ASTM D4541-17
Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers

Standard No.

ASTM D4541-17

Release Date

2017

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4541-22

Latest

ASTM D4541-22

Scope

4.1 The pull-off strength of a coating is a performance property that may be referenced in specifications. This test method serves as a means for uniformly preparing and testing coated surfaces, and evaluating and reporting the results. This test method is applicable to any portable apparatus meeting the requirements for determining the pull-off strength of a coating in this standard (see Annexes).

4.2 Variations in results with the same coating are likely when any parameter of the test is changed. This includes change in glue, load fixture size, substrate coating cure time, pull rate, environmental conditions, if the coating is scored, or using a different device. Therefore, when a series of results will be compared with one another or used for statistical analysis, the type of apparatus, substrate, test procedures, glue type, and if scoring is used should be the same for the pulls considered.4 It is recommended that these parameters and the environmental conditions allowed during the test be mutually agreed upon between the interested parties.

4.3 The purchaser or specifier shall designate a specific test method procedure; B, C, D, E, or F and test Protocol; 1, or 2, when calling out this standard. In cases where either the Protocol or a pass/fail criterion is not designated, Protocol 1 shall be used.

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for evaluating the pull-off strength (commonly referred to as adhesion) of a coating system from metal substrates. Pull-off strength of coatings from concrete is described in Test Method D7234. This test offers two test protocols. Protocol 1 (test to fracture) determines the greatest perpendicular force (in tension) that a surface area can bear before a plug of material is detached. Protocol 2 (pass/fail) determines if the coated surface remains intact at a defined load criteria. Fracture will occur along the weakest plane within the system comprised of the test fixture, glue, coating system, and substrate, and will be exposed by the fracture surface. This test method maximizes tensile stress as compared to the shear stress applied by other methods, such as scratch or knife adhesion, and results may not be comparable.

Note 1: The procedure in this standard was developed for metal substrates, but may be appropriate for other rigid substrates such as plastic and wood. Factors such as loading rate and flexibility of the substrate must be addressed by the user/specifier.

Note 2: The procedure in this standard was developed for use on flat surfaces. Depending on the radius of the surface, the results could have greater variability with lower values and averages.

1.2 Pull-off strength measurements depend upon material, instrumentation and test parameters. Results obtained by each test method may give different results. Results should only be assessed for each test method and not be compared with other instruments. There are five instrument types, identified as Test Methods B-F. It is imperative to identify the test method used when reporting results.

ASTM D4541-17 Referenced Document

• ASTM D2651 Standard Guide for Preparation of Metal Surfaces for Adhesive Bonding
• ASTM D3933 Standard Guide for Preparation of Aluminum Surfaces for Structural Adhesives Bonding (Phosphoric Acid Anodizing)
• ASTM D7234 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ASTM D4541-17 history

• 2022 ASTM D4541-22 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
• 2017 ASTM D4541-17 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
• 2009 ASTM D4541-09e1 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
• 2009 ASTM D4541-09 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
• 2002 ASTM D4541-02 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
• 1995 ASTM D4541-95e1 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers