The bond strength of adhesives for ceramic tiles are tested using a square test element with the dimensions 50 x 50 mm. Intervals for testing speed are determined by some of the testing standards, for instance BS EN 1348:2007
Adhesives for tiles. Determination of tensile adhesion strength for cementitious adhesives.
The tensile strength of these adhesives can be relatively low (compared with e.g. concrete), and the 20 kN testing model gives a full scale testing range of up to 8MPa/1160psi. (and the 40kN model 16MPa/2320psi).
An automatic adhesion testing machine is best suited for this type of testing and the following two models are available:
AT101E/6.3kN
If high resolution and high accuracy tensile test results are required for very low values (below 2 MPa [N/mm2]) the 6.3kN is the best choice. This model has a certified testing range of up to 2.1MPa/300psi. with the 50 x 50mm test element.
(The 6.3kN testing head, adaptor, 50x50mm test element and test support is illustrated at the right.)
AT101E/20kN
The more powerful adhesion testing machine is used if a wider testing range is required. This 20 kN testing machine gives a certified testing range of up to 6.6MPa/960psi with the 50 x 50mm test element.
(The 20kN testing head, adaptor and 50x50mm test element, fully assembled, is illustrated at the right.)