Easy adhesion assessment

Citation

(2003), "Easy adhesion assessment", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 32 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2003.12932dab.001

Easy adhesion assessment

Easy adhesion assessment

Keywords: Adhesion, Analysis, Testing

Stable Micro Systems, a leading global supplier of texture analysis equipment, has unveiled a novel group of tests to measure the adhesiveness of products such as sealing tapes, adhesive plasters and labels used in the pharmaceutical, food, medical and packaging sectors. Unlike many traditional adhesive tests, Stable Micro Systems’ innovative approach assesses many adhesive parameters using only small samples. Objective and repeatable measurement can be used to highlight the molecular structure and performance of the adhesive, and helps manufacturers to achieve critical, but awkward textural properties for their products.

Adhesiveness (often referred by consumers as “stickiness”) is key to perceived product quality, performance and effectiveness. Stable Micro Systems has optimised test procedures and equipment to ensure repeatability - adhesiveness can be influenced by many factors, including temperature, liner material, moisture level and repeated use. By matching adhesive performance to functional and consumer requirements, manufacturers can identify the ideal adhesive composition.

Tack, the most important determinant of the success of an adhesive bond, is assessed with a loop or a probe tack test, using a stainless steel ball probe. In these tack tests, the “debonding strength” of the adhesive is determined by the force required to pull away the adhesive and the duration of time it takes.

A number of common and established adhesive tests can be carried out using Stable Micro Systems’ TA.XT2i texture analyser. A 180° peel test, usually used for packaging applications, can be performed using the recently-launched peel strength test rig. Other fixtures can be attached to the TA.XT2i to carry out 90° peel, “T” and drum peel tests. An adhesive indexing system has also been launched to allow multiple testing of one sample, highlighting variations within it, and giving an indication of its likely performance.

Data captured during the tests is presented as real-time graphs and allows a detailed analysis of the compressive and tensile stress-strain behaviour of the adhesive. Users can obtain information about properties such as shear performance, the adhesive’s molecular structure and the effects of temperature.