A few considerations

PSA carriers, sometimes referred to as backings, are used for single-coated and double-coated applications. A wide range of substrates, such as foam, film, woven, and non-woven, are available from most manufacturers and converters.

Foam, soft and conformable for user comfort, is die cut easily into various shapes and sizes. It may also be printed on. A range of thicknesses, colors, and types are available.

Films can be thin and highly conformable or thicker and shield devices or skin from moisture. Transparent films allow visual monitoring without removing tape, and breathable films let air and moisture pass. Perforated films may be hand torn and improve a moisture vapor-transmission rate (MVTR), while those that are printable can carry use instructions.

Woven fabric is often used for wound care. The soft and flexible fabric is easily die cut into various shapes and sizes and is typically printable. Woven materials come in a wide range of colors and in various thicknesses, typically from 0.001 to 0.010 in. or thicker. Blends of natural and synthetic materials are also available.

Nonwoven materials such as tissues, spun-lace polyester, polyester blends, rayon, and other fabrics are lightweight, and often breathable. Some nonwoven fabrics can be embossed to let air and moisture pass. They are easily die cut into various shapes and sizes, and a soft backing makes for patient comfort.

Where PSAs work well

A few conventional tasks for PSAs include bonding, sealing, mounting, device assembly, adhering a device to skin, and wound care. A few less than conventional applications include:

EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding that provides a pathway for stray RF signals around the doors of electronic enclosures.

Sound damping to reduce structure-borne noise is done through the viscoelastic properties of the adhesive, or the substrates they are laminated to, or both.

Vibration damping uses damping adhesives on both sides of the foam, film, or paper carrier to reduce vibration and absorb shock, especially in medical and electronic devices.

Thermal conductivity calls for loading the PSAs with particles to enhance heat transfer within a device. When bonding to metal or plastic, thermally conductive PSAs can draw heat away from delicate components.

Electrically conductive PSAs can be formulated or loaded with particles to enhance electrical conductivity for laminating and assembling electrodes, grounding conductive cushioning pads, and defibrillation applications.

In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) bond lateral and vertical flow components such as nitrocellulose membrane and absorbent and conjugate pads to a rigid plastic backing for IVD test strips. PSAs are also used in biosensors to create channels for sample flow, as well as laminating film layers and other components together.

Transdermal drug delivery mixes drugs and therapeutic materials directly into the adhesives or uses a reservoir and membrane controlled laminate. It bonds to the skin with a single coated adhesive patch or bandage.