ADHESIVES FOR FLOOR AND WALL

COVERINGS: DISCOLOURATION OF COVERINGS

1. SCOPE

This NORDTEST method is intended for the determination of different

adhesives' influence on discolouration of floor and wall coverings
which are exposed to UV-light.

2. FIELD OF APPLICATION

The method is in particular intended for testing adhesives used for

securing PVC floor and wall coverings and also skirting board of
plastic.

The method can be used to compare different adhesives' influence on

discolouration of floor and wall covering. The test result also
shows if the covering is discolourated without adhesive applied.

3. REFERENCES

None

4. DEFINITIONS

Changing in colour from the standard or original.

published by key words classification

NORDTEST adhesives UDC 69.025.35:645.1/.2
Tekniikantie 12 floor coverings 691.17
FIN-02150 Espoo wall coverings 620.1
Finland discolouration CIB/SfB - Tn6, Un6, Yt3
Internet:www.nordtest.org test method CIB/ML - 4.08.07
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5. SAMPLING

The adhesive is normally delivered by the client, and the part

taken out for testing must be representative of the content of the
packing. It is important to follow closely the instructions for
use of the adhesive in question.

6. METHOD OF TEST

6.1 Principle

Small PVC specimens, both with and without adhesive applied, are
exposed to the UV-light of a light source like Osram Ultra Vitalux.
The discolouration is observed visually.

6.2 Apparatus

Pieces of PVC floor or wall covering, 100 mm x 100 mm in size.

Notched putty knife for application of adhesive.

Aluminium foil.

Heat chamber with temperature 323 K ± 2 K

UV-light source, e.g. Osram Ultra Vitalux, 300 W. The Osram Ultra
Vitalux must be changed after 200 burning hours.

Instrument which registrate colour nuances, (not necessary)

6.3 Preparation of Test Samples

For the testing of each adhesive one test specimen is prepared.

Before application of adhesive the covering must be conditioned
at 296 K ± 2 K and 50 ± 5 % RH for 2 - 3 days. The adhesive must be
kept under these conditions for more than 24 h.

Adhesive is applied on half the backside of the covering in question

by means of the notched putty knife and is left to dry for 2 - 3 h.

All the test specimens are placed in the heat chamber at 323 K for
7 days.

6.4 Procedure

Half the top area of the test specimen is covered with aluminium
foil so that the uncovered part is half with and half without ad-
 NT BUILD 145

hesive on the reverse side.

All the test specimens are then exposed under a UV-light source
for 16 h at a distance of 0.5 m with the adhesive side unlit.

The examination of the test specimens is carried out visually.

6.5 Expression of Results

The result of the test can only be: discolourate or do not

discolourate.

6.6 Accuracy

No special comments

6.7 Test Report

The test report shall include the following information, if relevant:

a) Name and address of the testing laboratory
b) Identification number of the test report
c) Name and address of the organization or the person who
ordered the test
d) Purpose of the test
e) Method of samp1ing and other circumstances (date and person
responsible for the sampling)
f) Name and address of manufacturer or supplier of the tested object
g) or other identification marks of the tested object
h) Description of the tested object
i) Date of supply of the tested object
j) Date of the test
k) Test method
Cond i tion ing of the test specimens, environmental data during
the t est (temperature, pressure, RH , etc)
m) Identification of the test equipment and instruments used
n) Any deviations from the test method
o) Test resul ts (use SI units)
p) Inacc uracy or unce rtaint y of the test results
q) Date and signature
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7. ANNEX

This method is a cheap and simple way to predict whether or not

an adhesive will change the colour of a covering when exposed to
an UV source of light.

If a more reproducible method is needed, the test specimens may

be exposed using IS0 105-1978 or DIN 53389.

Some adhesives discolour floor coverings by elevated temperatures

without any exposure to light. Such discolouration is not detected
by this NORDTEST method, unless it is visible already after 7 days
at 323 K.

If a numerical expression of the colour change is wanted, it is

possible to compare the change visually with a grey scale from 1
to 5 after specifications in IS0 105-A02 or DIN 54001. It may
also be measured according to DIN 5033 and calculated according to
DIN 6174.