{"id":6719,"date":"2025-06-30T16:52:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T08:52:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitester.com\/?page_id=6719"},"modified":"2025-07-15T15:52:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T07:52:10","slug":"astm-d3420","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitester.com\/ru\/standards\/astm-d3420\/","title":{"rendered":"PSTC 16"},"content":{"rendered":"

PSTC 16
\nLoop Tack Testing of Pressure Sensitive Tapes and Films<\/h1>\n

The PSTC 16<\/strong><\/a> standard plays a vital role in quality control for adhesive products such as pressure-sensitive tapes, films, medical dressings, and industrial labels. Among the many parameters assessed in adhesive performance, \u043f\u0435\u0442\u043b\u044f-\u0433\u0432\u043e\u0437\u0434\u0438\u043a<\/strong>\u2014or the initial \u201cstick\u201d upon contact\u2014is one of the most critical. This property determines how well a material bonds on first touch, impacting everything from user experience to functional reliability.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of PSTC 16<\/strong>, how the pressure sensitive tape loop tack test<\/strong> works, and how Cell Instruments\u2019 \u0422\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0435\u0440 \u043b\u0438\u043f\u043a\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0438 \u043f\u0435\u0442\u043b\u0438<\/strong> provides accurate, efficient, and compliant solutions for industry professionals.<\/p>\n

Understanding Loop Tack and Its Role in Adhesive Performance<\/h2>\n

Loop tack is the peak force required to separate a pressure-sensitive adhesive<\/strong> (PSA) from a test surface after brief contact under minimal pressure. Unlike peel adhesion, which measures sustained force over distance, \u043f\u0435\u0442\u043b\u044f-\u0433\u0432\u043e\u0437\u0434\u0438\u043a<\/strong> quantifies instant adhesion. This makes it especially important for:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Labels and stickers<\/strong> applied in automated or high-speed environments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Medical adhesives<\/strong> like wound dressings and electrode patches, where reliable contact is vital<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Protective and masking tapes<\/strong> that must adhere quickly to various surfaces<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Packaging materials<\/strong> that require firm initial bonding under minimal application pressure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    By assessing loop tack using PSTC 16<\/strong>, manufacturers gain clear, quantitative insights into adhesive responsiveness\u2014crucial for optimizing formulations and process settings.<\/p>\n

    Loop Tack, Pressure Sensitive Tape Loop Tack Test, and PSTC 16<\/h2>\n

    The pressure sensitive tape loop tack test<\/strong> \u043e\u043f\u0440\u0435\u0434\u0435\u043b\u0451\u043d\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0432 PSTC 16<\/strong> provides a repeatable, controlled procedure to evaluate tackiness. The process includes:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      \u041f\u043e\u0434\u0433\u043e\u0442\u043e\u0432\u043a\u0430 \u043e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0437\u0446\u0430<\/strong>: A strip of adhesive tape (typically 25 mm \u00d7 175 mm or 125 mm) is formed into a loop with the adhesive facing outward.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Contact Phase<\/strong>: The loop is gently lowered onto a standardized test plate (usually polished float glass) using gravity alone.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      Separation Phase<\/strong>: The plate or loop is moved vertically at a controlled speed (e.g., 300 mm\/min).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      \u0418\u0437\u043c\u0435\u0440\u0435\u043d\u0438\u0435<\/strong>: The tester records the maximum force (peak load)<\/strong> needed to initiate separation. This is the loop tack value<\/strong>, typically reported in Newtons (N).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      This method simulates real-world application conditions, ensuring that adhesives meet customer and regulatory expectations.<\/p>\n

      Standards Compliance: PSTC 16, ASTM D6195, and FINAT FTM 9\"\u0422\u0435\u0441\u0442\u0435\u0440<\/h2>\n

      While PSTC 16<\/strong> is widely used in North America, international testing may reference related standards such as:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        ASTM D6195<\/strong> \u2013 Test Method C closely mirrors PSTC 16 procedures<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        FINAT FTM 9<\/strong> \u2013 A European counterpart for tack evaluation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Regardless of the standard, the core principle remains consistent: quantify the instantaneous bond strength of pressure-sensitive adhesives<\/strong> under defined conditions. For manufacturers, testing in accordance with these methods ensures compatibility with global clients and regulatory bodies.<\/p>\n