ASTM D4541
Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
ASTM D4541 describes procedures for assessing the adhesion capacity of a coating system on a metal substrate. Indeed, it is through the use of a portable adhesion tester that is possible to gauge this property. Moreover, the pull-off strength of coatings of rigid substrates such as plastics and wood may be characterized by the present test protocol. However, for the concrete, it is necessary to employ ASTM D7234 . Lastly, this standard may be used as a complementary method to an accelerated aging test in order to assess the evolution of this property over time.
Micom now offers the ASTM D4541 test as part of its coating testing services.
Pull-off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
The aim of ASTM D4541 is to provide the guidelines for the preparation, the testing and the evaluation of the results of the coated systems in order to assess the pull-off the strength of the sample. Indeed, it is through two test protocols that it is possible to appraise the adhesion capacity of the coated specimen. Protocol 1 is employed to ascertain the maximum force that can be applied to an area of the sample before the loading fixture is detached on the sample.
On the other hand, protocol 2 is used to substantiate the integrity of the coated specimen at a minimum load criterion. More specifically, the test consists of monitoring and gradually increase the force, that is applied by the test apparatus, on the loading fixture which has been secured with the sample through the use of an adhesive. The latter is augmented until there is a failure in the bondage between the fixture and the specimen or until the specified force has been attained or until the maximum pull strength of the instrument has been achieved.
The following video shows how the ASTM D4541 Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers is performed.
ASTM D4541 Typical Experimental Parameters
The number of samples required is three and the typical parameters of the test are listed in table 1.
Table I: Typical test parameters
| Parameters | Specification |
| Rate of pull | 1 MPa/s (150 psi/s) or less |
| Length of the test | Less than 100 seconds with the selected rate |
Other Test Methods Related to ASTM D4541
To learn more about additional related test methods related to ASTM D4541, we invite you to read about Accelerated Aging testing.
If you have any questions about the ASTM D4541 coating adhesion test or any other coating tests, we invite you to contact our material testing lab today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions and help you with your custom material testing requirements.