ADHESION / BOND TESTING-PEEL TEST

The peel adhesion test is used to determine the force required to de-bond two components
joined by an adhesive. The test result, also known as bond strength, is generally represented
as N (force to de-bond) / 25mm or 50mm (depending on specimen width).

The peel adhesion test can be used for:

1. Quality control – where the glued component needs to meet a minimum bond strength
value.
2. Adhesive curing – determine the optimum temperature and pressure required to give
the maximum bond strength.
3. Adhesive behaviour – determine the effect of temperature, humidity and
environmental conditions can have on the bond strength.

There are two primary reasons for performing a peeling test:

1. Assessing the uniformity of the adhesion of a given type of pressure sensitive adhesive
interface, which indicates a bad adhesion between the adhesives and the adherens.

2. Distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable criteria, by determining the

adhesive strength range which is acceptable for consumer or for the purpose of the
adhesive.

Example of properties measured: static adhesion, bond durability, compare the interlaminar
strength, surface and adhesives screening, manufacturing control of composite bonded parts

Example of products tested: Peel adhesion testing is applicable to almost all components
which are bonded together using adhesives. Tape, labels, coating, bonded materials, sealed
materials

Applications: Adhesives are widely used in various industries including textiles, fabrics,
labels, laminates and composites.

90o peel test

In 90 degree peel test, a constant 900 angle is maintained whilst the two glued components
are peeled apart. The average load required to separate the two, over the length of the
specimen is recorded and expressed as N/25mm. Other methods of expressing test results
include average peak/trough loads and customer defined calculations.

Sample requirement – generally a set of 5 specimens of size 20 mm width and 200 mm

length are required. These can be directly cut from the product or prepared under laboratory
condition. One of the two glued components should be flexible enough to be bent 900 without
breaking.

Test setup – The test specimen is clamped on a free moving table. From one end of the
specimen, either mechanically or chemically de-bond or separate the two components, 40mm
in length. The separated top component is clamped in the moving vice, attached to a moving
crosshead.

The two components are peeled apart by movement of the crosshead. The test speeds are
generally 300mm/min or as defined by a standard. The free moving table is attached to
crosshead using a pulley and rope mechanism, such that the traverse movement of the table is
at the same rate as the crosshead movement, thus maintaining a constant 900 angle between
the two components.

90o peel test

180o peel test

In 180-degree peel test, a constant 1800 angle is maintained whilst the two glued components
are peeled apart. The average load required to separate the two, over the length of the
specimen is recorded and expressed as N/25mm. Other methods of expressing test results
include average peak/trough loads and customer-defined calculations.

Sample requirement – generally a set of 5 specimens of size 20 mm width and 250 mm

length are required. These can be directly cut from the product or prepared under laboratory
condition. One of the two glued components should be flexible enough to be bent
180 degrees without breaking.
Test setup – The test specimen is clamped on a fixed grip. From one end of the specimen,
either mechanically or chemically de-bond or separate the two components, 140mm in length.
The separated top component is clamped in the moving vice, attached to a moving
crosshead.

The two components are peeled apart by movement of the crosshead. The test speeds are
generally 300 mm/min or as defined by the standard. The following figure shows the test
schematic.

180o peel test

A peel test is a basic form of mechanical testing that measures the properties of an adhesive
bond. Peel tests involve applying a tensile force to a flexible substrate that is bound by an
adhesive to either another flexible substrate (such as tape, thin film, or rubber) or a rigid
substrate (such as metal, rigid plastic, or composite). Common results from a peel test are
initial peak force, average force over the seal, and peel strength (average force per width of
the specimen).
Peel testing is critical for evaluating the seal strength of various adhesive bonds. Some bonds,
such as those that seal consumer packaging, are intended to be break at low forces, while
others, such as those used in automotive applications, must withstand extreme conditions.
When manufacturing adhesives and substrates, it is critical to have a thorough understanding
of how your bonds will function in their end-use applications. Environmental conditions and
specimen conditioning also play a significant factor, as temperature conditions over time can
affect the strength of an adhesive bonds.

90° Angle Peel Fixture

The 90° peel test fixture consists of a bearing-mounted sled that is linked to the testing
machine’s crosshead by a cable and pulley system. This fixture has a T-slotted sled that
allows the substrate clamps, which secure the substrate to the sled, to adjust to a variety of
substrate widths.

Overview

Catalog No. 2820-035

Associated Standards ASTM B571, ASTM D2861

Peel Angle 90°

Maximum Load 1 kN
 Maximum Substrate Width 127 mm

Maximum Substrate Length 250 mm

Variable Angle Peel Fixture

The variable angle peel test fixture consists of a bearing-mounted sled that is linked to the
testing machine’s crosshead by a cable and pulley system. This fixture has a T-slot sled onto
which you secure the substrate material. The T-slots allow the substrate clamps, which secure
the substrate to the sled, to adjust to a variety of substrate widths.
Overview

Catalog No. 2820-036

Associated ASTM B571, ASTM D429 (Method B), ASTM

Standards D2861, ASTM D3330 (Method F), ASTM D6252,
ASTM D6862

Peel Angles 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 130°, 150°

Maximum Load 1 kN

Maximum 130 mm
Substrate Width

Maximum 250 mm
Substrate Length

T-Peel Test

The T-peel test is performed on two flexible substrates that have been bonded together, such
as the packaging of a medical or consumer device. The ends of the substrates are pulled apart
using tensile grips. This setup forms a “T” shape.

90° Peel Test

The 90° peel test is used to compare the bond strength of various adhesives between a
flexible and rigid substrate. While a grip pulls the flexible substrate in the tensile direction,
the rigid substrate is secured to a sled that moves laterally to maintain a constant 90° angle.

180° Peel Test

The 180° peel test attaches a specimen to a rigid substrate (plate), which is oriented vertically
and held in place by the lower tensile grips. The end of the specimen is attached to the upper
tensile grips. This setup allows tensile forces to be applied at a 180° angle.