PeelTests

PeelTests is a software toolkit and set of experimental protocols for conducting peel tests to measure the adhesive strength between bonded materials. The project provides a standardized workflow for planning, executing, and analyzing peel tests across different geometries, speeds, and environmental conditions, enabling comparability of results between laboratories and equipment.

Core features include data acquisition interfaces for common electromechanical test systems, an analysis engine that processes force–displacement data, and reporting tools for metrics such as peel strength (force per unit width) and work of adhesion. It supports 180-degree and 90-degree peel configurations, adjustable peel rates, fixture calibration, and environmental monitoring. The toolkit emphasizes data traceability by recording metadata such as sample preparation, fixture geometry, and testing conditions, and can export results as plots and CSV files.

Methodology and standards: PeelTests provides guidance on specimen preparation, fixture design, alignment, and test procedure to reduce variability. While not a substitute for formal certification, it aims to align with widely used international standards for peel testing where applicable.

Applications: The system is used in packaging, automotive interiors, electronics, textiles, and medical devices to evaluate adhesive layers, surface treatments, and lamination performance. Researchers use it to study adhesion mechanisms and material compatibility, as well as to compare adhesive formulations.

Development and community: PeelTests is maintained by a distributed community of researchers and engineers with an emphasis on openness and interoperability. Documentation, example datasets, and plug-ins are hosted in public repositories to encourage reproducibility.