About Pressure Sensitive
Adhesive Tapes (PSA)
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes provide a quick and easy solution for clean application, high flexibility, and adaptability to various materials and surfaces.
When selecting a pressure-sensitive tape, it’s essential to consider the construction, adhesive, carrier material, and liner of the tape. Each tape has specific characteristics that make it suitable for different applications. For instance, silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are ideal for high-temperature and harsh environments, while acrylic adhesive systems are great for long-term bonding requirements in indoor or outdoor settings. Rubber adhesive systems are more suitable for low-stress indoor applications and are formulated for excellent removability and adhesion to low surface energy substrates.
At MPI-Matco, we offer a diverse range of adhesive tapes tailored for industrial applications. Our team of experts is available to guide you in selecting the best solution for your specific needs.
Tape Construction
It all comes down to the components and construction of a PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) Tape. There are typically three components: the adhesive, the carrier or backing material, and the release liner, though not all tapes will include all three. There are three types of tape constructions: single coated tape, double-coated tape and adhesive transfer
Single Coated Tape
An adhesive is applied to only one side of the backing. The backing composition may be paper, polymeric film, foil, nonwoven or high thread count woven cloth. The adhesive composition may be an acrylic, rubber or silicone.
Double-Coated Tape
An adhesive is applied to both sides of a backing. The adhesive on each side of the carrier may be the same or different chemistries and may have the same or different coating thicknesses.
Adhesive Transfer Tape
Adhesive Transfer Tapes consist of release liners and adhesives. The release liners are commonly paper and coated on both sides of the paper with silicone release agents creating a differential release. Acrylic adhesives are commonly used in this application.
Types of Liners
A web of sheet material used as a protective liner, which covers the adhesive side of the tape. It is removed prior to application. It facilitates unwinding and correct application of the tape
Release
| Features | Glassine Paper |
Double-sided PE coated paper | PVC Film | PE Film | PP Film | PET Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Siliconized | ||||||
Unsiliconized |
Topography
| Features | Glassine Paper |
Double-sided PE coated paper | PVC Film | PE Film | PP Film | PET Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flat | ||||||
Creped | ||||||
Corrugated | ||||||
Embossed |
Physical Properties
| Features | Glassine Paper |
Double-sided PE coated paper | PVC Film | PE Film | PP Film | PET Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transparent | ||||||
Hand-Tearable | ||||||
Easy to be die-cut | ||||||
Excellent High Temperature Resistance | ||||||
Excellent Moisture Resistance | ||||||
Good Tensile Strength |
Types of Backings
Tape backings are typically thin and flexible materials that have adhesive applied to one side. In theory, any flat and flexible material can be used as a tape backing.
Film
Filmic adhesive tapes are typically thinner and designed for use on smooth and uniform surfaces, where a transparent fixing solution is necessary. They offer superior dimensional and chemical stability, as well as moisture resistance.
| Backing Material | Elongation Capability | Temperature Resistance | Conformability | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PET Film | ||||
PP Film | ||||
Rigid PVC Film | ||||
Plasticized PVC Film |
Foam
Adhesive foam tapes are thicker than film tapes and are typically soft and conformable, making them ideal for use on uneven surfaces or when gap filling is necessary. Closed cell foams provide protection against liquids and offer thermal expansion compensation and vibration absorption capabilities.
| Backing Material | Elongation Capability | Temperature Resistance | Conformability | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PE Foam | ||||
PU Foam | ||||
PVC Foam | ||||
Acrylic Foam | ||||
Neoprene |
Woven Fabric
Fabric adhesive tapes are highly conformable and provide excellent resistance to temperature, humidity, and chemicals.
| Backing Material | Elongation Capability | Temperature Resistance | Conformability | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PET Fabric | ||||
Cloth Tissue |
Non-Woven Fabric
| Backing Material | Elongation Capability | Temperature Resistance | Conformability | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-woven Fabric |
Paper
Paper adhesive tapes are hand-tearable and offer good conformability.
| Backing Material | Elongation Capability | Temperature Resistance | Conformability | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper |
Metals
Metallic adhesive tapes are used for sealing, insulation, and shielding. They offer high-temperature and UV resistance and can resist weathering, solvents, and chemicals. Depending on the type, they may also have conductive or insulating properties.
| Backing Material | Elongation Capability | Temperature Resistance | Conformability | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aluminium | ||||
Copper |
Types of Adhesives
Sticky material, that bonds one substance to another.
| Natural Rubber | Synthetic Rubber | Pure Acrylic | Modified Acrylic | Silicone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tack | |||||
Cohesion | |||||
Adhesion | |||||
Temperature Resistance | |||||
Moisture Resistance | |||||
UV Resistance | |||||
Solvents Resistance | |||||
Outdoor Applications | |||||
Use on LSE Materials | |||||
Ageing Resistance | ●●●● |
Selecting a PSA Tape
There are a few important questions you need to ask yourself before choosing
an adhesive to guide your selection process.
Material
What are the two
surfaces being bonded?
Plastic, glass, metal, paper, wood, fabric, etc. Adhesive compatibility, surface tension, wettability, permeability, etc.
Presence of Contaminants
in the application, to What level of contact will the
PSA be exposed?
Acids, oils, dust, solvents, chemicals etc.
Substrate
What is the surface texture and shape?
Type: smooth, corrugated, uneven.
Morphology : linear, convex, concave etc.
Purpose
What kind of bond is needed?
Structural bond, assembly aid, temporary bond, high bond.
Conditions
Will the tape be used indoors or outdoors?
Indoor factors: storage conditions, humidity. outdoor factors: UV rays, water, wind, ice, humidity, chemical and acid contact.
Temperature
What is the relative temperature for both short term and long term performance?
MPI Matco offers a wide variety of pressure sensitive tapes in a choice of liner, backing and adhesive. Contact us for help in selecting the right tape for your application, developing a custom adhesive solution, or for a specific tape conversion for your application such as die cutting.