When searching for the right adhesive for your application, it is crucial to ensure optimal performance and durability. Today we’ll be comparing the different characteristics of three popular types of bonding tapes; Acrylic (Norbond A7300), Polyurethane (Norbond V2845), and Polyethylene (Norbond T333). Through a series of internal 90-degree peel adhesion tests, we are able to gain further insights into their bonding performances.
First, let’s take some time to better understand the three Saint-Gobain tapes, here are some facts and specs about each:
Norbond A7300 Acrylic Bonding Tape:
- Renowned for its exceptional bonding performance, the A7300 variant stands out for its reliability and versatility
- Crafted with acrylic adhesive, this tape offers robust adhesion, making it ideal for various substrates and surfaces
- Its ability to maintain adhesion even when subjected to expansion or movement sets it apart as a top choice for demanding applications
- Ideal for the automotive industry (bonding automotive trim, emblems, and side moldings due to its ability to withstand vibrations and temperature fluctuations), construction sector (bonding architectural panels, signage, and structural components where durability and weather resistance are important), and electronics manufacturing (securing electronic components, displays, and control panels, where stability and reliability are essential)
Norbond V2845 Polyurethane Bonding Tape:
- The V2845 variant represents the polyurethane tape category, known for its flexibility and resilience
- While not as adhesive-rich as acrylic tapes, V2845 offers commendable bonding performance, particularly for applications where moderate expansion or movement is expected
- Its strength lies in its ability to accommodate slight shifts in parts without compromising adhesion, making it a reliable choice for certain scenarios
- Ideal for marine applications (sealing and bonding boat components, such as hulls, decks, and windows, as it offers resistance to water ingress and flexing), sports equipment (bonding foam padding, grips, and protective coatings in sporting goods to provide flexibility and impact resistance), and industrial machinery (adhering protective covers, conveyer belts, and machine components subjected to moderate vibrations and movement)
Norbond T333 Polyethylene Bonding Tape:
- Falling under the polyethylene tape category, T333 is characterized by its durability and chemical resistance
- While exhibiting decent adhesion properties, particularly for polyethylene surfaces, T333 may not excel in scenarios where significant expansion or movement occurs
- Nonetheless, its robust construction and resistance to environmental factors make it suitable for specific applications where bonding requirements are less demanding
- Ideal for the packaging industry (sealing and securing packages, especially those containing polyethylene surfaces, as it provides a reliable seal against moisture and dust), agricultural sector (repairing and sealing greenhouse covers, irrigation systems and agricultural machinery exposed to harsh environmental conditions), and plumbing applications (bonding polyethylene pipes, fittings, and seals, as it offers resistance to chemicals and moisture)
Peeling Back the Results:
The internal 90-degree peel adhesion tests revealed intriguing insights into each material’s bonding performance.
- Acrylic tapes, exemplified by the Norbond A7300, showcased superior adhesion capabilities, particularly for longer parts and scenarios involving substantial expansion.
- Avoid using acrylic bonding tapes in high-temperature environments, as they may degrade over time
- Avoid using on surfaces with low surface energy, as acrylic bonding tapes may struggle to adhere to certain types of plastics (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), and untreated metals
- Polyurethane tapes, represented by the Norbond V2845, demonstrated commendable bonding performance, they are best suited for applications with moderate movement.
- Avoid using on outdoor applications with constant UV exposure, as UV radiation can cause degradation over time. (However this tape is still weather resistant under other conditions)
- Avoid using in high-temperature environments, as polyurethane tapes may soften or lose adhesion in elevated temperatures
- Polyethylene tapes, such as the Norbond T333, exhibited decent adhesion properties but may not be the optimal choice for scenarios requiring extensive expansion or movement
- Avoid using in high-temperature environments, due to polyethylene bonding tapes having a low melting point
- Avoid using on surfaces with high surface energy, such as metals and glass
- Avoid using in joint sealing, flexible packaging for moving contents, outdoor signage on flexible substrates, and sealing moving parts in machinery, due to the extensive expansion and movement
Understanding the nuances of each individual bonding tape is paramount, as they all offer distinct advantages in comparison to the other options. Whether you require a more robust adhesion for prolonged expansion, or maximum resilience against environmental factors, choosing the best quality bonding tape solution can make all the difference for your project.
Here at Matrix, we can help guide you to select the optimal bonding tape for your application. Without sacrificing integrity, we are able to consider other factors, such as cost-effectiveness, customization, and any other concerns you may have. Your success is our number one priority, and we hope to be a small part of it!