Q: |
When applying a label, what is the difference between a high energy surface and a low energy surface? |
A: |
Adhesion is defined as the molecular force of attraction between unlike materials. The strength of that attraction is determined by the surface energy of the material. The higher the surface energy, the greater the molecular attraction, the stronger the bond between the adhesive and the substrate is being applied to. Having a high surface energy , in short means, the adhesive is allowed to flow (or wet out) more proportionately to ensure a stronger bond. Examples of high surface energy include: clean, dry, glass, metal, painted surfaces. Low surface energy would include: waxy, oily, Teflon or silicone surfaces. |
Q: |
When should I use a silicone adhesive instead of an acrylic adhesive? |
A: |
Silicone adhesive matched with a polyimide label material equals a very expensive product. All of our standard materials come with a pressure sensitive acrylic based adhesive. You can view our time/temp profile at www.polyonics.com/Topcoat_temp.html page that will tell you how high of a temperature and for what amount of time the material will stand up to. For applications that do require a label material to perform to extreme heat exposure for an extended amount of time, polyimide products with silicone adhesive are available to you. |
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