Aluminum self-adhesive tape: properties, types, characteristics

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Aluminum self-adhesive tape is a widely used sealing material used both in construction, installation work, and at home. It is an aluminum foil with an adhesive base applied on one side and a sealing layer.

Properties

Aluminum self-adhesive tape is light, strong and reliable with high heat-insulating properties. It is elastic in structure, easily takes the desired shape. It can be curved to cover uneven surfaces, making it quite easy to use.

Most often, self-adhesive aluminum tape is used for sealing joints and thermal insulation of surfaces. This is due to such properties of LAS as:

• presence of barrier qualities to water, dust, bacteria;
• high wear and tear resistance;
• opacity - the ability to reflect radiation and heat;
• stable performance, corrosion resistance and safety.

Self-adhesive aluminum tape has a high degree of adhesion (2.5-10 N/cm). This indicator characterizes the degree of adhesion of the tape withwork surface. The tape retains its properties, including adhesive, in a wide temperature range - from -20 to +120 0С. The thickness of the adhesive base is at least 20 microns.

Types and symbols

Several types of self-adhesive aluminum tapes are available:

• Aluminum self-adhesive tape (LAS).
• LAS-A (reinforced). Used with increased requirements for the strength of the seams.
• LAS-T (heat-resistant). For use in elevated temperatures.
• LAS-SP (with polymer coating). Used for sealing glass and double-glazed windows.
• LAS-P (strong). For use in difficult conditions and increased requirements for strength.

The choice of a certain type of aluminum tape depends on the conditions of its use.

Material specification

• Aluminum self-adhesive tape is made of aluminum foil with a thickness of 30-50 microns. A layer of glue is applied to one of the sides, which is protected by an anti-adhesive material.
• Heat-resistant tape (LAS-T) is made from the same foil (30-50 microns), but the adhesive base, also protected by a release material, is heat-resistant.
• Aluminum reinforced self-adhesive tape is made with one-sided additional layer of glass mesh on aluminum foil 7-30 microns thick.
• Aluminum self-adhesive tape with a polymer coating (LAS-SP) is made from a foil with a thickness of at least 50 microns withcoated on it with a polymer coating (20 µm). The adhesive base with protective material is applied from the side of the foil.
• Strong self-adhesive aluminum tape (LAS-P) is made of a multilayer material consisting of two layers of polymer film 20 microns and 60 microns and a foil layer between them 9-11 microns thick.

Scope of application

The high strength of the aluminum self-adhesive tape allows it to be used when mounting structures under load. Self-adhesive aluminum mounting tape is widely used in new construction and reconstruction of both civil and industrial facilities: sealing joints of heat-insulating materials and ventilation ducts, vapor barrier, pipelines, as well as for updating aluminum elements.

Aluminum self-adhesive tape is used in the repair and construction of dry technology, covering seams, reinforcing joints and other types of work. With its help, heat exchangers and reflectors of heating devices, heating systems, water supply and ventilation are sealed. LAS is used to fasten the heat exchanger in refrigerated cabinets for foaming.

LAS is used for mounting foamed polymers and mineral wool to plastic or metal surfaces. With increased requirements for the strength of the seams, reinforced (LAS-A) or strong (LAS-P) self-adhesive tape is used, at elevated temperatures - heat-resistant tape (LAS-T). In the production of double-glazed windows, a self-adhesive aluminum tape withresin coated.

Features of use

Before sticking the tape, the surface to be treated must be prepared. To do this, the surface is degreased with special compounds, it must be dry and clean. When working with the tape, it is necessary to exclude the ingress of small particles on the open adhesive base or the surface to be treated. If proper surface preparation is not carried out, the tape will not adhere properly and produce the desired effect.

One of the important rules when working with self-adhesive tape is to avoid touching the adhesive backing. Sticking should be done carefully, without hasty movements, be sure to ensure that the tape lies flat. After gluing, it is desirable to smooth the treated seams again. At temperatures above +80 0C, the tape may curl around the edges. When using the tape in such conditions, the adhesive should be overlapped. To obtain the expected effect, you must follow the recommendations specified in the instructions for use.