Double-Adhesive Tape Test Reduces Waste

Abstract

New method for testing peel strength of particular thermal-control tape used on Space Shuttle orbiter radiators requires only half amount of tape of method previously employed. Thermal-control tape consists of layers of FEP, silver, Inconel metal, adhesive, Kapton Film, and second adhesive layer. Method also avoids cost of labor and materials to prepare second test coupon and can be adapted for testing other types of double-faced adhesive tapes in military, industrial and consumer applications.