The constrained blister test for the energy of interfacial adhesion

The constrained blister test (CBT) was designed to measure the energy of interfacial adhesion ( y) of polymeric films and coatings. Theoretical analysis of the CBT established a relationship between blister growth and interfacial parameters of the form A(t) A(t0)=exp[βp2h ph-γ (t- t0)] where A(t) is the blister area at time t, p is the applied pressure, h is the spacer height, y is the energy of interfacial adhesion, and β is a dissipative coefficient which is also related to geometric factors. The validity of the theoretical model was tested using a rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape. The PSA tape was investigated as a function of the applied pressure and the spacer height. A value of 44 J/m2 was determined for the energy of interfacial adhesion. The dissipative coefficient, β, was found to vary with the applied pressure and the spacer height.