It is well known that adhesion is a key physical property of high-temperature tape. But are you aware of the different metrics used to measure this adhesion? Let’s take a closer look at the four types.
The adhesion of high-temperature tape is categorized into four types: initial tack, holding power, cohesive strength, and anchorage strength. What does each of these represent?
Initial tack refers to the tape's stickiness the moment it is applied to a surface; if the initial tack is insufficient, the tape may quickly lift or curl at the edges. We often test this by pressing a finger against the adhesive side to gauge how "sticky" it feels—that sensation is the initial tack.
Holding power refers to the tape's ability to maintain adhesion over an extended period after application. Different applications require different balances of initial tack and holding power, allowing customers to select the right product for their specific needs.
Cohesive strength refers to the internal bonding force of the adhesive itself; this is a somewhat abstract property that is difficult to quantify precisely. Generally, an adhesive that is cured to a drier state exhibits higher cohesive strength, while one that is less cured (or "wetter") has lower cohesive strength.
Finally, anchorage strength refers to the bond between the adhesive and the tape's backing material. Higher anchorage strength minimizes the risk of adhesive residue remaining on the surface, whereas lower anchorage strength makes residue more likely.
