Release liner for pressure sensitive adhesives

Abstract

A release liner for use with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The release liner includes a film of a thermoplastic elastomeric olefin.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 929863, filed Sep. 15, 1997, now allowed, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a release liner for pressure sensitive adhesive articles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Currently, many pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and other pressure-sensitive adhesive-coated articles have a release liner applied to the adhesive during or following manufacture. For example, the release liner can serve as a carrier for a pressure sensitive adhesive transfer tape or a double-coated tape, both of which are tacky on both sides of the tape. The adhesive tape on a release liner is typically supplied on a convolutely wound roll, and then unwound and laminated to an article or substrate. The release liner is typically left in place while the article is converted, packaged, and shipped to ultimate users, and in many instances is left in place until the article is b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention provides a release liner for pressure sensitive adhesives articles such as single- or double-sided tapes, films, labels, and the like. The release liner of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic elastomeric olefin (TEO). TEO imparts thermal stability to the liner so that it is not likely to significantly decompose or melt when exposed to elevated temperatures during manufacturing and processing of a typical substrate to which it is applied. The use of TEO in the release liner also decreases the likelihood that the liner will shrink away significantly from the adhesive upon heating, or significantly buckle upon cooling. The release liner of the present invention is thus especially suitable for, although not limited to, use in manufacturing processes conducted at elevated temperatures, particularly those that involve heating to temperatures, such as exposure to temperatures of about 90° C. to about 150° C. for periods of up to one-half hour or one hour or more, followed by cooling to room temperature (i.e., about 20° C. to about 25° C.).

[0008] Preferably the release liner is a film, i.e. a sheet material, having at least one release surface comprising a release material such as a silicone, polyethylene, fluorocarbon, or polypropylene. The release surface can be provided as an integral part of the release liner, or, alternatively, in the form of a separate release layer or coating. The release surface imparts to the release liner the surface adhesion and release characteristics desired in view of the adhesive to which the liner is to be applied. It also functions to create a coherent surface to which the pressure-sensitive adhesive can be laminated.

[0011] The present release liner is preferably tear-resistant. It preferably exhibits a low release value from acrylate-based adhesives, as described below, and has high cross web strength. A nick or tear in the release liner of the present invention typically will not propagate like a tear in a polyethlyene or polypropylene liner. When present, the release coating further reduces stress on the release liner during removal from the adhesive.

Problems solved by technology

The use of TEO in the release liner also decreases the likelihood that the liner will shrink away significantly from the adhesive upon heating, or significantly buckle upon cooling.