Title page for ETD etd-07132000-14580030

Type of Document

Master's Thesis

Author

Williams, NuRocha Lyn

URN

etd-07132000-14580030

Title

Elastic Analysis of the Loop Tack Test for Pressure Sensitive Adhesives

Degree

Master of Engineering

Department

Civil Engineering

Advisory Committee

Advisor Name	Title
Plaut, Raymond H.	Committee Chair
Dillard, David A.	Committee Member
Holzer, Siegfried M.	Committee Member

Keywords

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
Adhesion
Elastica
Loop Tack Test

Date of Defense

2000-06-29

Availability

unrestricted

Abstract

The loop tack test measures the tack (instant grip) of an adhesive. An analytical model of
this test seems to be lacking and is the subject of this research. The strip is investigated
using several mathematical formulations, and the solutions are obtained numerically.
The loop is created from a flexible elastic strip that is bent into a teardrop shape, with its
ends clamped together. The strip is tested in a cycle, in which the loop is first pushed
onto the surface, compressing the adhesive. Then the loop is pulled up, and gradually
debonds from the substrate. The loop is assumed to be nonlinearly elastic and
inextensible.
The mechanics of the loop tack test are studied in order to determine the impact of
various factors on adhesive performance. These factors include the stiffness of the
backing, the stiffness and thickness of the adhesive, the elongation of the adhesive before
debonding, and the contact time.
The relationship between the applied force and the vertical deflection of the loop's ends
is determined, as well as that between the applied force and the contact length. Also, the
maximum "pull - off" force needed to remove the substrate from the loop is obtained
from the results. Shapes of the loop during the cycle are found.
This research will increase understanding of the behavior of the adhesive and backing
during the loop tack test. With the computer model that has been developed, any set of
parameters and conditions can be analyzed, and improvements can be made in the test
procedure.

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