Peel Testing

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.