The Complete Guide to Tape Adhesives

How to Apply Butyl Rubber Sealant Tape

Beyond the electrical industry, PVC insulation tape finds its use in automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries. In automotive applications, it secures wiring and protects against abrasion. In construction, it aids in sealing joints and protecting against moisture, contributing to the longevity of installations. Furthermore, it is frequently utilized in DIY projects, where it offers an easy and effective solution for various insulation and repair tasks.

In general, rubber based adhesives are not UV or oxidation resistant which is why they tend to be used predominantly in interior applications. Having said that, antioxidants and UV stabilizer packages can be added to the formulation to help mitigate these weaknesses. Some synthetic elastomers exhibit vastly improved UV stability over natural rubbers. Chemical resistance can also be problematic as is resistance to elevated service temperatures (typically 180- 200°F at the top end). The great strength of rubber-based adhesives is their wide formulation latitude.  These adhesives can be compounded to be removable, repositionable, or extremely permanent. High strength foam bonding tapes can be made from rubber based adhesives or easily removable masking products can also be offered. Rubber based adhesive adhere to many surfaces including low surface energy plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene. And to top it all off, rubber based adhesives are economical. They get the job done at a very fair price! Adhesive tapes made from rubber based adhesives have come a long way since Dr. Day’s first surgical tape and they still offer a cost-effective way to bond, seal, and protect.