Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes for

Sales and Marketing Professionals

Tape University Basics May 12, 2009

Liners
(Silicone Release Liners)

Larry K. Post
North American Technical Services &
Strategic Account Technology Manager
Ashland, Inc.
Dublin, OH
 More than 30 years in
PSA tape industry
Specializing in solution,
emulsion and radiation
cure PSA adhesives
B.S. and M.S. in chemistry
from Wright State
University
Graduate research on
synthesis and polymer
characterization of new
Larry K. Post polymerizable herbicide
North American Technical Services & monomers
Strategic Account Technology Manager
Ashland, Inc.
Dublin, OH
 Definition
A release liner is a paper or plastic carrier, which is
coated on one or two sides with a release agent,
which provides a release effect against an adhesive.
Release is the separation of the liner from the

Release
Release Release
Coating Adhesive
Backing Coatings Coatings
Carrier
Adhesive Adhesive Adhesive
Liner Liner Liner

Single Coated Liner

Double Coated Liner
 Release Liner Designs!

PROCESS
SUBSTRATES
Coating application
Paper
Curing (thermal,
Paper/Polymer
radiant)
Film
Finishing

RELEASE COATING
Silicone
Organic Coating
 Typical Releases

Poly vinyl carbamates

Poly silicones
Fluoropolymers

We will focus on silicone release liners for the rest of this presentation
 Constructions
Release is coated onto the tape backing
Single coated release liner
Double coated release liner
Differential Release
Tight side
Easy side
 Constructions
Silicone
Paper or Film
(Silicone)

Silicone
Polyolefin: PP or PE
Paper or Film
(Polyolefin)
(Silicone)
Silicone release coatings are either
thermally or radiation cured.
Release Coating Expectation

Stable and consistent release

Release coating anchorage to backing
Non migrating
Easy to initiate removal of liner
Recyclability
Convertibility
 Practical Considerations

Speed of liner removal

Transfer of silicone from liner
Consistent release
Paper vs. Plastic liner

Silicone chemistry, liner composition and adhesive chemistry must be

compatible and linked to application
 ADD SLIDE SHOWING
AFFECT OF STRIPPING
SPEED
 Selection Factors
Adhesive chemistry
Application-machine or hand applied
Converting (Die Cutting)
Environment-Temperature,
water/humidity
COST

Be sure liners substitutions are thoroughly qualified