Synthetic rubber, acrylic, and silicone are the three most common types of adhesives in industrial tapes. In real practice, adhesives have varied effects in different applications. Knowing each type’s characteristics can help business owners make the right decision. 

Synthetic-rubber-based adhesives 

Rubber is insulative, and water-resistant, having a certain stickiness and resilience in nature. With the material property of rubber, synthetic rubber adhesives grow their bond quickly but oxidize over time.  Having enough initial tack and flexibility at the same time, synthetic rubber adhesives are compatible with both rough surfaces and materials with low surface energy. When used in tape adhesives, synthetic rubber can be modified to leave no residue when peeled off from applied surfaces. 

Whether for long-term applications or temporal sealing and bundling, synthetic rubber adhesives performs its advantages in filament tapes.

• Architecture Construction: Reinforcing formworks and fastening the scaffold during the construction.
• Interior Refurnishing: Self-adhesion of decoration articles, sealing foam window strips, wiring.
• Automotive: Securing wires, piping, and other equipment.
• Electrical Appliances: Temporal repair to the surface damage on electrical appliances.

Acrylic-based adhesives 

Acrylic, a manufactured plastic created through the polymerization of methyl methacrylate, is highly transparent and resistant to UV and weathering. Acrylic adhesives can withstand a wide range of temperatures and harsh conditions. When used in tape adhesives, acrylic presents these advantages during application. Most acrylic tapes are water-based, but they can be modified to be oil-based.

Acrylic tapes usually take a while to develop their full bonding strength once applied. They show different advantages in various industries.

• Packaging: Carton sealing and bundling, with paper or plastic backings. Printable and toxic-free.
• Aerospace: Insulating the fire and adhesion of cabin panels.
• Medical: Used as medical tapes for their bio-compacity and resistance to certain chemicals.
• Solar Power: Frame bonding, mounting, and sealing during the assembly and installation of solar panels.

Silicone-based adhesives 

Silicone, derived from silicon, is a synthetic polymer. It is highly resistant to water and moisture, ideal for waterproofing. Silicone adhesives have a lower initial tack but presents durability under different weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Unlike synthetic rubber and acrylic, silicone is insulative and biocompatible at the same time. However, when used for electric insulation, silicone adhesives are not as removable, while silicone offer even gentler and breathable bond on skin and wounds. 

Silicone adhesives perform the advantages of both synthetic rubber and acrylic adhesives, making it widely applied though less affordable.

Medical: Scar treatment and hypoallergenic wound care.

Food Processing: Sealing and insulation in food processing equipment.

Construction: Sealing pipe leaks, insulation, and protection in building materials.

HAVC: Air-tight sealing and heat insulation.

Conclusion

Synthetic rubber, acrylic, and silicone tape adhesives have their own distinctive characteristics and perform differently. They have varied compacity to different surfaces as well. Knowing their material properties and what environmental conditions they can withstand would help us select the right tapes for applications. At Kingnode, we offer filament tapes for various industries. Let us help you find the perfect solution for your specific adhesive needs.