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To obtain an optimal bond:
1. Rubber-based adhesives provide greater initial adhesion (initial tack), which is important when the need for load bearing is immediate.
2. Proper cleaning to reduce surface contamination is the best way to improve the bond of the adhesive.
3. Firm, even pressure across the entire surface improves the bond of the adhesive.
4. Foam tapes allow for greater surface contact than film tapes when adhering to rough or irregular surfaces.
5. To firmly secure edges, apply pressure to the tape from the top down or center out and give extra attention to the edges.
6. Tape should be applied at a temperature between 65°F and 100°F. The tape as well as the application surface must be at ambient temperature.
How do the materials I use affect adhesion? |
Adhesion is the force of attraction between
two materials or substrates. The strength of attraction is determined by the surface energy
of the substrate. The higher the surface energy, the greater the attraction. The lower the surface energy, the weaker the attractive forces.
Adhesion characteristics are different depending on the substrate used. Knowing
the substrate used helps to determine
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the proper adhesive to produce a quality bond. For example, Teflon® is a low surface energy substrate and would be harder to stick to than
a high surface energy substrate like styrene.
The texture of the substrate can also affect the adhesion. Smooth surfaces are easier to bond to than textured or rough surfaces in cases where the surface energy is equal.
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Surface Energy Chart
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Clean, dry surfaces produce better bonds.
Duraco’s application technicians can analyze your substrate and external factors to help you determine the best product(s) for your application.
General Adhesive Characteristics |
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Rubber Based
· High initial adhesion
· Some adhesion buildup
· Good shear strength
· Moderate temperature resistance
· Fair UV resistance
· Poor plasticizer resistance
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Acrylic-Based
· Fair initial adhesion
· Gradual adhesion buildup
· High shear strength
· High temperature resistance
· Excellent UV resistance
· Good plasiticizer resistance
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Rubber-based: A rubber-base adhesive provides the most cost effective product for many applications. Its ability to immediately bond well to various surfaces makes it the first option when using double adhesive foam tape.
Acrylic-based: Pure acrylic adhesives have a propensity to withstand UV exposure better than rubber formulations. Rubber-base will lose its tack more quickly under direct exposure. Acrylic adhesives are resistant to plasticizers such as flexible PVC. Rubber-based will be attacked by the plasticizer and break down to a gooey substance. Acrylic adhesives will typically require more set-up time to create a good bond, generally 24 to 48 hours.
Remo adhesives are not recommended for use on wallpaper or painted wallboard. Wallpaper may delaminate when the tape is removed. Painted wallboard must be tested in an inconspicuous area for each application as the quality of the paint and wallboard dictate how well Remo can be removed. Glass that allows the adhesive to be exposed to sunlight will, over time, diminish the tape's holding power. Short-term applications (one to two weeks) are possible.
To remove Remo Tape, slowly peel back a corner of the object to remove it from the surface on which it was hanging. Carefully roll or peel off any tape that remains on either surface and discard. |
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Application Tests
Whenever possible, we recommend an Application Test be conducted;
especially for the following:
· Surfaces with powder coatings - surface energy levels vary.
· UV cured overlays - very difficult to bond to. Surface block-outs may
be required.
General Guidelines
Very rough surfaces will require thicker foam to fill the irregularities.
Rule of thumb for holding power of foam tape is 1/2 to 1 lb. per in2 of tape. Conditions and variables in applications can produce different stresses and affect holding power.
How does surface preparation affect the product’s performance?
Dirt, oil, paint, dust, release agents, inhibitors, or other contaminants on the surface of the substrate can interfere with the adhesive and affect the bond. Surface preparation may be required to remove the contaminants and improve the performance of the adhesive. The type of substrate determines the best cleaning method to use in surface preparation.
The three main ways to prepare surfaces are:
1. General Cleaning – use a 50/50 mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol and water to clean most surfaces, drying with a clean lint-free cloth. Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying the tape. For instances where the surface has only dust or loose particles, you can use a clean lint-free cloth alone to prepare the surface.
2. Solvent Cleaning – use a solvent such as acetone or Isopropanol, drying with a clean lint-free cloth. Make sure the surface is completely dry before applying the tape.
3. Abrasion – use to remove films, surface treatments and paint. Often followed by solvent cleaning.
Note: In applications where tape will be applied to printed or coated materials, masking out the section where the tape will adhere before coating could eliminate the abrasion step and improve the tape’s bond. This can be done before coating the substrate or afterward with surface primers.
What other factors will affect adhesion?
There are many factors that could influence the bond between two materials. The following are common factors that would need to be understood to determine the proper material/adhesive combination:
•Temperature
• Ultraviolet light
• Humidity
• Surface coatings
• Chemicals
• Physical stresses
• Time
• Surface contact |
