Adhesive tapes essentially consist of a material cut into narrow strips and coated on either one side or both with adhesive. There are numerous types of materials used, such as plastics, textiles, different types of papers, or metal sheets, such as aluminum. Also, adhesive tapes are available in various shapes and sizes, suited for any application. Numerous types of adhesives are also used, such as temporary glues, high durability glues or hardening glues.
The main component of an adhesive tape is the glue, which needs to be pressure sensitive to allow sticking on different surfaces easily. This type of glue was invented by Dr. Horace Day, an American surgeon, in 1845, while trying to find an effective surgery bonding glue. Oscar Troplowitz, a German inventor working for Beiersdorf AG, invented a textile patch which had a gluey surface on one side, named Leukoplast. The first tape dispenser, an ingenious tool which can ease the use of adhesive tapes, was invented only in 1932, by John A Borden, an engineer working for 3M, a major chemical company. Scotch tape, the first translucent tape, was developed in 1930, while the first masking tape was launched in 1925.
Most adhesive tapes work by applying light pressure on a surface and many tapes exhibit triboluminescence, easily observable in dark rooms. Essentially, light is generated when the tape is dispensed and applied on the surface. This phenomenon is not fully understood and it is believed that it is created by small electrical discharges when peeling off the tape.
Here is a list of some of the most common types of adhesive tapes
Pressure sensitive tapes
Abbreviated as PSA, this type of adhesive tape consists of a sticky tape, one sided or double sided, which is applied by light pressure. The materials used for the tape range from paper, plastics, films, textiles or cloths, metal sheets or composite materials. The tape is sticky as it is, meaning that it works without thermal application or any other related chemicals, such as solvents or acids. A release liner or other release agents are used on the backing of the tape to prevent sticking before the peeling process.
Water activated adhesive tapes
Known also as gum paper tape or gum tape, this type of tape consists of sheets of Kraft paper with and added starch glue or animal glue. The tape becomes sticky and adheres to surfaces only after applying water. Tapes are available in simple layers, double layers or reinforced with fiberglass filaments. The adhesives used can be asphalt or hot melted polypropylene. Water activated adhesive tape can be used for closing boxes, envelopes or other receptacles.
Heat activated tapes
This type of adhesive tapes is activated when a heat source is applied. They are extensively used when sealing boxes and packaging, such as cigarettes packaging. Other types of thermal tapes can be released when heated. These are used mainly in the semiconductor industry, where special care must be given to small delicate components.