Peel test

A peel test is an essential mechanical evaluation used to determine the strength of an adhesive bond. This test involves applying a pulling force to a flexible material that is adhered to either another flexible component (such as film, rubber, or tape) or a rigid material (such as metal or plastic). The test measures critical factors like maximum peel strength, peel force, peak force, and average peel force.

Our peel testing systems are designed to meet a variety of testing needs, with configurations tailored by our experts to ensure the correct controllers, grips, and accessories are used. We offer a wide range of machines to suit specific applications, and our team is committed to finding the optimal solution that fits your precise requirements.

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What is a peel test?

A peel test measures the adhesive strength between two bonded materials by peeling them apart at a defined angle and speed. This test helps determine how well an adhesive performs under stress, which is critical in product design, quality control, and material selection. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and packaging rely on peel tests to ensure that adhesives meet safety and durability standards.

By examining the force needed to separate the bonded materials, peel testing provides a detailed understanding of adhesion properties like bond integrity, failure points, and uniformity of the adhesive layer. It helps manufacturers ensure that their adhesive products will perform reliably in real-world environments.

How to perform a peel test?

To conduct a peel test, a specimen is prepared by bonding two materials together using an adhesive. The sample is then mounted in a peel testing machine, which pulls one material away from the other at a specific speed and angle, usually 90° or 180°. The force required to separate the materials is continuously measured during the test.

Peel tests require precision equipment such as universal testing machines (UTMs) with appropriate grips and load cells. The testing process is controlled by software that adjusts parameters like pulling speed and angle to ensure accuracy. The results, which include data on peel strength and force, help manufacturers evaluate the adhesive’s suitability for various applications and environments.

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Why is peel testing important?

Peel testing is critical in ensuring the durability and safety of adhesive bonds across a wide range of industries, from packaging and electronics to aerospace and automotive. It helps verify that adhesives can maintain strong, lasting bonds when exposed to physical forces, temperature variations, or environmental factors. This testing minimizes the risk of adhesive failure, which can lead to product malfunction, safety hazards, or costly repairs.

Furthermore, peel testing supports compliance with industry standards and quality assurance protocols, ensuring that products meet performance criteria and regulatory guidelines. It also enables manufacturers to assess new adhesives or improve existing formulations, making it a vital part of product development and material selection.

Types of peel test

The most common peel tests are four.

T-Peel

Evaluates the adhesive strength between two flexible materials shaped like a “T” when pulled apart. This test is frequently used to compare the performance of different adhesives.

90° Peel Test

A common method for determining the peel strength of an adhesive by separating one material from another at a 90° angle. It’s ideal when one material is rigid, and the other is flexible.

180° Peel Test

Similar to the 90° peel test but performed at a 180° angle. It is commonly used in packaging, automotive, and other applications involving flexible and rigid materials.

Peel Resistance of Tape

Specifically evaluates the peel strength of pressure-sensitive tapes, widely used in various fields like electrical and medical applications, ensuring product durability and performance.

Popular standards in peel testing

Peel tests follow stringent standards to ensure consistency and accuracy across industries:

ASTM D903: Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds
ASTM D1781: Climbing Drum Peel for Adhesives
ASTM D1876: Peel Resistance of Adhesives (T-Peel Test)
ASTM D3167: Floating Roller Peel Resistance of Adhesives
ASTM D3330: Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape
ASTM D6862: 90° Peel Resistance of Adhesives
ISO 8510-1: Adhesives Peel test for a flexible-bonded-to-rigid test specimen 90° peel
ISO 8510-2: Adhesives Peel test for a flexible-bonded-to-rigid test specimen 180° peel
ISO 11339: Adhesives T-peel test for flexible-to-flexible bonded assemblies
ISO 24333: Rubber adhesion to a rigid substrate 90° peel

These standards guide the testing process, from specimen preparation to result reporting, ensuring that materials meet the required performance metrics