Multilayer Polymeric Film Adhesive-Free Lamination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multilayer optical film stacks face challenges in achieving strong bonding without adhesives, which can lead to delamination, air bubbles, and decreased light transmission due to the need for high temperatures that affect optical properties, and the use of adhesives can compromise optical performance.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer polymeric film comprising a top layer of poly(methyl methacrylate), a bottom layer with a glass transition temperature less than or equal to 140°C, and an inner layer of polycarbonate, where the bottom layer's surface roughness is less than 0.75 micrometers, allowing direct lamination to another film without an adhesive layer, maintaining optical properties and mechanical integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive layers are used to bond multilayer films, then bonding strength is improved, but optical performance deteriorates due to light loss and the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidlight loss
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive layer from the multilayer film structure. By providing a bottom layer with specific properties (glass transition temperature ≤140°C and controlled surface roughness), the patent enables direct thermal bonding between layers without requiring any adhesive material, thereby removing the source of light loss and simplifying the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom layer is designed to perform the bonding function itself through its inherent thermal and surface properties. The controlled surface roughness and glass transition temperature enable the bottom layer to bond directly to other films through heat and pressure without external adhesive assistance, making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If high temperatures are used for lamination, then bonding strength is improved, but optical properties deteriorate due to heat damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidoptical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the thermal parameter (glass transition temperature) of the bottom layer to be ≤140°C, which is lower than conventional polymer films. This parameter change allows bonding to occur at reduced temperatures that do not damage optical properties, while still providing sufficient thermal energy for effective bonding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If surface roughness is increased to improve bonding, then bonding strength is improved, but light transmission deteriorates due to scattering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by providing different surface roughness characteristics for different layers. The bottom layer has controlled low surface roughness (Rz ≤0.75 μm) optimized for light transmission, while the top layer can have higher roughness optimized for bonding, allowing each layer to perform its specific function optimally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution enables enhanced lamination performance with improved bonding strength and optical clarity, reducing the risk of delamination and air bubbles, while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs by eliminating the need for adhesives.

Implementation Method 1

a glass transition temperature of the bottom layer composition is less than or equal to 140°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition:

Data Source

PatentEP3635451B1Multilayer polymeric films and methods of making thereof
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES BV
  • EP3635451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3635451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3635451B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A multilayer polymeric film includes a top layer comprising poly(methyl methacrylate); a bottom layer comprising a bottom layer composition comprising poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, copolymers thereof, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, wherein a glass transition temperature of the bottom layer composition is less than or equal to 140°C; and an inner layer disposed between an inside surface of the top layer and an inside surface of the bottom layer, wherein the inner layer comprises polycarbonate.