who invented non adhesive tape

Who Invented Non Adhesive Tape?

Since tape was first introduced, it has been heavily relied on as a fastening and binding device. From cellophane tape to duct tape, there have been various types of adhesive tapes. Nevertheless, non-adhesive tape came as a game-changer for some applications that require holding equipment in place without leaving any residue. So, who came up with non-adhesive tape, and how did it work?

The Inception of Non Adhesive Tape

In 1925, a scientist, Richard Drew, invented clear, moisture-proof cellophane tape, popularly known as Scotch tape. According to , Drew was trying to develop adhesive tape that would stick to cars during painting, but he ended up with cellophane tape, which took off as an excellent wrapping and sealing material.

However, the need for a non-adhesive tape was later recognized. Engineers and inventors discovered certain scenarios where an adhesive tape would be handy for holding objects together or suspending them, but the adhesive component would have created a mess or damage. Aupon re better product was needed.

Five Substantive Benefits of Non-Adhesive Tape

Low Residue

Non-adhesive tape uses electrostatic energy as a gripping mechanism, which applies an attractive force to the surface to be held. Since non-adhesive tapes do not contain any adhesive composition, there is no tacky residue left behind when removed.

Maintains the Integrity of the Surface

Traditional adhesive tapes can cause surface abrasions, marking or even damage to paintwork systems. Non-adhesive tape eliminates those drawbacks.

Can be Applied Multiple Times

Once traditional adhesive tapes are removed, they rapidly lose their stickiness, but non-adhesive tapes maintain their superficial grip. Various non-adhesive tapes can be re-used multiple times, which saves time, money, and resources.

Non-Toxicity

Because the composition of non-adhesive tape has no synthetic adhesive, there are no toxic components that can harm the environment when disposed of.

Elasticity

Non-adhesive tape can be stretched, twisted, tied, and it will still maintain its elasticity, making it the ideal product for applications that require some flexibility.

Inventors of Non Adhesive Tape

The origin of non-adhesive tape can be traced back to Japan in the early 1960s. Two former researchers of Toyo Rayon, a synthetic-fiber firm, discovered a way of creating non-adhesive tape using stretched polyethylene. The two researchers, Haruo Kanai and Yasuo Wakatsuki, patented their creation in 1969, and it became known as burdock tape, after the plant whose burrs served as an inspiration for the idea.

How Non-Adhesive Tape Works

Unlike adhesive tapes, non-adhesive tape uses surface tension to stick things together. Surface tensions simply arises from the natural attraction that occurs between two different materials due to their natural electrical state. friction created on both materials causes static charge to build-up, which ends up clinging the balloon to the hair. Non-adhesive tapes mimic this effect by providing a material with a specific pattern of polarization that allows natural electrical attraction to occur without using glue or any adhesive compounds.

Industries That Use Non-Adhesive Tape

Non-adhesive tape has numerous applications in various industries. Some industries that use non-adhesive tape include automotive, aviation, medicine, and electronics. Car makers use non-adhesive tape for temporary securing of surfaces during assembly, and also for holding wire in place. In the aviation industry, non-adhesive tape is used for securing cords and bundles of wires, and also to prevent scratches on sensitive surfaces during maintenance work.

conclusion

Non-adhesive tape is an invention that has proven useful in numerous applications, particularly for temporary fixation and holding of surfaces without causing damage. It was invented in Japan in the 1960s by two researchers, Haruo Kanai and Yasuo Wakatsuki, who found a way of using stretched polyethylene as a gripping mechanism. Non-adhesive tape benefits include low residue, no surface abrasions, can be applied multiple times, non-toxic, and can stretch without losing its elasticity. aviation, medicine, and electronics.