A Modular Peel Fixture for Tape Peel Tests on Immovable Substrates

Background Peel tests are frequently used to perform measurements of adhesive strength for pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes. Current lab methodologies for 90 degrees peel tests translate the model substrate orthogonally to the peel direction in order to maintain the peel angle, precluding testing from immovable substrates. Objective It was our objective to develop a peel fixture capable of testing temporary pavement marking (TPM) tapes and other PSA tapes from immovable substrates such as roadways surfaces. Methods We present a modular peel fixture for conducting peel experiments directly on immovable substrates. The fixture was validated through a series of peel tests on consumer tapes to reproduce the linear width dependence and viscoelastic rate dependence found in traditional peeling setups. To test the capabilities of the fixture, a series of peel tests were conducted with various tapes on controlled surfaces, and a commercial tape on various immovable substrates. Results We demonstrate the ability of our fixture to reproduce results reported for traditional peel tests from literature. In addition, we were able to conduct peel tests directly on immovable substrates such as the benchtop. Conclusions This fixture shows potential for both traditional peeling tests, and for use in in-situ peel experiments from substrates relevant to the end application of the PSA tape.

Automated summary

A modular peel fixture was developed to conduct peel experiments directly on immovable substrates. The fixture was validated through peel tests on consumer tapes, reproducing the linear width dependence and viscoelastic rate dependence found in traditional setups. This fixture shows potential for both traditional peeling tests and in-situ peel experiments on substrates relevant to the end application of the PSA tape.