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Types of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) contain adhesive components that impart different properties in support of joining or fastening. By evaluating an adhesive's advantages, disadvantages, and typical uses, we can make the right choice for our application.

There are four main categories of pressure-sensitive adhesives:

• Natural rubber

• Synthetic rubber

• Acrylic

• Silicone

There are also different adhesives within each category. For example, there isn't just one type of synthetic rubber adhesive.

1. Natural Rubber PSAs

Natural rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesives contain natural rubber (NR) and a tackifying resin.

Their advantages include:

• good initial adhesion properties and high peel strength

• temporary or permanent fastening for a range of substrates

• high green strength for fastening that starts with first contact

• lower-costs, including support for inexpensive backing tapes

Their disadvantages include:

• poor resistance to UV and moisture

• weak resistance to chemicals and high temperatures

• sensitivity to oxidation

Natural rubber PSAs are typically used for indoor applications with lower surface energy substrates. They're also suitable for applications where the adhesive is subjected to low shear stress.

2. Synthetic Rubber PSAs

Synthetic rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesives contain styrene-butadiene (SBR), or a styrenic block copolymer (SBC) like polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene (SIS) or polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (SBS). These PSAs also contain a tackifying resin.

SBR PSAs have better heat-aging properties than natural rubber, but can't match NR's strength, resilience, and low-temperature properties. SBC PSAs are extremely versatile and can be formulated to provide aggressive tack or tailored peel strength.

3. Acrylic PSAs

Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives are made of synthetic resins and are inherently tacky. Advantages include:

• good resistance to oxidation

• lower costs than silicone PSAs

• good clarity and color stability

• resistance to high temperatures and plasticizers

• specialized formulations with tailored properties

Acrylic PSAs provide better heat and oxygen resistance than rubber-based adhesives. They can be used at low temperatures and resist moisture and weather. Applications include outdoor signage and decorative trim. Acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives that are applied to thick, high-bond foams provide gap filling and can join dissimilar substrates (such as metal and glass).

4. Silicone PSAs

Silicone pressure sensitive adhesives are made of synthetic elastomers that provide high-temperature resistance and adhere to low-energy substrates. Their advantages include:

• resistance to chemicals - especially solvents

• resistance to moisture, UV, and outgassing

• high-temperature resistance to 500°F (260°C)

• low temperature resistance to -100°F (-73.33°C)

The main disadvantage of silicone PSAs is that they cost more than other types of pressure-sensitive adhesives. Typically, silicone adhesives are used to bond substrates made of silicones or silicone-coated materials such as release liners.

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