Separation Force
Measurement of the average load per unit width defines the effort needed to detach a flexible material from a surface. High peel strength is a requirement for food packaging where the seal must remain intact during shipping and storage. This value is usually measured in newtons per millimetre of width.
It provides a direct measure of how well an adhesive or heat seal holds two layers together.
Bond Integrity
Testing equipment pulls the materials apart at a controlled speed and records the force throughout the entire separation. The resulting data shows the peak force at the start and the average force during the steady peeling phase. If the value is too low, the package might open prematurely and compromise the product.
Conversely, a value that is too high makes the package difficult for a consumer to open without tearing the board. Operators monitor these levels during every production shift to maintain a consistent pull force across all manufactured units.
Testing Variable
Angle of the pull significantly changes the resulting force. A ninety degree peel requires less force than a T-peel because the geometry focuses the stress on a smaller area. Temperature also plays a role as many adhesives become brittle in the cold and soft in the heat.
To get a reliable reading, the test must be performed under standardized conditions that match the intended use of the material.
