Super Clear tape/Super Yellowish Tape is with out a doubt one of the most widely used types of adhesive tapes in the world. Super clear tape is categorized as a pressure-sensitive tape, meaning that the adhesive properties of the tape are enacted by nothing more than putting pressure on the tape when applied. Typical uses of this type of tape include packing and shipping as well as moving and storage.
One of the primary materials utilized in the production of super clear tape is Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film, a thermoplastic polymer film that has been machine-stretched in dual directions to offer excellent clarity and a very low level of “haziness” that is often seen in inferior films. BOPP film provides a smooth surface that is highly resistant to chemical alteration and physical abrasion. The dimensional stability and overall flatness of BOPP film make it a plus in terms of ease of use, and it offers water-resistant capabilities as well, providing a good barrier to moisture and water vapor. BOPP film also demonstrates a solid level of stability in terms of response to environmental factors; it is resistant to greases and oils, and it is also far less subject to punctures and flex-cracking in extreme temperatures than other types of adhesive tapes. In addition, the glossy, high-transparency appearance of BOPP film offers aesthetic benefits as well, as it does not detract from the appearance of packages or other products.
The adhesive aspect of super clear tape is typically comprised of an emulsion based acrylic material. The non-adhesive side of the BOPP film is treated with what’s known as a “release agent”, which generally makes the tape easier to work with and manipulate. The side upon which the adhesive will be applied is usually treated with some type of priming material in order to encourage proper bonding with the film. Once the priming process is done, a liquid form of the adhesive is applied in thin layers to film and then rolled into long, high-temperature ovens to complete the process. When the adhesive liquid sits in the hot ovens, the liquid eventually evaporates, causing only the adhesive to remain.
The most common width of super clear adhesive tape is 1.88 inches (approx. 48mm), although there are several other popular widths available on the market as well. The usual office-grade length of the average roll of super clear adhesive tape is about 45 meters (50 yards). The utility and versatility of this tape makes it a prime choice for long term storage. Many inferior tape products will turn yellow or become brittle with age, but super clear tape is known for being resistant to UV rays and keeping its elasticity for prolonged periods of time. It is also a desirable choice in terms of its practicality, since it is able to be written upon with permanent markers. This tape also carries the advantage of being lightweight but yet having remarkable tensile strength, which enables it to withstand several pounds of pressure without ripping or breaking. With so many excellent characteristics, it is obvious to see why super clear tape is considered to be such an indispensable part of the average home and office.