ASTM D5041 Fracture Strength in Cleavage of Adhesives in Bonded Joints
The standard ASTM D5041 describes the fracture strength testing of flat adhesively bonded reinforced plastic specimens, by imposing controlled cleavage stresses to split apart the specimen using a movable wedge. The ASTM D5041 adhesive shear strength is expressed in megapascals or gigapascals
Introduction
The standard ASTM D5041 describes the fracture strength testing of flat adhesively bonded reinforced plastic specimens. It involves imposing controlled cleavage stresses to split apart the specimen using a movable wedge. The ASTM D5041 adhesive shear strength is expressed in megapascals or gigapascals.
Scope
The standard ASTM D5041 describes the fracture strength testing of flat adhesively bonded reinforced plastic specimens by imposing cleavage stresses for crack propagation and specimen failure. The test provides a good quality check of the adherend surface preparations, reflecting the performance of the entire bonded system and not just the adhesive. Rapid crack propagation indicates defective surface preparation. The ASTM D5401 test also screens various adhesives for bonding reinforced plastic plates.
Apparatus used in ASTM D5041:
The apparatus used in ASTM D5041 is as follows.
| Apparatus | Description |
| Drive Mechanism | Ensures uniform, controlled crosshead velocity relative to the fixed member. |
| Load Indicator | Measures the total compressive load on the specimen with accuracy within ±1% of the maximum load. |
| Wedge | A 45° angle wedge (aluminum or steel) with smooth sides and a radius of 0.02 mm is recommended. Stainless steel is recommended for durability. |
| Removable Tip | Optional feature to prevent test data distortion if the wedge strikes the adhesive prematurely. |
| Support Fixture | An adjustable fixture holds and aligns the specimen under the wedge during testing. |
| Integrator | Device (mechanical/electronic/computer-based) for calculating failure energy. |
| Bond Fixture | Fixture with temperature- and pressure-controlled platens for bonding test assemblies per the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. |
Procedure
The ASTM D5041 test can be performed on any testing machine with a drive mechanism capable of imparting a constant and controlled velocity to a movable crosshead member. The specimen comprises two flat plates bonded by an intermediate adhesive layer. The specimen is fastened vertically onto a steel support baseplate. A stainless steel wedge with a removable tip performs the cleavage. A threaded coupling attaches the wedge base to the movable crosshead member of the testing machine. A notch is provided at the leading edge of the specimen to initiate crack propagation on the sample. The wedge is driven at a specified speed, and the crack propagation is measured.
Specimen size
Specimens consist of two flat plates bonded with an adhesive layer. The standard size of specimens is 200 mm in length and 25 mm in width, with adherend plates about 2 mm thick.
Result
The ASTM D5041 fracture strength is reported in megapascals or gigapascals.
Conclusion
The ASTM D5041 test method evaluates the fracture strength of adhesives in bonded joints with reliable performance. Controlled cleavage stresses applied to the specimens measure adhesive performance, surface preparation, and overall integrity of the bonded system. This method can quickly reveal a crack that indicates poor surface preparation, thus providing an easy quality check on the adhesive and bonding process. The fracture strength value obtained from this test is an essential parameter in checking the durability and performance of adhesive joints, particularly those used in reinforced plastics applications.
FAQs
The ASTM D5041 test method determines the fracture strength of adhesives for bonded joints in flat adhesively bonded reinforced plastic specimens. It uses controlled cleavage stress to cause crack propagation and complete specimen failure.
Rapid crack propagation may indicate defective surface preparation of the bonded specimen, which can adversely affect the adhesive's bonding ability.
The result represents the fracture strength of the adhesive bond, which is critical for determining the adhesive's performance under stress in real-world applications.
ASTM D5041 is a test method for testing adhesive bonds in reinforced plastics. However, other materials can also be tested if they meet the required specimen specifications.
In ASTM D5041, specimens consist of two flat plates bonded with an adhesive layer. The standard size of specimens is 200 mm in length and 25 mm in width, with adherend plates about 2 mm thick.
Talk to Our Experts Today!
Submit your contact info and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours
Full Spectrum of ASTM Material Testing — Backed by 2,000+ Trusted Lab Partners
ASTM standards for chemical composition, physical properties, failure analysis, and other routine and non-routine testing for polymers and plastics
ASTM standards for determination of mechanical, physical, and thermal properties, and performance of monolithic and composite ceramics
ASTM standards guiding various destructive, non-destructive and analytical tests for quality control of different metals and alloys
ASTM standards for chemical analysis of solid, liquid and gaseous materials for specification compliance and quality control
ASTM standards for various chemical, physical, stability and exposure analysis of paints and coatings
Our Services
Metrology
A variety of microscopy and spectroscopy tools available for precise measurements from the nano to the meter scale.
Learn More
Materials Testing
ASTM and ISO standard and custom chemical, mechanical, thermal, corrosion tests, etc. for all materials metals, ceramic or polymers.
Learn More
Product Testing
Thousands of tests for product quality and reliability under heat, humidity, temperature shock, vibration, drop, electrostatic discharge.
Learn More
