During application, end users typically remove the adhesive from the container using the trowel and spread it onto the desired substrate. Adhesives with good rheological characteristics, therefore, will allow trowel retention. Adhesives with poor rheological characteristics tend to be unacceptable because they cannot be picked up by a trowel.

Bead configuration is important in order to provide proper wetting/contact of the carpet backing. Beads drawn with a trowel, which show a nonslumping ridge, are preferred because they allow good contact to both substrates.

Measurement of the slump resistance of the adhesive will allow an end user to know if an adhesive is capable of both adhering well to the trowel during application and maintain a nonflowing adhesive ridge.

1.1 This test method describes a procedure to measure slump, or sag, resistance of a trowel-grade carpet adhesive using a button slump test apparatus.

1.2 This test method provides a visual evaluation to relate troweled bead profile and trowel pickup.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.