Perfluorinated Silicone Release Layer for E-Beam Crosslinking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of electron beam radiation to crosslink double-sided adhesive tapes can alter the release properties of silicone release layers, leading to unpredictable adhesion and 'liner confusion' or 'liner blocking' issues, necessitating the replacement of temporary liners, which increases complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a compound with a specific silicone release layer formulation, including a perfluorinated group, in the second silicone release layer to maintain stable release properties during electron beam exposure, allowing for crosslinking without the need for a temporary liner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If electron beam radiation is used to crosslink the adhesive layer, then crosslinking effectiveness is improved, but the release properties of the silicone release layer are altered in a deleterious fashion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosslinking effectivenessVSAvoidrelease properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A temporary release liner is introduced as an intermediary layer between the adhesive layer and the silicone release layer during electron beam crosslinking. This temporary liner absorbs the harmful effects of E-Beam radiation on the silicone release layer's release properties, allowing the adhesive to be crosslinked effectively while protecting the release layer from degradation. After crosslinking, the temporary liner is removed, leaving the silicone release layer with its release properties intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the exposed surface of the silicone release layer is exposed to E-Beam radiation before winding into a roll, then crosslinking can be performed, but the adhesive bond between the adhesive layer and the release layer increases over time leading to liner confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive bond strengthVSAvoidliner differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The temporary release liner serves as a mediator that prevents direct interaction between the E-Beam radiation and the silicone release layer. By placing the temporary liner between the radiation source and the silicone release layer during crosslinking, the silicone layer is protected from radiation-induced changes in adhesion. This maintains the intended adhesion differential between the two sides of the adhesive tape, preventing liner confusion during storage and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a temporary release liner is used and replaced after crosslinking, then release properties are maintained, but process complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease propertiesVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temporary release liner is used as a process intermediary that is applied to the silicone release layer before crosslinking and removed afterward. This approach maintains the release properties of the silicone layer by shielding it from E-Beam radiation damage, while the additional steps of application and removal are manageable process additions that ensure product quality without requiring fundamental process redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach stabilizes the release properties of the silicone release layers, preventing liner confusion and blocking, and allows for efficient production of double-sided adhesive tapes without the need for additional liners, thereby simplifying the process and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

E-Beam radiation is advantageous as a method of crosslinking because it is effective to crosslink adhesive polymers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron beam radiation: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

the adhesive composition is often then crosslinked (e.g., chemically, by visible or ultraviolet light, or by electron beam radiation)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

a second silicone release layer is coated on a second major surface of the backing opposite the first major surface, wherein the second silicone release layer comprises a compound represented by formula (I) wherein Rf represents a perfluorinated group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPerfluorinated group: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Data Source

PatentUS10731054B2Compound, adhesive article, and methods of making the same
Publication Date: 2020.08.04 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • US10731054B2 patent drawing
  • US10731054B2 patent drawing
  • US10731054B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of making an adhesive article comprises three steps. First, a backing is provided having first and second opposed major surfaces with respective first and second silicone release layers disposed thereon. The second silicone release layer further comprises a compound represented by the formula: R1 represents a divalent hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms or covalent bond. R2 represents a monovalent or divalent poly(dimethylsiloxane) moiety. X represents —NH— or a covalent bond. Rf represents a perfluorinated group having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms. y is 1 or 2. Second, an adhesive layer is disposed onto the first silicone release layer. Third, the adhesive layer is exposed to E-beam radiation within a process chamber containing oxygen to provide a crosslinked adhesive layer. An adhesive article made by the method and the compound are also disclosed.