FORD FLTM BU 109-02 Cold Adhesion Test for Double Faced Pressure Sensitive Tapes

The “ FORD FLTM BU 109-02 Cold Adhesion Test for Double -Sided Pressure-Sensitive Tapes” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD) , describes a procedure for determining the adhesion properties of double-sided pressure-sensitive tapes when subjected to impact at low temperatures.

This method involves instrumental comparison of the color of a sample with respect to a reference by defining the measurement conditions and measurement procedures for the measurement of effect colors and solid colors. The aim is to instrumentally determine the color differences between the sample and the reference that occur after materials, processing or ageing testing of the sample.

The measurement results are similar to the visual perception results, but according to the standard “FORD FLTM BI 109-01 Visual appearance evaluation” the visual evaluation always overrides the numerical measurement data and is mandatory for any appearance approval.

Adhesion (peel adhesion) refers to how well tape adheres to a surface. It is usually measured in ounces of pull (force) required to remove a one-inch wide strip of tape from a sheet of steel (i.e., adhesion to the steel). The same tape often adheres differently to different surfaces. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is an adhesive that adheres only when pressure is applied and does not require the use of water, heat, or solvents.

FORD FLTM BU 109-02 standard defines the performance requirements for adhesive foam tapes used for interior or exterior automotive applications. The tapes are coated on both sides with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and protected with a release liner. Adhesion is tested to both the part substrate and the body paint. The tape carrier can be of the foam or non-foam type. These tapes are designed to be bonded directly to the body panel without the use of a primer. A primer may be used between the tape and the substrate.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives are used in almost every industry for temporary or permanent applications. Materials such as plastic, paper, metal, glass and wood can be bonded with these types of adhesives. Specific use cases include labeling food packaging, assembling electronic devices, mounting graphic displays and much more.

There are four main types of pressure-sensitive adhesives . The type to be used depends on the application:

• Adhesive tape is wrapped around itself without a liner and is the most common type of pressure-sensitive adhesive used in everyday life. Examples include: masking tape, duct tape, cellophane tape, electrician's tape.
• Single-faced tape consists of a non-adhesive side, such as paper or artwork, and an adhesive side with a liner that can be easily removed when it is time to install. Examples include: labels, graphics, overlaminations.
• A double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive is similar to a single-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive, but has an adhesive on both sides with a carrier membrane in the middle. The most common example is double-sided tape.
• Transfer tape is wrapped around a release liner. It has adhesive on both sides but no carrier membrane in the middle. The properties of this pressure sensitive adhesive make it extremely versatile and can accommodate any thickness requirement. Application examples include: electronics manufacturing, nameplates, vehicle manufacturing.

Pressure sensitive adhesives are typically produced in the following materials:

• Rubber/resin pressure sensitive adhesives are a combination of rubber (natural or synthetic) and resins such as oils and antioxidants, depending on the formulation. They are made by solvent-based or hot melt methods. Rubber adhesives form strong bonds between various materials. They have high adhesion properties. Their main disadvantage is that exposure to chemicals reduces the strength of the bond. These are the most common pressure sensitive adhesives.
• Acrylic is the second most popular type of pressure-sensitive adhesive. Resins, monomers, and other chemicals can be added to alter the bonding properties. While acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives are durable, they do not have the strength of those made from rubber. Their main advantage is that they are UV resistant and less susceptible to oxidation. They also have good adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including metal, glass, and polycarbonate. However, they do not bond well to polyethylene and polypropylene surfaces. These characteristics make acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives the best choice for many outdoor applications.
• Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives are the least common of the three. They are composed of silicone polymers that can maintain strong bonds over a wide temperature range compared to rubber and acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives. Compared to adhesives made from rubber and acrylic, the bond strength is relatively low.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the “FORD FLTM BU 109-02 Cold adhesion test for double-sided pressure sensitive tapes” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.