the test method). The appropriate
value is m that value of r or R associated with a measn level in the precision tables closest to the mean level under consideration
at any given time, for any given material in routine testing operations.
13.6 Repeatability—The repeatability, r, of this test method has been established as the appropriate value tabulated in the
precision tables. Two single test results, obtained under normal test procedures, that differ by more than this tabulated r (for any
given level) must be considered as derived from different or non-identical sample populations.
13.7 Reproducibility—The reproducibility, R, of this test method has been established as the appropriate value tabulated in the
precision tables. Two single test results obtained in two different laboratories, under normal test method procedures, that differ by
more than the tabulated R (for any given level) must be considered to have come from different or non-identical sample
populations.
13.8 Repeatability and reproducibility expressed as a percentage of the mean level, (r) and (R), have equivalent application
statements as above for r and R. For the (r) and (R) statements, the difference in the two single test results is expressed as a

13
 D 624 – 9800e1
percentage of the arithmetic mean of the two test results.
13.9 Bias—In test method terminology, bias is the difference between an average, test value and (2) it does the reference (or
true) test property value. Reference values do not give undue weight to abnormally large or small peak forces. exist for this test
method since the value (of the test property) is exclusively defined by the test method. Bias, therefore, cannot be determined.
14. Keywords
14.1 tear resistance; tear strength; tear propagation; nicked tear specimen; trouser tear; constrained path tear

14
 D 624 – 9800e1

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. DESCRIPTION SIGNIFICANCE OF A CONSTRAINED PATH (CP) DIFFERENT TEAR TEST SPECIMEN METHODS

X1.1 Background
X1.1.1 To characterize rubbers adequately, a knowledge of their rupture properties is essential. Tear strength is important in the
performance of many rubber products. This appendix gives some background discussion based on the work cited in (1) and (2)
at the end of the standard.
X1.1.2 One reason for the lack of discrimination in many current tear tests is a direct influence of compound modulus on
measured tear strength. Fig. X1.1 is a plot of D 624 Die C tear strength as a function of modulus (300 %) for data taken from the
literature. This shows tear strength to be strongly correlated with modulus (correlation coefficient of 0.90). Thus both modulus and
tear strength are being measured in unknown proportions. Theoretical calculations, show that the tear rupture force of Die C
specimen measurements is approximately equal to the square root of the tangent modulus-tear strength product.
X1.1.3 It should not be inferred that modulus will have no effect on tear strength; however, the influence of modulus should
be allowed to operate in the immediate tearing zone and not in regions of the test specimen remote from the locus of tear. In short,
a tear test specimen should not be an ill-shaped modulus (tensile) test specimen.
X1.1.4 Rivlin, Thomas, et al. (2) developed tear tests based on theoretical analysis of crack growth behavior. For flat sheet test
specimens they defined a tearing energy or strength T, T, that is independent of the geometry of the test specimen provided the
stored energy density of the specimen could be measured. Three types of test specimens were used: the strip or tensile specimen,
the pure shear specimen and the trousers tear specimen. The relation for the tearing energy with the trouser specimen is:
T 5 2lF/t 2 wE (X1.1)
lFwTE
where:
T = tear strength in force/unit thickness (per unit length torn),
l = extension ratio in legs of piece,
F = force applied to ends of test piece,
w = total width of specimen,
t
T = thickness, and
E = strain energy density in legs of piece.
For certain vulcanizates, if w is chosen large enough, the elongation of the legs is minimal (l-[ 1) and E E is essentially zero.
Then:
T 5 2F/t (X1.2)
X1.1.5 Many published reports imply that Eq X1.2 is satisfactory to use for routine tear measurements. However, two serious

FIG. X1.1 Plot of ASTM Die C Tear Strength as a Function of

Stress at 300 % Elongation

15
 D 624 – 9800e1
deficiencies are evident: For many compounds there is appreciable leg extension (l fi 1) even if w is chosen to be quite wide; and
secondly knotty tear is frequently encountered and the tear deviates laterally and tears through one leg of the test specimen.
Development of Eq X1.1 and Eq X1.2 is based on tear propagation down the central axis of the test piece.
X1.1.6 Leg extension can be allowed for if strain energy density E E is known, but a separate stress-strain curve is required.
When one leg of the test specimen is torn through, further testing is precluded with that specimen. These deficiencies very often
preclude any quick and meaningful routine tear strength measurement with the simple trousers test piece.
X1.1.7 In order to avoid these deficiencies, it is necessary to reinforce the legs to prevent their elongation and to provide a path
of least resistance for tear propagation. Fig. X1.2 gives pertinent details and dimensions of a trousers tear specimen designated as
a The “constrained path”, or CP tear test specimen, as described in (1), meets this requirement. It consists is shown in Fig. 3 of
D 624 as a molded piece 125 mm long, 28.5 mm wide, with a nominal thickness of 5 mm. A longitudinal groove with the indicated
cross-sectional geometry is molded into the piece. The legs are reinforced with fabric. The fabric is placed at in the mid-plane of
the piece to avoid an appreciable bending moment and to facilitate its reinforcing action during actual tear testing. The bottom of
the mold contains two puncture pins; these puncture and pins to hold the fabric as the mold is closed and to prevent a lateral fabric
shift.

X1.2 Test Procedure

X1.2.1 A 60-mm cut is made down the groove with a razor blade. This produces two legs, each of which is inserted into the
jaws of a tensile testing machine. The final length of the specimen is torn at a selected testing speed and temperature.
X1.2.2 The thickness of the torn rubber is measured inone of two ways: (1) the average total thickness of the test piece along
the groove is measured and from this is subtracted 3.60 mm, the combined height of the insert sections that form the groove; or
(2) the torn surface is examined with a small binocular magnifier with a graduated reticle and the thickness measured. The latter
method is more accurate but they agree to within about 5 %. For routine work the first method has been found to be satisfactory.

X1.3 Constrained Path Tear Curves

X1.32.1 Two types of tear curves are obtained for various vulcanizates (see Fig. A1.1). 4 of D 624). For Curve (b), smooth tear,
the tearing load fluctuates only slightly and the rate of tear propagation is essentially continuous and roughly equal to one-half that
of jaw separation. Curve (a) is typical of knotty tear, consisting of a series of peak loads, each corresponding to a catastrophic tear.
This behavior is the result of a strengthening structure or strain energy dissipation process in the immediate tearing zone. The
mechanism consists of a build-up of strain (stress) stress in the tearing zone with a concurrent strengthening structure formation.
This retards onset of rupture. As strain (stress) rupture. As stress continues to increase, tear strength is exceeded at some point and
a catastrophic rupture occurs. Rate of tear Tear propagation after this rupture is quite rapid and the tear continues to advance until
the high strain (stress) stress gradient is removed; the tear rate then drops to zero. The jaws continue to separate, however, and the
process repeats several times during a test.

X1.43 Correlation of Constrained Path Tear V versus Off Road Tire Performance
X1.43.1 Fig. X1.32 illustrates the degree of correlation between CP tear strength at 100°C and the cutting-chipping rating of
a series of compounds in an off-road tire performance test.

FIG. X1.2 Tear Strength (CP-Test Piece) Tc versus Cutting-

Chipping Performance (1)

16
 D 624 – 9800e1

REFERENCES

(1) A. G. Veith, “A New Tear Test for Rubber,” Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 38, 700 (1965).
(2) R. S. Rivlin, A. G. Thomas, J. Polymer Science, 10, 291 (1953).

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17