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1.1 This practice describes surface preparations for plastic adherends, to be used prior to adhesive bonding of test specimens. It should be noted, however, that this practice specifies only the pretreating conditions of the plastic and does not cover the preparation of test specimens, testing conditions, or evaluation of tests. These are covered in the various ASTM test methods or specifications for specific materials.

1.2 Physical Treatments  (for example, sanding and solvent wiping) are used in order to remove the glossy finish and all traces of dirt, grease, mold release, or other contaminants from the bonding surfaces.

1.3 Chemical Treatments (for example, sulfuric acid—dichromate solution and sodium naphthalene complex) are used in some cases to alter chemically the surface layers of the polymer itself to improve its adhesion characteristics.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in 6.1.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

4.1 This practice is useful for reducing some of the surface variability of plastics (due to differences in manufacturing methods) that might otherwise cause excessive variation in the results of ASTM test methods designed to measure adhesion. The treatments specified are convenient for laboratory work.

4.2 This practice is not necessarily designed to provide optimum adhesion to the surfaces and the treatments specified may not always be practical for industrial use.

4.3 This practice does not address all of the surface preparation methods available; nor does this practice cite all of the types or classes of plastics currently available.

4.4 This practice is used as a starting point for evaluating surface preparation techniques for plastic adherends prior to adhesive bonding.