Scope:  

ASTM D3330-04 is used in quality control, to assure that the tape has the required peel adhesive value. This test can also evaluate the uniformity of the adhesion of given pressure-sensitive tape.  ASTM D3330-04 can be used to determine the relative bond strength of a given tape to varied surfaces of different materials and textures as opposed to the standard stainless steel panel. 

Test Procedure: 

Test Method A (Single-Coated Tapes, Peel Adhesion at 180° angle.): A strip of tape is applied to a standard test panel with controlled pressure. The tape is peeled from the panel at 180° angle at a specified rate, during which time the force required to effect peel is measured. 

Test Method B (Adhesion to Backing, Single-Coated Tapes): A strip of tape is applied to a rigid panel. Another strip of the tape is applied to the backing of the first strip of tape and tested for peel adhesion as described in Test Method A. 

Test Method C (Double-Coated Tapes):

Face Side Adhesion: The double-coated tape is applied to a stainless steel panel with the liner side up. The liner is removed and the exposed adhesive is covered with a strip of 0.025 mm thick polyester film. The resulting tape is then tested as described in Test Method A. 

Liner Side Adhesion: The face side adhesive is applied to a 0.025 mm polyester film. The liner is removed and the tape is applied adhesive down to a stainless steel panel and the test is conducted as described in Test Method A.

Test Method D (Adhesion to Liner): The tape is applied to a standard steel test panel with the liner side up. The liner is peeled from the adhesive in the same manner as in peeling a single-coated tape from a standard panel as described in Test Method A. 

Test Method E (Adhesion of Adhesive Transfer Tapes):

Face Side: The tape is adhered to a standard panel. The liner is removed and a 0.025 mm thick strip of polyester is to form a film-backed strip of tape. The adhesion is measured as described in Test Method A. 

Linear Side: The transfer tape is applied to a strip of 0.025 mm thick polyester film, the liner is removed and the resulting tape’s adhesion is measured as described in Test Method A. 

Test Method F (Single-Coated Tapes, 90° Peel): 

A strip of tape is applied to a standard test panel with controlled pressure. The tape is peeled from the panel at 90° angle at a specified rate, during which time the force required to effect peel is measured.

Specimen Size: 

The specimen should be 24 mm (1 inches) wide and around 300 mm (12 inches) long.  At least three outer wraps are discarded from the sample roll prior to testing. One specimen per sample roll is removed for each test to be performed. The specimen is removed from a freely rotating roll at the rate of 500 to 750 mm/s. After unwinding, the specimen should be applied within 5 minutes. 

Data: 

The following information is reported: Description of any unusual behavior during testing such as adhesive transfer or splitting. Peel adhesion value. The test method used (A, B, C, D or E) and, if C or E, whether face side or liner side. Dwell time.