Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes consist of a backing material film coated with an adhesive intended for relatively low-stress applications. Light pressure, usually done by the fingertips, is applied to initiate the binding. In the sticking process, the fluid properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesive change rapidly to flow and set in the surface of the substrate.

Adhesive tapes first appeared in the mid-19th century for medical applications. In 1845, Dr. Horace Day created bandages from strips of fabric with rubber adhesive tapes. It was the inspiration behind Johnson and Johnson’s Band-Aid. In 1923, the 3M Company formulated the first masking tapes. Adhesive tapes kept on evolving to materialize the present varieties of adhesive tapes (e.g., packing tape, painter’s tape, and electrical tape) which serve their unique application. Nowadays, adhesive tapes are certainly found in most offices, households, shops, and industries which undoubtedly makes them one of the most useful tools ever invented.

Adhesive tapes are efficient and readily available to perform different functions such as joining, masking, sealing, splicing, bundling, and surface protection, which does not require machinery or any other special tools. Adhesive tapes are lightweight and efficient to store; it usually comes in rolls and is only unwound if there is a need for adhesive. Unlike the traditional mechanical fastening objects such as screws and bolts, it eliminates the need to pierce or punch the substrate which induces a stress area.

Reference: https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/tape-suppliers/adhesive-tape.html?msID=1f7798fc-4305-49eb-8ba4-85ca244c575d