Duct tape adhesive is made from natural rubber sourced from rubber trees.
According to the provided reference, the adhesive used in duct tape begins with natural rubber. This material is harvested from rubber trees, in a process likened to tapping maple trees for syrup.
The Primary Ingredient: Natural Rubber
The video excerpt specifically states:
"And the film the adhesive starts with natural rubber comes out of rubber trees much like maple syrup comes out of maple trees. They sent it to us in these big bulk bales."
This highlights that the foundational component for the adhesive is natural rubber, shipped in large quantities to manufacturers.
Sourcing the Rubber
- Origin: Rubber trees
- Process: Extracted similarly to maple syrup
- Form: Shipped in large bales
While commercial duct tape adhesives can be complex formulations, including various polymers, tackifiers, plasticizers, and fillers, the provided reference specifically identifies natural rubber as the starting point for the adhesive film. This natural rubber provides much of the base stickiness and flexibility required for the tape's function.
