ASTM D903 Test for Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds

Introduction

The test method ASTM D903 covers the bonding strength of adhesives. It applies to standard-sized specimens of adhesive bonds under specifications of pre-treatment, temperature, and testing machine speed that determine their peel or stripping qualities. The primary purpose of carrying out the ASTM D903 test is research and development in the bond strength of adhesives. This test method has been used to evaluate and differentiate the chemical composition of adhesives based on superior adhesive properties.

Scope

The ASTM D903 test method uses a standardized approach to describe the test for adhesive bonds under controlled conditions. Peel strength, in kilograms per millimeter of width, refers to the force needed to separate the two adherents by peeling them at a 180° angle. This test is critical in demonstrating the performance of flexible adhesives in various industrial applications.

The test procedure followed in ASTM D903 is quite cumbersome. A flexible adherend bonded to a rigid substrate is peeled back at a constant rate under tension applied generally to the bond. For uniform peeling, the substrate is clamped vertically in the testing machine. Multiple testing machines can be used for this purpose. However, all of them must provide continuous load vs position indication and calculation of average load.

Read more: ASTM D6862 Resistance-to-Peel Strength of an Adhesive

A vise grip coupled with the testing machine’s moving crosshead facilitates peeling the free end of the flexible specimen, thus providing secure holding and peeling. The test procedures allow a consistent result, which helps to evaluate the influence of adhesive bond line thickness on joint strength in various applications.

Procedure

The ASTM D903 test employs long, narrow, flexible strips adhered to rigid substrates. These strips undergo meticulous preparation, ensuring a specified flexible material is bonded to the substrate, leaving adequate free length for gripping and peeling. Before sticking things together, we prepare the surfaces, put on the glue, and let it dry according to the instructions. After that, we make sure the samples are at about 23°C and 50% humidity before testing. During testing, the substrate is vertically positioned. The free end of the flexible strip is securely held in place by a grip attached to the testing machine’s moving crosshead.

ASTM D903 Test Techniques Used

While ASTM D903 is vital for peel or stripping strength testing of adhesive bonds, complementary tests such as ASTM D638 for tensile strength and ASTM D695 for compression strength offer holistic insights into material behavior and performance characteristics, facilitating comprehensive material assessment. They also answer questions about what kind of adhesives bond acrylic strength, epoxy adhesive, and single-component epoxies.

Specimen Size and Data

Data analysis from ASTM D903 testing yields invaluable insights into adhesive bond strength. Data analysis is crucial for material selection, quality assurance, and design optimization. This quantitative data drives innovation and reliability in product development processes.

Conclusion

ASTM D903 is an essential standard that specifies the test method to determine the adhesive bond’s peel or stripping strength. It provides a uniform and reproducible procedure for qualitatively assessing adhesive performance. This test is accurate in many industries where adhesive bonds are crucial, ensuring product quality, durability, and safety. With the use of ASTM D903, the manufacturer can gain more critical insight regarding the properties of adhesives.

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