English -- Standard Method of Test for Measuring Interfacial Fracture Energy of Hot-Poured Asphalt Crack Sealant Using a Blister Test

Abstract

Scope: The blister test is used to determine the interfacial fracture energy (IFE) of hot-poured asphalt crack sealant at the application temperature as specified in MP 25 and PP 85. The blister test is a fracture test. The objective of the test is to apply tensile forces using hydrostatic pressure to delaminate sealant from a substrate. A thin film of sealant is poured on the top of a substrate (usually aluminum) disk that has a hole at the center. Hydrostatic pressure is applied through this hole at a constant flow rate causing delamination between the sealant film and substrate. Sealant deformation and applied hydrostatic pressure are recorded as a function of time. The amount of energy required to achieve complete delamination is called interfacial fracture energy and can be calculated from the pressure-deformation curve. This energy is considered a measure of bonding potential. 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 and follow appropriate health and safety practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.