Hand-tearable Masking Tape with Silicone Backsize and Microstructured Pattern

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional masking tapes face challenges in providing a hand-tearable and paint-anchoring solution that can be easily unwound and applied to non-linear surfaces without leaving residue, while maintaining adhesion and handling properties.

Innovation Solution

A hand-tearable masking tape with a polyolefinic backing featuring a microstructured hand-tear pattern on one side and a low adhesion backsize comprising a reaction product of mercapto-functional silicone macromers on the other, allowing for easy unwinding and application, while anchoring paint effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional masking tape uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one surface, then it can provide adhesion to surfaces, but it cannot provide hand-tearability and easy unwinding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand-tearabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tape is divided into distinct functional segments: a low adhesion backsize layer for easy unwinding and hand-tearing, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for surface attachment. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The low adhesion backsize acts as an intermediary layer between the adhesive layer and the user's hand. It provides a release surface that enables easy unwinding and hand-tearing while the adhesive layer maintains its bonding function to the masked surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the masking tape uses a low adhesion backsize, then it can be easily unwound and hand-torn, but it may not provide sufficient paint anchorage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunwinding easeVSAvoidpaint anchorage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different surfaces of the tape are given different local qualities: the backsize surface has low adhesion properties for easy release, while the adhesive surface has high adhesion properties for secure bonding to both the substrate and paint. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between easy unwinding and paint anchorage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the masking tape is applied to non-linear surfaces, then it can conform to complex shapes, but it may slide or curl away from the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface conformityVSAvoidadhesion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tape exhibits dynamic behavior where the low adhesion backsize allows the tape to be easily positioned and conform to non-linear surfaces through hand-tearing and manipulation, while the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provides stable adhesion once applied. This dynamic characteristic enables both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the masking tape uses a microstructured hand-tear pattern, then it can be easily torn by hand, but it may create irregular tear edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand-tearabilityVSAvoidtear edge uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hand-tear pattern is segmented into multiple lines of weakness distributed across the tape width. This segmentation guides the tear propagation through predetermined paths, enabling easy hand-tearing while maintaining relatively uniform tear edges through controlled pattern design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 tape enables easy hand-tearing, effective paint anchorage, and resistance to slivering, with enhanced handling and adhesion properties, even after stretching, making it suitable for masking non-linear surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the low adhesion backsize comprising the reaction product, with one or more (meth)acrylic monomers and/or oligomers and/or vinyl monomers and/or oligomers, of a mercapto-functional silicone macromer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed on the second major side of the backing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

the second major side of the backing comprises a microstructured hand-tear pattern comprising a multiplicity of lines of weakness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS9796885B2Hand-tearable masking tape with silicone-containing low adhesion backsize

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A hand-tearable masking tape, comprising a plastic backing with a low adhesion backsize on the first major side of the backing and a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the second major side of the backing; wherein the second major side of the backing comprises a microstructured hand-tear pattern and wherein the low adhesion backsize comprises the reaction product of a mercapto-functional silicone macromer.