Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D5570 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D5570/D5570M-10 (Reapproved 2022) is a standardized test method under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging. It prescribes a procedure to determine the water resistance of an adhesive or tape as measured by the amount of tape or adhesive dissolved or dispersed in water. This standard is essential for evaluating the robustness of box closures when subjected to wet conditions, often fulfilling regulatory or contractual requirements for water resistance.
📌 Scope and Significance
The scope of D5570 explicitly covers procedures for both box closure tapes (gummed or pressure-sensitive) and general adhesives. The significance of water resistance testing is substantial: when a box becomes wet, the performance of both the box and its closure are reduced. A test result indicating solubility or dispersibility in water is a strong indicator that the closure’s function will be significantly impaired when wet. Conversely, non-solubility does not guarantee satisfactory bonding performance under wet conditions. For a comprehensive evaluation, package performance testing described in the water resistance section of Practice D1974 is recommended.
⚠️ Critical Consideration: The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
⚙️ Test Method Summary and Procedures
The standard defines two distinct procedures. Both require immersion in water at a controlled temperature for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Procedure A (Tape Test): The water resistance of a tape (gummed or pressure sensitive) is measured by directly immersing the tape in water for at least 24 hours at 73.4 ± 4°F [23 ± 2°C]. The percentage of tape that is dissolved or dispersed is then determined.
- Procedure B (Adhesive Test): The water resistance of an adhesive is measured by first coating the adhesive onto a paper surface. The coated sample is then immersed in water for at least 24 hours at 73.4 ± 4°F [23 ± 2°C]. The percentage of adhesive that is dissolved or dispersed from the substrate is calculated.
🔬 Apparatus and Key Testing Conditions
Proper execution of this test method requires specific laboratory apparatus. The key piece of equipment is a drying oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 221 ± 9°F [105 ± 5°C] with adequate air circulation. The ambient conditions for the water immersion are also strictly defined.
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Tape Test (Procedure A) | 📐 Adhesive Test (Procedure B) |
|---|---|---|
| Specimen Type | Gummed or Pressure-Sensitive Tape | Raw Adhesive Coated on Paper |
| Immersion Temperature | 73.4 ± 4°F [23 ± 2°C] | 73.4 ± 4°F [23 ± 2°C] |
| Minimum Immersion Time | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
| Drying Oven Specs | 221 ± 9°F [105 ± 5°C] | |
| Key Measured Value | % of Tape Dissolved/Dispersed | % of Adhesive Dissolved/Dispersed |
✅ Practical Guidance: Remember that this test method quantifies dissolution or dispersal. It does not directly measure adhesion strength after wetting. For a full qualification of wet performance, always supplement this test with package-level testing as outlined in the water resistance section of Practice D1974.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of ASTM D5570?
The test method determines the water resistance of box closure tapes and adhesives by quantifying the percentage of material that dissolves or disperses in water under controlled conditions.
💡 How does Procedure A differ from Procedure B?
Procedure A tests pre-formed tape material directly. Procedure B is used for adhesives that must first be coated onto a paper surface to create a test specimen prior to immersion.
⚡ What specific temperatures are mandated by the standard?
The water immersion bath must be maintained at 73.4 ± 4°F [23 ± 2°C]. The drying oven for conditioning must maintain a temperature of 221 ± 9°F [105 ± 5°C] with adequate air circulation.
📌 Does ASTM D5570 include pass/fail criteria for water resistance?
No, the standard strictly defines a test method for measuring solubility/dispersibility. The acceptable limits for “water resistance” must be defined by the user, or stipulated in a regulation or contract. Solubility indicates likely impairment, but full package performance testing (e.g., D1974) is recommended for verification.