Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA) is a type of adhesive tapes that only requires pressure to activate the bond between the adhesive and the substrate, while other bonding tapes require heat, water or solvent. However, the bonding process will be influenced by factors such as the type of surface and temperature levels. For optimum performance, ensure the substrate surface is clean and that you are working on room temperature.
There are unlimited applications for Pressure-sensitive adhesives tapes due to its superior functionality in fastening and joining materials. It’s also easy to use and relatively cheap as compared to conventional fastening systems. When looking choosing the best adhesive to use, here’s a bit of information on PSA you need to know for consideration.
There are three main elastomer categories for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes.
Rubber: Rubber is the most common and cost-effective type of adhesive used for both domestic and industrial applications. They are made of natural or synthetic rubber treated with resins, oils and anti-oxidants. Rubber offers superior flexibility and stick capability, although it’s not efficient to use in high heat temperatures.
Acrylic: PSA tapes designed with acrylic polymers offers long-lasting stick capability as they are formulated to resist solvents and extreme environmental conditions while forming a stronger bond. Acrylic acrylates also resist creeping and yellowing of the tape by absorbing UV light.
SiliconeAnother type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes is formulated with silicone polymers. It’s specialized for bonding silicone substrates and perform much better than rubber or acrylic adhesive. Silicone adhesive is tear-resistance, although it has poor initial tack and it’s relatively costly than other adhesive tapes.
When the adhesives are used as labels, pressure- sensitive adhesives can also be classified as permanent, peelable, ultra- peelable, freezer, and high- tacked based on adhesive properties.
Permanent adhesive tape
Once applied, permanent adhesives tapes are hard to remove without damaging the substrate.
Peelable adhesive tape
As the name suggests, this one can be removed with little to no damage on the substrate. This is mainly because the adhesive is fairly weaker than on permanent adhesives.
Ultra-peelable adhesives
This type of adhesive tapes can be removed without any damage to the substrate. It leaves no marks and mostly used where no trace of bonding is undesirable. Ideal for mounting photographs.
Freezer
Freezer adhesives are formulated to withstand extremely cold conditions without compromising the stick. It’s commonly used cold regions as well as fastening in refrigerators.
Lastly, there is a high tack adhesive tape that works on a rough and rugged surface. This one can be used on almost any surface and substrate due to its high stick capability and tear-resistance. If you are looking for a quick leakage fix, consider a pliable white tape. PSA tapes come in different forms. Double coated adhesive tape is coated on both sides and common application are carpet, laminates, window mat backing. Other options you have include single coated, transfer tape and self-wound.
