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Duct Tape is a polyethylene, reinforced, multi-purpose pressure sensitive Tape. It has a soft and flexible shell and pressure sensitive adhesive. It comes in black or silver colour though other coloured one's are also sold. They generally have a width of 1 7/8 inches (48 mm). Duct Tape consists of 3 layers. The top layer is a resilient plastic (Polyethylene). The middle layer is a fabric mesh, which facilitates tearing. And the bottom layer is a rubber-based adhesive. The 3 layers are pressed together during manufacture. It is also known by many names like Gun-Tape, Riggers Tape, Hurricane Tape and 100-mph Tape. Another popular name that the Tape acquired is 'Duck Tape'. It is not clear as to why it has been named so but some are of view that the Tape has a water-shedding quality similar to Duck's Plumage and some consider that it is made of Cotton Duck, a Canvas type of cloth. Some of the major Duct Tape manufacturers are Shurtape Technologies, Nashua, 3M, Anchor, Tessa, Tuck and Polyken.
History
Cellophane Tape paved the way for the Invention of the Duct Tape. During World War II in 1942, the American armed forces needed a Strong, Waterproof Tape to keep moisture out of ammunition cases. The Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division fulfilled their wish by developing the Duct Tape which also came to be used in more ways than it was originally intended to be. Soldiers soon started using it for repairing military equipment like guns, jeeps, and even aircraft. The versatility of the Tape made it very popular and found it's usage in every day house-hold purposes.
Development in the Invention of the Duct Tape
As the Tape was being increasingly used to seal the Ducts, the colour of the Tape was changed from Army green to silver to match the Ductwork. Because it was used to seal heating and air conditioning Ducts during construction, the Tape got the name 'Duct Tape'.
In 1970 the partners at Manco, Inc. placed rolls of duct tape in shrink wrap, making it easier for retailers to stack the sticky rolls.
Different grades and colours of Duct Tape also emerged. A whole line of colours like red, yellow, green, blue, brown, and black, and Xtreme colours (like the dayglow colours of the seventies); blaze orange, lime green, citron yellow, and hot pink were introduced in the market. Duck® brand has a “Camo Tape” which has a “real tree” camouflage design that is great for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
A stronger version of the Tape, Filament Tape came in the market. Some manufacturers created a process that makes the Tape more strong by combining three layered Tape in just one step.
Role of the Invention of the Duct Tape in the Improvement of Human Life
