A list of adhesive tape suppliers with an explanation of types of adhesive tapes and their use.
You will learn:
Adhesive tape is a product featuring an adhesive layer that bonds, joins materials, and safeguards surfaces. It includes a backing or carrier, such as paper, plastic film, cloth, foam, or foil, coated with adhesive. In some cases, a release liner is added. These coated backings are wound into rolls and split into narrow strips for convenience.
Applying adhesive tape may involve slight pressure, heat, or moisture. The usage depends on the tape's design. Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes stick with pressure, while heat-activated tapes need a heat source. Water-activated tapes, also known as gummed paper or gummed tapes, use a starch or animal glue base and a kraft paper backing that activates when moistened. Non-adhesive films, tapes, or laminates adhere by themselves.
The origin of adhesive tapes can be traced back to the mid-19th century when they were used for medical applications. In 1845, Dr. Horace Day created bandages by incorporating rubber-based adhesive on fabric, leading to Johnson & Johnson’s invention of the Band-Aid. Adhesive tape technology advanced with the introduction of the first masking tapes by 3M in 1923. Over the years, various types of adhesive tapes like packing tape, painter’s tape, and electrical tape have been developed, each serving specific purposes. Today, adhesive tapes are indispensable in offices, homes, stores, and industries, proving to be remarkably versatile and essential.
The array of adhesive tapes available comprises specialized varieties such as packing tape, painter’s tape, and electrical tape, each crafted for unique tasks. These tapes are omnipresent in settings ranging from homes and offices to retail outlets and industrial facilities, underscoring their critical importance and functionality.
Adhesive tapes are efficient and easily accessible, performing functions like joining, masking, sealing, splicing, bundling, and protecting surfaces. They gained widespread use because their application doesn’t require machinery or special equipment. These tapes are light, easy to store, and available in rolls for quick use. Unlike conventional mechanical fasteners like screws and bolts, adhesive tape does not damage the substrate by piercing it, thus avoiding surface stress.
Prior to the development of adhesive tape, glues and epoxies were used to secure or seal surfaces. They were messy and inconvenient, and they dried to a permanent hard finish that was difficult to remove. Glues and epoxies form a bond using a chemical reaction that is not applicable to small, everyday jobs.
Adhesive tapes use a tacky resin such as silicone, acrylics, or rubbers to create their stickiness and rely on physical action such as pressure to make their bonds. The solid adhesive in tape has a low energy surface where its molecules are in constant motion or energized, creating looser bonds, which allows the molecules to flow easily in solid form into the pores of the substrate. With a little pressure, the molecules flow into the substrate and form a solid physical bond.
The concept of adhesion is based on the idea that various substances can hold surfaces together by some form of attachment in which one set of molecules sticks to another type of molecule. In addition, the process uses the concept of cohesion, where molecules stick to themselves. Adhesive tape uses both adhesion and cohesion, where adhesive molecules adhere or stick to a substrate but also themselves. These two factors are necessary for adhesive tape to maintain its hold on a surface.
Various mechanisms make it possible for two surfaces to adhere to each other. The process of adhesion involves four basic concepts that enable tape to bond to a substrate surface.
The foundation of the mechanism of adhesion is based on absorption theory, or the concept that substances stick together because of the contact between molecules. The four adhesion mechanisms substantiate and support the premise of absorption theory.
For adhesives to work, they must be spread over the surface of the substrate. In the sticking process, the adhesive surface of the tape sticks to the surface molecules of the substrate like millions of minuscule magnets. Stronger bonds are formed where the adhesive and the substrate merge to form a strong chemical bond. The combination of the adhesive and the substrate form a new chemical, a process referred to as chemisorption.
Adhesion: Adhesion is the ability of an adhesive substance to adhere to another surface using one of the four mechanisms of attraction between the materials. When adhesive molecules come in contact with the substrate, adhesion occurs at the microscopic level through intermolecular forces. This is based on van der Waals forces regarding weak intermolecular forces.
The concept of van der Waal forces is dependent on distance. When molecules are close, their forces are attractive. If the distance is 0.6 nanometers, the force is weak and cannot be seen. When the distance is less than 0.6 nanometers, attraction occurs, a foundational adhesion principle.
Surface energy determines the wettability of the substrate when it makes contact with the adhesive. The wettability of the adhesive allows it to penetrate the surface of the substrate to form a bond using one of the four adhesive mechanisms.
Surface energy is the sum of the intermolecular forces regarding their attraction and repulsion energies and how a liquid exerts force on the surface of a solid. Where the substrate has high surface energy, an adhesive easily flows over it and covers more area. Examples of high-energy substrates are polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and zinc.
If the substrate has low surface energy, the adhesive builds up as “small beads” covering a minute area. Types of low surface energy substrates include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), rubber, and powder coatings.
Surface contaminants reduce surface energy and prevent the fusion of an adhesive to the substrate. Types of surface contaminants include dust, fingerprints, oil, grease, moisture, and various forms of residue, such as coatings. For the adhesion process to be successful, pretreatment of the surface is necessary, which removes surface contaminants, enhances surface energy, and improves adhesive bonding.
Cohesion: Cohesive force is the bonding of the molecular chains of the tape that are expressed as shear resistance or retention force that occurs after bonding. When tape has good cohesion, it is resistant to high temperatures, with low viscosity and exceptionally strong retention.
Cohesive forces attract the molecules of a liquid by pulling them inward. Surface molecules of the liquid have attractive forces that bind them together, a phenomenon responsible for the property of a liquid referred to as surface tension.
In adhesion, surface tension is the ability of the adhesive to resist deformation on the surface of a solid, reducing its surface area. In the case of adhesive tapes, the molecules of the adhesive have to have strong, cohesive forces to hold and maintain the bond.
Silicone adhesive tape has good adhesion with low surface energy, but it is heat and weather-resistant with good electrical insulation properties and chemical resistance.
Adhesion and cohesion are the properties that engineers consider when designing tape. The two forces work together to form strong, consistent bonds for a high surface energy substrate for low surface tension adhesives. To have good wetting, adhesive forces must be greater than cohesive forces and contact at less than a 90° angle.
Tackiness: The tackiness factor refers to how a pressure-sensitive tape sticks to the substrate when minimal pressure is applied. The adhesive is activated by 14.5 psi to 29 psi pressure. The amount of pressure time varies per the type of adhesive, the nature of the substrate, and the substrate surface's consistency. When an adhesive tape is high in tackiness, less time and pressure are required to ensure a proper bond.
Viscoelastic materials are viscous and elastic. They behave like fluids and elastic solids and have particles that temporarily connect. Their flexibility allows them to slide along each other like fluids. When low pressure is applied to tape, its viscosity decreases, causing the adhesive to flow onto the substrate at a microscopic level. Its elastic properties help it regain its viscosity to form a strong intermolecular force with the substrate.
Rolling Ball and Loop Tack Tests are used as quality control checks to assess the tackiness of adhesive tapes.
Rolling Ball Test: The rolling ball test directly gauges the adhesive behavior of the adhesive tape. A steel ball with a standard weight and diameter is rolled from the top of an inclined track consisting of the sticky side of the tape. The tackiness is measured by the distance traveled by the ball on the sticky tape track; the shorter the distance, the greater the tack.
Surface Energy: Surface energy is the attraction or repulsion between a substrate and another material. When a surface has high surface energy (HSE), molecules easily flow over the surface. With low surface energy (LSE), liquids bead up instead of flow. In the case of adhesives, surface energy influences how an adhesive is capable of wetting out the substrate.
Surfaces with LSE are difficult to bond because the surface resists the adhesive’s wetting out, creating low surface contact and adhesion. With HSE, the adhesive wets out easily, with increased surface contact forming a strong bond.
For adhesive tape to bond with an LSE substrate, the surface must be modified by changing its chemical composition to increase its surface energy. Techniques such as flames, plasma treatments, acid etching, and solvents may be used. In addition, there are specially formulated adhesives capable of bonding with LSE substrates that contain modified acrylics and synthetic adhesives. Rubber adhesives are often used since they are soft and flow well.
Adhesive tapes consist of a carrier, adhesive, and release liner. Not all types of adhesive tapes are required to have all the components but are still dependent on the properties of the material and the intended storage of the tape itself. The materials of the carrier and adhesive must be selected carefully, especially when downstream processes, such as cutting, are involved. The adhesive tape may contain the following:
The carrier, or the backing material, is a thin, flexible film that contains the adhesive. The carrier can have the following materials, depending on the end application of the adhesive tape:
Plastic Films: Plastic films are a widely used carrier for adhesive tapes. It offers flexibility, high tensile strength, and good weathering resistance. Its color and transparency can be customized, and it can be printed easily. The following polymers used in plastic carriers are:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Films: PVC adhesive tapes are valued for their chemical, moisture, and flame resistance, high toughness, and high tensile strength. PVC tape is commonly used for household and electrical applications that require the adhesive tape to be durable and give a semi-permanent bond.
Metal Foil: Metal foil carriers are valued for their resistance to severe temperature extremes, high humidity, and excellent electrical conductivity. Metal foil carriers are usually made of aluminum, copper, or zinc and are used to bond electrical components. It may be reinforced with a plastic or paper film to increase its strength.
Paper: A paper carrier is suitable for lightweight and decorative applications. It is easily customizable and printed. It can be laminated with other materials to improve its tensile strength, as paper films are naturally brittle. The most common adhesive tapes with paper carriers are masking and paper tapes, which are used to seal boxes and packaging materials, and fragile surgical tapes. Zinc gives the white color to all medical tapes and enables its antimicrobial properties.
This is the main component of every adhesive tape. Adhesives are polymeric compounds applied to the surface of two items to connect them and counteract their separation. The commonly used adhesives are enumerated below.
Rubber Adhesives: These adhesives are inexpensive and intended for low-stress and room-temperature applications. It provides a quick stick to substrates and does not require long cure times. Modifiers are added to rubber adhesives to increase their tackiness. However, heat and UV radiation adversely affect the rubber adhesive's performance.
Rubber adhesives are commonly used in duct tapes, masking tapes, and carton sealing tapes. It may be derived from natural rubber or synthetic rubber.
Synthetic Rubber Adhesives: These are formulated by manufacturers and provide better adhesion and higher shear resistance. Types of synthetic rubber adhesives are:
Acrylic Adhesives: Acrylics are high-performance adhesives based on polymerized acrylic monomers. They overcome the weaknesses of rubber adhesives. Acrylics are resistant to UV radiation, high temperatures, chemical attacks, and oxidation. The bonds made by acrylic adhesives are initially strong from the time of application and become much stronger as it sets. These adhesives offer heavy-duty and long-term bonding solutions.
Acrylic adhesives are available as water-based or solvent-based adhesives:
Silicone Adhesives: They are regarded as the most expensive adhesives used in tapes. Among the adhesive tapes, they can withstand the highest temperatures of up to 475°F (246°C). They also have excellent UV radiation and chemical resistance. Silicone adhesive has low initial bond strength, which becomes significantly tougher as the adhesive sets from the time of application.
Silicone adhesives are found in tapes mainly used in the electronics industry, where significant amounts of heat are dissipated in electronic components. These adhesives are also found in splicing tapes and PTFE tapes.
A release liner is one of the components that must be present in double-coated tapes and adhesive transfer tapes. This layer is peeled off before the bond is made to the substrate. It preserves the tackiness of the adhesive until it is ready to be used and protects it from sticking to the carrier.
Adhesive tapes are categorized according to the arrangement of the carrier, adhesive, and release liner:
Single Coated Tape: Single coated tapes are the most basic configuration of adhesive tapes. The adhesive film is only found on one side of the carrier. The exterior side of the carrier may be coated with a release agent to help unwind the tape, or a release liner may be used. Typical examples of a single coated tape are electrical tapes, duct tapes, masking tapes, etc.
Adhesive Transfer Tape: These are intended for a discrete, seamless bonding of two substrates. The unsupported adhesive film is protected with a release liner, which is peeled off after bonding to the first substrate. The second substrate is then attached to the other side of the adhesive film. The release liner is used on both sides of the adhesive to aid its separation. Unlike double-coated tapes, the temperature resistance of an adhesive transfer tape is limited only by the properties of the adhesive itself.
Double-coated Tape: This type consists of backing material with adhesive film applied on both sides. A release liner is used to separate the adhesive layers.
Double-coated tapes are used to bond substrates with different surface properties that require different bonding requirements. It is highly customizable, and the thickness of the adhesive can be varied on the opposite sides. The thermal resistance of a double-coated tape depends on the properties of its carrier.
The wide use of adhesive tapes is due to their many positive attributes. They are a cost effective method for sealing, protecting, and securing an assortment of surfaces, easily and efficiently. Their use is due to their ability to temporarily or permanently secure items for a variety of functions and applications.
Aside from the obvious advantages of adhesive tapes, they are available in different strengths and configurations, which makes them adaptable to a multitude of applications. When selecting an adhesive tape, users identify the application for which a tape will be used and consider an adhesive tape’s backing, adhesive properties, strength, and thickness such that its properties match the parameters of how it will be used. Typical adhesive tapes may require the application of water, a solvent, or heat to form a secure bond.
Versatile - Adhesive tapes have several functions beyond joining two surfaces. Their use spans a wide range of applications that include residential and industrial uses. They are used to:
Convenience - The application of adhesive tape is instant, easy, and efficient. Since most adhesive tapes are available in roles, the application process is simply a matter of unrolling the tape, tacky side down, onto the surfaces that need to be connected.
Cost - The convenience of adhesive tapes speeds up assembly processes due to the elimination of the need for curing and cleaning.
Hold - Adhesive tapes supply a substantially secure hold at temperatures ranging between -40°C up to 150°C and can maintain their hold underwater.
Heat Dissipation - The right type of adhesive tape can be used to insulate generators, coils, transformers, and cables. Adhesive tapes can dissipate or absorb heat and help avoid interference with small electronics.
Smoothing Uneven Surfaces - Adhesive tape can be used to fill small gaps, smooth slightly uneven surfaces, or cover rough surfaces.
Corrosion Protection - The fastening of components to an application can be completed quickly and efficiently without the need for drilling holes. The strength and durability of corrosion protection tapes provides long lasting and clean connections.
Stress - The use of adhesive tape for providing a connection spreads the amount of stress at a connection over the surface of the tape. The thin durable design saves space and eliminates concerns over stress.
Lightweight - The use of adhesive tape lowers the cost of an application by decreasing its weight. It provides an adaptable alternative bonding mechanism.
Design - The flexibility of adhesive tapes allows for a certain amount of design freedom when configuring a project. Where applicable, adhesive tape can provide a strong, durable, and invisible connection.
A pressure-sensitive adhesive is a polymeric combination of monomers that are applied in layers of a substrate to form a tight and secure bond. The strength and characteristics of the bond is designed to resist any form of debonding. The forms of PSA tape include cloth, paper, metal, or plastics. The main criteria is the presence of a tacky adhesive on at least one side of the tape.
The wide use of PSA tape is due to how easy it is to apply. The application of a sufficient amount of pressure creates a permanent bond between the connected surfaces and the tape. Once applied, it is permanent and does not change phases, such as shifting from a liquid to a solid. Unlike other forms of tape that require a solvent, water, or heat to be activated, PSA tape adheres as soon as it is compressed.
The industrial definition of PSA tape is any form of transfer, single or double coated tape, that can be applied using only pressure to form a solid bond on a surface. Single coated and double coated PSA tapes are required to have a carrier, which is referred to as a web or backing. Transfer tapes, a form of PSA tape, are used for placing words or images on a surface through the use of pressure.
The factors that divide PSA tapes are in regard to their adhesive and backing. Modern PSA tapes can be single or double sided with a variety of carriers or backing. Different designs are used to meet the needs of diverse applications.
Single sided PSA tape has the adhesive on one side of the carrier and a release liner that protects the adhesive. The use of single sided PSA tapes depends on their adhesive, which can be silicone, rubber, or acrylic. Silicone single sided tapes are for wound care while rubber and acrylic single sided tapes are used for insulation, labeling, and electrical applications.
Double sided PSA tape has adhesive on both sides of the carrier, which makes it possible to attach two identical or different surfaces with an invisible bond. The adhesives on the carrier can be the same for both sides or different depending on the double sided PSA tape’s design. As with single sided PSA tape, a protective liner protects the adhesive layer.
A common use for double sided PSA tape is when the surfaces to be connected have an uneven texture. In such circumstances, double sided PSA tape allows for quick and efficient assembly. A factor that makes double sided PSA tape so useful is the ability to customize it by changing the carrier and the types of adhesives.
Self wound tape is a very popular form of PSA tape that is used for industrial applications and residential projects. One side of the tape is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The other side has a quick release coating. Self wound tape is unlike single sided PSA tape in that it does not have a protective layer over the adhesive.
Transfer PSA tape is similar to single sided PSA tape but does not have a carrier. The layer of adhesive is applied to a liner that is removed once the tape is placed against a surface. The absence of a liner makes the tape more conformable. It is used for attaching signage, name plates, and identification markings. Many appliances and devices have graphic overlays that are applied using transfer PSA tape.
Carpet tape is a double-sided tape designed for securing carpets or rugs to the floor. It's made of strong, durable, and adhesive material that can hold the carpet in place and prevent it from sliding or wrinkling. Carpet tape is used in
One kind of pressure-sensitive self-adhesive tape is foam tape. It has one of several different backing materials and is made of foam. It may have adhesive on one or both sides. Foam tapes are, at their most basic level, tapes that are applied to uneven or
Masking tape is pressure sensitive, thin and very adhesive, easy to tear paper that is used in various tasks ranging from masking off areas that are not to be painted or as insulation for electric wires among other...
PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene and is a synthetic fluoropolymer used widely in many industries and many other applications. PTFE is also commonly referred to as thread seal tape, teflon tape, and plumber‘s tape...
A cardboard box is a shipping container made of thick heavy duty paper known as paperboard, which is more than 0.01 inch or 0.25 mm thick. The term cardboard is used as a generic descriptor for various types of solid firm papers used to produce boxes
A corrugated box is a disposable container whose sides are made up of layers of material that include an inside layer, outer layer, and middle layer. The middle layer, between the outer and inner layers, is fluted, which are rigid wave shaped arches that provide cushioning...
Die cutting is the mass fabrication of cut-out shapes by shearing a stock material such as paper and chipboard using tooling called a die. A die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing to cut or shape a material fitted into a press...
Epoxy: Epoxy glue is a thermosetting adhesive made up of a resin or epoxy polymer and a hardener that is used to adhere or join a range of surfaces together with a strong, permanent, and robust bond that can...
Hot melt adhesives are also known as glue adhesives. They are thermoplastic polymer adhesives that are solid at room temperature. Hot melt adhesives liquefy if heated to a temperature above their softening point...
Kiss cutting is a method for cutting into a material where the upper layers are pierced, but the back layer is left intact. The term "kiss" refers to the way the blade touches the upper layers of the material and leaves a pattern or cut with a sufficient amount of force to leave an impression...
Silicone adhesive is a versatile water resistant polymer whose primary ingredient is silica, a common form of sand found in quartz. The term silicone refers to a group of polymers that have a siloxane bond with organic compounds. The production of silicone adhesives begins...