Deccobond 710 Plasticizer Migration Evaluation

An Internal Evaluation Based on ASTM D7888-18

Plasticizer migration is an important consideration when evaluating adhesives used with PVC-backed flooring. Certain PVC flooring products may contain plasticizers that can migrate into an adhesive over time and potentially affect its appearance, consistency, or bond performance.

To evaluate the compatibility of Deccobond 710 Flooring Adhesive with PVC-backed flooring, Tenco Westech Inc. conducted an internal accelerated heat-exposure evaluation based on the principles of ASTM D7888-18.

What We Tested

The evaluation compared two otherwise comparable test assemblies:

• Control sample: Maintained at normal room temperature for seven days.
• Accelerated sample: Exposed to a constant oven temperature of 77.8°C (172°F) for seven days.

The test began on September 1, 2026, and was completed on September 9, 2026.

Before beginning the accelerated exposure, the adhesive/flooring assembly was allowed to cure for approximately 24 hours at room temperature.

The accelerated sample was then placed in the oven at approximately 10:35 AM on September 2.

Why Use an Elevated Temperature?

Elevated-temperature exposure can be used as an accelerated screening approach when evaluating adhesive/flooring compatibility.

For this evaluation, we deliberately used 77.8°C to accelerate the exposure conditions and observe whether any visible changes associated with plasticizer migration or adhesive degradation would occur over the test period.

It is important to note that this temperature is different from the 60 ± 2°C oven condition specified in ASTM D7888-18. Therefore, this evaluation should not be interpreted as a direct ASTM D7888-18 compliance test or certification.

We are presenting the test as an internal evaluation based on ASTM D7888-18 principles.

Daily Observations

September 1 — Test Initiation

The test assembly was prepared at approximately 10:25 AM.

The Deccobond 710 assembly was allowed to cure at normal room temperature for approximately 24 hours before accelerated heat exposure began.

A corresponding control sample was retained at room temperature.

September 2 — Accelerated Exposure Begins

After approximately 24 hours of room-temperature curing, the accelerated specimen was placed in the oven at approximately 10:35 AM.

The oven temperature was maintained at approximately 77.8°C.

September 3 — First Oven Inspection

After approximately one day of elevated-temperature exposure, the adhesive showed a slight darkening in colour, appearing somewhat darker brown than the room-temperature control.

A slight increase in tackiness was also observed while the specimen was exposed to the elevated temperature.

Importantly:

• Bond adhesion remained consistent.
• No visible evidence of leaching was observed.
• No visible evidence of plasticizer migration or exudation was observed.
• No apparent loss of adhesive bond strength was observed.

September 8 — Continued Exposure

Following the three-day weekend, the accelerated specimen was inspected again.

The adhesive remained approximately the same colour as observed on September 3, with no additional significant darkening.

Bond adhesion remained consistent, and there was still no visible evidence of leaching or plasticizer migration.

September 9 — Final Inspection

The accelerated exposure period was concluded on September 9.

The specimen was first allowed to cool to normal room temperature before the flooring was peeled back for a final inspection of the adhesive and bond interface.

The final inspection found:

• No visible evidence of plasticizer migration.
• No visible evidence of leaching or exudation.
• Bond strength remained intact.
• Adhesive bond performance remained substantial according to Tenco Westech Inc.'s internal standards.

The room-temperature control also showed no notable changes during the seven-day evaluation.

What Did We Find?

Under the specific conditions of this internal evaluation, Deccobond 710 maintained its bond performance following seven days of accelerated exposure at approximately 77.8°C.

Although a slight darkening of the adhesive and increased tackiness were observed during elevated-temperature exposure, these changes did not correspond with an observable loss of bond integrity or visible evidence of plasticizer migration.

After cooling to room temperature and completing the final peel inspection, the bond remained intact and substantial according to our internal standards.

Our Takeaway

The results of this evaluation were encouraging.

The test did not produce visible evidence of plasticizer migration or leaching into the Deccobond 710 adhesive, and the adhesive maintained an acceptable bond after the accelerated exposure period.

However, this was an internal evaluation conducted by Tenco Westech Inc., not an independent laboratory certification.

The results apply specifically to the materials, preparation, exposure conditions, and evaluation procedures used in this test. Different PVC-backed flooring products may contain different plasticizers, formulations, concentrations, backing materials, or construction methods, and actual field performance may therefore vary.

For that reason, we recommend evaluating adhesive compatibility with the specific flooring system being installed whenever compatibility is uncertain.

Important Test Disclaimer

This evaluation was conducted internally by Tenco Westech Inc. using Deccobond 710 Flooring Adhesive and was based on the general principles of ASTM D7888-18. It was not an independent third-party ASTM certification or compliance test.

The accelerated test was conducted at 77.8°C, which differs from the temperature specified in ASTM D7888-18. The seven-day exposure should not be interpreted as representing a specific period of normal field use.

Results may vary depending on the specific flooring material, adhesive application, installation conditions, and environmental factors. This evaluation is provided for informational and technical purposes only.

View Deccobond 710 · Flooring adhesives

The full report can be viewed and downloaded here:

Decco 710 Plasticizer Migration Evaluation (PDF)