ASTM D2095-96(2023)

Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength of Adhesives by Means of Bar and Rod Specimens

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Tension tests provide reasonably accurate information with regard to the tensile strength of adhesives. Tensile strength data may be suitable for specification acceptance, service evaluation, manufacturing control, research, and development. Tension tests are not considered significant for applications differing from the test in rate, direction, and type of loading.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative tensile strength of adhesives by the use of bar- and rod-shaped butt-joined specimens under defined conditions of preparation, conditioning, and testing. This test method is applicable to the testing of adhesives with various adherend materials in either similar or dissimilar combinations.  
Note 1: An alternative test method for determining the tensile strength of adhesives is Test Method D897.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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: D14.80 - Metal Bonding Adhesives

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D897-08(2016) - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Adhesive Bonds
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM E4-14 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM D907-12a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D907-12 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM E104-02(2012) - Standard Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions
• 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 E4-10 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM E4-09a - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E6-09b - Standard Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
• Effective Date: 15-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM E6-09be1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
• Effective Date: 15-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM E6-09a - Standard Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-09 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E6-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-08 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008

Overview

ASTM D2095-96(2023): Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength of Adhesives by Means of Bar and Rod Specimens is a widely recognized method developed by ASTM International. This standard specifies procedures for evaluating the tensile strength of adhesives using specially prepared bar or rod butt-joined specimens. By providing a controlled approach to testing, ASTM D2095 ensures reliable, repeatable results across different types of adhesives and adherend materials.

Adhesive tensile strength data obtained through this method plays a crucial role in specifications acceptance, quality control, service evaluation, research, and development within various industries. Although tensile strength results are accurate for comparative and acceptance purposes, they may not directly reflect real-world conditions where different loading rates, directions, or types occur.

Key Topics

• Test Specimen Preparation: Covers bar and rod specimens joined using adhesives under defined conditions. Specimens may use similar or dissimilar adherends, referencing ASTM D2094 for details on design and preparation.

• Conditioning and Environment: Describes conditioning of specimens prior to testing, ensuring temperature and humidity are maintained consistently as per relevant ASTM standards.

• Testing Procedure:

  • Placement of specimens in a properly calibrated tensile testing machine.
  • Application of a specified loading rate until failure.
  • Recording of maximum load at rupture, along with failure mode analysis (adhesion, cohesion, contact, or adherend failure).

• Calculations and Reporting:

  • Calculation of tensile strength by dividing breaking load by the bonded surface area.
  • Reporting includes averages, standard deviations, and comprehensive identification of adhesives and test conditions.

• Safety and Compliance: Highlights the need to consider and address safety, health, and environmental practices during test setup and execution.

Applications

ASTM D2095 is widely used for:

• Specification Acceptance: Comparing adhesive products against stakeholder or regulatory specifications.
• Quality Control: Routine testing in manufacturing environments to monitor adhesive bond strength over production runs.
• Service Evaluation: Assessing the performance of adhesives under simulated conditions similar to actual use cases.
• Research and Development: Supporting the formulation of new adhesives or optimization of existing products with precise performance data.
• Comparative Testing: Evaluating different adhesives or bonding processes using a standardized approach.

The method accommodates adhesives used with metal, plastic, ceramic, and other materials, making it valuable across automotive, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods sectors.

Related Standards

Professionals implementing ASTM D2095 often refer to complementary ASTM standards to ensure the accuracy and completeness of adhesive testing programs:

• ASTM D897 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Adhesive Bonds (alternative method)
• ASTM D907 - Terminology of Adhesives
• ASTM D2094 - Practice for Preparation of Bar and Rod Specimens for Adhesion Tests
• ASTM E4 - Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
• ASTM E6 - Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
• ASTM E104 - Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity by Means of Aqueous Solutions

Practical Value

Using ASTM D2095 ensures adhesive tensile strength testing is performed with a globally recognized methodology, supporting compliance, data consistency, and quality assurance. Its rigorous procedure helps manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory bodies make informed decisions based on scientifically validated results. For companies seeking to benchmark adhesives, optimize performance, or meet customer and regulatory demands, this standard provides a reliable foundation.

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: D2095 − 96 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Tensile Strength of Adhesives by Means of Bar and Rod
Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2095; 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 E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
E104 Practice for Maintaining Constant Relative Humidity
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative
by Means of Aqueous Solutions
tensile strength of adhesives by the use of bar- and rod-shaped
butt-joined specimens under defined conditions of preparation,
3. Terminology
conditioning, and testing. This test method is applicable to the
3.1 Many of the terms in this standard are defined in
testing of adhesives with various adherend materials in either
Terminology D907.
similar or dissimilar combinations.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
NOTE 1—An alternative test method for determining the tensile strength
3.2.1 tensile strength of an adhesive, n—the maximum
of adhesives is Test Method D897.
tensile stress which it is capable of sustaining. Tensile strength
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
is calculated from the maximum load during a tension test
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
carried to rupture and the original cross-sectional area of the
only.
specimen (see Terminology E6).
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Tension tests provide reasonably accurate information
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
with regard to the tensile strength of adhesives. Tensile strength
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
data may be suitable for specification acceptance, service
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
evaluation, manufacturing control, research, and development.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Tension tests are not considered significant for applications
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
differing from the test in rate, direction, and type of loading.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Apparatus
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 Testing Machine—A testing machine capable of main-
2. Referenced Documents taining a specified rate of loading, with the error for indicated
loads that are to be measured not exceeding 61 % and the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
load-indicating mechanism essentially free of inertial lag at a
D897 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Adhesive Bonds
specified rate of loading. Verify the accuracy of the testing
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
machine in accordance with Practices E4. Ensure that the
D2094 Practice for Preparation of Bar and Rod Specimens
testing machine is provided with the following:
for Adhesion Tests
5.1.1 Fixed Member—A fixed or essentially stationary
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test-
member carrying one attachment fixture.
ing Machines
5.1.2 Movable Member—A movable member carrying a
second attachment fixture.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
5.1.3 Attachment Fixtures—Self-aligning type fixtures for
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.80 on Metal
holding a specimen between the fixed member and the movable
Bonding Adhesives.
member. Ensure that the fixtures are attached to the fixed and
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
movable members in such a way that they will move into
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D2095 – 96 (2015).
DOI: 10.1520/D2095-96R23.
alignment as soon as load is applied, so that the long axis of the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
test specimen will coincide with the direction of the applied
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
load. A design for fixtures that has proven satisfactory is shown
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2095 − 96 (2023)
FIG. 1 Test Specimens and Attachment Fixtures
5.2 Conditioning Room or Desiccators—A conditioning
room capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 50 % 6
2 % at 23 °C 6 1 °C (73.4 °F 6 1.8 °F) or desiccators
containing a saturated salt solution (Note 2) to give the same
relative humidity and temperature.
NOTE 2—A saturated salt solution of calcium nitrate will give approxi-
mately 51 % relative humidity at 24.5 °C (see Practice E104).
6. Test Specimens
6.1 Description and Preparation—Bar- or rod-type s
...