Residual Adhesion Rate: The Truth Behind the 100% Claim

Some suppliers promise it. Some converters assume it. But in real-world silicone systems, a 100% residual adhesion rate isn’t always what it seems.

Residual adhesion rate (RAR) measures the force needed to peel an adhesive from the same liner after two cycles—compared to the first peel. It reflects the liner’s ability to maintain its release performance over time, especially under stress, storage, or processing.

A few key facts every engineer should know:
– UV-cured silicones often do achieve near 100% RAR because the network is densely crosslinked during exposure.
– Thermal-cure silicones, especially solvent-free ones, typically reach 85–95%, depending on oven profile and anchoring quality.
– If RAR drops below 70%, you likely have a case of desiliconization—a clear warning of undercure, over-treatment, or poor anchoring.
– If a supplier always claims 100% RAR—across all product types, adhesives, substrates, and lines—proceed with caution.

Why does this matter?

Because low RAR means:
– Increased risk of liner sticking or tearing during converting
– Higher adhesive transfer risk
– Poor performance under heat, humidity, or dwell time

RAR is not just a lab value. It’s a sign of whether your liner is going to behave predictably through the entire life cycle of your PSA product.

How confident are you in the residual performance of your liner?