ASTM D3611-06(2011)

This practice accelerates the natural aging of pressure-sensitive tapes so that the response to the usual physical property tests changes to the same extent as with an exposure to approximately two years of natural aging when compared with the response to tests before aging.

Natural aging in this context means a continuous period of aging of tape in a closed fibreboard container (in darkness) in the variable climate of either the warm moist south, the warm dry southwest or the moderate midcontinent, USA.

The extent of change for one physical property should be expected to be different than for another property and so would also relate to different natural aging time.

An abnormal product lot may cause differences in testing response that throw off the expected time patterns.

Appearance of normal tape product will usually change only slightly on two years natural aging. This accelerated exposure usually produces an exaggerated change in appearance which would be seen under natural conditions only in abnormal product.

There is no present experience to relate this accelerated exposure to responses of tape in applications where the tape is under a use stress.

1.1 This practice provides one environment in which to expose finished pressure-sensitive tape material for the purpose of accelerating the aging of it. It is applicable to tape in roll form when the user observes the precautions detailed within the procedure. The practice does not provide for a conclusion within itself, but is for use in conjunction with appearance or physical property tests to follow the accelerated exposure. While this practice was developed using packaging type tapes, its use on other types of tape with similar construction is encouraged. It is not intended for use on electrical grade tapes (see Test Methods D1000).

1.2 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.