This method measures the force perpendicular to the plane of the paper required to tear multiple plies through a specified distance after the tear has been started using an Elmendorf-type tearing tester. It does not measure edge-tear resistance. The measured results may be used to calculate the approximate tearing resistance of a single sheet. It is not suitable for single-ply tear testing.

For highly directional boards and papers, prepare specimens according to T 496 “Specimen Preparation for Cross Directional Internal Tearing Resistance for Paper, Paperboard and Related Materials.” See section 8.5.

Caution is recommended in interpreting results from weakly bonded sheets, especially those containing lightly refined long-fibered chemical pulps. The low rate of tear when multiple plies are torn simultaneously may produce erroneously high results (1).