U.S. patent application number 11/426731 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for adhesives having a microreplicated topography and methods of making and using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to Clyde D. Calhoun, Francis V. JR. Loncar, Larry A. Meixner, Frank T. Sher.
Application Number | 20060228510 11/426731 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25105691 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060228510 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sher; Frank T. ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
ADHESIVES HAVING A MICROREPLICATED TOPOGRAPHY AND METHODS OF MAKING
AND USING SAME
Abstract
Adhesives having a microreplicated topography are prepared from
contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of adhesive. When an
adhesion interface is established between the layer of adhesive and
a supporting substrate, the topography of the adhesive surface
controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having
microreplicated adhesive surfaces are also disclosed that have an
advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an
effective period of time. Multiple microembossed patterns produce
microreplicated adhesive surfaces having both microchannels for
fluid egress and pegs for improved adhesive properties.
Inventors: |
Sher; Frank T.; (St. Paul,
MN) ; Meixner; Larry A.; (Woodbury, MN) ;
Loncar; Francis V. JR.; (Hudson, WI) ; Calhoun; Clyde
D.; (Stillwater, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
25105691 |
Appl. No.: |
11/426731 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10217056 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
|
|
|
11426731 |
Jun 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
09685164 |
Oct 10, 2000 |
|
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|
10217056 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
|
|
|
08775844 |
Dec 31, 1996 |
6197397 |
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09685164 |
Oct 10, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/40.1 ;
428/156; 428/167 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/2457 20150115;
Y10T 428/1495 20150115; C09J 7/22 20180101; B33Y 80/00 20141201;
Y10T 428/149 20150115; Y10T 428/24504 20150115; Y10T 428/24405
20150115; C09J 5/08 20130101; Y10T 428/24372 20150115; Y10T
428/24479 20150115; C09J 7/38 20180101; Y10T 428/1486 20150115;
C09J 7/20 20180101; Y10T 428/24587 20150115; Y10T 428/14 20150115;
C09J 2301/204 20200801; Y10T 428/2486 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/040.1 ;
428/156; 428/167 |
International
Class: |
B32B 33/00 20060101
B32B033/00 |
Claims
1. An adhesive article comprising: (A) a continuous pressure
sensitive adhesive layer having a first major surface and a second
major surface, said first major surface comprising: (a) a plurality
of lands that provide a bonding surface for bonding the article to
a substrate; and (b) a plurality of channels between the lands that
extend below the lands to a depth of about 3 .mu.m to about 45
.mu.m, and enable fluid egress when the article is applied to the
substrate, wherein the channels occupy about 1% to about 65% of the
total area of the first major surface of the adhesive layer; (B) a
backing comprising a flexible polymeric film having (i) a first
major surface on the second major surface of the adhesive layer and
(ii) a second major surface, wherein the second major surface of
the backing bears a graphic image or is capable of being
graphically imaged; and (C) a release liner having a first major
surface contacting the first major surface of the adhesive layer,
wherein the first major surface of the release liner comprises (a)
a plurality of lands corresponding to the lands of the first major
surface of the adhesive layer, and (b) a plurality of ridges
corresponding to the channels of the first major surface of the
adhesive layer, wherein the article is in the form of a large
format image graphic film.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein the channels occupy about 2% to
about 50% of the total area of the first major surface of the
adhesive layer.
3. The article of claim 1, wherein the channels occupy about 5% to
about 15% of the total area of the first major surface of the
adhesive layer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
10/217,056, filed on Aug. 12, 2002, now pending; which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/685,164, filed Oct. 10, 2000, now
abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 08/775,844,
filed Dec. 31, 1996, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,397, issued
on Mar. 6, 2001; and related patent family member filed as a
continuation, U.S. Ser. No. 10/427,010, filed Apr. 30, 2003, now
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,243, issued on Jun. 28, 2005;
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to adhesives having a controlled
topographical surface of microchannels and the methods of making
and using them.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Pressure sensitive adhesives are useful for the joining of
two materials. The interfaces between the adhesive and the
materials are vital to the performance of the joined materials. The
loss of adhesion at either interface can doom the usage of the
materials.
[0004] One example of an adhesion interface requiring peak
performance is a durable film displaying image graphics adhered to
substrates, where the film is a backing material upon which an
adhesive layer is added for adhesion to the substrate. Adhesion of
a large image graphic film to substrates encounters the problem of
entrapped air between the film and the substrate. Anyone who has
ever attempted to hang wallpaper can appreciate the frustration
that can arise when entrapped air beneath an adhesive-backed film
can not be removed easily. The most common solutions to this
problem are to remove and reapply the film or to perforate the film
to release the entrapped air. Multiple attempts to adhere the same
film to a substrate can compromise the pressure sensitive adhesive
or increase the probability of uneven or misaligned film on the
substrate. Perforating a film mars its appearance. The removal of
air bubbles is also labor intensive.
[0005] Prior approaches have addressed facile adhesion of image
graphics film to substrate by concentrating on specialized
topographical constructions of the pressure sensitive adhesive.
Commercially superior pressure sensitive adhesives for image
graphics are available on image graphic films by 3M of St. Paul,
Minn., USA. Pressure sensitive adhesives having this utility are
disclosed in a variety of patents. Representative examples of
patents describing such materials include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,296,277
and 5,362,516 (both Wilson et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,790
(Calhoun et al.). These patents disclose how the adhesive's
topography is built from the interface between the adhesive and the
release liner. The principal topographical features in the adhesive
surface are isolated protrusions from the adhesive surface with
identified contact areas.
[0006] Another approach to topographical adhesives is the formation
of ridges or recesses in a release or transfer liner to generate a
temporary topography on the adhesive. For example, British Patent
Specification 1,511,060 discloses a heat- and pressure sensitive
adhesive on an impermeable backing that is formed by application of
heat and pressure and a release liner having a specific topography
or by coating the adhesive onto the release liner, whereupon the
release liner is removed. Then, bonding of the adhesive to the
desired substrate also requires a step of heat and pressure that
adheres the adhesive layer to the substrate. This step is also
required to improve the appearance of the final product. This
complicated procedure of generating the adhesion of the layer to
the backing and then generating the adhesion to the final substrate
minimizes utility of the construction for use in large format
graphics and other industrial requirements. Furthermore, the depth
of the recesses used to create an effective temporary topography on
the nontacky adhesive surface is at least 45 .mu.m, and then only
if the width of the recesses is at least 130 .mu.m.
[0007] Another example of a temporary topography formed on an
adhesive surface is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,344,681 and
5,449,540 (both Calhoun et al.). A segmented pressure-sensitive
adhesive transfer tape is designed to prevent lateral flow of the
adhesive prior to transfer but allows flow after transfer to form a
continuous adhesive bond. The small adhesive segments have
controllable thickness. An adhesive transfer tape comprises: a
carrier with two opposed surfaces with one containing a series of
recesses and the other being relatively smooth; a pressure
sensitive adhesive being present in the recesses which are
surrounded by an adhesive free area such that when the tape is
wound about itself with the surfaces contacting and then unwound,
adhesive transfers from the one surface to the other. Preferably,
the recesses are formed by embossing and are in spaced-apart
relationship. Preferably, they are oval, circular, polygonal or
rectangular in cross section. Preferably, the adhesive is acrylic
or rubber resin, pressure sensitive.
[0008] Another example of a temporary topography formed on an
adhesive surface is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,228 (Orr). A
double-sided adhesive-coated tape has fine grooves on one or both
sides of the tape to facilitate air venting to minimize non-contact
areas. The grooves in the tape are fine enough that, once the two
surfaces to be bonded are in position, the grooves largely or
completely disappear. Example 1 describes scribing lines through a
protective sheet that placed grooves 70-150 microns deep in the
underlying adhesive surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Desirable topographical adhesives face three limiting
conditions to solve problems in the art of adhering one material to
another, especially large format graphics on supporting substrates
having large flat surfaces interrupted by rivets, seams, and the
like:
[0010] (1) An adhesive without channels provides no effective route
for egress of fluids in the X-Y dimensions of the interface between
the adhesive and the substrate, especially if the backing material,
adhesive, and/or the substrate are fluid-impermeable. But if the
channels are too large, a path of fluid egress could also be a path
of passive ingress of the same or other fluids.
[0011] (2) The backing material, and especially its outer imagable
surface, can not be adversely affected by the adhesive topography
chosen, thereby limiting the size of the channels in the adhesive
and also limiting the method of construction. The backing material
needs a flat, uniform surface for imaging and other aesthetic
reasons. The formation of large channels into the laminate of
backing and adhesive will adversely disrupt the flat, uniform
surface of the backing material. Also, adhesive topographies that
are too large will create undesired undulations or other
imperfections in the appearance of the backing material on the
final substrate. Such undulations or other imperfections make the
image graphic unacceptable for most commercial markets.
[0012] (3) The area of adhesive actually contacting the substrate
and the holding power (i.e., shear and peel adhesion) of the
adhesive affect bonding performance of the backing material to the
substrate. If either the holding power is too weak or the area of
the adhesive contact is too small, or both, the performance of the
adhesive is entirely inadequate. Microspheres or other large abrupt
surface patterns have been used to reduce the area of adhesive
surface on the substrate, either temporarily or permanently, which
can affect holding power of the adhesive or area of adhesive
contact. If the size of the surface features is increased, air
channels in the topography are formed but there is insufficient
adhesive interface remaining to provide effective permanent
adhesion.
[0013] While the air bubble and fluid egress problems associated
with large format graphics are easy to understand, these problems
also exist for small graphics and decals where speed of application
or applications without pre-masking are significant for economic or
manufacturing considerations.
[0014] The problem of fluid egress is even more acute whenever the
two materials contacting the adhesive effectively inhibit any
egress in the Z axis through either or both materials. Further if
the materials are inflexible as well as fluid impermeable, such as
metallic plates, there is no avenue that can be created, during
application, for fluid egress.
[0015] The art needs a different approach to control adhesion at
the interfaces between a pressure sensitive adhesive and two
materials within the three enumerated limiting conditions. Indeed,
the art needs to engineer the geometry of the adhesive surface to
provide a controlled topography of the adhesive surface at any
adhesion interface where particular performance is required.
[0016] For this invention, that particular performance should
include the provision for fluid egress in the X-Y dimensions of the
adhesive interface but without adversely affecting the desired
appearance of the backing material which should remain flat and
uniform for imaging, but preferably conformable during use.
Further, fluid egress should be reconciled with adhesive bond
strength for maintaining an adhesive interface.
[0017] One aspect of the present invention provides a means of
controlling the topography of an adhesive surface, comprising
contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of adhesive and
forming a microreplicated surface, such that when an adhesion
interface is established between the layer of adhesive and a
supporting substrate, the topography of the adhesive surface
controls the performance of the adhesion interface between that
adhesive and the supporting substrate.
[0018] "Adhesive" means any form of adhesive that has pressure
sensitive adhesive properties at the time of application to a
supporting substrate. As identified by the Pressure Sensitive Tape
Council, a pressure sensitive adhesive requires firm adhesion to a
variety of dissimilar surfaces upon mere contact without need of
more than finger or hand pressure.
[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a
microreplicated adhesive surface formed by microreplication from
any contacting technique such as casting, coating, or compressing
techniques. Microreplication can be achieved by at least any of (1)
casting using a tool having a microembossed pattern, (2) coating of
an adhesive onto a release liner having that microembossed pattern,
or (3) passing through a nip roll to compress pressure sensitive
adhesive against a release liner having that microembossed pattern.
Desired embossing topography can be formed in tools via any of a
number of well-known techniques, selected depending in part upon
the tool material and features of the desired topography.
Illustrative techniques include etching (e.g., via chemical
etching, mechanical etching, or other ablative means such as laser
ablation or reactive ion etching, etc.), photolithography,
stereolithography, micromachining, knurling (e.g., cutting knurling
or acid enhanced knurling), scoring or cutting, etc.
[0020] The microreplicated topography resides on at least one major
surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive and can optionally
reside on both major, opposing surfaces of the adhesive affecting
the properties of the interface(s) in the same or different
manners, as desired by those skilled in the art.
[0021] When a microembossed liner is used, the liner can be a
release liner (e.g., a releasable storage liner for the adhesive or
a transfer liner for moving the adhesive from one location to
another) or a tape backing on a self-wound roll that also serves as
a liner, such that the microembossed surface of the tape backing
microreplicates the surface of the adhesive exposed as the tape is
unwound.
[0022] "Microembossed" means a topography on the liner or the
casting tooling having an effective three-dimensional pattern that
generates a maximum difference of less than about 45 .mu.m in
surface planar dimension in a continuous adhesive. The pattern can
be interconnected or continuously parallel.
[0023] "Interconnected" means that at least two three-dimensional
features in the microembossed pattern intersect causing the
microreplicated formation of an intersection of the inverse of such
three-dimensional features in the adhesive surface.
[0024] "Microreplicated adhesive" means adhesive having a
topography in at least one major, substantially continuous surface
that is essentially, but not necessarily perfectly, the inverse of
the microembossed pattern to which the adhesive surface is
contacted and has a contact area of at least about 35%.
[0025] "Pattern" means any formation of embossings that can utilize
any theory of geometry, including without limitation, Euclidian
geometry and fractal geometry.
[0026] Optionally, the microembossed patterns can be multiple.
"Multiple" means two or more embossing patterns are superimposed on
the liner to create a complex pattern of differing depths or
heights of embossing to form the microreplicated adhesive having a
complex pattern of differing depths or heights.
[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is an article having
a microreplicated adhesive of the present invention.
[0028] The microembossed liners, tools, or nip rolls used to make
microreplicated adhesive of the present invention can provide a
vast array of microreplication combinations given the multitude of
microembossed patterns, the multiplicity of embossings, and the
variety of materials available.
[0029] A feature of microreplicated adhesives of the present
invention is that the microembossed pattern is retained for an
effective period of time on the microreplicated adhesive surface
during intended use. The retention of microreplication can range
from minutes to years depending upon the rheology of the pressure
sensitive adhesive chosen and the conditions of application. Fluid
egress may only be desired for limited times.
[0030] The invention not only provides a three-dimensional
topography for pressure sensitive adhesives, but because of the
unusual properties of pressure sensitive adhesives, their flow
characteristics can be engineered. Therefore, the invention also
contemplates the effective use of the pressure sensitive adhesive
chemistry and substrate application techniques to control the
fourth dimension, how long after substrate application the surface
of the adhesive remains three-dimensional. The topography need not
be permanent. For example, it can be desired to collapse any
portion of the adhesive interface after sufficient fluid egress is
completed.
[0031] Another feature of the microreplicated adhesive topography
is the ability to control the engineering of the adhesive surface
for desired uses, such as air bleeding from large image graphics,
plasticizer migration routes from plastic materials, and other
applications that require fluid transport in the X-Y dimensions of
the adhesive interface(s) rather than the Z axis from the surface
of the adhesive. In other words, aerodynamics of the adhesive
interface can be engineered as required.
[0032] Another feature of the microreplicated adhesive, when using
multiple microembossed patterns, is the ability to control the
types of materials introduced into recesses of differing depths in
the topography for complex adhesion usages, such as positionability
as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,296,277 and 5,362,516 (both
Wilson et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,790 (Calhoun et al.) and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/559,037 (Keller et al.) filed
Nov. 15, 1995, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference therein.
[0033] An advantage of the present invention is the creation of an
engineered adhesive surface that serves specific intended uses for
a controlled period of time when transferred or adhered to another
material.
[0034] Another advantage of the present invention is a pressure
sensitive adhesive that provides effective fluid egress without
adversely affecting the appearance of the backing material which
that adhesive adheres to a substrate.
[0035] Another advantage of the present invention is the ability of
the adhesive surface(s) to exhaust fluids such as gases, entrapped
air, plasticizers, or moisture from the plane of the adhesive
surface independent of specialized compositions or formulations of
the adhesive.
[0036] Another advantage of the present invention is the formation
of the same or different adhesive topographies to each of the
opposing major surfaces of the adhesive. For example, one adhesive
interface could provide plasticizer migration from one engineered
topography and the opposing major surface could provide fluid
egress from a second engineered topography.
[0037] Another advantage of the present invention is the ability of
the adhesive surface(s) to permit controlled ingress of fluids at a
desired time to affect the adhesive interface(s), such as to
facilitate removal, alter surface characteristics, provide
additional remedial treatments, and the like.
[0038] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
embodiments of the invention described in relation to the following
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a scanning electron micrograph of a double
microembossed liner that has been used to make an adhesive surface
of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a scanning electron micrograph of the double
microembossed liner of FIG. 1 at a higher magnification.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a scanning electron micrograph of a
microreplicated adhesive surface of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a scanning electron micrograph of the
microreplicated adhesive surface of FIG. 3 at a higher
magnification.
EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION
[0043] FIG. 1 shows an example of the complex topography that can
be created on liners. This scanning electron micrograph shows a
liner 20 having a surface 22 with one pattern 24 of embossings and
optionally a second pattern 26 of embossings. More than one
optional pattern can be added according the techniques disclosed in
copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/775,736 (Calhoun et
al.) (Attorney Docket 52773USA5A), the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein.
[0044] A careful viewing of FIG. 1 shows pattern 24 comprising both
relatively planar lands 27, i.e., large squares that have been
depressed from the initial surface 22 of liner 20 and a series of
ridges 28 formed from the material moved from the lands 27 during
the embossing process. Pattern 26 forms an array of depressions
29.
[0045] If multiple embossing patterns are desired, the
manufacturing process reverses the order of embossings, with the
required pattern(s) coming last. The manufacturing of the double
embossed liner 20 actually requires the formation of the second
embossing pattern 26 first, followed by the formation of the
required first embossing pattern 24, second. Between the time of
making the two embossing patterns, a desired material can be
introduced into optional second embossing pattern 26, such as glass
beads, in a manner as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,277 (Wilson
et al.), incorporated by reference herein.
[0046] The resulting multiple microembossed liner 20 has a total
area "T", a first area "A" for lands 27 created during embossing of
pattern 24, and an area "B" for ridges 28 created during embossing
of pattern 24, and an area "C"for depressions 29 residing in both
lands 27 and ridges 28. FIG. 2 shows how one depression 29 can
reside in a ridge 28. Thus, T=A+B and all of area C resides within
either area A or B, or both.
[0047] The patterns 24 and 26 can be varied according to
requirements in the art recognizing that the patterns are
superimposed on one another. For example, in FIG. 1, lands 27 are
discontinuous, because separate projections on the tooling for
forming pattern 24 do not intersect with one another. Likewise,
depressions 29 are discontinuous because separate projections on
the tooling for forming pattern 26 do not intersect with one
another.
[0048] The result of pattern 24 creates separated lands 27 from one
another, and the result of pattern 26 creates separated depressions
29 from one another. The interconnected ridges 28 are a by-product
of the embossing of separated lands 27.
[0049] In other words, the topography of the tool(s) is an obverse
image of the final topography of the microreplicated adhesive, with
the liner 20 serving as the inverse image for transferring the
image of the tool(s) to the microreplicated adhesive. Therefore,
the topography(ies) of the embossing tool(s) for liner 20 is
essentially the topography of the microreplicated adhesive.
[0050] For the embodiment of adhesive to be produced from patterns
24 and 26, the percentage area of lands 27 to surface 22 (A to T)
can range from about 35% to about 99%. Desirably, the percentage
can range from about 50% to about 98%. Preferably, the percentage
can range from about 60% to about 97%. More preferably, the
percentage can range from about 70% to about 96%. Most preferably,
the percentage of A to T can range from about 85% to about 95% to
provide adequate fluid egress without adversely affecting adhesion
to the supporting substrate. In other words, the percentage of A to
T essentially determines contact area for the microreplicated
adhesive on the supporting substrate. The percentage areas,
respectively, of interconnected ridges 28 to surface 22 (B to T)
are the remainders, respectively.
[0051] The percentage area of depressions 29 to surface 22 (C to T)
can range from about 1% to about 70%. Preferably, the percentage
can range from about 2% to about 25%. Most preferably, the
percentage of C to T can range from about 3% to about 15% because
of a balance of repositionability of the adhesive to final adhesive
bond strength.
[0052] These percentages expressed with respect to the liner 20
cause approximately the same percentages on the inverted topography
of the microreplicated adhesive. However, as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,296,277 (Wilson et al.), the planar adhesive surface of their
pegs is important. Therefore, the present invention is not limited
by these percentages concerning the area of depressions 29 when
creating the volume of depressions 29 or the geometry used to
achieve those depressions. In other words, the depressions 29 can
assume any solid geometric desired by those skilled in the art,
within the percentage areas expressed above.
[0053] The embossing of pattern 24 to create lands 27 moves
material into ridges 28. Like the formation of mountains from the
movement of large land masses, ridges 28 rise from surface 22.
While the depth of embossing of lands only results in a depth of a
few micrometers, ridges rise from surface 22 to a height ranging
range from about 3 to about 45 .mu.m, preferably from about 5 to
about 30 .mu.m, and most preferably from about 6 to about 20
.mu.m.
[0054] The depth of embossings for optional pattern 26 can range
from about 4 to about 200 .mu.m, preferably from about 8 to about
100 .mu.m, and most preferably from about 10 to about 30 .mu.m.
Because the embossing of pattern 26 occurs before the embossing of
pattern 24, the depths identified here are cumulative effect of
both embossings, not necessarily the height of embossing tool.
[0055] Moreover, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art
that the size of the embossing tooling needed may exceed the depth
of embossing desired because of viscoelastic properties of the
liner 20 being embossed.
[0056] The "sidewalls" of embossings for any of pattern 24, pattern
26, or any combination of them, can be any shape desired, ranging
from a constant radius of curvature to any polygonal shape of at
least 2 surfaces within the pattern 24 or 26. Nonlimiting examples
of shapes of embossing, in cross-section, include curved,
rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, bimodal, and the like. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,296,277 (Wilson et al.) describes some of the variables
to be considered when forming depressions 29 in order to provide
pegs in the microreplicated adhesive.
[0057] The width of embossings in any of pattern 24, pattern 26, or
any combination of them, can vary as needed. For example, in FIG.
1, the width of embossings that create lands 27 and depressions 29
are relatively uniform for surface 22. However, the pattern can
vary across surface 22 for fluid egress, not unlike a
tributary-river configuration in a watershed.
[0058] For example, to create microchannels for fluid egress, one
could use a liner 20 having a pattern 24 creating ridges 28 having
a final width, after viscoelastic properties have reached
equilibrium, of less than about 200 .mu.m and preferably from about
50 to 120 .mu.m. The ridges 28 in FIG. 1 are about 100 .mu.m
wide.
[0059] Precision of topographical formation of liner 20 can be
achieved using a variety of machining techniques. The machine tool
industry is capable of creating tools with any pattern desired by
those skilled in the art. Euclidean geometric patterns can be
formed with any pattern of size, shape and depth of embossing
projection in any number of steps.
[0060] Tools can range from planar presses to cylindrical drums to
other curvilinear shapes, depending on how it is desired to employ
the embossing steps.
[0061] Nonlimiting examples of sources of tooling include
commercial sources of photolithographic printing plates and
cylinders, precision engraved plates and cylinders, laser machined
plates and cylinders, and the like.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows a scanning electron micrograph of a layer 30 of
microreplicated adhesive prepared from liner 20 seen in FIG. 1.
[0063] The adhesive layer 30 has a surface 32 having a topography
essentially replicating the inverse of the topography of surface 22
caused by patterns 24 and 26. As explained above how the transfer
of topography from tooling to liner to adhesive proceeds, FIGS. 1
and 3 provide photographic proof of the essential replication of
topography during transfer. The topography of liner 20 therefore
can determine the resulting topography of surface 32 of adhesive
layer 30 that fill the recess(es) of microembossed liner 20.
[0064] Surface 32 has topographical features of a series of
interconnected microchannels 37 essentially matching ridges 28 and
an array of optional pegs 39 essentially matching depressions 29.
The duration of microchannels and pegs depend on the chemistry of
the adhesive chosen and the conditions of application.
[0065] Layer 30 can be coated in any thickness that is greater than
the height of ridges 28 of liner 20. Desirably, the thickness can
be at least about 5 .mu.m. Preferably, for image graphic
applications on vertical supporting substrates, the thickness can
range from at least about 20 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m.
[0066] Adhesives can be selected from a variety of conventional
adhesive formulations to achieve the topography of surface 32.
[0067] Nonlimiting examples of adhesives include pressure sensitive
adhesives, hot melt or heat activated adhesives that are pressure
sensitive at the time of application such as pressure sensitive
adhesives disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,322 (Delgado et al.);
U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,562 (Delgado); EPO Publication 0 570 515; EPO
Publication 0 617 708; pressure sensitive adhesives disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,296,277 and 5,362,516 (both Wilson et al.) and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,790 (Calhoun et al.) and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/559,037 (Keller et al.), all incorporated
by reference and any other type of pressure sensitive adhesive
disclosed in Satas, et al., Handbook of Pressure Sensitive
Adhesives, 2nd Ed. (Von Nostrand Reinhold, N.Y., 1989), the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
[0068] Chemistry and polymer physics of the adhesive can be used to
control the fourth dimension, duration, of three-dimensional
microreplicated adhesives of the invention. Understanding the
rheology, such as creep compliance, of an adhesive can assist in
controlling how quickly or if the microchannels 37 close after
application.
[0069] Layer 30 of adhesive can cover all or a part of surface 22
of liner 20. The remaining portions of surface can be covered by
other adhesive formulation(s) or left exposed for a pattern of
microreplicated adhesive on a film. Pattern coating of adhesives
can be found in PCT Patent Publication WO96/15715 (Yasis et al.),
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0070] For example, if one desired to have differential theological
properties on a given film, one could pattern coat adhesive layers,
such as concentrically, in order to control how quickly certain
portions of the microchannels 37 close. In the tributary-river
paradigm, the adhesive layer pattern coated at the relative
interior of the surface 32 could flow more quickly and close off
microchannels to fluid ingress while microchannels of the relative
perimeter of the surface 32 permit continued "drainage" of fluids
from the interior of adhesive interface toward the perimeter.
[0071] Other materials besides adhesives can be used to fill one of
the multiple embossed patterns if adhesive is used to fill other(s)
of the multiple embossed patterns. For example, non-adhesive
protrusions can be formed in, or different adhesive formulations
can be filled into, depressions 29. Because pattern 26 is embossed
before pattern 24 is embossed, the non-adhesive material or
different adhesive formulation is added to depressions 29 after the
embossing of pattern 26 and before the embossing of pattern 24.
Then, layer 30 is coated over surface 22, resulting in a layer 30
of adhesive having non-adhesive protrusions 39 thereon.
[0072] Non-adhesive protrusions can be constructed from any
material that can utilize the topographical features of the liner
20 and is compatible in performance with the adhesive and the
desired adhesive use. Nonlimiting examples of non-adhesive
materials include those materials disclosed in the Calhoun et al.
and Wilson et al. patents incorporated herein. The purpose of using
such protrusions 39 can also be found in these patents.
[0073] Liner 20 can be any release or transfer liner known to those
skilled in the art for use with adhesives and that is capable of
being microembossed. Nonlimiting examples of liners include a
variety of commercial materials from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. and
other commercial manufacturers of liner products such as Rexam
Release Corporation of Oakbrook, Ill. or Daubert Coated Products of
Westchester, Ill. Such liners are typically polyethylene coated
papers with commercial silicone release coatings; polyethylene
coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) films with commercial silicone
release coatings; or cast polypropylene films which can be embossed
with pattern(s) while making such films, and thereafter coated with
commercial silicone release coatings. Additional useful liners are
identified in the Calhoun et al. and Wilson et al. patents.
[0074] Any film can be contacted to the major surface of adhesive
opposite the major surface(s) of adhesive created by the topography
of liner 20. Because the film is laminated to adhesive after the
topography of adhesive 30 is microreplicated from liner pattern 24,
and optionally, pattern 26, the appearance of an exposed major
surface is not adversely affected by the topography of the
microreplicated adhesive during use. With that advantage, film can
be imaged using any commercial technique, including electrography,
inkjet, screen printing, flexography, electronic cutting, or other
imaging or graphic techniques.
[0075] Alternatively, both major surfaces of adhesive layer 30 can
be microreplicated using the same or different liner(s) 20 to
provide the same or different adhesive performance properties at
the two different adhesive interfaces during use.
[0076] For example, different types of fluid egress can be desired
from the different adhesive interfaces: namely, gaseous egress at
one interface and liquidic egress at the other.
[0077] Another example is the formation of adhesive topography at
the interface between the film and adhesive in order to
specifically create a pattern in the film using the adhesive
topography to achieve that pattern.
[0078] Yet another possible embodiment is the use of same or
different adhesives having same or different topographies where two
or more adhesives are laminated together before adhesion to the
film and supporting substrate. With the chemistry of the different
adhesives determined, one can provide through-channels in the X-Y
dimensions of the adhesive-adhesive interface without affecting the
adhesive bond strength of the adhesive laminate to the film or the
supporting substrate.
[0079] Nonlimiting examples of films useful for contact with
adhesive surfaces of the present invention include Controltac.TM.
branded films commercially available from 3M, films disclosed in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/687,271 foils, metallic plates,
ceramic plates, polymeric sheets, vibration damping materials,
reflective sheeting, retroreflective sheeting, top-coated
materials, industrial tape backings, hypoallergenic tape backings,
and combinations thereof.
Usefulness of the Invention
[0080] Image graphic films are unexpectedly improved by the
microreplicated adhesive surfaces of the present invention. Image
graphic films having adhesive surfaces of the present invention can
be used to ensure fluid egress for a predetermined period of time
according to the rheology of the adhesives (creep compliance,
modulus, etc.).
[0081] For example, one skilled in the art can control fluid egress
but minimize fluid ingress at the adhesive interface by (a)
selecting a suitable adhesive and (b) forming a topography
according to the present invention, and (c) appropriately applying
the adhesive to the supporting substrate. This provides air bleed
during installation but afterwards seals the interface between the
adhesive and the supporting substrate.
[0082] Alternatively, one skilled in the art can select an adhesive
having a different rheology to maintain the topography of the
adhesive surface for a longer period of time after initial
installation to permit multiple reinstallations onto the same or
different supporting substrate or to maximize available routes for
fluid egress.
[0083] One can make image graphic films with two different types of
adhesives in the differing depths of patterns on liner 20 for ease
of installation of an image graphic film. This construction is an
alternative to products described in the Calhoun and Wilson patents
identified above but can function in similar manners.
[0084] Adhesive surfaces of the present invention improve economic
value by reducing manufacturing costs, reducing labor costs during
installation, and minimizing maintenance required by adhesive
interface problems.
[0085] Adhesive surfaces of the present invention can tolerate
lower temperature applications, where incomplete bonding of an
adhesive to a substrate at the lower temperature is a problem
because the adhesive is slow to "wet" the substrate surface. Over
time, the extent of the adhesive contact can change, possibly
entrapping air. Without microchannels provided by microreplicated
adhesive surfaces of the present invention, the fluid can not
egress.
[0086] Wavefront motion is usually used to apply murals or graphics
to a supporting substrate. These graphics benefit from the adhesive
topography of the present invention because, surprisingly, the
microchannels of the adhesive not only promote fluid egress during
adhesive application of the graphic to the substrate but also
survive the application process that involves high transient
pressures to provide routes of fluid egress for residual air
pockets.
[0087] Further features, advantages, and embodiments are described
in the examples.
EXAMPLES
Sample Analyses:
[0088] Liner and adhesive samples were evaluated using a JSM-6400
(JEOL, Tokyo, Japan) scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy
with a JENA JENAVERT (Jena, Germany) incident light microscope or
Bausch and Lomb stereo microscope (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester,
N.Y.), or interferometry microscopy using a WYKO RST surface
profiler (WYKO Corp., Tucson, Ariz.). A Surtronic 3P stylus
profilometer (Rankd Taylor-Hobson, Inc., Leicester, U.K.) was also
used for some liner evaluations.
Tests:
[0089] Peel Test: Adhesion tests were a modification of ASTM method
D3330 (1992) and Pressure Sensitive Tape Council method PSTC-1
(1989). Caustic etched and acid desmut aluminum test panels (6061
T6, Q-Panel Co., Phoenix Ariz.) and painted aluminum test panels
(Fruehauf, Indianapolis, Ind.) were cleaned with DuPont "PrepSol"
and allowed to dry. Samples of pressure sensitive adhesive and film
on liner were cut into 2.54 centimeter wide strips. The release
liner was removed, and the strips were applied to the panels using
either a PA-1 Hand Applicator (available from Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Company (3M) St. Paul, Minn.) at a speed of about 2.5
centimeter/second or a Vanquisher roll laminator (Stoughton Machine
and Manufacturing Co., Inc., Stoughton Wis.) at 40 psi gauge
pressure and a speed of about 2.5 cm/second. A backing strip of
2.54 centimeter wide 3M Scotchcal.TM. Film Series 3650 adhesive
film was laminated in registration onto each sample strip. The
backing film prevented the sample films and pressure sensitive
adhesive from excessively stretching during peel back testing.
After 24 hours in a constant temperature and humidity room at
22.degree. C. and 50% relative humidity or after 7 days at
66.degree. C. followed by 24 hour equilibration in the constant
temperature and humidity room, peel adhesion was measured as a 180
degree peel back at a crosshead speed of 30.5 centimeters per
minute using a Lloyd 500 tensile tester (Lloyd Instruments,
Segensworth Fareham England).
[0090] Creep Compliance Testing: A sandwich of pressure sensitive
adhesive layer (about 125 microns thick) between two sheets of 48
micron thick poly(ethylene terephthalate) film was prepared by
coating the pressure sensitive adhesive onto one sheet of the
polyester film, drying at 66.degree. C. to constant weight (at
least about 20 minutes) to afford about 1/2 the test specimen
thickness, and doubling over the coated construction. The test
pieces were cut from this sandwich, and the average thickness (h)
of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer was determined using a
caliper gauge and subtracting the thickness of the polyester films.
Two test pieces of equal size were die-cut and placed in the
parallel plate creep compliance rheometer, one piece being on each
side of the center plate, with an outer plate contacting the
exposed surface of each. One end of the center plate was connected
to a linear variable transducer, which measures the plate
displacement (due to material flow) and outputs an electrical
signal proportional to the displacement, to a recorder. The
parallel plates were placed in horizontal arrangement and the two
outer plates were then clamped firmly so as to compress the
interposed layers approximately 10%. A hook was attached to the
opposite end of the center plate with a flexible wire extending
horizontally from the hook and then downward over a pulley, the
outer plates being held in a fixed position. A suitable weight
(sufficient to measurably deform the sample a distance no greater
than its thickness) was attached to the free end of the wire, then
the recorder was started. For these examples, the weight used to
exert the stress (f) was 500 g. From the recorder, the time (t) and
the displacement (X, i.e., strain) were read. The creep compliance
at a given temperature was then calculated according to the
equation: J.sub.(t)=2AX/hf where t is the time at which the
measurement is taken, A is the area of one face of the pressure
sensitive adhesive samples, h is the thickness of the adhesive
mass, X is the displacement at time t (where X is less than h) and
f is the force due to the mass attached to the wire connected to
the middle plate. Where A is expressed in cm.sup.2, h in cm, X in
cm, and f in dynes, then the compliance value J.sub.(t) is given in
cm.sup.2/dyne. As an example, a creep compliance J value calculated
at a time of 3 minutes is indicated here as J.sub.(3 min.). The
weight may be removed after time t allowing the pressure sensitive
adhesive to relax or recover. After some additional time t relax,
the compliance may be determined again. As an example, if a weight
is applied for 3 minutes and then removed, and the compliance
determined after an additional 3 minutes, the relaxed J value is
indicated here as J.sub.(3 min.+3 min. relax). A percent recovery
under the test conditions may also be calculated: %
recovery=100%.times.[J.sub.(t)-J.sub.(t+t relax)]/J.sub.(t).
[0091] Slide Test for Positionability: A horizontal glass plate was
heated to 40-43.degree. C. and cleaned with methyl ethyl ketone
(MEK). A test sample (i.e., pressure sensitive adhesive on the
indicated backing), approximately 2.5 cm by 7.5 cm, was draped flat
onto the glass plate with the pressure sensitive adhesive side down
for approximately 10 seconds. The end edge of the sample was lifted
and pulled laterally. The test ratings are as follows: [0092] 1
sample slid freely [0093] 2 sample slid easily with some resistance
[0094] 3 sample slid with considerable resistance because of
adhesion to the plate, but could be lifted without damage [0095] 4
sample stuck to the plate and could not be repositioned without
damage
[0096] Hot Application/Reapplication Test: A horizontal glass plate
was heated to 40-43.degree. C. and cleaned with methyl ethyl ketone
(MEK). A test sample, approximately 2.5 cm by 7.5 cm, was draped
flat onto the glass plate with the pressure sensitive adhesive side
down for approximately 10 seconds, and the edges were pressed with
a finger with approximately 500 g "force" to uniformly contact the
periphery (from the edge to about 0.5 cm inward) to the glass
plate. The sample was then pressed by a finger around the periphery
and toward the center of the sample to prevent the PSA from
debonding and prevent the entire air pocket from moving to the edge
of the sample. The sample applied in this fashion was then
evaluated for presence or absence of trapped bubbles. The strip was
slowly peeled off of the stage and reapplied in the same procedure.
A third reapplication was also done. The test ratings are as
follows: [0097] "poor" sample showed trapped bubbles after the
first application (indicating no detectable air release properties)
[0098] "fair" sample did not show bubbles after the first
application, but did show bubbles after either the second or third
reapplication [0099] "good" no bubbles were observed on any of the
three application and reapplications (showing air release
properties for the first application and showing retention of air
release properties for the subsequent reapplications). Also, the
microchannels in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer of samples
rated "good" were still present after the first and second removal
steps.
[0100] Cold Application Test: Test samples were premasked with
SCPM-3 (3M) premask tape. Sample strips approximately 5 cm by 23 cm
were cut from the premasked film samples. The samples and Fruehauf
painted test panels were conditioned at the test temperature for at
least 20 minutes. The sample strips were applied to the test panels
using one pass of a PA-1 Hand Applicator maintained at a constant
45 degree angle during application and a speed of about 1.5 m/min.
Constant application force was supplied by 2 kg, 4 kg, or 6 kg
masses mounted on top of the squeegee. Immediately, the premask was
removed from the applied strip at a 180 degree angle and a peel
rate of approximately 1.5 m/min. The test panel with the applied
films was then heated at 66.degree. C. for 5 minutes to develop any
blistering. The size and extent of the blistering was rated on a
scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being no blistering and 10 being complete
adhesion failure of the film sample. The appearance of the sample
parallels the rating. Particularly good are ratings of less than or
equal to 5-6 with a mass of 2 kg, 3-4 at 4 kg, and 1-3 at 6 kg.
[0101] Indent Panel Test: A circular indent was made in 0.7 mm
thick aluminum test panel using a hemispherical drop hammer with a
tip diameter of 2.5 cm. The indent was about 2.8 cm diameter at the
plane of the panel and was about 0.6 cm deep. A 7.5 cm by 7.5 cm
test sample to be tested was centered over the indent and applied
flat onto the panel and taut over the indent. A PA-1 Hand
Applicator with a protective sleeve (SA-1, available from 3M) was
used to press the sample onto the panel using a mass of about 1 kg.
Then the film was pressed with a thumb into the depressed indent.
At least 3 kg of mass was applied. The ability of the sample to
conform into the indent and uniformly contact the depressed panel
indent was rated as follows: [0102] 0 sample would not conform
significantly into the indent against the entrapped air [0103] 1
sample could be pressed down into the indent to the extent of about
50% [0104] 2 sample could be pressed down to conform with much of
the indent leaving small air bubbles [0105] 3 sample could be
pressed down to conform slowly (greater than 5 seconds) and
completely into the indent [0106] 4 sample could be pressed down to
conform swiftly (less than 5 seconds) and completely into the
indent
[0107] Rivet Panel Test: A test sample was manually pressed over a
12 mm diameter by 2.5 mm high rounded rivet onto a Fruehauf flat
panel with rivets by starting at the edges of the sample 3.8 cm
from the center of the rivet. The sample was pressed down, using
both thumbs, with thumb pressure (approximately 750 g for each
thumb) at the periphery using a circular motion to entrap a large
air pocket under the film. The film was then pressed in at the edge
of the air pocket towards the rivet keeping thumbs at opposite
sides of the rivet and making half-circular motions in alternating
directions with decreasing radii to keep the thumbs along the
margin of the pocket (approximately 750 g for each thumb). The
force was limited so as not to burst the film. This procedure
ensured that a large air pocket was formed under the sample and was
prevented from being pushed under the film, to the sample edge by
debonding of the pressure sensitive adhesive. The time required for
dissipating the air pocket and conforming the film to within 2 mm
of the rivet was determined. If a large air pocket remained after 5
minutes of working the film, the diameter of the air pocket was
determined. Samples with best air dissipation generally required
less than about 30 to 60 seconds to conform the film up to the
rivet. Poorest samples entrapped about a 35 mm (or larger) air
pockets after 5 minutes of working application.
[0108] Air Bleed Test: A circular test sample 4.4 cm diameter was
applied with 4 passes of a rubber roller (specifications as
indicated in the specific examples) onto an acrylic panel. The
sample was centered over a 6.4 mm diameter hole in the panel. With
the sample side up, the panel was sealed onto a gasket by clamping
to center the hole over a recessed chamber in an air delivery
stage. After 5 mins., the stage was connected to an air-line (45
cm.sup.3 total volume) and initially pressurized to 50 inches (127
cm) of water as determined by a pressure gauge connected to the
system. The system was closed by a valve, and the time for the
pressure to fall to 25 inches (63.5 cm) of water was determined.
Poorest samples, such as representative of films with pressure
sensitive adhesive layers having no microchannels, showed no air
bleed even after several days. For lower adhesion pressure
sensitive adhesives, the initial pressure must be adjusted such
that the sample does not appreciably debond from the panel.
[0109] Rivet/Corrugated Panel Test: A sample was applied by hand
onto a 10 cm by 30.5 cm painted aluminum Fruehauf corrugated panel
having four 12 mm diameter by 2.5 mm high rounded rivets. The
sample was large enough to cover a substantial portion of the
panel. The degree of ease of pressing the sample into the valleys
and conformably onto the rivets to prevent air entrapment was
evaluated.
Examples
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 1
[0110] An acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive solution (described
as Adhesive Solution 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,277 and modified with
18.5 phr of a resin--Nirez.TM. 2019 from Arizona Chemical Co.) was
prepared. The average 21.degree. C., 3 minute creep compliance,
J.sub.(3 min.), of the pressure sensitive adhesive prepared from
this solution was 0.53 sq. cm./dyne and the 21.degree. C., relaxed
creep compliance, J.sub.(3 min.+3 min. relax), was 0.08 sq.
cm./dyne.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 2
[0111] Isooctyl acrylate-acrylic acid (98:2) copolymer was prepared
as a solution in ethyl acetate and heptane at a solids content of
about 28%. The average 21.degree. C., 3 minute creep compliance,
J.sub.(3 min.), of the pressure sensitive adhesive prepared from
this solution was 1.64 sq. cm./dyne and the 21.degree. C., relaxed
creep compliance, J.sub.(3 min.+3 min. relax), was 0.52 sq.
cm./dyne.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 3
[0112] An acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive solution (described
as Adhesive Solution 2 in U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,277 and containing 1
part of the crosslinker solution) was prepared at a solids content
of about 25%.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 4
[0113] Kraton 1107 resin (20 parts and available from Shell
Chemical Company, Westbrook, Ill.), Escorez 1310LC (20 parts), and
toluene (60 parts) were combined. The average 21.degree. C., 3
minute creep compliance, J.sub.(3 min.), of the pressure sensitive
adhesive prepared from this solution was 0.11 sq. cm./dyne and the
21.degree. C., relaxed creep compliance, J.sub.(3 min.+3 min.
relax), was 0.004 sq. cm./dyne.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 5
[0114] A latex acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive (described in
Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,663) was prepared at about 54%
solids.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 6
[0115] A latex pressure sensitive adhesive (prepared according to
the procedures of U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,246 and containing about 72%
by dry weight of the acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive component)
was prepared. The average 21.degree. C., 3 minute creep compliance,
J.sub.(3 min.), of the pressure sensitive adhesive prepared from
this solution was 0.63 sq. cm./dyne and the 21.degree. C., relaxed
creep compliance, J.sub.(3 min.+3 min. relax), was 0.08 sq.
cm./dyne.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Resin 7
[0116] A pressure sensitive adhesive similar to pressure sensitive
adhesive 1, but without added crosslinker, was isolated from
solution as 100% solids resin for hot melt coating.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 8
[0117] A pressure sensitive adhesive solution (Adhesive Solution 2
of U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,277 modified such that the alkyl acrylate
component was 2-methylbutyl acrylate and 1.8 parts of crosslinker
solution was added) was prepared at a solids content of about
35-40%.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 9
[0118] Pressure sensitive adhesive solution 1 (100 phr) was
modified by adding 5 phr of Pycal 94 (available from ICI Americas,
Wilmington, Del.).
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 10
[0119] Isooctyl acrylate-acrylic acid (94:6) copolymer was prepared
as a solution in ethyl acetate and heptane at a solids content of
about 45%. To 100 parts of the solution was blended 20 parts of
Foral 85 (available from Hercules, Inc., Wilmington, Del.), 7.5
parts of Hercolyn-D (available from Hercules, Inc.), and 7.5 parts
of Pycal 94 (available from ICI Americas). To 100 parts of the
combined solution was added 1.5 parts of a solution of 5%
crosslinker (described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,277) in toluene.
Examples 1-4
[0120] A release liner consisting of four layers with the core
being 97 microns poly(ethylene terephthalate), 21-22 microns
polyethylene with a matte finish on a back side layer, and 21-22
microns polyethylene with a glossy finish on the front side with a
silicone release coating on the glossy side, was microembossed on
the glossy side by passing the release liner between an 85
durometer, 15 cm diameter silicone rubber roll and a 15 cm diameter
engraved metal roll. The engraved pattern on the metal roll was
intersecting recessed lines (microgrooves) forming a square grid
with the microgrooves at a 45 degree angle to the circumference of
the roll. The nominal metal roll groove dimensions are listed in
the table below. The silicone rubber roll and the engraved roll
were heated by circulating oil through the rolls. The set
temperatures for the oil heater are indicated in the table below.
The rolls were forced together with about 22 N/mm nip force by air
cylinders. The release liner was passed through this arrangement at
about 1.6 cm/sec. This formed a pattern of continuous raised
intersecting microridges (and essentially flat land areas between
the raised ridges) on the glossy silicone-coated side of the
release liner. The intersections were also raised. The ridges had a
curved top and filleted junction with the base. Average ridge
dimensions are listed in the table below. The ridges were spaced
the same as the engraved pattern. A similar liner microembossed as
described above was analyzed with time-of-flight secondary ion mass
spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) using a pulsed 25 keV Ga.sup.+ primary ion
beam, with a beam diameter of about 1 micron, rastered over an area
of 400.times.400 microns. A uniform silicone distribution was shown
over the liner both on and off the microembossed ridge areas.
[0121] Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 1 was coated onto each
microembossed release liner and dried at 66.degree. C. for 10
minutes to form an adhesive film about 32 microns thick. A control
sample was prepared using a similar liner that had not been
microembossed with ridges. The exposed adhesive side of these were
laminated at room temperature to a 46 micron thick placticized,
white flexible and conformable vinyl (PVC) film identical to that
used in 3M.TM. Controltac.TM. Plus Graphic Marking Film Series
180-10. The lamination used a Vanquisher roll laminator (Stoughton
Machine and Manufacturing Co., Inc., Stoughton Wis.) at 200 kPa (30
psi) gauge pressure and a speed of about 2.5 cm/second to afford an
essentially flat construction. After removal of the release liner
the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive surface had continuous
recessed microchannels and intersections (corresponding to the
microridges of the removed release liner) The average channel
dimensions are listed in the table below. The results showed that
the channels allowed air bubbles and large air pockets to be easily
pressed out by hand during or after application of the film on a
surface. Thus, the films could be applied much faster than the
control film while retaining uniform appearance of the applied
graphic film. The samples adhered well to the substrates and showed
no signs of undesired edge lifting. The control sample with no
microchannels required more careful application, otherwise air
bubbles and an uneven appearing graphic resulted. Trapped air
bubbles under the applied control film could not be pressed out.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Data for Examples 1-4 Example 1 Example 2
Example 3 Example 4 Engraved Roll Groove Nominal 75 75 75 0 Width
(microns) Engraved Roll Groove Nominal 50 25 25 0 Depth (microns)
Engraved Roll Groove Spacing (mm) 2.5 0.77 0.77 0 Engraved Roll Set
Temp. (.degree. C.) 110 104 110 no emboss Silicone Roll Set Temp.
(.degree. C.) 121 113 121 no emboss Liner Ridge Width (microns) 220
190 225 0 Liner Ridge Height (microns) 28 30 25 0 PSA Channel Width
(microns) 195-240 150-190 200-220 0 PSA Channel Depth (microns)
23-30 23-25 15-19 0 Slide Test Rating 4 (poor) 4 (poor) 4 (poor) 4
(poor) Hot Application Test Rating "good" "good" "good" "poor"
Rivet Panel Test Results 30 10 10 39 mm seconds seconds seconds
after 5 min.
Example 5
[0122] A liner was microembossed according to the general procedure
of Examples 1-3 to afford an array of ridges similar to Examples
1-3, but having ridge dimensions of about 165 microns wide, 25-30
microns high, and ridge spacing of 2.5 mm (from a 15 cm diameter
engraved roll with nominal groove dimensions of 75 microns wide and
50 microns deep, groove spacing of 2.5 mm. The set point
temperatures of the oil heaters were 113.degree. C. for the
silicone roll and 107.degree. C. for the engraved roll. The rolls
were forced together with about 22 N/mm nip force by air cylinders.
The release liner was passed through this arrangement at about 1.6
cm/sec. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 7 was hot melt coated
at a temperature of 218.degree. C. onto the liner to afford about a
nominally 35 micron thick pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
Analyses showed that the hot extruded pressure sensitive adhesive
had filled the lands between the ridges and conformed well around
and over the ridges. A 46 micron plasticized white PVC film
(described in Examples 1-4) was laminated to the exposed pressure
sensitive adhesive layer on the liner. The film construction had a
Hot Application Test rating of "good" and an Indent Panel Test
rating of 4 (excellent).
Examples 6-8
[0123] About a 68 g/m.sup.2 basis weight polypropylene film was
cast-microembossed onto a chilled grooved metal roll to afford two
intersecting sets of parallel ridges forming essentially flat
square or diamond shaped planar regions between the ridges. The
microembossed surface was silicone coated to provide release.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 5 was coated onto the ridged
release liner and dried at 66.degree. C. to afford at about a 64
micron thick layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. After lamination
of the indicated conformable film, the pressure sensitive films was
evaluated by the Air Bleed Test. The results, summarized in the
table below, demonstrated the desired property of air bleed to
allow small and large bubbles to be pressed out during or after the
graphic film was applied. Samples were applied to glass plates, and
after several days at room temperature, the pressure sensitive
adhesive layers did not fully contact the glass in the recessed
channel areas (i.e., the channels remained open). Samples showed
air bleed properties when removed from the substrate and reapplied.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Data for Examples 6-8 Liner Ridge/ Nominal
PSA Liner Channel Ridge PSA Rivet Conformable Spacing Height
Channel Surface Panel Air Bleed Film (mm) (microns) Width
Appearance Test Test Example 6 178 1.27 50 0.4 mm Fair 15-20 sec.
17 sec. micron (175 g, 5 cm Teslin roller) (from 43 sec. (2.4 kg,
PPG) 4.5 cm roller) Example 7 46 micron 2.54 50 0.3 mm Poor 15 sec.
6 sec. (175 g, plasticized 5 cm roller) PVC Example 8 46 micron
2.54 13 0.3 mm Acceptable -- 30 sec. (2.4 kg, plasticized 4.5 cm
PVC roller)
Examples 9-33
[0124] A release liner as described in Examples 1-4 was
microembossed with small pits on the glossy silicone-coated side
and the pits filled with fine glass beads according to the
procedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,516. The pits were about
70 microns diameter and 18-19 microns deep in a square lattice of
300 micron spacing. A second emboss pattern was imposed upon the
release liner by passing the release liner between an 85 durometer
silicone rubber roll and an engraved metal roll. The engraved
pattern was recessed lines (microgrooves) with dimensions about 80
microns wide and 24 microns deep. The grooves were 1.3 mm apart and
formed a square grid with grooves oriented 45 degrees to the
circumference of the roll. The set point temperatures of the oil
heaters were 110.degree. C. for the silicone roll and 104.degree.
C. for the engraved roll. The rolls were forced together with about
22 N/mm nip force by air cylinders. The release liner was passed
through this arrangement at about 1.6 cm/sec. This formed a pattern
of continuous intersecting ridges on the glossy silicone-coated
side of the release liner. The ridge shapes were similar to the
ridges described in Examples 1-3. Average dimensions of the ridges
were about 85 microns wide, 18-19 microns high, and spaced the same
as the engraved pattern. The intersections of the ridges were 16-19
microns high on average. This pattern was superimposed on the first
microembossed pattern and did not substantially change the first
pattern, except where individual pits were raised to the top of a
ridge or sheared at the side of a ridge (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The
liner was analyzed with time-of-flight secondary ion mass
spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) as in Examples 1-4. A uniform silicone
distribution was shown over the liner both on and off the
microembossed ridge areas.
[0125] The indicated pressure sensitive adhesive was coated onto
the doubly microembossed release liner, which was then dried at
66.degree. C. for 10 minutes to form a continuous tacky aggressive
pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The approximate thicknesses of
the dried PSA layers were: 30 microns for PSA 1, 28 microns for PSA
2, 36 microns for PSA 4, and 23 microns for PSA 6. The exposed side
of the adhesive film on the doubly microembossed release liner was
laminated to essentially impermeable flexible films using a roll
laminator as described in Examples 1-3. The films included 46
micron plasticized white PVC described in Examples 1-3, 100 micron
thick plasticized white PVC, 48 micron thick transparent
poly(ethylene terephthalate), 100 micron thick polyethylene film,
and impervious 15 micron thick aluminum foil. The films were
conformable to various degrees. The polyester and aluminum films
did not have sufficient elongation to be evaluated with the Indent
Panel Test. The pressure sensitive adhesives had average measured
channel dimensions of about 80 microns wide and about 15-18 microns
deep and a uniform array of 8-12 micron high protruding mounds of
glass beads corresponding to the pits on the liner. Two types of
controls were used for comparison: One type of control was prepared
from a "pit-only liner" (i.e., the same liner material had only the
filled pits of the first emboss, but no second-microembossed
ridges); the second control types were constructions of Examples
1-3 prepared from "ridge-only liners" having no first-emboss
pits.
[0126] The resulting film/pressure sensitive adhesive laminates
were evaluated with the Slide Test for positionability, Hot
Application/Reapplication Test, Indent Panel Test, and Rivet Panel
Test. The Peel Test was run on representative samples to indicate
the range of adhesions (from moderate to high) exhibited with the
pressure sensitive adhesives used. The samples removed after 7 days
at 66.degree. C. were examined for presence or absence of the
microchannels. The results (Table 3) show that the constructions
made with the doubly microembossed liner are more easily
positionable (as indicated by Slide Test ratings of 1-3) than
control samples prepared from the "ridge-only liners" without
protruding mounds of glass beads (Slide Test ratings of 4--poor).
The results also show the lateral (X-Y dimensions) air bleed
properties of the microchanneled samples versus minimal air bleed
properties for control samples prepared from the "pit-only
liners."
[0127] The samples were also applied by finger pressure or by PA-1
Hand Applicator to flat substrates. Samples with the microchanneled
pressure sensitive adhesive layer required no special application
technique, were easily applied, and afforded evenly adhered graphic
films with virtually no entrapped air bubbles. Any air pockets
purposely formed by buckling the film were easily pressed out
during application or after application. Air pocket elimination did
not require that the air pocket be pressed as a bulge in the film
to the edge of the sample (i.e., requiring pressure sensitive
adhesive debond in adjacent areas as the pocket moves). The results
also show that air bleed was in a lateral (X-Y dimensions)
direction and did not require z-axis air dissipation through the
films or lifting of the graphic film from the substrate. All
samples adhered well to the substrates and showed no signs of
undesired edge lifting. In comparison, the control samples prepared
from the "pit-only liner" required great care to prevent entrapment
of many air bubbles. The trapped bubbles and pockets under the
control samples prepared from the "pit-only liner" could not be
pressed out without lifting the graphic and pushing the bubble
under the film, to the sample edge by debonding of the pressure
sensitive adhesive. The latter process was done with difficulty for
many of the pressure sensitive adhesives.
[0128] Samples of Example 9 and Control Example 10 were subjected
to the Air Bleed Test. Example 9 required 139 seconds while Control
Example 10 showed no significant pressure drop after
5.26.times.10.sup.5 seconds (greater than 6 days).
[0129] A 7.5 cm by 7.5 cm square sample of Example 14 was subjected
to the Hot Application/Reapplication Test. The applied sample was
peeled off of the stage and subjected to 7 repeat applications, and
each time an excellent uniform application was observed with no
trapped bubbles. The pressure sensitive adhesive backed film of
Example 27 was similarly subjected to 30 repeat applications with
similar excellent results.
[0130] The surface profile of the film side of the laminate
construction of Example 9 (using a liner with microridges of about
18-19 microns high) showed no evidence of the emboss pattern
telegraphing through the thin conformable vinyl film when compared
to the surface profile of Example 10 (first type of control with no
microridges in the liner). The surface topography of the film side
of both constructions varied by about 2 microns from the lowest to
highest points. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Data for Examples 9-33 Liner
Peel Test, Painted Panel with N/2.54 cm width Hot Film Second
Channels on Slide Application/ Indent PSA (gauge in Emboss 24 hr 7
days Peeled Test Reapplication Panel Test Rivet Panel Ex. Solution
.mu.m) Ridges CTH 66.degree. C. Sample? Rating Test Rating Rating
Test Results 9 1 PVC (46) Yes 21 29 Yes 1-2 "good" 4 30 sec. 10 1
'' No 1 "poor" 0 37 mm after 5 min. 11 1 PVC (100) Yes 3 "good" 3
30 sec. 12 1 '' No 2-3 "poor" 0 42 mm after 5 min. 13 1 PET (46)
Yes 12 22 Yes 2 "good" -- 45 sec. 14 1 '' No 3 "poor" -- 38 mm
after 5 min. 15 1 polyolefin Yes 2 "good" 1-3 35 sec. (100) 16 1
polyolefin No 1-2 "poor" 0 39 mm after (100) 5 min. 17 1 aluminum
Yes 1 "good" -- 5-10 sec. (15) 18 2 PVC (46) Yes 12 17 No 1-2
"good" 1-2 15 sec. 19 2 '' No 1-2 "poor" 0 35 mm after 5 min. 20 2
PVC (100) Yes 1-2 "good" 3 35 sec. 21 2 PET (48) Yes 7 12 No 1-2
"good" -- 25 sec. 22 2 Polyolefin Yes 1-2 "good" 2 15 sec. (100) 23
2 Polyolefin No 1 "poor" 0 44 mm after (100) 5 min. 24 4 PVC (46)
Yes 23 34 No 3 "good" 3 10 sec. 25 4 '' No 2 "poor" 0 35 mm after 5
min. 26 4 PVC (100) Yes 2 "good" 3 11 sec. 27 4 PET (48) Yes 4.1
5.0 No 3 "good" -- 18 sec. 28 4 Polyolefin Yes 2 "good" 3 13 sec.
(100) 29 6 PVC (46) Yes 12 13 Yes 2 "good" 4 30 sec. 30 6 '' No 1
"poor" 0 38 mm after 5 min. 31 6 PVC (100) Yes 2 "good" 4 25 sec.
32 6 PET (48) Yes 6 10 Yes 2 "good" -- 60-90 sec. 33 6 olefin (100)
Yes 2 "good" 4 40 sec.
Examples 34-42
[0131] Film constructions were prepared according to the procedure
of Example 9 using different engraved roll tooling groove
dimensions or patterns and embossing conditions. The engraved
groove pattern on the embossing rolls used for Examples 34-41 was a
square grid oriented as in Example 9 and for Example 42 was a
series of interconnected hexagons in a "honeycomb" arrangement
instead of squares. Spacing for the latter was measured between
parallel sides of the hexagons. The microembossed liner ridges had
the same spacing as the engraved roll channels. The coating and
lamination process was the same as in Example 9 for Pressure
Sensitive Adhesive Solution 1 and Example 5 for Pressure Sensitive
Adhesive Solution 7. TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Data for Examples 34-42
Ex. 34 Ex. 35 Ex. 36 Ex. 37 Ex. 38 Ex. 39 Ex. 40 Ex. 41 Ex. 42 PSA
Solution or Resin 1 7 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 Grid Array square square square
square square square square square hexagon Channel Spacing (mm) 2.5
2.5 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 0.8 0.8 2.5 PSA Channel Width 150 120 130 140
80 105 130 105 500 (microns) bimodal PSA Channel Depth 20 18 20 10
15 7 20 19 16 (microns) Slide Test Rating 1 3.5 3.5 2.5 2 2 4 3.5 1
Hot Application/ "good" "fair" "good" "good" "good" "good" "good"
"good" "good" Reapplication Test Rating Indent Panel Test Rating
3.5 3 3.5 4 4 4 3.5 3 4
Examples 43-49
[0132] A release liner consisting of paper (about 114 microns),
polyethylene (about 25 microns) with a matte finish on the back
side, polyethylene (about 25 microns) with a glossy finish on the
front side, and a silicone coating on the glossy side was
microembossed with small pits and the pits filled with fine glass
beads as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,516. The pits were about
100 microns diameter, 22 microns deep in a square lattice of 300
micron spacing. The liners were then embossed according to the
methods of Examples 1-3 except that the liner of Example 43 was not
microembossed and had no continuous ridges. The liners of Examples
45, 46, and 49 had ridge shapes similar to Examples 1-3 with the
spacing and orientation indicated in Table 5 below. The liners of
Examples 44, 47, and 48 had bimodal ridges with a groove down the
center of the ridge that was not as deep as the ridge height at the
edges of the ridge. For Examples 43-48, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
Solution 1 was coated onto the liner and dried at 66.degree. C. and
laminated to cast plasticized, white 46 micron PVC film. For
Example 49, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 3 was used.
Microscopy clearly showed both protruding mounds that provided
slide feature and recessed crossing channels in the exposed
pressure sensitive adhesive layers after removal of the liner.
Examples 44, 47, and 48 showed bimodal channels with shallow center
adjacent to deeper recesses. The average channel widths recorded
include the combined distance between the outer edges, and the
depths of the channels were determined from the deepest valley
regions of the channels. The results are summarized in the
following table: TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Data for Examples 43-49
Example 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 Engraved Roll Temp (.degree. C.) --
107 111 111 110 110 107 Silicone Roll Temp (.degree. C.) -- 121 116
116 116 116 121 Nip Force (N/mm) -- 11 11 11 11 11 16.5 Engraved
Roll Channel -- 76 51 51 127 127 76 Nominal Width (microns) Ridge
Angle from Roll -- 45 0 0 45 45 45 Circumference (degrees) Liner
Ridge Width 0 150-160 100 100 250 250 150-160 (microns) . . . Liner
Ridge Height 0 18-20 10-18 10-15 15-20 15-20 15-20 (microns) PSA
Thickness (microns) 32 30 48 33 41 30 25 liner ridge/PSA channel 0
0.77 0.77 0.77 1.27 1.27 0.77 spacing (mm) PSA Channel Depth 0 14
14 9 10 13 -- (microns) PSA Channel Width 0 170 87 75 220 250 --
(microns) Rivet Panel Test 40 mm 10 sec. 20 sec 30 sec 25-30 sec 30
sec 20 sec after 5 min. Air Bleed Test - 175 g/5 cm >3600 <1
40 -- 21 -- -- Roller (sec) Air Bleed Test - 1235 g/7.5 cm
>173000 <1 50 -- 22 -- 31 sec Roller (sec) Rivet/Corrugated
Panel Test poor very fair- fair- fair fair- -- good good good
good
Examples 50-58
[0133] Laminated film constructions were prepared according to the
general procedures of Examples 9 and 44 using a release liner made
of either double-microembossed polyethylene coated poly(ethylene
terephthalate) (PET) or polyethylene coated paper with a silicone
release coating. The pressure sensitive adhesive and film was the
same as that of Example 9. The pattern and orientation of the two
sets of intersecting parallel ridges on the liner and corresponding
microchannels of the pressure sensitive adhesive are indicated in
the table below. Resulting pressure sensitive adhesive layer
channel dimensions were changed either by changing the groove
dimensions of the engraved plate used for embossing the release
liner or by changing the embossing conditions (temperature and
pressure). The results of the evaluations are shown in the table
below. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Data for Examples 50-58 Example 50 51
52 53 54 55 56 57 58 Liner Type PET PET PET PET PET PET PET paper
paper Pattern square square square square square square square
diamond square Orientation* 45.degree. 45.degree. 45.degree.
45.degree. 45.degree. 45.degree. 45.degree. 30.degree. 0.degree.
Channel 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.3 1.3 1.3 2.5 0.8 Spacing (mm) PSA 120
110 100 90 100 95 110 450 75 Channel (bimodal Width channel)
(microns) PSA 12 11 8 7 7-11 6-9 5-8 10 6-9 Channel Depth (microns)
Peg Height 5-9 7-9 7-10 6-10 10-13 8-10 10-13 up to 16 13-18
(.mu.m) Hot Appl/ 2 1-2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 Reappl Test Indent Panel 3 2
1-2 1 3 2-3 0 0 0-1 Test Rivet Panel -- -- -- -- 90 sec. 120 sec.
195 sec. 20 sec. 30 sec. Test Slide Test 1 2 2 2 2 2-3 1-2 1 1
*Orientation to Roll Circumference
Examples 59-66
[0134] The microridged liner of Example 9 was coated with Pressure
Sensitive Adhesive Solution 1 as in Example 9 at different
thicknesses as seen in Table 7, and laminated to 46 micron thick
plasticized white PVC film. All showed good application properties
regardless of the thickness of the adhesive. Surprisingly, the
microchannels for fluid egress remained, regardless of the
thickness of the adhesive. TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Data for Examples
59-66 Example 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 Nominal 18 25 30 36 43 46 51
58 Thickness of PSA 1 (microns) Hot "good" "good" "good" "good"
"good" "good" "good" "good" Appl/Reappl Test
Example 67
[0135] Samples were cut from the liner/pressure sensitive
adhesive/film constructions of Examples 9, 13, 18, 21, 24, 27, 29,
and 32. Glass plates were cleaned with cleanser, rinsed with water,
and dried with a paper towel. Pieces (7.5 cm by 7.5 cm) of the
first set of film samples were cut, peeled away from the
microridged release liner, and applied onto the glass using a 1235
g, 40 durometer, 7.5 cm wide rubber roller. The "channel" width not
contacting the glass was determined by microscopic examination
through the glass. The percent area represented by the open
channels relative to the total sample contact area at the glass
interface was calculated from the widths of the channels, the
channel spacing, and the estimated percent of original channels
still open. The glass plate panels with the adhered samples were
placed in either 22.degree. C., 50% relative humidity room (CTH) or
in a 66.degree. C. oven. After the indicated dwell times the
channels were examined to see if most remained open and continuous,
and the approximate area of channels was calculated. For these
examples, as the calculated percent area dropped to about 5% or
less, individual channels tended to close off in random fashion
making area coverage difficult to measure. A 0% calculation
indicates that essentially no channels were left. TABLE-US-00008
TABLE 8 Data for Example 67 % Area as Open Microchannels at Glass
Interface 24 hr 24 hr 8 days Sample 1 hr at at 8 days at at from
PSA Film CTH CTH at CTH 66.degree. C. 66.degree. C. Ex. 9 1 PVC (46
14 11 11 11 11 microns) Ex. 13 1 PET (48 11 11 11 10 10 microns)
Ex. 18 2 PVC 10 <5 0 0 0 Ex. 21 2 PET 11 5 <1 0 0 Ex. 24 4
PVC 12 12 12 7 0 Ex. 27 4 PET 10 12 12 10 <5 Ex. 29 6 PVC 12 12
-- 10 9 Ex. 32 6 PET 12 12 -- 11 10
Example 68
[0136] Samples were cut from the liner/pressure sensitive
adhesive/film constructions of Examples 9, 13, 18, 21, 24, 29, and
32 (using 46 micron PVC or 48 micron PET films). Pieces were
subjected to the Hot Application/Reapplication Test and the Slide
Test and were recorded as the initial results. The microridged
liners were removed and the film samples laminated onto relatively
smooth silicone-coated paper release liner using a Vanquisher roll
laminator at 200 kPa(30 psi) and a speed of about 2.5 cm/sec.
Control samples retaining the microridged liner were also evaluated
for Examples 18 and 24. The samples were placed in a 66.degree. C.
oven for 1 week and then removed from the oven to equilibrate to
room temperature. The release liner was removed and the pressure
sensitive adhesive was examined for the presence of essentially
continuous interconnected microchannels. The samples were then
subjected to the Slide Test and the Hot Application Test.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Data for Example 68 Liner-Exchanged Samples
after 7 days at 66.degree. C. Initial Results Hot Controls with
Microridged Liners Prior to Liner Exchange App./ after 7 days at
66.degree. C. Hot App/ Slide Reapp. Slide Hot App./ Sample Slide
Test Channels Reapp Test Test Channels Test Test Channels Reapp.
from PSA Film Rating Present? Rating Rating Present? Rating Rating
Present? Test Rating Ex. 9 1 PVC 1-2 Yes "good" 4 Yes "good" -- --
-- Ex. 13 1 PET 2 Yes "good" 4 Yes "good" -- -- -- Ex. 18 2 PVC 1-2
Yes "good" 4 No "poor" 1 Yes "good" Ex. 21 2 PET 1-2 Yes "good" 4
No "poor" -- -- -- Ex. 24 4 PVC 3 Yes "good" 4 No "poor" 1 Yes
"good" Ex. 29 6 PVC 2 Yes "good" 4 Yes "good" -- -- -- Ex. 32 6 PET
2 Yes "good" 4 Yes "good" -- -- --
Examples 69-72
[0137] Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 9 and Pressure
Sensitive Adhesive Solution 10 were each coated separately onto the
microridged release liner described in Example 9 and dried at
66.degree. C. for 10 minutes to afford corresponding pressure
sensitive adhesive layers of 37 microns and 32 microns thickness. A
46 micron plasticized white PVC film was laminated onto the exposed
pressure sensitive adhesive surfaces. Control samples were
similarly prepared using the liner of Example 10 with only filled
first-emboss pits. The data in the table below indicate improved
application performance of the examples of the invention relative
to the control samples. TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Data for Examples
69-72 Liner with Indent Second Slide Hot Panel Rivet Panel PSA
Emboss Test App/Reapp Test Test Ex. Solution Ridges Rating Test
Rating Rating Results 69 9 Yes 2 "good" 1-2 20 sec. 70 9 No 2
"poor" 0 36 mm after 5 min. 71 10 Yes 3 "fair" 1 20 sec. 72 10 No 3
"poor" 0 36 mm after 5 min.
Example 73
[0138] A release liner having no first-emboss pits was prepared
with an array of microridges as described in Examples 1-3. The
microridges were spaced 1.27 mm apart, were about 110 micron wide,
and about 15 microns high. A translucent graphic marking
construction was prepared by coating the microridged liner with
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Solution 8, drying at 66.degree. C. for
10 minutes to afford a 33 micron thick layer, and laminating a 50
micron red translucent vinyl film (such as used in Scotchcal.TM.
Translucent Film Series 3630-33) onto the exposed surface of the
pressure sensitive adhesive layer. A control was prepared using the
liner of Example 4. The resulting constructions were peeled from
the release liner and applied with a PA-1 Hand Applicator onto
clear polycarbonate panels. The control sample had bubbles and
appeared nonuniform, particularly when viewed from the
polycarbonate side while illuminated from the film side. The sample
of the current invention appeared uniform and visually acceptable.
The samples were placed in a 93.degree. C. oven for 5 minutes. No
change was seen in the sample of the current invention, while the
control sample showed more bubbles. Other samples on polycarbonate
were placed in a 66.degree. C. oven for 3 days. Again the sample of
the current invention appeared uniform, while the control sample
showed large blisters.
Example 74
[0139] The film constructions of Examples 18-23 were cut into 2.5
cm.times.7.5 cm pieces. Each piece was loosely, but evenly draped
onto a clean 40.degree. C. glass hot plate and the edges were
pressed with a finger with approximately 500 g "force" to uniformly
contact the periphery (from the edge to about 0.5 cm inward) to the
glass plate. (This was the same procedure used to set up the Hot
Application/Reapplication Test). Each sample was then allowed to
remain on the hot plate without additional application pressure.
The pressure sensitive adhesive layer was allowed to wet out onto
the glass plate to provide contact for the remainder of the sample.
Large air bubbles were trapped in the control samples without
microchannels in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and
prevented the samples from bonding uniformly and flat onto the
glass plate. Samples with microchannels in the pressure sensitive
adhesive layer wet out flat and bonded uniformly onto the glass
plate after a dwell time of less than 10 minutes.
Examples 75-77
[0140] Samples were prepared according to the method in Examples
38, 39 and 10 respectively. 2.54 cm by 18 cm strips of material
were cut from of the sample with the long dimension of the strip
corresponding to the machine direction of the sample. Approximately
7.6 cm of the liner was removed from a strip, and the adhesive side
was applied to rigid substrates using a 3M PA-1 Hand Applicator.
The application technique is more representative of actual field
technique for applying image graphics. The substrates were Alodine
Al, Fruehauf white painted Al, 3M.TM. Controltac.TM. Plus Graphic
Marking Films Series 180-10 Mounted on Al, and 3M.TM. 9720 UV Ink
printed on 3M.TM. Controltac.TM. Plus Graphic Marking Films Series
180-10 Mounted on Al. Data are given in Table 11. The results show
that essentially the same peel adhesions were obtained for samples
with microchanneled PSA and control samples. TABLE-US-00011 TABLE
11 Data for Examples 75-77 Peel Force per 2.5 cm Width/Std.
Deviation (N) Control Substrate Dwell Conditions Ex. 75 Ex. 76 Ex.
77 Aluminum No aging 36/3 36/3 37/1 '' 21.degree. C., 24 hr. 38/1
39/2 40/2 '' 66.degree. C., 7 days 40/1 39/1 40/4 '' 32/90% RH, 14
days 38/1 39/4 39/1 Painted No aging 24/1 24/2 25/1 Aluminum
Painted 21.degree. C., 24 hr. 28/1 29/1 29/1 Aluminum Painted
66.degree. C., 7 days 33/1 32/3 35/1 Aluminum Painted 32.degree.
C./90% RH, 14 days 29/1 28/3 30/1 Aluminum Controltac .TM. No aging
24/1 26/2 24/1 Plus Film Controltac .TM. 21.degree. C., 24 hr. 30/1
28/1 26/1 Plus Film Controltac .TM. 66.degree. C., 7 days 21/3 21/1
21/2 Plus Film UV ink coated No aging 12/1 12/2 12/1 Controltac
.TM. Plus Film UV ink coated 21.degree. C., 24 hr. 21/1 19/1 21/1
Controltac .TM. Plus Film UV ink coated 66.degree. C., 7 days 28/1
28/1 28/4 Controltac .TM. Plus Film
Examples 78-83
[0141] Samples were prepared according to Examples 38, 39 and 10
respectively, except that for Examples 78, 79, and 80 the film
laminated to the coated liner was reflective sheeting used in
3M.TM. Scotchlite.TM. Reflective Sheeting Series 580. For Examples
81, 82, and 83, the film used was reflective sheeting used in
3M.TM. Scotchlite.TM. Reflective Sheeting Series 690. A sample of
each reflective construction was bonded to an aluminum panel that
had been freshly painted with a two-part urethane paint. The paint
had been deliberately undercured. The painted panels with the film
on were allowed to age and cure overnight, which allowed the
urethane paint to release CO.sub.2. After 24 hours, the number of
blisters that had formed under the film construction were counted.
An excellent result would be zero blisters. The data are shown in
the following table. The outgassing test results show that the
samples with microchanneled pressure sensitive adhesive layer
afforded excellent results, while the control samples showed
blistering. TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Data for Examples 78-83
Example: 78 79 80 81 82 83 Preparation: Ex. 38 Ex. 39 Ex. 10 Ex. 38
Ex. 39 Ex. 10 Ridged Liner Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Reflective Film
Series 580 580 580 680 680 680 Blisters per m.sup.2 0 0 4500-8000 0
0 4500-8000
Example 84
[0142] A film construction of Example 9 was subjected to the Cold
Application Test. For comparison, a control without microchannels
was tested. Films of the invention can be applied at lower
temperatures without sacrificing appearance of the marking. The
data are summarized in Table 13. TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Data for
Example 84 and Control Application Application Temp Mass Cold
Application Cold Application (.degree. C.) (kg) Test - Ex. 84 Test
- Control 10 6 1 2 10 4 1 3 10 2 1 7 4.4 6 1 -- 4.4 4 1 5 4.4 2 1
--
Example 85
[0143] A 12.7 cm.times.3.8 cm sample of Example 48 was applied to a
sealed 500 ml Nalgene.TM. polyethylene bottle (Nalge of Rochester,
N.Y.) containing gasoline. Even after 2 weeks, no gasoline
outgassing blisters had formed under the sample, while large
blisters had formed under a control sample of 3M.TM. Controltac.TM.
Plus Series 180 film (having no recessed channels in the pressure
sensitive adhesive layer). Samples of Examples 71 and 72 (50 cm by
75 cm) were tested in a similar manner. After 3 days the sample of
Example 71 showed only one large blister and a few smaller blisters
while the control sample of Example 72 showed many large
blisters.
Examples 86-89
[0144] The next four examples show versatility of the use of
products of the invention in various imaging processes.
Example 86
[0145] A sample of Example 36 was printed using the Scotchprint.TM.
hot lamination process. A preprinted 3M.TM. Scotchprint.TM. 8601
Transfer Media was placed print side down onto the vinyl film. The
sandwich of microembossed liner, adhesive, 46 micron vinyl film and
printed silicone paper was fed through a Scotchprint.TM. Model "C"
hot laminator (3M Co.). The conditions of the laminator were:
temperature 96.degree. C., gauge pressure of 440 kPa, and a feed
rate of about 1 cm per second. Once through the laminator, the
silicone paper was peeled off leaving the color image bonded to the
vinyl film. Subsequent WYCO RST data showed that the microchannels
in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer had a nominal width of 80
microns, and an average depth of 14 microns. This data indicated
that the hot lamination process did not significantly alter shape
or dimensions of the microchannels. The imaged vinyl film
construction had a Hot Application/Reapplication Test rating of
"good." Further, the microchannels did not adversely affect the
transfer process or aesthetics of the imaged graphic.
Example 87
[0146] A pressure sensitive adhesive backed graphic film of Example
9 (about 25 cm by 30 cm) was screen printed using a 390 mesh screen
with 3M.TM. Scotchcal.TM. UV Screen Printing Ink Series 9700, focus
cured with an American Ultraviolet Co. exposure unit (Murray Hill,
N.J.) at 0.168 J/sq. cm., screenprinted with an overprint clear,
and cured again. The resulting imaged graphic showed excellent
visual appearance. Samples of the imaged graphic were evaluated and
had excellent application properties. The Slide Test rating was 2,
the Hot Application/Reapplication Test rating was "good", the
Indent Panel Test rating was 4, and the Rivet Panel Test required
only 25 seconds.
Example 88
[0147] This example was prepared according to the procedures of
Example 9 except that a 58 micron white PET ink jet imageable film
having the same ink jet receptor coating as 3M.TM. Scotchprint.TM.
8501 Clear Ink Jet Film was used. The construction was imaged on a
Hewlett Packard Design Jet 755 CM ink jet printer with settings of
"Best" and "Clear Film Mode." An acceptable color image was
produced. The film was evaluated and gave a Hot
Application/Reapplication Test rating of "good" and a Slide Test
Rating of 3.
Example 89
[0148] Letters (3 and 4 cm tall) were cut into the pressure
sensitive graphic film of Example 9 on a flatbed knife cutter. The
weight was set so that the knife also made a slight surface cut
into the release liner. The area around the letters (weed) was
easily removed. Prespace tape (3M.TM. SCPS-2) was laminated by hand
onto some of the film letters. The liner was removed, and the film
letters with prespace tape adhered applied onto clear, smooth
polycarbonate panel by hand without a plastic squeegee. (This
process in usual practice results in poorer application.) The
prespace tape was peeled off and the letters were pressed down by
hand to afford a uniform application with no observable bubbles
trapped under the letters. In a process that usually would afford
poor application results, letters were also applied without using
the prespace tape. Again, uniform contact of the pressure sensitive
adhesive against the panel was achieved, resulting in applied
markings that were uniformly applied. Also, no bubbles were formed
after the panel was placed in a 66.degree. C. oven for 2 hours.
Example 90
[0149] The general procedure of Examples 1-3 was used to emboss the
polycoated PET release liner with a metal roll having an engraved
pattern of parallel non-intersecting 90 degree V-grooves (1.3 mm
apart) oriented parallel to the circumference of the roll. This
afforded a release liner with triangular ridges about 80 microns
wide and 17 microns high. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive 1 was coated
onto the liner and laminated to 46 micron white plasticized PVC as
described in Examples 1-3 to afford a smooth film construction.
After removal of the liner, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer
had parallel V-groove microchannels about 85 microns wide and 17
microns deep. Evaluation of the film construction gave a Slide Test
rating of 4, a Hot Application/Reapplication Test rating of "good"
with the microchannels oriented across or down the length of the
strip, an Indent Panel Test rating of 3, and a Rivet Panel Test
time of 85 seconds. During the Indent Panel Test a soap solution
was applied around the periphery of the sample. Fine bubbles,
indicative of air escape, formed at the two edges of the sample
connected by the microchannels to the circular indent.
Example 91
[0150] The procedures of Example 90 were repeated, but the release
liner microembossed was the polycoated paper liner described in
Examples 43-49 with filled first-microembossed pits. The measured
pressure sensitive adhesive microchannels were about 86 microns
wide and 18 microns deep, and the protruding posts were about 14
microns high. Evaluation of the film construction gave a Slide Test
rating of 1, a Hot Application/Reapplication Test rating of "good"
with the microchannels oriented across the strip, a rating of
"fair" with the microchannels oriented down the length of the
strip, an Indent Panel Test rating of 3, and a Rivet Panel Test
time of 90 seconds.
Example 92
[0151] A polycoated paper release liner, similar to the release
liner microembossed in Example 44 except that the first-emboss pits
were not filled with glass beads, was microembossed to afford
continuous intersecting microridges 1.3 mm apart, about 100 microns
wide, about 17 microns high, and oriented 45 degrees to the
circumference of the roll in a square grid array. The film
construction was prepared from this liner by the procedure of
Example 44. Surprisingly, analyses showed both recessed
microchannels and protruding pegs of pressure sensitive adhesive.
The sample showed positionability at room temperature and a Slide
Test rating of 3. The Hot Application/Reapplication Test rating was
"good", the Indent Panel Test rating was 3-4, and the Rivet Panel
Test time was 20 seconds.
Example 93
[0152] A film construction was prepared as described in Example 9
except a 13 micron flexible polyethylene film (the backing for
Tegaderm.TM. tape from 3M) was laminated onto the pressure
sensitive adhesive layer on the double-microembossed release liner.
A control sample without microridges in the liner (no microchannels
in the pressure sensitive adhesive) was prepared using the same
film. Samples 5 cm by 5 cm were adhered onto the skin of a person's
back. After completion of a strenuous sweat-producing workout, the
samples were examined for water accumulation 5 minutes later and
rated on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being the best. The sample with
microchanneled pressure sensitive adhesive had a rating of 2. The
control sample had a rating of 5 and showed water blisters between
the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and the skin.
Examples 94-96
[0153] Highland.TM. Brand 3565 box sealing tape (polypropylene film
with a rubber resin PSA from 3M) was laminated onto the doubly
microembossed microridged release liner of Example 9 using a roll
laminator with a Shore A 85 durometer rubber roll at room
temperature and a smooth metal backup roll at a temperature of
about 93.degree. C., a nip force of 16 N/mm, and speed of one
meter/minute. In similar fashion, the tape was laminated to two
types of control release liners without microridges: one having the
same liner material with only filled pits of the first emboss
(Example 95), and one having no first-emboss pits (Example 96). The
results are shown in the following table: TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 13
Data for Examples 94-96 Hot Application/ Microchannels Protruding
Slide Test Reapplication Rivet Panel Example in PSA Pegs in PSA
Rating Test Rating Test 94 Yes Yes 1-2 "good" 75 seconds 95 No Yes
1 "poor" 34 mm after 5 min. 96 No No 4 "poor" --
Example 97
[0154] A sample of 3M.TM. Controltac.TM. Plus Graphic Marking Film
was placed filmside down onto a glass plate. A wooden stylus was
pressed into the liner side to scribe two sets of intersecting
parallel lines (square grid array) about 1.6 mm apart in a manner
as generally described in Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,228
(Orr). The film side of the laminate showed visible protruding
ridges. The sample was applied onto a glass plate at room
temperature and applied in a process similar to the Hot
Application/Reapplication Test. Air bubbles were trapped in the
sample and many channels were sealed. More bubbles formed after 16
hour dwell at room temperature.
Examples 98-100
[0155] Example 98 was made using a shape memory pressure sensitive
adhesive consisting of 90 parts isooctyl acrylate, 10 parts acrylic
acid, 0.05 parts hexanediol diacrylate, 0.30 parts Irgacure 651
photoinitiator from Ciba-Geigy (Hawthorne, N.Y.) and 4 parts of
poly(octadecyl acrylate) prepared and cured between a smooth
release liner and a 50 micron PET film backing by the method
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/660,219 (Silver et
al.) filed Jun. 3, 1996 to make a tape with about 120 microns of
shape memory pressure sensitive adhesive on a backing.
[0156] The smooth release liner was removed from the tape and an
embossed release of Example 39 was used to emboss the free surface
of the adhesive by pressing the warm adhesive against the room
temperature embossed release liner in a WG36 laminator (Robert L.
Greig Co., Stoughton, Wis.) with the top roll at 65.degree. C. and
the bottom roll at 25.degree. C. The tape had a 90.degree. wrap
around the top roll and the embossed liner had no wrap on either
roll. The air pressure on the runs was set at 80 psi (550 kPa).
Examination of the tape showed a pattern of microchannels in the
adhesive surface and posts above the surface corresponding to the
pattern of the release liner. The dimensions were not measured. The
Hot Application/Reapplication Test gave a "fair" rating when done
quickly. A sample heated to about 40-43.degree. C. for 10 mins.
lost the embossed topography and had a Hot
Application/Reapplication Test rating of "poor". A sample tested at
25.degree. C. had a rating of "good". The Slide Test Rating was 2
to 3.
[0157] Example 99 was identical to Example 98 except an embossed
release liner from Example 73 was used. Test results were the same
as in Example 98, except the Slide Test Rating was 4.
[0158] Example 100 was identical to Example 98 except a nonwoven
fabric (as used in 3M.TM. Micropore.TM. tape, silicone release
coated) was used as a microembossing tool. The release coated
nonwoven fabric made a random pattern of microchannels on the
adhesive surface. The sample gave a "good" rating on the Hot
Application/Reapplication Test when performed at 25.degree. C. But
when heated to 40-43.degree. C., the microchannels disappeared and
the Hot Application/Reapplication Test rating was "poor". These
thermomorphic adhesives show how an adhesive topography can be
controlled in the fourth dimension: an effective period of
time.
Example 101
[0159] The general procedure of Examples 1-3 was used to prepare
both silicone coated polycoated PET and polycoated paper release
liners having a parallel array of triangular ridges about 4-6
microns high and 54 microns wide spaced 1.3 mm apart. These liners
were placed onto the adhesive side of 3M.TM. Scotchcal.TM. Heat
Activated Translucent Film Series 825 and passed through a hot nip
laminator at 93.degree. C., 30 cm/min, and 1.7 N/cm nip force.
Sheets (about 30 cm by 60 cm) of the resulting microchanneled
material and of control material without microchannels were placed
adhesive side down onto 3M.TM. Panaflex.TM. Substrate Series 945
GPS in a hot laminating vacuum applicator bed at 46.degree. C., and
the vacuum diaphragm was closed. After a 5 minute vacuum cycle, the
temperature was increased to 93.degree. C. for 2 minutes. The
control film exhibited significant air entrapment caused by the
edge of the tacky film becoming adhered to the substrate during
initial application prior to removal of air from under the sample.
The sample with microchannels showed no air entrapment, and the
appearance of the applied film on the substrate was not perceptibly
altered by the presence of air release channels.
[0160] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The
claims follow.
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