HAND:
The suppleness of a textile, tape or film.

HEAT CURING:
Application of heat to a tape that brings about a chemical reaction forming cross-links, increasing the cohesive strength of the adhesive and resistance to higher temperatures and to attack solvents.

HEAT RESISTANCE:
The ability of a tape to withstand exposure to specified temperature after application to a surface. Clean removal after exposure may be important to the user.

HIGHLIGHTING:
Where the surface that is covered by the tape shows a visual contrast with the surrounding area after removal of the tape. Sometimes caused by a change in surface gloss, sometimes by a difference in thickness of the finish under the tape.

HIGH-SPEED UNWIND ADHESION:
The required force to unwind a roll of tape at relatively high speeds usually over 50 feet per minute (fpm).

HOLD TO BOXBOARD:
Tapes ability to resist slippage when applied to boxboard then subjected to stress by means of a specified weight.

HOLD TO CHROME:
Tapes ability to resist slippage when applied to a chrome-plated bar then subjected to stress by means of a specified weight. Usually hung at 20 or 0 degrees angle with a 400-gram weight.

HOLDING POWER:
Tapes ability to resist slippage under stress. This is measured by applying a standard area of tape to a vertical test panel and suspending a standard weight on the free end of the tape.

HOMOGENISER:
Machine used for dispersing or dissolving materials under high speed or high shear.

HYDROCARBON:
A molecule consisting only of carbon and hydrogen. Often used as a solvent and originating from petroleum.

HYDROLYSIS:
A reaction of water and chemical with a result of decomposition.

HYGROSCOPIC:
A capability of readily absorbing and retaining moisture.