Testing, testing: Dimensional stability test

All F. Ball products go through rigorous testing before they reach the market. In this issue, we take a look at the dimensional stability test, a test used to assess the effect of temperature change on an adhesive.

What it’s used for:

The dimensional stability test is used to assess the dimensional change, primarily shrinkage, of an adhesive when it is exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature.

How does it work?

  1.  A 300mm square piece of substrate (usually cement board) is conditioned at 80oC for 24
  2.  After 24 hours, a piece of vinyl floorcovering is measured and adhered to the board using the adhesive to be tested. The sample is then left at a constant temperature (23 oC) for seven days.
  3.  The sample is then placed into an oven at 50oC for 13 days. At the end of the 13 days, the sample is removed from the oven and left at a constant temperature (23oC) overnight and its dimensions are measured again.
  4.  The process is repeated for two more cycles until four measurements have been recorded. The whole process takes over six weeks.
  5.  An adhesive is considered to have passed the test if there is an overall change in dimension of less than 0.2%.

Any changes greater than 0.2% recorded would mean that the adhesive is unstable, and would not be suitable for use. In real life situations, this could lead to issues such as gapping at the joint of the vinyl sheet and between tiles.

To find out more about product testing, visit the F. Ball website.