ASTM D3434-00(2018)

Standard Test Method for Multiple-Cycle Accelerated Aging Test (Automatic Boil Test) for Exterior Wet Use Wood Adhesives

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended to differentiate between the exterior durability of two or more adhesives. At present, this is done by comparing the adhesives as described in 4.5 and 4.6 rather than by assigning absolute numerical values for durability performance.  
5.2 The test method as described is for comparing potential long-term durability rather than for use as a quality control procedure. This makes it suitable for research, adhesive evaluation, process evaluation, and product design. A modification could be made, that is, shorten the number of cycles used so the test method would be suitable for quality control in production mills. The results obtained for a particular adhesive can be used to show how many cycles are required for a mill quality control test of that adhesive.  
5.3 The test method assumes that boil/dry cycling is an adequate and useful accelerated aging technique. Evaluation of long-term durability of adhesives in wood joints under severe service conditions, including extended exterior exposure, is a complex field, and no entirely reliable short-term test is known to ensure that a new type of adhesive system will satisfactorily resist all of the chemical, moisture, microorganism, and solvent effects that such severe service may involve. Except for effects of microorganisms and other similar biological influences, this test method has proven very useful for comparison purposes to distinguish between adhesive systems of different degree of durability to the usual temperature, moisture, and cyclic moisture conditions. It has proven very useful to distinguish between bondlines, made with adhesives of proven chemical and biological durability, that were properly used in production to resist the mechanical and moisture effects that such joints must withstand in severe service over extended periods of exposure. It does not, in itself, assure that new types of adhesives will always withstand actual exterior or other severe service.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for testing the durability of wood adhesives that may be suitable for exterior (wet use) exposure conditions. The possible use of adhesives suitable for evaluation includes, but is not limited to those used for laminating large members, manufacturing plywood, or fabricating wood joints such as finger or scarf joints. This practice is not suitable for interior type glues.2 ,3  
1.2 The test does not evaluate for any biological effects.  
1.3 The test subjects specimens to a large number of alternate boil/dry cycles.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are provided for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 31-Jul-2018
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.30 - Wood Adhesives

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3434-00(2013) - Standard Test Method for Multiple-Cycle Accelerated Aging Test (Automatic Boil Test) for Exterior Wet Use Wood Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D906-20 - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2339-20 - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Two-Ply Wood Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4422-19 - Standard Test Method for Ash in Analysis of Petroleum Coke
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2339-98(2017) - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Two-Ply Wood Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D906-98(2017) - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• 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 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 D2339-98(2011) - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Two-Ply Wood Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D906-98(2011) - Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D907-11 - Standard Terminology of Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• 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 D4422-03(2008) - Standard Test Method for Ash in Analysis of Petroleum Coke
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2008

Overview

ASTM D3434-00(2018) is an international standard developed by ASTM International, specifying the Standard Test Method for Multiple-Cycle Accelerated Aging Test (Automatic Boil Test) for Exterior Wet Use Wood Adhesives. The test method provides a systematic procedure to compare the exterior durability of different wood adhesives that are intended for exterior (wet use) applications. This is achieved through multiple cycles of boiling and drying, simulating severe exposure conditions and allowing for the evaluation of potential long-term adhesive performance. This method is especially relevant for adhesives used in laminating large wood members, manufacturing plywood, and fabricating wood joints such as finger or scarf joints. The standard is not suitable for interior type glues or for assessing biological effects.

Key Topics

• Adhesive Durability Evaluation: The method is designed to differentiate between adhesives' ability to withstand exterior conditions through accelerated aging cycles of boiling and drying.
• Comparative Testing: It focuses on comparing relative performance rather than assigning absolute durability values.
• Accelerated Aging Technique: The test uses repeated boil/dry cycles, an established method for simulating extended exterior exposure in a controlled, accelerated manner.
• Scope of Application: Intended for adhesives used in exterior wet use, such as plywood, laminated lumber, or specialty joints; not suitable for interior adhesives.
• Test Flexibility: While primarily for research, product development, and process evaluation, the method can be modified for production mill quality control by adjusting the number of cycles.
• Measurement & Reporting: The evaluation involves testing the shear strength and percentage of wood failure after predetermined cycles, with results graphically represented for comparison.
• Limitations: Does not assess biological resistance (e.g., microorganisms), nor can it guarantee new adhesive types will perform in every severe service condition.

Applications

ASTM D3434 is widely used in several key areas of the wood products and adhesives industries:

• Adhesive Research and Development: Manufacturers and researchers use the method to evaluate new adhesive formulations and benchmark them against existing products.
• Quality Assurance: By shortening the cycle count, the method can also support production quality control to verify adhesive consistency and suitability for exterior use in mill settings.
• Product Design & Specification: Engineers and product designers apply data from this test to choose adhesives for products that require high durability in wet or outdoor environments, improving performance and lifecycle predictability.
• Process and Material Evaluation: The standard assists in evaluating the effects of process modifications, substrate variations, or joint designs on adhesive durability under accelerated conditions.

Related Standards

For comprehensive wood adhesive testing and evaluation, the following related ASTM standards may be relevant:

• ASTM D906: Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading.
• ASTM D907: Terminology of Adhesives.
• ASTM D2339: Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Two-Ply Wood Construction in Shear by Tension Loading.
• ASTM D4422: Test Method for Ash in Analysis of Petroleum Coke (relevant for moisture content checks).
• ASTM E122: Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process.

Practical Value

By providing a standardized, reproducible method for multiple-cycle accelerated aging (automatic boil test), ASTM D3434-00(2018) enables:

• More reliable comparison between different adhesives for exterior applications.
• Improved product safety and service life predictions.
• Enhanced confidence in selecting adhesives for outdoor wood structures, lamination, plywood, and engineered wood products.
• Support for compliance with international trade requirements and specification for exterior wood adhesive performance.

Keywords: ASTM D3434, accelerated aging test, automatic boil test, exterior wood adhesives, adhesive durability, wood joint strength, plywood adhesives, wet use adhesives, quality control, adhesive evaluation, multiple-cycle boil test.

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: D3434 − 00 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Multiple-Cycle Accelerated Aging Test (Automatic Boil Test)
for Exterior Wet Use Wood Adhesives
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3434; 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 D906 Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in
Plywood Type Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for testing the
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
durability of wood adhesives that may be suitable for exterior
D2339 Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in
(wet use) exposure conditions. The possible use of adhesives
Two-Ply Wood Construction in Shear by Tension Loading
suitable for evaluation includes, but is not limited to those used
D4422 Test Method for Ash in Analysis of Petroleum Coke
for laminating large members, manufacturing plywood, or
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
fabricating wood joints such as finger or scarf joints. This
2,3 Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
practice is not suitable for interior type glues.
Lot or Process
1.2 The test does not evaluate for any biological effects.
3. Terminology
1.3 The test subjects specimens to a large number of
alternate boil/dry cycles.
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms in this test method
may be found in Terminology D907.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are provided for
4. Summary of Test Method
information only.
4.1 The lumber is selected, adhesive obtained, and test
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
specimens prepared.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 The specimens are subjected to the required number of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
boil/dry cycles.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.3 The specimens are withdrawn from the test at the
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
required periodic intervals.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.4 The designated number of specimens are tested in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- tensile shear at the end of the specified number of boil/dry
cycles.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.5 Plotshearstrength,kPa(psi),orpercentofwoodfailure,
or both, versus the number of boil/dry cycles to which the
2. Referenced Documents
specimens have been subjected.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.6 Thegraphiscomparedforthetestadhesives.Becauseof
the variables occurring in wood, a known performance adhe-
sive control should be run for each test set being evaluated.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.30 on Wood
5. Significance and Use
Adhesives.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally
5.1 This test method is intended to differentiate between the
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3434 – 00 (2013).
exterior durability of two or more adhesives.At present, this is
DOI: 10.1520/D3434-00R18.
Walser and Colbeck, “Bond-Degrade Accelerating Machine Helps Predict
done by comparing the adhesives as described in 4.5 and 4.6
Bond Life,” Adhesives Age, Vol 10(11), November 1967, pp. 33–35.
rather than by assigning absolute numerical values for dura-
Kreibich and Freeman, “Development and Design of an Accelerated Boil
bility performance.
Machine,” Forest Products Journal, Vol 18, No. 12, December 1968.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.2 The test method as described is for comparing potential
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
long-term durability rather than for use as a quality control
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. procedure. This makes it suitable for research, adhesive
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3434 − 00 (2018)
evaluation, process evaluation, and product design. A modifi- 6.2 Atensile shear tool is required such as described in Test
cation could be made, that is, shorten the number of cycles Method D2339.
used so the test method would be suitable for quality control in
7. Test Specimens
production mills. The results obtained for a particular adhesive
7.1 Wood Substrate:
can be used to show how many cycles are required for a mill
7.1.1 For Lumber Laminating Adhesives—Condition the
quality control test of that adhesive.
wood at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and a relative humidity of 50
5.3 The test method assumes that boil/dry cycling is an
to70 %(preferably65 %)untilamoisturecontentof8to14 %
adequate and useful accelerated aging technique. Evaluation of
(preferably 9 to 12 %) has been attained. Freshly surface both
long-term durability of adhesives in wood joints under severe
sides of each lamination before bonding with 6.3 6 0.25-mm
service conditions, including extended exterior exposure, is a
(0.25 6 0.01-in) thick lumber. Since adhesives join materials
complex field, and no entirely reliable short-term test is known
by surface attachment, care must be taken to ensure a uniform
to ensure that a new type of adhesive system will satisfactorily
reproducible surface representative of actual construction.
resistallofthechemical,moisture,microorganism,andsolvent
Typical surfaces include sawed, planed, sanded, and skived.
effects that such severe service may involve. Except for effects
Detailed surface preparation procedures used must be included
of microorganisms and other similar biological influences, this
in the report (see 10.1).
test method has proven very useful for comparison purposes to
7.1.1.1 Specimen moisture content (MC) conditions called
distinguish between adhesive systems of different degree of
for in this test method should be checked in accordance with
durability to the usual temperature, moisture, and cyclic
Test Methods D4422.
moisture conditions. It has proven very useful to distinguish
7.1.2 For Plywood Adhesives—Prepare the test specimen in
between bondlines, made with adhesives of proven chemical
accordance with Test Method D906.
and biological durability, that were properly used in production
7.1.3 Miscellaneous Specimens—Other wood joints, such as
to resist the mechanical and moisture effects that such joints
finger or scarf joints, or other wood-based materials, such as
must withstand in severe service over extended periods of
particleboard, hardboard, or insulating board, may also be
exposure. It does not, in itself, assure that new types of
evaluated.
adhesives will always withstand actual exterior or other severe
7.2 Adhesive—Store the adhesive or its components at the
service.
manufacturer’s recommended conditions.
6. Apparatus
7.3 Bonding
...