There are many different types of adhesive systems when it comes to pressure-sensitive tapes. Each type of adhesive is designed specifically for a purpose and application. Knowing the difference between each type of adhesive system is important in order to get the best results for your particular job or use.

Pressure sensitive adhesives are most commonly offered in silicone, solvent-acrylic, and rubber-based formulations. The method in which bonding occurs, for a pressure sensitive adhesive, is by determining adhesive compatibility to your substrate surface. Pressure-sensitive adhesive systems require applied pressure and dwell time to provide ultimate adhesion to your substrate. Each adhesive type exhibits unique performance characteristics.

SILICONE ADHESIVE

Silicone adhesive systems are most commonly used in applications that require high temperature performance and clean removability.

Silicones are available in both single-coated and double-coated tape constructions with varying coat weights and colors depending upon your application requirements. Compared to acrylic and rubber adhesive systems, silicone psa’s are considerably costlier.

Elite 900 is a 2.0 mil. polyester with 1.8 mil. silicone adhesive. This tape has an extra strong polyester backing and aggressive silicone adhesive ideal for masking applications. Silicone adhesive allows for high temperature resistance but still removes cleanly with little or no residue. This tape is also excellent choice for splicing silicone coated liners and papers. Alternative to Scapa 572, Ideal 9209, 9211, 9212, 3M 8902 & 3M 8464, Berry Plastics 781, Specialty Tapes CW21S
SILICONE ADHESIVE CHARACTERISTICS APPLICATIONS
  • Superior adhesion to LSE surfaces
  • Excellent aging and UV resistance
  • Humidity & moisture resistant
  • Chemical & oil resistant
  • Widest heat (500F) & cold temperature (-30F) range
  • Clean removability
  • Great electrical insulation properties
  • Exceptional adherence to silicone coatings
  • Silicone rubber/sponge and fluoroelastomers
  • Heat resistant adhesive tapes & label manufacturing
  • Masking for powder coating, plating, wet-painting & wave solder/circuit assembly
  • Splicing silicone release liners
  • Protective films for cell phone and electronics
  • Electrical insulation tapes
  • Laminating solid silicone rubber and silicone sponge

Low Surface Energy Surfaces (LSE):

PVA, Polystyrene, Acetal, EVA, Tedlar, Silicone, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PVF, PTFE, Powder Paint, Acetal

SOLVENT ACRYLIC ADHESIVE 

Solvent Acrylic adhesive systems are most commonly used in applications that require a steady resistance to solvents, chemicals, UV light, plasticizers, and moisture. They are available in both single-coated and double-coated tape constructions with varying coat weights and colors depending upon your application requirements. Acrylic adhesive performance provides a good balance of initial tack and shear strength. Compared to silicone adhesive systems they are less costly.

Elite 958A is a 1 mil. polyester film tape with insulative grade acrylic adhesive. This tape was designed for component packaging and electrical insulation applications. Excellent resistance to solvents, chemicals and heat. Alternative to 3M-850, 3M-854, 3M-853, Specialty Tapes S975, ATP MYP-25CA, Scapa 525
SOLVENT ACRYLIC CHARACTERISTICS APPLICATIONS
  • Superior adhesion to HSE & some LSE surfaces
  • Excellent aging and UV resistance
  • Humidity & moisture resistant
  • Chemical & oil resistant
  • Durable heat (350F Long Term/450F Short Term) & cold temperature (-25F) range
  • Visual clarity
  • Permanent adhesive bond to many films, metals, plastics and glass
  • Splicing paper, film and foam
  • Bonding of nameplates for trophies and awards
  • Laminating
  • Protective films and overlays
  • Banner Hemming
  • Converting
  • Corrugated manufacturing

High Surface Energy Surfaces (HSE):

PET, ABS, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, Acrylic, Nylon, Epoxy Paint, Polyurethane, Copper, Aluminum, Zinc, Tin, Lead, Stainless Steel, Glass

Low Surface Energy Surfaces (LSE):

PVA, Polystyrene, Acetal, EVA, Tedlar, Silicone, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PVF, PTFE, Powder Paint, Acetal

RUBBER ADHESIVE

Rubber adhesive systems are most commonly used in applications that require a very high initial bond, mild chemical and solvent resistance at low operating temperatures 25F to 150F. They are available in both single-coated and double-coated tape constructions with varying coat weights and colors depending upon your application requirements. Rubber adhesive is most commonly used in applications that require short-term, permanent, indoor bonding. Compared to acrylic adhesive systems they are less costly.

Elite 536 is a 5 mil. matte surface soft PVC vinyl tape with rubber adhesive system. This product is ideal for color coding, lane marking and safety identification applications. This product is conformable, excellent abrasion and punture resistance. Excellent choice for vapor and moisture barrier applications. Offered in 13 OSHA colors. 536 Vinyl Tape is an alternative to: ATP CVT-536, 3M-471, Cantech 571, Shurtape VP410, Decker 44
RUBBER ADHESIVE CHARACTERISTICS APPLICATIONS
  • Superior adhesion to LSE surfaces
  • Excellent “wet-grab”
  • Good moisture resistance
  • Mild chemical resistance
  • Low temperature resistance from 25F to 150F
  • Permanent adhesive bond in temporary applications
  • Good conformability
  • Carton sealing
  • Plating – stop off masking
  • Low temperature splicing
  • Core start-up
  • Converting
  • Bag/Pouch mfg.
  • Bonding dissimilar, textured and curved surfaces

Low Surface Energy Surfaces (LSE):

PVA, Polystyrene, Acetal, EVA, Tedlar, Silicone, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PVF, PTFE, Powder Paint, Acetal

QUESTIONS TO IDENTIFY THE CORRECT ADHESIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUR APPLICATION:

Now that you have a basic understanding of the 3 main types of pressure-sensitive adhesive systems, here are some questions that you may want to ask when selecting the right tape for your application. Of course, your Elite Tape specialist will be happy to further talk about these important differences.

  • HSE OR LSE SUBSTRATE?

  • SURFACE COATING/TEXTURE/CONTAMINATION?

  • PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY BOND?

  • INDOOR/OUTDOOR EXPOSURE?

  • COLOR OR CLARITY REQUIREMENTS?

  • TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS?

  • CHEMICAL RESISTANCE REQUIREMENTS?

Elite Tape’s Technical Support Team is ready to help by providing any additional information and options. Our technical expertise, customer support, converting capabilities and fast turnaround put us in a unique position to address your most challenging application requirements.

At Elite Tape, “We Make It Easy.