Pressure sensitive tape
Encyclopedia
Adhesive tape
Adhesive tape is one of many varieties of backing materials coated with an adhesive. Several types of adhesives can be used.-Types:Pressure sensitive tape...
that will stick with application pressure, without the need for solvent, heat, or water for activation. It can be used in the home, office, industry, and institutions for a wide variety of purposes.
The tape consists of a pressure sensitive adhesive
Pressure sensitive adhesive
Pressure sensitive adhesive is adhesive which forms a bond when pressure is applied to marry the adhesive with the adherend...
coated onto a backing material such as paper
Paper
Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets....
, plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
film, cloth, or metal foil. Some have a removable release liner
Release liner
A Release liner is a paper or plastic based carrier web material, which is coated on one or two sides with a release agent, which provides a release effect against any type of a sticky material such as an adhesive or a mastic. Release liner are available in different colors, with or without...
which protects the adhesive until the liner is removed. Some have layers of adhesives, primers, easy release materials, filaments, printing, etc. made for specific functions.
It will stick without the need for solvent, heat, or water for activation. By contrast a "gummed" or "water activated" adhesive tape requires warm water for activation. Likewise, some "heat activated" tapes require heat.
Single-sided tapes allow bonding to a surface or joining of two adjacent or overlapping materials. Double-sided tape (adhesive on both sides) allows joining of two items back-to-back.
Pressure sensitive adhesive was first developed in 1845 by Dr. Horace Day, a surgeon. Commercial tapes were introduced in the early twentieth century. Hundreds of patents have since been published on a wide variety of formulations and constructions.
Varieties of PSA tape
- Transparent office tape has a transparent film backing and an acrylic or synthetic rubber based adhesive. It is used for sealing envelopes, repairing torn paper products, general holding, etc.
- Archival tape is similar to transparent office tape, with low-acid adhesives that will not degrade surfaces they are applied to, protecting documents from damage during long-term storage.
- 'Gaffer tapeGaffer tapeGaffer tape, gaffer's tape, gaff tape or gaffa tape is a strong, tough, cotton cloth pressure sensitive tape with strong adhesive properties. It is used in theater, film and television productions as well as during live performances and any other kind of stage work...
' (or simply "Gaff tape") is normally based on a heavy fabricTextileA textile or cloth is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibres of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands...
or plasticPlasticA plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
tape. The name derives from its use by gaffers in the entertainment industry among others, to hold down cables particularly to prevent a tripping hazard and to prevent damage to cables and equipment. The adhesive leaves little or no residue, and the tape removes cleanly from cables, fabric, and many other surfaces. Its matte surface also minimizes reflections from lights. - Duct tapeDuct tapeDuct tape, or duck tape, is cloth- or scrim-backed pressure sensitive tape often sealed with polyethylene. It is very similar to gaffer tape but differs in that gaffer tape was designed to be cleanly removed, while duct tape was not. It has a standard width of and is generally silver or black...
usually has a plastic-coated fabric backing and a strong adhesive. Originally designed for sealing ammunition boxes from moisture and re-purposed for civilian use, it is commonly used by people needing a strong, versatile utility tape that is easy to tear by hand. - Box sealing tapeBox sealing tapeBox-sealing tape, parcel tape or packing tape is a pressure-sensitive tape used for closing or sealing corrugated fiberboard boxes...
(also "Packing Tape"; "Parcel tape", UK) is a type of packaging tape which is clear or opaque, and used for closing packages for shipment. It is usually two inch (48 mm) or three inch (72 mm) wide and is made of a polypropylenePolypropylenePolypropylene , also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging, textiles , stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes...
or polyesterPolyesterPolyester is a category of polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. Although there are many polyesters, the term "polyester" as a specific material most commonly refers to polyethylene terephthalate...
backing. - Masking tapeMasking tapeMasking tape is a type of pressure sensitive tape made of a thin and easy-to-tear paper, and an easily released pressure sensitive adhesive. It is available in a variety of widths. It is used mainly in painting, to mask off areas that should not be painted...
is used to cover areas that shouldn't be painted. It usually has a paper backing and an adhesive designed to remove from surfaces (within a limited time). - Electrical tapeElectrical tapeElectrical tape is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and other material that conduct electricity. It can be made of many plastics, but vinyl is most popular, as it stretches well and gives an effective and long lasting insulation...
stretches to conform to irregular objects, and is made of materials like vinylVinylA vinyl compound is any organic compound that contains a vinyl group ,which are derivatives of ethene, CH2=CH2, with one hydrogen atom replaced with some other group...
that do not conduct electricity. The various colors available are used to identify wires in a circuit. - Surgical tapeSurgical tapeSurgical tape is a form of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape used in medicine and first aid as a bandage to hold a dressing onto a wound. It will generally have a gentle hypoallergenic adhesive, and be breathable to allow air to reach the skin. Breathable tapes like Kinesiology Tape, and other...
is an adhesive bandageBandageA bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or on its own to provide support to the body; they can also be used to restrict a part of the body. During heavy bleeding or following a poisonous bite it is important to slow the flow of blood,...
used to hold a dressingDressing (medical)A dressing is an adjunct used by a person for application to a wound to promote healing and/or prevent further harm. A dressing is designed to be in direct contact with the wound, which makes it different from a bandage, which is primarily used to hold a dressing in place...
on a woundWoundA wound is a type of injury in which skin is torn, cut or punctured , or where blunt force trauma causes a contusion . In pathology, it specifically refers to a sharp injury which damages the dermis of the skin.-Open:...
. - Double-sided tapeDouble-sided tapeDouble-sided tape is any pressure sensitive tape that is coated with adhesive on both sides. It is designed to stick two surfaces together, often in a way which is not visible in the end product, due to it being in between the objects rather than overlaying them. This allows for neater looking...
has adhesive on both sides of a backing material, for attaching two surfaces together. - "Adhesive transfer tape" does not have a backing material. Instead, it is sandwiched between two removable layers of a double-sided coated Release linerRelease linerA Release liner is a paper or plastic based carrier web material, which is coated on one or two sides with a release agent, which provides a release effect against any type of a sticky material such as an adhesive or a mastic. Release liner are available in different colors, with or without...
. - Filament tapeFilament tapeFilament tape or strapping tape is a pressure sensitive tape used for several packaging functions such as closing corrugated fiberboard boxes, reinforcing packages, bundling items, pallet unitizing, etc...
or "Strapping tape" has filaments (usually fiberglassFiberglassGlass fiber is a material consisting of numerous extremely fine fibers of glass.Glassmakers throughout history have experimented with glass fibers, but mass manufacture of glass fiber was only made possible with the invention of finer machine tooling...
) embedded into the adhesive for extra strength. - Spike tapeSpike tapeSpike tape is a cotton cloth tape used to create temporary markings on stages and theatrical sets. Spike tape is usually made of the same material as Gaffer's Tape.-General information:...
is a thinner version of gaffer tape that is usually brightly colored. It is used to mark places of furniture or actors on a stage. - Hockey tapeHockey tapeThere are two kinds of hockey tape used by ice hockey, roller hockey, and lacrosse players: stick tape and shin tape.-Stick tape:...
or "Friction tape" is a somewhat rough cloth tape used for grip on hockeyHockeyHockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick.-Etymology:...
and lacrosseLacrosseLacrosse is a team sport of Native American origin played using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick, mainly played in the United States and Canada. It is a contact sport which requires padding. The head of the lacrosse stick is strung with loose mesh...
sticks.
Tape glossary
- Backing. The primary component of tape upon which an adhesive is applied. Examples are cloth, paper, metal foil, film etc.
- Conformability. Ability of a tape to make total contact with a rough or uneven surface.
- Creped. Paper that has small "folds" to provide stretchability and conformability.
- Double-coated, or two-sided tape. Pressure-sensitive tape with adhesive on both sides of the carrier material.
- Gapping. Openings between layers of tape within a roll.
- Release coating. A very thin coating applied to the impervious tape backing so as to allow the tape to be unwound at a controlled level.
- Substrate. The material which the PSA tape must adhere to
- Tack. The sticky feel of the tape. It is the initial adhesion without rub-down.
- Telescoping. A sideways sliding of the tape layers, one over the other, so that the roll looks like a funnel or telescope.
- Unwind. The force to remove or unwind the tape from a roll.
PSA tape standards
The PSA industry is in the process of unifying the several standards presently in use.The most active organizations are:
- ISO International Organization for StandardizationInternational Organization for StandardizationThe International Organization for Standardization , widely known as ISO, is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on February 23, 1947, the organization promulgates worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial...
- A European AFNORAFNORAssociation française de Normalisation is the French national organization for standardization and its International Organization for Standardization member body....
committee is currently active in the definition of international standards; some of the most common test methods, such as Peel Adhesion, Static Shear Adhesion, Break Strength and Elongation are presently ISO standard - ASTM : ASTM International has several Technical Committees which write standards related to pressure sensitive tape.
- PSTC : Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (tapes, North America)
- TLMI : Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute (labels, North America)
- AFERA : European Association for the Self Adhesive Tape Industry (tapes, Europe)
- FINAT : Féderation INternationale des fabricants et transformateurs d' Adhésifs et Thermocollants (labels, Europe)
- JATMA : Japanese Adhesive Tapes Manufacturers Association
ASTM International
ASTM International
ASTM International, known until 2001 as the American Society for Testing and Materials , is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services...
has dozens of standards
International standard
International standards are standards developed by international standards organizations. International standards are available for consideration and use, worldwide...
related to pressure sensitive tape. Some of them are for general types of PSA tape: Others are for specific types. For example ASTM D1000 has test methods for electrical tapes. There are ASTM specifications for many tapes including: D2301 for vinyl electrical tape, D5486 for box sealing tape, etc. Several of the ASTM test method
Test method
A test method is a definitive procedure that produces a test result.A test can be considered as technical operation that consists of determination of one or more characteristics of a given product, process or service according to a specified procedure. Often a test is part of an experiment.The test...
s are coordinated with PSTC, other trade associations, and other international organizations.
Following are a few examples of some ASTM standards and counterparts:
| ASTM Designation | ISO Designation | PSTC method | AFERA method |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3121 Standard test method for tack of pressure-sensitive adhesives by rolling ball | PSTC-6 | ||
| D3330 Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape | EN 1939 | PSTC-101 | AFERA 5001 |
| D3654 Standard Test Methods for Shear Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes | EN 1943 | PSTC-107 | AFERA 5012 |
| D3759 Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes | EN 14410 | PSTC-131 | AFERA 5004 |
| D3811 Standard test method for unwind force of pressure-sensitive tapes | PSTC-8 | ||
| D5750 Standard Guide for Width and Length of Pressure-Sensitive Tape | PSTC-71 |
Environmental considerations
Based on the solid waste hierarchy, the quantity and size of a tape should be minimized without reducing necessary functionality. Material content of a tape should comply with applicable regulations. Life cycle assessments of the tape and the item being taped are useful to identify and improve possible environmental effects. For example, there may be instances where the use of a PSA tape, compared to an alternative solution, improves the overall environmental impact: or vice-versa.Reuse or recycling are sometimes aided by a tape being removable from a surface. If a tape remains on an item during recycling, a tape should be chosen which does not hinder the recyclability of the item. For example, when taped corrugated boxes are recycled, film backed box sealing tapes do not hinder box recycling: the PSA adhesive stays with the backing and is easily removed.
See also
- Pressure-sensitive adhesive
- Pressure-sensitive paper
- RheologyRheologyRheology is the study of the flow of matter, primarily in the liquid state, but also as 'soft solids' or solids under conditions in which they respond with plastic flow rather than deforming elastically in response to an applied force....
- LabelLabelA label is a piece of paper, polymer, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or article, on which is printed a legend, information concerning the product, addresses, etc. A label may also be printed directly on the container or article....
- Scotch TapeScotch TapeScotch Tape is a brand name used for certain pressure sensitive tapes manufactured by 3M as part of the company's Scotch brand.- History :The precursor to the current tapes was developed in the 1930s in Minneapolis, Minnesota by Richard Drew to seal a then-new transparent material known as...
- Tape dispenserTape dispenserA tape dispenser is an object that holds a roll of tape and has a mechanism on one end to shear the tape. Dispensers vary widely based on the tape they dispense. Abundant and most common, clear tape dispensers are commonly made of plastic, and may be disposable...
- WettingWettingWetting is the ability of a liquid to maintain contact with a solid surface, resulting from intermolecular interactions when the two are brought together. The degree of wetting is determined by a force balance between adhesive and cohesive forces.Wetting is important in the bonding or adherence of...
Further reading
- "Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes", J. Johnston, PSTC, 2003, ISBN 0-9728001-0-7
- "Pressure Sensitive Formulation", I. Benedek, VSP, 2000, ISBN 90-6764-330-0