What Is the Adhesive Tape Backing Material?
2021/02/04
Have you ever wondered what the backing on adhesive tapes is made of? Since this component is essential to the function of the tape. The tape backing needs to be strong enough to support the adhesive, but also thin and flexible so that it can be easily applied. We will take a closer look at the different materials that are used for adhesive backings and explain why each one is chosen for specific applications.
Adhesive Tape Backing Functions
Acts as a carrier for the adhesive and provides form and function to the adhesive tapes. Backings come in many different materials, weights, thicknesses, and colors. Depending on the application, different backing materials can perform the following functions.
- Force: The ability to absorb external impact and cushioning.
- Light: It can either be high transmittance or provide light shielding.
- Sound: Sound insulation and sound absorption.
- Heat: Thermal insulation, heat dissipation, flame retardant.
- Electricity: the function of conducting or insulating.
- Electromagnetic: EMI shielding for electronics.
- Water: Waterproof, breathable, waterproof and breathable, block moisture.
What is the adhesive tape backing material made of and what are its properties?
The adhesive backing material is made of a thin layer of plastic, paper, foam, or metal foil that has been coated with an adhesive. For example, pressure sensitive adhesives such as acrylic or silicone adhesives need a backing that is porous so that the adhesive can bond with the surface. Other adhesives, such as hot melt adhesives, need a backing that is heat resistant. However, all types of adhesive backings are designed to provide strength and durability to the adhesive bond.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Heat resistance, chemical resistance, strong toughness, electrical insulation, safety, etc. It is widely used in the electronics industry, industry, medical, aerospace and aviation.
PI (Polyimide)
High temperature resistance, acid and alkali resistance, flame retardant and excellent dimensional stability. Commonly used in aerospace, automobile manufacturing, medical, and SMT industries.
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)
High clarity, odorless and with a high dielectric property. BOPP tape is often used for sealing and packaging, fixing spare parts.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Good corrosion resistance, water resistance, temperature resistance, acid and alkali resistance and UV resistance. PVC tape is commonly used in ground, construction, traffic area warning signs, packaging box sealing warnings, or electrical tapes.
Compared with polymer films, elastomer backing material provide stronger compression and tensile properties. For example, there are now easy-pull tapes of PU system or rubber system. It is used in the fixing and disassembly of mobile phone lithium battery.
Non-woven fabrics are mainly made of PP and PET, which can be regarded as the secondary processing of polymer film. It plays a role that some film backings do not have.
- It’s very breathable.
- It is flexible and elastic.
- Light and soft.
Foam backing material is regarded as the secondary processing of molecular film/elastomer material, and have the following characteristics:
- Anti-vibration buffer, long-lasting elasticity.
- The heat preservation is very strong.
- Excellent sealing performance.
- Lightweight.
The paper backing material is made of the tough fiber of bark or hemp. The main features are good toughness, easy to tear and good manual operation.
Common ones are 3M Micropore™ tape, conductive tape, paint masking tape, etc.
Metal is rolled or electrolytically formed into coils. The biggest advantage of using metal backing is the conductive properties of metals, which are mainly used for shielding tapes and conductive tapes. Copper and aluminum are more common, because they are cost-effective and stable.
The various substrates above can be matched in different combinations according to application requirements
Elastic Polymer Tape + Foam
Combined with the rework ability of the bond & detach tape and the functions of foam cushioning, sealing and shock absorption.
Copper Foil + Horae Black PET
The Cu backing material is compounded with Horae black PET, which can provide heat conduction on the Cu surface as well as heat radiation on the black PET surface.
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