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- Silicones
- Silicone for paper and film coatings
- Masking tapes
Masking Tapes
High-temperature silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives for surface protection of electronic components and masking applications
The idea of masking a component during a manufacturing process has evolved through the years, as parts become more intricate, smaller, and more complex. Temporary masking and protection has been used in various industries ranging from aerospace landing struts to the smallest connections on a circuit board, with new application increasingly requiring the masking to survive higher temperatures, or more aggressive processes.
When looking for a safe and reliable solution to protect sensitive electronic components during processing, or masking of a fabricated object prior to powder coating or metalizing process, manufacturers will often use a silicone masking tape. These are self-wound adhesive films, typically coated onto a polyester or high-temperature-resistant Kapton polyamide film.
The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) used must be highly temperature-resistant and with outstanding adhesion even to irregular surfaces. It must adhere to low-surface-energy plastics, various circuit board materials, exotic metals, or survive chemically aggressive environments.
Key advantages of silicone PSAs for masking applications
SILCOLEASE™ PSAs have all the key attributes that tape engineers are seeking:
- Adhesion to various substrates, with clean removability even after or during exposure to high temperatures
- Conformability to flow and adhere onto irregular surfaces and topographies, enabling an excellent seal against aggressive chemical baths and environments
- Resistance to solvent and chemical exposure, such as acid washing steps during PCB manufacture, so that sensitive electronic components like PCB gold fingers remain clean and free from contamination
- Solder and metal coating resistance to survive PCB manufacturing steps
- A range of tack and adhesion to adjust for different application needs, without the worry of lift-off or flagging during processing
- Adhesion stability at high temperatures (up to 270 °C) through most manufacturing processes, with no staining or tarnishing of the protected surfaces.
Why partner with Elkem?
- Our global technical experts will assist you with selecting the right system for your application.
- We offer training, troubleshooting, and technical assistance when you need it most.
- Our knowledge and experience will allow you to get your products to market faster.
- We work with you to deliver Silicone solutions with a personal touch.
Elkem product technologies
SILCOLEASE™ silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives are available in the following technologies:
- Peroxide-cure PSAs
- Polyaddition PSAs
SILCOLEASE™ pressure-sensitive adhesives
This guide will provide you with more information about silicones for PSA applications
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