ASTM D3167 Floating Roller Peel Resistance of Adhesives

Introduction 

The ASTM D3167 test technique determines the relative peel resistance of adhesive bonds between one stiff and one flexible adherend when evaluated under defined preparation and testing conditions. This test approach employs acceptance and process control testing. This test method assesses the peel strength of bonding adhesives, from metal to metal, with credible low and high ranges results. This technique guarantees reproducibility but simplifies the specimen preparation and actual testing process. The bonding strength determination is subject to the bonding process conditions, and therefore, they should be provided by the adhesive brand. The brand shall give clear instructions concerning surface preparation, mixing and applying the adhesive, curing the adhesive, and testing the adhesive after curing to maintain the testing quality.

Scope

The ASTM D3167 test technique covers the determination of adhesives’ metal-to-metal peel strength via a method that provides good reproducibility at low and high strength levels while allowing for a simple test specimen preparation and testing approach.

Because they are being pushed apart across a one-inch axle, this floating roller peel test allows a flexible substrate to be softly peeled apart from a stiff substance. A specifically built floating roller peel setup is used for this test. Because of the effective separation angle, the test works well for less flexible substrates that cannot be bent to a 90-degree or 180-degree angle.

Test Procedure

The unbonded end of the flexible adhesive is bonded perpendicular to the stiff substance and clamped into the grips according to ASTM D3167. The adhesive specimen is put between the two floating roller fixtures, and the load is applied as required. The test is carried out at a displacement rate according to the testing standard. When the specimen ruptures or breaks, the test is over. At least five additional specimens are required to carry out the test. 

Specimen Size

The test specimens consist of laminated panels made from two adherents, typically clad aluminum alloy (2024-T3), bonded together following the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. The test specimens are cut into 12.7-mm (0.5-in.) wide strips and prepared by bending the unbonded flexible adherend end perpendicular to the rigid adherend for clamping. The specimen size may vary based on adhesive type and test conditions.

Result

In ASTM D3167, Variations in the thickness of the adherents will generally influence the test values. The test results include the average peel strength, calculated from the load versus head movement curve, expressed in pounds-force per inch (or kilonewtons per meter). The report should also include detailed information about the adhesive, materials, bonding process, test conditions, specimen construction, and failure mode (adhesive or cohesive failure). Record the average, maximum, and minimum peeling loads for each specimen.

Conclusion

The ASTM D3167 test technique covers the determination of adhesives’ metal-to-metal peel strength via a method that provides good reproducibility at low and high strength levels while allowing for a simple test specimen preparation and testing approach. Supplying exact specifications and requirements for sample preparation and testing enables producers and buyers to measure the bonding performance of the adhesive bond correctly. The findings help improve the adhesive’s composition and help achieve the practical performance of bonded assemblies in terms of quality and durability.

FAQs