Application of the bulk properties of a silicone PSA to peeling

Finite element analysis of peeling of a pressure sensitive flexible adhesive requires a knowledge of the mechanical performance of the adhesive layer. The bulk tensile properties of a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) can be related to its behaviour when used as a thin adhesive layer in a commercial PTFE tape. A finite element analysis for fixed arm peeling of this tape predicts the strain energy density of the adhesive and these values are consistent with the measured data using a mandrel peel test. The effect of local constraint, the extent of the deformation, and distribution of stresses while during the peel test are demonstrated.