Attachment MethodEquilibration:
To obtain an optimum adhesive bond to any surface, the Dual Lock
reclosable fasteners and the materials to which the fasteners will be
adhered should have equilibrated at temperatures between 60° to 100°F
(15° to 38°C) for a minimum of one hour before application.
Bringing materials from a cold area into a warm, humid location may
cause moisture condensation. The pressure sensitive adhesives on the
back of Dual Lock reclosable fasteners have poor adhesion to wet
surfaces. Initial tape application to surfaces at temperatures below
60°F (15°C) is not recommended because many of the adhesives are too
form to readily adhere to the surface.However, once properly applied the
holding strength under humid conditions and low temperature are usually
very excellent.
Surface Preparation:
In
general, highly textured surfaces may reduce the ultimate adhesion
levels and care should be given to minimize or reduce surface texture or
roughness. Adhesive backed Dual Lock reclosable fasteners should be
applied to surfaces that are clean, dry and free of condensed moisture,
oil, rust, grease, dust, mold release agents or other contaminants that
could reduce the adhesion. The removal of materials containing
plasticizers, other low molecular weight compounds and other materials
on the surface to which the adhesive will be bonded will increase the
ultimate and long term adhesive performance and strength. It is
recommended to remove any surface contaminants that may reduce adhesion
by using a method suited for the type and quantity of surface
contaminants present. Be sure to use cleaning cloths that are free
of moisturizers, fragrances or other additives, to prevent leaving a
film on the surface after cleaning which may reduce the bond strength.
The cleaning cloth or tissue must be changed frequently based upon the
amount of contaminants removed from the surface. Not doing so, will
only smear surface contaminants, or contaminate an already clean
surface. Additionally, if a liquid cleaning solution is used. it is
important that the cleaners not contain surfactants, fragrances or other
additives which may not fully evaporate leaving an undesirable film on
the material which will reduce the adhesive bond strength.