Overview
EN ISO 22635:2019 specifies a laboratory test method for adhesives used with plastic or rubber floor coverings and wall coverings (excluding wallpaper). The standard measures dimensional changes of a bonded covering/substrate assembly after defined accelerated ageing cycles to assess long‑term dimensional stability and the suitability of adhesive–covering combinations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & principle: Monitors dimensional change of a covering bonded to a substrate during predefined conditioning sequences to give a quantitative measure of suitability.
- Specimens: Test covering pieces typically (250 × 250) mm or (300 × 300) mm bonded to a fibre cement panel (approx. 8 mm thickness).
- Apparatus:
- Notched trowel (notch shape per adhesive manufacturer specification).
- Roller: ~60 mm width, 90 mm diameter, total mass ~3.50 kg for consolidation.
- Heating chamber: ventilated, adjustable between about 20 °C and 200 °C (per ISO 9142 guidance).
- Measuring device: elongation meter or comparable instrument capable of 0.01 mm resolution over 200–250 mm.
- Preparation & conditioning:
- Conditioning of fibre cement substrate (example: 6 h at 80 ± 2 °C).
- Fixing datum points/gauge studs to measure changes parallel and perpendicular to grain; edge‑to‑edge measurement options.
- Application of adhesive (including primers if required) and bonding under defined procedures.
- Procedure: Preconditioning → accelerated ageing conditioning cycles → subsequent cycles; measure and report dimensional change.
- Results & reporting: Specifies evaluation, expression of results and test report content. Safety and environmental disposal notes are included.
Applications and practical value
- Product development & R&D: Compare adhesive formulations and select adhesives that minimize dimensional drift for vinyl, LVT, rubber or other resilient coverings.
- Quality control: Routine testing to confirm production batches meet dimensional stability expectations after simulated ageing.
- Specification & procurement: Provide objective data for architects, specifiers and contractors when choosing adhesive/covering systems for floors and walls.
- Conformity assessment & certification: Laboratory testing used by test houses and certification bodies to demonstrate compliance with client or regulatory requirements.
- Installers & manufacturers: Helps prevent installation failures due to shrinkage, expansion or bond failure by understanding adhesive performance over time.
Related standards
- ISO 9142 - guide to laboratory ageing conditions
- ISO 554 - standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing
- ISO 472 - plastics vocabulary
- ISO 15605 - adhesives sampling
- EN 1067 - sample preparation for adhesives
Keywords: EN ISO 22635:2019, adhesives test method, dimensional changes, accelerated ageing, plastic floor coverings, rubber floor coverings, fibre cement substrate, elongation meter, notched trowel, heating chamber.