Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength and Elongation of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes - PDF

ASTM D3759 Ribbon Grip – Universal Grip Data Sheet (PDF)

 

ASTM D3759/D3759M measures the breaking strength and elongation of pressure-sensitive tape: how much force a strip of tape carries before it breaks and how far it stretches. It applies to packaging, strapping, masking, electrical, duct and filament-reinforced tapes, and is equivalent to PSTC-31. The test is run at a constant rate of extension on a universal testing machine.

Specimen and Setup

• Specimen width: 24 mm or 25 mm (1 in); wider tapes can be tested full width or slit

• Specimen length: long enough to fill both grips plus the gauge length, about 250 mm

• Initial jaw separation (gauge length): 100 mm (4 in)

• Crosshead speed: 300 mm/min (12 in/min)

• Condition at 23 °C and 50% RH before testing; test at least 3 specimens per roll

• Handle the tape by the ends and keep it adhesive-free in the gauge section; a light dusting of talc or a liner strip stops it sticking to itself

Confirm specimen length, number of specimens and conditioning against your copy of D3759.

Test Procedure

• Clamp one end of the tape in each grip with the tape centered and straight

• Set the jaw separation to 100 mm and zero the force and extension

• Pull at 300 mm/min until the tape breaks

• Record the peak force and the extension at break

• Discard breaks in or at the grips if the tape normally breaks in the gauge section

Calculations

Breaking strength = peak force ÷ tape width, reported in N/100 mm, N/cm or lbf/in

Elongation at break (%) = extension at break ÷ 100 mm × 100

Example: a 24 mm wide polypropylene packaging tape breaks at 140 N with 130 mm of extension. Breaking strength = 140 ÷ 24 × 100 = 583 N/100 mm (about 33 lbf/in). Elongation = 130 ÷ 100 × 100 = 130%.

Equipment

• Universal testing machine with a 500 N to 5 kN load cell (filament-reinforced strapping tapes need the higher end) and enough travel for high-stretch films

• Tensile grips: flat or roller-faced vise grips, or capstan grips for high-strength strapping tape that would break at the jaw face

• Environmental chamber for hot or cold strength checks

Related Standards

• PSTC-31 – tensile strength and elongation of pressure-sensitive tape

• ASTM D3330 – peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tape

• ASTM D6195 – loop tack

• ASTM D3811 – unwind force of pressure-sensitive tape

• ASTM D3654 – shear adhesion (holding power)

• ASTM D882 – tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting

ASTM D3759 FAQ

What gauge length and speed does ASTM D3759 use?

A 100 mm (4 in) initial jaw separation and a crosshead speed of 300 mm/min (12 in/min).

How is tape breaking strength reported?

As force per unit width, such as N/100 mm, N/cm or lbf/in, so tapes of different widths can be compared.

How is elongation calculated?

Elongation at break (%) = extension at break ÷ 100 mm gauge length × 100.

What grips work for strapping tape?

Filament-reinforced strapping tapes are strong enough to break at a flat jaw face. Capstan or roller grips spread the clamping load and give breaks in the gauge section.