ASTM D4800-94(2023)

Standard Guide for Classifying and Specifying Adhesives

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this classification system is to provide a method of identifying adhesives in order to give industry a system that can be used universally for materials. It further provides a means for specifying these materials by the use of the standards that are developed using this guide.  
4.2 This classification system was developed to permit the addition of future adhesives.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides a classification system for tabulating the properties of adhesives suitable for holding parts or assemblies together. The use of this guide also provides information necessary for the development of standard specifications for adhesives.  
Note 1: This classification system may serve many of the needs of industries using adhesives. This guide is subject to revision as the need requires; therefore, the latest revision should always be used.  
1.2 Limitations—This classification system is intended to be a means of identifying adhesives. It is not intended for the selection of materials. Material selection should be made by those having expertise in the adhesives field after careful consideration of the design and the performance required of the part, the environment to which it will be exposed, the attachment process to be employed, the inherent properties of the material not covered in this document, and the economic factors.  
1.3 This classification system is based on the premise that adhesives can be arranged into broad generic families using basic properties to arrange the materials into groups, classes, and grades.  
1.4 In all cases where the provisions of this classification system would conflict with the referenced ASTM specification for a particular material, the latter shall take precedence.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units, as detailed in IEEE/ASTM SI 10, are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.6 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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.60 - Adhesive Material Classification System

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4562-01(2019) - Standard Test Method for Shear Strength of Adhesives Using Pin-and-Collar Specimen
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4562-01(2013) - Standard Test Method for Shear Strength of Adhesives Using Pin-and-Collar Specimen
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2583-13 - Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics by Means of a Barcol Impressor
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D907-12a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1298-12a - Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
• Effective Date: 15-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-12 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1298-12 - Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-11a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-11 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5363-03(2008) - Standard Specification for Anaerobic Single-Component Adhesives (AN)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08b - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D907-08 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2834-95(2008) - Standard Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter (Total Solids) in Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes, Solvent-Based Floor Polishes, and Polymer-Emulsion Floor Polishes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1084-08 - Standard Test Methods for Viscosity of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2008

Overview

ASTM D4800-94(2023) is the internationally recognized standard guide for classifying and specifying adhesives. Developed by ASTM International, this guide establishes a comprehensive classification system to identify adhesives used in diverse industries. It supports manufacturers, suppliers, and users by providing a universally applicable approach to the categorization, specification, and communication of adhesive materials and their properties. The guide is designed to accommodate the addition of new adhesive types as the industry evolves, making it a fundamental reference for adhesive specifications worldwide.

Key Topics

• Classification System: Establishes a structured method for categorizing adhesives into broad generic families, groups, classes, and grades based on their chemical composition and basic properties.
• Specification Guidance: Enables the development of detailed adhesive specifications, facilitating clear communication between suppliers and users regarding material requirements.
• Universal Identification: Provides standard symbols and designations for various adhesive generic families, such as cyanoacrylates, epoxies, silicones, polyurethanes, and more.
• Expandable Framework: The system is designed to support additional adhesives and evolving industry needs, ensuring long-term relevance.
• Cell Tables and Suffixes: Offers a method for specifying physical properties (e.g., shear strength, viscosity) and special requirements (e.g., color, flammability, hardness) through a standardized call-out system.
• Limitations: The standard is intended for identification and classification - not for direct selection of adhesives for specific applications, which requires specialized expertise and consideration of factors like environment, performance, and economics.

Applications

The classification and specification system described in ASTM D4800-94(2023) offers practical value in multiple industrial settings, including:

• Manufacturing and Assembly: Streamlined identification and specification of adhesives for bonding parts and assemblies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction.
• Product Development: Supports the creation of new adhesive products by providing a clear framework for documenting and communicating adhesive properties.
• Procurement and Quality Assurance: Facilitates standardized purchasing and inspection processes, reducing the risk of errors or ambiguity in materials procurement.
• Standards Development: Acts as a foundational document for developing new adhesive standards, ensuring consistency in terminology and classification.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with international standardization principles, assisting organizations in meeting global trade and regulatory requirements.

Related Standards

ASTM D4800-94(2023) references several complementary standards and test methods to ensure comprehensive coverage, including:

• ASTM D907: Terminology of Adhesives
• ASTM D1084: Test Methods for Viscosity of Adhesives
• ASTM D1310: Flash Point Testing
• ASTM D2240: Rubber Property - Durometer Hardness
• ASTM D3278: Flash Point of Liquids by Small Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus
• ASTM D5363: Specification for Anaerobic Single-Component Adhesives (AN)
• IEEE/ASTM SI 10: Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI)

Military standards such as MIL-STD-105 (Sampling Procedures) and MIL-A-46146 (Silicone Adhesives) are also referenced for sampling, inspection, and special requirements.

Practical Value

By following ASTM D4800-94(2023), professionals in the adhesives industry benefit from:

• Consistent identification and documentation of adhesive materials
• Streamlined communication across supply chains
• Simplified development and revision of adhesive standards
• Enhanced international acceptance and regulatory alignment

Keywords: Adhesives classification, adhesive specification, ASTM D4800, adhesive standards, universal identification system, industrial adhesives, materials classification, adhesive properties.

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: D4800 − 94 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Guide for
Classifying and Specifying Adhesives
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4800; 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 guide provides a classification system for tabulat- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
ing the properties of adhesives suitable for holding parts or
assemblies together. The use of this guide also provides D1084 Test Methods for Viscosity of Adhesives
D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API
information necessary for the development of standard speci-
Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
fications for adhesives.
ucts by Hydrometer Method
NOTE 1—This classification system may serve many of the needs of
D1310 Test Method for Flash Point and Fire Point of Liquids
industries using adhesives. This guide is subject to revision as the need
by Tag Open-Cup Apparatus
requires; therefore, the latest revision should always be used.
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
1.2 Limitations—This classification system is intended to be
ness
a means of identifying adhesives. It is not intended for the
D2583 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plas-
selection of materials. Material selection should be made by
tics by Means of a Barcol Impressor (Withdrawn 2022)
those having expertise in the adhesives field after careful
D2834 Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter (Total Solids) in
consideration of the design and the performance required of the
Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes, Solvent-Based Floor
part, the environment to which it will be exposed, the attach-
Polishes, and Polymer-Emulsion Floor Polishes
ment process to be employed, the inherent properties of the D3278 Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Small
material not covered in this document, and the economic
Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus
factors. D4562 Test Method for Shear Strength of Adhesives Using
Pin-and-Collar Specimen
1.3 This classification system is based on the premise that
D5363 Specification for Anaerobic Single-Component Ad-
adhesives can be arranged into broad generic families using
hesives (AN)
basic properties to arrange the materials into groups, classes,
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
and grades.
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
1.4 In all cases where the provisions of this classification
2.2 Military Standards:
system would conflict with the referenced ASTM specification
MIL-STD-105 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspec-
for a particular material, the latter shall take precedence.
tion by Attributes
MIL-A-46146 Adhesive, Silicone, RTV, Noncorrosive (for
1.5 The values stated in SI units, as detailed in IEEE/ASTM
Use with Sensitive Metals and Equipment)
SI 10, are to be regarded as the standard.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1 The terms used in this guide are in accordance with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Terminology D907.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on Adhesives and the ASTM website.
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.60 on Adhesive Material Classi- The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
fication System. www.astm.org.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4800 – 94 (2015). Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
DOI: 10.1520/D4800-94R23. dodssp.daps.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4800 − 94 (2023)
TABLE 1 Standard Symbols for Generic Families
4. Significance and Use
Standard ASTM
4.1 The purpose of this classification system is to provide a Family Name
A B
Symbol Standard
method of identifying adhesives in order to give industry a
B
AN Anaerobic (dimethacrylate) D5363
system that can be used universally for materials. It further
CA Cyanoacrylate
C
CS Casein
provides a means for specifying these materials by the use of
EP Epoxy
the standards that are developed using this guide.
HM Hot melt
MF Melamine-Formaldehyde
4.2 This classification system was developed to permit the
PF Phenol-Formaldehyde (phenolic)
addition of future adhesives.
PMMA Acrylic (other than AN or CA)
PUR Polyurethane
C
5. Classification
SI Silicone
A
Additional symbols will be added to this classification system as they are
5.1 Fig. 1 summarizes the classification system as detailed
requested or developed.
in this guide.
B
The standards listed are those in accordance with this classification system.
C
A standard is being developed.
5.2 Adhesives shall be classified on the basis of their broad
generic family. The generic family is identified by letter
designations as found in Table 1.
NOTE 2—For example: CA = Cyanoacrylate.
5.4.1 Although the values listed in the cell tables include the
5.2.1 The generic family is based on the broad chemical
makeup of the base materials. By its designation, certain range of properties available in existing materials, users should
not infer that every possible combination of properties exists or
inherent properties are specified.
can be obtained.
5.3 The generic family is classified into groups according,
5.4.2 The requirements for special adhesives will use the
in general, to the chemical composition. These groups are
classification system, as described, by the addition of a single
further subdivided into classes and grades, as shown in the
letter that indicates the proper cell table in which the properties
basic property table that applies. The letter designation appli-
are listed. A specific value is designated by the cell number for
cable is followed by a four-digit number indicating group,
each property in the order in which they are listed in the table.
class, and grade.
When a property is not to be specified, a zero is entered as the
5.3.1 The basic property tables have been developed to
cell number. Likewise, when an acceptable value is not
identify the commercially available adhesives into groups,
available in the cell table, the number 9 should be used and a
classes, and grades. These tables are found in the standards
suffix used indicating the specific value (see 7.1). Thus, the
listed in Table 1.
letter designation “A” for cell table and 3400 for property
5.3.1.1 Where a standard does not exist for this classifica-
values shall always be written A3400.
tion system the letter designation for the generic family will be
followed by four 0’s and the use of the suffixes as needed (see
NOTE 4—An example of an anaerobic adhesive ident
...