Designation: D69 − 12

Standard Test Methods for

Friction Tapes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D69; 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* at Commercial Power Frequencies

1.1 These test methods cover the methods and procedures D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplas-
for testing friction tapes. Such tapes consist of a woven fabric tic Elastomers—Tension
sheeting that has been impregnated with an adhesive insulating D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
compound and cut into rolls of narrow width. These tapes are D4514 Specification for Friction Tape
commonly used for protecting and binding in place, insulation D5423 Specification for Forced-Convection Laboratory Ov-
applied to joints of electrical wires and cables, and for other ens for Evaluation of Electrical Insulation
mechanical purposes. D6054 Practice for Conditioning Electrical Insulating Mate-
rials for Testing (Withdrawn 2012)3
NOTE 1—The material specifications formerly included in these test
methods are now contained in Specification D4514. 3. Terminology
1.2 The test methods included in this standard are as 3.1 Definitions:
follows: 3.1.1 For definitions of other terms used in this
Sections specification, refer to Terminology D1711.
Adhesion 6 – 11
Aged Adhesion 12 – 17
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Breaking Strength 18 – 23 3.2.1 adhesion, n—the resistance of the tape to unwind itself
Dielectric Breakdown Voltage 24 – 29 after being wound up under pressure, in accordance with this
Dimensions 30 – 35
Discoloration of Copper 36 – 40
test method.
Parallelism 41 – 45 3.2.2 breaking strength, n—the force required, per unit
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are the standard. width, to break the tape when tested in accordance with this
The SI units in parentheses are for information only. test method.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.3 conditioning, n—the exposure of the tape to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the influence of a prescribed atmosphere for a stipulated period of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- time.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2.4 length of tape in a roll, n—the number of linear yards
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. or metres of tape wound into a roll as measured in accordance
NOTE 2—There is no equivalent IEC standard. with this test method.
3.2.5 parallelism, n—the difference in width between two
2. Referenced Documents mated ends of a tape that has been split in half, in accordance
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 with this test method.
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and 3.2.6 tackiness, n—the adherence of the friction tape sur-
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials faces to themselves after light contact has been made, in
accordance with this test method.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on 4. Sampling
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and are the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D09.07 on Flexible and Rigid Insulating Materials. 4.1 The producer and consumer shall agree upon the num-
Current edition approved April 1, 2012. Published April 2012. Originally ber of rolls selected. Unless otherwise specified a minimum of
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D69 – 06. DOI:
10.1520/D0069-12. three rolls per lot shall be tested.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D69 − 12
4.2 For sampling purposes, a lot consists of identifiable extended downward for a distance of 36 in. (915 mm). The
materials of the same type manufactured in one production run scale shall be readable to 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm).
and offered for delivery at the same time. 7.2 Weights—Two sets of weights and a device suitable for
4.3 Test each sample roll for conformance to all the require- clamping the weights to the end of a tape sample, such that a
ments of the specification. total load of 4.0 lbf/in. (17.8 N/25 mm) and 10 lbf/in. (44.5
4.4 Remove and discard at least 24 in. (610 mm) of the outer N/25 mm) can be achieved.
layer of each sample roll before taking test specimens. 8. Test Specimen
4.5 Unwind the test specimen from the roll at a slow, 8.1 Cut a test specimen 23 in. (580 mm) in length of tape
uniform rate without jerking. removed from the sample roll, with care being taken not to
touch the adhesive surfaces to be tested.
5. Conditioning
5.1 Unless otherwise specified, condition the rolls for 16 h 9. Procedure
in a standard laboratory atmosphere as specified in Practice 9.1 Insert one end of the specimen into the slot of the
D6054. mandrel and wind 2 in. (51 mm) onto the mandrel.
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, condition the test specimens 9.2 Attach a total weight of 10 lbf/in. (44.5 N/25 mm) to the
for 1 h in a standard laboratory atmosphere as specified in end of the specimen and wind the remaining 19 in. (480 mm)
Practice D6054. of the specimen onto the mandrel at an approximate rate of 12
ADHESION TEST in./min (300 mm/min).
9.3 Allow the tape to remain for 3 min with the weight
6. Significance and Use attached, after which substitute a weight of 4.0 lbf/in. (17.8
6.1 In most applications, a friction tape must have adequate N/25 mm) and allow the tape to unwind.
adhesion to remain in place and function properly. 9.4 After the first 2 in. (51 mm) have unwound, start a timer.
Stop the unwinding process after 60 s have elapsed, and
7. Apparatus measure the length which has unwound in that time.
7.1 Adhesion Tester—An assembly similar to that shown in
10. Report
Fig. 1, consisting of a mandrel mounted in a level position in
ball bearings. The mandrel shall be 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) in 10.1 For each sample roll, report the adhesion as the length
diameter with a slot approximately 0.0625 in. (1.6 mm) in unwound in one minute.
width and long enough to accommodate the full width of tape.
The mandrel shall turn freely under a force of 0.25 ozf (0.07 N) 11. Precision and Bias
suspended from a thread wound in a single layer on the center 11.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
of the mandrel. This assembly is mounted on a wall or other years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
vertical surface to which a vertical scale has been affixed. This which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
scale shall begin 2 in. (51 mm) below the mandrel and planned to develop such information.

FIG. 1 Tester for Adhesion Test of Friction Tape

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 D69 − 12
11.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value 19. Apparatus
for adhesion is determined solely in terms of this test method 19.1 Tensile Testing Machine—A constant rate of elongation
itself. type tensile machine as described in Test Methods D412.
AGED ADHESION
20. Test Specimen
12. Significance and Use 20.1 Test specimens shall consist of a single layer of tape 16
12.1 The adhesion of a friction tape must remain adequate in. (400 mm) in length and the width of the tape as received.
after the tape has aged. Exposure in a dry oven is an attempt to
simulate such shelf-storage aging. 21. Procedure
21.1 Measure the width of the specimen in accordance with
13. Apparatus Section 33.
13.1 Oven—An oven conforming to the requirements of 21.2 Perform the test for breaking strength in accordance
Specification D5423. with Test Methods D412, Method A.
13.2 Adhesion Tester, in accordance with 7.1. 21.3 Samples shall be tested as straight specimens unless
13.3 Weights, in accordance with 7.2, except that a total load otherwise noted.
of 3 lbf/in. (13.3 N/25 mm) instead of 4 lbf/in. (17.8 N/25 mm) 21.4 Set the initial distance between the jaws of the testing
can be achieved. machine at 12 in. (300 mm) and the rate of separation of the
14. Test Specimen jaws at 20 in./min (500 mm/min).
14.1 Prepare the test specimen as described in Section 8. 22. Report
15. Procedure 22.1 For each sample roll, report the breaking strength in
lbf/in. (N/m) width.
15.1 Expose the specimen to dry air in an oven at a
temperature of 212 6 2 °F (100 6 1 °C) for a period of 16 h. 23. Precision and Bias
Support the specimen in the oven by clips or other suitable
devices, in such a way that the adhesion test portion hangs free 23.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
and out of contact with oven parts or other tape specimens. years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
15.2 After aging, allow the specimens to condition at a planned to develop such information.
temperature of 73.4 6 2 °F (23 6 1 °C) and 50 6 2 % relative
humidity for a period of not less than 4 h nor more than 8 h, 23.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
during which the adhesive surface shall be protected from for breaking strength is determined solely in terms of this test
contact with foreign material. method itself.
15.3 Test the specimen for adhesion following the proce- DIELECTRIC BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE
dure of Section 9, except that the load applied to unwind the
tape shall be 3 lbf/in. (13.3 N/25 mm) and not 4 lbf/in. (17.8 24. Significance and Use
N/25 mm). 24.1 This value does not correspond to the dielectric break-
16. Report down voltage to be expected in service. It may be of value in
comparing different materials and in controlling manufacturing
16.1 For each sample roll, report the aged adhesion as the processes. This product usually is used only for mechanical
length unwound in one minute. protection. When coupled with experience, dielectric break-
down voltage may have limited value for design in the few
17. Precision and Bias
cases where electrical breakdown is of functional significance.
17.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon 25. Apparatus
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
25.1 Dielectric Test Apparatus, in accordance with Test
planned to develop such information.
Method D149.
17.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
25.2 Electrodes—Flat plates corresponding to Type 4 of Test
for aged adhesion is determined solely in terms of this test
Method D149.
method itself.
BREAKING STRENGTH 26. Test Specimen
26.1 Make the test specimen from a single layer of tape 6.0
18. Significance and Use in. (150 mm) in length. In order to prevent flashover, increased
18.1 The breaking strength of the tape is an indicator of width may be obtained by attaching to each side of the test
uniform quality and the ability to withstand mechanical load in specimen an additional piece of tape, making a 1⁄8 in. (3.0 mm)
service. lap seam carefully rolled down.

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 D69 − 12
27. Procedure 35. Precision and Bias
27.1 Determine the dielectric breakdown voltage in accor- 35.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
dance with Test Method D149 using the short time test. Start years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
the test with an applied voltage that is less than 100 V, and raise which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
it at a rate of 100 V/s until dielectric breakdown occurs. planned to develop such information.
35.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the values
28. Report
for length, width and thickness are determined solely in terms
28.1 Report the dielectric breakdown voltage in volts for of this test method itself.
each sample roll.
DISCOLORATION OF COPPER
29. Precision and Bias
36. Significance and Use
29.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon 36.1 The tendency of a friction tape to discolor copper is an
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been indication of the level of sulfur or sulfur containing curatives
planned to develop such information. present in the adhesive compound.
29.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value 37. Apparatus
for dielectric breakdown voltage is determined solely in terms 37.1 Copper Rod—Clean, bright, and smooth. Approxi-
of this test method itself. mately 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) in diameter and 3 in. (75 mm) in length.
DIMENSIONS—LENGTH, WIDTH, AND 37.2 Test Tube, capable of being sealed.
THICKNESS 37.3 Oven, maintained at 212 6 9 °F (100 6 5 °C).
30. Significance and Use 38. Procedure
30.1 Measurements of length, width, and thickness are 38.1 Wind five superimposed layers of tape on the copper
necessary to ensure receiving the correct quantity of tape. The rod taking care to avoid touching the surface of the rod near the
thickness measurement is of particular value in controlling tape layers.
uniformity and meeting design criteria.
38.2 Place the sample in a closed test tube and heat at 212
31. Apparatus °F (100 °C) for 16 h.
31.1 Steel Rule—A steel rule capable of measuring to the 38.3 Cool the sample and visually inspect for the presence
nearest 1⁄64 in. (0.04 mm). of a blue-black discoloration on the surface of the rod at the
edge of the tape.
31.2 Thickness Gauge—A dead weight dial micrometer
graduated to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) and having a presser foot 39. Report
0.25 6 0.01 in. (6.35 6 0.25 mm) in diameter, exerting a total 39.1 For each sample roll, report the presence or absence of
force of 10.0 6 0.1 ozf (2.78 6 0.03 N). discoloration.
32. Test Specimen 40. Precision and Bias
32.1 The test specimen is a full roll of tape as received from 40.1 No statement is made about either the precision or the
the supplier. bias of this test method since the result merely states the
presence or absence of discoloration.
33. Procedure
33.1 Length Determination—Unwind the tape from the roll, PARALLELISM
placing it on a hard smooth surface, and measure the length to
41. Significance and Use
the nearest 1 in. (25 mm).
41.1 Parallelism is an indicator of the potential of a roll of
33.2 Thickness—Place the tape against the anvil of the
friction tape to resist fraying at the edge when the roll is
gauge. Lower the presser foot onto the tape without excessive
unwound. Parallelism is also an indicator of the overall quality
impact and observe the reading. Make five measurements at
and the degree of care which has been taken in slitting the tape.
random in a length of not less than 1 yd. (0.9 m).
33.3 Width—Place the tape on a hard smooth surface and 42. Test Specimen
measure the width perpendicular to the edge with the steel 42.1 Make the test specimen from a single layer of tape 16
scale, to the nearest 1⁄64 in. (0.40 mm). Make five measure- in. (400 mm) in length unwound from the sample roll.
ments at random in a length of not less than 1 yd (0.9 m).
43. Procedure
34. Report 43.1 Tear the test specimen approximately in half
34.1 Report the length, average thickness, and average lengthwise, assisting the tearing by first slitting one end for
width for each sample roll. about 1⁄2 in. (12 mm) with a knife or a razor blade.

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 D69 − 12
43.2 Cleanly cut a 2 in. (50 mm) length from each end of 45. Precision and Bias
one of the torn halves. 45.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
43.3 Fold the remaining 12 in. (300 mm) length in half to years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
bring the two ends together while mating along one edge. which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
planned to develop such information.
43.4 Using a steel rule graduated to read 1⁄32 in. or 1.0 mm,
45.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
measure the difference in width between the two mated ends
for parallelism is determined solely in terms of this test method
and record that distance to the nearest 1⁄32 in. as the deviation
itself.
from parallel.
46. Keywords
44. Report
46.1 adhesion; aged adhesion; breaking strength; dielectric
44.1 For each sample roll, report the measured deviation breakdown voltage; dimensions; discoloration of copper; fric-
from parallel. tion tape; parallelism; tackiness

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D09 has identified the location of selected changes to these test methods since the last issue,
D69 – 06, that may impact the use of these test methods. (Approved April 1, 2012.)

(1) Modified 4.1 and 4.2. (3) Removed section entitled “Tackiness.”
(2) Modified 21.

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