ASTM D903-98(2017)

Standard Test Method for Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds

ABSTRACT
This test method details the standard procedures for the determination of the comparative peel or stripping strength characteristics of adhesive bonds when tested on standard-sized specimens and under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, and testing machine speed. This method requires the use of a power-driven testing machine with a constant rate-of-jaw separation or of the inclination balance or pendulum type, and conditioning room or desiccator.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the comparative peel or stripping characteristics of adhesive bonds when tested on standard-sized specimens and under defined conditions of pretreatment, temperature, and testing machine speed.  
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: 31-Oct-2017
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D14 - Adhesives
• Drafting Committee: D14.80 - Metal Bonding Adhesives

Relations

• Referred By: ASTM D6083/D6083M-21 - Standard Specification for Liquid-Applied Acrylic Coating Used in Roofing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D7530/D7530M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Self-Adhesive Glass Fiber Fabric Reinforced Polymer-Modified Asphalt Steep Slope Roll Roofing Surfaced with Mineral Granules
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D1151-00(2022) - Standard Practice for Effect of Moisture and Temperature on Adhesive Bonds
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F1216-22 - Standard Practice for Rehabilitation of Existing Pipelines and Conduits by the Inversion and Curing of a Resin-Impregnated Tube
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM C916-20 - Standard Specification for Adhesives for Duct Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D1183-03(2019) - Standard Practices for Resistance of Adhesives to Cyclic Laboratory Aging Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D7505/D7505M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Self-Adhesive Polyester Fabric Reinforced Polymer-Modified Asphalt Steep Slope Roll Roofing Surfaced with Mineral Granules
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM C1483/C1483M-17(2022) - Standard Specification for Exterior Solar Radiation Control Coatings on Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D2093-03(2017) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior to Adhesive Bonding
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D6753/D6753M-02(2023) - Standard Specification for Coal Tar Adhesive
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D6694/D6694M-15(2023) - Standard Specification for Liquid-Applied Silicone Coating Used in Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D6947/D6947M-16(2023) - Standard Specification for Liquid Applied Moisture Cured Polyurethane Coating Used in Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing System
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM C877M-21 - Standard Specification for External Sealing Bands for Concrete Pipe, Manholes, and Precast Box Sections (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM C647-19 - Standard Guide to Properties and Tests of Mastics and Coating Finishes for Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D7832/D7832M-14(2021) - Standard Guide for Performance Attributes of Waterproofing Membranes Applied to Below-Grade Walls / Vertical Surfaces (Enclosing Interior Spaces)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D6465-99(2016) - Standard Guide for Selecting Aerospace and General Purpose Adhesives and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D1970/D1970M-21 - Standard Specification for Self-Adhering Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Used as Steep Roofing Underlayment for Ice Dam Protection
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM C877-21 - Standard Specification for External Sealing Bands for Concrete Pipe, Manholes, and Precast Box Sections
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F1743-22 - Standard Practice for Rehabilitation of Existing Pipelines and Conduits by Pulled-in-Place Installation of Cured-in-Place Thermosetting Resin Pipe (CIPP)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017

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: D903 − 98 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
1
Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D903; 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.
1. Scope the test without failure. In order to fulfill all terms of the
definition, at least one of the adhered materials must be
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the com-
flexible.
parative peel or stripping characteristics of adhesive bonds
when tested on standard-sized specimens and under defined
3.2.2 peel or stripping strength, n—theaverageloadperunit
conditions of pretreatment, temperature, and testing machine
width of bond line required to separate progressively one
speed.
member from the other over the adhered surfaces at a separa-
tionangleofapproximately180°andataseparationrateof152
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information mm (6 in.)/min. It is expressed in kilograms per millimetre
only. (pounds per inch) of width.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Testing Machine—Apower-driven machine, with a con-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
stant rate-of-jaw separation or of the inclination balance or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
pendulum type, which fulfills the following requirements:
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.1 The applied tension as measured and recorded is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
accurate within 61%.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.2 Hold specimens in the testing machine by grips which
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
clamp firmly and prevent slipping at all times.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.3 The rate of travel of the power-actuated grip is 305
mm (12 in.)/min. This rate which provides a separation of 152
2. Referenced Documents
mm (6 in.)/min is to be uniform throughout the tests.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.4 Operate the machine without any device for maintain-
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
ing maximum load indication. In pendulum-type machines, the
weight lever swings as a free pendulum without engagement of
3. Terminology
pawls.
3.1 Definitions—Many terms used in this test method are
4.1.5 The machine is autographic giving a chart having the
defined in Terminology D907.
inchesofseparationasoneaxisandappliedtensionastheother
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
axis of coordinates.
3.2.1 flexible, n—in this test method, indicates a material of
4.1.6 The capacity of the machine is such that the maximum
the proper flexural strength and thickness to permit a turn back
applied tension during test does not exceed 85 % nor be less
at an approximate 180° angle in the expected loading range of
than 15 % of the rated capacity.
4.2 Conditioning Room or Desiccators—A conditioning
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
room capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 50 62%
Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.80 on Metal
at 23 6 1°C (73.4 6 2°F), or desiccators filled with a saturated
Bonding Adhesives.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally
salt solution (Note 1) to give a relative humidity of 50 62%
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D903 – 98 (2010).
at 23 6 1°C are required for the conditioning of some
DOI: 10.1520/D0903-98R17.
2
specimens.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
NOTE 1—A saturated salt solution of calcium nitrate gives approxi-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. mately 51 % relative humidity at the testing temperature.
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D903 − 98 (2017)
5. Test Specimen 6.2
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