Glossary of Terms

We bring you the brief explanation of some basic and/or less frequent terms related to PSA systems, Polymers, and Adhesive bonding:

About polymers
ABS:acrylonitril-butadiene-styrene (terpolymer)
CR:chloroprene rubber
EPDM:ethylene-propelene-diene (terpolymer)
NR:natural rubber
PA:polyamide
PC:polycarbonate
PCTFE:polychlortrifluoethylene
PE:polyethylene
PET (PETP):polyester (polyetheleneterephthalate)
PI:polyimide
PMMA:polymethylmethacrylate
PP:polypropylene
PS:polystyrene
PTFE:polytetrafluorethylene
PUR:polyurethane
PVC:polyvinylchloride
PVDC:polyvinylidenechloride
SBR:styrene-butadiene rubber
SI:silicon
Glass Temperature (=Tg)When the polymers are used at the temperature above Tg, they are soft and elastic, when used below Tg, they are hard and glassy. The are exclusions because of the cristallinity and other reasons. The values of Tg (in degK, 0 degC = 273 degK) for the most common polymers: NR/201, PE/148, PET/342, PMMA/378, PP/265, PS/368, PTFE/390, PVC/352, SI/146
Mr Horace DayIs considered to be the inventor of PSA tapes. His USA patent no. 3965 is from the year 1845
Surface tension (=γ)The lower the value of γ, the more diffult is to create an adhesive bond to the relevant (solid) polymer. The values (in mN/m) of γ for the most frequent polymers: EPDM/34,5, CR/43, NR/32, PE/36, PET/ ?, PC/44, PMMA/41, PP/30, PS/ PTFE/24, PVC/42, SI/21 Cellulose/42, Starch/39, Wool/45
About PSA Systems
AdhesiveA substance capable of bonding materials together by surface attachment
BackingsA material, to which the adhesive is applied (coated and/or bonded)
CarrierSometimes used to refer to the backing, particularly in double sided PSA tapes
Labels stockPressure sensitive materials that are usually printed, frequaently die-cut, furnished in roll or sheet from with a liner, and intended for use as labels
Pressure-sensitive adhesiveA category of adhesives, which in dry form adheres to the variety of surfaces
Protective foilA foil to protect the surface from abrasion, UV light, moisture, chemicals or their combination
PSA labelA combination of face material, pressure sensitive adhesive and release liner, die cut into various shapes
PSA systemThe PSA tape and/or the PSA label and/or the converted PSA tape
PSA tapeA combination of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a backing
Release LinerA web or sheet material covering the adhesive side of a tape. (It is removed prior to application).
Transfer tapeA PSA unsupported applied to a two-sided release liner
About bonding with PSA Systems
AdherendThe surface to be bonded by adhesive
AdhesionA bond produced between a pressure sensitive adhesive and a surface
Adhesion build-upAn increase in the peel adhesion value of a PSA tape after it has been allowe4d to dwellk to the applied surface
CohesionThe ability of the adhesive to resist splitting
Peel strengthThe force required to move the PSA tape from the standard test panel under the specified conditions (after the PSA tape is bonded to the said panel under the specified conditions)
Shear strengthThe internal or cohesive strength of the adhesive (The shear adhesion is typically measured as a time needed to slide the PSA system from the standard surface in a direction parallel to the said surface)
Shelf-lifeThe period of time during which the product can be stored under specified conditions and still remain suitable for use
TackThe capability of an adhesive to stick to the surface (Tack is measured by various methods)
Tensile strengthThe force required to breake a piece of tape by pulling on opposite ends of the piece
Ultimate adhesionThe maximum adhesion of PSA (measured as the force to remove the PSA tape from the surface after an extended period of time)
Unwind adhesionThe force required to move the tape from the roll under specified conditions