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POLYETHYLENE-RUBBER TAPES

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Elite Tape offers polyethylene backed film tapes with rubber adhesive systems, also commonly known as PE tapes.  This product is highly versatile and used in several applications for sealing, bonding, wrapping, splicing and surface protection.  The PE film backing is conformable and easy to work with and offers a rubber adhesive system that is aggressive with immediate bond but removes cleanly from most surfaces. One of the applications where Polyethylene Tapes excel is as a vapor barrier tape due to their strong chemical and moisture resistance.

ELITE TAPE IS YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR SINGLE COATED TAPES

Elite Tape offers an extensive line of single coated film tapes with a variety of film backings and adhesive systems.  Our polyester-silicone tapes are used for splicing silicone coated papers and high temperature masking applications.  We offer these in different colors and different thickness’ depending on your application needs.   We also offer polyester-acrylic tapes, polyimide-silicone, polyester-acrylic and polyethylene-rubber. All of these products can be procesed in long length machine rolls for continuous processing.  We also offer these tapes die-cut in different designs and configurations.  There are several applications requiring our single coated film tapes:

  • High temperature masking applications
  • Plasma spray & thermal spray
  • Splicing of silicone treated papers and release liners
  • Core start and tail tabbing applications
  • Insulative coil wrapping in motor manufacturing
  • Carrier tape in electronics industry offering clean removal

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT POLYETHYLENE RUBBER TAPES

What is Polyethylene Rubber Tape?

Polyethylene Rubber Tape, also known as PE rubber tape, is a type of adhesive tape that combines the properties of polyethylene and rubber to create a versatile and durable tape suitable for various applications. It is typically used for sealing, insulating, and protecting surfaces in industries such as plumbing, construction, electrical, and automotive.

Polyethylene Rubber Tape is composed of a polyethylene backing material with a rubber-based adhesive. Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. The rubber adhesive provides strong adhesion to different surfaces.

Polyethylene Rubber Tape has several important characteristics:

  • Water and Moisture Resistance: Polyethylene Rubber Tape exhibits excellent water and moisture resistance. It is often used for sealing pipe joints, fittings, or other connections in plumbing applications to create a watertight seal.
  • Insulation and Electrical Protection: The tape provides electrical insulation and protection against moisture in electrical applications. It can be used to insulate and protect wire splices, connections, and other electrical components.
  • Flexibility and Conformability: Polyethylene Rubber Tape is flexible and conforms well to irregular surfaces, making it suitable for wrapping around pipes, cables, or other objects. Its conformability ensures a secure and tight seal.
  • Temperature Resistance: Polyethylene Rubber Tape typically offers good temperature resistance, allowing it to maintain its adhesive and sealing properties in a wide range of temperatures.
  • UV Resistance: Some varieties of Polyethylene Rubber Tape are formulated to withstand exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This UV resistance makes the tape suitable for outdoor applications where sunlight and weather exposure are a factor.
  • Easy Application and Removal: Polyethylene Rubber Tape is generally easy to apply and remove. It can be torn by hand or cut to the desired length, and the adhesive allows for secure bonding while still enabling clean removal when needed.

What is Polyethylene Tape used for?

Polyethylene Tape, or PE Tape, is a type of adhesive tape made from polyethylene, a durable and versatile thermoplastic polymer. It finds a wide range of applications due to its various properties and benefits.

  • Surface Protection
    • Polyethylene Tape is frequently used for protecting surfaces from scratches, abrasion, or damage during transportation, storage, or construction. It can be applied to sensitive surfaces like glass, metal, plastic, or painted surfaces to provide a protective barrier.
  • Packaging and Wrapping
    • Polyethylene Tape is employed for packaging and bundling purposes. It can be used to seal boxes, secure packages, or bundle items together. Its strong adhesion and resistance to moisture make it suitable for packaging applications.
  • Moisture and Weather Resistance
    • Polyethylene Tape exhibits excellent resistance to moisture, water, and weather conditions. It is commonly used for sealing or insulating outdoor connections, such as outdoor electrical wires or cables, to protect them from moisture and environmental elements.
  • Vapor Barrier
    • PE Tapes are a superior solution for protecting homes from Radon vapor because of their strength in resisting chemicals and moisture.  They make an excellent vapor barrier seam tape.
  • Pipe Wrapping and Corrosion Protection
    • Polyethylene Tape is used for wrapping and protecting pipes to prevent corrosion and provide insulation. It forms a barrier against moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive substances, making it ideal for applications in plumbing, oil and gas industries, or underground pipelines.
  • Marking and Labeling
    • Polyethylene Tape is often used for marking, labeling, or color coding purposes. It can be easily written on or printed on using appropriate markers or printers, making it useful for identification, organizing, or inventory management.
  • Sports and Recreation
    • Polyethylene Tape finds applications in sports and recreational activities. It is commonly used for marking boundaries or lines on fields, courts, or gymnasium floors. The tape’s durability and ability to adhere to various surfaces make it suitable for temporary or semi-permanent sports markings.
  • Repair and Temporary Fixing
    • Polyethylene Tape can be used for temporary repairs or fixing applications. It can provide a quick and temporary fix for minor leaks, cracks, or damaged items, offering a temporary solution until a proper repair can be performed.

Polyethylene Tape’s versatility, durability, moisture resistance, and ease of use make it a valuable tool in various industries, including packaging, construction, plumbing, electrical, and sports. Its applications are extensive, ranging from surface protection to sealing, marking, and repair tasks.

What are the advantages of polyethylene backing versus polyester or polyimide?

Polyethylene, polyester, and polyimide are three different types of carrier materials used in adhesive tapes, each with its own advantages and characteristics.

Advantages of Polyethylene:

  1. Flexibility and Conformability – Polyethylene has a high degree of flexibility and conformability. It can easily conform to irregular or curved surfaces, making it suitable for applications where tape needs to wrap around objects or adhere to uneven surfaces.
  2. Moisture Resistance – Polyethylene exhibits excellent moisture resistance. It is resistant to water absorption, which makes it suitable for applications where exposure to moisture is a concern, such as outdoor use or in environments with high humidity.
  3. Cost-Effectiveness – Polyethylene is generally more cost-effective compared to polyester or polyimide. It offers a balance between performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
  4. Electrical Insulation – Polyethylene has good electrical insulation properties. It provides insulation and protection against electrical currents, making it suitable for electrical applications such as wire splicing or cable bundling.

Advantages of Polyester:

  1. High Temperature Resistance – Polyester has excellent heat resistance, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures compared to polyethylene. It can retain its mechanical properties and adhesion strength even at elevated temperatures.
  2. Dimensional Stability – Polyester exhibits excellent dimensional stability, meaning it maintains its shape and size under various conditions. It is less prone to shrinkage or expansion, which is beneficial for applications requiring precise measurements or alignment.
  3. Chemical Resistance – Polyester offers good resistance to many chemicals, solvents, and oils. It can withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals without significant degradation, making it suitable for applications in harsh chemical environments.

Advantages of Polyimide:

  1. Extreme Temperature Resistance – Polyimide has exceptional resistance to high temperatures. It can withstand extreme heat, making it suitable for applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, or electronics, where exposure to extreme temperatures is common.
  2. Low Outgassing – Polyimide has low outgassing properties, meaning it releases minimal volatile substances when exposed to high temperatures. This is crucial in applications where cleanliness and avoidance of contamination are essential, such as in vacuum environments or electronic components.
  3. Excellent Dielectric Properties – Polyimide offers excellent dielectric properties, making it an excellent choice for applications where electrical insulation, high voltage, or low electrical conductivity are critical.

It’s important to consider the specific requirements of the application, including temperature range, mechanical stress, chemical exposure, electrical properties, and budget when selecting the most suitable carrier material for adhesive tapes. Each material has its advantages and is chosen based on the specific demands of the application.

What advantages does rubber adhesive offer to Polyethylene Rubber Tape?

The rubber adhesive used in Polyethylene Rubber Tape offers several advantages that contribute to its performance and effectiveness.

  • Strong Adhesion: Rubber adhesives provide strong initial adhesion to a wide range of surfaces. They form a reliable bond quickly, ensuring secure attachment of the tape to the substrate. This is particularly beneficial in applications where immediate adhesion and holding power are crucial.
  • Versatility: Rubber adhesives exhibit good adhesion to various substrates, including polyethylene, metals, plastics, wood, and more. They offer versatility and can effectively bond different materials together.
  • Flexibility and Conformability: Rubber adhesives remain flexible and conformable even after application. This allows the tape to adhere well to irregular or uneven surfaces, ensuring a tight and secure bond. The flexibility of the rubber adhesive enables it to accommodate movement or slight variations in the bonded surfaces.
  • Resilience and Durability: Rubber adhesives are known for their resilience and durability. They can withstand mechanical stress, vibrations, and moderate temperature fluctuations without compromising the integrity of the bond. This makes them suitable for applications that require long-term bonding and resistance to environmental factors.
  • Resistance to Moisture and Solvents: Rubber adhesives often offer good resistance to moisture and some solvents. They maintain their adhesive properties even in humid or damp environments, making them suitable for applications where exposure to moisture is a concern.
  • Easy Application and Removal: Rubber adhesives in polyethylene rubber tape typically allow for easy application and removal. They provide a balance between strong initial adhesion and clean removal without leaving significant residue behind or damaging the surfaces.
  • Excellent Tack: Rubber adhesives exhibit excellent tack, which refers to their ability to bond quickly upon contact with a substrate. This tackiness enables efficient and effective bonding, minimizing the need for additional pressure or extended dwell time.

Is Polyethylene Tape waterproof?

Polyethylene Tape offers a certain degree of water resistance, but it is not entirely waterproof. Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer known for its resistance to moisture and water absorption. Therefore, Polyethylene Tape can provide a barrier against water and offer some protection in applications where exposure to moisture is a concern.

However, it’s important to note that the water resistance of Polyethylene Tape can vary depending on the specific formulation, thickness, and adhesive used. While it can withstand occasional exposure to water or damp environments, it may not be suitable for long-term immersion or continuous exposure to water.

For applications that require a higher level of water resistance or waterproofing, specialized tapes or additional measures may be necessary. It’s recommended to assess the specific requirements of your application and consider the expected level of water exposure to determine whether polyethylene tape alone provides sufficient water resistance or if additional waterproofing measures are necessary.

Reasons To Buy From Elite Tape:

  • 100% satisfaction guarantee on products to be free from defects on material and workmanship
  • Low Minimums on most of our products
  • Same Day, 2 Day and Just In Time shipping options
  • Build Your Brand with our Private Label and Contract Converting programs
  • Reduce Lead Time and Free Up Cash Flow with our “Pay as you Pull” program
  • 30 years in the Specialty Tape and Converting industry
  • Largest selection of specialty tapes in the industry