Specialty Tapes

Film adhesives are available in several forms. Selection depends on the requirements of the specific bonding job to be done. Basic components are adhesive itself, in one or two thin layers, at least one peelable backing (release liner) and, if needs for strength, gap filling or separation of different adhesives, a layer of supporting material (the carrier).
Release Liner. Silicone-coated paper is commonly used as an effective and inexpensive liner. Polyethylene film is also used when flexibility, conformability, hot wire cutable or moderately high temperature resistance is required.

Carrier Materials. Polyester film is the most common carrier used in film adhesives. Polyester adds strength, heat resistance and the ability to combine dissimilar adhesive types on one film. Cross linked polyethylene foam is used when the specific application requires gap filling or adhesive to uneven surfaces. The foams are available in a variety of thickness. Also used as carriers are paper, polypropylene, PVC and many other materials depending on the specific bonding application.

Adhesive Types. There are many different types of adhesive used in film adhesive. Depending on the substrates to be bonded either a rubber or acrylic-based adhesive can be used. These adhesives can be in several different coal weights (thickness) and different levels of initial tack. Some film adhesives are not pressure sensitive whatsoever. In these films either a solvent or heat is introduced to cause the bonding between the substrates.