ASI will once again be providing exclusive reports from a key industry event. Watch for special At-the-Show reports on our Web site (www.adhesivesmag.com) from the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council’s Week of Learning, May 5-9 in Baltimore. The At-the-Show reports are sponsored by Ashland. If you plan on attending the event, I’d love to speak with you — please contact me to set up an interview.

Speaking of tape, this month’s editorial focus is on PSAs, tape, films and hot melts. We kick off our coverage in “It’s a Wrap” with a feature from MACtac^® Graphic Products on its new overlaminating film. Learn about how to control static electricity on non-conductive web surfaces, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, in “Controlling Static: Alternatives to Tinsel.” And in “Bookbinding Adhesives,” we examine an adhesive application that we all come into contact with on a daily basis: bookbinding. Read the article to find out about the processes and adhesives that are used in this industry.

Pressure-sensitive labels must meet high quality standards — their machinability and dispensing behavior are just as important as their visual impact. Henkel has developed a hot-melt adhesive that holds labels firmly in place, even under repeated high stressing, and allows end users to achieve the “no-label” look. Details can be found in “Sitting Pretty.”

In addition to this great editorial, we’ve also included an exciting feature on a testing technique the polymer scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have devised that mimics properties of the Stenocara beetle of Africa’s Namib Desert. Read “Wetter Report” for more information.

Also notable is a case study titled “Road Tested” that explains how Dow Corning’s rapid cure silicone helped Colorado highway officials cost-effectively protect its bridges in Glenwood Canyon, CO. The material was able to mitigate some of the most common aesthetic issues in construction while keeping road closures to a minimum.