Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D1874-16 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
The ASTM D1874-16 standard specifies requirements for water- or solvent-soluble liquid adhesives used in automatic machine sealing of top flaps of fiberboard shipping cases. It covers starch, dextrin, casein, resin base, and other liquid adhesives, except pressure-sensitive types. The standard includes provisions for adhesive selection based on machining characteristics and adequate adhesion under specified storage conditions, as well as uniformity control between lots.
📜 Scope and Terminology
Section 1 of this standard outlines its scope, covering liquid adhesives for fiberboard case sealing. It provides bases for adhesive selection and product uniformity control, specifying test methods for nonvolatile content, consistency, and bonding permanency. Terminology used is defined in ASTM D907, the Terminology of Adhesives, ensuring consistent interpretation across the industry.
⚙️ Physical Properties and Machining Requirements
According to Section 4, the adhesive must have uniform consistency and be free of lumps and particles. Machining properties require that the adhesive, when diluted per manufacturer’s instructions, shall not string when machine surfaces separate, shall not build up excessively on machine parts, and shall not foam. Bonding permanency must provide minimum 75% paper fiber tear under specified exposure conditions from Table 1 of Test Method D1581, which simulates various storage environments.
📊 Permissible Variations and Sampling
Section 5 specifies permissible variations to ensure lot-to-lot uniformity. The nonvolatile content must be within ±1.5% of the contract value, and the consistency must be within ±20%. Sampling, as per Section 6, requires a 0.9-L (1-qt) aliquot from three or more random containers. The sample must be mixed to uniform consistency and stored in an airtight glass jar until testing to maintain integrity.
| 🟦 Property | 📏 Requirement | 🎯 Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Nonvolatile Content | As specified in contract | ±1.5% |
| Consistency (Viscosity) | As specified in contract | ±20% |
| Bonding Permanency | Minimum 75% paper fiber tear | Under specified exposure conditions |
For optimal results, always adhere to the manufacturer’s dilution instructions and test the adhesive’s machining properties before full-scale production. Use Test Methods D1084 for viscosity and D1489 for nonvolatile content as referenced in the standard.
Ensure that fiberboard used for bonding permanency tests has a defined water absorptiveness to avoid variable results. Refer to Test Method D1714 for guidance, though it is withdrawn, and select exposure conditions from D1581 Table 1.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What types of adhesives are covered under D1874-16?
The standard applies to starch, dextrin, casein, resin base, and other liquid adhesives used for sealing top flaps of fiberboard shipping cases, excluding pressure-sensitive adhesives.
💡 What machining properties are required for the adhesive?
The adhesive must not string when machine surfaces separate, should not build up on machine parts, and should not foam when used according to the manufacturer’s dilution instructions.
⚡ What are the permissible variations for viscosity and nonvolatile content?
The nonvolatile content must be within ±1.5% of the specified value, and the consistency (viscosity) must be within ±20% of the specified value per the contract or purchase order.
📌 How should adhesive samples be taken for testing?
Samples should be 0.9-L (1-qt) aliquots from at least three randomly selected containers. The contents should be mixed to uniform consistency before sampling and stored in airtight glass jars immediately.