ASTM D2093-03(2017)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior to Adhesive Bonding
Standard Practice for Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior to Adhesive Bonding
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is useful for reducing some of the surface variability of plastics (due to differences in manufacturing methods) that might otherwise cause excessive variation in the results of ASTM test methods designed to measure adhesion. The treatments specified are convenient for laboratory work.
4.2 This practice is not necessarily designed to provide optimum adhesion to the surfaces and the treatments specified may not always be practical for industrial use.
4.3 This practice does not address all of the surface preparation methods available; nor does this practice cite all of the types or classes of plastics currently available.
4.4 This practice is used as a starting point for evaluating surface preparation techniques for plastic adherends prior to adhesive bonding.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes surface preparations for plastic adherends, to be used prior to adhesive bonding of test specimens. It should be noted, however, that this practice specifies only the pretreating conditions of the plastic and does not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, or evaluation of tests. These are covered in the various ASTM test methods or specifications for specific materials.
1.2 Physical Treatments (for example, sanding and solvent wiping) are used in order to remove the glossy finish and all traces of dirt, grease, mold release, or other contaminants from the bonding surfaces.
1.3 Chemical Treatments (for example, sulfuric acid—dichromate solution and sodium naphthalene complex) are used in some cases to alter chemically the surface layers of the polymer itself to improve its adhesion characteristics.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 6.1.
1.6 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-Mar-2017
- Technical Committee
- D14 - Adhesives
- Drafting Committee
- D14.40 - Adhesives for Plastics
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
Overview
ASTM D2093-03(2017) Standard Practice for Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior to Adhesive Bonding provides established procedures aimed at reducing variability in the surface conditions of plastics prior to adhesive bonding. This standard is essential for laboratories performing adhesion testing on plastics, as it specifies reproducible surface preparation methods that minimize inconsistencies stemming from differences in plastics manufacturing.
By focusing on both physical and chemical treatment options, this standard ensures that test data from adhesive bond strength evaluations are reflective of the adhesive and plastic material properties, rather than random surface contamination or manufacturing residues. It is important to note that while ASTM D2093 outlines effective lab-scale surface preparations, it is not intended to define the best or only methods for achieving optimal adhesion in industrial or field environments.
Key Topics
Purpose and Scope
- Establishes standard surface preparation protocols for plastics before adhesive bonding in laboratory testing.
- Addresses pretreatment of plastic surfaces, not test specimen preparation, test conditions, or evaluation.
- Designed to limit surface-related variables that can affect adhesion test results.
Physical Treatments
- Methods such as sanding and solvent wiping are prescribed to remove glossy finishes, dirt, grease, mold release agents, and other contaminants from plastic bonding surfaces.
- Recommended solvents include methanol and acetone, depending on plastic type.
- Typical steps: solvent wipe, sanding, dry wipe, and a final solvent wipe.
Chemical Treatments
- Includes use of sulfuric acid-dichromate solution and sodium naphthalene complex to alter polymer surface chemistry for improved adhesion in specific plastics.
- Treatment duration and temperature depend on the plastic material (e.g., polyolefins, polyformaldehyde, fluoropolymers).
- After treatment, thorough rinsing and drying procedures are specified.
Safety and Compliance
- Emphasizes user responsibility for health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Warns of hazardous materials in chemical treatments.
- Conforms to internationally recognized standardization principles (WTO TBT Committee).
Applications
Laboratory Adhesion Testing
- Supports consistency in lab evaluations of adhesive bond strength for a wide variety of plastic materials.
- Used as a preparatory step for ASTM test methods for tensile, peel, shear, impact, and cohesive strength of bonding.
Research and Development
- Serves as a foundation for comparative studies on adhesive formulations and the effect of surface preparation on bond performance in plastics.
- Valuable for developing best practices in material testing and quality assurance protocols.
Quality Control
- Enables reproducible surface conditions for consistent and reliable quality checks of adhesives used in plastic bonding.
Educational and Training Purposes
- Provides a reference framework for instructing laboratory personnel and students on proper plastic surface preparation procedures.
Related Standards
- ASTM D897 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Adhesive Bonds
- ASTM D903 - Test Method for Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds
- ASTM D905 - Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesive Bonds in Shear by Compression Loading
- ASTM D907 - Terminology of Adhesives
- ASTM D950 - Test Method for Impact Strength of Adhesive Bonds
- ASTM D952 - Test Method for Bond or Cohesive Strength of Sheet Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
- ASTM D1002 - Test Method for Apparent Shear Strength of Single-Lap-Joint Adhesively Bonded Metal Specimens by Tension Loading
- ASTM D1193 - Specification for Reagent Water
- ASTM D3807 - Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Cleavage Peel by Tension Loading
Keywords: adhesive bonding, plastics, surface preparation, ASTM D2093, laboratory testing, physical treatment, chemical treatment, adhesion test methods, plastic adherends.
By following ASTM D2093, organizations ensure consistent and reproducible preparation of plastic surfaces for adhesive bond testing, directly supporting the reliability and comparability of test results used for research, development, and quality control in plastics technology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D2093-03(2017) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior to Adhesive Bonding". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice is useful for reducing some of the surface variability of plastics (due to differences in manufacturing methods) that might otherwise cause excessive variation in the results of ASTM test methods designed to measure adhesion. The treatments specified are convenient for laboratory work. 4.2 This practice is not necessarily designed to provide optimum adhesion to the surfaces and the treatments specified may not always be practical for industrial use. 4.3 This practice does not address all of the surface preparation methods available; nor does this practice cite all of the types or classes of plastics currently available. 4.4 This practice is used as a starting point for evaluating surface preparation techniques for plastic adherends prior to adhesive bonding. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes surface preparations for plastic adherends, to be used prior to adhesive bonding of test specimens. It should be noted, however, that this practice specifies only the pretreating conditions of the plastic and does not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, or evaluation of tests. These are covered in the various ASTM test methods or specifications for specific materials. 1.2 Physical Treatments (for example, sanding and solvent wiping) are used in order to remove the glossy finish and all traces of dirt, grease, mold release, or other contaminants from the bonding surfaces. 1.3 Chemical Treatments (for example, sulfuric acid—dichromate solution and sodium naphthalene complex) are used in some cases to alter chemically the surface layers of the polymer itself to improve its adhesion characteristics. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 6.1. 1.6 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 This practice is useful for reducing some of the surface variability of plastics (due to differences in manufacturing methods) that might otherwise cause excessive variation in the results of ASTM test methods designed to measure adhesion. The treatments specified are convenient for laboratory work. 4.2 This practice is not necessarily designed to provide optimum adhesion to the surfaces and the treatments specified may not always be practical for industrial use. 4.3 This practice does not address all of the surface preparation methods available; nor does this practice cite all of the types or classes of plastics currently available. 4.4 This practice is used as a starting point for evaluating surface preparation techniques for plastic adherends prior to adhesive bonding. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes surface preparations for plastic adherends, to be used prior to adhesive bonding of test specimens. It should be noted, however, that this practice specifies only the pretreating conditions of the plastic and does not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, or evaluation of tests. These are covered in the various ASTM test methods or specifications for specific materials. 1.2 Physical Treatments (for example, sanding and solvent wiping) are used in order to remove the glossy finish and all traces of dirt, grease, mold release, or other contaminants from the bonding surfaces. 1.3 Chemical Treatments (for example, sulfuric acid—dichromate solution and sodium naphthalene complex) are used in some cases to alter chemically the surface layers of the polymer itself to improve its adhesion characteristics. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 6.1. 1.6 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 D2093-03(2017) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.180 - Adhesives. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D2093-03(2017) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D2093-03(2011), ASTM D950-03(2020)e1, ASTM D3807-98(2019), ASTM D1002-10(2019), ASTM D903-98(2017), ASTM D897-08(2016), ASTM D907-12a, ASTM D3807-98(2012), ASTM D907-12, ASTM D907-11a, ASTM D950-03(2011), ASTM D907-11, ASTM D903-98(2010), ASTM D952-10, ASTM D897-08. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D2093-03(2017) 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: D2093 − 03 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior to Adhesive
Bonding
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2093; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice describes surface preparations for plastic 2.1 ASTM Standards:
adherends, to be used prior to adhesive bonding of test D897 Test Method for Tensile Properties ofAdhesive Bonds
specimens. It should be noted, however, that this practice D903 Test Method for Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhe-
specifies only the pretreating conditions of the plastic and does sive Bonds
not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, D905 Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesive
or evaluation of tests. These are covered in the various ASTM Bonds in Shear by Compression Loading
test methods or specifications for specific materials. D907 Terminology of Adhesives
D950 Test Method for Impact Strength of Adhesive Bonds
1.2 Physical Treatments (for example, sanding and solvent
D952 Test Method for Bond or Cohesive Strength of Sheet
wiping) are used in order to remove the glossy finish and all
Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
traces of dirt, grease, mold release, or other contaminants from
D1002 Test Method for Apparent Shear Strength of Single-
the bonding surfaces.
Lap-Joint Adhesively Bonded Metal Specimens by Ten-
1.3 Chemical Treatments (for example, sulfuric acid—
sion Loading (Metal-to-Metal)
dichromate solution and sodium naphthalene complex) are
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
used in some cases to alter chemically the surface layers of the
D3807 Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in
polymer itself to improve its adhesion characteristics.
Cleavage Peel by Tension Loading (Engineering Plastics-
to-Engineering Plastics)
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3. Terminology
only.
3.1 Definitions—Many terms are defined in Terminology
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D907.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Significance and Use
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau- 4.1 This practice is useful for reducing some of the surface
tionary statements are given in 6.1.
variability of plastics (due to differences in manufacturing
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- methods) that might otherwise cause excessive variation in the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
results of ASTM test methods designed to measure adhesion.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the The treatments specified are convenient for laboratory work.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 This practice is not necessarily designed to provide
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
optimum adhesion to the surfaces and the treatments specified
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
may not always be practical for industrial use.
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D14 on Adhesives
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D14.40 on Adhesives for Plastics. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published May 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D2093 – 03 (2011). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI:10.1520/D2093–03R17. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2093 − 03 (2017)
TABLE 1 Physical Treatments
Plastic Adherend (Group I) Cleaning Procedure
Cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose nitrate, methylstyrene, poly- Wipe with methanol, sand, wipe with a clean dry cloth, then repeat
carbonate, polystyrene, vinyl chloride, polymethylmethacrylate, cellulose propionate, methanol wipe at room temperature.
ethylcellulose, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
Epoxy, polyester, phenolic, urea-formaldehyde, diallyl phthalate, melamine, nylon, and Wipe with acetone, sand, wipe with a clean dry cloth, then repeat acetone
polyurethane wipe at room temperature.
TABLE 2 Chemical Treatments
Plastic Adherend (Group II) Cleaning Procedure
Polyolefins (low- and high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, irradiated poly- Wipe with acetone and treat with sulfuric acid-dichromate solution.
ethylene), chlorinated polyether, polyformaldehyde Treat polyolefins for at least 1 h at room temperature.
Treat chlorinated polyether for 5 min at 71 ± 3°C (160 ± 5°F).
Treat polyformaldehyde up to 10 s at room temperature.
Trifluoromonochloroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene Wipe with acetone and treat with sodium naphthalene complex for 15 min at
room temperature.
4.3 This practice does not address all of the surface prepa- 7. Procedure
ration methods available; nor does this practice cite all of the
7.1 Use the following
...




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