Updated: November 26, 2024
Whether you've ever put a bumper sticker on your car or used a BAND-AID® to cover up a cut, you've probably used a pressure-sensitive adhesive. But exactly how do these adhesives work? Our adhesive experts are sharing that as well as the many applications for pressure-sensitive adhesives beyond just covering up a simple boo-boo.
What Is a Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive?
A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is a type of nonreactive adhesive that bonds surfaces together simply by applying a small amount of pressure. Unlike some other types of adhesives, you do not need to use heat, additional solvents, or elaborate equipment to form a bond, and adhesion is almost immediate. Pressure-sensitive adhesives provide a permanently tacky aggressive bond while fugitive glues offer a temporary bond that can easily be separated without leaving behind any residue.
PSA glues can be used to bond various materials like plastic, paper, metal, glass, wood, and more. They are often easily incorporated into automated production systems and commonly used in manufacturing, packaging, and consumer goods applications.
What Are Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Made of?
Pressure-sensitive adhesives can be made from a variety of materials. Based on its primary material, the PSA adhesive will have a unique set of characteristics that makes it best suited for certain applications. Some of the primary materials for pressure-sensitive adhesive glues include:
Rubber-Based Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives - Using natural and synthetic rubbers, this type of PSA adhesive is great for applications that require strong bonds as well as a high initial tack. They also bond easily to low surface energy substrates, but they have poorer temperature resistance and worse longevity than some other types of PSA adhesives. They are commonly used in packaging applications.
Acrylic-Based Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives - Made primarily from acrylic polymers, these PSA adhesive glues can form a relatively strong bond to a variety of materials. Because of their higher resistance to heat, solvents, and UV light than rubber-based PSAs, they tend to be a better choice for harsher environments. They are commonly used in outdoor, automotive, or packaging applications.
Silicone-Based Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives - This type of pressure-sensitive glue is made primarily of silicone polymers and is known for its high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance, and great peel strength. In comparison to other PSA glues, it tends to stand up the best against environmental stress and is therefore suited for applications like automotive sealing, electrical insulation, or medical device assembly.
How Do Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Work?
Unlike other types of adhesives that may require heat, water, or specialized equipment to form a bond, pressure-sensitive adhesives work simply by applying pressure.
The tacky surface of the adhesive will stick to the surface of the substrate with the application of pressure and be able to form an immediate bond. The strength of the bond will depend on the specific pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the bond can be removable or permanent. Some hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesives have a long open time allowing you time to situate the subtracts correctly.
Applications for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
Pressure-sensitive adhesives are versatile adhesives used in a wide array of applications and industries. Below are a few common applications for pressure-sensitive adhesives.
Marketing
Pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives are ideal for many marketing applications. They can be used to attach samples, coupons, and flyers to different materials or to create 3-dimensional point-of-purchase (POP) displays.
Packaging
PSA adhesives are also used in packaging, particularly in the sealing of bags, sealing of envelopes, or the application of labels to food products. The adhesives are able to remain intact throughout shipping and storage, so there are no packaging pop-opens.
Bookbinding and Labeling
In bookbinding, pressure-sensitive adhesives are used to attach covers or to seal individual pages. Labeling products also rely heavily on pressure-sensitive adhesives to create peel-and-stick labels.
Medical Field
From your everyday BAND-AID to the assembly of medical device components, pressure-sensitive adhesive glues are used throughout the medical industry in various capacities.
Furniture Assembly
PSA adhesives can be used to bond laminates or cushions without the need for mechanical fasteners.
Of course, the applications for pressure-sensitive adhesives are endless, and this list is just a starting point.
Find What You Are Looking For
Because of their ease of application, fast bond times, and versatility, pressure-sensitive adhesives can be great for everything from industrial manufacturing to the production of everyday products.
From removable pressure-sensitive adhesives to permanent solutions, we carry a diverse collection of PSA glues for various applications. If you need help determining the best pressure-sensitive adhesive for your unique needs, we can provide you with an adhesive product recommendation.
