Over the years, the use of pressure sensitive adhesive tape has grown rapidly in manufacturing and practically all other industries. This means a growing number of design engineers are learning about and sourcing pressure sensitive adhesives for their application. Adhesive selection is an involved process is to determine the surface energy of the two substrates that are being bonded.
Surface energy related to pressure sensitive adhesives is the measure of how well an adhesive “wets out” over the surface. In other words, how well the adhesive sticks.
Low surface energy (LSE) substrates do not allow adhesives to wet out, making them difficult for adhesive to adhere. Some LSE substrates include polystyrene, acetal, polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone rubber, Teflon, and powder coated paints.
High surface energy (HSE) substrates allow for adhesive wet out, making them easy for adhesive to bond. Some HSE substrates include metal, Kapton, polyester, polycarbonate, acrylic, and ABS.
Surface condition can also be a factor in determining the surface energy of a substrate. Is the surface rough, smooth, porous, coated, uncoated, clean, flexible, etc.? All of these factors play a role in surface energy.
Some pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are formulated to provide better adhesion to LSE substrates, while others are formulated to adhere to HSE substrates.
There are a few other factors to consider aside from surface energy when selecting a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive for your bonding application.
Marian Sales Engineers are well trained and experienced in the world of PSA's. They are ready to work with you to understand your application so that they can help you narrow down your search. Contact us today for help with your PSA application.
For a comprehensive guide to selecting a PSA, check out our free download “4 Questions to ask when choosing a PSA”.
Also, check out our 1-page Guide: Considerations When Selecting a Bonding PSA.