In April Dr Marina Fernando of Rubber Consultants presented the paper 'Can Test Pieces Predict Component Performance' at Polymer Bonding 2004 in Munich Germany. The data presented was obtained using an experimental technique for measuring bond durability that was developed at the laboratories. This test procedure is now incorporated into ASTM D 429, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property- Adhesion to Rigid Substrates, as method H. The new durability test has all the attributes of Method G except that no fixture for imparting the shear stress is required, only a simple block inserted into the test piece to induce a pre-strain. The level of pre-strain is governed by the size of the block and the resulting test-piece is a compact unit (Figure 1), which can be easily exposed to a prescribed environment.

For further information please contact Dr Marina Fernando.