Plasticizers

What are plasticizers and how do they affect adhesive performance?

Plasticizers are an additive typically used to soften materials. PVC is a common example. If it does not have plasticizers, it may be listed as UPVC (unplasticized). In terms of adhesive performance, plasticizers can permeate the adhesive and weaken the bond between a tape and a substrate.

This information was contributed by Renae Shindorf, Application Engineer at tesa tape, inc. Visit www.tesatape.com for more information.

Bonding to Different Surfaces

What surface types are difficult or easy to bond to?

"Typically, polar surfaces are easier to bond to and non-polar surfaces are more difficult. Some examples of polar surfaces are stainless steel, polycarbonate, and glass. Non-polar surfaces include silicone, Teflon, polypropylene, polyethylene, powder coated and/or painted surfaces. To obtain a good bond, the polarity of the tape should be similar or lower than the substrates being bonded. Modified and pure acrylics are polar, whereas synthetic and natural rubbers are more non-polar. If you have more questions on this topic, feel free to contact me at rshindorf@tesatape.com."

This information was contributed by Renae Shindorf, Application Engineer at tesa tape, inc. Visit www.tesatape.com for more information.

Reading an Adhesive Tape Data Sheet

What does a 29.0 lbs/inch tensile strength mean?

Lets begin by defining tensile strength. Tensile strength is the force required to break a piece of tape by pulling on opposite ends of the piece. When you see 29.0 lbs/inch tensile strength on a material's data sheet, that means it takes 29 pounds per inch to break that product in half. Tensile strength is often expressed in pounds per inch. However, some products are expressed in newtons per centimeter or N/cm.

You may also see the terms machine direction tensile, cross direction tensile or wet tensile on a data sheet. Machine direction tensile is measured parallel to the length of the tape. Unless it is otherwise specified, the tensile strength of your product is measured in machine direction. Cross direction tensile strength is measured at right angels. Wet tensile strength is measured after the tape has been kept wet for a specified period of time. This is useful when determining if your tape will function properly when exposed to moisture.

Click to view an example data sheet.