Dimensions. To measure length, the condom is stretched slightly (5 percent to 10 percent) to smooth out wrinkles caused by having been rolled up and then hung over a graduated mandrel. The width is measured at a right angle to the length of the condom, when it is unrolled and laid flat without any creases. Typically, three thickness measurements are made for each sample condom, and an average is determined. In the tests, lubricants must be removed, and powders are added to avoid sticking.
Leakage ("Freedom from Holes"). In the hang method, the condom is filled with water, usually while hanging vertically, and a technician observes for leaks. In the hang/roll approach, a technician takes the water-filled condom from the hanging position, ties the end, and rolls it across an absorbent paper looking for water on the paper. By using a guiding device, the test operator can apply equal pressure across the condom, so that the entire condom surface touches the paper.
Tensile. A 20 mm-wide sample is cut from the mid-section of the condom. The test stretches this cross-sectional piece (ring) of latex until it breaks, using a constant rate of circular motion and applying pressure equally to the entire piece of condom. The test measures the force it takes to break the latex (breaking force, in Newtons); the length of the latex piece when it breaks (percent elongation, percent increase from initial to final circumference); and tensile breaking strength (megapascals), a calculation using the thickness of the latex and the Newtons of breaking force.
Air Burst. The test inflates the condom like a balloon and measures the volume of air and air pressure needed to burst it. A technician unrolls the condom manually and clamps it on a stem, leaving about 150 mm to be inflated. The apparatus should inflate the condom with clean, oil-free and moisture-free air at a specified rate. Variables in measurements include barometric readings, types of clamps used, manual or computer recording of data, and airflow rates, which may require a conversion calculation.
Package Integrity. A packaged condom is put in a vacuum system, either in water or in a dry, bell chamber. In the wet system, after one minute of vacuum stress, bubbles appear if there are holes in the package or the seal is defective. Placed in a dry vacuum for one minute, the package should inflate and remain inflated to pass the test.
Lubricant Quantity. To determine the amount of lubricant used in a pre-lubricated condom, the test measures separately and in various combinations the weight of the packaged condom, the condom with lubricant, the lubricant on the condom, the lubricant in the package, the cleaned condom and the cleaned package.
Oven Test. Seeking to simulate the aging process, the test is intended to provide some indication of how stable the product will be after being stored. After being artificially aged in an oven at an elevated temperature for a designated period of time, the tensile and/or air burst tests are performed. Results are compared with the base-line data to determine product deterioration.
by William P. Schellstede, Eli J. Carter and William R. Finger
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