METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION TO STANDARD TEST METHODS AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO STANDARD PERFORMANCE TESTING OF PSA TAPES

摘要

By applying the seven-step method development process to standard test methods, improvements in testing can be achieved. During the first and second steps of the method development process the motivation and goals are clearly established. It is important to understand the purpose for the measurement and quality requirements of the resulting data before selecting a standard test method. After a standard test method has been selected, information found through a literature search, which is specific to the proposed standard test method can save time. By reviewing available information, an assessment can be made regarding the suitability of the standard test method without experimentation. The information can be used to design experiments for the optimization step, which explores and defines test parameters. After the critical test parameters are identified and operating ranges established, the new or improved test method is characterized. By completing the characterization step the test method capabilities are realized. The test method capabilities are critical to defining specification limits. In the final stage, actual samples are evaluated using the new or improved standard test method. By evaluating actual samples a determination is made to the suitability of the method and whether the method has met the intended purpose. After a standard method has been through the process once, applying the method development process becomes easier and more efficient when used again for similar products or materials. The resulting documentation from the first development can be leveraged for developing future method development protocols. However it is important to recognize that the motivation and goals for the method must be reconsidered with each new application. Although the same standard test method may be selected, the intended purpose or method requirements may be different. A questionnaire could be written specific to the industry or types of applications to facilitate completion of Steps 1 and 2. Analysis of historical data may be ongoing as part of Quality Control and be easily accessed as needed. Since the test parameters and data elements will be constant for the same test, the experiments designed for Steps 5 and 6 can be repeated to verify that the material behaves similarly. The number of repetitions may be less depending on the response of the new product. Some products will give consistent results over a wide range of variables while others will not. However, the targets and requirements will vary with each new product. It is therefore necessary to optimize and characterize the method with each new product or material. The data generated is a necessary input when setting performance specifications. The uniqueness of materials, products and their aligned applications determine the suitability of a standard test method. By applying the method development process to standard test methods, the data generated is expected to be more meaningful. The consequent improved data quality enables decisions to be made with increased confidence. Not only can problems be identified quickly when reliable data is available but also solutions are easier to develop. The method development process ensures the data applicability and reliability. The outcome is a more in-depth understanding of standard test methods and additional insight gained into the relationship between test methodology and product performance.