Abstract: A system and corresponding method for bulge testing films (e.g. thin films, coatings, layers, etc.) is provided, as well as membrane structures for use in bulge testing and improved methods of manufacturing same so that resulting membrane structures have substantially identical known geometric and responsive characteristics. Arrayed membrane structures, and corresponding methods, are provided in certain embodiments which enable bulge testing of a film(s) over a relatively large surface area via a plurality of different freestanding membrane portions. Improved measurements of film bulging or deflection are obtained by measuring deflection of a center point of a film, relative to non-deflected peripheral points on the film being tested. Furthermore, membrane structures are adhered to mounting structure in an improved manner, and opaque coatings may be applied over top of film(s) to be bulge tested so that a corresponding optical transducer can more easily detect film deflection/bulging.

Abstract: An adhesion tester includes a dolly to be adhered to a coating to be tested; the dolly including at least a portion of a spherical surface; a frame having a hollow portion in a region thereof, in which region the dolly fits; a hydraulic piston within the frame; and a quick connect coupler for connecting the hydraulic piston to the dolly; the coupler including a plurality of ball bearings aligned so as to engage with a lower half of the spherical surface of the dolly so as to connect the dolly with the coupler.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to characterize local, small-scale variations in tack build-up, e.g., by measuring tack over areas smaller than 20 mm.sup.2, preferably over areas smaller than 1 mm.sup.2. These devices and methods measure the tack properties, e.g., tack build-up, of a coating over a very small area, allowing characterization of such small-scale variations. The invention also provides methods for using such characterization to predict back trap mottle (BTM).

Abstract: A heat activation method for activating a thermosensitive adhesive label having a support and a thermosensitive adhesive layer which is formed on the support and is not adhesive at room temperature, so as to make the thermosensitive adhesive layer adhesive with the application of heat thereto, includes the step of bringing the thermosensitive adhesive layer into contact with a surface portion of a heating medium, at least the surface portion of the heating medium being made of a silicone resin and having a peel strength of 2 g/mm or less with respect to the thermosensitive adhesive layer. There is also disclosed a heat-activating apparatus for heat-activating the above-mentioned thermosensitive adhesive label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for testing the adhesive strength of a bond between an adhesive, a coating such as paint, or some other material, and an underlying substrate to which the test substance is bonded. The coating to be tested is applied atop the substrate in a smooth, continuous layer. An aperture is formed through the substrate and the test substance. A thin film patch is positioned atop an area of the test substance directly above the aperture. The film extends beyond the perimeter of the aperture and resides in contact with the test substance. The test substance is scored about the perimeter of the thin film patch. A thin plate which maintains its elastic property with only minor yielding during the test is bonded to the test substance by means of a layer of high-strength adhesive interposed between the plate and the test substance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a thin film from a substrate, the thin film having a surface with a selected width, includes an indenter for applying a force to the surface of the thin film that is substantially equal along the selected width. The forces are applied until separation of a portion of the thin film from the substrate occurs. In a preferred embodiment, the indenter is made from a block of material having a substantially flat surface engageable with the surface of the thin film. The substantially flat surface of the block of material has a width at least equal to the width of the surface of the thin film. Based on the two dimensional geometry of the mechanics, accurate analysis of work of adhesion is achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructively proof-testing the integrity of the bond between an integrally-molded disc brake pad assembly metallic backing plate element and its adhered molded friction material pad element advantageously tests the bond by tensile stressing rather than by conventional shear stressing.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating trailer length platform flooring from wooden blanks comprises selecting kiln dried lumber having a predetermined width and thickness and exhibiting preestablished strength and durability characteristics. The lumber is inspected for the presence of unacceptable defects and the defects are cut out to form defect-free blanks of varying lengths. The blanks are aligned successively in spaced end to end relationship with the trailing end of one blank facing the leading end of the next successive blank. The facing ends are then machined with interlockable vertically extending fingers, adhesive is applied to at least one of the ends, and the fingers are pressed together with a predetermined pressure to bond the ends of the blanks together. These steps are repeated resulting in a continuously growing composite plank comprised of end-to-end joined blanks.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for testing the adhesive strength of a bond between an adhesive, a coating such as paint, or some other material, and an underlying substrate to which the test substance is bonded. The test may be performed at room temperature or in an environmental chamber at extreme conditions. An aperture is formed through the substrate and a thin film is employed to cover the aperture. The film extends beyond the perimeter of the aperture in contact with a first surface of the substrate. A coating of adhesive, paint, adhesive tape, or any other substance to be tested is then applied atop the film and the surrounding surface of the substrate in a smooth, continuous layer. A membrane which maintains its elastic property with only minor yielding during the test is bonded to the test substance, either directly or by means of a layer of high-strength adhesive interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the adhesion quality of a coating on the interior surface of a hollow cylindrical substrate, and a method for its use, the apparatus comprising an element joined to the coating, the element having a joining face at one end, a neck at the other end for pulling in a direction perpendicular to the joining face, and a channel through the element aligned with the direction of pulling; a non-adhering plug present in the channel of the element effective to be maintained in contact with the coated surface while extending through and out of said element; a die cut adhesive disc gluing the face of the element to the coated surface as a result of pressure and heat, said disc having a die cut circumference and inner opening commensurate with the size of the plug extending therethrough; a piston and piston housing assembly in which the piston housing is slidable on the piston in response to pressure and has an extension circumferentially overlapping the neck of the element to place a substantially

Abstract: A method for detecting the integrity of a bond between strain gages and the circumferential surface of a rod having an intended use comprises bonding at least four strain gages to the surface of the rod in a predetermined orientation, each of the strain gages being connected to a separate strain gage bridge circuit. The rod is used for its intended use and each of the strain gage bridge circuit outputs a plurality of instantaneous first, second, third and fourth output signals, each being associated with one of the strain gages. A plurality of instantaneous bonding values are calculated from the output signals equal to the sum of the first signal and the fourth signal minus the sum of the second signal and the third signal. If the instantaneous bonding values remain constant, the bond integrity of the strain gages is good whereas if the bonding values are not constant, the bond integrity of at least one of the strain gages is poor.

Abstract: A method of predicting the adhesion of a metal surface for painting or bonding comprising pressing an elastomer pad against the surface with a known force for a certain minimum time, measuring the force required to pull the pad away from the surface, and comparing that force with an empirically derived standard.

Abstract: A U-shaped bracket has bearings holding a rotatable shaft. The shaft supps a pair of conical disks with their apexes facing each other along the shaft. Nuts are positioned along the shaft outside of the cones to position the cones. A cylindrical strength piece and a cylindrical test piece are inserted over the shaft with the test piece being outermost. The nuts tighten the disks against the test piece with the strength piece being of such a size to inhibit the disks from damaging the test piece. The bracket has an extension affixed to it that is attached to a testing machine. The cylindrical test piece is suitable for rotation and has a coating bonded to it. The testing machine peels the coating at a constant 90.degree. angle from the test piece and measures the peel strength upon the test piece being rotated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for testing the adhesive strength of a bond between a coating or other material, or an adhesive tape, and an underlying surface or substrate to which it is bonded. The test may be performed at room temperature or in an environmental chamber at extreme conditions. In one embodiment an aperture is formed through the substrate and adhesive tape or a coating of paint is applied to the surface surrounding the aperture. A membrane, which approximately maintains its elastic property with only minor yielding during the test, is bonded to the paint or tape, the bond of the membrane to the paint or tape being stronger than the adhesion of the paint, or tape, to the substrate. Pressure is increasingly applied through the aperture, deforming the membrane away from the substrate until the critical pressure is reached and the bond between the paint, or tape, and the substrate fails.

Abstract: A Constant-Depth Scratch Test (CDST) technique to quantitatively determine he shear strength of interfaces between thin metallic or non-metallic films and metal or ceramic substrates is revealed. The test overcomes two problems associated with other types of scratch tests, namely the instrumental complexity required for real-time detection of interfacial failure, and the inability to quantify interfacial strength. These problems are circumvented by maintaining a constant depth during scratching through the coating and the substrate, monitoring the horizontal and vertical forces to sustain the constant depth scratch, and finally by using a model to analyze the test results to quantify the interfacial shear strength. Unlike other scratch tests, this test is capable of measuring interfacial shear strength as a function of position on the film-substrate sample.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for evaluating the bonding strength of a laminated glazing is disclosed. A sample of pummeled laminate is rotated while a collimated beam of white light is directed onto the sample at a predetermined angle of incidence. The intensity of light reflected from the sample is measured. The measured intensity is correlated with a standard light intensity corresponding to a known adhesion value.

Abstract: Non destructive adhesion testing of coatings to substrates. A supersonic jet of water is impinged against the coating. The impingement intensity of the jet is set at a predetermined "failure intensity" determined by testing of a sample having a minimum acceptable level of adhesion. Parts passing through the supersonic jet unscratched pass the test. Parts whose coatings debond when impacted by the jet fail the test.

Abstract: A universal test system for determining material properties of a specimen includes a base; a force sensing element in a fixed relative position to said base; a sample holder in a fixed relative position to said force sensing element, the sample holder adapted to receive a sample; a vertically movable element for contacting the sample in the sample holder and exerting a force thereon; and a controller for controlling the vertical position of the vertically movable element; wherein the force sensing element transfers an indication of the force exerted on the sample by the vertically movable element to the controller and wherein the controller controls the position of the vertically movable element in accordance with the indication of force sensed by the force sensing element.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a test system for non-destructively testing the attachment strength of a plurality of electric wires each connected to a corresponding input/output (I/O) port in an integrated circuit (IC) dice. The test system comprises a test bench for placing said integrated circuit dice thereon. The test system further comprises a force asserting means including a testing pin for asserting a controlled amount of pressing force along a predefined direction to each of the electric wires near said corresponding I/O ports on said IC dice. The test system also includes a control means including a testing arm connecting to the testing pin for controlling and positioning the testing pin to apply the controlled amount of force to each of the electric wires. The control means further includes a force measurement means for measuring the amount of force applied to each of the electric wires.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the peel strength of a paper joint which is adhesively bonded. Such structures of this type, generally, allow the peel strength of the adhesively bonded joint to be accurately and repeatably measured in an inexpensive manner.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven, dynamic tensile testing device wherein a test sample attached to an underlying surface can be secured to the device and subjected to tensile forces in that the device is raised from the underlying surface, where the device rests against the underlying surface on three or more legs connected to interacting pistons (6). The interacting pistons are preferably hydraulic pistons that are pressurized by means of a hydraulic fluid which is distributed through interconnected ducts in such a way that the legs have a constant, even pressure. The device thus ensures that the tensile forces are evenly distributed on the cross-section of the test sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting defects in a structure formed of a honeycomb matrix bonded to a support surface including providing a probe body including means defining a fluid passage forming a supply port to an exterior surface of the probe body; connecting a pressurized fluid source to the fluid passage at a location distal from the supply port; placing the supply port in close proximity to a cell of the honeycomb matrix; supplying fluid from the compressed fluid source to the cell via the fluid passage; and monitoring a fluid pressure produced at a portion of the honeycomb matrix adjacent to the supply port to detect disbonds between the honeycomb matrix and support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting the bonding between a cell structure having a multiplicity of cells which are open at one end and bonded at an opposite end to a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus includes a heater and nozzle arrangement for directing a fluid, such as heated air, having a selected temperature, substantially different from ambient, into the open ends of the cell structure to cause a change in the temperature of the cell structure and radiance therefrom. A sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the cell structure along the extent thereof or a detector may be provided for detecting the radiance along the cell structure.

Abstract: The invention is a failure detecting system including fiber optic cables of different lengths disposed in the vicinity of a secured region between two or more adherends, and an electro-optical analysis circuit for analyzing signals detected by the fiber optic cables. The fiber optic cables extend transversely across the connected adherends, with each cable extending a different length so that the width of the structure is divided into discrete regions. In this way, the measurable strain can be integrated over the entire length of the fiber where the fiber remains bonded to the material. The cables are coupled to laser circuitry, detector circuitry and network analyzer circuitry, and signals from the cables are processed in the network analyzer circuitry using a Fast Fourier Transform to reduce complex frequency information to time domain representation of reflection pulses. Thereafter, they are compared with reference signals to indicate the presence and degree of disbond.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the strain developed in a coated surface. A beam with a coating on a surface thereof is mounted as a cantilever and a force is applied to the free end of the beam to cause deflection of the beam until the coating on the beam fails. The strain in the beam, and hence in the coating at the point of failure, is determined based on the dimensions of the beam, the point along the beam where failure of the coating occurs and the amount of deflection of the beam, and this determination is made independently of the temperature of the beam and the material from which the beam is made. The determination is made based on the equation E=1.5.sub.x /1.sup.3, where E is strain, h is the beam thickness, d is the beam deflection, x is the distance from the free end of the beam to the point where failure of the coating occurred, and l is the length of the beam.

Abstract: An adhesive is applied to overlapping portions of a two-part test sample located between opposing press heads of the bond testing device. The press heads then press together the overlapping portions for a specific period of time while heating the test sample to a preselected temperature. The device precisely maintains the temperature while bonding the sample at a preselected pressure. A load cell measures the shear force required to separate the bonded test piece.

Abstract: An adhesive testing device includes a movable carriage (2) carrying a substrate (4) to which adhesive is applied by an applicator wheel (32). The carriage is brought to rest opposite the anvil (46) carrying another substrate. The substrates are pressed together and the force required subsequently to separate them measured. In a preferred arrangement the anvil is carried by a beam (48) bearing a strain gauge (60). The carriage is preferably inverted during its movement to the applicator wheel: this allows it to have its operative surface uppermost initially for ease of application of the substrate. Various parameters (e.g. periods between operations, speed of the carriage, temperature of adhesive and/or anvil) may be varied to simulate conditions in a packing machine.

Abstract: An overlapped test specimen fixture operates as a template to precisely position pairs of standardized coupons in predetermined overlapped relation to demarcate standardized bonding sites for application of adhesive systems to be tested. The fixture includes a caul plate bounded by an integral, elevated shoulder having opposed sidewalls and endwalls. The exposed surface is configured as a bi-level, flat support surface having upper and lower surfaces that support the coupons in overlapping relation. The opposed sidewalls are operative to precisely position overlapped coupons lengthwise wherein such coupons demarcate a predetermined overlap length. The fixture also includes locator rails extending upwardly from support surfaces which are operative to precisely position the overlapped coupons transversely. The precisely positioned, overlapped coupons define standardized bonding sites for application of the adhesive system to form a test specimen.

Abstract: Current state-of-the-art requires welded seams between adjacent sheets of material, e.g. polyethylene to be tested for leaks using vacuum, ultrasonic or low pressure air techniques. In general, the devices used are somewhat complicated and consequently expensive. A relatively simple method of determining the strength and integrity of a welded seam between layers of plastic, which are interconnected by welding to form a sealed passage including the step of injecting air or another gas into the passage under sufficient pressure that any weakness in the seam results in a visible distortion or total separation of the plastic in the area of such weakness.

Abstract: A device for testing the strength of a glue bond of a paperboard container corner section, which section includes one wall panel adhesively secured in face-to-face relationship to a glue flap which is foldably joined to and extends at right angles from another wall panel, by determining the force required to separate the one wall panel from the glue flap.The device has a pair of platforms mounted for pivotal movement about a common axis, each carrying clamping elements for gripping one portion of a container corner section, and a load cell associated with one platform and operable to measure the force required to separate the one wall panel from the glue flap, based on the relative movement of the platforms.

Abstract: The device includes a base plate with a recessed seating for the shoulder of a tube with a threaded neck and a compressing mechanism engaging the open end of the tube body, the compressing mechanism being mounted axially with respect to the tube. The compressing mechanism is a reciprocable rod (20) which, on the end thereof facing the base plate (26), has a clamping head (30) for clamping the open end of the tube body. In a conical recess in the base plate (26), there is provided an internally threaded bore for screwing in the threaded neck of the tube (1).

Abstract: A microscratch-test method for measuring adhesion between a first material and a second material adhered to one another at an interface and forming an article. The method involves polishing a planar surface of the article generally normal to the interface and exposing the interface and the first and second materials. A static load of predetermined mass is applied to a starting point on the first or second material in a direction generally normal to the planar surface, using a load means of a third material harder than the first and second materials. The load means is moved across the planar surface from the starting point in a straight line generally toward and across the interface at an angle relative to the interface of between 90.degree. and about 20.degree.. These steps are repeated, varying the mass. The starting point for each repetition is spaced apart from other starting points but is approximately equidistant with other starting points from the interface.

Abstract: A tile shear testing apparatus and method is disclosed with a unit having a frame comprising a reaction head and an end plate secured together by a plurality of alignment rods. A movable head is positioned between the end plate and reaction head and is slidable along the alignment rods upon actuation of an expansion unit utilizing fluid pressure. The reaction head and movable head are positioned between two pieces of tile to impart force thereon to determine force necessary to shear the tile-floor bond as measured by a precise digital pressure readout. A swivel jaw engages the tile face and provides pivotable movement to reduce eccentric forces to reduce bending in the frame. Furthermore, the expansion unit's ram piston is positioned low, lying in or near the plane between the tile to reduce eccentric forces tending to bend the frame. The frame is configured to provide ample rigidity.

Abstract: A cover tape is adhered to a receiving tape which is provided with a plurality of cavities distributed for receiving components, to close the openings of the cavities. In order to measure the force required for stripping the cover tape from the receiving tape, the cover tape is bent to be at a prescribed stripping angle from a longitudinal end thereof to be stripped from the receiving tape, and the cover tape and the receiving tape are moved to be separated at the same speed from each other along loci of linear movement respectively while retaining the stripping angle. Tensile force acting on the cover tape is measured during such movement, thereby determining the force required for stripping the cover tape.

Abstract: A device for quantitatively measuring adherence of thin films provides a first substrate having an upper surface and a second substrate having a surface coplanar therewith. The second substrate is spaced on all sides from the first substrate by a cavity. The thin film is suspended over the cavity and adhered to the surfaces of the two substrates. A characteristic length of the area of the surface of the second substrate to which the film is adhered is made small relative to the characteristic length of the cavity. A pressure differential is applied across the thickness of the film such that the film debonds from the surface of the second substrate. Mechanical characteristics of the debonding of the film are observed and measured. The characteristics are thereafter related to provide a quantitative measurement of adherence of the thin film to the second substrate. A measurement of relative adherence between different films is obtained by testing a multilayered film structure.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for measuring the strength of an adhesive bond, a dispenser applies adhesive to a substrate for a prescribed period of time, a conveyor moves the substrate to a compressing station within a preselected open time, after which time a compressor compresses the substrate against another substrate to form an adhesive bond therebetween, the bond being formed under a substantially constant compression force and for a preselected compression time. During the latter portion of the compression time, the bonded substrates are moved together at a substantially constant rate of speed through a transition distance, one of the substrates contacting a stop plate at the end of the compression time to prevent further movement while the other of the substrates continues at the substantially costant rate of speed to break the bond.

Abstract: A method of measuring adhesive strength is disclosed, characterized by the steps of:keeping the surface of a substrate adhered with an adhesive sheet in a fixed relative position to the pickup roller an auxiliary roller projecting from a machine frame;securing the tip end of either the adhesive sheet or the lead-in tape leading said adhesive sheet to the pickup roller;setting a specific peeling angle for peeling the adhesive sheet from the surface of the substrate;pulling the adhesive sheet by rotating the pickup roller at a constant speed while maintaining the set angle;peeling off the adhesive sheet 2 from the substrate, and subsequently winding it onto the pickup roller;detecting the torque of the pickup roller using a torque detector; anddisplaying and/or recording the adhesive strength of the adhesive sheet to said substrate based on output signals from the torque detector.

Abstract: The method and apparatus employs a frequency sensitive electric motor and control system to measure the adhesive bond between a carrier tape and a cover tape adapted to carry miniature components. The adhesive bond strength is dynamically tested and recorded by separating the cover tape from the carrier tape as an energizing signal of predetermined frequency is applied to a frequency sensitive motor for a predetermined period of time while the force required to cause adhesive bond failure is measured and recorded.

Abstract: A glue bond testing apparatus for testing the glue bond at the end flaps of paperboard cartons, such as commonly used for packaging canned or bottled beverage products, is provided with a carton support which is adapted to receive an erected filled and glued carton and hold the same against movement. A gripper plate or clamp is secured to the carton end flap, the glue bond of which is to be tested. An electronic strain gauge is mounted on the apparatus with a force input rod connected to the clamp through a removable rigid connection. The electronic force gauge is slidably mounted on a pair of parallel rods for back and forth movement in a direction toward and away from the gripper plate. The carton support is arranged to support the carton to be tested at an angle to the direction of movement of the electronic force gauge so as to simulate the hand opening test of the flap.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the adhesion measurement of an adhesive sheet comprising a standard surface to be sticked with a main portion of the adhesive sheet, a take-up roller for pulling and taking up the free end portion of the sheet while peeling the sticked sheet portion from the standard surface by the rotation thereof, a source of driving force for rotating the take-up roller, and a torque meter interposed between the source of driving force and the take-up roller for generating torque signals corresponding to the adhesion of the adhesive sheet. The apparatus further includes: a base table extending in parallel with the standard surface; and track rolling members operatively connected to the take-up roller and mounted to a machine frame supporting the take-up roller, the torque meter and the source of driving force, and the rolling members being adapted to roll on the standard surface at the same speed with the peripheral speeed of the take-up roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the adhesion force of a thin film deposited on a substrate of a specimen. The apparatus comprises an inclining mechanism for mounting a sample dish with a specimen inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the sample dish, an indentor disposed above the specimen for deforming the specimen by indentation, a driver for driving the indentor perpendicular to the sample dish, a load transducer for measuring a load applied to the specimen by the indentor, a sensor for sensing propagation of a crack produced in the specimen by the load, a displacement gage interlocked with the driver for measuring a penetration depth of the indentor, and a measuring mechanism for measuring the adhesion force of the thin film to the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring cell adhesion with each other or with surfaces wherein a fluid containing a suspension of the cells is accelerated from a first velocity lower than a second velocity whilst flowing through a measuring chamber a surface of which constitutes a substratum to which adhesion of the cells is to be measured, and the distance along the substratum to which the cells adhere for a known initial flow rate is measured.

Abstract: A device for testing the adherence of a coating to a material includes a cone section and roller for bending the material around the cone section. The bent piece has a sharp bend at one end and a gradual bend at the other end. The proximity to the sharp bend at which flaking of the coating from the substrate occurs is a measure of the adherence of the coating to the material.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for applying a glue bead to a first sheet of material and then adhering a second sheet of material thereto. The testing apparatus includes a glue tank and a glue head attached thereto both of which are adapted to measure and control the temperature of the glue therein. The glue head applies the glue to the first sheet of material at a preselected rate. The first sheet of material then passes to a compression cylinder which urges the second sheet of material into contact with the first sheet of material. The pressure and duration of the contact between the first and second sheets of material can be varied.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the adhesion between the polyethylene coating and paperboard stock of polyethylene coated paperboard stock, such stock typically used in forming milk and fruit juice cartons. A normally open ended pressure chamber is closed by clamping a piece of polyethylene coated paperboard over its open end. The coating facing the pressure chamber is cut completely through to form an opening. Air of a predetermined value is introduced into the pressure chamber. The opposite coating will form a bubble, indicating delamination, if the integrity of the adhesion between the polyethylene coating and the paperboard is poor. The air pressure at which delamination occurs is then used to quantify adhesion.

Abstract: A tack measuring device and method wherein two specimens are brought into abutting contact under a predetermined load, after which the contact is maintained momentarily. The specimens are then separated within a second time interval. A load cell measures the force as a function of time and the tack is measured in terms of velocity times the force integrated over the second time interval.

Abstract: A test site for gauging the adhesion between the insulating layers and the metal layers used to produce the various devices on a semiconductor chip. The chip-sized test site can be formed along with the product chips on the product wafers. The layers of the test site are arranged such that a first polyimide layer forms a first test interface with a silicon nitride layer and a second test interface with a first metal layer, and a second polyimide layer forms a third test interface with a second metal layer, a fourth test interface with the first polyimide layer, and a fifth test interface with the silicon nitride layer. These five interfaces form a single continuous adhesion test interface. During a 90.degree. peel test, the layers of the test site will sequentially separate along this interface. Thus, the adhesion at five different interfaces can be tested during a single peel test on a chip-sized test site.

Abstract: A method of coating testing comprises applying a consistantly perpendicular minimum tension force to a dolly for testing to see if the adhesive bond strength between a coating and a substrate meets a minimum specification for such bond. The tester comprises a ram passing through an axially centered opening in a dolly bonded to the coating. A piston and cylinder are associated with the ram and the dolly so that pressure within the piston chamber formed thereby causes the development of a tension force within the dolly which is perpendicular to the coating being tested because of the coaxially centered orientation of the dolly with respect to the ram. The pressure is increased only to a point wherein the tension force is equal to a minimum specification for bonding adhesion. If the coating has not separated from the substrate, the bond therebetween meets the specification. The testing apparatus may then be removed by causing the bonding agent attaching the dolly to the coating to fail as by heating.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a consistently perpendicular tension force to a dolly is provided for testing of the adhesive bond strength between a coating and a substrate. The tester comprises a ram passing through an axially centered opening in a dolly bonded to the coating. Piston and cylinder means are associated with the ram and the dolly so that pressure within the piston chamber formed thereby causes the development of a tension force within the dolly which is perpendicular to the coating being tested because of its coaxially centered orientation with respect to the ram.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the bond strength of materials comprising a housing having a cavity, an extrudable fluid seal received in the cavity, and a passage for placing the fluid seal in communication with a source of pressurized fluid. A material is attached to a fastener associated with the housing, coaxial with the housing's longitudinal axis. The fastener, the material being tested, and the extrusion boundary of the fluid seal are independent of the pressurized fluid applied to the fluid seal.