A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Acrylic adhesive
Polymerised acrylic ester monomers are the chemical basis of acrylate adhesives. Synthetic resins are usually added. These adhesives may be dissolved either in solvents or in aqueous dispersions. The outstanding properties of acrylic adhesives are high resistance to aging and temperature as well as the greatest possible durability against UV radiation and oxidation.
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Adhesion
see "Adhesive force"
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Adhesive force
This term is identical to Adhesion. It refers to the force required to pull off an adhesive tape stuck to a surface. To obtain comparable values, testing is carried out in laboratory tests according to fixed standards. A 25-millimetres wide adhesive tape is stuck to a polished steel plate and then pulled off at a constant, prescribed speed at an angle of 180 degrees, and the force required to do so is measured in kp (kiloponds) or N (newton).
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Ageing resistance
All adhesive tapes age, i.e. their properties change all the more the longer they are stored. These chemical/physical changes do not necessarily reduce the usability of an adhesive tape. Some adhesives do not display high cohesion values until after they age. No measureable change should develop in the properties of adhesive tapes during the first six months, however. If no negative properties are measureable after twelve months, then the aging resistance is considered to be good. Most of our adhesive tapes still fulfil their purpose even after multiple years of storage.
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B
Butyl rubber adhesive
This adhesive is made up of an isobutylene and natural rubber mixture. Soot particles are embedded in this. A high degree of cross-linking is achieved in our tapes through hot-calendering. This produces maximum aging resistance and suitability for long-term use in outdoor areas. Some special advantages of our butyl rubber adhesives are also high resistance to UV radiation and oxidation as well as the unique property of cold sealing. (see "Cold sealing").
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C
Calender
A machine with heavy, usually heated rollers arranged over or behind one another, with which the surface of backing materials is smoothened and adhesive is rolled out to a very precise, desired layer thickness. Even films with maximum tensile strength (such as strapping tape) are produced by stretching on calenders, frequently biaxially.
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Carrier
Backing refers to the material on which the adhesive is applied. These are usually foils, woven fabric or paper.
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Cohesion
The force required to split the adhesive layer (see "Shear adhesion, shear resistance, holding power). When an adhesive tape is pulled off, adhesives with low cohesion leave residue the surface that had been bonded. This is especially unwanted in paintwork masking tapes.
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Cold sealing
Butyl rubber adhesives have the characteristic of immediately sticking not only to themselves but also to nearly any other surface and being absolutely no longer removable. This is called cold sealing. Good bonding is even still possible on slightly soiled and slightly moist surfaces. Cold sealing is, however, not possible on siliconised surfaces.
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Corrosion
Caused by the effects of gases, acids and lyes, it begins first on the surface and eventually results in the complete destruction of solid materials.
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Cross-linking
This refers to the chemical change in the molecular chains of substances. This means the original molecular chains are linked three-dimensionally into a network. Cross-linking of adhesives is used to control the adhesion and cohesion and increase the resistance of adhesives to chemical and thermal influences.
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Cubic weight
The cubic weight is the material weight of a cubic metre (m3). It is indicated in kg/m3. It is important in determining foams.
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D
Density
The amount of material in proportion to a unit of volume. The denseness is indicated in the weight of a cubic metre (= cubic weight). For adhesive tapes, only the density of foamed material backings is significant.
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Density
This refers to the property of a material to resist penetrating foreign substances or energies. For adhesive tapes, the density of their backings to chemicals, moisture and gases is very significant.
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Dispersion
This refers to the ultrafine distribution of very small solid bodies in water. For adhesive tapes, only acrylic adhesive and acrylate adhesive dispersions are very significance.
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Dielectric strength
The resistance put up by an insulating material to flowing current until dielectric breakdown. The dielectric strength is measured in volts.
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E
Elastic strength
This refers to the tendency of a flexible backing to shrink back to its original length after being stretched. Special attention should be given to this for OPP foil backings.
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Electric insulation classes
According to their constant heat load resistance, adhesive tapes used in the electrical field are classified in temperature ranges (also called thermal classes) from "Y" to "H". The individual classes mean:
Class Y = Constant temperature range of up to 95° C
Class E = Constant temperature range of up to 120° C
Class B = Constant temperature range of up to 130° C
Class F = Constant temperature range of up to 155° C
Class H = Constant temperature range of up to 180° C
Other conclusions cannot, however, be drawn about the other technical properties of adhesive tapes from their classification in an electric insulation class.
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Electrolytic corrosion factor
This is the possible corrosive effect of an adhesive tape on a different material. To measure this factor, the adhesive tape is stuck on a copper foil. If no corrosion whatsoever develops, the adhesive tape is given an electrolytic corrosion factor of 1. With very slight corrosion, the adhesive tape is given a corrosion factor under 1.0, which is then further reduced, depending on the extent of corrosion found.
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F
Flat crepe paper
This is required for, among other things, doing masking for paintwork, for bundling and labelling. Flat crepe paper is made of paper, which is usually varnished or impregnated on the surface of one side. This tape is usually a max. of 0.2 millimetres thick. Flat crepe paper can be stretched by up to 15 percent of its original length before it tears.
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G
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H
Hot-melt adhesive
These adhesives are made up of dry, non-adhesive synthetic resins, which are melted on by high temperatures of 130° C to 180° C and retain a high degree of tack and adhesive force after cooling. The advantages of hot-melt adhesive are its very high adhesive force at normal temperatures. Its disadvantages are sensitivity to temperatures above 40° C and UV radiation, insufficient resistance to softening agents and low aging resistance. Admixtures can reduce these negative properties, however. This can make hot-melt adhesives largely resistant to softening agents.
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High-stretch crepe paper
This refers to a heavily coated, usually unvarnished paper tape that can be stretched by up to 40 percent of its original length before it tears.
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I
Initial adhesion, initial tack
Some adhesives, especially those based on butyl and acrylic, do not reach their maximum adhesive force for hours or days after the gluing. However, since the initial adhesion often has to be very high, other adhesives are used (hot-melt, solvent-based adhesives, natural-rubber adhesive, synthetic rubber adhesive & silicon adhesive).
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Insulation
This refers to partial or complete shielding of an object against external influences, such as moisture, heat, cold, sound, dust and electric current.
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J
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K
kp (Kilopond), or kgf (kilogram-force)
1 kp (kilopond), or 1 kgf (kilogram-force), is the unit of force which a 1-kg mass applies upon its suspension point.
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L
Laminate
Different backings are permanently joined together (laminated), the sum of the respective properties producing an compound backing suited in optimum fashion.
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Liner
Liner usually refers to a film, a foil or a smooth paper that is siliconised on one side or both sides, thus making it adhesive-repellent. Liners have to be between the individual layers of adhesive tape if the adhesive adheres too tightly to its own backing or in fact cold seals to it. With tapes that are adhesive on both sides, the liner also always has to be siliconised on both sides.
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M
µ (micron)
A letter of the Greek alphabet. It stands for the unit of measurement that plays a role especially when it comes to very small thicknesses for backing foils. 1 µ equals one-thousandth of a millimetre (0.001 millimetres).
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N
N (Newton)
1 N is the force that accelerates a mass of one kilogram at one metre per s2.
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Non-Woven
Non-woven consists of natural or synthetic fibres lying only longitudinally, which are formed into an integrated system by adhesives or through compression and heat. An example of this are cleaning tissues.
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O
Opaque
This means non-transparent. This is especially important for UV-resistant tapes.
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OPP-film
Packaging tapes made of polypropylene films are produced in large volumes. OPP films are resistant to lyes, acids, and solvents. They are not only very resistant to tearing and initial tearing, but also unusually inexpensive. Since OPP films react very sensitively to UV radiation, these films rot outdoors without leaving any traces. For this reason, OPP foil tapes are considered to be very environmentally friendly. Aluminised OPP foil tapes are used in the adhesion of insulating materials.
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P
PE
The abbreviation for polyethylene. Some backing foils consist of polyethylene. PE plastic foils are soft and extremely stretchable, have high density but only low tensile strength. Polyethylene is very sensitive to UV radiation. Exposed to daylight, polyethylene rots by itself, without leaving any residual matter. For that reason, this material is classified as environmentally friendly. PE foils are, however, resistant to solvents. For adhesive tape, they are important in the production of weakly adhesive protective foils, in underground pipe insulation and in screen printing.
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PET film (polyester film)
Polyester film is characterised by high tensile strength and resistance to initial tearing. This film is very difficult to tear even at very low thicknesses, 0.025 millimetres for example. This material is also very resistant to high temperatures, lyes, acids, oils and numerous solvents. For this reason, PET films play a very big role for adhesive tapes, especially in screen printing and the electrical sector.
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Polyimide film
A polyimide film with lucent brown hue. This film is very heat-resistant and extremely tear-resistant. Polyimide tapes are frequently used in the electrical industry.
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Primer
The chemical-physical properties of numerous backings do not allow direct coating, because there is insufficient adhesive anchorage. For this reason, a priming coat of adhesion promoter is frequently applied.
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PU (polyurethane)
PU is the abbreviation for polyurethane plastic. This plastic plays a big role as a backing material in the form of PU foam. PU films and foils with extreme stretching ability and tear capability are also produced. PU foam is used as a backing for mirror tape.
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PVC foil (vinyl foil)
PVC (vinyl) foils are often used as backings for adhesive tapes. In the packing sector, these are hard PVC foils, and in the insulation sector they are soft PVC foils. Hard PVC foils are very tear-resistant and easy to print on. PVC foils generally always have good UV stability. Adhesive tapes with backings made of PVC foils are therefore widely used in outdoor areas.
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Q
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R
Rolling Ball Tack Test
To determine tack, a steel ball rolls from an incline onto the adhesive side. The shorter the distance the ball is able to travel, the stickier is the adhesive. The result is indicated in centimetres. This test is very disputed, because no exact data can be collected.
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S
Shear adhesion, shear resistance, holding power
The term "shear adhesion" for an adhesive is nearly identical to the term "cohesion". Shear adhesion means the adhesiveness or the adhesive force with loading by various tensile weights and at raised temperatures. This means shear adhesion can be measured and defined in units of weight or time. The procedure is as follows: One end of a section of adhesive tape is stuck to a solidly mounted and polished steel plate. Then a weight is fastened to the other free end of the adhesive tape. By replacing and increasing the weights, one can then determine the maximum weight to which the adhesive holds on the steel plate, without the weight causing the adhesive tape to first slowly slip off, or "shear off", be pulled down and eventually fall off. The same test at different temperatures gives insights into how the adhesive behaves under the effects of various temperatures.
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siliconise
Silicon is a non-metallic compound, which after oxygen, is most frequently found on Earth, although only in combination with other substances. Silicon compounds are dissolved both in solvents and in dispersions. In such a dissolved state they are then applied to papers, foils and films, and then cross-linked under high pressure. Siliconised surfaces are very smooth and slippery. Common adhesives find no hold on silicon. Silicon rubber adhesive is required for this.
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Silicon rubber adhesive
Silicon rubber adhesive consists of synthetic polymers with rubber-like properties (elastomers), which together with organic silicon compounds produce an adhesive with maximum resistance to heat and extreme resistance to cold. Silicon rubber adhesives are the only ones that adhere to siliconised foils and papers.
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Splice
This word has been borrowed into German. It more or less means a glued or patched spot. It is very common in the foil, paper and cardboard industries. Splices are used in these industries to make paper webs and foil webs endless. Various splicing tapes are used to do this.
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Storage
Adhesive tapes should be stored in the dark and at a temperature of approx 18° C. Most adhesive tapes have good aging resistance, such that the time factor plays a minor role.
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Synthetic Rubber
These consist of natural rubber, which is ground and then mixed with solvents, such as benzene. This dissolves the rubber, creating a viscous adhesive compound. This adhesive is characterised by great adhesive force and very good shear adhesion. Disadvantages: Average resistance to temperature and aging, insufficient resistance to UV radiation and sensitivity to low (below 10° C) as well as high (from 50° C) temperatures.
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T
Tack
Materials that feel "sticky" usually have no inner firmness, i.e. no cohesion. Honey is a prime example for such. But a very sticky material is still frequently required for rough, uneven and dusty surfaces. The tack is measured using the Rolling Ball Tack Test.
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Telescoping
Telescoping refers to how (caused by strong inner pressure) adhesive tape pushes out on the side in a funnel-shape and telescopically. The tape pushes out to the side, because the layers of adhesive tape on top keep it from escaping upwards, and the hard core keeps it from doing so downwards. This deformation, which does not influence the adhesive properties, is caused by winding too tight during the manufacture of the adhesive tape or by subsequent swelling when the adhesive tape is exposed to high humidity without protection.
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Tensile strength
Tensile strength is usually ascertained using a tensile testing machine. To do so, both ends of a 25-millimetres wide adhesive tape are firmly clamped in, with one of the ends being slowly pulled opposite the other end at a standardised speed until the adhesive tape tears. The force used to do this is indicated in newtons (N). The adhesive plays no role in this test. Great fluctuations, however, frequently occur, because of the crucial role played by irregularities in backings due to how they are produced. For this reason, an average value from at least twenty measurements is usually indicated as the tensile strength value.
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Temperature range
With rising temperatures, the tack of adhesive tapes rises and their adhesive force drops (with the exception of thermosetting adhesives). With falling temperatures, the tack decreases, but the adhesive force only rises within the range of medium temperatures of approx 18° C to 25° C. When adhesive tapes have been stored cold, to be used they have to be brought back up to a temperature of approx 20° C.
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Thermosetting
This is the special property of an adhesive to increase in hardness and adhesive force when affected by heat. Thermosetting tapes are used in electrical engineering, in the manufacture of capacitors and in coil winding.
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U
UV radiation (ultra-violet rays)
UV rays are in sunlight. In rubber-solvent and hot-melt adhesives, they set off a chemical reaction that can destroy the molecular structure in a very short period of time – even in a matter of minutes in extreme cases. Adhesive tapes with these adhesives therefore always have to be stored in the dark. Direct radiation by the sun and outdoor exposure must therefore be absolutely avoided. Acrylic adhesive tapes and butyl rubber adhesive tapes display far-reaching resistance to UV-radiation.
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V
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W
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X
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Y
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Z
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