Standard Test Method for

Pull-Off Adhesion Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion

Testers

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7234; 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.
1.1 This test method covers procedures for evaluating the pull-off adhesion strength of a
coating on concrete. The test determines the greatest perpendicular force (in tension) that a
s u r f a c e a r e a c a n b e a r b e f o r e a p l u g o f m a t e r i a l i s d e t a c h e d . Failure will occur along
the weakest plane within the system
c o m p r i s e d o f t h e t e s t f i x t u r e , a d h e s i v e , c o a t i n g s y s t e m , a n d substrate, and will be
exposed by the fracture surface.

1 . 2 T h i s t e s t m e t h o d u s e s a c l a s s o f a p p a r a t u s k n o w n a s portable pull-off adhesion

testers. 2 They are capable of applyi n g a c o n c e n t r i c l o a d a n d c o u n t e r l o a d t o a s i n g l e
surface so that coatings can be tested even though only one side is
accessible. Measurements are limited by the strength of adhesion bonds between the loading
fixture, coating system and the
s u b s t r a t e o r t h e c o h e s i v e s t r e n g t h s o f t h e a d h e s i v e , c o a t i n g layers, and substrate.

1.3 Pull-off adhesion strength measurements depend upon both material and instrumental
parameters.There are differenti n s t r u m e n t s u s e d t h a t c o m p l y w i t h t h i s t e s t m e
thod. The specific instrument used should be identified when
reportingr e s u l t s . T h i s t e s t i s d e s t r u c t i v e a n d s p o t r e p a i r s m a y b e necessary.

1 . 4 T h e v a l u e s s t a t e d i n S I u n i t s a r e t o b e r e g a r d e d a s t h e standard. The values

given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5T h i s standard does not purport to address all of the

s a f e t y c o n c e r n s , i f a n y , a s s o c i a t e d w i t h i t s u s e . I t i s t h e responsibility of
the user of this standard to establish
appro- priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations
prior to use

1This test m ethod is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings. Current edition approved July 1, 2012.
Published October 2012. Originally approved in 2005. Las t previous edition approved in 2005 as D7234 – 05.
DOI:10.1520/D7234-12.
2The term adhesion tester may be somewhat of a misnomer, but its adoption by t wo manufacturers and at least t wo patents indicates
continued usage.

3. Terminology
3.1 The terms and definitions in Terminology D16 apply to this test method.
3.2 Definitions:

3.2.1 Adhesive, n— (with respect to this test method) adhesive refers to the material that
bonds the bottom of the loading fixture to the top surface of the coating to be tested.

3.2.2 loading fixture, n— (also referred to as dollies or studs)a m e t a l s t r u c t u r e t h a t i s fl a t o n

o n e e n d f o r b o n d i n g t o t h e coating surface and shaped on the other end for attachment
tot h e a d h e s i o n t e s t e r a n d i s u s e d t o d e t e r m i n e t h e p u l l - o f f adhesion
strength of coatings.

3.2.3 Portable pull-off adhesion testers, n— instruments that are capable of applying a concentric
load and counter load to a single surface so that coatings can be tested even though only
one side is accessible

For referenced AS TM standards, visit the AS TM website, www.astm. org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org.
For
Annual Book of AS TM Standards
Volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website

4. Summary of Test Method

4 . 1 T h e g e n e r a l p u l l - o f f a d h e s i o n t e s t i s p e r f o r m e d b y scoring through the

coating down to the surface of the concrete s u b s t r a t e a t a d i a m e t e r e q u a l t o t h e d i a m e t e r o f
t h e l o a d i n g fixture (dolly, stud), and securing the loading fixture normal (perpendicular)
to the surface of the coating with an adhesive. After the adhesive is cured, a testing apparatus
is attached to the loading fixture and aligned to apply tension normal to the t e s t s u r f a c e .
T h e f o r c e a p p l i e d t o t h e l o a d i n g f i x t u r e i s t h e n uniformly increased and monitored
until a plug of material is d e t a c h e d . W h e n a p l u g o f m a t e r i a l i s d e t a c h e d , t h e
e x p o s e d s u r f a c e r e p r e s e n t s t h e p l a n e o f l i m i t i n g s t r e n g t h w i t h i n t h e system. The
nature of the failure is qualified in accordance with the percent of adhesive and cohesive failures,
and the actual interfaces and layers involved. The pull-off adhesion strength is computed based on the
maximum indicated load, the instrument calibration data, and the surface area stressed. Pull-
off adhesion strength results obtained using different devices maybe different because the results depend
on instrumental parameters.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 The pull-off adhesion strength and mode of failure of a coating from a concrete substrate
are important performance p r o p e r t i e s t h a t a r e u s e d i n s p e c i f i c a t i o n s .
T h i s t e s t m e t h o d serves as a means for uniformly preparing and testing coated surfaces,
and evaluating and reporting the results.

5.2Variations in strength results obtained

using differentinstruments, different substrates, or different loading fixtures with
t h e s a m e c o a t i n g a r e p o s s i b l e . T h e r e f o r e , i t i s r e c o m mended that the specific test
instrument and loading fixture be mutually agreed upon between the interested parties.

5 . 3 T h i s t e s t m e t h o d s h o u l d n o t b e u s e d t o d e t e r m i n e surface strength of
uncoated concrete. Test Method C1583 is suitable for that determination.
6. Apparatus

6.1 Adhesion Tester, including the components and accessories described in 6.1.1-6.1.5

6.1.1 Loading Fixtures, having a flat surface on one end that can be adhered to the coating and a
means of attachment to the t e s t e r o n t h e o t h e r e n d . T h e b o n d i n g s u r f a c e m a y b e
r o u n d , square or rectangular. The round loading fixtures are usually 50mm (2.0 in) in diameter but
may range from 20 mm (0.75 in) to 75 mm (3.0 in) in diameter.

6.1.2 Detaching Assembly, having a central grip for engaging the loading fixture.

6.1.3Base, on the detaching assembly, for uniformly

pressi n g a g a i n s t t h e c o a t i n g s u r f a c e a r o u n d t h e f i x t u r e e i t h e r directly, or by
way of an intermediate bearing ring. A means of aligning the base is needed so that the resultant
force is normal to the surface.

6.1.4 Force Applicator, means of moving the grip away

f r o m t h e b a s e i n a s s m o o t h a n d c o n t i n u o u s a m a n n e r a s possible so that a
torsion free, co-axial (opposing pull of the g r i p a n d p u s h o f t h e b a s e a l o n g t h e s a m e
a x i s ) f o r c e r e s u l t s between them.

6.1.5 F o r c e I n d i c a t o r a n d C a l i b r a t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n , for determining the actual force

delivered to the loading fixture. The force indicator shall be verified to be within +/-5 % of
the force measured by a calibrated testing machine at a frequency determined by the user,
typically once a year.

6.2 Timer,or means of limiting the rate of stress to less than o r e q u a l t o 0 . 2 M P a / s ( 3 0

p s i / s ) s o t h a t t h e m a x i m u m s t r e s s (failure) is obtained in about 5 to 30 s.

6.3Solvent, or other means for cleaning the loading fixture surface.

6.4Fine Sandpaper, or other means of cleaning or preparing the coating that will not alter its integrity.

6.5 Adhesive, for securing the fixture to the coating that does not affect the coating properties. Two-
component epoxies and acrylics4 have been found to be the most versatile.

6.6 Mechanical Clamps, if needed, for holding the fixture in place while the adhesive cures.

6.7 Cotton Swabs, o r o t h e r m e a n s f o r r e m o v i n g e x c e s s adhesive.

6.8 Core Bit with Drill Press or Hand Drill, and means
toe n s u r e t h a t t h e s c o r i n g i s n o r m a l t o t h e c o a t i n g f o r t h e procedures
that use a round loading fixture. The core bit inside diameter should equal the diameter of the
loading fixture. If a c o r e b i t w i t h a n i n s i d e d i a m e t e r e q u a l t o t h e d i a m e t e r o f t h e
loading fixture is not available, the closest size available should be used. The core bit or saw blades
should be diamond tipped
a n d , w h e n r e q u i r e d t o m i n i m i z e h e a t a n d s u p p r e s s d u s t , supplemented with
water lubrication. For the test procedures that use a square or rectangular loading fixture, a
circular saw is required instead of a core bit and drill. Alternately, for thin o r
e l a s t o m e r i c c o a t i n g s , a s h a r p k n i f e o r h o l e s a w m a y b e sufficient to score around
the loading fixture.

7. Test Preparation

7.1 The method for selecting the coating sites to be

preparedf o r t e s t i n g d e p e n d s u p o n t h e o b j e c t i v e s o f t h e t e s t a n d a g
r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n t h e c o n t r a c t i n g p a r t i e s . T h e r e a r e , however, a few
physical restrictions imposed by the general method and apparatus. The following requirements
apply to all sites:

7.1.1 The selected test area must be a flat surface large enough to
accommodate the specified number of replicate
tests.T h e s u r f a c e m a y h a v e a n y o r i e n t a t i o n w i t h r e f e r e n c e t o gravitational
pull. Each test site must be separated by at least the distance needed to accommodate the
detaching apparatus. The size of a test site is essentially that of the secured loading
fi x t u r e . A t l e a s t t h r e e r e p l i c a t i o n s a r e r e q u i r e d i n o r d e r t o statistically characterize
the test area.

4
The s ole s ourc e of supply of t he acrylics known to the com m ittee at this time is Versi loc 201 and 204 with accelerator,
available from Lord Corp., In dustrial Adhesive Div., 2000 W. Grandview Blvd., P.O. Box 10038, Erie, PA 16514. If
youa r e a w a r e o f a l t e r n a t i v e s u p p l i e r s , p l e a s e p r o v i d e t h i s i n f o r m a t i o n t o A S T M International Headquarters.
Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, 1which you ma y attend.

7.1.2 The selected test areas must also have enough perpendicular and radial clearance to
accommodate the apparatus, and b e fl a t e n o u g h t o p e r m i t a l i g n m e n t . I t s h o u l d b e n o t e d
t h a t measurements close to an edge may not be representative of the coating as a whole.

7.2 Scoring the coating down to the surface of the substrate is required for all coatings
thicker than 0.5 mm (20 mils)
andf o r a l l r e i n f o r c e d o r e l a s t o m e r i c c o a t i n g s . W h i l e s c o r i n g i s recommended for
coatings thinner than 0.5 mm (20 mils), the test may be performed without scoring, but the
results should note this exception. Scoring shall be performed in a manner that ensures the
cut is made normal to the coating surface and i n a m a n n e r t h a t d o e s n o t t w i s t o r
t o r q u e t h e t e s t a r e a a n d minimizes heat generated and edge damage or micro cracks
to the coating and the concrete substrate. For thick coatings it
isr e c o m m e n d e d t o c o o l t h e c o a t i n g a n d s u b s t r a t e d u r i n g t h e c u t t i n g p r o c e s s w i t h
w a t e r l u b r i c a t i o n . W h e n u s i n g a r o u n d loading fixture, scoring is performed before the
loading fixture is attached (see F i g . 1 ). When using square or rectangular
l o a d i n g fi x t u r e s , s c o r i n g i s t y p i c a l l y p e r f o r m e d a f t e r t h e loading fixture is
attached (see F i g . 2 ).

7 . 3 C l e a n t h e s u r f a c e s i n a m a n n e r t h a t w i l l n o t a f f e c t integrity of the
coating or leave a residue. Clean the loading
fi x t u r e s u r f a c e a s i n d i c a t e d b y t h e a p p a r a t u s m a n u f a c t u r e r . Failures at the fixture
adhesive interface can often be avoided by treating the fixture surfaces in accordance with
an appropriate ASTM standard practice for preparing metal surfaces for adhesive bonding.
Fingerprints, moisture, and oxides tend to be the primary contaminants.
NOTE
1—Guides D2651 and D3933 are typical of well-proven methods for improving adhesive
bond strengths to metal surfaces.

7.4 Prepare the adhesive in accordance with the adhesive

manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply the adhesive to the f i x t u r e o r t h e s u r f a c e t o b e
tested, or both, using a method
r e c o m m e n d e d b y t h e a d h e s i v e m a n u f a c t u r e r . B e c e r t a i n t o apply the adhesive across the
entire surface. Position fixture on
t h e s u r f a c e t o b e t e s t e d c e n t e r e d d i r e c t l y o v e r t h e s c o r e d section with
the fixture outer sides lined up with the inside
circumference of the scored section. Carefully remove the
e x c e s s a d h e s i v e f r o m a r o u n d t h e f i x t u r e . ( Warning—
M o v e m e n t , e s p e c i a l l y t w i s t i n g , c a n c a u s e t i n y b u b b l e s t o coalesce into large
holidays that constitute stress discontinuities during testing.)

NOTE
2 — A d d i n g a b o u t 1 p e r c e n t o f # 5 g l a s s b e a d s t o t h e a d h e s i v e assists in even
alignment of the test fixture to the surface.

7.5 Based on the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations and the anticipated

environmental conditions, allow enough t i m e f o r t h e a d h e s i v e t o s e t u p a n d r e a c h t h e
r e c o m m e n d e d cure. During the adhesive set and early cure stage, a constant contact pressure
should be maintained on the fixture. Mechanical clamping systems work well, but systems relying
on tack, such as masking tape, should be used with care to ensure that they do not relax with
time and allow air to intrude between the fixture and the test area.

FIG. 1 Scoring Around the Loading Fixture Prior to Attachment o f the Fixtu re (Round Loading Fixtures
FIG. 2 Scoring Around th e Loading Fixture After Attachment of th e Fixtur e (Square or Rectangular
Fixtures )

7.6 Note the temperature and relative humidity during the time of test.

8. Test Procedure

8 . 1 S e l e c t a n a d h e s i o n - t e s t e r h a v i n g a f o r c e c a l i b r a t i o n s panning the range of

expected values along with its compatible loading fixture. Mid-range measurements are
usually the best, but read the manufacturer’s operating instructions before proceeding.

8 . 2 I f a b e a r i n g r i n g o r c o m p a r a b l e d e v i c e i s t o b e u s e d , place it concentrically around

the loading fixture on the coating surface. If shims are required when a bearing ring is employed, place
them between the tester base and bearing ring rather than on the coating surface.

8 . 3 C a r e f u l l y c o n n e c t t h e c e n t r a l g r i p o f t h e d e t a c h i n g assembly to the
loading fixture without bumping, bending, or otherwise prestressing the sample and connect
the detaching assembly to its control mechanism, if necessary. For nonhori-
z o n t a l s u r f a c e s , s u p p o r t t h e d e t a c h i n g a s s e m b l y s o t h a t i t s weight does not
contribute to the force exerted in the test.

8 . 4 A l i g n t h e d e v i c e a c c o r d i n g t o t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r ’ s i n - structions and set the force

indicator to zero.

NOTE
3—Proper alignment is critical. If alignment is required, use the procedure
recommended by the manufacturer of the adhesion tester.
8 . 5 I n c r e a s e t h e l o a d t o t h e f i x t u r e i n a s s m o o t h a n d continuous a
manner as possible, at a uniform rate of less than o r e q u a l t o 0 . 2 M P a / s ( 3 0 p s i / s ) s o
t h a t f a i l u r e o c c u r s o r t h e maximum stress is reached before 30 s.8.6 Record the force
attained at failure.

8 . 7 W h e n t h e p l u g o f m a t e r i a l i s d e t a c h e d , l a b e l a n d s t o r e the fixture for

qualification of the failed surface in accordance with 9.3.

8.8 Report any departures from the procedure such as possible misalignment,
hesitations in the force application, etc.

9. Calculation and Interpretation of Results

9 . 1 I f p r o v i d e d b y t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r , u s e t h e i n s t r u m e n t calibration factors to
convert the indicated force for each test into the actual force applied.

9 . 2 E i t h e r u s e t h e c a l i b r a t i o n c h a r t s u p p l i e d b y t h e m a n u f acturer or compute the

relative stress applied to each coating sample as follows:

NOTE
4—d should be the inside diameter of the scored sample if this does not equal the diameter
of the loading fixture.

9.3 Estimate the percent of adhesive and cohesive failures in accordance to their respective areas and
location within the test system comprised of substrate, coating and adhesive layers.
Ac o n v e n i e n t s c h e m e t h a t d e s c r i b e s t h e t o t a l t e s t s y s t e m i s outlined
in 9.3.1-9.3.4.

9.3.1Describe the specimen as substrate A, B , C , upon

w h i c h s u c c e s s i v e c o a t i n g l a y e r s D , E , F , e t c . , h a v e b e e n applied, including
the adhesive, Y, that secures the fixture, Z , to the top coat.

9.3.2 Designate cohesive substrate failures by the quantity and type of substrate removed
(see F i g . 3 ).

9 . 3 . 3 D e s i g n a t e c o h e s i v e c o a t i n g f a i l u r e s b y t h e l a y e r s with in which they occur as

D, E, F, etc., and the percentage of each.
9.3.4 Designate adhesive failures by the interfaces at which they occur as A/B, B/C, C/D
, etc., and the percent of each.

9 . 4 A r e s u l t t h a t i s v e r y d i f f e r e n t f r o m m o s t o f t h e r e s u l t s may be caused by a mistake

in recording or calculating, among other things. If either of these is not the cause, then examine the
experimental circumstances surrounding this run. If an irregular result can be attributed to
an experimental cause, drop this r e s u l t f r o m t h e a n a l y s i s . H o w e v e r , d o n o t
discard a result unless there are valid no statistical reasons
for doing so orunless the result is a statistical outlier. Valid nonstatistical
reasons for dropping results include alignment of the apparatus h a t i s n o t n o r m a l t o t h e s u r f a c e ,
p o o r d e f i n i t i o n o f t h e a r e a stressed due to improper application of the adhesive, poorly
d e f i n e d g l u e l i n e s a n d b o u n d a r i e s , h o l i d a y s i n t h e a d h e s i v e caused by voids or
inclusions, improperly prepared surfaces,
a n d s l i d i n g o r t w i s t i n g t h e f i x t u r e d u r i n g t h e i n i t i a l c u r e . Dixon’s test, as
described in Practice E178, m a y b e u s e d t o detect outliers.

9.5 Disregard any test where adhesive failure (between the adhesive, Y, and the loading
fixture, Z or the coating surface) represents more than 20 % of the area.

10. Report

10.1 Report the following information:

1 0 . 1 . 1 B r i e f d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e g e n e r a l n a t u r e o f t h e t e s t , such as, field or laboratory

testing, generic type of coating, etc.

1 0 . 1 . 2 T e m p e r a t u r e a n d r e l a t i v e h u m i d i t y a n d a n y o t h e r pertinent environmental
conditions during the test period.

10.1.3 Description of the apparatus used, including: apparatus manufacturer and model number,
loading fixture type and dimensions, and bearing ring type and dimensions.

1 0 . 1 . 4 D e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e t e s t s y s t e m , i f p o s s i b l e , b y t h e indexing scheme outlined

in 9.3 including: product identity and generic type for each coat and any other information
supplied, the substrate identity (thickness, type, orientation, etc.), and the adhesive used.

10.1.5 Test results, including:

10.1.5.1 Date, test location, testing agent.

10.1.5.2 Report all values computed in 9.2 along with the nature and location of the failures
as specified in 9.3. Report the average % failure for each mode of failure, and the
averagep u l l - o f f a d h e s i o n s t r e n g t h f o r e a c h p r e d o m i n a n t m o d e o f failure, rounded
to the nearest 0.1 MPa (10 psi).
FIG. 3 Substrate Failure Classi fic ation
10.1.5.3 If corrections of the results have been made, or if certain values have been omitted
such as the lowest or highest values or others, reasons for the adjustments and criteria used.

1 0 . 1 . 5 . 4 F o r a n y t e s t w h e r e s c o r i n g w a s n o t e m p l o y e d , indicate it by placing a foot

note superscript beside each data point affected and a footnote to that effect at the bottom of each
page on which such data appears. Note any other deviations from the procedure.

11. Precision and Bias

1 1 . 1 T h e p r e c i s i o n o f t h i s t e s t m e t h o d i s b a s e d o n a n interlaboratory study
of Test Method D7234, Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Adhesion Strength of Coatings
on Con crete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers, conducted
in2011. Six analysts, using seven different instruments, tested samples of two coatings
prepared on the same substrate. Every analyst reported three test results for each
instrument/coating combination in this study. While the test results are representative of
individual determinations, the data was combined for analysis in two ways (instruments 1 to 7
considered separately, a n d i n s t r u m e n t s 1 t o 5 c o m b i n e d , a s 1 t o 5 a l l u s e d 5 0 m m dollies
and were drilled and prepared the same way). PracticeE691 was followed for the study
design; the details are given in ASTM Research Report No. RR:D01-1163. 5

11.1.1 Repeatability Limit (r)— T w o t e s t r e s u l t s o b t a i n e d w i t h i n o n e l a b o r a t o r y

s h a l l b e j u d g e d n o t e q u i v a l e n t i f t h e y differ by more than the “r ” v a l u e f o r t h a t
m a t e r i a l ; “ r” i s t h e interval representing the critical difference between two test results
for the same substrate and the same coating at the same intended applied coating weight, obtained
by the same operator u s i n g t h e s a m e e q u i p m e n t o n t h e s a m e d a y i n t h e
s a m e laboratory.

5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and maybe obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D01-1163.

11.1.1.1 Repeatability limits are listed in Table 1 and Table2.

11.1.2 Reproducibility Limit (R)— Two test results shall be judged not equivalent if they differ
by more than the “ R” value f o r t h a t m a t e r i a l ; “ R” is the interval representing the critical
difference between two test results for the same substrate and the same coating at the same
intended applied coating weight, obtained by different operators using
different equipment indifferent laboratories.

1 1 . 1 . 2 . 1 R e p r o d u c i b i l i t y l i m i t s a r e l i s t e d i n T a b l e 1 andTable 2.

11.1.3 The above terms (repeatability limit and reproducibility limit) are used as specified
in Practice E177.

11.1.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements 11.1.1and 11.1.2 w o u l d have an

a p p r o x i m a t e 9 5 % p r o b a b i l i t y o f being correct.

11.2 Bias— At the time of the study, there was no accepted reference material suitable for
determining the bias for this test method, therefore no statement on bias is being made.
11.3 The precision statement was determined through statistical examination of 252 results,
from a total of six analysts, using seven instruments, on two coatings.

11.3.1 Coatings used in the study:

11.3.1.1 Coating 1 — Zero VOC Acrylic Latex Paint (two c o a t s , e a c h a p p l i e d a t 0 . 2 5 m m

w e t fi l m t h i c k n e s s t o g i v e a total of 0.2 mm dry film thickness).

11.3.1.2 Coating 2 — T r o w e l e d F l o o r i n g S y s t e m ( 6 m m t h i c k 1 0 0 % s o l i d s , a m i n e
cured epoxy, silica filled mortar/ screed over 0.1 mm WFT/DFT 100
% s o l i d s , a m i n e c u r e d epoxy primer.

11.3.2 Mode of Failure — In this ILS, all individual results were above 80 % substrate
failure (in fact 90 % of the results were 100 % substrate failure) so any variability in the
failure mode was ignored in the analysis.

1 1 . 3 . 3 W h i l e t h e r e a r e n u m e r o u s v a r i a b l e s f o r e a c h t e s t result, in this study a

number of the items were kept constant for all the tests performed here; all labs used the
same location a n d c o n c r e t e ( n o t e , a l l t e s t e r s c a m e t o t h e s a m e l o c a t i o n a s testing
was performed on a single poured concrete slab, not b l o c k s o f c o n c r e t e ) ; s a m e c o a t i n g s
( s i n c e t h i s w a s o n e c o n tinuous slab, the coatings were also continuous); same dolly
adhesive (2K fast set, amine cured epoxy); same drill press and
c o r e b i t s ( f o r t h e f i v e i n s t r u m e n t s o n l y ) ; a n d , t h e s a m e instrument
for each of the different instruments noted.

11.3.4 Variability in these results is due to natural variability in the following items and procedures;
the concrete (despite being from the same pour, concrete varies in strength every inch), the
drilling procedure (despite using the same press and bits), the adhesive application and dolly
attachment procedure, and the loading rate of the instrument (which, except for one of the instruments,
is regulated by the operator).

12. Keywords

12.1 adhesion; coatings; concrete; field; paint; portable; pull-

off adhesion strength; tensile test

APPENDIX
(No mandatory Information)
X1. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

X1.1 Mode of Failure

X1.1.1 General Failure Modes— T h e m o d e o f f a i l u r e i s usually categorized as either

substrate failure (cohesive failure in the substrate,
see F i g . 3 ), adhesive failure between thecoating system and the substrate (see
F i g . X 1 . 1 ), a d h e s i v e f a i l u r e b e t w e e n t h e l a y e r s i n t h e c o a t i n g s y s t e m ( s e e Fig.X1.
1), cohesive failure in the coating system (see Fig. X1.1), or adhesive failure of the loading fixture adhesive
(see Fig. X1.1).
FIG. X1.1 Other Failure M odes
FIG. X1.2 Effect of No t Sco ring Around th e Loading Fixture Prior to Pulling

T h i s e x p l a n a t i o n i s n e c e s s a r y a s t h e m o d e o f f a i l u r e i s a s important as the
resulting value for determining the integrity of coatings on concrete.

X1.1.1.1 Substrate Failure—This is the preferred mode of f a i l u r e f o r

c o a t i n g s o n c o n c r e t e . T h e v a l u e o b t a i n e d i n t h i s failure mode is primarily dependent
on the tensile strength
of t h e c o n c r e t e a t o r c l o s e t o t h e s u r f a c e . L o w v a l u e s i n t h i s failure mode
point to a deficiency in the concrete.

X1.1.1.2 Adhesive Failure between the Coating System and the Substrate— T h i s i s n o t t h e
p r e f e r r e d m o d e o f f a i l u r e f o r coatings on concrete, especially when low pull-
off adhesion v a l u e s a r e o b t a i n e d . T h i s m o d e o f f a i l u r e i s u s u a l l y d u e t o insufficient
surface preparation of the concrete, contamination on the concrete surface, or incompatibility between the
coating and the concrete. One exception is elastomeric coatings, which occasionally fail in this mode
(see X1.3).
X1.1.1.3 Adhesive Failure Between the Layers in the Coati n g S y s t e m —
T h i s i s n o t t h e p r e f e r r e d m o d e o f f a i l u r e f o r coatings on concrete, especially
when low pull-off adhesion values are obtained.

X1.1.1.4 Cohesive Failure in the Coating System—This is not the expected mode of failure for
most coatings on concrete. If the tensile strength of the coating exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete
(approximately 1.4 to 2.8MPa (200 to 400 psi)) this failure mode should not be encountered unless
there is a deficiency in the coating.

X 1 . 1 . 1 . 5 A d h e s i v e F a i l u r e o f t h e L o a d i n g F i x t u r e Adhesive
—As stated in 9.5, when this mode of failure
accountsf o r 2 0 % o r m o r e o f t h e f a i l u r e s u r f a c e , t h e r e s u l t s a r e disr
egarded as failure in this mode indicates that the result is not a measure of the adhesion of
the system to the substrate. A d d i t i o n a l s p e c i m e n s m a y b e n e e d e d i f t h e n u m b e r o f
t e s t s does not meet the requirements stated in 7.1.1.

X1.2 Effect of Not Scoring

X1.2.1 In cases where the specimen is not scored prior to testing, depending
on the properties of the coating and the
concrete, the effective test area may not be able to be
s p e c i f i c a l l y d e f i n e d . T h i s m a y r e s u l t i n t e s t v a l u e s t h a t a r e higher than results
from scored specimens on the same sample (see Fig. X1.2).

X1.3 Elastomeric Coatings

X1.3.1 Interpretation of Results— I n c a s e s w h e r e e l a s t o m e r i c c o a t i n g s a r e

applied directly onto concrete or onto anon-
e l a s t i c p r i m e r , t h e e l a s t o m e r i c c o a t i n g m a y s h o w a n adhesive failure between the
elastomer and the primer or the substrate. If the test value is low in this failure mode then
the interpretation in X1.1.1.2 m a y be valid, however, if the
testv a l u e i s h i g h i n t h i s f a i l u r e m o d e , t h i s m a y n o t i n d i c a t e a
d e f i c i e n c y i n t h e a d h e s i o n o f t h i s c o a t i n g . T h e r e a s o n i s t h a t when subjected to
pull-off load, the elastomer will elongate, and if the elongation or strain is sufficient, then
the failure can be induced by a simulated peel-type load starting at the edges o f t h e
c u t s a m p l e . T h i s p h e n o m e n a i s e x a c e r b a t e d b y l o w modulus elastomers, scoring
techniques, low loading rates, and loading at angles not exactly perpendicular to the coating.

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