ASTM D6252/D6252M-98(2019)

Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Label Stocks at a 90° Angle

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is a tool for quality assurance use. Given a pressure-sensitive label stock and a requirement in terms of the minimum or maximum peel adhesion value expected for this label stock, the data from the test can be used in conjunction with acceptance criteria.  
5.2 This test method can show the relative bond strength of a given label stock to one or more surfaces of varied material and texture as compared to the standard stainless steel panel. Substitution of panels representative of the proposed substrates for the standard stainless steel panel would be acceptable for this procedure.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive label stocks. This test method gives a measure of the adherence to a standard steel substrate or to other surfaces of interest for a pressure-sensitive label stock.  
1.2 This test method provides a means of assessing the uniformity of the adhesion of a given type of pressure-sensitive label stock. The assessment may be within a sheet or roll, between sheets or rolls, or between production lots.  
1.3 Variations in the label stock facestock and adhesive can affect the response; therefore, this test method cannot be used to pinpoint the specific cause(s) of nonuniformity.  
1.4 This test method may not be appropriate to test label stocks having either stiff backings or backings showing a high stretch at low forces. These characteristics could result in a high variability of the test response, which is not a true indication of the real nature of the adhesive bond.  
1.5 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way.  
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.14 - Tape and Labels

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6252/D6252M-98(2011) - Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Label Stocks at a 90&#176 Angle
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2019) - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2011) - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM A666-10 - Standard Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01(2006) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM D996-04 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM A666-03 - Standard Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM D996-02 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D996-99 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01e2 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Overview

ASTM D6252/D6252M-98(2019) is the Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Label Stocks at a 90° Angle. Published by ASTM International, this standard provides a uniform method for measuring the peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive label stocks when removed from substrates, notably at a 90-degree angle. It is primarily intended for use as a quality assurance tool in the labeling and packaging industries, ensuring that pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) meet specified adherence requirements.

Key Topics

• Peel Adhesion Measurement: The standard specifies procedures for evaluating the force needed to remove label stock from surfaces such as stainless steel panels or alternative substrates at a 90° angle.
• Quality Assurance: Data from this test method enables manufacturers to verify whether specific PSAs meet minimum or maximum peel adhesion requirements, supporting consistent product quality.
• Uniformity Assessment: It allows assessment of adhesion uniformity within a sheet, between sheets or rolls, or across production lots of label stock.
• Panel Substitution: While a standard stainless steel panel is the reference surface, panels that simulate the proposed end-use substrate are permitted for practical comparison.
• Applicability Limits: The method is not suitable for label stocks with stiff backings or those that stretch excessively at low force, as this can cause unrepresentative variation in test results.
• Safety and Units: The procedure recognizes both SI and inch-pound units, which must not be combined. Users are responsible for applying appropriate health, safety, and environmental practices.

Applications

Peel adhesion testing based on ASTM D6252/D6252M-98(2019) is critical across several fields, including:

• Label Manufacturing: Quality control of pressure-sensitive adhesives used in labels for consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and more.
• Packaging Industries: Assessing the bond strength and reliability of labels applied to cartons, bottles, and packages, ensuring product tracking and regulatory compliance.
• Material Development: Evaluating different facestock and adhesive formulations during research and development to optimize label performance on various substrates.
• Comparative Testing: Allowing suppliers and end-users to compare different label stocks under controlled conditions to select the best product for specific surfaces or environmental conditions.
• Production Consistency: Monitoring production lots to detect and address issues of nonuniform adhesion that could affect application or user experience.

Related Standards

Professionals using ASTM D6252/D6252M-98(2019) may also reference:

• ASTM A666: Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic Stainless Steel, relevant for the preparation of standard test panels.
• ASTM D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments, for definitions used in packaging standards.
• ASTM D3715/D3715M: Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes, complementing quality processes for pressure-sensitive materials.
• ASTM D4332: Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing, standardizing sample conditioning procedures.
• ASTM E122: Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process.

Practical Value

Implementing testing according to ASTM D6252/D6252M ensures consistency, product safety, and regulatory compliance in the use of pressure-sensitive label stocks. It empowers manufacturers, converters, and end-users to make informed choices and maintain quality standards throughout production and supply chains. The method's flexibility in substrate selection and focus on reproducible, quantitative analysis make it an essential tool for modern labeling and packaging assurance programs.

Keywords: peel adhesion, pressure-sensitive label stock, ASTM D6252, 90-degree peel, quality assurance, packaging, adhesive testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6252/D6252M − 98 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Label Stocks at a 90°
Angle
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6252/D6252M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the peel 2.1 ASTM Standards:
adhesion of pressure-sensitive label stocks. This test method A666 Specification forAnnealed or Cold-WorkedAustenitic
gives a measure of the adherence to a standard steel substrate Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar
or to other surfaces of interest for a pressure-sensitive label D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
stock. ments
D3715/D3715M Practice for QualityAssurance of Pressure-
1.2 This test method provides a means of assessing the
Sensitive Tapes
uniformityoftheadhesionofagiventypeofpressure-sensitive
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
label stock. The assessment may be within a sheet or roll,
Packaging Components for Testing
between sheets or rolls, or between production lots.
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
1.3 Variations in the label stock facestock and adhesive can
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
affect the response; therefore, this test method cannot be used
Lot or Process
to pinpoint the specific cause(s) of nonuniformity.
3. Terminology
1.4 This test method may not be appropriate to test label
stocks having either stiff backings or backings showing a high
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test
stretch at low forces. These characteristics could result in a
method are in accordance with Terminology D996.
high variability of the test response, which is not a true
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
indication of the real nature of the adhesive bond.
3.2.1 pressure-sensitive label stock, n—the combination of
1.5 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to
facestock (face material), pressure-sensitive adhesive, and
be regarded separately as the standard. The values stated in
release liner.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system must be used independently, without combining values
4. Summary of Test Method
in any way.
4.1 Astrip of label stock is applied to a standard test panel,
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
or other surface of interest, with controlled pressure. The label
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
stock is peeled from the panel at 90° angle at a specified rate,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
during which time the force required to effect peeling is
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
measured.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—The pressure-sensitive adhesive (psa) is permanently tacky
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
and instantly adheres to the surface for which the label stock is designed.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
A psa label stock also can be defined as a self-adhering label stock.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 This test method is a tool for quality assurance use.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Given a pressure-sensitive label stock and a requirement in
terms of the minimum or maximum peel adhesion value
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.14 on Tape and
Labels. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D6252/D6252M – 98 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
(2011). DOI: 10.1520/D6252_D6252M-98R19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6252/D6252M − 98 (Reapproved 2019)
expected for this label stock, the data from the test can be used extension shall be at a uniform rate of 5.0 6 0.2 mm/s or 12 6
in conjunction with acceptance criteria. 0.5 in./min. The force measuring system shall be calibrated to
an accuracy of 0.5 % of full scale. The lowest required full
5.2 This test method can show the relative bond strength of
scale range is 0–550 g or 0–20 oz. Above the 0–20 oz range,
a given label stock to one or more surfaces of varied material
fullscaleforanytestshallbesuchthatthemeantestvaluefalls
and texture as compared to the standard stainless steel panel.
within 20 % of the scale maximum.An autographic device for
Substitution of panels representative of the proposed substrates
recording peel force shall be provided. Capability of intergrat-
for the standard stainless steel panel would be acceptable for
ing areas under the peel force recordings shall be optional.
this procedure.
7. Reagents and Materials
6. Apparatus
3 7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
6.1 Specimen Cutter —The specimen cutter shall hold two
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
single-edged razor blades in parallel planes, a precise distance
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
apart, to form a cutter of exact specimen width.
Analytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society, where
NOTE 2—A25.4-mm or 1-in. cutter shall consist of a 25.4-mm or 1-in.
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
thick by 200-mm or 8-in. length of aluminum bar stock 25.4 mm or 1 in.
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
wide. The edges for about 125 mm or 5 in. from one end shall be slightly
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
rounded to form a handle. The width of the bar for 75 mm or 3 in. from
the determination.
the opposite end shall be narrowed to exactly 25.4 mm or 1 in. minus the
thickness of a single-edged razor blade (one of two used as cutting edges).
7.2 Solvents:
The razor blades shall be held in position using side plates.The end of the
7.2.1 Diacetone Alcohol, non-residual, technical grade or
cutter shall be cut away at 0.74 Rad or 45° angle to expose the cutting
better.
edge at one end of the blades.
7.2.2 One of the following:
6.2 Dispensing System for Solvents—Use plastic wash
7.2.2.1 Acetone.
bottles.
7.2.2.2 Ethyl Acetate.
6.3 Panel —A50by125-mmnolessthan1.1-mmthickness
7.2.2.3 Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).
ora2by 5-in. panel no less than 0.043-in. thickness stainless
7.2.2.4 Methyl Alcohol, (95 %).
steel 302 or 304 in accordance with Specification A666 having
7.2.2.5 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).
a bright-annealed finish. The surface roughness height shall be
7.2.2.6 Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK).
50 6 5-nm or 2.0 6 0.2-µin. arithmetical average deviation
7.2.2.7 n-Heptane.
from the mean line. Panels showing stains, discoloration, or
7.2.3 Where toxicity and flammability requirements are
numerous scratches are not acceptable.
paramount, a mixture of n-heptane and a fluorinated
6.4 Roller , mechanically-operated. hydrocarbon, such as refrigerant, may meet the requirements.
Normally, cleaning procedures, including use of the solvents in
6.4.1 A steel roller 85 6 2.5 mm or 3.25 6 0.1 in. in
diameterand45 61.5mmor1.75 60.05in.inwidth,covered 7.2, cannot be used on porous or solvent-sensitive materials.
by rubber approximately 6.5 mm or 0.25 in. in thickness,
7.3 Cleaning Material, absorbent, either
...