Kappler’s patented, chemical-resistant ChemTape® is a PPE necessity. It provides critical reinforcement by sealing the gaps, referred to as “interfaces,” where your hazmat suit meets your gloves, boots, and the edge of your respirator or gas mask facepiece. It helps to maintain a near airtight environment inside your suit while allowing you to stay mobile. ChemTape® is easy to use, highly effective and has a practically unlimited shelf life when stored in proper conditions. 

• Patented protective tape with a polyisoprene-based (rubber) adhesive
• Protects against splashes, aerosolized threats, and exposure to particulates at the vulnerable interfaces in your PPE gear 
• Compatible with level A, B, and C garments
• Compatible with NFPA garments
• Can be applied and removed without damaging reusable protective garments
• Each roll is 60 yards long and 2” wide. Rolls are packaged individually.
• High-visibility yellow is ideal for dangerous situations and easy visual identification
• Tested in accordance with ASTM F739, demonstrating a holdout time of at least 160 minutes against the entire battery of the ASTM F1001 list of 15 liquids.
• Tested per MIL-STD-282 against chemical warfare agents Nerve (VX), Sarin (GB), and Mustard (HD) with a minimum holdout time of 8 hours. 
• Manufactured in the USA

Technical Specifications

Kappler ChemTape® is designed specifically for use with protective apparel.

Ideal for taping around gloves, boots, respirators, and storm flaps, ChemTape® can also be used as a means of identification thanks to its high-visibility yellow color, as well as for shelter-in-place applications. It’s even suitable for pipe sealing and shelter or tent repair.

ChemTape® is primarily designed to enhance the liquid holdout of interfaces and closures on protective garments. It can also reduce the potential of gross liquid flow at interfaces. It should NOT be relied upon to provide a liquid-tight seal, but it can dramatically improve protection from liquid threats, splashes, aerosols, and particulates. 

ChemTape® is 2 inches wide with pressure-sensitive adhesive, ensuring wide and direct coverage when applied, with only the tape’s flat edge exposed to airborne threats that could degrade the adhesive. Once applied, it will remain firmly adhered yet can be removed without damaging reusable protective garments. 

ChemTape® provides exceptional protection from a full battery of chemical, biological, and gas threats. 

Kappler ChemTape® should be stored according to the storage directions below until needed. ChemTape® performance is largely dictated by its proper application, so take care during this process. Before application, make a general measurement of the area to be taped. Wherever possible, use a single strip of tape instead of multiple patches. Unroll the ChemTape® while taking care not to wrinkle or fold it. Apply with an especially high degree of force as the adhesive is pressure-sensitive, and ensure the entire width of the tape adheres to the desired area. Inspect after application. If applied correctly, ChemTape® will be relatively flat without wrinkles or folds. 

Store Kappler ChemTape® in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is 73ºF (23ºC). According to the manufacturer, there is no evidence that ChemTape® loses its protective characteristics, including adhesion, when stored in ideal conditions. ChemTape® may be stored at temperatures of up to 120ºF (49ºC). Note that high temperatures may lead to faster degradation. 

Will ChemTape® provide a liquid-tight seal?

ChemTape® is ideal for situations where the user might be exposed to chemical splashes. ChemTape® should NOT be fully immersed. ChemTape® uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive, so applying a high degree of pressure is crucial for application. Do not wrinkle or fold the tape when applying.

Will using ChemTape® make suits gas-tight?

No. If conditions exist that require gas-tight protection, use the appropriate protective garment.

 How should ChemTape ® be properly applied? In which areas should it be used?

ChemTape® was designed to effectively seal the interfaces and closures of protective garments (boots, suits, gloves, etc.) for added liquid resistance and protection from chemical threats. ChemTape® should be applied by hand with a high degree of pressure to the interfaces between glove and sleeve, boot and boot flap, zipper, storm flap, and around respirator masks. ChemTape® should be unrolled to the desired length without wrinkling or folding, then cut with a knife or scissors. ChemTape® can also be torn by hand, by pulling with considerable force rapidly at a right angle. A single continuous strip of ChemTape® should be used if possible. Several wraps may be required to provide the desired coverage and performance for your specific scenario.

Is it possible to reuse ChemTape®?

No. ChemTape® is designed to be disposed of after a single-use.   

Does removing ChemTape® affect the chemical resistance of the suit material?

ChemTape® uses an especially strong adhesive to maximize the bond to the fabric. ChemTape® may damage fabrics when removed, although this is generally limited to lightweight fabrics. Various factors including temperature, exposure, fabric type, and length of adherence will affect the characteristics of ChemTape® removal. Users must carefully inspect their garments for signs of degradation, tearing, or damage if the suit is intended for reuse.

Will chemicals affect or attack the adhesive on ChemTape®?

ChemTape’s® polyisoprene-based adhesive can be affected by a number of chemicals. Proper application is crucial to ensure that only a minimal flat edge of the adhesive is exposed to any contaminants.

 What’s the difference between ChemTape® and standard duct tape?

Duct tape is designed to minimize the gross leakage of air from heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment (HVAC). In contrast, ChemTape® is designed to minimize the influx of hazardous particles and liquids through the interfaces of protective garments. These two items have radically different intended purposes, construction, and performance.

Will ChemTape® removal affect the chemical resistance of gloves or will the adhesive affect the resistance?

Most chemically-resistant gloves are either “cured” or “vulcanized,” which makes them largely impervious to rubber-based adhesives like the one used in ChemTape®. Film-based gloves like 4H and Silvershield may be affected by the removal of ChemTape®. Users should always fully inspect their gloves for signs of physical/chemical degradation and discard if found.

Is it possible to use ChemTape® over serged or bound seams to enhance holdout?

Yes. ChemTape® can be used to reinforce seams, closures, and other interfaces. Once again, the careful application of ChemTape® dictates its performance.

What is the temperature service range of ChemTape®?

We recommend a maximum storage temperature of 120ºF (49ºC). Note that high temperatures may affect performance. Storage for 1 month at a high temperature equates to about 1 year of storage in the recommended conditions of 73ºF (23ºC).