A number of factors can significantly affect the reliability (i.e. repeatability and reproducibility) of data obtained from testing adhesives and adhesive joints. Factors, including specimen and machine alignment, processing variables, test environment, loading conditions, storage of materials and surface treatments need to be considered in addition to test parameters and specimen dimensions.

NPL offers expert services from which you can benefit, including preparation and testing of adhesives and bonded structures, accelerated ageing, technical advice, trouble-shooting, testing of adhesives and bonded structures, research and development in measurement methods for process control and polymer characterisation and consultancy. Our wide range of test facilities include thermal analysis, mechanical (static, fatigue and high rate), environmental and NDE for generating design data and for material selection, quality assurance purposes.