Windach, Germany/Sudbury, MA, September 30, 2026 | DELO introduces DELO PHOTOBOND PS4140, the world’s first liquid tape for gas diffusion layer fixation in fuel cells. The liquid pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) replaces conventional tape-based solutions and offers key advantages: it can be applied in a fully automated process with freely selectable dispensing geometry, requires no cutting, and therefore generates no material waste. After fast curing and joining, parts can be handled immediately.

The adhesive bonds reliably to typical fuel cell materials. It delivers high peel resistance of up to 0.9 N/mm on PET/PET. A glass transition temperature of –10°C ensures flexible, stable bonds even at low temperatures. Both properties help compensate for peel loads that occur in roll-to-roll processes commonly used in fuel cell production. With a water absorption of only 0.7 wt.%, the liquid tape remains dimensionally stable under the persistently high humidity typical of fuel cell environments. In addition, the mechanical stability of the liquid tape has been confirmed after storage in application-relevant media at typical operating temperatures.

Reliable in operation, efficient in production

As a one-component system, the product can be easily stored at 0°C to +25°C. For automated dispensing, the DELO-DOT PN5 pneumatic jet valve is one suitable option. Slot-die coating as well as screen and stencil printing have also been evaluated as alternative application methods. Curing is energy-efficient via UV or VIS light; in the VIS range at 400 nm, curing takes 5 to 16 seconds, depending on irradiation intensity. The cured surface is immediately tacky. After joining under light pressure, the bond is ready for immediate further processing.

“With DELO PHOTOBOND PS4140, we offer fuel cell manufacturers a smart alternative to tape—with all the advantages of a liquid adhesive: precise dispensing, fully automated processing, and curing in seconds,” says Julian Hopf, Product Manager Energy Storage and Conversion at DELO. “The result is a process that is faster, more reliable, and more resource-efficient than conventional solutions.”

DELO will present DELO PHOTOBOND PS4140 and its broader portfolio of adhesive and sealant solutions for fuel cell manufacturing at the Hydrogen Technology Expo 2026 (October 20–22, 2026, Hamburg, booth 7A47).