A new ASTM International standard will provide a qualitative means to determine the potential effect of plasticizers contained within polyvinylchloride floor covering materials on a specific adhesive.

ASTM D7888, Practice for Evaluating Adhesive and the Effects of Plasticizer Found Within Polyvinylchloride-Backed Floor Coverings, was developed by Subcommittee D14.10 on Working Properties, part of ASTM International Committee D14 on Adhesives. The new standard focuses specifically on issues related to plasticizer migration.

“‘Solid’ and ‘luxury’ vinyl flooring materials, which include PVC modular and broadloom carpet, have been the fastest growing segment of the flooring industry for years and continue to show strong growth,” says Larry Press, director of flooring, Helmitin Adhesives Inc., and a member of D14. “ASTM D7888 will assist in providing the assurance that vinyl and PVC containing flooring materials can be installed as a green product without the worries of failure specific to plasticizer migration.”

Press also notes that ASTM D7888 will also eventually be incorporated into a new floor covering adhesive standard that is currently in the planning stages. All interested parties are invited to participate in the standards developing activities of D14.

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ASTM Committee D14 Next Meeting: April 6-8, 2014, April Committee Week, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Technical Contact: Larry Press, Helmitin Adhesives Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., Phone: 904-765-2364; l.press@helmit inadehesives.com 
ASTM Staff Contact: Joseph Hugo, Phone: 610-832-9740; jhugo@astm.org 
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #9533