ASTM D7888-18
(Practice)Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesive and the Effects of Plasticizer Found Within Polyvinyl Chloride-Backed Floor Coverings
Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesive and the Effects of Plasticizer Found Within Polyvinyl Chloride-Backed Floor Coverings
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Plasticizer migration is detrimental to many adhesives, including hot melts, which could be possibly used in conjunction with PVC backed flooring materials, whether resilient or textile, broadloom, tile or plank. This practice can be used as an indicator to determine if plasticizers in the flooring material are compatible with proposed installation adhesive(s).
SCOPE
1.1 This standard will provide a qualitative means to determine the potential effects of plasticizers contained within polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor covering materials on a specific adhesive.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2018
- Technical Committee
- D14 - Adhesives
- Drafting Committee
- D14.10 - Working Properties
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2023
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2015
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2012
Overview
ASTM D7888-18 is a widely recognized standard practice developed by ASTM International for evaluating adhesives and the effects of plasticizers found in polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-backed floor coverings. The main purpose of this standard is to provide a qualitative method to assess the compatibility of installation adhesives with plasticizers that may migrate from PVC-backed resilient or textile flooring materials. Since plasticizer migration can negatively impact adhesive performance, this standard is crucial for maintaining durable flooring installations and ensuring product reliability.
Key Topics
Plasticizer Migration: This standard addresses the adverse effects of plasticizer migration from PVC backings, which can deteriorate many types of adhesives, including hot melts.
Qualitative Assessment: ASTM D7888-18 outlines a procedure for qualitatively determining if the plasticizers in PVC floor coverings affect adhesive performance. The process involves comparing the behavior of adhesives subjected to aging under controlled conditions.
Procedure and Apparatus: The method requires test specimens, adhesives, environmental chambers (both oven and controlled room), aluminum foil, specialized trowels, and detailed observation of changes in adhesive properties.
Evaluation Criteria: After exposure, the test compares aged and unaged specimens for signs such as adhesion loss, tackiness, gumminess, oily residue, and other physical property changes; any noticeable deterioration signals incompatibility.
Responsibility and Safety: The standard cautions that users are responsible for establishing necessary safety, health, and environmental practices, and understanding regulatory limits before applying this practice.
Applications
ASTM D7888-18 is applicable in several key areas within the flooring and construction industries:
Product Development: Manufacturers can use this standard to test new adhesive formulations and ensure compatibility with a wide range of PVC-backed floor coverings before market release.
Quality Assurance: Flooring installers and contractors rely on this standard to verify that selected adhesives will perform reliably over time with specific PVC-backed materials, preventing future failures due to plasticizer migration.
Material Selection: Architects and specifiers use the results from ASTM D7888-18 assessments to select appropriate adhesives for carpet tile, vinyl plank, vinyl tile, modular carpet, and luxury vinyl flooring backed with PVC.
Compliance and Testing: Laboratories and quality control professionals apply this practice as part of routine adhesive and floor covering testing protocols, supporting compliance with industry standards.
Related Standards
ASTM D7888-18 works in conjunction with several other ASTM standards and terminology documents to ensure consistent evaluation and clear communication:
- ASTM D8089 - Practice for Accelerated Heat Aging for Floor Covering Adhesives: Used for simulating long-term performance under elevated temperatures.
- ASTM D907 - Terminology of Adhesives: Provides standardized definitions relevant to adhesive materials.
- ASTM D123 - Terminology Relating to Textiles: Offers terminology guidelines for textile components in floor coverings.
- ASTM F141 - Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings: Supports consistent descriptions for flooring materials.
Practical Value
Implementing ASTM D7888-18 helps prevent adhesive failures linked to plasticizer migration, ensuring durable and reliable floor installations across commercial and residential projects. Adhering to this practice protects the investments of manufacturers, contractors, and end-users by reducing risks of replacement, liability, and unsatisfactory performance. As a result, this standard is a key reference for anyone involved in the design, production, or installation of PVC-backed flooring.
Keywords: ASTM D7888-18, adhesive evaluation, plasticizer migration, PVC-backed floor covering, resilient flooring, vinyl plank, carpet tile, luxury vinyl, flooring adhesive compatibility, standards for floor adhesives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D7888-18 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesive and the Effects of Plasticizer Found Within Polyvinyl Chloride-Backed Floor Coverings". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Plasticizer migration is detrimental to many adhesives, including hot melts, which could be possibly used in conjunction with PVC backed flooring materials, whether resilient or textile, broadloom, tile or plank. This practice can be used as an indicator to determine if plasticizers in the flooring material are compatible with proposed installation adhesive(s). SCOPE 1.1 This standard will provide a qualitative means to determine the potential effects of plasticizers contained within polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor covering materials on a specific adhesive. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Plasticizer migration is detrimental to many adhesives, including hot melts, which could be possibly used in conjunction with PVC backed flooring materials, whether resilient or textile, broadloom, tile or plank. This practice can be used as an indicator to determine if plasticizers in the flooring material are compatible with proposed installation adhesive(s). SCOPE 1.1 This standard will provide a qualitative means to determine the potential effects of plasticizers contained within polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor covering materials on a specific adhesive. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D7888-18 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.180 - Adhesives; 97.150 - Floor coverings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D7888-18 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D7888-13, ASTM F141-23, ASTM F141-12(2020), ASTM D8089-17, ASTM D123-17, ASTM D123-15b, ASTM D123-15a, ASTM D123-15, ASTM D123-13ae1, ASTM D123-13a, ASTM D123-13, ASTM D907-12a, ASTM D907-12, ASTM F141-12, ASTM D123-12e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D7888-18 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7888 − 18
Standard Practice for
Evaluating Adhesive and the Effects of Plasticizer Found
Within Polyvinyl Chloride-Backed Floor Coverings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7888; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 plasticizer, n—additives that increase the plasticity or
fluidity of a material; a chemical added especially to rubbers
1.1 This standard will provide a qualitative means to deter-
and resins to impart flexibility, workability, or elasticity.
mine the potential effects of plasticizers contained within
3.1.2 polyvinyl chloride (PVC), n—a thermoplastic polymer
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor covering materials on a specific
used in many floor covering materials.
adhesive.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4. Significance and Use
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.1 Plasticizer migration is detrimental to many adhesives,
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
including hot melts, which could be possibly used in conjunc-
and are not considered standard.
tion with PVC backed flooring materials, whether resilient or
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
textile,broadloom,tileorplank.Thispracticecanbeusedasan
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
indicator to determine if plasticizers in the flooring material are
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
compatible with proposed installation adhesive(s).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Apparatus
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 CirculatingAir Oven, capable of maintaining 140 6 3°F
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
(60 6 2°C).
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 5.2 Test Adhesive.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.3 Test Floor Covering.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.4 Floor Covering Seam-roller, (approximately 2 lb (1 kg).
1 1 1
2. Referenced Documents
5.5 U Notched Trowel, ⁄32 in. by ⁄16 in. by ⁄32 in. (0.079 cm
by 0.16 cm by 0.079 cm), or alternate means of application.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.6 Four Pieces of Aluminum Foil, approximately 26 in. by
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
10 in. (66 cm by 25 cm).
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
D8089 Practice for Accelerated Heat Aging for Floor Cov-
ering Adhesives 6. Procedure
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
6.1 Cut four 6 in. by 6 in. (15 cm by 15 cm) pieces of the
PVC backed flooring test material. Material composition can
3. Terminology
be textile or resilient.
3.1 Definitions:
6.2 Using the recommended application method as in-
structed by the floor covering or adhesive manufacturer
(trowel, roller, or spray) apply the adhesive to the backing of
two of the 6 in. by 6 in. (15 cm by 15 cm) pieces of floor
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on Adhesives
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.10 on Working Properties.
covering. If no application method is specified use a ⁄32 in. by
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
1 1
⁄16 in. by ⁄32 in. (0.079 cm by 0.16 cm by 0.079 cm) U notched
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approve
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7888 − 13 D7888 − 18
Standard Practice for
Evaluating Adhesive and the Effects of Plasticizer Found
Within Polyvinyl Chloride-Backed Floor Coverings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7888; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard will provide a qualitative means to determine the potential effects of plasticizers contained within polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) floor covering materials on a specific adhesive.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
D8089 Practice for Accelerated Heat Aging for Floor Covering Adhesives
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 plasticizer, n—additives that increase the plasticity or fluidity of a material; a chemical added especially to rubbers and
resins to impart flexibility, workability, or elasticity.
3.1.2 polyvinyl chloride (PVC), n—a thermoplastic polymer used in many floor covering materials.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Plasticizer migration is detrimental to many adhesives, including hot melts, which could be possibly used in conjunction
with PVC backed flooring materials, whether resilient or textile, broadloom, tile or plank. This practice can be used as an indicator
to determine if plasticizers in the flooring material are compatible with proposed installation adhesive(s).
5. Apparatus
5.1 Circulating Air Oven, capable of maintaining 140 6 3°F (60 6 2°C).
5.2 Test Adhesive.
5.3 Test Floor Covering.
5.4 Floor Covering Seam-roller, (approximately 2 lb (1 kg).
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on Adhesives and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.10 on Working Properties.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2013Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2013November 2018. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as
D7888– 13. DOI: 10.1520/D7888-13.10.1520/D7888-18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7888 − 18
1 1 1
5.5 U Notched Trowel, ⁄32 in. by ⁄16 in. by ⁄32 in. (0.079 cm by 0.16 cm by 0.079 cm), or alternate means of application.
5.6 Four Pieces of Aluminum Foil, approximately 26 in. by 10 in. (66 cm by 25
...
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