Tearing Resistance

Tearing resistance indicates the behaviour of paper in various end use situations; such as evaluating web runnability, controlling the quality of newsprint and characterising the toughness of packaging papers where the ability to absorb shocks is essential. Fiber length and interfiber bonding are both important factors in tearing strength. The longer fibers improve tear strength is well recognised. The explanation is straight forward; longer fibers tend to distribute the stress over a greater area, over more fibers and more bonds, while short fibers allow the stress to be concentrated in a smaller area.