Abstract: The present application is directed to adhesive articles and release liners. Namely, the present application is directed to an article comprising an adhesive layer with a structured surface. The structured surface comprises a first groove and a second groove recessed into the adhesive layer from a reference plane defined by the adhesive surface on either rim of the groove. In some embodiments, the second groove is contained within the first groove, and in other embodiments the grooves are separate. The first groove and the second groove have walls. The wall angle of the first groove with respect to the reference plane is non-zero and is smaller than the wall angle of the second groove with respect to the reference plane. The application is also directed to release liners for the adhesive article, wherein the surface of the release liner is the inverse of the adhesive surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a structured release liner. The method includes providing a base; providing a ridge-forming material; coating the ridge-forming material on the base; forming the ridge-forming material into at least one ridge using a coating bar having a profile; and solidifying the ridge-forming material. Coating the ridge-forming material on the base and forming the ridge-forming material into the at least one ridge using a coating bar may be carried out simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a structured release liner. The method includes providing an extrudable material; extruding the extrudable material through a die having a profile thereby forming a base and at least one rail. The rail has a height over the base of less than 100 micrometers. In other embodiments, a first and second extrudable material are provided and are extruded through the die to create a first layer and a second layer. The structured release liner may also be formed by extruding onto an existing substrate. Also disclosed herein is a method of forming a laminate construction comprising an adhesive layer and a backing.

Abstract: A method of making an image transfer film article and a method of protecting graphic substrates are disclosed. One method of making an image transfer film article includes printing an image onto a transparent thermoplastic protective layer, where the image is formed by an ink-jet printer and an organic solvent-based ink including an organic solvent, a thermoplastic material, and a pigment; and then drying off at least a portion of the organic solvent to form the image transfer film article.

Abstract: Methods of adhering graphic film on an irregular substrate are disclosed. The methods includes providing a polymer film composite having two or more layers with at least one layer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 40° C., the polymer film composite having a first side and a second side, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second side. Then the method includes, positioning the adhesive layer against the irregular substrate, heating the polymer film composite, and pressing the heated polymer film against the irregular substrate.

Abstract: Methods of applying film to substrates are provided wherein the film matingly conforms to the configuration of the substrate, including areas adjacent protrusions or depressions in the substrate. In certain embodiments, the film is punctured by a probe and a vacuum is applied to the probe in order to aspirate air and urge the film toward a position of compliance with the substrate. Optionally, the film is softened by heat in order to facilitate conformance with the shape of the substrate.

Abstract: Adhesives having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of adhesive. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of adhesive and a supporting substrate, the topography of the adhesive surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated adhesive surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microeombossed patterns produce microreplicated adhesive surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved adhesive properties.

Abstract: Films are closely conformed to substrates by reducing the air pressure to a subatmospheric level in at least one airflow pathway that is present in the film or the substrate. The reduced air pressure enables the film to tightly contact the substrate in locations where protrusions or depressions on the substrate are present. The method is particularly useful for conforming film containing graphics to a variety of substrates such as the sides of semi-trailers or concrete block walls, even in instances where the semi-trailer sides include rivets and/or grooves and where the concrete block wall is relatively rough.

Abstract: A method for coating includes applying an adhesive to a surface, wherein the surface comprises an arrangement of structures thereon, wherein the structures extend upward from a plane of the surface and have at least one sidewall that makes an angle with respect to the plane of the surface of greater than 0° and less than 90° selected to reduce air bubble formation for a coating solution of a selected rheology.

Abstract: A release liner with a surface including an array of pyramidal depressions thereon, wherein the depressions are capable of adhering to a handling tape at rate of greater than about 10 g per 2 inch width, as measured by a Handling Tape to Liner Peel Adhesion Test.

Abstract: Films are closely conformed to substrates by reducing the air pressure to a subatmospheric level in at least one airflow pathway that is present in the film or the substrate. The reduced air pressure enables the film to tightly contact the substrate in locations where protrusions or depressions on the substrate are present. The method is particularly useful for conforming film containing graphics to a variety of substrates such as the sides of semi-trailers or concrete block walls, even in instances where the semi-trailer sides include rivets and/or grooves and where the concrete block wall is relatively rough.

Abstract: Adhesives having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of adhesive. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of adhesive and a supporting substrate, the topography of the adhesive surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated adhesive surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microeombossed patterns produce microreplicated adhesive surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved adhesive properties.

Abstract: Methods of applying film to substrates are provided wherein the film matingly conforms to the configuration of the substrate, including areas adjacent protrusions or depressions in the substrate. In certain embodiments, the film is punctured by a probe and a vacuum is applied to the probe in order to aspirate air and urge the film toward a position of compliance with the substrate. Optionally, the film is softened by heat in order to facilitate conformance with the shape of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for coating includes applying an adhesive to a surface, wherein the surface comprises an arrangement of structures thereon, wherein the structures extend upward from a plane of the surface and have at least one sidewall that makes an angle with respect to the plane of the surface of greater than 0° and less than 90° selected to reduce air bubble formation for a coating solution of a selected rheology.

Abstract: Adhesives having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of adhesive. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of adhesive and a supporting substrate, the topography of the adhesive surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated adhesive surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microembossed patterns produce microreplicated adhesive surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved adhesive properties.

Abstract: A method for coating includes applying an adhesive to a surface, wherein the surface comprises an arrangement of structures thereon, wherein the structures extend upward from a plane of the surface and have at least one sidewall that makes an angle with respect to the plane of the surface of greater than 0° and less than 90° selected to reduce air bubble formation for a coating solution of a selected rheology.

Abstract: A release liner with a surface including an array of pyramidal depressions thereon, wherein the depressions are capable of adhering to a handling tape at rate of greater than about 10 g per 2 inch width, as measured by a Handling Tape to Liner Peel Adhesion Test.

Abstract: Films having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of film. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of film and a supporting substrate, the topography of the film surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated film surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microembossed patterns produce microreplicated film surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved film properties.

Abstract: Films having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of film. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of film and a supporting substrate, the topography of the film surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated film surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microembossed patterns produce microreplicated film surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved film properties.

Abstract: Films having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of film. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of film and a supporting substrate, the topography of the film surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated film surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microembossed patterns produce microreplicated film surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved film properties.