ASTM D3808-01(2021)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Qualitative Determination of Adhesion of Adhesives to Substrates by Spot Adhesion
Standard Test Method for Qualitative Determination of Adhesion of Adhesives to Substrates by Spot Adhesion
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This is a quick, simple, and inexpensive test method for qualitatively determining, without the need to prepare bonded test specimens, whether the adhesive under consideration will bond to a particular substrate. If the results are acceptable, then standard quantitative adhesive test procedures can be used to obtain quantitative measurements of the adhesive's performance.
5.2 This test method can also be used to compare relative adhesion of several adhesives to given substrates.
5.3 It can be used to determine whether an adhesive will continue to adhere to the substrate under specified environmental conditions.
5.4 It can be used to evaluate adhesion of a particular adhesive to a variety of substrates.
5.5 It can be used to obtain “subjective” comparative data between several adhesives on a given substrate by noting the relative ease of inducing failure between the adhesives tested.
5.6 It should be most applicable to adhesives that cure or set when exposed to “air” (ambient, heated, etc.) and could be used for anaerobic adhesives if testing is carried out in an oxygen-free atmosphere.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a simple qualitative procedure for quickly screening whether an adhesive will, under recommended application conditions, bond to a given substrate without actually making bonded assemblies.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values 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-Mar-2021
- Technical Committee
- D14 - Adhesives
- Drafting Committee
- D14.40 - Adhesives for Plastics
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-May-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Oct-2000
Overview
ASTM D3808-01(2021), titled Standard Test Method for Qualitative Determination of Adhesion of Adhesives to Substrates by Spot Adhesion, provides a rapid, simple, and cost-effective procedure to evaluate whether an adhesive will bond to a specific substrate under recommended application conditions. This qualitative spot adhesion test is particularly valuable as a preliminary screening tool, eliminating the need for preparing fully bonded assemblies. It is suitable for adhesives that cure or set in air and can be adapted for anaerobic adhesives under oxygen-free conditions.
This standard is universally recognized, developed according to international principles and aligned with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee requirements. The method involves applying spots of adhesive to a substrate and then assessing the ease and nature of separation after curing, providing immediate insights into adhesive-substrate compatibility.
Key Topics
- Qualitative Assessment: The standard outlines a visual and manual approach to determine whether an adhesive forms a satisfactory bond with a given substrate. No specialized equipment is required, making the process efficient and accessible.
- Substrate and Adhesive Versatility: Applicable to various adhesive types-hot melt, structural, and air-curing adhesives-as well as a range of substrates. Substrate preparation and environmental conditioning can be adapted for real-world conditions.
- Comparative Data: Enables comparison of multiple adhesives for relative adhesion performance on the same substrate, supporting rapid material selection and quality control.
- Failure Analysis: Observations include whether the failure is adhesive (at the interface), cohesive (within adhesive or substrate), or both, and notes on changes like discoloration or softening.
- Environmental Evaluation: Assesses if adhesive bonds maintain integrity under specified storage or environmental testing conditions.
Applications
ASTM D3808-01(2021) is widely used across industries where adhesives are a critical component of product performance. Its practical value includes:
- Product Development: Speedily screens new adhesives to check for compatibility with targeted substrates before investing in comprehensive quantitative testing.
- Quality Control: Allows manufacturers to verify incoming adhesive batches quickly or compare different suppliers, ensuring reliable process outcomes.
- Material Comparison: Compares various adhesives for their bonding performance on specific substrates, guiding materials selection for engineers and formulators.
- R&D and Troubleshooting: Identifies adhesion issues stemming from changes in substrate preparation, adhesive formulation, or environmental factors.
- Environmental Testing: Determines the ability of adhesives to maintain adhesion after exposure to heat, humidity, or other environmental stresses.
Related Standards
The following standards provide complementary definitions, test methods, or guidelines relevant to adhesive evaluation:
- ASTM D907 – Terminology of Adhesives: Defines essential terms used in adhesive technology.
- ASTM E171 – Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier Packaging: Specifies environmental conditioning procedures useful for adhesive testing.
- Other ASTM Adhesive Test Methods – While ASTM D3808 offers qualitative adhesion determination, follow-up with quantitative standards such as peel, shear, or tensile adhesion tests delivers comprehensive adhesive performance data.
Keywords: qualitative adhesive test, spot adhesion, ASTM adhesive standards, substrate compatibility, adhesive bond evaluation, adhesive failure analysis, hot melt adhesive, structural adhesive, product quality control, comparative adhesion testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3808-01(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Qualitative Determination of Adhesion of Adhesives to Substrates by Spot Adhesion". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This is a quick, simple, and inexpensive test method for qualitatively determining, without the need to prepare bonded test specimens, whether the adhesive under consideration will bond to a particular substrate. If the results are acceptable, then standard quantitative adhesive test procedures can be used to obtain quantitative measurements of the adhesive's performance. 5.2 This test method can also be used to compare relative adhesion of several adhesives to given substrates. 5.3 It can be used to determine whether an adhesive will continue to adhere to the substrate under specified environmental conditions. 5.4 It can be used to evaluate adhesion of a particular adhesive to a variety of substrates. 5.5 It can be used to obtain “subjective” comparative data between several adhesives on a given substrate by noting the relative ease of inducing failure between the adhesives tested. 5.6 It should be most applicable to adhesives that cure or set when exposed to “air” (ambient, heated, etc.) and could be used for anaerobic adhesives if testing is carried out in an oxygen-free atmosphere. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a simple qualitative procedure for quickly screening whether an adhesive will, under recommended application conditions, bond to a given substrate without actually making bonded assemblies. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This is a quick, simple, and inexpensive test method for qualitatively determining, without the need to prepare bonded test specimens, whether the adhesive under consideration will bond to a particular substrate. If the results are acceptable, then standard quantitative adhesive test procedures can be used to obtain quantitative measurements of the adhesive's performance. 5.2 This test method can also be used to compare relative adhesion of several adhesives to given substrates. 5.3 It can be used to determine whether an adhesive will continue to adhere to the substrate under specified environmental conditions. 5.4 It can be used to evaluate adhesion of a particular adhesive to a variety of substrates. 5.5 It can be used to obtain “subjective” comparative data between several adhesives on a given substrate by noting the relative ease of inducing failure between the adhesives tested. 5.6 It should be most applicable to adhesives that cure or set when exposed to “air” (ambient, heated, etc.) and could be used for anaerobic adhesives if testing is carried out in an oxygen-free atmosphere. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a simple qualitative procedure for quickly screening whether an adhesive will, under recommended application conditions, bond to a given substrate without actually making bonded assemblies. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values 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.
ASTM D3808-01(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.180 - Adhesives. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D3808-01(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D907-12a, ASTM D907-12, ASTM D907-11a, ASTM D907-11, ASTM D907-08b, ASTM D907-08a, ASTM D907-08, ASTM E171-94(2007), ASTM D907-06, ASTM D907-05, ASTM D907-05e1, ASTM D907-04a, ASTM D907-04, ASTM D907-03, ASTM D907-00. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D3808-01(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D3808 − 01 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Qualitative Determination of Adhesion of Adhesives to
Substrates by Spot Adhesion
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3808; 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 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers a simple qualitative procedure 4.1 Spots of adhesive (size can vary, but generally about 6
mm ( ⁄4 in.) in diameter) are placed onto a substrate using the
for quickly screening whether an adhesive will, under recom-
mended application conditions, bond to a given substrate application procedure and curing conditions acceptable to both
user and supplier of the adhesive.
without actually making bonded assemblies.
4.2 The substrate preparation and environmental exposure
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
of the spot of adhesive after cure or setting can be varied as
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
desired.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.3 The determination of whether an adhesive bonds to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
substrate is made by simply trying to pry the spot of adhesive
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
from the substrate.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.4 The mode of failure is readily evident by examining
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
whether the bond separated adhesively or cohesively, either in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the adhesive or substrate.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 This is a quick, simple, and inexpensive test method for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
qualitatively determining, without the need to prepare bonded
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
test specimens, whether the adhesive under consideration will
bond to a particular substrate. If the results are acceptable, then
2. Referenced Documents
standard quantitative adhesive test procedures can be used to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
obtain quantitative measurements of the adhesive’s perfor-
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
mance.
E171 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible Barrier
5.2 This test method can also be used to compare relative
Packaging
adhesion of several adhesives to given substrates.
3. Terminology
5.3 It can be used to determine whether an adhesive will
continuetoadheretothesubstrateunderspecifiedenvironmen-
3.1 Definitions—Many of the terms used in this test method
tal conditions.
are defined in Terminology D907.
3.1.1 spot adhesion, n—a qualitative method of determining 5.4 It can be used to evaluate adhesion of a particular
adhesion by attempting to pry a “spot” of cured adhesive from adhesive to a variety of substrates.
a substrate.
5.5 It can be used to obtain “subjective” comparative data
between several adhesives on a given substrate by noting the
relative ease of inducing failure between the adhesives tested.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
5.6 It should be most applicable to adhesives that cure or set
AdhesivesandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD14.40onAdhesivesfor
when exposed to “air” (ambient, heated, etc.) and could be
Plastics.
used for anaerobic adhesives if testing is carried out in an
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published April 2021. Originally
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3808 – 01 (2013).
oxygen-free atmosphere.
DOI: 10.1520/D3808-01R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6. Apparatus
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1 No special equipment is needed for application of the
Stan
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