Pressure-sensitive tape or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape (PSA tape) is an adhesive tape that sticks when pressure is applied without the need for a solvent (such as water) or heat for activation. It is also known in various countries as self-stick tape, sticky tape, or just adhesive tape and tape, as well as genericized trademarks, such as Sellotape, Durex (tape), Scotch tape, etc.
PSA tape consists of three components:
It sticks without the need for a solvent such as water or heat for activation. By contrast, "gummed" or "water activated" adhesive tapes require warm water for activation and "heat activated" tapes require heat.
Single-sided tapes allow bonding to a surface or joining of two adjacent or overlapping materials. Double-sided tape (adhesive on both sides) allows joining of two items back-to-back.
The PSA industry is in the process of unifying the several standards presently in use. The most active organizations are:
ASTM International has dozens of standards related to pressure-sensitive tape. Some of them are for general types of PSA tape; others are for specific types. For example, ASTM D1000 has test methods for electrical tapes. There are ASTM specifications for many tapes including D2301 for vinyl electrical tape, D5486 for box-sealing tape, etc. Several of the ASTM test methods are coordinated with PSTC, other trade associations, and other international organizations.
Following are a few examples of some ASTM standards and counterparts:
Life cycle assessments of the tape and the item being taped are useful to identify and improve possible environmental effects. For example, there may be instances where the use of a PSA tape, compared to an alternative solution, improves the overall environmental impact, or vice versa.[2]
Reuse or recycling are sometimes aided by a tape being removable from a surface. If a tape remains on an item during recycling, a tape should be chosen which does not hinder the recyclability of the item. For example, when taped corrugated boxes are recycled, film-backed box-sealing tapes do not hinder box recycling; the adhesive stays with the backing and is easily removed.[3][4]
Archives used PSAs to repair tear and losses of paper since around the late 1920s. This is a problem for conservation. Some applications obscure the content under it. In addition, they cause physical and chemical damage. The tape and the paper react differently to the environment, which lead to distortions. Adhesives gradually yellow, penetrate the paper, and harden. Furthermore, some adhesives dissolves ink and cause bleeding. Treatments may involve physical tools, chemicals, and temperature, depending on the material.[5]
Pressure-sensitive adhesives were first developed in 1845 by Dr. Horace Day, a surgeon.[6] Commercial tapes were introduced in the early twentieth century. Hundreds of patents have since been published on a wide variety of formulations and constructions.
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