An American National Standard

Designation: D 69 – 06

Standard Test Methods for

Friction Tapes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 69; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* D 149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and

1.1 These test methods cover the methods and procedures Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
for testing friction tapes. Such tapes consist of a woven fabric at Commercial Power Frequencies
sheeting that has been impregnated with an adhesive insulating D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermo-
compound and cut into rolls of narrow width. These tapes are plastic Elastomers—Tension
commonly used for protecting and binding in place, insulation D 1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
applied to joints of electrical wires and cables, and for other D 4514 Specification for Friction Tape
mechanical purposes. D 5423 Specification for Forced-Convection Laboratory
Ovens for Evaluation of Electrical Insulation
NOTE 1—The material specifications formerly included in these test D 6054 Practice for Conditioning Electrical Insulating Ma-
methods are now contained in Specification D 4514.
terials for Testing
1.2 The test methods included in this standard are as
follows: 3. Terminology
Sections 3.1 Definitions:
Adhesion 6-11 3.1.1 For definitions of other terms used in this specifica-
Aged Adhesion 12-17
Breaking Strength 18-23 tion, refer to Terminology D 1711.
Dielectric Breakdown Voltage 24-29 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Dimensions 30-35 3.2.1 adhesion, n—the resistance of the tape to unwind
Discoloration of Copper 36-40
Parallelism 41-45 itself after being wound up under pressure, in accordance with
Tackiness 46-52 this test method.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are the standard. 3.2.2 breaking strength, n—the force required, per unit
The SI units in parentheses are for information only. width, to break the tape when tested in accordance with this
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the test method.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.3 conditioning, n—the exposure of the tape to the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- influence of a prescribed atmosphere for a stipulated period of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- time.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.4 length of tape in a roll, n—the number of linear yards
or metres of tape wound into a roll as measured in accordance
NOTE 2—There is no equivalent IEC standard. with this test method.
2. Referenced Documents 3.2.5 parallelism, n—the difference in width between two
mated ends of a tape that has been split in half, in accordance
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 with this test method.
3.2.6 tackiness, n—the adherence of the friction tape sur-
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
faces to themselves after light contact has been made, in
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and are the direct responsibility of accordance with this test method.
Subcommittee D09.07 on Flexible and Rigid Insulating Materials.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2006. Published October 2006. Originally 4. Sampling
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D 69 – 01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.1 Select sample rolls at random from each shipment in
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM accordance with the following table:
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Mar 18 14:39:12 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Universadad Santiago de Chile pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D 69 – 06
Number of Rolls in Shipment Number of Rolls in Sample of the mandrel. This assembly is mounted on a wall or other
50 to 200 2 vertical surface to which a vertical scale has been affixed. This
201 to 500 3
501 to 1000 4
scale shall begin 2 in. (51 mm) below the mandrel and
1001 to 5000 5 extended downward for a distance of 36 in. (915 mm). The
scale shall be readable to 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm).
For shipments in excess of 5000 rolls, take one additional
7.2 Weights—Two sets of weights and a device suitable for
roll for each additional 1000 rolls or fraction thereof.
clamping the weights to the end of a tape sample, such that a
4.2 A shipment shall consist of material shipped or intended
total load of 4.0 lbf/in. (17.8 N/25 mm) and 10 lbf/in. (44.5
for shipment to a customer and covered by one bill of lading.
N/25 mm) can be achieved.
4.3 Test each sample roll for conformance to all the require-
ments of the specification. 8. Test Specimen
4.4 Remove and discard at least 24 in. (610 mm) of the outer
8.1 Cut a test specimen 23 in. (580 mm) in length of tape
layer of each sample roll before taking test specimens.
removed from the sample roll, with care being taken not to
4.5 Unwind the test specimen from the roll at a slow,
touch the adhesive surfaces to be tested.
uniform rate without jerking.
9. Procedure
5. Conditioning
9.1 Insert one end of the specimen into the slot of the
5.1 Unless otherwise specified, condition the rolls for 16 h mandrel and wind 2 in. (51 mm) onto the mandrel.
in a standard laboratory atmosphere as specified in Practice 9.2 Attach a total weight of 10 lbf/in. (44.5 N/25 mm) to the
D 6054. end of the specimen and wind the remaining 19 in. (480 mm)
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, condition the test specimens of the specimen onto the mandrel at an approximate rate of 12
for 1 h in a standard laboratory atmosphere as specified in in./min (300 mm/min).
Practice D 6054. 9.3 Allow the tape to remain for 3 min with the weight
attached, after which substitute a weight of 4.0 lbf/in. (17.8
ADHESION TEST N/25 mm) and allow the tape to unwind.
6. Significance and Use 9.4 After the first 2 in. (51 mm) have unwound, start a timer.
Stop the unwinding process after 60 s have elapsed, and
6.1 In most applications, a friction tape must have adequate measure the length which has unwound in that time.
adhesion to remain in place and function properly.
10. Report
7. Apparatus 10.1 For each sample roll, report the adhesion as the length
7.1 Adhesion Tester—An assembly similar to that shown in unwound in one minute.
Fig. 1, consisting of a mandrel mounted in a level position in
ball bearings. The mandrel shall be 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) in 11. Precision and Bias
diameter with a slot approximately 0.0625 in. (1.6 mm) in 11.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
width and long enough to accommodate the full width of tape. years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
The mandrel shall turn freely under a force of 0.25 ozf (0.07 N) which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
suspended from a thread wound in a single layer on the center planned to develop such information.

FIG. 1 Tester for Adhesion Test of Friction Tape

2
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Mar 18 14:39:12 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Universadad Santiago de Chile pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D 69 – 06
11.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value 19. Apparatus
for adhesion is determined solely in terms of this test method 19.1 Tensile Testing Machine—A constant rate of elonga-
itself. tion type tensile machine as described in Test Methods D 412.
AGED ADHESION 20. Test Specimen
20.1 Test specimens shall consist of a single layer of tape 16
12. Significance and Use in. (400 mm) in length and the width of the tape as received.
12.1 The adhesion of a friction tape must remain adequate
after the tape has aged. Exposure in a dry oven is an attempt to 21. Procedure
simulate such shelf-storage aging. 21.1 Measure the width of the specimen in accordance with
Section 33.
13. Apparatus 21.2 Perform the test for breaking strength in accordance
13.1 Oven—An oven conforming to the requirements of with Test Methods D 412.
Specification D 5423. 21.3 Set the initial distance between the jaws of the testing
13.2 Adhesion Tester, in accordance with 7.1. machine at 12 in. (300 mm) and the rate of separation of the
13.3 Weights, in accordance with 7.2, except that a total load jaws at 20 in./min (8.5 mm/s).
of 3 lbf/in. (13.3 N/25 mm) instead of 4 lbf/in. (17.8 N/25 mm) 22. Report
can be achieved.
22.1 For each sample roll, report the breaking strength in
14. Test Specimen lbf/in. (N/m) width.
14.1 Prepare the test specimen as described in Section 8. 23. Precision and Bias
23.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many
15. Procedure years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
15.1 Expose the specimen to dry air in an oven at a which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
temperature of 212 6 2 °F (100 6 1 °C) for a period of 16 h. planned to develop such information.
Support the specimen in the oven by clips or other suitable 23.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value
devices, in such a way that the adhesion test portion hangs free for breaking strength is determined solely in terms of this test
and out of contact with oven parts or other tape specimens. method itself.
15.2 After aging, allow the specimens to condition at a
temperature of 73.4 6 2 °F (23 6 1 °C) and 50 6 2 % relative DIELECTRIC BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE
humidity for a period of not less than 4 h nor more than 8 h,
during which the adhesive surface shall be protected from 24. Significance and Use
contact with foreign material. 24.1 This value does not correspond to the dielectric break-
15.3 Test the specimen for adhesion following the proce- down voltage to be expected in service. It may be of value in
dure of Section 9, except that the load applied to unwind the comparing different materials and in controlling manufacturing
tape shall be 3 lbf/in. (13.3 N/25 mm) and not 4 lbf/in. (17.8 processes. This product usually is used only for mechanical
N/25 mm). protection. When coupled with experience, dielectric break-
down voltage may have limited value for design in the few
16. Report cases where electrical breakdown is of functional significance.
16.1 For each sample roll, report the aged adhesion as the 25. Apparatus
length unwound in one minute.
25.1 Dielectric Test Apparatus, in accordance with Test
17. Precision and Bias Method D 149.
25.2 Electrodes—Flat plates corresponding to Type 4 of
17.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many Test Method D 149.
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been 26. Test Specimen
planned to develop such information. 26.1 Make the test specimen from a single layer of tape 6.0
17.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value in. (150 mm) in length. In order to prevent flashover, increased
for aged adhesion is determined solely in terms of this test width may be obtained by attaching to each side of the test
method itself. specimen an additional piece of tape, making a 1⁄8 in. (3.0 mm)
lap seam carefully rolled down.
BREAKING STRENGTH
27. Procedure
18. Significance and Use 27.1 Determine the dielectric breakdown voltage in accor-
18.1 The breaking strength of the tape is an indicator of dance with Test Method D 149 using the short time test. Start
uniform quality and the ability to withstand mechanical load in the test with an applied voltage that is less than 100 V, and raise
service. it at a rate of 100 V/s until dielectric breakdown occurs.

3
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Mar 18 14:39:12 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Universadad Santiago de Chile pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D 69 – 06
28. Report DISCOLORATION OF COPPER
28.1 Report the dielectric breakdown voltage in volts for 36. Significance and Use
each sample roll.
36.1 The tendency of a friction tape to discolor copper is an
29. Precision and Bias indication of the level of sulfur or sulfur containing curatives
29.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many present in the adhesive compound.
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon 37. Apparatus
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been
planned to develop such information. 37.1 Copper Rod—Clean, bright, and smooth. Approxi-
29.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value mately 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) in diameter and 3 in. (75 mm) in length.
for dielectric breakdown voltage is determined solely in terms 37.2 Test Tube, capable of being sealed.
of this test method itself. 37.3 Oven, maintained at 212 6 9 °F (100 6 5 °C).
38. Procedure
DIMENSIONS—LENGTH, WIDTH, AND
THICKNESS 38.1 Wind five superimposed layers of tape on the copper
rod taking care to avoid touching the surface of the rod near the
30. Significance and Use tape layers.
30.1 Measurements of length, width, and thickness are 38.2 Place the sample in a closed test tube and heat at 212
necessary to ensure receiving the correct quantity of tape. The °F (100 °C) for 16 h.
thickness measurement is of particular value in controlling 38.3 Cool the sample and visually inspect for the presence
uniformity and meeting design criteria. of a blue-black discoloration on the surface of the rod at the
edge of the tape.
31. Apparatus
39. Report
31.1 Steel Rule—A steel rule capable of measuring to the
nearest 1⁄64 in. (0.04 mm). 39.1 For each sample roll, report the presence or absence of
31.2 Thickness Gauge—A dead weight dial micrometer discoloration.
graduated to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) and having a presser foot 40. Precision and Bias
0.25 6 0.01 in. (6.35 6 0.25 mm) in diameter, exerting a total
force of 10.0 6 0.1 ozf (2.78 6 0.03 N). 40.1 No statement is made about either the precision or the
bias of this test method since the result merely states the
32. Test Specimen presence or absence of discoloration.
32.1 The test specimen is a full roll of tape as received from PARALLELISM
the supplier.
41. Significance and Use
33. Procedure
41.1 Parallelism is an indicator of the potential of a roll of
33.1 Length Determination—Unwind the tape from the roll, friction tape to resist fraying at the edge when the roll is
placing it on a hard smooth surface, and measure the length to unwound. Parallelism is also an indicator of the overall quality
the nearest 1 in. (25 mm). and the degree of care which has been taken in slitting the tape.
33.2 Thickness—Place the tape against the anvil of the
gauge. Lower the presser foot onto the tape without excessive 42. Test Specimen
impact and observe the reading. Make five measurements at 42.1 Make the test specimen from a single layer of tape 16
random in a length of not less than 1 yd. (0.9 m). in. (400 mm) in length unwound from the sample roll.
33.3 Width—Place the tape on a hard smooth surface and
measure the width perpendicular to the edge with the steel 43. Procedure
scale, to the nearest 1⁄64 in. (0.40 mm). Make five measure- 43.1 Tear the test specimen approximately in half length-
ments at random in a length of not less than 1 yd (0.9 m). wise, assisting the tearing by first slitting one end for about 1⁄2
in. (12 mm) with a knife or a razor blade.
34. Report 43.2 Cleanly cut a 2 in. (50 mm) length from each end of
34.1 Report the length, average thickness, and average one of the torn halves.
width for each sample roll. 43.3 Fold the remaining 12 in. (300 mm) length in half to
bring the two ends together while mating along one edge.
35. Precision and Bias 43.4 Using a steel rule graduated to read 1⁄32 in. or 1.0 mm,
35.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many measure the difference in width between the two mated ends
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon and record that distance to the nearest 1⁄32 in. as the deviation
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been from parallel.
planned to develop such information.
35.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the values 44. Report
for length, width and thickness are determined solely in terms 44.1 For each sample roll, report the measured deviation
of this test method itself. from parallel.

4
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Mar 18 14:39:12 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Universadad Santiago de Chile pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D 69 – 06
45. Precision and Bias surface up. Place the second specimen, test surface down,
45.1 Precision—This test method has been in use for many evenly on the first specimen, allowing an overlap of 1⁄2 in. (13.0
years, but no information has been presented to ASTM upon mm) lengthwise.
which to base a statement of precision. No activity has been 49.3 Roll the roller over the specimens once at a slow
planned to develop such information. uniform rate so that the 8 in. (200 mm) length is passed over in
45.2 Bias—This test method has no bias because the value approximately 8 s, taking care that the only downward pressure
for parallelism is determined solely in terms of this test method on the specimens is due to the weight of the roller.
itself. 49.4 Pick up the two specimens from the end last in contact
with the roller, using one pair of tweezers for each specimen.
TACKINESS 49.5 Pull the ends of the specimens apart horizontally,
keeping the forearms in contact with a rigid support, such as
46. Significance and Use the edge of the table. The rate at which the specimens are
46.1 Tackiness of friction tape is a measure of the ability of separated shall be steady and not exceed 1 in./s (25 mm/s).
the tape to stick to itself after light contact has been made. It is Observe the point of separation of the two specimens, disre-
an indicator of the freshness of the impregnating compound garding the last 1 in. (25 mm).
and its performance as an adhesive.
50. Interpretation
47. Apparatus
50.1 For surface combinations front to front (1) and back to
47.1 Roller—A cylindrical glass or chrome-plated brass front (3), tackiness is evidenced by the point of separation
roller capable of applying a force of 0.4 oz (12 g) per inch (25.4 remaining in the same horizontal plane as the tweezers that pull
mm) width of tape. The roller shall have an outside diameter of the specimens apart.
not less than 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) nor more than 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) 50.2 For the surface combination back to back (2), tackiness
and a width to exceed that of the tape by at least 1⁄4 in. (6.4 is evidenced by the point of separation traveling along the tapes
mm). as the tweezers pull the specimens apart.
47.2 Tweezers, two pairs.
51. Report
48. Test Specimen
51.1 Report whether or not the tape was tacky for each
48.1 Make the test specimens for the tackiness test by
combination of surfaces tested.
cutting six 8 in. (200 mm) lengths of tape removed from each
sample roll, care being taken not to touch the surfaces to be
52. Precision and Bias
tested.
52.1 No statement is made about either the precision or the
49. Procedure bias of this test method since the result merely states whether
49.1 This test is performed three times, once for each there is conformance to the tackiness criteria.
possible combination of surfaces. The tests to be performed
are: (1) front to front, (2) back to back, and (3) back to front. 53. Keywords
The back surface of the tape is toward the outside of the roll. 53.1 adhesion; aged adhesion; breaking strength; dielectric
49.2 For a given combination of surfaces, place one speci- breakdown voltage; dimensions; discoloration of copper; fric-
men lightly on a clean, horizontal, smooth surface, with the test tion tape; parallelism; tackiness

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D09 has identified the location of selected changes to these test methods since the last issue,
D 69 – 01, that may impact the use of these test methods. (Approved October 1, 2006)

(1) Added new Section 19 and renumbered subsequent sec-

tions.

5
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Mar 18 14:39:12 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Universadad Santiago de Chile pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D 69 – 06

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).

6
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Mar 18 14:39:12 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Universadad Santiago de Chile pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.