Learn How Pressure Sensitive Tapes Work

Learn How Pressure Sensitive Tapes Work

Pressure sensitive tapes refer to tapes made with pressure sensitive adhesives. The tapes can bond with surfaces at the slightest touch, and during the bonding, a number of processes normally take place. It is vital to understand some of these processes so that you have a good understanding of how you can use the tapes in the right manner, on a regular basis.

The polymers used in making the pressure sensitive tapes can behave like both solids and liquids, depending on the prevailing circumstances. When sticking to surfaces, however, it is the tape’s liquid behavior that is of the greatest concern.

To begin with, consider where the tape is to be bonded. Typically, surfaces may be flat and smooth, or rough or contoured. The surface may also have contaminants or other types of unwanted materials. All these factors will have a bearing on how effectively the tape is going to bond with the desired surface.

Bonding on Surfaces with Contaminants

When a pressure sensitive tape bonds with any surface, it forms an intimate contact between the surface and the adhesive. In the presence of contaminants, the initial contact will be between the adhesive on the tape and the contaminants on the surface. This will lead to poor bonding since the adhesive in contact with the surface will be reduced, the strength of the bond will be greatly compromised, and the outcome may be the failure.

Bonding on Rough Surfaces

Wood, textile and plastic surfaces, may have embossed textures, leading to strong bonds being formed between the adhesive and the high points on the rough surface. Over time, or in the presence of pressure, the adhesive will start flowing to fill up the gaps left on the surface. However, this is only possible when the tape was thick enough to allow for the adhesive to fill up the void texture.
For better results when using pressure sensitive adhesive tapes, the surface should be cleaned and devoid of any contaminants. This is the only way to create a perfect bond forming between the adhesive, and the surface.