Cobb Test

CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY ChE 4203 Chemical
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Engineering Laboratory 1

Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines
Name: Carla Joy Ember C. Water Absorptiveness
Group No. 1 Experiment. No. 7
Berezo Test
I. Objectives:
To determine the quantity of water absorbed by corrugated fiberboard in a specified time

under standardized conditions.
II. Theory:
Hygroscopy is the phenomenon of attracting and holding water molecules from the
surrounding environment, which is usually at normal or room temperature. This is achieved
through either absorption or adsorption with the absorbing or adsorbing substance becoming
physically changed somewhat.
Water absorbency is a measure of the amount of water absorbed by the wetted surface of
paper and board materials. There are a number of different methods available namely Cobb Test,
Klemm Method and Cage Method.
Klemm Method is used for unsized papers such as blotting papers and other papers
having relatively high water absorbency the Klemm method for determining water absorbency is
used. Test pieces are immersed to a set depth in water and the height of the water rise is measure
after a set time.
Cage Method is used to determine the water absorbency time and water absorbance
capacity of tissue paper and tissue products in accordance with DD ENV 12625-8.
The Cobb test determines the amount of water absorbed into the surface by a sized (non-
bibulous) paper, paperboard, and corrugated fibreboard paper or paperboard sample in a set
period of time, usually 60 or 180 seconds (Cobb60 or Cobb180). Water absorbency is quoted in
g/m2.
The water absorbency of a material can have strong influence on printability and the
setting rate of water based adhesives.
Date Performed: Submitted to:

01/07/17 ENGR. SHARON ROSE DUMAM-AG Page 2 of 6
Water absorbency rate determines the liquid sorption rate of bibulous paper, paperboard,
and paper products using gravimetric principles. A set volume of water is dropped onto the paper
surface and the time for the drop to be absorbed is measured. The water absorbency rate is used
as a measure of the acceptability of tissue, towelling and blotter papers in sorptive tasks. Other
test liquids such as ink, oil and milk are used to assess the comparative performance of papers for
specific applications.
Fig. 1 Set up of the Cobb Test
III. Materials and Apparatuses:
Corrugated Fiber Board

Cobb Tester
Mettler Lab Balance
Stopwatch
Water
Cutter
Paper
Ruler

IV. Procedures:
To start the experiment, we cut 4 pieces of 12.5 x 12.5 cm square corrugated fiberboard
material. Two samples were tested for their outer side and the other two for their inner side. We
weighed each sample using a Mettler lab balance and recorded the readings.
After weighing the samples, we prepared the set-up of the Cobb test. We wiped the metal
plate and metal ring until they were completely dry. We laid the sample on the metal plate and
placed the metal ring upon it. We fastened it with a crossbar to prevent any leakage between the
ring and the sample.
We poured 100 mL of water into the ring as rapidly as possible and started the stopwatch.
The test ran for 2 minutes. At around 10 seconds before the time stopped, we poured the water
quickly from the ring while carefully ensuring that no water was dropped on the dry side of the
sample.
After 2 minutes, we carefully removed the sample from the ring. We immediately
reweighed the sample and recorded the readings. We did the same test for all the samples and on
each side.
V. Diagram:
See attached page at the back
VI. Data and Results
Initial Weight Final Weight (g) Weight of %Absorption

(g) Water (g/m2)
1 7.91 17.34 943 119.22
2 7.92 14.42 650 82.07
3 8.06 9.95 189 23.45
4 7.81 9.69 188 24.07
VII. Computations
Weight of water = (Final weight Initial weight) x 100

Initial WeightFinal Weight
%Absorption = 100
Initial Weight

Corrugated Board 1:
Weight of water = (17.34 7.91) x 100 = 943 g/m2

7.9117.34
%Absorption = 100 = 119.22%
7.91
Corrugated Board 2:
Weight of water = (14.42 7.92) x 100 = 650 g/m2

7.9214.42
%Absorption = 100 = 82.07%
7.92
Corrugated Board 3:
Weight of water = (9.95-8.06) x 100 = 189 g/ m2

8.069.95
%Absorption = 100 = 23.45%
8.06
Corrugated Board 4:
Weight of water = (9.69-7.81) x 100 = 188 g/ m2

7.819.69
%Absorption = 100 = 24.07%
7.81
VIII. Observations and Discussion of Results:
In this experiment, we have observed that water absorptiveness test specifically the Cobb
test was really important. It had a vital role in measuring the water absorbency of corrugated
board which was usually used as a packaging material for different products.
In this experiment, we have observed that when we poured the water on the sample, the
two samples that were tested for the inner side of the corrugated board was the ones who
absorbed the water faster compared to the two samples that were tested for the outer side.
Based on our computed results, the one with the higher absorbency rates were the two
corrugated boards tested for the inner side which were 119.22% and 82.07%, respectively. Also,
corrugated boards tested for the inner side had a higher value for the weight of the water which
were = 943 g/m2 and 650 g/m2.
We compared the results obtained from the two inner sides tested with the other two
outer sides which had a great difference. The discrepancies that may have occurred during the
experiment was that we nay have not tightened the clamping force in the set-up that caused the
leakage of water in just a short span of time.
IX. Conclusion and Recommendations
Therefore, Cobb test was an efficient method in determining the water absorbency of
corrugated fiberboard. From the results obtained in the experiment, we could say that the inner
side of the corrugated fiberboard was the one who absorbed more water. The outer side of the
corrugated board absorbed only minimal water compared to its inner side.
In this experiment, changing the time to 60 seconds would be more appropriate since the
type of corrugated fiberboard used absorbed water faster than other type of corrugated board to
test. After using the specified condition, it may be compared to the ones obtained in this
experiment. Also, to avoid errors during the experiment, make sure that the clamping force was
tightened to avoid sudden leakage.
X. References:
http://www.tappi.org/content/tag/sarg/t441.pdf
http://www.smitherspira.com/services/materials-testing/paper-other-properties/water-
absorbency
http://olympic-construction.co.uk/salt-dampness/

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CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY ChE 4203 Chemical

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Engineering Laboratory 1

To determine the quantity of water absorbed by corrugated fiberboard in a specified time

Date Performed: Submitted to:

Fig. 1 Set up of the Cobb Test

III. Materials and Apparatuses:

Corrugated Fiber Board

Date Performed: Submitted to:

See attached page at the back

VI. Data and Results

Initial Weight Final Weight (g) Weight of %Absorption

Weight of water = (Final weight Initial weight) x 100

Date Performed: Submitted to:

Weight of water = (17.34 7.91) x 100 = 943 g/m2

Weight of water = (14.42 7.92) x 100 = 650 g/m2

Weight of water = (9.95-8.06) x 100 = 189 g/ m2

Weight of water = (9.69-7.81) x 100 = 188 g/ m2

VIII. Observations and Discussion of Results:

IX. Conclusion and Recommendations

Date Performed: Submitted to:

Date Performed: Submitted to:

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