Crosslinked Primer for Flexographic Plate Tape Adhesion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexographic plate mounting tapes experience adhesive nib formation during washing, which compromises print quality, and existing primers require immediate application of pressure sensitive adhesive for adequate adhesion.
Innovation Solution
A crosslinked polymer primer layer, formed from an amine-functional base polymer and a polyaziridine crosslinker, is used to enhance adhesion between the pressure sensitive adhesive and substrate, allowing for reduced adhesive nib formation and improved rub resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional primer is used for bonding pressure sensitive adhesive to substrate, then adhesion is achieved, but adhesive nib formation occurs during washing which compromises print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the primer by incorporating specific polymers with nitrogen content greater than 6 wt% and oxygen-to-nitrogen ratio less than 3.0, along with controlled amounts of acidic polar monomer units (0.1-10.0 wt%), to reduce adhesive nib formation while maintaining adhesion quality
Solution Approach 2:
The primer is formulated as a composite material containing multiple components: base polymer, acidic polar monomer units, crosslinking agent, and optional inorganic filler, where each component contributes specific properties that collectively reduce adhesive nib formation while maintaining strong adhesion
2Reliability
If a conventional primer is used, then adhesion is achieved, but pressure sensitive adhesive must be applied immediately which reduces manufacturing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The primer is applied and allowed to cure or dry completely before the pressure sensitive adhesive is applied. This preliminary action creates a stable, prepared surface that maintains its adhesive properties over time, allowing the primed substrate to be stored and used at a later date without compromising adhesion quality
3Reliability
If existing primer formulations are used, then adhesion is achieved, but rub resistance is insufficient leading to adhesive nib formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the chemical composition parameters including nitrogen content (>6 wt%), oxygen-to-nitrogen ratio (<3.0), and acidic polar monomer content (0.1-10.0 wt%) to enhance the primer's rub resistance properties, preventing adhesive nib formation during washing operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The primer layer reduces adhesive nib formation during plate washing and improves rub resistance, ensuring better print quality and flexibility in manufacturing by allowing storage of primed carriers without immediate adhesive application.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinked polymer which is the reaction product of an amine-functional base polymer and a polyaziridine crosslinker
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Primer layers for adhesion of a pressure sensitive adhesive material to a substrate are provided. The primer layer comprises a crosslinked polymer. In some embodiments, the primer layer has an atomic nitrogen content of greater than 6 wt%, and in some a ratio of atomic weight percent of oxygen to nitrogen of less than 3.0. In some embodiments the crosslinked polymer is the reaction product of an amine-functional base polymer such as a polyethylenimine (PEI) and a crosslinker, which may be a polyaziridine crosslinker. Also provided are two-layer constructions comprising the primer layer and a substrate layer; and tapes, such as flexographic plate mounting tapes, comprising the two-layer construction and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.