Multifunctional membrane

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, which may include a flexible barrier film, which may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. The multifunctional film may also have an oxygen (O2) permeability of not more than about 1100cc / (m2-day-atm) and a stability rating of not more than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multifunctional film, and in particular to a multifunctional film for forming a vacuum bag. Background Art

[0002] Vacuum bags are commonly used to produce (e.g., cure) various parts, such as aircraft parts. Such vacuum bags are typically composed of multiple different and separate material layers used to form the vacuum bag. The different and separate layers facilitate high temperature curing of the parts enclosed in the vacuum bag under high pressure while ensuring that the vacuum bag does not adhere to the parts. However, the production and use of separate layers to form the vacuum bag increases the manual labor and cost of producing and using the vacuum bag. Therefore, an improved multifunctional film that can replace multiple material layers in the production of vacuum bags would be desirable. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag may include a flexible barrier film, which may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. The multifunctional film may also have a pressure drop of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability and a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0004] According to yet another aspect, a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag may include a flexible barrier film that may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. The flexible barrier film may have a pressure of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. The multifunctional membrane may also have a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage decrease in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0005] According to yet another aspect, the multifunctional film for vacuum bag may include a flexible barrier film, which may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. The flexible barrier film may include a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof. The release coating may include a silicone-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0006] According to another aspect, the vacuum bag may include a multifunctional film. The multifunctional film may include a flexible barrier film, which may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. The multifunctional film may also have a pressure of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability and a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0007] According to yet another aspect, the vacuum bag may include a multifunctional film. The multifunctional film may include a flexible barrier film, which may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. The flexible barrier film may have a pressure of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. The multifunctional membrane may also have a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage decrease in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0008] According to yet another aspect, the vacuum bag may include a multifunctional film. The multifunctional film may include a flexible barrier film, which may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. The flexible barrier film may include a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof. The release coating may include a silicone-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, a method of forming a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag may include providing a flexible barrier film, embossing a textured surface onto a first side of the flexible barrier film, and coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating. The multifunctional film may also have a pressure drop of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability and a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0010] According to yet another aspect, a method of forming a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag may include providing a flexible barrier film, embossing a textured surface onto a first side of the flexible barrier film, and coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating. The flexible barrier film may have a pressure drop of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2-day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. The multifunctional membrane may also have a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage decrease in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0011] According to yet another aspect, a method of forming a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag may include providing a flexible barrier film, embossing a textured surface onto a first side of the flexible barrier film, and coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating. The flexible barrier film may include a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof. The release coating may include a silicone-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 including an illustration of a diagram showing a multifunctional membrane according to embodiments described herein;

[0014] Figure 2 including an illustration showing a diagram of a vacuum bag including a multifunctional film according to embodiments described herein; and

[0015] Figure 3 Included is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming a multifunctional film according to embodiments described herein.

[0016] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following discussion will focus on the specific implementation and implementation of the teachings. Detailed description is provided to help describe certain embodiments, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope or applicability of the disclosure or teachings. It should be understood that other embodiments can be used based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein.

[0018] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features, but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any of: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0019] In addition, "a" or "an" is used to describe the elements and components described herein. This is done only for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. The description should be understood to include one, at least one, or the singular, as well as the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clearly indicated that it has another meaning. For example, when a single item is described in this article, more than one item can be used to replace the single item. Similarly, in the case of more than one item described in this article, a single item can replace the more than one item.

[0020] Embodiments described herein generally relate to multifunctional films for vacuum bags. According to certain embodiments, the multifunctional film may include a flexible barrier film that may include a textured surface. The multifunctional film may also include a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0021] For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 A multifunctional film 100 is shown according to an embodiment described herein. Figure 1 As shown, the multifunctional film 100 may include a flexible barrier film 110 and a release coating 120. The flexible barrier film 110 may include a textured surface 115, and the release coating 120 may cover the textured surface 115 of the flexible barrier film 110.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a specific oxygen (O2) permeability as measured according to ASTM F3945. For example, the multifunctional film 100 may have a permeability of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), such as not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2-day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. According to still other embodiments, the multifunctional membrane 100 may have an oxygen (O2) permeability of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), such as not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. It should be understood that the oxygen (O2) permeability of the multifunctional membrane 100 can be within a range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the oxygen (O2) permeability of the multifunctional membrane 100 can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0023] According to some further embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a specific stability grade. For the purpose of embodiments described herein, the stability grade is defined as the maximum reduction percentage of the elongation at break measured using ASTM D882 after being exposed to a temperature of 200 ° C for 12 hours. According to certain embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a stability grade of not more than about 90%, such as not more than about 88%, or not more than about 85%, or not more than about 83%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 78%, or not more than about 75%, or not more than about 73%, or even not more than about 70%. It should be understood that the stability grade of the multifunctional film 100 can be in the range between any one of the above-mentioned values. It should also be understood that the stability grade of the multifunctional film 100 can be any value between any one of the above-mentioned minimum and maximum values.

[0024] According to still further embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a specific Young's modulus as measured according to ASTM D 882. For example, the multifunctional film 100 may have a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa, such as at least about 50 MPa, or at least about 100 MPa, or at least about 150 MPa, or at least about 200 MPa, or at least about 250 MPa, or at least about 300 MPa, or at least about 350 MPa, or at least about 400 MPa, or at least about 450 MPa, or even at least about 500 MPa. According to some further embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a Young's modulus of not more than about 10,000 MPa, such as not more than about 9,000 MPa, or not more than about 8,000 MPa, or not more than about 7,000 MPa, or not more than about 6,000 MPa, or not more than about 5,000 MPa, or not more than about 4,000 MPa, or not more than about 3,000 MPa, or not more than about 2,000 MPa. It should be understood that the Young's modulus of the multifunctional film 100 may be within the range between any one of the above-mentioned minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the Young's modulus of the multifunctional film 100 may be any value between any one of the above-mentioned minimum and maximum values.

[0025] According to some other embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a specific elongation before fracture as measured according to ASTM D882. For example, the multifunctional film 100 may have at least about 1%, such as at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 6%, or at least about 7%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 9%, or even at least about 10% elongation before fracture. According to some other embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have an elongation before fracture of not more than about 2000%, or not more than about 1500%, or not more than about 1000%, or not more than about 500%, or not more than about 100%, or not more than about 90%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 70%, or not more than about 60%, or not more than about 50%, or not more than about 40%, or not more than about 30%. It will be appreciated that the elongation before break of the multifunctional film 100 can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above. It will also be appreciated that the elongation before break of the multifunctional film 100 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above.

[0026] According to still other embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a specific release coating thickness ratio RC T / FBF T , where RC T is the thickness of the peel coating, and FBF T is the thickness of the flexible barrier film. For example, the multifunctional film 100 can have a peel coating thickness ratio RC of not greater than about 16, such as not greater than about 15, or not greater than about 14, or not greater than about 13, or not greater than about 12, or not greater than about 11, or not greater than about 10, or not greater than about 9, or not greater than about 8, or not greater than about 7, or not greater than about 6, or not greater than about 5, or not greater than about 4, or not greater than about 3, or not greater than about 2, or not greater than about 1.5, or even not greater than about 1.1. T / FBF T According to still further embodiments, the multifunctional film 100 may have a release coating thickness ratio RC of at least about 0.00001, such as at least about 0.00002, or at least about 0.00003, or at least about 0.00004, or at least about 0.00005, or at least about 0.00006, or at least about 0.00007, or at least about 0.00008, or at least about 0.00009, or at least about 0.0001, or at least about 0.00015, or even at least about 0.0002. T / FBF T It should be understood that the release coating thickness of the multifunctional film 100 is greater than RC T / FBF T It can be within the range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the peel coating thickness of the multifunctional film 100 is greater than RCT / FBF T It can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0027] According to still further embodiments, the flexible barrier film 110 may include a specific material. For example, the flexible barrier film 110 may include a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof. According to still further embodiments, the flexible barrier film 110 may be composed of a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof.

[0028] According to yet other embodiments, the flexible barrier film 110 may include a specific nylon resin grade material. For example, the flexible barrier film 110 may include nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,4, nylon 6,66, nylon MXD6, PAMACM12, PA6I, PA6I / 6T, or any combination thereof. According to yet other embodiments, the flexible barrier film 110 may consist of nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,4, nylon 6,66, nylon MXD6, PAMACM12, PA6I, PA6I / 6T, or any combination thereof.

[0029] According to certain embodiments, the flexible barrier film 110 may have a particular thickness. For example, the flexible barrier film 110 may have a thickness of at least about 0.2 mils, such as at least about 0.3 mils, or at least about 0.4 mils, or at least about 0.5 mils, or at least about 0.6 mils, or at least about 0.7 mils, or at least about 0.8 mils, or at least about 0.9 mils, or even at least about 1.0 mils. According to still other embodiments, the flexible barrier film 110 may have a thickness of no greater than about 30 mils, such as no greater than about 25 mils, or no greater than about 20 mils, or no greater than about 15 mils, or no greater than about 14 mils, or no greater than about 13 mils, or no greater than about 12 mils, or no greater than about 11 mils, or no greater than about 10 mils, or no greater than about 9 mils, or even no greater than about 8 mils. It should be understood that the thickness of the flexible barrier film 110 may be within a range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the thickness of the flexible barrier film 110 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above.

[0030] According to still further embodiments, the release coating 120 may include a specific material. For example, the release coating 120 may include a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof. According to still further embodiments, the release coating 120 may be composed of a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0031] According to still other embodiments, the release coating 120 may further include a specific hard coating. For example, the release coating 120 may further include a multifunctional acrylic-based UV-curable coating or a multifunctional acrylic-based heat-curable coating.

[0032] According to some other embodiments, the release coating 120 may have a specific peel force, as measured on a 2 inch × 6 inch sample using a 180 degree peel release test. For example, the release coating may have a peel force of no more than about 100 g / inch, such as no more than about 95 g / inch, or no more than about 90 g / inch, or no more than about 85 g / inch, or no more than about 80 g / inch, or no more than about 75 g / inch, or no more than about 70 g / inch, or no more than about 65 g / inch, or no more than about 60 g / inch, or no more than about 55 g / inch, or no more than about 50 g / inch, or no more than about 45 g / inch, or even no more than about 40 g / inch. It should be understood that the peel force of the release coating 120 can be within a range between any of the above values. It should also be understood that the peel force of the release coating 120 can be any value between any of the above values.

[0033] According to certain embodiments, the release coating 120 may have a specific thickness. For example, the release coating 120 may have a thickness of at least about 0.01 microns, such as at least about 0.02 microns, or at least about 0.03 microns, or at least about 0.04 microns, or at least about 0.05 microns, or at least about 0.06 microns, or at least about 0.07 microns, or at least about 0.08 microns, or at least about 0.09 microns, or even at least about 0.1 microns. According to some other embodiments, the release coating 120 may have a thickness of not greater than about 100 microns, such as not greater than about 90 microns, or not greater than about 80 microns, or not greater than about 70 microns, or not greater than about 60 microns, or not greater than about 50 microns, or not greater than about 40 microns, or not greater than about 30 microns, or not greater than about 20 microns, or not greater than about 10 microns, or not greater than about 9 microns, or not greater than about 8 microns, or not greater than about 7 microns, or not greater than about 6 microns, or even not greater than about 5 microns. It will be appreciated that the thickness of the release coating 120 can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above. It will also be appreciated that the thickness of the release coating 120 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above.

[0034] According to further embodiments, the textured surface 115 may include a repeating pattern of channels. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may be in the form of a cross-hatch pattern. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may be in the form of a weave pattern. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may have an isotropic orientation. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may have an anisotropic orientation.

[0035] According to yet other embodiments, the channels of the textured surface 115 may have a particular average channel width AC W For example, the channel may have an average channel width AC of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.9 mm, or even at least about 1.0 mm. W According to still other embodiments, the channel may have an average channel width AC of not greater than about 100 mm, such as not greater than about 90 mm, or not greater than about 80 mm, or not greater than about 70 mm, or not greater than about 60 mm, or not greater than about 50 mm, or not greater than about 40 mm, or not greater than about 30 mm, or not greater than about 25 mm, or not greater than about 20 mm, or even not greater than about 15 mm. W It should be understood that the average channel width AC W It can be within the range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the average channel width AC W It can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0036] According to yet other embodiments, the channels of the textured surface 115 may have a particular average channel depth AC D For example, the channels may have an average channel depth AC of at least about 1 micron, such as at least about 1.1 microns, or at least about 1.2 microns, or at least about 1.3 microns. D According to still other embodiments, the channel may have an average channel depth AC of not greater than about 500 mils, such as not greater than about 450 mils, or not greater than about 400 mils, or not greater than about 350 mils, or not greater than about 300 mils, or not greater than about 250 mils, or not greater than about 200 mils, or not greater than about 200 mils, or not greater than about 150 mils, or not greater than about 100 mils, or not greater than about 75 mils, or not greater than about 50 mils, or not greater than about 25 mils. D It should be understood that the average channel depth AC D It can be within the range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the average channel depth AC D It can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0037] It should be understood that the multifunctional film 100 can be used to form a vacuum bag. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2A vacuum bag 200 is shown, which includes a multifunctional film 201 covering and encapsulating a component 202 on a surface 203. For the purposes of the embodiments described herein, the multifunctional film 201 used to form the vacuum bag 200 may have a thickness of 100 mm / s and a thickness of 100 mm / s. Figure 1 Any of the properties or characteristics described for the described multifunctional film 100. According to the embodiments described herein, the component 202 can be any component portion that can be formed (eg, cured) when enclosed within the vacuum bag 200.

[0038] According to certain embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 may have a specific oxygen (O2) permeability as measured according to ASTM F3945. For example, the vacuum bag 200 may have a permeability of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), such as not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. According to still other embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 may have an oxygen (O2) permeability of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), such as not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2-day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. It should be understood that the oxygen (O2) permeability of the vacuum bag 200 can be within a range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the oxygen (O2) permeability of the vacuum bag 200 can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0039] According to some further embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 may have a specific stability grade. For the purposes of the embodiments described herein, the stability grade is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200° C. for 12 hours. According to certain embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 may have a stability grade of not more than about 90%, such as not more than about 88%, or not more than about 85%, or not more than about 83%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 78%, or not more than about 75%, or not more than about 73%, or even not more than about 70%. It should be understood that the stability grade of the vacuum bag 200 may be within a range between any of the above values. It should also be understood that the stability grade of the vacuum bag 200 may be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0040] According to still further embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 can have a particular Young's modulus as measured according to ASTM D 882. For example, the vacuum bag 200 can have a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa, such as at least about 50 MPa, or at least about 100 MPa, or at least about 150 MPa, or at least about 200 MPa, or at least about 250 MPa, or at least about 300 MPa, or at least about 350 MPa, or at least about 400 MPa, or at least about 450 MPa, or even at least about 500 MPa. According to still further embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 can have a Young's modulus of not greater than about 10,000 MPa, such as not greater than about 9,000 MPa, or not greater than about 8,000 MPa, or not greater than about 7,000 MPa, or not greater than about 6,000 MPa, or not greater than about 5,000 MPa, or not greater than about 4,000 MPa, or not greater than about 3,000 MPa, or not greater than about 2,000 MPa. It should be understood that the Young's modulus of the vacuum bag 200 can be within a range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the Young's modulus of the vacuum bag 200 can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0041] According to some further embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 may have a specific elongation before breaking as measured according to ASTM D882. For example, the vacuum bag 200 may have an elongation before breaking of at least about 1%, such as at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 6%, or at least about 7%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 9%, or even at least about 10%. According to some further embodiments, the vacuum bag 200 may have an elongation before breaking of not greater than about 2000%, or not greater than about 1500%, or not greater than about 1000%, or not greater than about 500%, or not greater than about 100%, or not greater than about 90%, or not greater than about 80%, or not greater than about 70%, or not greater than about 60%, or not greater than about 50%, or not greater than about 40%, or not greater than about 30%. It will be appreciated that the elongation before rupture of the vacuum bag 200 can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above. It will also be appreciated that the elongation before rupture of the vacuum bag 200 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above.

[0042] Figure 3 A flow chart showing a method for forming a multifunctional film 100 as described herein is included. Figure 3 In the particular embodiment shown, a method 300 of forming a multifunctional film may include a first step 310 of providing a flexible barrier film, a second step 320 of creating a textured surface on a first side of the flexible barrier film, and a third step 330 of coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating.

[0043] According to certain embodiments, the second step 320 of creating a textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film may include embossing the textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film. According to still other embodiments, the second step 320 of creating a textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film may include hot embossing the textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film.

[0044] According to yet other embodiments, the third step 330 of coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating may include gravure coating (reverse or forward), slot die coating, roll coating (reverse or forward), spray coating, Meyer rod coating, or overflow coating.

[0045] According to still further embodiments, method 300 may further include, if necessary, the step of curing the coating on the textured surface of the flexible barrier film. Figure 3 not shown).

[0046] According to certain embodiments, curing may be performed at a temperature not greater than about 200° C., such as not greater than about 190° C. or even not greater than about 180° C. According to still other embodiments, curing may be performed for 12 hours.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, the multifunctional membrane formed according to method 300 may have a specific oxygen (O2) permeability as measured according to ASTM F3945. For example, the multifunctional membrane formed according to method 300 may have a permeability of no greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), such as not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. According to still other embodiments, the multifunctional membrane formed according to method 300 may have an oxygen (O2) permeability of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), such as not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability. It should be understood that the oxygen (O2) permeability of the multifunctional membrane formed according to method 300 can be within a range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the oxygen (O2) permeability of the multifunctional membrane formed according to method 300 can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0048] According to some further embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a specific stability grade. For the purposes of the embodiments described herein, the stability grade is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200° C. for 12 hours. According to certain embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a stability grade of not more than about 90%, such as not more than about 88%, or not more than about 85%, or not more than about 83%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 78%, or not more than about 75%, or not more than about 73%, or even not more than about 70%. It should be understood that the stability grade of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may be within the range between any of the above values. It should also be understood that the stability grade of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0049] According to still further embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 can have a particular Young's modulus as measured according to ASTM D 882. For example, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 can have a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa, such as at least about 50 MPa, or at least about 100 MPa, or at least about 150 MPa, or at least about 200 MPa, or at least about 250 MPa, or at least about 300 MPa, or at least about 350 MPa, or at least about 400 MPa, or at least about 450 MPa, or even at least about 500 MPa. According to further embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a Young's modulus of not greater than about 10,000 MPa, such as not greater than about 9,000 MPa, or not greater than about 8,000 MPa, or not greater than about 7,000 MPa, or not greater than about 6,000 MPa, or not greater than about 5,000 MPa, or not greater than about 4,000 MPa, or not greater than about 3,000 MPa, or not greater than about 2,000 MPa. It should be understood that the Young's modulus of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 can be within a range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the Young's modulus of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0050] According to some other embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a specific elongation before breaking as measured according to ASTM D882. For example, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have an elongation before breaking of at least about 1%, such as at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 6%, or at least about 7%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 9%, or even at least about 10%. According to some other embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have an elongation before breaking of not more than about 2000%, or not more than about 1500%, or not more than about 1000%, or not more than about 500%, or not more than about 100%, or not more than about 90%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 70%, or not more than about 60%, or not more than about 50%, or not more than about 40%, or not more than about 30%. It should be understood that the elongation before break of the multifunctional film formed according to the method 300 can be within the range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​described above. It should also be understood that the elongation before break of the multifunctional film formed according to the method 300 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​described above.

[0051] According to still further embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a specific release coating thickness ratio RC T / FBF T , where RC T is the thickness of the peel coating, and FBF T is the thickness of the flexible barrier film. For example, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 can have a release coating thickness ratio RC of not greater than about 16, such as not greater than about 15, or not greater than about 14, or not greater than about 13, or not greater than about 12, or not greater than about 11, or not greater than about 10, or not greater than about 9, or not greater than about 8, or not greater than about 7, or not greater than about 6, or not greater than about 5, or not greater than about 4, or not greater than about 3, or not greater than about 2, or not greater than about 1.5, or even not greater than about 1.1. T / FBF T According to other embodiments, the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a release coating thickness ratio RC of at least about 0.00001, such as at least about 0.00002, or at least about 0.00003, or at least about 0.00004, or at least about 0.00005, or at least about 0.00006, or at least about 0.00007, or at least about 0.00008, or at least about 0.00009, or at least about 0.0001, or at least about 0.00015, or even at least about 0.0002. T / FBF T It should be understood that the release coating thickness of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 is greater than RC T / FBFT It can be within the range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the peel coating thickness of the multifunctional film formed according to the method 300 is greater than RC T / FBF T It can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0052] According to still further embodiments, the flexible barrier film of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may include a specific material. For example, the flexible barrier film may include a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof. According to still further embodiments, the flexible barrier film may be composed of a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof.

[0053] According to yet other embodiments, the flexible barrier film of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may include a specific nylon resin grade material. For example, the flexible barrier film may include nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,4, nylon 6,66, nylon MXD6, PAMACM12, PA6I, PA6I / 6T, or any combination thereof. According to yet other embodiments, the flexible barrier film may consist of nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,4, nylon 6,66, nylon MXD6, PAMACM12, PA6I, PA6I / 6T, or any combination thereof.

[0054] According to certain embodiments, the flexible barrier film may have a specific thickness. For example, the flexible barrier film 110 may have a thickness of at least about 0.2 mils, such as at least about 0.3 mils, or at least about 0.4 mils, or at least about 0.5 mils, or at least about 0.6 mils, or at least about 0.7 mils, or at least about 0.8 mils, or at least about 0.9 mils, or even at least about 1.0 mils. According to some further embodiments, the flexible barrier film may have a thickness of no greater than about 30 mils, such as no greater than about 25 mils, or no greater than about 20 mils, or no greater than about 15 mils, or no greater than about 14 mils, or no greater than about 13 mils, or no greater than about 12 mils, or no greater than about 11 mils, or no greater than about 10 mils, or no greater than about 9 mils, or even no greater than about 8 mils. It should be understood that the thickness of the flexible barrier film may be within a range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the thickness of the flexible barrier film can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above.

[0055] According to still further embodiments, the release coating of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may include a specific material. For example, the release coating may include a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof. According to still further embodiments, the release coating may be composed of a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0056] According to still further embodiments, the release coating of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may further include a specific hard coating. For example, the release coating of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may further include a multifunctional acrylic-based UV-curable coating or a multifunctional acrylic-based heat-curable coating.

[0057] According to some further embodiments, the release coating of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a specific release force, as measured on a 2 inch × 6 inch sample using a 180 degree peel release test. For example, the release coating may have a release force of not more than about 100 g / inch, such as not more than about 95 g / inch, or not more than about 90 g / inch, or not more than about 85 g / inch, or not more than about 80 g / inch, or not more than about 75 g / inch, or not more than about 70 g / inch, or not more than about 65 g / inch, or not more than about 60 g / inch, or not more than about 55 g / inch, or not more than about 50 g / inch, or not more than about 45 g / inch, or even not more than about 40 g / inch. It should be understood that the release force of the release coating 120 may be within a range between any of the above values. It should also be understood that the release force of the release coating 120 may be any value between any of the above values.

[0058] According to certain embodiments, the release coating of the multifunctional film formed according to method 300 may have a specific thickness. For example, the release coating may have a thickness of at least about 0.01 micrometers, such as at least about 0.02 micrometers, or at least about 0.03 micrometers, or at least about 0.04 micrometers, or at least about 0.05 micrometers, or at least about 0.06 micrometers, or at least about 0.07 micrometers, or at least about 0.08 micrometers, or at least about 0.09 micrometers, or even at least about 0.1 micrometers. According to further embodiments, the release coating may have a thickness of not greater than about 100 micrometers, such as not greater than about 90 micrometers, or not greater than about 80 micrometers, or not greater than about 70 micrometers, or not greater than about 60 micrometers, or not greater than about 50 micrometers, or not greater than about 40 micrometers, or not greater than about 30 micrometers, or not greater than about 20 micrometers, or not greater than about 10 micrometers, or not greater than about 9 micrometers, or not greater than about 8 micrometers, or not greater than about 7 micrometers, or not greater than about 6 micrometers, or even not greater than about 5 micrometers. It will be appreciated that the thickness of the release coating can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above. It will also be appreciated that the thickness of the release coating can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values ​​noted above.

[0059] According to further embodiments, the textured surface may include a repeating pattern of channels. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may be in the form of a cross-hatch pattern. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may be in the form of a weave pattern. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may have an isotropic orientation. According to further embodiments, the repeating pattern of channels may have an anisotropic orientation.

[0060] According to yet other embodiments, the channels of the textured surface may have a particular average channel width AC W For example, the channel may have an average channel width AC of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.9 mm, or even at least about 1.0 mm. W According to still other embodiments, the channel may have an average channel width AC of not greater than about 100 mm, such as not greater than about 90 mm, or not greater than about 80 mm, or not greater than about 70 mm, or not greater than about 60 mm, or not greater than about 50 mm, or not greater than about 40 mm, or not greater than about 30 mm, or not greater than about 25 mm, or not greater than about 20 mm, or even not greater than about 15 mm. W It should be understood that the average channel width AC W It can be within the range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the average channel width AC WIt can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0061] According to yet other embodiments, the channels of the textured surface may have a particular average channel depth AC D For example, the channels may have an average channel depth AC of at least about 1 micron, such as at least about 1.1 microns, or at least about 1.2 microns, or at least about 1.3 microns. D According to still other embodiments, the channel may have an average channel depth AC of not greater than about 500 mils, such as not greater than about 450 mils, or not greater than about 400 mils, or not greater than about 350 mils, or not greater than about 300 mils, or not greater than about 250 mils, or not greater than about 200 mils, or not greater than about 200 mils, or not greater than about 150 mils, or not greater than about 100 mils, or not greater than about 75 mils, or not greater than about 50 mils, or not greater than about 25 mils. D It should be understood that the average channel depth AC D It can be within the range between any of the above minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the average channel depth AC D It can be any value between any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0062] Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described herein. After reading this specification, the technical staff will understand that those aspects and embodiments are only exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiment can be according to any one or more embodiments in the embodiments listed below.

[0063] Embodiment 1. A multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, wherein the multifunctional film comprises: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface; and a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film; wherein the multifunctional film has a pressure drop of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability, and wherein the multifunctional membrane has a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours as measured using ASTM D882.

[0064] Embodiment 2. A multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, wherein the multifunctional film comprises: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface; and a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film; wherein the flexible barrier film has a pressure drop of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2-day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability, and wherein the multifunctional membrane has a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours as measured using ASTM D882.

[0065] Embodiment 3. A multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, wherein the multifunctional film comprises: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface; and a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film, wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof; and wherein the release coating comprises a silicone-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Embodiment 4. The multifunctional membrane according to any one of Embodiments 2 and 3, wherein the multifunctional membrane has a flow rate of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability.

[0067] Embodiment 5. The multifunctional film according to any one of embodiments 1 and 3, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thermal conductivity of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability.

[0068] Embodiment 6. A multifunctional film according to Embodiment 3, wherein the multifunctional film has a stability rating of not greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0069] Embodiment 7. A multifunctional film according to any one of Embodiments 1, 2 and 3, wherein the release coating has a release force of not greater than about 100 g / inch, or not greater than about 95 g / inch, or not greater than about 90 g / inch, or not greater than about 85 g / inch, or not greater than about 80 g / inch, or not greater than about 75 g / inch, or not greater than about 70 g / inch, or not greater than about 65 g / inch, or not greater than about 60 g / inch, or not greater than about 55 g / inch, or not greater than about 50 g / inch, or not greater than about 45 g / inch, or not greater than about 40 g / inch.

[0070] Embodiment 8. A multifunctional film according to any one of Embodiments 1, 2 and 3, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa, or at least about 50 MPa, or at least about 100 MPa, or at least about 150 MPa, or at least about 200 MPa, or at least about 250 MPa, or at least about 300 MPa, or at least about 350 MPa, or at least about 400 MPa, or at least about 450 MPa, or at least about 500 MPa.

[0071] Embodiment 9. A multifunctional membrane according to any one of Embodiments 1, 2 and 3, wherein the multifunctional membrane comprises a Young's modulus of not greater than about 10,000 MPa, or not greater than about 9,000 MPa, or not greater than about 8,000 MPa, or not greater than about 7,000 MPa, or not greater than about 6,000 MPa, or not greater than about 5,000 MPa, or not greater than about 4,000 MPa, or not greater than about 3,000 MPa, or not greater than about 2,000 MPa.

[0072] Embodiment 10. A multifunctional film according to any one of Embodiments 1, 2 and 3, wherein the multifunctional film comprises an elongation before break of at least about 1%, or at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 6%, or at least about 7%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 9%, or at least about 10%.

[0073] Embodiment 11. A multifunctional film according to any one of Embodiments 1, 2 and 3, wherein the multifunctional film comprises an elongation before break of not more than about 2000%, or not more than about 1500%, or not more than about 1000%, or not more than about 500%, or not more than about 100%, or not more than about 90%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 70%, or not more than about 60%, or not more than about 50%, or not more than about 40%, or not more than about 30%.

[0074] Embodiment 12. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof.

[0075] Embodiment 13. The multifunctional membrane according to any one of embodiments 3 and 12, wherein the nylon resin grade material comprises nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,4, nylon 6,66, nylon MXD6, PAMACM12, PA6I, PA6I / 6T or any combination thereof.

[0076] Embodiment 14. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the release coating comprises a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0077] Embodiment 15. The multifunctional film according to any one of Embodiments 3 and 14, wherein the release coating comprises a multifunctional acrylic-based UV-curable coating or a multifunctional acrylic-based thermally curable coating.

[0078] Embodiment 16. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a peel coating thickness ratio RC of not greater than about 16, or not greater than about 15, or not greater than about 14, or not greater than about 13, or not greater than about 12, or not greater than about 11, or not greater than about 10, or not greater than about 9, or not greater than about 8, or not greater than about 7, or not greater than about 6, or not greater than about 5, or not greater than about 4, or not greater than about 3, or not greater than about 2, or not greater than about 1.5, or not greater than about 1.1. T / FBF T , where RCT is the thickness of the peeled coating, and FBF Tis the thickness of the flexible barrier film.

[0079] Embodiment 17. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a release coating thickness ratio RC of at least about 0.00001, or at least about 0.00002, or at least about 0.00003, or at least about 0.00004, or at least about 0.00005, or at least about 0.00006, or at least about 0.00007, or at least about 0.00008, or at least about 0.00009, or at least about 0.0001, or at least about 0.00015, or at least about 0.0002. T / FBF T , where RCT is the thickness of the peeled coating, and FBF T is the thickness of the flexible barrier film.

[0080] Embodiment 18. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thickness of at least about 0.2 mil, or at least about 0.3 mil, or at least about 0.4 mil, or at least about 0.5 mil, or at least about 0.6 mil, or at least about 0.7 mil, or at least about 0.8 mil, or at least about 0.9 mil, or at least about 1.0 mil.

[0081] Embodiment 19. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thickness of not greater than about 30 mils, or not greater than about 25 mils, or not greater than about 20 mils, or not greater than about 15 mils, or not greater than about 14 mils, or not greater than about 13 mils, or not greater than about 12 mils, or not greater than about 11 mils, or not greater than about 10 mils, or not greater than about 9 mils, or not greater than about 8 mils.

[0082] Embodiment 20. A multifunctional film according to any of Embodiments 1, 2 and 3, wherein the release coating has a thickness of at least about 0.01 microns, or at least about 0.02 microns, or at least about 0.03 microns, or at least about 0.04 microns, or at least about 0.05 microns, or at least about 0.06 microns, or at least about 0.07 microns, or at least about 0.08 microns, or at least about 0.09 microns, or at least about 0.1 microns.

[0083] Embodiment 21. A multifunctional film according to any of Embodiments 1, 2 and 3, wherein the release coating has a thickness of not greater than about 100 microns, or not greater than about 90 microns, or not greater than about 80 microns, or not greater than about 70 microns, or not greater than about 60 microns, or not greater than about 50 microns, or not greater than about 40 microns, or not greater than about 30 microns, or not greater than about 20 microns, or not greater than about 10 microns, or not greater than about 9 microns, or not greater than about 8 microns, or not greater than about 7 microns, or not greater than about 6 microns, or not greater than about 5 microns.

[0084] Embodiment 22. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, wherein the textured surface of the flexible barrier film comprises a repeating pattern of channels.

[0085] Embodiment 23. A multifunctional membrane according to embodiment 22, wherein the repeating pattern of channels is in the form of a cross-hatch pattern.

[0086] Embodiment 24. The multifunctional membrane of Embodiment 22, wherein the repeating pattern of channels has an isotropic orientation.

[0087] Embodiment 25. The multifunctional membrane of Embodiment 22, wherein the repeating pattern of channels has an anisotropic orientation.

[0088] Embodiment 26. A multifunctional membrane according to embodiment 22, wherein the channels have an average channel width AC of at least about 0.1 mm, or at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.9 mm, or at least about 1.0 mm. W .

[0089] Embodiment 27. A multifunctional membrane according to Embodiment 22, wherein the channels have an average channel width AC of no greater than about 100 mm, or no greater than about 90 mm, or no greater than about 80 mm, or no greater than about 70 mm, or no greater than about 60 mm, or no greater than about 50 mm, or no greater than about 40 mm, or no greater than about 30 mm, or no greater than about 25 mm, or no greater than about 20 mm, or no greater than about 15 mm. W .

[0090] Embodiment 28. The multifunctional membrane of embodiment 22, wherein the channels have an average channel depth AC of at least about 1 micron, or at least about 1.1 microns, or at least about 1.2 microns, or at least about 1.3 microns. D .

[0091] Embodiment 29. The multifunctional membrane of embodiment 22, wherein the channels have an average channel depth AC of no greater than about 500 mils, or no greater than about 450 mils, or no greater than about 400 mils, or no greater than about 350 mils, or no greater than about 300 mils, or no greater than about 250 mils, or no greater than about 200 mils, or no greater than about 200 mils, or no greater than about 150 mils, or no greater than about 100 mils, or no greater than about 75 mils, or no greater than about 50 mils, or no greater than about 25 mils. D .

[0092] Embodiment 30. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, wherein the release coating directly contacts the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0093] Embodiment 31. The multifunctional film of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, wherein the release coating is bonded to the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0094] Embodiment 32. A vacuum bag comprising a multifunctional film comprising: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface oriented to face an interior cavity of the vacuum bag; and a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film; wherein the multifunctional film has a pressure drop of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability, and wherein the multifunctional membrane has a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours as measured using ASTM D882.

[0095] Embodiment 33. A vacuum bag comprising a multifunctional film comprising: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface oriented to face an inner cavity of the vacuum bag; and a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film; wherein the flexible barrier film has a pressure drop of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability, and wherein the multifunctional membrane has a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours as measured using ASTM D882.

[0096] Embodiment 34. A vacuum bag comprising a multifunctional film, the multifunctional film comprising: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface oriented to face the inner cavity of the vacuum bag; and a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film; wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof; and wherein the release coating comprises a silicone-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0097] Embodiment 35. The vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 33 and 34, wherein the multifunctional film has a pressure of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability.

[0098] Embodiment 36. The vacuum bag according to any one of embodiments 32 and 34, wherein the flexible barrier film has a pressure of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability.

[0099] Embodiment 37. A vacuum bag according to Embodiment 34, wherein the multifunctional film has a stability rating of not greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0100] Embodiment 38. The vacuum bag of any one of embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the release coating has a release force of not greater than about 100 g / inch, or not greater than about 95 g / inch, or not greater than about 90 g / inch, or not greater than about 85 g / inch, or not greater than about 80 g / inch, or not greater than about 75 g / inch, or not greater than about 70 g / inch, or not greater than about 65 g / inch, or not greater than about 60 g / inch, or not greater than about 55 g / inch, or not greater than about 50 g / inch, or not greater than about 45 g / inch, or not greater than about 40 g / inch.

[0101] Embodiment 39. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa.

[0102] Embodiment 40. A vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 32, 33 and 34, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa, or at least about 50 MPa, or at least about 100 MPa, or at least about 150 MPa, or at least about 200 MPa, or at least about 250 MPa, or at least about 300 MPa, or at least about 350 MPa, or at least about 400 MPa, or at least about 450 MPa, or at least about 500 MPa.

[0103] Embodiment 41. A vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 32, 33 and 34, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of not greater than about 10,000 MPa, or not greater than about 9,000 MPa, or not greater than about 8,000 MPa, or not greater than about 7,000 MPa, or not greater than about 6,000 MPa, or not greater than about 5,000 MPa, or not greater than about 4,000 MPa, or not greater than about 3,000 MPa, or not greater than about 2,000 MPa.

[0104] Embodiment 42. A vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 32, 33 and 34, wherein the multifunctional film comprises an elongation before break of at least about 1%, or at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 6%, or at least about 7%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 9%, or at least about 10%.

[0105] Embodiment 43. A vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 32, 33 and 34, wherein the multifunctional film comprises an elongation before break of not greater than about 2000%, or not greater than about 1500%, or not greater than about 1000%, or not greater than about 500%, or not greater than about 100%, or not greater than about 90%, or not greater than about 80%, or not greater than about 70%, or not greater than about 60%, or not greater than about 50%, or not greater than about 40%, or not greater than about 30%.

[0106] Embodiment 44. The vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 32 and 33, wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof.

[0107] Embodiment 45. A vacuum bag according to any one of embodiments 34 and 44, wherein the nylon resin grade material comprises nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,4, nylon 6,66, nylon MXD6, PAMACM12, PA6I, PA6I / 6T, or any combination thereof.

[0108] Embodiment 46. The vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 32 and 33, wherein the release coating comprises a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0109] Embodiment 47. The vacuum bag according to any one of Embodiments 34 and 46, wherein the release coating comprises a multifunctional acrylic-based UV-curable coating or a multifunctional acrylic-based thermally curable coating.

[0110] Embodiment 48. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a peel coating thickness ratio RC of not greater than about 16, or not greater than about 15, or not greater than about 14, or not greater than about 13, or not greater than about 12, or not greater than about 11, or not greater than about 10, or not greater than about 9, or not greater than about 8, or not greater than about 7, or not greater than about 6, or not greater than about 5, or not greater than about 4, or not greater than about 3, or not greater than about 2, or not greater than about 1.5, or not greater than about 1.1. T / FBF T , where RCT is the thickness of the peeled coating, and FBFT is the thickness of the flexible barrier film.

[0111] Embodiment 49. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a peel coating thickness ratio RC of at least about 0.00001, or at least about 0.00002, or at least about 0.00003, or at least about 0.00004, or at least about 0.00005, or at least about 0.00006, or at least about 0.00007, or at least about 0.00008, or at least about 0.00009, or at least about 0.0001, or at least about 0.00015, or at least about 0.0002. T / FBF T , where RCT is the thickness of the release coating and FBFT is the thickness of the flexible barrier film.

[0112] Embodiment 50. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thickness of at least about 0.2 mil, or at least about 0.3 mil, or at least about 0.4 mil, or at least about 0.5 mil, or at least about 0.6 mil, or at least about 0.7 mil, or at least about 0.8 mil, or at least about 0.9 mil, or at least about 1.0 mil.

[0113] Embodiment 51. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thickness of not greater than about 30 mils, or not greater than about 25 mils, or not greater than about 20 mils, or not greater than about 15 mils, or not greater than about 14 mils, or not greater than about 13 mils, or not greater than about 12 mils, or not greater than about 11 mils, or not greater than about 10 mils, or not greater than about 9 mils, or not greater than about 8 mils.

[0114] Embodiment 52. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the release coating has a thickness of at least about 0.01 micrometers, or at least about 0.02 micrometers, or at least about 0.03 micrometers, or at least about 0.04 micrometers, or at least about 0.05 micrometers, or at least about 0.06 micrometers, or at least about 0.07 micrometers, or at least about 0.08 micrometers, or at least about 0.09 micrometers, or at least about 0.1 micrometers.

[0115] Embodiment 53. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the release coating has a thickness of not greater than about 100 microns, or not greater than about 90 microns, or not greater than about 80 microns, or not greater than about 70 microns, or not greater than about 60 microns, or not greater than about 50 microns, or not greater than about 40 microns, or not greater than about 30 microns, or not greater than about 20 microns, or not greater than about 10 microns, or not greater than about 9 microns, or not greater than about 8 microns, or not greater than about 7 microns, or not greater than about 6 microns, or not greater than about 5 microns.

[0116] Embodiment 54. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the textured surface of the flexible barrier film comprises a repeating pattern of channels.

[0117] Embodiment 55. The vacuum bag of Embodiment 54, wherein the repeating pattern of channels is in the form of a cross-hatch pattern.

[0118] Embodiment 56. The vacuum bag of Embodiment 54, wherein the repeating pattern of channels has an isotropic orientation.

[0119] Embodiment 57. The vacuum bag of Embodiment 54, wherein the repeating pattern of channels has an anisotropic orientation.

[0120] Embodiment 58. A vacuum bag according to embodiment 54, wherein the channels have an average channel width AC of at least about 0.1 mm, or at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.9 mm, or at least about 1.0 mm, or at least about 1 mm (for our design), 0.1 mm (for all contemplated designs) W .

[0121] Embodiment 59. The vacuum bag of Embodiment 54, wherein the channel has an average channel width AC of not more than about 100 mm, or not more than about 90 mm, or not more than about 80 mm, or not more than about 70 mm, or not more than about 60 mm, or not more than about 50 mm, or not more than about 40 mm, or not more than about 30 mm, or not more than about 25 mm, or not more than about 20 mm, or not more than about 15 mm. W .

[0122] Embodiment 60. The vacuum bag of embodiment 54, wherein the channels have an average channel depth AC of at least about 1 micron, or at least about 1.1 microns, or at least about 1.2 microns, or at least about 1.3 microns. D .

[0123] Embodiment 61. The vacuum bag of embodiment 54, wherein the channels have an average channel depth AC of not greater than about 500 mils, or not greater than about 450 mils, or not greater than about 400 mils, or not greater than about 350 mils, or not greater than about 300 mils, or not greater than about 250 mils, or not greater than about 200 mils, or not greater than about 200 mils, or not greater than about 150 mils, or not greater than about 100 mils, or not greater than about 75 mils, or not greater than about 50 mils, or not greater than about 25 mils. D .

[0124] Embodiment 62. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the release coating directly contacts the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0125] Embodiment 63. The vacuum bag of any one of Embodiments 32, 33, and 34, wherein the release coating is bonded to the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0126] Embodiment 64. A method of forming a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, the method comprising: providing a flexible barrier film; embossing a textured surface onto a first side of the flexible barrier film; and coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating, wherein the multifunctional film has a release coating of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability, and wherein the multifunctional membrane has a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours as measured using ASTM D882.

[0127] Embodiment 65. A method of forming a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, the method comprising: providing a flexible barrier film; creating a textured surface on a first side of the flexible barrier film; and coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating, wherein the flexible barrier film has a release coating of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability, and wherein the multifunctional membrane has a stability rating of no greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours as measured using ASTM D882.

[0128] Embodiment 66. A method for forming a multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, the method comprising: providing a flexible barrier film; producing a textured surface on a first side of the flexible barrier film; and coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with a release coating, wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof; and wherein the release coating comprises a silicone-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0129] Embodiment 67. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein creating a textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film comprises embossing the textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film.

[0130] Embodiment 68. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein creating a textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film comprises hot embossing a textured surface on the first side of the flexible barrier film.

[0131] Embodiment 69. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein coating the textured surface of the flexible barrier film with the release coating comprises gravure coating (reverse or forward), slot die coating, roll coating (reverse or forward), spray coating, Meyer rod coating, or overflow coating.

[0132] Embodiment 70. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the method further comprises curing the coating on the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0133] Embodiment 71. The method of Embodiment 70, wherein curing the coating on the textured surface of the flexible barrier film is performed at a curing temperature of not greater than about 200°C, or not greater than about 190°C, or not greater than about 180°C.

[0134] Embodiment 72. A method according to embodiment 70, wherein curing the coating on the textured surface of the flexible barrier film is performed for a curing time of not more than about 24 hours, or not more than about 23 hours, or not more than about 22 hours, or not more than about 21 hours, or not more than about 20 hours, or not more than about 19 hours, or not more than about 18 hours, or not more than about 17 hours, or not more than about 16 hours, or not more than about 15 hours, or not more than about 14 hours, or not more than about 13 hours, or not more than about 12 hours.

[0135] Embodiment 73. The method according to any one of embodiments 65 and 66, wherein the multifunctional membrane has a flow rate of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2-day-atm), or not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability.

[0136] Embodiment 74. The method of any one of Embodiments 64 and 66, wherein the flexible barrier film has a flow rate of not greater than about 1100 cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 1000cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 900cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 800cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 700cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 600cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 500cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 400cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 300cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 200cc / (m 2 -day-atm), or not more than about 100cc / (m 2 -day-atm) oxygen (O2) permeability.

[0137] Embodiment 75. A method according to Embodiment 66, wherein the multifunctional film has a stability rating of not greater than about 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percentage reduction in elongation at break as measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

[0138] Embodiment 76. A method according to any one of Embodiments 64, 65 and 66, wherein the release coating has a release force of not greater than about 100 g / inch, or not greater than about 95 g / inch, or not greater than about 90 g / inch, or not greater than about 85 g / inch, or not greater than about 80 g / inch, or not greater than about 75 g / inch, or not greater than about 70 g / inch, or not greater than about 65 g / inch, or not greater than about 60 g / inch, or not greater than about 55 g / inch, or not greater than about 50 g / inch, or not greater than about 45 g / inch, or not greater than about 40 g / inch.

[0139] Embodiment 77. A method according to any one of Embodiments 64, 65 and 66, wherein the multifunctional membrane comprises a Young's modulus of at least about 10 MPa, or at least about 50 MPa, or at least about 100 MPa, or at least about 150 MPa, or at least about 200 MPa, or at least about 250 MPa, or at least about 300 MPa, or at least about 350 MPa, or at least about 400 MPa, or at least about 450 MPa, or at least about 500 MPa.

[0140] Embodiment 78. A method according to any one of Embodiments 64, 65 and 66, wherein the multifunctional membrane comprises a Young's modulus of not greater than about 10,000 MPa, or not greater than about 9,000 MPa, or not greater than about 8,000 MPa, or not greater than about 7,000 MPa, or not greater than about 6,000 MPa, or not greater than about 5,000 MPa, or not greater than about 4,000 MPa, or not greater than about 3,000 MPa, or not greater than about 2,000 MPa.

[0141] Embodiment 79. A method according to any one of embodiments 64, 65 and 66, wherein the multifunctional film comprises an elongation before break of at least about 1%, or at least about 2%, or at least about 3%, or at least about 4%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 6%, or at least about 7%, or at least about 8%, or at least about 9%, or at least about 10%.

[0142] Embodiment 80. A method according to any one of embodiments 64, 65 and 66, wherein the multifunctional film comprises an elongation before break of not more than about 2000%, or not more than about 1500%, or not more than about 1000%, or not more than about 500%, or not more than about 100%, or not more than about 90%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 70%, or not more than about 60%, or not more than about 50%, or not more than about 40%, or not more than about 30%.

[0143] Embodiment 81. The method of any one of Embodiments 64 and 65, wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof.

[0144] Embodiment 82. A method according to any one of embodiments 66 and 81, wherein the nylon resin grade material comprises nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,4, nylon 6,66, nylon MXD6, PAMACM12, PA6I, PA6I / 6T, or any combination thereof.

[0145] Embodiment 83. A method according to any one of Embodiments 64 and 65, wherein the release coating comprises a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof.

[0146] Embodiment 84. The method of any one of Embodiments 66 and 83, wherein the release coating comprises a multifunctional acrylic-based UV-curable coating or a multifunctional acrylic-based thermally curable coating.

[0147] Embodiment 85. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a peel coating thickness ratio RC of not greater than about 16, or not greater than about 15, or not greater than about 14, or not greater than about 13, or not greater than about 12, or not greater than about 11, or not greater than about 10, or not greater than about 9, or not greater than about 8, or not greater than about 7, or not greater than about 6, or not greater than about 5, or not greater than about 4, or not greater than about 3, or not greater than about 2, or not greater than about 1.5, or not greater than about 1.1. T / FBF T , where RCT is the thickness of the peeled coating, and FBF T is the thickness of the flexible barrier film.

[0148] Embodiment 86. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a release coating thickness ratio RC of at least about 0.00001, or at least about 0.00002, or at least about 0.00003, or at least about 0.00004, or at least about 0.00005, or at least about 0.00006, or at least about 0.00007, or at least about 0.00008, or at least about 0.00009, or at least about 0.0001, or at least about 0.00015, or at least about 0.0002. T / FBF T , where RCT is the thickness of the release coating and FBFT is the thickness of the flexible barrier film.

[0149] Embodiment 87. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thickness of at least about 0.2 mil, or at least about 0.3 mil, or at least about 0.4 mil, or at least about 0.5 mil, or at least about 0.6 mil, or at least about 0.7 mil, or at least about 0.8 mil, or at least about 0.9 mil, or at least about 1.0 mil.

[0150] Embodiment 88. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thickness of not greater than about 30 mils, or not greater than about 25 mils, or not greater than about 20 mils, or not greater than about 15 mils, or not greater than about 14 mils, or not greater than about 13 mils, or not greater than about 12 mils, or not greater than about 11 mils, or not greater than about 10 mils, or not greater than about 9 mils, or not greater than about 8 mils.

[0151] Embodiment 89. A method according to any one of Embodiments 64, 65 and 66, wherein the release coating has a thickness of at least about 0.01 microns, or at least about 0.02 microns, or at least about 0.03 microns, or at least about 0.04 microns, or at least about 0.05 microns, or at least about 0.06 microns, or at least about 0.07 microns, or at least about 0.08 microns, or at least about 0.09 microns, or at least about 0.1 microns.

[0152] Embodiment 90. A method according to any one of Embodiments 64, 65 and 66, wherein the release coating has a thickness of not greater than about 100 microns, or not greater than about 90 microns, or not greater than about 80 microns, or not greater than about 70 microns, or not greater than about 60 microns, or not greater than about 50 microns, or not greater than about 40 microns, or not greater than about 30 microns, or not greater than about 20 microns, or not greater than about 10 microns, or not greater than about 9 microns, or not greater than about 8 microns, or not greater than about 7 microns, or not greater than about 6 microns, or not greater than about 5 microns.

[0153] Embodiment 91. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the textured surface of the flexible barrier film comprises a repeating pattern of channels.

[0154] Embodiment 92. A method according to embodiment 91, wherein the repeating pattern of channels is in the form of a cross-hatched pattern.

[0155] Embodiment 93. A method according to Embodiment 91, wherein the repeating pattern of channels has an isotropic orientation.

[0156] Embodiment 94. A method according to Embodiment 91, wherein the repeating pattern of channels has an anisotropic orientation.

[0157] Embodiment 95. A method according to embodiment 91, wherein the channel has an average channel width AC of at least about 0.1 mm, or at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.9 mm, or at least about 1.0 mm, or at least about 1 mm (for our design), 0.1 mm (for all contemplated designs) W .

[0158] Embodiment 96. A method according to embodiment 91, wherein the channel has an average channel width AC of no greater than about 100 mm, or no greater than about 90 mm, or no greater than about 80 mm, or no greater than about 70 mm, or no greater than about 60 mm, or no greater than about 50 mm, or no greater than about 40 mm, or no greater than about 30 mm, or no greater than about 25 mm, or no greater than about 20 mm, or no greater than about 15 mm. W .

[0159] Embodiment 97. A method according to embodiment 91, wherein the channel has an average channel depth AC of at least about 1 micron, or at least about 1.1 microns, or at least about 1.2 microns, or at least about 1.3 microns. D .

[0160] Embodiment 98. The method of embodiment 91, wherein the channel has an average channel depth AC of no greater than about 500 mils, or no greater than about 450 mils, or no greater than about 400 mils, or no greater than about 350 mils, or no greater than about 300 mils, or no greater than about 250 mils, or no greater than about 200 mils, or no greater than about 200 mils, or no greater than about 150 mils, or no greater than about 100 mils, or no greater than about 75 mils, or no greater than about 50 mils, or no greater than about 25 mils. D .

[0161] Embodiment 99. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the release coating directly contacts the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0162] Embodiment 100. The method of any one of Embodiments 64, 65, and 66, wherein the release coating is bonded to the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

[0163] Note that not all activities described above in the general description or examples are required, a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and one or more additional activities may be performed in addition to those described. Further, the order in which the activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which the activities are performed.

[0164] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any features that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more significant should not be construed as key, required, or essential features of any or all claims.

[0165] The description and illustration of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. Description and illustration are not intended to be used as a detailed and comprehensive description of all elements and features of the device and system using the structure or method described herein. Individual embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and on the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided individually or in any sub-combination. In addition, reference to the values ​​described in the range includes each value within the range. Only after reading this specification, many other embodiments may be apparent to the technician. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the present disclosure, so that structural substitution, logical substitution or another change may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should be considered illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, wherein the multifunctional film comprises: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface; as well as a release coating overlying the textured surface of the flexible barrier film; The multifunctional membrane has a thickness of not more than 1100 cc / m 2 - oxygen (O2) permeability in days-atm, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of at least 10 MPa and no greater than 10,000 MPa, wherein the textured surface of the flexible barrier film comprises a repeating pattern of channels, wherein the channels have an average channel width AC of at least 0.1 mm and no greater than 100 mm W ,and wherein the multifunctional film has a stability rating of no greater than 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percent reduction in elongation at break measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

2. A multifunctional film for a vacuum bag, wherein the multifunctional film comprises: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface; as well as a release coating covering the textured surface of the flexible barrier film, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of at least 10 MPa and no greater than 10,000 MPa, wherein the textured surface of the flexible barrier film comprises a repeating pattern of channels, wherein the channels have an average channel width AC of at least 0.1 mm and no greater than 100 mm W , wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof; and The release coating comprises a silicone-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material or a combination thereof.

3. The multifunctional film according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the flexible barrier film has a thermal conductivity of not greater than 1100 cc / m 2 -day-atm oxygen (O2) permeability.

4. The multifunctional film according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the release coating has a release force of no greater than 100 g / inch.

5. The multifunctional film according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of at least 500 MPa and no greater than 2000 MPa.

6. The multifunctional film according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the multifunctional film comprises an elongation before break of at least 1% and no greater than 2000%.

7. The multifunctional film of claim 1, wherein the flexible barrier film comprises a nylon resin grade material, a fluoropolymer material, a polyethylene material, a polypropylene material, a polyolefin material, or any combination thereof.

8. The multifunctional film of claim 1, wherein the release coating comprises a silicon-based material, a fluoropolymer-based material, an acrylic-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyurethane-acrylate-based material, or a combination thereof. 9 . The multifunctional film according to claim 2 , wherein the release coating comprises a multifunctional acrylic-based UV-curable coating or a multifunctional acrylic-based heat-curable coating.

10. The multifunctional film according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the multifunctional film comprises a release coating thickness ratio RC of no greater than 16. T / FBF T , where RCT is the thickness of the release coating, and FBF T is the thickness of the flexible barrier film.

11. The multifunctional film of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the textured surface of the flexible barrier film comprises a repeating pattern of channels.

12. The multifunctional membrane according to claim 11, wherein the channels have an average channel width AC of at least 0.1 mm and not more than 100 mm. W .

13. The multifunctional membrane of claim 11, wherein the channels have an average channel depth AC of at least 1 micron and no greater than 500 mils. D .

14. The multifunctional film of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the release coating directly contacts the textured surface of the flexible barrier film.

15. A vacuum bag, comprising a multifunctional film, wherein the multifunctional film comprises: a flexible barrier film comprising a textured surface oriented to face the interior cavity of the vacuum bag; as well as a release coating overlying the textured surface of the flexible barrier film; wherein the multifunctional film comprises a Young's modulus of at least 10 MPa and no greater than 10,000 MPa, wherein the textured surface of the flexible barrier film comprises a repeating pattern of channels, wherein the channels have an average channel width AC of at least 0.1 mm and no greater than 100 mm W , The multifunctional membrane has a thickness of not more than 1100 cc / m 2 - oxygen (O2) permeability at -day-atm, and wherein the multifunctional film has a stability rating of no greater than 90%, wherein the stability rating is defined as the maximum percent reduction in elongation at break measured using ASTM D882 after exposure to a temperature of 200°C for 12 hours.

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