ASTM D906-20

Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The way adhesives are used in plywood makes shear strength an important performance criteria.  
4.2 Shear strength measured by this test is suitable for use in adhesive development, manufacturing quality control, and in materials performance specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the comparative shear strengths of adhesives in plywood-type construction, when tested on a standard specimen and under specified conditions of preparation, conditioning, and testing. This test method is intended to be applied only to adhesives used in bonding wood to wood.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes 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: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.30 - Wood Adhesives

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D906-98(2017) - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5266-13(2020) - Standard Practice for Estimating the Percentage of Wood Failure in Adhesive Bonded Joints
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4442-20 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1038-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Veneer, Plywood, and Wood Structural Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4442-16 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4442-15 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D5266-13 - Standard Practice for Estimating the Percentage of Wood Failure in Adhesive Bonded Joints
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• 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 D907-11a - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1038-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Veneer and Plywood
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-11 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• 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

Overview

ASTM D906-20 - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading specifies the procedure for determining the comparative shear strengths of adhesives used in plywood-type construction when bonding wood to wood. This widely recognized ASTM standard is vital in ensuring the performance and reliability of wood adhesives by providing a rigorous and consistent approach for shear strength testing. Through standardized specimen preparation, conditioning, and testing under tension loading, stakeholders can accurately assess the performance characteristics required for both product development and quality assurance in plywood manufacturing.

Key Topics

• Test Objective: Measures the shear strength of wood adhesives in plywood when subjected to tension loading.
• Scope: Applies exclusively to adhesives that bond wood to wood in plywood-type construction.
• Specimen Preparation: Standard panels are created from rotary-cut or sliced birch veneers, with preparation and assembly conditions dictated by the adhesive manufacturer.
• Testing Procedure:
  • Panels are conditioned under controlled humidity and temperature to achieve specified moisture content.
  • Test specimens are cut, notched, and tested using a calibrated machine that applies a defined range of loading rates.
  • Precise alignment and measurement techniques ensure accuracy and repeatability.
• Calculation and Reporting: The standard details how to calculate peak shear stress and report average strengths, wood failure percentages, and full procedural conditions.

Applications

ASTM D906-20 is a critical standard for several practical applications within the wood products and adhesives industries:

• Adhesive Development: Used by manufacturers and researchers to develop new wood adhesives with enhanced shear strength suited for plywood applications.
• Manufacturing Quality Control: Regular testing in production helps maintain adhesive quality, achieve consistent bond strength, and identify batch variations in manufacturing.
• Materials Performance Specifications: Provides baseline data and assurance that adhesives meet specified performance requirements for plywood type construction.
• Procurement and Compliance: Enables purchasing agents and regulatory bodies to require adherence to a benchmark test method, ensuring the integrity and safety of plywood panels in construction and product design.
• Research and Comparative Analysis: Offers a basis for comparing adhesive formulations under consistent conditions, facilitating innovation and improved material performance.
• Product Certification: Supports certification, labeling, and standards compliance for wood products and bonding materials, building confidence in structural reliability.

Related Standards

• ASTM D907 - Terminology of Adhesives: Defines terms used across adhesive standards.
• ASTM D1038 - Terminology Relating to Veneer, Plywood, and Wood Structural Panels: Provides relevant terminology for wood-based products.
• ASTM D4442 - Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials: Used for determining veneer moisture content.
• ASTM D5266 - Practice for Estimating the Percentage of Wood Failure in Adhesive Bonded Joints: Aids in evaluating bond quality post-testing.

By following ASTM D906-20, industry professionals ensure that crucial performance characteristics such as adhesive shear strength in plywood constructions are measured using internationally recognized, science-based procedures. Adoption of this standard improves product quality, aids in regulatory compliance, and helps drive innovation in adhesive and wood product design.

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: D906 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type
Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D906; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
The accuracy of the results of strength tests of adhesive bonds will depend on the conditions under
which the bonding process is carried out. Unless otherwise agreed upon between the manufacturer and
the purchaser, the bonding conditions shall be prescribed by the manufacturer of the adhesive. In order
to ensure that complete information is available to the individual conducting the tests, the
manufacturer of the adhesive shall furnish numerical values and other specific information for each of
the following variables:
(1) The moisture content of the wood at the time of bonding.
(2) Complete mixing directions for the adhesive.
(3) Conditions for application of the adhesive including the rate of spread or thickness of film,
number of coats to be applied, whether more than one coat is required.
(4) Assembly conditions before application of pressure, including the room temperature, length of
time, and whether open or closed assembly is to be used.
(5) Curing conditions, including the amount of pressure to be applied, the length of time under
pressure and the temperature of the assembly when under pressure. It should be stated whether this
temperature is that of the bond line, or of the atmosphere at which the assembly is to be maintained.
(6) Conditioning procedure before testing, unless a standard procedure is specified, including the
length of time, temperature, and relative humidity.
A range for any variable or combination of variables is permitted provided any arbitrarily chosen
value within the range or combinations specified is acceptable to both the manufacturer and the
purchaser of the adhesives.
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the com-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
parative shear strengths of adhesives in plywood-type
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
construction, when tested on a standard specimen and under
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specified conditions of preparation, conditioning, and testing.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
This test method is intended to be applied only to adhesives
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
used in bonding wood to wood.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
information purposes only.
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.30 on Wood
Adhesives. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1947. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D906 – 98 (2017). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D0906-20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D906 − 20
D1038 TerminologyRelatingtoVeneer,Plywood,andWood
Structural Panels
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
ment of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
D5266 Practice for Estimating the Percentage of Wood
Failure in Adhesive Bonded Joints
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Many terms in this test method are defined in Termi-
nology D907 and Terminology D1038.
3.1.2 plywood, n—a panel generally flat built up of layers of
veneer called plies, united under pressure by an adhesive to
create a panel with the bond between the plies as strong as, or
stronger than, the wood, and that has the following character-
istics: (1) is constructed of an odd number of layers with grain
of adjacent layers perpendicular, (2) with a layer consisting of
FIG. 1 Grips and Jaws
either a single ply or two or more plies laminated with parallel
grain direction, and (3) with outer layers and all odd numbered
layers generally having the grain direction oriented parallel to
the long dimension of the panel.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Generally, the grain of one or more
plies is approximately at right angles to the other plies, and
almost always an odd number of plies are used.
3.1.3 shear, n—in an adhesively bonded joint, stress, strain
or failure resulting from applied forces that tend to cause
adjacent planes of a body to slide parallel in opposite direc-
Metric Equivalents
tions.
1 1
in. ⁄8 1 3 ⁄4
mm 3.2 25.4 82.6
4. Significance and Use
FIG. 2 Form and Dimensions of Test Specimen
4.1 The way adhesives are used in plywood makes shear
strength an important performance criteria.
6.2 At least 40 specimens, representing at least five different
4.2 Shearstrengthmeasuredbythistestissuitableforusein
panels, shall be prepared, selected, and tested as prescribed in
adhesive development, manufacturing quality control, and in
Sections 9 and 10.
materials performance specifications.
7. Preparation and Test Panels
5. Apparatus
7.1 The standard substrate for this test method is 1.6 mm
5.1 The testing machine shall be adjusted to a loading rate
( ⁄16 in.) thick rotary-cut or sliced veneer of sweet birch (Betula
of between 4.535 and 7.560 kg/s (600 and 1000 lb/min).
lenta) or yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). Upon written
agreement between the party requesting this test and the
NOTE 1—Where the testing machine is adjusted by rate of crosshead
movement rather than load application rate, an appropriate head move-
manufacturer of the adhesive, any other thickness or species of
ment rate shall be selected so as to yield an average load application rate
veneer is permitted. Select veneer that is free of defects such as
in the 4.535 to 7.560 kg/s (600 to 1000 lb/min) range.
knotsordistortedgrainaroundknots,cracks,shortgrain(fibers
5.2 The testing machine shall be provided with suitable
out of plane), rough surfaces, or unusual discoloration that
grips and jaws so that the specimen can be gripped tightly and
would indicate decay. Do not sand the veneer.
held in alignment as the load is applied.
7.2 Cut the selected veneer into a size suitable for pressing
NOTE 2—The grips and jaws shown in Fig. 1 have been found and for cutting specimens with minimal waste. Allow at least
satisfactory. 1
13 mm ( ⁄2
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D906 − 98 (Reapproved 2017) D906 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type
Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D906; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
The accuracy of the results of strength tests of adhesive bonds will depend on the conditions under
which the bonding process is carried out. Unless otherwise agreed upon between the manufacturer and
the purchaser, the bonding conditions shall be prescribed by the manufacturer of the adhesive. In order
to ensure that complete information is available to the individual conducting the tests, the
manufacturer of the adhesive shall furnish numerical values and other specific information for each of
the following variables:
(1) The moisture content of the wood at the time of bonding.
(2) Complete mixing directions for the adhesive.
(3) Conditions for application of the adhesive including the rate of spread or thickness of film,
number of coats to be applied, whether more than one coat is required.
(4) Assembly conditions before application of pressure, including the room temperature, length of
time, and whether open or closed assembly is to be used.
(5) Curing conditions, including the amount of pressure to be applied, the length of time under
pressure and the temperature of the assembly when under pressure. It should be stated whether this
temperature is that of the bond line, or of the atmosphere at which the assembly is to be maintained.
(6) Conditioning procedure before testing, unless a standard procedure is specified, including the
length of time, temperature, and relative humidity.
A range for any variable or combination of variables is permitted provided any arbitrarily chosen
value within the range or combinations specified is acceptable to both the manufacturer and the
purchaser of the adhesives.
(1) The moisture content of the wood at the time of bonding.
(2) Complete mixing directions for the adhesive.
(3) Conditions for application of the adhesive including the rate of spread or thickness of film,
number of coats to be applied, whether more than one coat is required.
(4) Assembly conditions before application of pressure, including the room temperature, length of
time, and whether open or closed assembly is to be used.
(5) Curing conditions, including the amount of pressure to be applied, the length of time under
pressure and the temperature of the assembly when under pressure. It should be stated whether this
temperature is that of the bond line, or of the atmosphere at which the assembly is to be maintained.
(6) Conditioning procedure before testing, unless a standard procedure is specified, including the
length of time, temperature, and relative humidity.
A range may be prescribed for any variable by the manufacturer of the adhesive if it can be assumed
by the test operator that any arbitrarily chosen value within such a range or any combination of such
values for several variables will be acceptable to both the manufacturer and the purchaser of the
adhesive.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.30 on Wood Adhesives.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2017April 1, 2020. Published August 2017May 2020. Originally approved in 1947. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as
D906 – 98 (2011).(2017). DOI: 10.1520/D0906-98R17.10.1520/D0906-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D906 − 20
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the comparative shear strengths of adhesives in plywood-type construction,
when tested on a standard specimen and under specified conditions of preparation, conditioning, and testing. This test method is
intended to be applied only to adhesives used in bonding wood to wood.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information
purposes 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
D1038 Terminology Relating to Veneer, Plywood, and Wood Structural Panels
D143D4442 Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of TimberDirect Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and
Wood-Based Materials
D907D5266 Terminology of AdhesivesPractice for Estimating the Percentage of Wood Failure in Adhesive Bonded Joints
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Many terms in this test method are defined in Terminology D907 and Terminology D1038.
3.1.2 plywood, n—a panel generally flat built up of layers of veneer called plies, united under pressure by an adhesive to create
a panel with the bond between the plies as strong as, or stronger than, the wood, and that has the following characteristics: (1) is
constructed of an odd number of layers with grain of adjacent layers perpendicular, (2) with a layer consisting of either a single
ply or two or more plies laminated with parallel grain direction, and (3) with outer layers and all odd numbered layers generally
having the grain direction oriented parallel to the long dimension of the panel.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
Generally, the grain of one or more plies is approximately at right angles to the other plies, and almost always an odd number of
plies are used.
3.1.3 shear, n—in an adhesively bonded joint, stress, strain or failure resulting from applied forces that tend to cause adjacent
planes of a body to slide parallel in opposite directions.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The way adhesives are used in plywood makes shear strength an important performance criteria.
4.2 Shear strength measured by this test is suitable for use in adhesive development, manufacturing quality control, and in
materials performance specifications.
5. Apparatus
5.1 The testing machine shall be adjusted to a loading rate of between 45354.535 and 7560 g/s7.560 kg/s (600 and 1000 lb/min).
Where the testing machine is adjusted by rate of crosshead movement rather than load application rate, an appropriate head
movement rate shall be selected so as to yield an average load application rate in the 4535 to 7560 g/s (600 to 1000 lb/min) range.
It shall be provided with suitable grips and jaws so that the specimen can be gripped tightly and held in alignment as the load is
applied. The grips and jaws shown in Fig. 1 have been found satisfactory. The testing machine shall be located in an atmosphere
such that the moisture content of the specimens developed under the conditions prescribed in Section 8 is not noticeably altered
during testing.
NOTE 1—Where the testing machine is adjusted by rate of crosshead movement rather than load application rate, an appropriate head movement rate
shall be selected so as to yield an average load application rate in the 4.535 to 7.560 kg/s (600 to 1000 lb/min) range.
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 the ASTM website.
D906 − 20
5.2 The testing machine shall be provided with suitable grips and jaws so that the specimen can be gripped tightly and held in
alignment as the load is applied.
NOTE 2—The grips and jaws shown in Fig. 1 have been found satisfactory.
5.3 The testing machine shall be located in an atmosphere such that the moisture content of the specimens developed under the
conditions prescribed in Section 8 is not noticeably altered during testing.
6. Test Specimens
6.1 The test specimens shall conform to the form and dimensions shown in Fig. 2. The specimens shall be cut from test panels
prepared as described in Sections 7 and 8.
6.2 At least 40 specimens, representing at least five different panels, shall be prepared, selected, and tested as prescribed in
Sections 9 and 10.
7. Preparation and Test Panels
7.1 The standard substrate for this test method is 1.6–mm (1/16–in.) 1.6 mm ( ⁄16 in.) thick rotary-cut or sliced veneer of sweet
birch (Betula lenta) or yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). Any other thickness or species of veneer may be substituted upon
Upon written agreement between the party requesting this test and the manufacturer of the adhesive. adhesive, any other thickness
or species of veneer is permitted. Select veneer that is free of defects such as knots or distorted grain around knots, cracks, short
grain (fibers out of plane), rough surfaces, or unusual discoloration that would indicate decay. Do not sand the veneer.
7.2 Cut the selected veneer into a size suitable for pressing and for cutting specimens with minimal waste. Allow at
...