BRITISH STANDARD |

| BS EN
|
|
|
1939 : 1997
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

|
Self adhesive tapes Ð |
|
|
|
|
Measurement of peel adhesion |
|
|
|
|
from stainless steel or from its |
|
|
|
own backing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The European Standard EN 1939 : 1996 has the status of a |
British Standard |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ICS 83.180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
|
|
|
|
 BS EN 1939 : 1997

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical Committee
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

PKW/3, Distribution packaging, transport packaging and unit loads, upon which the
following bodies were represented:

British Adhesives and Sealants Association

British Apparel and Textile Confederation
British Coatings Federation Ltd.
British Fibreboard Packaging Association
British Glass Manufacturers' Confederation
British Industrial Truck Association
British Plastics Federation
British Retail Consortium
British Rubber Manufacturers' Association Ltd.
British Tensional Strapping Association Ltd.
British Timber Merchants' Association
British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association
Chamber of Shipping
Chemical Industries Association
China Clay Association
Department of Transport
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users' Association
Federation of the Electronics Industry
Flexible Ibc Association
Food and Drink Federation
Independent Pallet Repair Committee
Institute of Grocery Distribution
Metal Packaging Manufacturers' Association
Ministry of Defence
National Association of Pallet Distributors
Power Fastenings Association
Pira International
Road Haulage Association Ltd.
Society of Occupational Medicine
Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association
Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation
Timber Research and Development Association
United Kingdom Softwood Sawmillers' Association

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard, through
subcommittees and panels:
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the
direction of the Consumer
Products and Services Sector Adhesive Tape Manufacturers' Association
Board, was published under the British Footwear Manufacturers' Federation
authority of the Standards Board Packaging Distributors Association
and comes into effect on Pressure Sensitive Manufacturers' Association
15 April 1997

 BSI 1997
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Text affected

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference PKW/3
Draft for comment 92/43828 DC

ISBN 0 580 27084 X

 BS EN 1939 : 1997

Contents

Page
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Committees responsible Inside front cover

National foreword ii
Foreword 2
Text of EN 1939 3

 BSI 1997 i
 BS EN 1939 : 1997

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee PKW/3 and is the
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

English language version of EN 1939 : 1996 Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of peel
adhesion from stainless steel or from its own backing published by the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN).
Cross-reference
Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard
EN 1942 : 1996 BS EN 1942 : 1996 Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of
thickness

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii, the
EN title page, pages 2 to 16, an inside back cover and a back cover.

ii  BSI 1997
 EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1939
NORME EUROPEÂENNE
EUROPAÈISCHE NORM August 1996
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

ICS 83.180

Descriptors: Adhesive tapes, measurement, adhesive strength, adhesion tests, stainless steels

English version

Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of peel adhesion from

stainless steel or from its own backing

Rubans auto-adheÂsifs Ð Mesure de pouvoir adheÂsif KlebebaÈnder Ð Messung der Klebkraft auf
lineÂaire sur acier inoxydable ou sur son propre nichtrostendem Stahl oder auf der eigenen
support RuÈckseite

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1996-07-19. CEN members are
bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the
conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard
without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards
may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a
CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comite EuropeÂen de Normalisation
EuropaÈisches Komitee fuÈr Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

 1996 Copyright reserved to CEN members

Ref. No. EN 1939 : 1996 E
 Page 2
EN 1939 : 1996
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Foreword Contents
This European Standard has been prepared by Page
Technical Committee CEN/TC 253, Self adhesive tapes,
the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR. Foreword 2
This European Standard shall be given the status of a 1 Scope 3
national standard, either by publication of an identical 2 Definition 3
text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 1997, 3 Principle 3
and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by February 1997. 4 Materials 3
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, 5 Apparatus 3
the national standards organizations of the following 6 Test sample and test pieces 4
countries are bound to implement this European
7 Procedure 4
Standard: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, 8 Expression of results 4
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, 9 Test report 5
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Annexes
The European standard EN 1939 gives :
A (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð
± the annex A (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of peel adhesion from
Measurement of peel its own backing 6
adhesion from its own B (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð
backing Measurement of peel adhesion from
± the annex B (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð stainless steel at low temperature 8
Measurement of peel C (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð
adhesion from stainless Measurement of peel adhesion from
steel at low stainless steel of double sided
temperature adhesive tapes 10
± the annex C (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð D (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð
Measurement of peel Measurement of peel adhesion from
adhesion from stainless stainless steel of adhesive transfer
steel of double sided tape 12
adhesive tapes E (informative) Bibliography 16
± the annex D (normative) Self adhesive tapes Ð
Measurement of peel
adhesion from stainless
steel of an adhesive
transfer tape
± the annex E (informative) Bibliography Ð
FEPA Ð Standard for
coated abrasive grains
of fused alumina and
silicon carbide
43-GB-1984

 BSI 1997
 Page 3
EN 1939 : 1996

1 Scope 5 Apparatus
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

This standard specifies the method to measure, under 5.1 Tensile testing machine, with the following
specified test conditions, the force required to remove characteristics:
an adhesive tape which has been applied to a standard
metal surface. ± the force shall be indicated with a maximum error
of 2 %;
This European Standard specifies the method of
measurement, under specified test conditions, the force ± the speed of the moveable clamp shall
required to remove an adhesive tape which has been be 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min;
applied to: ± the scale shall be such that the readings obtained
± a standard metal surface; are between 15 % and 85 % of the complete scale;
± from its own backing; ± the clamps shall be serrated to prevent slipping or
tearing of the tape;
± from stainless steel at low temperature;
± if a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
± from stainless steel of double sided adhesive pendulum can swing freely.
tapes; and
± from stainless steel of an adhesive transfer tape. 5.2 Stainless steel plates1)
NOTE. For the purpose of facilitating the understanding of this These shall be perfectly flat, 200 mm long 3 50 mm
standard, it has been divided into five separate test methods. wide and 2 mm thick. They shall be made from
`polishing' quality stainless steel of a Brinell hardness
ranging from 130 to 200 (see ISO 6506) and comprising
2 Definition the following constituents:
For the purposes of this standard the following ±carbon <0,12 %;
definition applies.
±nickel >8 %;
peel adhesion ±chromium >17 %.
The force required to peel a strip of tape from a The testing surface of the plate shall first be polished
specified substrate at a specified angle and speed. to a mirror finish. It shall then be roughened with
abrasive grit2). The abrasion lines shall be parallel to
3 Principle the long edge of the plate. The plate shall be graduated
on the long edges with five short marks spaced 30 mm
A length of adhesive tape is applied to a standard plate apart, the first being 50 mm from one end. (This is
which is then fixed vertically in one clamp of a tensile referred to as the starting end in 7.3.2.)
testing machine. The other clamp of the machine pulls
the free end of the adhesive tape at an angle of 180Ê to Check that the surface conforms to the following
the plate. conditions by five transverse measurements in the area
between two imaginary lines 10 mm on each side of
The adhesive strength is measured by the force the longitudinal axis of the plate:
required to peel the adhesive tape continuously from
the plate, the line of separation being perpendicular to ± mean range between 0,05 mm and 0,40 mm;
the direction of the applied force. ± maximum depth less than 4 mm. Sampling length
(of abraded area of test plate) is 0,8 mm;
4 Materials ± the evaluation length of five transverse samples
provides the abraded area required to cover all
4.1 Diacetone alcohol. possible variables in surface rugosity.
4.2 Lint free cotton wool or tissue. NOTE. A full explanation of these terms will be found in
ISO 468 and ISO 4287-1.
4.3 One of the following solvents: Between each test, the plates shall be kept in such a
± methanol; way as to avoid any accidental scratching which may
± methyl ethyl ketone; modify the surface condition.
± acetone; 5.3 Polished cylindrical metal roller
± toluene. This shall have a diameter of at least 50 mm and a
Solvents shall be of general purpose chemical grade. mass corresponding to 2 kg/cm width of adhesive tape
under test.

1) Potential suppliers of tools/materials may be published by other organisations like AFERA (Assocation des Fabricants EuropeÂens de
Rubans auto-adheÂsifs) 60 rue Auber 94408 VITRY SUR SEINE CEDEX.
2) It is recommended to roughen the testing surface with Nr. 240 Type FEPA abrasive grit (see annex E). This information is given for the
convenience of users of this standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of this product type.

 BSI 1997
 Page 4
EN 1939 : 1996

6 Test sample and test pieces 7.3.2 Stripping the test piece from the test plate
Condition the sample roll for 24 h at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC Peel off about 25 mm of the adhesive tape from the
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity. starting end of the plate, the line of separation being
perpendicular to the axis of the test piece.
Discard the three outer turns of adhesive tape from the
roll before taking test pieces. Fix the starting end of the plate in one clamp of the
tensile testing machine.
Perform the test on test pieces 400 mm long and the
same width as the adhesive tape. Take five or ten test Fold back the free end of the adhesive tape and fix it
pieces as required by the test. in the other clamp so that the non-adhesive surfaces
are almost in contact and exactly aligned. Ensure that
For widths greater than 25 mm, a test piece 25 mm
the two surfaces remain perfectly superimposed
wide shall be cut longitudinally from the adhesive tape.
without rubbing.
The cutting shall be carried out by means of a
At least 25 mm of the adhesive tape shall remain to be
razor-blade or any other suitable instrument. It shall
peeled before the first reference mark is reached.
always be effected so that the adhesive surface never
contacts other surfaces before application to the test If a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
plate. Cutting shall never be carried out with the pendulum swings freely. Set the speed at
adhesive tape already applied to the test plate, so as 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min and start the tensile testing
not to mark the plate for subsequent tests. machine.
Take readings as the line of separation of adhesive
tape from the plate passes each reference mark.
7 Procedure
NOTE. In spite of its apparent simplicity, the use of this method is
7.1 Standard test conditions rather delicate and involves the observation of a certain number
The test shall be carried out at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC
of precautions to give coherent and identical results between one
laboratory and another as well as between one operator and
and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity. another. Attention is drawn to the following points:
7.2 Preparation of plate ± the temperature at which the measurement is carried out is
very important. The standard conditions of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC allow
Wipe the test surface of the plate with a fresh piece of the test to take place between 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC. It has been
cotton wool or tissue saturated with diacetone alcohol. found that the peel adhesions at 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC are different3);
Dry the plate with fresh cotton wool, then wipe the ± the tester should know that, by prolonged handling, heat is
test surface with a fresh piece of cotton wool saturated transmitted to the stainless steel plate. Therefore, during and
after application of the adhesive tape to the plate, both should
with one of the solvents given in 4.3. Dry the plate be handled as little as possible;
with fresh cotton wool, then repeat for a total of three
± care should be taken to roll horizontally over the adhesive
cleaning operations with this solvent. Maintain the tape which is in contact with the stainless steel plate, in order
plate at a temperature of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC for at least 5 min to exert a completely uniform pressure over the length and the
before proceeding. width of the adhesive tape;
In order to obtain consistent results, a new plate shall ± it should be noted that the adhesive tape should be applied
be cleaned at least 10 times before use. within 15 s following its removal from the roll.

7.3 Peel adhesion from stainless steel

8 Expression of results
7.3.1 Application of the test piece to the plate
For each test piece, arrange the five readings in
Take five test pieces by unrolling the conditioned roll ascending order and take the median value. Similarly,
radially at a speed of approximately 300 mm/s and then arrange these five median values in ascending order
apply them in the manner described below, within 15 s, and take their median.
in the standard test conditions.
Take as the peel adhesion the value (median) so
Apply the test piece progressively by gentle obtained and express in N/cm width of adhesive tape
longitudinal finger strokes in such a way that the tested.
formation of air bubbles between adhesive tape and
After each test, examine the test plate visually and
plate is avoided, without, however, exerting
note the appearance of the adhesive and, in particular,
appreciable pressure on the adhesive tape.
any deposit or transfer onto the plate.
The test piece shall be centred on the plate such that
the edge of the test piece is parallel to the long edge of Since the measurements made using different types of
the plate. Pass the roller over the surface of the tensile testing machines (for example, electronic or
adhesive tape, to and fro, twice in each direction, at a pendulum) are not directly comparable, the type of
speed of approximately 10 mm/s. Leave the adhesive tensile testing machine used shall be indicated in the
tape adhered to the plate for 10 min in the standard report.
test conditions and then test as described below.

3) More accurate results may be obtained if the temperature is restricted to 23 ÊC ± 1 ÊC.

 BSI 1997
 Page 5
EN 1939 : 1996

9 Test report
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

The test report shall include the following information:

a) a reference to this European Standard;
b) all information necessary to identify the test
sample;
c) the type of tensile testing machine used;
d) the date of the test;
e) the results obtained;
f) any operation not specified in this European
Standard, which may influence the results.

 BSI 1997
 Page 6
EN 1939 : 1996

Annex A (normative) A.5.2 Stainless steel plates4)

These shall be perfectly flat, 200 mm long 3 50 mm
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of wide and 2 mm thick. They shall be made from
peel adhesion from its own backing `polishing' quality stainless steel of a Brinell hardness
A.1 Scope ranging from 130 to 200 (see ISO 6506) and comprising
the following constituents:
The annex A of this standard specifies the method to
measure under specified test conditions the force ± carbon <0,12 %;
required to remove an adhesive tape which has been ± nickel >8 %;
applied to its own backing. ± chromium >17 %.
A.2 Definition The testing surface of the plate shall first be polished
to a mirror finish. It shall then be roughened with
For the purposes of this annex the following definition abrasive grit5). The abrasion lines shall be parallel to
applies. the long edge of the plate. The plate shall be graduated
peel adhesion on the long edges with five short marks spaced 30 mm
The force required to peel a strip of tape from a apart, the first being 50 mm from one end. (This is
specified substrate at a specified angle and speed. referred to as the starting end in A.7.3.2).
A.3 Principle Check that the surface conforms to the following
conditions by five transverse measurements in the area
A length of adhesive tape is superimposed on a second between two imaginary lines 10 mm on each side of
length of adhesive tape which is already applied to a the longitudinal axis of the plate:
standard plate and is then fixed vertically in one clamp
of a tensile testing machine. The other clamp of the ± mean range between 0,05 mm and 0,40 mm;
machine pulls the free end of the adhesive tape at an ± maximum depth less than 4 mm. Sampling length
angle of 180Ê to the plate. (of abraded area of test plate) is 0,8 mm;
The adhesive strength is measured by the force ± the evaluation length of five transverse samples
required to peel the adhesive tape continuously from provides the abraded area required to cover all
its own backing, the line of separation being possible variables in surface rugosity.
perpendicular to the direction of the applied force. NOTE. A full explanation of these terms will be found in
ISO 468 and ISO 4287-1.
A.4 Materials Between each test, the plates must be kept in such a
A.4.1 Diacetone alcohol. way to avoid any accidental scratching which may
modify the surface condition.
A.4.2 Lint free cotton wool, or tissue.
A.5.3 Polished cylindrical metal roller
A.4.3 One of the following solvents: This shall have a diameter of at least 50 mm and a
± methanol; mass corresponding to 2 kg/cm width of adhesive tape
± methyl ethyl ketone; under test.
± acetone; A.6 Test sample and test pieces
± toluene. Condition the sample roll for 24 h at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC
Solvents shall be of general purpose chemical grade. and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity.
A.5 Apparatus Discard the three outer turns of adhesive tape from the
roll before taking test pieces.
A.5.1 Tensile testing machine with the following
characteristics: Perform the test on test pieces 400 mm long and the
same width as the adhesive tape. Take ten test pieces
± the force shall be indicated with a maximum error
as required by the test.
of 2 %;
For widths greater than 25 mm, a test piece 25 mm
± the speed of the moveable clamp shall
wide shall be cut longitudinally from the adhesive tape.
be 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min;
The cutting shall be carried out by means of a
± the scale shall be such that the readings obtained
razor-blade or any other suitable instrument. It shall
are between 15 % and 85 % of the complete scale;
always be effected so that the adhesive surface never
± the clamps shall be serrated to prevent slipping or contacts other surfaces before application to the test
tearing of the tape; plate. Cutting shall never be carried out with the
± if a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the adhesive tape already applied to the test plate, so as
pendulum can swing freely. not to mark the plate for subsequent tests.

4) See 5.2.
5) See 5.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 7
EN 1939 : 1996

A.7 Procedure At least 25 mm of the adhesive tape shall remain to be

Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

peeled before the first reference mark is reached.

A.7.1 Standard test conditions
If a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
The test shall be carried out at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC
pendulum swings freely. Set the speed at
and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity.
300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min and start the tensile testing
A.7.2 Preparation of plate machine.
Wipe the test surface of the plate with a fresh piece of Take readings as the line of separation of adhesive
cotton wool or tissue saturated with diacetone alcohol. tape from its own backing passes each reference mark
Dry the plate with fresh cotton wool, then wipe the on the plate.
test surface with a fresh piece of cotton wool saturated NOTE. In spite of its apparent simplicity, the use of this method is
with one of the solvents given in A.4.3. Dry the plate rather delicate and involves the observation of a certain number
with fresh cotton wool, then repeat for a total of three of precautions to give coherent and identical results between one
laboratory and another as well as between one operator and
cleaning operations with this solvent. Maintain the another. Attention is drawn to the following points.
plate at a temperature of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC for at least 5 min
± The temperature at which the measurement is carried out is
before proceeding. very important. The standard conditions of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC allow
In order to obtain consistent results, a new plate shall the test to take place between 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC. It has been
be cleaned at least 10 times before use. found that the peel adhesions at 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC are different6).
± The tester should know that, by prolonged handling, heat is
A.7.3 Peel adhesion from its own backing transmitted to the stainless steel plate. Therefore, during and
after application of the adhesive tape to the plate, both should
A.7.3.1 Application of the test piece to the plate be handled as little as possible.
Take 10 test pieces by unrolling the conditioned roll ± Care should be taken to roll horizontally over the adhesive
radially at a speed of approximately 300 mm/s and then tape which is in contact with the stainless steel plate, in order
to exert a completely uniform pressure over the length and the
apply them in the manner described below, within 15 s width of the adhesive tape.
in the standard test conditions.
± It should be noted that the adhesive tape should be applied
Apply a first test piece progressively by gentle within 15 s following its removal from the roll.
longitudinal finger strokes in such a way that the
formation of air bubbles between adhesive tape and A.8 Expression of results
plate is avoided, without, however, exerting For each test piece, arrange the five readings in
appreciable pressure on the adhesive tape. Cut off the ascending order and take the median value. Similarly,
excess at each end of the plate. arrange these five median values in ascending order
Apply a second test piece onto the test piece already and take their median.
applied to the plate, so that they are precisely Take as the peel adhesion the value (median) so
coincident. obtained and express in N/cm width of adhesive tape
The test pieces shall be centred on the plate such that tested.
the edges of the test pieces are parallel to the long After each test, examine the test plate visually and
edge of the plate. Pass the roller over the surface of note the appearance of the adhesive and, in particular,
the adhesive tape, to and fro, twice in each direction, any deposit or transfer onto the plate.
at a speed of approximately 10 mm/s. Leave the Since the measurements made using different types of
adhesive tape adhered to the plate for 10 min in the tensile testing machines (for example, electronic or
standard test conditions and then test as described pendulum) are not directly comparable, the type of
below. tensile testing machine used shall be indicated in the
A.7.3.2 Stripping the test piece from its own backing report.
Peel off about 25 mm of the upper adhesive tape only A.9 Test report
from the starting end of the plate, the line of The test report shall include the following information:
separation being perpendicular to the axis of the test a) a reference to the annex A of this European
piece. Standard;
Fix the starting end of the plate in one clamp of the b) all information necessary to identify the test
tensile testing machine. sample;
Fold back the free end of the adhesive tape and fix it c) the type of tensile testing machine used;
in the other clamp so that the non-adhesive surfaces
are almost in contact and exactly aligned. Ensure that d) the date of the test;
the two surfaces remain perfectly superimposed e) the results obtained;
without rubbing. f) any operation not specified in this European
Standard, which may influence the results.

6) See 7.3.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 8
EN 1939 : 1996

Annex B (normative) B.5.2 Stainless steel plates7)

These shall be perfectly flat, 200 mm long 3 50 mm
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Self adhesive tapes ± Measurement of wide and 2 mm thick. They shall be made from
peel adhesion from stainless steel at low `polishing' quality stainless steel of a Brinell hardness
temperature ranging from 130 to 200 (see ISO 6506) and comprising
the following constituents:
B.1 Scope
± carbon <0,12 %;
The annex B of this standard specifies the method to
measure at low temperature the force required to ± nickel >8 %;
remove an adhesive tape which has been applied to a ± chromium >17 %.
standard metal surface at the same temperature. The testing surface of the plate shall first be polished
to a mirror finish. It shall then be roughened with
B.2 Definition
abrasive grit8). The abrasion lines shall be parallel to
For the purposes of this annex the following definition the long edge of the plate. The plate shall be graduated
applies. on the long edges with five short marks spaced 30 mm
peel adhesion apart, the first being 50 mm from one end. (This is
The force required to peel a strip of tape from a referred to as the starting end in B.7.3.2).
specified substrate at a specified angle and speed. Check that the surface conforms to the following
B.3 Principle conditions by five transverse measurements in the area
between two imaginary lines 10 mm on each side of
A length of adhesive tape is applied to a standard plate the longitudinal axis of the plate:
which is then fixed vertically in one clamp of a tensile
testing machine. The other clamp of the machine pulls ± mean range between 0,05 mm and 0,40 mm;
the free end of the adhesive tape at an angle of 180Ê to ± maximum depth less than 4 mm. Sampling length
the plate. (of abraded area of test plate) is 0,8 mm;
The adhesive strength is measured by the force ± the evaluation length of five transverse samples
required to peel the adhesive tape continuously from provides the abraded area required to cover all
the plate, the line of separation being perpendicular to possible variables in surface rugosity.
the direction of the applied force. NOTE. A full explanation of these terms will be found in
ISO 468 and ISO 4287-1.
The entire test is carried out at low temperature.
Between each test, the plates shall be kept in such a
B.4 Materials way as to avoid any accidental scratching which may
B.4.1 Diacetone alcohol. modify the surface condition.
B.4.2 Lint free cotton wool, or tissue. B.5.3 Polished cylindrical metal roller
This shall have a diameter of at least 50 mm and a
B.4.3 One of the following solvents: mass corresponding to 2 kg/cm width of adhesive tape
± methanol; under test.
± methyl ethyl ketone; B.5.4 An environment or environmental chamber
± acetone; appropriate to the chosen temperature.
± toluene. B.6 Test sample and test pieces
Solvents shall be of general purpose chemical grade. Condition the sample roll for 2 h in an environment at
B.5 Apparatus the chosen low temperature.
B.5.1 Tensile testing machine Discard the three outer turns of adhesive tape from the
roll before taking test pieces.
With the following characteristics:
Perform the test on five test pieces 400 mm long and
± the force shall be indicated with a maximum error
the same width as the adhesive tape.
of 2 %;
For widths greater than 25 mm, a test piece 25 mm
± the speed of the moveable clamp shall be wide shall be cut longitudinally from the adhesive tape.
300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min;
The cutting shall be carried out by means of a
± the scale shall be such that the readings obtained razor-blade or any other suitable instrument. It shall
are between 15 % and 85 % of the complete scale; always be effected so that the adhesive surface never
± the clamps shall be serrated to prevent slipping or contacts other surfaces before application to the test
tearing of the tape; plate. Cutting shall never be carried out with the
± if a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the adhesive tape already applied to the test plate, so as
pendulum can swing freely. not to mark the plate for subsequent tests.

7) See 5.2.
8) See 5.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 9
EN 1939 : 1996

B.7 Procedure Take readings as the line of separation of adhesive

Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

tape from the plate passes each reference mark.

B.7.1 Standard test conditions
NOTE. In spite of its apparent simplicity, the use of this method is
The test shall be carried out at the chosen low rather delicate and involves the observation of a certain number
temperature. of precautions to give coherent and identical results between one
laboratory and another as well as between one operator and
B.7.2 Preparation of plate another. Attention is drawn to the following points.
Wipe the test surface of the plate with a fresh piece of ± The tester should know that, by prolonged handling, heat is
cotton wool or tissue saturated with diacetone alcohol. transmitted to the stainless steel plate. Therefore, during and
after application of the adhesive tape to the plate, both should
Dry the plate with fresh cotton wool, then wipe the be handled as little as possible.
test surface with a fresh piece of cotton wool saturated ± Care should be taken to roll horizontally over the adhesive
with one of the solvents given in B.4.3. Dry the plate tape which is in contact with the stainless steel plate, in order
with fresh cotton wool, then repeat for a total of three to exert a completely uniform pressure over the length and the
cleaning operations with this solvent. Condition the width of the adhesive tape.
plate and the roller at the chosen low temperature ± It should be noted that the adhesive tape should be applied
for 2 h before proceeding. within 15 s following its removal from the roll.

In order to obtain consistent results, a new plate shall B.8 Expression of results
be cleaned at least 10 times before use. For each test piece, arrange the five readings in
B.7.3 Peel adhesion from stainless steel at low ascending order and take the median value. Similarly,
temperature arrange these five median values in ascending order
and take their median.
B.7.3.1 Application of the test piece to the plate Take as the peel adhesion the value (median) so
Take five test pieces by unrolling the conditioned roll obtained and express in N/cm width of adhesive tape
radially at a speed of approximately 300 mm/s and then tested.
apply them in the manner described below, within 15 s After each test, examine the test plate visually and
at the chosen low temperature. note the appearance of the adhesive and, in particular,
Apply the test piece progressively by gentle any deposit or transfer onto the plate.
longitudinal finger strokes in such a way that the Since the measurements made using different types of
formation of air bubbles between adhesive tape and tensile testing machines (for example, electronic or
plate is avoided, without, however, exerting pendulum) are not directly comparable, the type of
appreciable pressure on the adhesive tape. tensile testing machine used shall be indicated in the
The test piece shall be centred on the plate such that report.
the edge of the test piece is parallel to the long edge of
the plate. Pass the roller over the surface of the B.9 Test report
adhesive tape, to and fro, twice in each direction, at a The test report shall include the following information:
speed of approximately 10 mm/s. Leave the adhesive a) a reference to the annex B of this European
tape adhered to the plate for 16 h to 24 h at the chosen Standard;
low temperature and then test as described below.
b) all information necessary to identify the test
B.7.3.2 Stripping the test piece from the test plate sample;
Verify that the tensometer clamps and the space c) the type of tensile testing machine used;
between are at the chosen low temperature. d) the date of the test;
Peel off about 25 mm of the adhesive tape from the e) the results obtained;
starting end of the plate, the line of separation being
f) the test temperature;
perpendicular to the axis of the test piece.
g) any operation not specified in this European
Fix the starting end of the plate in one clamp of the
Standard, which may influence the results.
tensile testing machine.
Fold back the free end of the adhesive tape and fix it
in the other clamp so that the non-adhesive surfaces
are almost in contact and exactly aligned. Ensure that
the two surfaces remain perfectly superimposed
without rubbing.
At least 25 mm of the adhesive tape shall remain to be
peeled before the first reference mark is reached.
If a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
pendulum swings freely. Set the speed
at 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min and start the tensile testing
machine.

 BSI 1997
 Page 10
EN 1939 : 1996

Annex C (normative) C.4.4 Polyester film 25 mm thick approximately 3 mm

wider than the test piece (typically 28 mm).
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of

C.5 Apparatus
peel adhesion from stainless steel of
double sided adhesive tapes C.5.1 Tensile testing machine
With the following characteristics:
C.1 Scope
± the force shall be indicated with a maximum error
The annex C of this standard specifies the method to
of 2 %;
measure under specified test conditions the force
required to remove each side of a double sided tape ± the speed of the moveable clamp shall be
which has been applied to a standard metal surface. 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min;
± the scale shall be such that the readings obtained
C.2 Definitions
are between 15 % and 85 % of the complete scale;
For the purposes of this annex the following
± the clamps shall be serrated to prevent slipping or
definitions apply.
tearing of the tape;
peel adhesion
± if a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
The force required to peel a strip of tape from a pendulum can swing freely.
specified substrate at a specified angle and speed.
C.5.2 Stainless steel plates9)
open side (adhesive)
These shall be perfectly flat, 200 mm long 3 50 mm
That surface of the adhesive on a double sided tape
wide and 2 mm thick. They shall be made from
which is exposed on normal unwinding or separation
`polishing' quality stainless steel of a Brinell hardness
of the first liner.
ranging from 130 to 200 (see ISO 6506) and comprising
closed side (adhesive) the following constituents:
That surface of the adhesive on a double sided tape ± carbon <0,12 %;
which normally remains in contact with the release
± nickel >8 %;
liner on normal unwinding or separation of the first
liner. ± chromium >17%.
The testing surface of the plate shall first be polished
C.3 Principle
to a mirror finish. It shall then be roughened with
A length of adhesive tape is applied to a standard plate abrasive grit10). The abrasion lines shall be parallel to
which is then fixed vertically in one clamp of a tensile the long edge of the plate. The plate shall be graduated
testing machine. The other clamp of the machine pulls on the long edges with five short marks spaced 30 mm
the free end of the adhesive tape at an angle of 180Ê to apart, the first being 50 mm from one end. (This is
the plate. referred to as the starting end in C.7.3.2 and C.7.4.2).
The adhesive strength is measured by the force Check that the surface conforms to the following
required to peel either face of the double sided conditions by five transverse measurements in the area
adhesive tape continuously from the plate, the line of between two imaginary lines 10 mm on each side of
separation being perpendicular to the direction of the the longitudinal axis of the plate:
applied force.
± mean range between 0,05 mm and 0,40 mm;
C.4 Materials ± maximum depth less than 4 mm. Sampling length
C.4.1 Diacetone alcohol. (of abraded area of test plate) is 0,8 mm;
± the traversing length of five transverse samples
C.4.2 Lint free cotton wool, or tissue. provides the abraded area required to cover all
C.4.3 One of the following solvents: possible variables in surface rugosity.
± methanol; NOTE. A full explanation of these terms will be found in
ISO 468 and ISO 4287-1.
± methyl ethyl ketone;
Between each test, the plates shall be kept in such a
± acetone; way as to avoid any accidental scratching which may
± toluene. modify the surface condition.
Solvents shall be of general purpose chemical grade.

9) See 5.2.
10) See 5.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 11
EN 1939 : 1996

C.5.3 Polished cylindrical metal roller The test piece shall be centred on the plate such that
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

This shall have a diameter of at least 50 mm and a the edge of the test piece is parallel to the long edge of
mass corresponding to 2 kg/cm width of adhesive tape the plate. Do not roll the tape at this stage. Remove
under test. the interleaving material from the test piece. Lay a
strip of 25 mm thick polyester cut to approximately
C.6 Test sample and test pieces 3 mm wider than the width of the test pieces on top of
Condition the sample roll for 24 h at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC the test piece so that it overlaps both edges. Pass the
and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity. roller over the surface of the polyester film, to and fro,
Discard the three outer turns of adhesive tape from the twice in each direction, at a speed of approximately
roll before taking test pieces. 10 mm/s. Leave the double sided adhesive tape adhered
to the plate for 10 min in the standard test conditions
Perform the test on five test pieces from each roll. and then test as described below.
Each test piece shall be 400 mm long and the same
width as the adhesive tape. C.7.3.2 Stripping the test piece from the test plate
For widths greater than 25 mm, a test piece 25 mm Peel off about 25 mm of the polyester reinforced
wide shall be cut longitudinally from the adhesive tape. adhesive tape from the starting end of the plate, the
The cutting shall be carried out by means of a line of separation being perpendicular to the axis of
razor-blade or any other suitable instrument. It shall the test piece.
always be effected so that the adhesive surface never Fix the starting end of the plate in one clamp of the
contacts other surfaces before application to the test tensile testing machine.
plate. Cutting shall never be carried out with the Fold back the free end of the double sided adhesive
adhesive tape already applied to the test plate, so as tape and fix it in the other clamp so that the
not to mark the plate for subsequent tests. non-adhesive surfaces are almost in contact and
C.7 Procedure exactly aligned. Ensure that the two surfaces remain
perfectly superimposed without rubbing.
C.7.1 Standard test conditions At least 25 mm of the double sided adhesive tape shall
The test shall be carried out at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC remain to be peeled before the first reference mark is
and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity. reached.
C.7.2 Preparation of plate If a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
Wipe the test surface of the plate with a fresh piece of pendulum swings freely. Set the speed at
cotton wool or tissue saturated with diacetone alcohol. 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min and start the tensile testing
Dry the plate with fresh cotton wool, then wipe the machine.
test surface with a fresh piece of cotton wool saturated Take readings as the line of separation of double sided
with one of the solvents given in C.4.3. Dry the plate adhesive tape from the plate passes each reference
with fresh cotton wool, then repeat for a total of three mark.
cleaning operations with this solvent. Maintain the NOTE. In spite of its apparent simplicity, the use of this method is
plate at a temperature of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC for at least 5 min rather delicate and involves the observation of a certain number
of precautions to give coherent and identical results between one
before proceeding. laboratory and another as well as between one operator and
In order to obtain consistent results, a new plate shall another. Attention is drawn to the following points.
be cleaned at least 10 times before use. ± The temperature at which the measurement is carried out is
very important. The standard conditions of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC allow
C.7.3 Procedure for the open side of double sided the test to take place between 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC. It has been
adhesive tape found that the peel adhesions at 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC are
different11).
C.7.3.1 Application of the test piece to the plate ± The tester should know that, by prolonged handling, heat is
Take five test pieces by unrolling the conditioned roll transmitted to the stainless steel plate. Therefore, during and
radially at a speed of approximately 300 mm/s and then after application of the adhesive tape to the plate, both should
be handled as little as possible.
apply them in the manner described below, within 15 s,
± Care shall be taken to roll horizontally over the double sided
and in the standard test conditions. adhesive tape which is in contact with the stainless steel plate,
Apply the open side of the test piece progressively by in order to exert a completely uniform pressure over the length
gentle longitudinal finger strokes in such a way that and the width of the adhesive tape.
the formation of air bubbles between adhesive tape ± It should be noted that the double sided adhesive tape should
and plate is avoided, without, however, exerting be applied within 15 s following its removal from the roll.
appreciable pressure on the adhesive tape.

11) See 7.3.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 12
EN 1939 : 1996

C.7.4 Procedure for the closed side of double ± The tester should know that, by prolonged handling, heat is
sided adhesive tape transmitted to the stainless steel plate. Therefore, during and
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

after application of the adhesive tape to the plate, both should

C.7.4.1 Application of the test piece to the plate be handled as little as possible.
Take five pieces by unrolling the conditioned roll ± Care should be taken to roll horizontally over the double
sided adhesive tape which is in contact with the stainless steel
radially at a speed of approximately 300 mm/s and then plate, in order to exert a completely uniform pressure over the
apply them in the manner described below, within 15 s, length and the width of the adhesive tape.
and in the standard test conditions. ± It should be noted that the double sided adhesive tape
Apply the open side of the test piece centrally onto a should be applied within 15 s following its removal from the
strip of 25 mm thick polyester film approximately 3 mm roll.
wider than the test piece such that the polyester film C.8 Expression of results
extends beyond the tape on both edges. For each test piece, arrange the five readings in
Remove the interleaving material from the test piece to ascending order and take the median value. Similarly,
expose the closed side and apply progressively to the arrange these five median values in ascending order
plate with gentle finger strokes in such a way that the and take their median.
formation of air bubbles between adhesive tape and Take as the peel adhesion the value (median) so
plate is avoided, without, however, exerting obtained and express in N/cm width of adhesive tape
appreciable pressure on the adhesive tape. tested.
The test piece shall be centred on the plate such that
After each test, examine the test plate visually and
the edge of the test piece is parallel to the long edge of
note the appearance of the adhesive and, in particular,
the plate. Pass the roller over the surface of the
any deposit or transfer onto the plate.
polyester film, to and fro, twice in each direction, at a
speed of approximately 10 mm/s. Leave the adhesive Since the measurements made using different types of
tape adhered to the plate for 10 min in the standard tensile testing machines (for example, electronic or
test conditions and then test as described below. pendulum) are not directly comparable, the type of
tensile testing machine used will be indicated in the
C.7.4.2 Stripping the test piece from the test plate report.
Peel off about 25 mm of the polyester reinforced
adhesive tape from the starting end of the plate, the C.9 Test report
line of separation being perpendicular to the axis of The test report shall include the following information:
the test piece. a) a reference to the annex C of this European
Fix the starting end of the plate in one clamp of the Standard;
tensile testing machine. b) all information necessary to identify the test
Fold back the free end of the double sided adhesive sample;
tape and fix it in the other clamp so that the c) the type of tensile testing machine used;
non-adhesive surfaces are almost in contact and
d) the date of the test;
exactly aligned. Ensure that the two surfaces remain
perfectly superimposed without rubbing. e) the results obtained, indicating whether open or
At least 25 mm of the double sided adhesive tape shall closed side;
remain to be peeled before the first reference mark is f) any operation not specified in this European
reached. Standard, which may influence the results.
If a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
pendulum swings freely. Set the speed at Annex D (normative)
300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min and start the tensile testing
machine.
Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of
Take readings as the line of separation of the double
peel adhesion from stainless steel of an
sided adhesive tape from the plate passes each adhesive transfer tape
reference mark. D.1 Scope
NOTE. In spite of its apparent simplicity, the use of this method is
rather delicate and involves the observation of a certain number The annex D of this standard specifies the method to
of precautions to give coherent and identical results between one measure under specified test conditions the force
laboratory and another as well as between one operator and required to remove each side of an adhesive transfer
another. Attention is drawn to the following points. tape which has been applied to a standard metal
± The temperature at which the measurement is carried out is
very important. The standard conditions of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC allow
surface.
the test to take place between 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC. It has been
found that the peel adhesions at 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC are
different12).

12) See 7.3.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 13
EN 1939 : 1996

D.2 Normative references D.5.3 One of the following solvents:

Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

This European Standard incorporates by dated or ± methanol;

undated reference, provisions from other publications. ± methyl ethyl ketone;
These normative references are cited at the
appropriate places in the text and the publications are ± acetone;
listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent ± toluene.
amendments to or revisions of any of these Solvents shall be of general purpose chemical grade.
publications apply to this European Standard. For
undated references the latest edition of the publication D.5.4 A general purpose paper adhesive tape with a
referred to applies. thickness of 0,15 mm to 0,20 mm when measured by
EN 1942 and with a peel adhesion of 4 N/cm to 8 N/cm
EN 1942 Self adhesive tapes Ð Measurement of when measured as in D.8.3.
thickness D.6 Apparatus
D.3 Definitions D.6.1 Tensile testing machine
For the purposes of this annex the following With the following characteristics:
definitions apply. ± the force shall be indicated with a maximum error
peel adhesion of 2 %;
The force required to peel a strip of tape from a ± the speed of the moveable clamp shall be
specified substrate at a specified angle and speed. 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min;
transfer tape ± the scale shall be such that the readings obtained
are between 15 % and 85 % of the complete scale;
A tape having two available pressure sensitive surfaces
without the need for a carrier and with a release line ± the clamps shall be serrated to prevent slipping or
separating the adhesive surfaces. The adhesive may tearing of the tape;
contain reinforcing material. ± if a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
open side (adhesive) pendulum can swing freely.
That surface of the adhesive on a double sided tape D.6.2 Stainless steel plates13)
which is exposed on normal unwinding or separation These shall be perfectly flat, 200 mm long 3 50 mm
of the first liner. wide and 2 mm thick. They shall be made from
closed side (adhesive) `polishing' quality stainless steel of a Brinell hardness
That surface of the adhesive on a double sided tape ranging from 130 to 200 (see ISO 6506) and comprising
which normally remains in contact with the release the following constituents:
liner on normal unwinding or separation of the first ± carbon <0,12 %;
liner. ± nickel >8 %;
D.4 Principle ± chromium >17 %.
A length of adhesive tape is applied to a standard plate The testing surface of the plate shall first be polished
which is then fixed vertically in one clamp of a tensile to a mirror finish. It shall then be roughened with
testing machine. The other clamp of the machine pulls abrasive grit14). The abrasion lines shall be parallel to
the free end of the adhesive tape at an angle of 180Ê to the long edge of the plate. The plate shall be graduated
the plate. on the long edges with five short marks spaced 30 mm
The adhesive strength is measured by the force apart, the first being 50 mm from one end. (This is
required to peel either face of the adhesive transfer referred to as the starting end in D.8.3.2 and D.8.4.2).
tape continuously from the plate, the line of separation Check that the surface conforms to the following
being perpendicular to the direction of the applied conditions by five transverse measurements in the area
force. between two imaginary lines 10 mm on each side of
the longitudinal axis of the plate:
D.5 Materials
± mean range between 0,05 mm and 0,40 mm;
D.5.1 Diacetone alcohol. ± maximum depth less than 4 mm. Sampling length
D.5.2 Lint free cotton wool, or tissue. (of abraded area of test plate) is 0,8 mm;

13) See 5.2.

14) See 5.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 14
EN 1939 : 1996

± the traversing length of five transverse samples Apply the open side of the test piece progressively by
provides the abraded area required to cover all gentle longitudinal finger strokes in such a way that
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

possible variables in surface rugosity. the formation of air bubbles between adhesive tape
NOTE. A full explanation of these terms will be found in and plate is avoided, without, however, exerting
ISO 468 and ISO 4287-1. appreciable pressure on the adhesive tape.
Between each test, the plates shall be kept in such a The test piece shall be centred on the plate such that
way as to avoid any accidental scratching which may the edge of the test piece is parallel to the long edge of
modify the surface condition. the plate. Do not roll the tape at this stage. Remove
D.6.3 Polished cylindrical metal roller the interleaving material from the test piece. Lay a
strip of general purpose paper adhesive tape cut to the
This shall have a diameter of at least 50 mm and a
same width of the test pieces on top of the test piece
mass corresponding to 2 kg/cm width of adhesive tape
so that it is precisely coincident with the test piece.
under test.
Pass the roller over the surface of the paper adhesive
D.7 Test sample and test pieces tape, to and fro, twice in each direction, at a speed of
Condition the sample roll for 24 h at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC approximately 10 mm/s. Leave the adhesive tape
and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity. adhered to the plate for 10 min in the standard test
conditions and then test as described below.
Discard the three outer turns of adhesive tape from the
roll before taking test pieces. D.8.3.2 Stripping the test piece from the test plate
Perform the test on five test pieces from each roll. Peel off about 25 mm of the paper reinforced adhesive
Each test piece shall be 400 mm long and the same transfer tape from the starting end of the plate, the line
width as the adhesive tape. of separation being perpendicular to the axis of the
For widths greater than 25 mm, a test piece 25 mm test piece.
wide shall be cut longitudinally from the adhesive tape. Fix the starting end of the plate in one clamp of the
tensile testing machine.
The cutting shall be carried out by means of a
razor-blade or any other suitable instrument. It shall Fold back the free end of the adhesive transfer tape
always be effected so that the adhesive surface never and fix it in the other clamp so that the non-adhesive
contacts other surfaces before application to the test surfaces are almost in contact and exactly aligned.
plate. Cutting shall never be carried out with the Ensure that the two surfaces remain perfectly
adhesive tape already applied to the test plate, so as superimposed without rubbing.
not to mark the plate for subsequent tests. At least 25 mm of the adhesive transfer tape shall
remain to be peeled before the first reference mark is
D.8 Procedure reached.
D.8.1 Standard test conditions If a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the
The test shall be carried out at 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC pendulum swings freely. Set the speed at
and 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity. 300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min and start the tensile testing
machine.
D.8.2 Preparation of plate
Take readings as the line of separation of adhesive
Wipe the test surface of the plate with a fresh piece of transfer tape from the plate passes each reference
cotton wool or tissue saturated with diacetone alcohol. mark.
Dry the plate with fresh cotton wool, then wipe the NOTE. In spite of its apparent simplicity, the use of this method is
test surface with a fresh piece of cotton wool saturated rather delicate and involves the observation of a certain number
with one of the solvents given in D.5.3. Dry the plate of precautions to give coherent and identical results between one
with fresh cotton wool, then repeat for a total of three laboratory and another as well as between one operator and
another. Attention is drawn to the following points.
cleaning operations with this solvent. Maintain the
plate at a temperature of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC for at least 5 min ± The temperature at which the measurement is carried out is
very important. The standard conditions of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC allow
before proceeding. the test to take place between 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC. It has been
In order to obtain consistent results, a new plate shall found that the peel adhesions at 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC are
different15).
be cleaned at least 10 times before use.
± The tester should know that, by prolonged handling, heat is
D.8.3 Procedure for the open side of an adhesive transmitted to the stainless steel plate. Therefore, during and
transfer tape after application of the adhesive tape to the plate, both should
be handled as little as possible.
D.8.3.1 Application of the test piece to the plate ± Care should be taken to roll horizontally over the adhesive
Take five test pieces by unrolling the conditioned roll transfer tape which is in contact with the stainless steel plate,
in order to exert a completely uniform pressure over the length
radially at a speed of approximately 300 mm/s and then and the width of the adhesive tape.
apply them in the manner described below, within 15 s, ± It should be noted that the adhesive transfer tape should be
and in the standard test conditions. applied within 15 s following its removal from the roll.

15) See 7.3.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 15
EN 1939 : 1996

D.8.4 Procedure for the closed side of adhesive Take readings as the line of separation of adhesive
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

transfer tape transfer tape from the plate passes each reference
mark.
D.8.4.1 Application of the test piece to the plate
NOTE. In spite of its apparent simplicity, the use of this method is
Take five pieces by unrolling the conditioned roll rather delicate and involves the observation of a certain number
radially at a speed of approximately 300 mm/s and then of precautions to give coherent and identical results between one
apply them in the manner described below, within 15 s, laboratory and another as well as between one operator and
another. Attention is drawn to the following points.
and in the standard test conditions.
± The temperature at which the measurement is carried out is
Apply a strip of general purpose paper adhesive tape very important. The standard conditions of 23 ÊC ± 2 ÊC allow
cut to the same width as the test piece onto the open the test to take place between 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC. It has been
side of the test piece so that the edges are precisely found that the peel adhesions at 21 ÊC and 25 ÊC are
coincident. different16);
± The tester should know that, by prolonged handling, heat is
Remove the interleaving material from the test piece to transmitted to the stainless steel plate. Therefore, during and
expose the closed side and apply progressively to the after application of the adhesive tape to the plate, both should
plate by gentle longitudinal finger strokes in such a be handled as little as possible.
way that the formation of air bubbles between the ± Care should be taken to roll horizontally over the adhesive
adhesive tape and the plate is avoided, without, transfer tape which is in contact with the stainless steel plate,
however, exerting appreciable pressure on the in order to exert a completely uniform pressure over the length
and the width of the adhesive tape.
adhesive tape.
± It should be noted that the adhesive transfer tape should be
The test piece shall be centred on the plate such that applied within 15 s following its removal from the roll.
the edge of the test piece is parallel to the long edge of
the plate. D.9 Expression of results
Pass the roller over the surface of the general purpose For each test piece, arrange the five readings in
paper adhesive tape, to and fro, twice in each ascending order and take the median value. Similarly,
direction, at a speed of approximately 10 mm/s. arrange these five median values in ascending order
and take their median.
Leave the test piece adhered to the plate for 10 min in
the standard test conditions and then test as described Take as the peel adhesion the value (median) so
below. obtained and express in N/cm width of adhesive tape
tested.
D.8.4.2 Stripping the test piece from the test plate After each test, examine the test plate visually and
Peel off about 25 mm of paper reinforced adhesive tape note the appearance of the adhesive and, in particular,
from the starting end of the plate, the line of any deposit or transfer onto the plate.
separation being perpendicular to the axis of the test Since the measurements made using different types of
piece. tensile testing machines (for example, electronic or
Fix the starting end of the plate in one clamp of the pendulum) are not directly comparable, the type of
tensile testing machine. tensile testing machine used shall be indicated in the
Fold back the free end of the adhesive transfer tape report.
and fix it in the other clamp so that the non-adhesive D.10 Test report
surfaces are almost in contact and exactly aligned.
Ensure that the two surfaces remain perfectly The test report shall include the following information:
superimposed without rubbing. a) a reference to the annex D of this European
At least 25 mm of the adhesive transfer tape shall Standard;
remain to be peeled before the first reference mark is b) all information necessary to identify the test
reached. sample;
If a pendulum machine is used, ensure that the c) the type of tensile testing machine used;
pendulum swings freely. Set the speed at d) the date of the test;
300 mm/min ± 30 mm/min and start the tensile testing e) the results obtained, indicating whether open or
machine. closed side;
f) any operation not specified in this European
Standard, which may influence the results.

16)See 7.3.2.

 BSI 1997
 Page 16
EN 1939 : 1996

Annex E (informative)
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Bibliography
ISO 468 Surface roughness Ð Parameters, their
values and general rules for specifying
requirements
ISO 4287-1 Surface roughness Ð Terminology Ð
Part 1: Surface and its parameters
ISO 6506 Metallic materials Ð Hardness test Ð
Brinell test

FEPA Ð Standard for coated abrasive grains of fused

alumina and silicon carbide 43-GB-1984.

 BSI 1997
 Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

 BSI 1997
See national foreword.
List of references
BS EN 1939 : 1997
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BSI Ð British Standards Institution
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards. It
Licensed Copy: sheffieldun sheffieldun, na, Mon Oct 30 05:29:48 GMT+00:00 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

|
| presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level. It is
| incorporated by Royal Charter.
|
|
| Revisions
|
|
| British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British Standards
|
| should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.
|
|
| It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services. We
|
| would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this
| British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee responsible,
|
| the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover. Tel: 020 8996 9000.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7400.
|
|
| BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures that
|
| subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
|
|
| Buying standards
|
| Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
|
| addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.
|
|
| In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the BSI
|
| implementation of those that have been published as British Standards, unless
|
| otherwise requested.
|
|
| Information on standards
|
| BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and international
|
| standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters Service. Various
|
| BSI electronic information services are also available which give details on all its
|
| products and services. Contact the Information Centre. Tel: 020 8996 7111.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7048.
|
|
| Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments and
| receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details of
|
| these and other benefits contact Membership Administration. Tel: 020 8996 7002.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7001.
|
|
| Copyright
|
|
| Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the UK, of
|
| the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as permitted
| under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be reproduced,
|
| stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means ± electronic,
|
| photocopying, recording or otherwise ± without prior written permission from BSI.
|
|
| This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
|
| necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
|
| details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
| written permission of BSI must be obtained.
|
|
| If permission is granted, the terms may include royalty payments or a licensing
|
| agreement. Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright Manager.
|
| Tel: 020 8996 7070.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BSI |
|
389 Chiswick High Road |
|
London |
|
W4 4AL |
|
|
|
|
|
|