ASTM D6862 Resistance-to-Peel Strength of an Adhesive

The determination of the resistance-to-peel strength of an adhesive is conducted using the ASTM D6862 test method. The test is performed between one rigid adherend and one flexible adherend. The test of ASTM D6862 is also explicitly designed to measure the elasticity of the adhesives.

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ASTM D6862 Resistance-to-Peel Strength of an Adhesive

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

ASTM D6862 is the most common method for determining the 90-degree peel resistance of adhesives. This test method is used to determine the resistance-to-peel strength of an adhesive bond between a rigid and a flexible adherend, tested at approximately 90 degrees under specified preparation and testing conditions.

This test method plays a critical role in acceptance and quality control testing. The thickness of the adherends significantly affects the test values. As a result, the thickness of the adherends used to make the test specimens shall be specified in the material specification.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

ASTM D6862 test method is used to determine the resistance-to-peel strength of an adhesive. If the adhesive’s cohesive strength is low, even strong glues may perform poorly. In labs and businesses, the test method is used for acceptability and quality control testing. Furthermore, because the 90-degree peel test often yields the lowest peeling force, it is among the most popular.

Applications

To determine how an adhesive behaves under real peeling stress.
For product development during the formulation and optimization of a new adhesive system.
For quality control and assurance to ensure batch-to-batch consistency of adhesives.
Different industrial applications, such as automotive, electronics, and packaging.

Benefits

Quantitative measurement.
It helps engineers select the right adhesive for specific applications.
Long-term performance of bonded assemblies.
Product safety and customer satisfaction.

Testing Process

Sample Preparation

& Bonding Adhesive is applied to the selected substrate and bonded under specified conditions.

Specimen Cutting & Conditioning

Bonded samples are cut into uniform test strips and conditioned prior to testing.

Test Setup & Mounting

Specimen is mounted on UTM with ASTM D6862 fixture at the required peel configuration.

Peel Testing & Data Collection

Peel force is applied at a constant rate while force data is continuously recorded.

Parameter	Details
Specimen Types	Bonded adhesive strips or laminates prepared with flexible-to-rigid or flexible-to-flexible substrates
Grip Separation	As required to accommodate specimen length and ensure steady-state peeling
Test Speed	Constant crosshead speed as specified in the test method or agreed test plan
Force Accuracy	The load measurement system meets ASTM accuracy requirements
Strain Measurement	Not applicable; peel force measured as force per unit width
Test Output	Average peel force per unit width (N/mm or N/m) and peel force vs displacement curve

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Universal Testing Machine (UTM) – Applies controlled peel force at a constant rate
Load Cell – Measures peel force accurately
Peel Test Fixtures / Grips – Holds bonded specimens at specified peel angle
Crosshead Speed Controller – Maintains the required test speed
Data Acquisition System / Software – Records force–displacement data

Results and Deliverables

Determines the adhesive’s peel strength.
Peel strength is defined as the average force required to remove the adhesive from the substrate.
The test is performed at a 180° peel angle.
Results are expressed as force per unit width.

Frequently Asked Questions

The test ensures adhesives meet bonding performance requirements, helping in quality control, product reliability, and material selection for laminates, tapes, films, and other bonded systems.

A universal testing machine (UTM) with appropriate peel fixtures is used to apply a controlled peel force at a specified angle and rate.

Peel strength depends on adhesive type, substrate material, surface preparation, coating thickness, curing conditions, peel angle, and testing speed.