Significance and Use

The pull-off strength of a coating is an important performance property that has been used in specifications. This test method serves as a means for uniformly preparing and testing coated surfaces, and evaluating and reporting the results. This test method is applicable to any portable apparatus meeting the basic requirements for determining the pull-off strength of a coating.

Variations in results obtained using different devices or different substrates with the same coating are possible (see Section 11). Therefore, it is recommended that the type of apparatus and the substrate be mutually agreed upon between the interested parties.

The purchaser or specifier shall designate a specific test method, that is, B, C, D, E, or F when calling out this standard.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for evaluating the pull-off strength (commonly referred to as adhesion) of a coating system from metal substrates. Pull-off strength of coatings from concrete is described in Test Method D7234 . The test determines either the greatest perpendicular force (in tension) that a surface area can bear before a plug of material is detached, or whether the surface remains intact at a prescribed force (pass/fail). Failure will occur along the weakest plane within the system comprised of the test fixture, adhesive, coating system, and substrate, and will be exposed by the fracture surface. This test method maximizes tensile stress as compared to the shear stress applied by other methods, such as scratch or knife adhesion, and results may not be comparable.

Note 1The procedure in this standard was developed for metal substrates, but may be appropriate for other rigid substrates such as plastic and wood. Factors such as loading rate and flexibility of the substrate must be addressed by the user/specifier.

1.2 Pull-off strength measurements depend upon both material and instrumental parameters. Results obtained by each test method may give different results. Results should only be assessed for each test method and not be compared with other instruments. There are five instrument types, identified as Test Methods B-F. It is imperative to identify the test method used when reporting results.

Note 2Method A, which appeared in previous versions of this standard, has been eliminated as its main use is for testing on concrete substrates (see Test Method D7234 ).

1.3 This test method uses a class of apparatus known as portable pull-off adhesion testers. They are capable of applying a concentric load and counter load to a single surface so that coatings can be tested even though only one side is accessible. Measurements are limited by the strength of adhesion bonds between the loading fixture and the specimen surface or the cohesive strengths of the adhesive, coating layers, and substrate.

1.4 This test can be destructive and spot repairs may be necessary.

1.5 The values stated in MPa (inch-pound) units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D2651 Guide for Preparation of Metal Surfaces for Adhesive Bonding

D3933 Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Surfaces for Structural Adhesives Bonding (Phosphoric Acid Anodizing)

D7234 Test Method for Pull-Off Adhesion Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ANSI Standard

ISO Standard

Keywords

adhesion; coatings; field; metal substrates; paint; portable; pull-off strength; tensile test; Adhesion--paints/related coatings/materials; Coatings (paint/related applications); Failure end point--paints/related coatings; Fixed alignment adhesion tester; Loading tests; Portable adhesion testers; Protective coatings; Pull testing; Self-aligning adhesion tester; Stress; Surface analysis--paints/related coatings/materials;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 87.040 (Paints and varnishes)

DOI: 10.1520/D4541-09E01

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D4541