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The science of Post-it® Notes.

Science of post it notes

It’s a simple part of your day.

Jotting down your thoughts, to-do lists, and tasks on Post-it® Notes is a part of your routine to help keep you organised, both at work and at home.

But, did you know that there’s a whole lot of science that goes into the simple act of writing on a note and sticking it up on a board, wall, or any other surface that’s close to you?

3M’s technologies have evolved over the years and the result is a solution that’s rooted in our science of stickiness. Here’s what is involved in the creation of Post-it® Notes.

Science of Post-it® Notes: It’s all about adhesion and cohesion.

Before we get into how Post-it® Notes work, let’s deconstruct what adhesion and cohesion are. Adhesion is the bond between the adhesive and the substrate that it sticks to, while cohesion is the bond within the adhesive itself.

The adhesive provides the tack, the formation of a bond when it’s brought into contact with a surface. Cohesion, on the other hand, helps provide the shear strength that makes your Post-it® Note stick to a surface while also holding its weight.

Our range of Post-it® Notes are special due to the numerous technological advancements that have taken place in its adhesive technology and the paper that we use. Ever seen a Post-it® Note curl after you’ve applied it? Or leave a residue behind?

The secret is in the adhesive technology, which helps to allow the note to stick strongly to a variety of surfaces without leaving any residue behind.

The same science — with many different applications.

We have a wide range of Post-it® Notes that are designed for different applications. Here’s what you can use them for:

  1. Post-it® Notes: Best for horizontal applications, like binders, books, or notebooks, making them ideal for more permanent information like lists and recipes.
  2. Post-it® Super Sticky Notes: These notes are designed for vertical applications, like reminders on doors, walls, and windows. They can stick and re-stick so that your thoughts get noticed.
  3. Post-it® Flags: See something interesting in a magazine or want to colour-code important information? Flag the page with this solution. Remember to not use it as a Post-it® Note because the adhesive is different.
  4. Post-it® Tabs: Designed for reviewing documents and indexing, they can be used to organize planners and calendars into sections easily.
  5. Post-it® Page Markers: This product portfolio is best used for bookmarking pages in books, calling-out information, and colour-coding information. Do not use them as tabs or flags because the adhesive backing is different.
  6. Post-it® Easel Pads: If want to help your audience visualise your words during meetings, training sessions, and seminars, the Post-it® Easel Pads are what you should use. The slots easily fit most stands and pages can be removed and stuck to most surfaces.

Organization and post-its

While all of our Post-it® Notes are designed to have a wide range of uses and hold securely, sometimes your environment can be extra demanding. We’ve got the solution for other applications too.

Post-it® Extreme Notes can stick to many types of tough surfaces, even in temperatures that range from -18°C to 50°C. Their advanced adhesive technology and the specific coatings that are used on the paper helps to give gives them a stronger stick and better writability and water resistance. Use them to leave notes outdoors as you do your yard work, in the kitchen to label spices and frozen meals in the freezer, or in the classroom to label art supplies. They are durable enough that the possibilities are endless.

No matter what type of task you’re working towards accomplishing, our wide range of Post-it® Notes can help keep you organised, so you can get it done more quickly and efficiently.

Stay in touch for the latest solutions.

For the latest solutions and applications that will have an impact on your day, check out the Post-it® Brand page here.

About the Author

[enBio=With over eight years of experience in the industry, Mitesh is a chemical engineer by trade. He loves working on technical challenges and educating customers about how they can solve problems that they’re facing in their homes and work. Mitesh has helped develop a product that won the Circle to Technical Excellence in the team category, while also winning the 3M environmental award for reducing contaminants in the air.],[enJob=Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Personal Safety Division, 3M Canada],[frBio=Mitesh est un ingénieur chimiste de profession qui possède plus de huit ans d’expérience dans le domaine. Il adore s’attaquer aux défis techniques et informer les clients sur la façon de résoudre les problèmes auxquels ils font face à la maison et au travail. Mitesh a contribué au développement d’un produit qui a remporté le prix du Cercle de l’excellence technique dans la catégorie des équipes, ainsi que le prix de l’innovation environnementale de 3M pour la réduction des contaminants dans l’air.],[frJob=Ceinture noire, Fabrication allégée Six Sigma, Division des produits de protection individuelle, 3M Canada]

Profile Photo of Mitesh Chaudhari
Sticks in tough conditions.