Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are used in applications ranging from labeling food packaging to assembling electronic devices to mounting graphics displays. Although they have been around for decades and their use is widespread, manufacturers, converters, and printers may not understand the key differences between the adhesive choices available, how they’re constructed, or which are best suited for a particular job.
Substrates with reactive groups available for bonding make chemical bonding easier to achieve, while substrates with nothing to react to make adhesion difficult.
October 1, 2005
Adhesive technology is equal parts chemistry and "black magic." The sheer number of available substrates makes it nearly impossible to test each adhesive on every type. However, by conducting tests on a selection of novel, or difficult-to-adhere-to, substrates, we can make inferences that may help narrow the choice of adhesives.
Starch- and dextrin-based adhesives play a large part in industrial production, especially the packaging industry.
August 1, 2005
This article provides an overview of the raw materials that go into starch and dextrin adhesives, the methods of adhesive manufacture, and the additives that are commonly used in formulations for improvement of specific properties.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are a combination of several materials that come together to form a "construction." A PSA construction is a combination of layers including a facestock (label) or backing (tape), an optional primer coat, an adhesive, and a silicone release coating on a protective liner. The PSA construction—whether a label, tape or transfer adhesive—is manufactured through several coating and laminating steps, including liner-release coating, adhesive coating/drying/curing, optional facestock or backing primer coating, and lamination of the facestock or backing to the liner.
Increasing alternatives to mechanical fastening are available.
September 1, 2004
With ongoing advances in structural adhesive formulation, designers in every industry have increasing alternatives to mechanical fasteners for assembly of metal, composites, plastics, rubber, glass and more.
Water-based adhesive systems make inroads into traditional solventborne technology.
March 4, 2003
Contact adhesives based on polychloroprene exhibit performance advantages over alternative adhesive systems in a variety of related applications where quick, high-strength, permanent bonds are needed.
Analytical tools are now available to engineers and product designers challenged with the task of reducing the radiated noise and vibration levels of structures.
The radiated noise and vibration characteristics of manufactured goods are a common concern for most product designers as they strive to provide products that are "whisper quiet."