Scotch Magic Tape: Adhesive from Wood and Cotton

Date:22 Dec 2016

Country: United States

Application

• Eco-friendly Adhesives: Demonstrates the use of biomass in sustainable tape production.
• Material Innovation: Combines biomass and synthetic adhesives for high-performance products.

Description

This project explores the composition and chemistry behind 3M's Scotch Magic Tape, a widely used adhesive product. It delves into the key ingredients that make the tape both functional and reliable. The tape’s translucent film is made from cellulose acetate, derived from wood or cotton, and coated with a mixture of acrylic-based adhesives, including butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate. These acrylics adhere to surfaces through molecular forces, while a silicone release coating prevents the tape from sticking to itself. Additional coatings, like styrene acrylic or polyurethane, help maintain the adhesive's bond. The entire process involves precise engineering to ensure smooth, silent, and effective performance.

Pathway Description:

The process involves extracting cellulose from biomass (such as cotton or wood) and converting it into cellulose acetate through acetylation. This acetate film is then coated with a blend of acrylic-based adhesives, typically using deionized water as a solvent to form the adhesive layer. After evaporation, the adhesive bonds to the film, and a silicone release coating is applied to prevent sticking. Finally, the tape is rolled up for easy application.