INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 14678

First edition
2005-08-15

Adhesives — Determination of resistance

to flow (sagging)
Adhésifs — Détermination de la résistance au fluage (coulure)

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Reference number
ISO 14678:2005(E)

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Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 14678 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with
Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 11, Products, in accordance with the Agreement
on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
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Throughout the text of this document, read “...this European Standard...” to mean “...this International
Standard...”. (standards.iteh.ai)
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Contents

Page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................v
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................vi

1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................1
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................1
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................................................1
4 Guidance: Typical applications for the seven test methods are as follows: ..........................................2
5 Sampling .........................................................................................................................................................2
6 Safety ..............................................................................................................................................................2
7 Method 1: Use of an applicator to apply a wet film ....................................................................................2
8 Method 2: Use of a plug former....................................................................................................................6
9 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
Method 3: Use of a scraper.........................................................................................................................11
10 Method 4: Use of test blocks ......................................................................................................................13
(standards.iteh.ai)
11 Method 5: Flow from a lap joint..................................................................................................................17
12 ISO 14678:2005
Method 6: Flow of adhesive through a hole..............................................................................................20
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13 Method 7: Flow of structural adhesive films.............................................................................................21
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 ISO 14678:2005(E)

Foreword
This European Standard (EN ISO 14678:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 193
"Adhesives", the secretariat of which is held by AENOR, in collaboration with Technical Committee ISO/TC 61
"Plastics, Subcommittee SC 11, Products".

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by February 2006, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by February 2006.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom

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ISO 14678:2005(E)

Introduction
When an adhesive joint is prepared, it is important that the applied adhesive does not flow away from the area of
the joint. Flow can occur before the joint has been assembled, e.g. before solvent or water has evaporated, or after
the joint has been closed, but before the adhesive has set, e.g. during the curing, solidification, or drying process.

The flow of an applied adhesive will be influenced by the stress applied and the duration and temperature of the
bonding process. The extent of flow of an adhesive will also be influenced by the surface energies involved and the
degree of roughness of the adherents. The occurrence of flow under gravity is called sagging (see Clause 3).

This European Standard describes three types of test for the assessment of sagging. In the first type of test, which
simulates the conditions before joint assembly, the extent of flow of an adhesive down a surface which is either
vertical (Methods 1, 2 and 3) or at 60° to the horizontal (Method 4) is measured. In the second type of test, which
simulates conditions after assembly (Methods 5 and 6), the flow of adhesive from a hole or slot is observed. The
third type of test simulates conditions during the cure cycle for structural film adhesives (Method 7). The method
appropriate to the type of adhesive and its consistency should be selected.

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1 Scope
This European Standard describes seven methods for the assessment of the flow characteristics of adhesives after
application at room temperature and during cure, by the measurement of sagging. These methods may be used
both for specifying an adhesive and for quality control purposes.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.

EN 923:1998, Adhesives — Terms and definitions

EN 1067, Adhesives — Examination and preparation of samples for testing

EN 13887, Structural Adhesives - Guidelines for surface preparation of metals and plastics prior to adhesive
bonding

EN ISO 15605, Adhesives - Sampling (ISO 15605:2000)

3 Terms and definitions iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

(standards.iteh.ai)
For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in EN 923:1998 together with the
following apply.
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3.1 https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/f23574ac-7b94-41c8-99e0-
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deformation of an adhesive or adhesive layer

3.2
sagging
downward movement of an adhesive film between the time of application and setting resulting in an uneven coating
having a thick lower edge

NOTE The resulting sagging is usually restricted to a local area of a vertical surface.

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ISO 14678:2005(E)

4 Guidance: Typical applications for the seven test methods are as follows:
* Method 1: Use of an applicator to apply a wet film (see Clause 7) - Resistance to flow after
application.

* Method 2: Use of a plug former (see Clause 8) - Resistance to sagging after application.

* Method 3: Use of a scraper (see Clause 9) to apply a film of adhesive - Resistance to flow
after application during cure.

* Method 4: Use of test blocks (see Clause 10) to measure static flow of adhesives after
application and during cure.

* Method 5: Flow from a lap joint (see Clause 11) - Resistance to flow after application.

* Method 6: Flow of adhesive through a hole (see Clause 12) - Resistance to dripping after
application.

* Method 7: Flow of structural adhesive films (see Clause 13) - Resistance to flow during the
cure cycle.

5 Sampling
iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
Take a sample of the product to be tested in accordance with EN ISO 15605. Examine and prepare this sample for
testing in accordance with EN 1067, where applicable, depending on which of the seven test methods is to be
employed. (standards.iteh.ai)
ISO 14678:2005
6 Safety https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/f23574ac-7b94-41c8-99e0-
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Persons using this standard shall be familiar with normal laboratory practice.

This standard does not purport to address all the safety problems, if any, associated with its use.

It is responsibility of the user to establish safety and health practices and to ensure compliance with any European
and national regulatory conditions.

7 Method 1: Use of an applicator to apply a wet film

7.1 Principle

A wet film of the adhesive of defined thickness and shape is applied to a flat horizontal surface of a substrate using
an applicator. After application the test panel is placed vertically in the test atmosphere for a specified time. The
extent of sagging of the applied adhesive is measured (using the top edge of the test panel as a reference).

7.2 Supplementary information

This method of test requires that the following supplementary information shall be specified when the method is
performed:

a) description of the test substrate;

b) procedure for preparation of the test surface;

c) details of the conditioning atmosphere;

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d) details of the test atmosphere;

e) temperature;

f) method of mixing of two-component adhesives and the time between mixing and application;

g) method of application of the adhesive and the applicator gap size;

NOTE The wet film thickness given by an applicator is generally less than the depth of the gap.

h) duration of the test.

7.3 Apparatus and materials

7.3.1 Test panel(s), of glass or other specified material. Dimensions of approximately (300 ⋅ 200) mm are
convenient. Sufficient panels to allow for three strips of adhesive of similar thickness are required.

7.3.2 Applicator(s), of different gap sizes (or stencils and suitable applicators, if the nature of the adhesive
requires this apparatus).

7.3.3 Enclosure(s), to provide the specified conditioning and/or test atmospheres.

7.4 Conditioning and pretreatment

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Cut test panels as required. Thoroughly clean each panel and carry out any specified pretreatment. Condition the
adhesive and the prepared test panels (if required) in the specified conditioning atmosphere.
(standards.iteh.ai)
NOTE If not otherwise specified, the recommended conditions are (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH.
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7.5 Procedure https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/f23574ac-7b94-41c8-99e0-
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Place a prepared test panel in a horizontal position and apply strips of the adhesive parallel to the longer edge
(see Figure 1). Mark one of the longer edges as the reference edge and, as quickly as possible, measure the
distance in millimetres of the further edge of each strip from it.

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Key iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW

1 Reference edge (standards.iteh.ai)
2 Applicator
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3 Test panel
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4 Extruded strips

Figure 1 — Applicator for preparing adhesive strips (Method 1: Use of an applicator to apply a wet film)

Taking care to avoid vibration, mount the test panel within 2° of the vertical so that the strips are horizontal and the
reference edge is at the top (see Figure 2). Place the panel in the test atmosphere for the specified time and then
determine the sagging of the adhesive by measuring the maximum distance of flow of each strip from the reference
edge.

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Key
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1 Reference edge https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/f23574ac-7b94-41c8-99e0-
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2 Line of lower edge of strip before test

3 Maximum distance of flow

Figure 2 — Flow of adhesive strips (Method 1: Use of an applicator to apply a wet film)

NOTE The test panel may be reused only if the surface condition in the actual bonding process can be reproduced in the
test.

Repeat the test for at least three strips at each applicator gap size.

7.6 Expression of results

For each strip calculate the sagging as the maximum difference in millimetres between the distance of the further
edge of the strip from the reference edge before and after the test.

Express the result as the mean sagging in millimetres of the repeated tests at each specified applicator gap size.

7.7 Test report

The report shall state the following:

a) reference to this European Standard;

b) all information necessary for the complete identification of the adhesive;

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ISO 14678:2005(E)

c) items of supplementary information given in 7.2;

d) result for each applicator gap depth;

e) that the method of test complied with the requirements of this standard, i.e. Method 1, or if it did not, the
respects in which it did not comply;

f) any operating details not specified in the method, as well as any incidents likely to have affected the results,
such as, for example, phase separation, etc;

g) date of the test.

8 Method 2: Use of a plug former

8.1 Principle

The adhesive is used to fill a cavity of known dimensions. The adhesive plug is then extruded and the apparatus is
placed vertically in the test atmosphere for the specified time and the degree of sagging measured.

8.2 Supplementary information

This method of test requires that the following supplementary information shall be specified when the method is
called up:
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a) details of the test atmosphere;
(standards.iteh.ai)
b) details of the conditioning atmosphere;
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c) temperature; https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/f23574ac-7b94-41c8-99e0-
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d) method of mixing of two-component adhesives and the time between mixing and application;

e) duration of the test.

8.3 Apparatus and materials

8.3.1 Flow test apparatus. Block of metal, e.g. brass, light alloy or steel with a bright finish and overall
dimensions not less than (100 ⋅ 50) mm.

The upper part of the block is drilled to provide a cylindrical cavity of diameter (38 ± 0,05) mm. The adhesive plug is
extruded from the cavity by a solid plunger closely fitting the cavity and provided with means of positioning the face
of the plunger flush with the face of the block and at a depth of (9,5 ± 0,05) mm. A graduated scale shall be marked
or engraved on the lower face of the block. The first line shall be tangential to the lowest point of the circumference
of the cavity and subsequent lines shall be spaced at (1 ± 0,1) mm or (2 ± 0,1) mm intervals over a distance of
50 mm. A suitable design is shown in Figure 3 with end plates fitted to support the block during filling.

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