PTFE Adhesive Tapes

PTFE adhesive tape usually refers to an adhesive backed PTFE coated fabric which has either a Silicone or acrylic adhesive applied to one surface. The substrate or woven glass cloth usually used for these styles of tapes is referred to as a singles grade. Singles grades are closed weave substrates with yarns that are not as tightly wound as twisted versions used for PTFE conveyor belts.

Singles substrates are used because they lay flatter that twisted version therefore are more easily covered. Because of this a smoother, high gloss, surfaces can be achieved with less PTFE which also means it is a more cost effective option.

The two main options for adhesive are acrylic and silicone. Acrylic has a higher level of tack and adhesion and has an operating temperature range of – 4 / + 177 degrees Celsius. Silicone adhesive has a lower level of tack and needs to be applied with a level of pressure. Silicone has a working temperature range of -73 / +240 degrees Celsius.

To apply any of the two adhesive systems to a prepared surface, chemical etching of the Teflon needs to take place. Etching one surface of the PTFE can be done by using sodium naphthalenide which is the most common method. Etching removes the fluorine atoms from PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and creates a carbon based layer that increases the bondability and reduces the surface friction.

Read about its uses on our heat sealing belts page within applications.