Polymeric Shell Adhesion via Non-Tacky Thermoplastic Liner Bond
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric shells with supported liners face issues such as inadequate chemical resistance due to 'strike-through' and non-uniform thickness, leading to compromised barrier integrity and comfort, with existing adhesives being soft, tacky, and lacking strength.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the polymeric shell and the liner, melted and solidified to create a strong, non-tacky bond, using a skeletal support and infrared radiation to ensure intimate contact and bonding, while the liner provides stretch resistance and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a liner is coated with latex composition to form a supported polymeric shell, then protection and durability are improved, but strike-through occurs causing non-uniform thickness and compromised chemical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is pre-coated with a coagulant layer before latex application. This preliminary coagulant coating acts as a barrier that prevents the latex from penetrating into the liner's knit structure, eliminating strike-through while allowing the latex to form a uniform, continuous shell that maintains chemical resistance and protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the aqueous latex emulsion viscosity is increased to prevent penetration into the liner, then strike-through is reduced, but the latex coverage over the liner becomes inadequate creating holes
Solution Approach 1:
A coagulant coating is applied to the liner as an intermediary layer between the liner and the latex emulsion. This intermediary coagulant layer serves dual functions: it blocks latex penetration into the liner (preventing strike-through) while allowing the latex to properly coat and adhere to the liner surface, forming a continuous, hole-free shell with adequate coverage and chemical resistance.
3Strength
If existing adhesives are used to bond the liner to the polymeric shell, then the liner is attached, but the adhesives are soft, tacky, and lack strength compromising the bond
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive properties are modified by changing the polymer composition and curing mechanism. The adhesive uses a two-component system with isocyanate and hydroxyl groups that forms a cross-linked polyurethane network upon reaction. This transformation changes the adhesive from a soft, tacky state to a strong, non-tacky cured bond that provides superior strength while eliminating unwanted tackiness.
4Ease of operation
If the polymeric shell is allowed to stretch freely, then flexibility is improved, but the shell delaminates from the liner reducing physical integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's mechanical properties are changed through cross-linking to achieve optimal balance. The cured adhesive formulation provides sufficient elasticity to accommodate shell movement and stretching while maintaining strong bond strength. This prevents delamination during flexing and stretching, preserving both flexibility and physical integrity of the supported shell structure.
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 solution results in a defect-free, chemically resistant polymeric shell with improved comfort and moisture management, preventing delamination and ensuring the physical integrity of the shell, with enhanced peel strength and resistance to stretching.
Implementation Method 1
melted and solidified to create a strong, non-tacky bond
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the shell to infrared radiation, thereby melting the adhesive layer and creating a bond
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the shell with the adhesive layer and the dressed liner to infrared radiation, thereby melting the adhesive layer
Implementation Method 4
a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer placed between the at least one shell and the at least one liner
Data Source
AI summary
An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjecting the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner to infrared radiation to melt the adhesive layer and create a bond between the shell and the liner, and cooling the shell; as well as other methods.