ASTM D1781
Climbing Drum Peel Test Fixture
Standard Test Method for Climbing Drum Peel for Adhesives
Procedure:
ASTM D1781 outlines the use of the Climbing Drum Peel testing fixture, a crucial tool in evaluating adhesives concerning the flexibility of their backing materials. This method is particularly valuable in assessing Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA) and other composite materials, such as fabrics and foams, often employed in the creation of combined products. For instance, companies like ULINE manufacture various types of foam tapes utilized in shipping packaging applications. Additionally, this test holds great relevance in high-tech sectors like aerospace, where it is instrumental in the testing of composite sandwich structures, contributing to lightweighting efforts.
Significance:
The primary aim of this test is to assess the performance of adhesives when subjected to conditions that demand flexibility and resistance to delamination. This is especially pertinent in applications where adhesive bonds are integral to the structural integrity of the final product, ensuring that they can endure the rigors of use.
Setup:
To conduct this test, the adhesive skin is intentionally extended beyond the board or backing material by several inches. Subsequently, the adhesive-coated surface, often in the form of tape, is wrapped around the cylindrical drum and securely fastened using a clamp. With the drum in a secured position, the board is gradually pulled upward at a constant speed, initiating a "climbing" action along the backing material. This process continues until the adhesive backing material delaminates at a specific force threshold.
Key Consideration:
Of paramount importance in this test is the width of the adhesive sample. Precise measurement and specification of this width are crucial factors, as it significantly influences the test results and the evaluation of adhesive performance.
Analysis:
As with many peel strength tests, the final analysis necessitates the calculation of an average value from the data collected during the test, excluding the initial and concluding portions of the recorded data. This averaging process ensures that the test results are consistent and representative of the adhesive's overall performance.
In summary, ASTM D1781 provides a methodical and systematic approach to assess the peel resistance and delamination characteristics of adhesives when subjected to flexural forces, making it an indispensable tool in industries where adhesion strength and durability are of paramount importance.