These test methods provide a quantitative measure of the pressure-sensitive tack property of an adhesive.

These test methods are designed to measure the tack property of the adhesive mass. The tack of a given adhesive varies depending on the backing (generally, stiffer backings lead to higher values).

Theses test methods are suitable for quality control and research purposes.

Test Method A (using Tensile Tester) makes use of a specimen strip 7 in. (175 mm) in length. Both the FINAT FTM 9 “Quick Stick” Tack Measurement Test and the TLMI L-IB2 Tensile Tester Loop Tack Test also use a specimen strip of that length.

Test Method B (using Loop Tack Tester) makes use of a specimen strip five in. (125 mm) in length. That is the only length specimen strip that fits properly in the loop tack tester.

If the adhesive is not already otherwise coated, these test methods incorporate the use of a clear 2 mil (0.05 mm) polyester (PET) film backing for specimen preparation. Use of other backing materials changes performance of the specimen to be tested.

1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of properties of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. These test methods are applicable to those adhesives that form a bond of measurable strength rapidly upon contact with another surface. Tack force may be measured as the force required to separate the adhesive from the adherend at the interface shortly after they have been brought into contact under a load equal only to the weight of the pressure-sensitive article (for example, tape, label, sticker, etc.) on a 1 in.² contact area.

1.2 The following test methods are included:

1.2.1 Test Method A (using Tensile Tester), and

1.2.2 Test Method B (using Loop Tack Tester).

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard because the industry standard width for pressure-sensitive tape is 1 inch. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

A666 Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar

D907 Terminology of Adhesives

D2651 Guide for Preparation of Metal Surfaces for Adhesive Bonding

E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines

E171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging

E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (TLMI) Standard

Keywords

adhesive; loop tack; pressure-sensitive article; tack; Adhesives; Loop tack; Pressure-sensitive adhesives; Tack force ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.180 (Adhesives)

Citing ASTM Standards

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