Need long-lasting adhesion for your applications? Wondering which industrial tape you should choose? In this blog, detailed analytics will be given on 2 common ingredients of filament tape adhesives. Understanding the mechanisms of the bonding would help you figure out which tape may better suit your sealing purpose.

What is Acrylic Tape

Acrylic tapes’ adhesive is formulated using acrylic polymers. By applying resin-based adhesives to backing materials like PET film, acrylic tapes develop their final strength and durability through the curling process.

What is Synthetic-Rubber Tape

Rubber-based tapes are mostly pressure-sensitive tapes and heat-activated tapes. Pressure-sensitive tapes are generally easy to use while the latter requires heat to activate its adhesion.

Acrylic Tapes vs Synthetic-Rubber Tapes

Regarding initial tack, rubber-based adhesives adhere better, but that does not mean they perform better in all circumstances. Acrylics and rubber are fundamentally different, as acrylics are water-activated unless modified to oil-activated components, while rubber is naturally soluble in oil. In some industries like printing, food, and beverage, which have a lot of exposure to people, acrylics would be a better choice for application, as a water-activated tape. In heavy industries like construction and electric appliances, rubber adhesives would be compatible for their resistance to moisture and insulation to electricity. 

Why Use Acrylic Tape

Light-weight sealing, especially those with a lot of contact with people, prefers acrylic tapes. Some kraft paper tape manufacturers like Kingnodes use acrylic adhesives as a water-activated alternative to starch adhesives. In addition to its lightweight, non-toxic, and recyclable properties, acrylic tapes withstand a wider range of temperatures compared to rubber-based tapes, making them ideal for conditions that are as cold as the inside of a refrigerator and sweltering as the top of a solar panel. Their resistance to UV radiation made them suitable for outdoor use at the same time.

Why Use Synthetic-Rubber Tape

Rubber-based tapes are less resistant to extreme temperatures and degrade under sunlight, but they have a stronger initial tack. Synthetic rubber adhesives adhere better to steel goods and they offer more flexibility to irregular surfaces. Rubber, performs better resilience and stretchability on a molecular basis, while in adhesives, it results in a quick, water-resistant bonding to metal and other surfaces, but decays in air. Compared to acrylic tapes, synthetic rubber tapes do not last long but they are less expensive.

Choosing the Right Adhesive Tape

Both materials have their benefits and shortcomings. In general, rubber-based tapes are more suitable for vibration, moisture, and metals while acrylic tapes last longer and are more durable under various conditions. Both materials are suitable for the packaging and logistics industry, and rubber-based tapes are commonly seen in temporal repair and quick bundling.

Choosing between acrylic and rubber-based tapes depends on the specific needs of your application. For your business, the tape you choose and environmental factors can affect the effectiveness of the adhesion. Kingnode offers a wide range of industrial tapes for multiple purpose, you can get a view of detailed information at our website.