--- title: Surface Energy & Pressure Sensitive Adhesives | Marian Inc description: Determining the surface energy of the two substrates you are bonding is critical to selecting the best pressure sensitive adhesive. image: https://blog.marianinc.com/hs-fs/hub/330082/file-1160805095.jpg --- - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/marianincorporated) - [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/company/marian-inc.?trk=company_name) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/Marianinc) - [Youtube](http://www.youtube.com/user/marianincsolutions) 1-800-773-0062 [Mandarin / 中文](https://www.marianinc.com.cn) [![Marian, Inc.](https://blog.marianinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marian_November2019/Images/Marian%2c%20Inc..png?width=340&height=156&name=Marian%2c%20Inc..png "Marian, Inc.")](https://marianinc.com/) - [Capabilities](https://marianinc.com/capabilities/) - [Prototyping](https://marianinc.com/capabilities/prototyping/) - [Die Cutting](https://marianinc.com/capabilities/die-cutting/) - [Slitting](https://marianinc.com/capabilities/slitting/) - 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[Durometer Comparison Chart](https://marianinc.com/durometer/) - [IP Rating & NEMA Rating Charts](https://marianinc.com/ip-rating-and-nema-rating-charts/) - [Roll Length Calculator](https://marianinc.com/roll-length-calculator/) - [Roll Diameter Calculator](https://marianinc.com/roll-diameter-calculator/) - [Material Data Sheets](https://marianinc.com/data-sheets/) - [CONTACT US](https://info.marianinc.com/contact-us) - [REQUEST A PROTOTYPE](https://info.marianinc.com/request-a-prototype) - [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://info.marianinc.com/request-a-quote) Flexible Solutions # [Surface Energy and Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes](https://blog.marianinc.com/blog/surface-energy-and-psa) Posted by [Katie Sullivan](https://blog.marianinc.com/blog/author/katie-sullivan) July 8, 2014 1:51 PM 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](https://marianinc.com/materials/tapes-adhesives/) for their application. Adhesive selection is an involved process is to determine the **surface energy** of the two substrates that are being bonded.  ### **WHAT IS SURFACE ENERGY?** 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](https://marianinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Material-Spotlight-Polyimide-Films-and-Tapes-WEB-072924.pdf), polyester, polycarbonate, acrylic, and ABS. ![Surface_Energy](https://blog.marianinc.com/hs-fs/hub/330082/file-1160805095.jpg?width=369&name=file-1160805095.jpg)   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. ##### **Other Factors When Choosing a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive** 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 PSAs. They are ready to work with you to understand your application so that they can help you narrow down your search. [Contact us](https://info.marianinc.com/contact-us) today for help with your PSA application.    [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/330082/50af1808-237f-48fb-b2c2-c8b634fbef23.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/330082/50af1808-237f-48fb-b2c2-c8b634fbef23)   For a comprehensive guide to selecting a PSA, check out our free download “4 Questions to ask when choosing a PSA”.    [![EBOOK: 4 Questions to Ask When Selecting a PSA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/330082/6ceaade3-ee50-42ee-9c98-d269bf5832a1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/330082/6ceaade3-ee50-42ee-9c98-d269bf5832a1)   Also, check out our 1-page Guide: Considerations When Selecting a Bonding PSA.    [![1 Page Guide: Selecting a Bonding Tape](https://blog.marianinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Selecting%20a%20Bonding%20Tape%20jpg-1.png?width=220&height=285&name=Selecting%20a%20Bonding%20Tape%20jpg-1.png)](https://marianinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Selecting-a-Bonding-Tape-WEB-072524.pdf)   Topics: [Surface Energy](https://blog.marianinc.com/blog/topic/surface-energy), [PSA](https://blog.marianinc.com/blog/topic/psa) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - 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