ASTM D1876 is a test method used to measure the peel separation strength between two flexible materials that have been bonded together. This type of peel is commonly called the “T-Peel” because the sample looks like the letter “T” when loaded into the peel tester. Our engineers are familiar with the ASTM D1876 test procedure and can guide you through the process and help you choose the best equipment. We also recommend that you purchase the ASTM D1876 standard and follow it closely to achieve the best results.
Preparing the Specimens
In order to test in strict accordance with ASTM D1876, prepare 10 specimens per adhesive. Use a sample cutter to cut a strip of each of the two adherends, each strip being 1 inch wide by 12 inches long. The adherends should be stuck together over 9 inches of length, leaving 3 inches unglued for gripping. You should condition all the specimens according to the standard for 7 days at 23 degrees C and 50% relative humidity (typical laboratory conditions), except where the adhesive manufacturers instructions say otherwise.
ASTM D1876 Test Procedure
- Set the peel tester so that it has at least 9 inches of travel.
- Clamp your specimen in the “T” peel formation into the grips.
- Run the test at 10 inches/min for 9 inches of travel.
- Record the raw force and displacement data that is plotted on the peel plot. For ASTM D1876, you will want to find the min, max and average peel force. You will also want the average peel strength (force divided by peel width).
ASTM D1876 Advice From Our Engineers
For ASTM D1876, be careful to align the two adherends straight in the grips so that the peel interface is perpendicular to the length of the specimens. Beware of specimens slipping as the adherends neck down due to Poisson’s effect. If you are using an actuator with 12 inches of stroke, make sure you set it up so the peel test begins with the actuator almost fully extended or else you will run out of actuator stroke before completing the peel. Lastly, our engineers recommend that you make sure to prepare the specimens in strict accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions – surface preparation, deployment of adhesive, temperature, humidity, etc.
Recommended Test Equipment
A 100P250-12 Peel Tester is recommended for ASTM D1876. The 100P250-12 consists of a vertical load frame, an electromechanical actuator, load cell, a tocuhpad test controller, XY test software and peel grips. For ASTM D1876, we would configure a small capacity load cell (10 or 25 pound) for this low force peel test. Our load cells measure loads accurately (+/- 0.5% of reading) from full scale rating to 1% of FS. A 10 lb load cell can be calibrated to measure 0.1 lb (0.5N) to an accuracy of 0.0005 lb. An alternative to this machine would be the 220Q Peel Tester, for the customers who prefer screw-in column machines rather than actuator based machines.
The peel plot will be an important aspect of data retrieval and therefore we highly recommend our XyPlot software. If you would rather see the data in real-time and study the peel interface at the same time, we would provide you with our XyLive Software. This software is perfect for an education
environment because the students can see what is happening in the peel test where the test transpires.
Peel Grips and Accessories
We recommend pneumatic grips for ASTM D1876 because flexible adherend material usually necks down when it is stretched, and therefore manual grips can be at risk of slipping. G94 Pneumatic Grips provide a consistent gripping force, even when the flexible adherends neck down during stretching as a result of Poisson’s effect. G229 Pneumatic Vice Grips are another option for people testing their products at higher force capacities, whereas the G94 are only rated to 22.5 lbs and the G229 are rated to 112.5 lbs.
If you feel you do not need pneumatic grips, G227 Manual Vice Grips also work well for ASTM D1876. Both of the G227 & G94 grip choices are light, which is helpful when using a small force capacity load cell.
Give one of our engineers a call today and they can help guide you through the ASTM D1876 t-peel test process with the best machine and grips configuration for your requirements.
Recommended Test Machine
Forces up to 10 kN (2,250 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Modular series of five frame options with adjustable test space
Affordable testing option for tension, compression, bend, peel and much more
Forces up to 5 kN (1,125 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Tests at speeds up to 2,500 mm/min (100 in/min)
Best for high travel or high elongation test requirements
Force range of 5 kN to 600 kN (1,125 lbf to 135,000 lbf)
Adjustable test space
The most popular choice for static tension and compression tests
These dual column testers are available in both tabletop and floor standing models
Recommended Testing Accessories
Rated to 100 N (22 lbf)
Maximum specimen thickness of 18 mm (0.71 in)
Pneumatic design allows for quick specimen setup
Consistent clamping force between tests
