ASTM D2979: Measuring the Tack of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

Do you know that feeling when a label sticks instantly to a box? Or the frustration when tape peels off after just a few seconds? In the industry, we call this immediate bonding power 'tack'. For manufacturers, 'feeling' is not enough. Quality requires measurable data. That is where the ASTM D2979 standard comes in.

What is the ASTM D2979 standard?

ASTM D2979 is the standard test method for measuring the pressure-sensitive tack of adhesives using an Inverted Probe Machine. It measures the maximum force required to separate a probe from the adhesive surface shortly after they have been brought into contact under a defined load and duration.

Key Industries:

  • Packaging: Ensuring instant bonding on cardboard.
  • Medical: Developing bandages that stay put but are easy to remove.
  • Automotive: Testing high-performance double-sided tapes.

The Right Equipment

To comply with ASTM D2979, precision is key. Rycobel offers the Polyken Probe Tack Tester and specialized Probe Tack Fixtures for universal testing machines.

Probe Tack Fixture - ASTM D2979
This probe tack adhesion fixture is used to meet ASTM D2979 for Pressure-Sensitive Tack of Adhesives Using an Inverted Probe.