Introduction
Standardized testing provides the objective data needed for the research, development, and quality control of adhesive tapes. ASTM International publishes the established test methods used to measure the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. At Adhesives Research, our development process relies on the strict application of these standards to ensure all materials meet demanding performance specifications. Using these standards yields reproducible and comparable data, allowing for accurate material specification and supporting new innovation.
This document is a technical reference for the main ASTM standards used to characterise pressure-sensitive tapes and adhesives.
Peel Adhesion
Peel adhesion is defined as the force required to remove a pressure-sensitive tape from a test surface at a specified angle and rate of removal.
- ASTM D3330 / D3330M – Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape: This is the primary standard for quantifying the bond strength of pressure-sensitive tapes. The methodology involves applying a tape to a standard substrate (typically stainless steel) and measuring the force required to peel it from the substrate at a 180° or 90° angle. Results are reported in force per unit width (e.g., N/100 mm). The standard includes multiple procedures to accommodate different testing needs.
- ASTM D1876 – Standard Test Method for Peel Resistance of Adhesives (T-Peel Test): This method is used to determine the peel resistance of adhesive bonds between two flexible adherends. The resulting “T” shape during testing makes it particularly relevant for evaluating the adhesive performance in laminated structures or double-sided tapes.
Shear Adhesion (Cohesive Strength)
Shear adhesion, also referred to as holding power, measures an adhesive’s ability to resist static forces applied in the same plane as the substrate. This property is a direct indicator of the adhesive’s internal cohesive strength.
- ASTM D3654 / D3654M – Standard Test Methods for Shear Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes: This standard quantifies the time it takes for a defined area of tape to fail when subjected to a static shear load. A strip of tape is applied to a vertical standard panel, and a specified mass is suspended from the tape. The time until the tape detaches or slips a specified distance is recorded. The test can be performed at ambient or elevated temperatures to assess performance under different thermal conditions.
Tensile Strength and Elongation
These properties relate to the mechanical characteristics of the tape’s backing material, which provides the tape’s structural integrity.
- ASTM D3759 / D3759M – Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength and Elongation of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes: This method measures the force required to rupture a tape specimen (tensile strength) and the extent to which it stretches before breaking (elongation). A sample is pulled at a constant rate of extension in a tensile testing machine. These values are critical for applications involving tension, such as automated carton sealing or bundling.
Barrier Performance
For applications in electronics, medical, or food packaging, an adhesive tape may also function as a barrier to environmental elements like moisture.
- ASTM F1249 – Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor: This standard is used to determine the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of flexible materials. This is a critical parameter for many of the advanced materials developed at Adhesives Research for moisture-sensitive medical and electronics applications. The method measures the flux of water vapor through a material, with results reported in g/m²/day.
Coating Adhesion Evaluation
It is important to differentiate between testing the tape itself and using a tape to test another material.
- ASTM D3359 – Standard Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test: This standard does not measure the performance of the adhesive tape. Instead, it employs pressure-sensitive tape as a tool to assess the adhesion of coatings, such as paint or primers, to a substrate. The procedure involves making an X-cut or cross-hatch pattern in the coating, applying the tape, and then removing it. The adhesion of the coating is rated based on the amount of coating removed by the tape.
