Common Adhesive Types

There are several different types of adhesive coatings: Acrylic, Acrylic mass, Butyl, Foam Cored Acrylic, Natural Rubber, Silicone, Synthetic Rubber.
 

The most commonly used system for foam and double sided tapes as it is regarded as having very good long ageing properties, provides good UV & solvent resistance (check spec. sheet) and has good temperature resistance. There are some different types of acrylic adhesive often referred to as

modified acrylic, aqueous acrylic, solvent acrylic.

Acrylic adhesive is used with most high performance tapes but can also be found on the cheaper end packaging tapes which exhibit good long term performance when applied properly. Should be applied in temperatures from 15°C - 40°C.
 

Solid acrylic adhesive that exhibits high cohesive strength with high initial tack. The adhesive bond strength increases over time from initial installation. Elasticity of acrylic mass is ideally suited for applying to substrates that are exposed to expansion & contraction. Has excellent resistance to UV,

weathering, solvents & extreme temperature variations from -30°C to +100°C.
 

This adhesive system exhibits high adhesive strength with low cohesive strength. Has excellent ageing characteristics & resistance to moisture & weathering. Ideally suited for sealing applications.
 

Open weave foam impregnated with solid acrylic adhesive that exhibits high cohesive strength with good initial tack. The adhesive bond strength increases over time from initial installation. Elasticity of foam cored acrylic is ideally suited for applying to substrates that are exposed to expansion & contraction. Has excellent resistance to UV, weathering, solvents & extreme temperature variations from -30°C to +93°C.
 

This adhesive system is regarded as the best system for packaging tape and some double sided and

masking tapes. This system offers moderate initial tack with very good adhesion offering a superior bond to a variety of virgin & recycled board and performing well in the freezer applications as well as hot humid conditions. Not suited to very long term bonding as the adhesive strength will gradually break down with age & yellow. Resistance to UV, weathering & solvents is fair. Should be applied in temperatures from 10°C - 40°C.
 

This adhesive system is fairly uncommon, expensive and used for specialized applications. It will withstand extreme temperatures over 200°C. and is the only adhesive that will stick to silicon coated paper (release liner on tape and labels) and is generally used for securing the end of the roll or splicing applications. This adhesive exhibits very low tack when first pulled off the roll.
 

This adhesive system is commonly found on mid range packaging tape and some cheaper single & double sided tapes. This system offers good initial tack but is limited to short term less critical applications as the adhesive has limited long term performance. The adhesive is degraded by UV light & should not be used in applications where the tape is subject to UV exposure. Resistance to solvents is poor and the adhesive does not perform well in high temperatures it can also lose some of its tack in cold conditions. Should be applied in temperatures from 15°C - 30°C.