ASTM D4338-97
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Flexibility Determination of Supported Adhesive Films by Mandrel Bend
Standard Test Method for Flexibility Determination of Supported Adhesive Films by Mandrel Bend
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flexibility of an adhesive film bonded to a flexible substrate. The results are useful for comparing flexibility of adhesives and not for absolute characterization of adhesives.
1.2 This test method is intended to replace Method 1081 of Federal Test Method 175A.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use .
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Designation: D 4338 – 97
Standard Test Method for
Flexibility Determination of Supported Adhesive Films by
Mandrel Bend
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4338; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flex- 4.1 A test substrate coated with a film of adhesive, properly
ibility of an adhesive film bonded to a flexible substrate. The sized and conditioned, is folded to form an inverted U-shaped
results are useful for comparing flexibility of adhesives and not angle over the mandrel maintaining intimate contact with the
for absolute characterization of adhesives. non-adhesive side. Using a fresh specimen for each test, the
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the test is repeated with progressively smaller diameter mandrels
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for until the adhesive fails (cracks) on bending. The flexibility
information purposes only. value of the adhesive is the smallest diameter mandrel over
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the which four out of five test specimens do not break.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5.1 The mandrel bend test is simple and fast. It requires little
investment in equipment and little operator training. The prime
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
purpose is to determine whether a film of adhesive coated on a
2. Referenced Documents
substrate meets flexibility requirements. The test is also useful
2.1 ASTM Standards: for comparing flexibility of adhesives. It can be used to design
D 609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels adhesives by comparing the flexibility of various formulations
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and to meet specific end-use parameters. The adhesive flexibility
Related Coating Products can be determined at temperatures other than ambient by
D 907 Terminology of Adhesives conditioning the test apparatus and test specimen at the desired
D 3111 Test Method for Flexibility of Hot-Melt Adhesives temperature and performing the test under those conditions.
by Mandrel Bend Test Method
6. Apparatus
E 171 Specification for Standard Atmospheres for Condi-
tioning and Testing Materials 6.1 The test apparatus consists of a series of different
diameter cylindrical rods or mandrels supported at each end.
3. Terminology
These should be long enough to permit placement of the flat
3.1 Definitions— For terms used in this standard, refer to side of a test specimen tangentially at right angles to the
Terminology D 907. longitudinal axis of the test mandrel. Individual requirements
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: determine the diameter and lengths of the rods needed. For
1 1
3.2.1 mandrel—cylindrical rod. most tests, rods 3.2 mm ( ⁄8 in.), 6.4 mm ( ⁄4 in.), and 12.8 mm
( ⁄2 in.) in diameter, by 75 to 150 mm (3 to 6 in.) in length,
made of brass or stainless steel, are satisfactory. Two simple
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-14 on
test frames are shown in Fig. 1, one with fixed mandrels, and
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.10 on Working
the other designed to take any diameter mandrel.
Properties.
6.2 Test Support Panels, unless otherwise specified, are
Current edition approved March 10, 1997. Published March 1998. Originally
published as D 4338 – 84. Last previous edition D 4338 – 90.
made of steel, not thinner than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) nor thicker
This test method is intended to replace Method 1081 of Federal Test
than 0.40 mm (0.016 in.).
Method 175A. Available from Naval Publications and Forms Center, 5801 Tabor
Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
3 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.06. Available from Paul N. Gardnec Company, Inc., 313 NE 1st St. Pompano
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. Beach, FL 33060.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 4338
NOTE 1—Figures in parentheses are approximate.
FIG. 1 Test Mandrel (Various Diameters) for Test Frame
6.2.1 The steel test panels are to be free of rust, corrosion, 6.3 Device, capable of producing adhesive coatings of
uniform thickness within (61-mL) tolerances, such as a doctor
and contamination. Prepare one face of each panel to a clean
surface according to Methods D 609 to allow better adhesion blade.
of the adhesive to be tested. An alternative to these steel test
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
panels can be bonderized steel panels as available commer-
cially.
7.1 The test sample will be representative of the adhesive
6.2.2 Although steel is used in this test method, other tested.
flexible support substrates can be used, including other metals,
7.
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