Adhesives 101

PSA Constructions

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) constructions commonly used are referred to as single coated, double coated, transfer tape or free-film, and self-wound products. A schematic and a description of each product type are provided below:

Single Coated Product: An adhesive coated on one side of a webstock usually referred as a facestock. The adhesive is protected by a silicone coated release liner that is discarded after the adhesive is applied.

Double Coated Product: A carrier is coated on both sides with a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive . The carrier can be made from numerous materials such as plastic films (1/2 Mil polyester is the most common), paper, tissue, synthetic non-woven, etc. The adhesive is protected by a release liner that is coated with silicone on both sides.

Transfer Tape or Free-Film: An unsupported adhesive film coated on a release liner coated on both sides with silicone. It is extremely critical that a differential release liner (one side must be more difficult to remove the adhesive) be used for the transfer tape to unwind properly.

Self Wound Tape: A carrier which is coated on one side with PSA and on the other with a silicone release coating. There is no release liner in this type of product. Most common uses of this product include packaging tapes, electrical tapes, and masking tapes.

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