Abstract: An article having a refastenable tape system comprising a flexible substrate having a tear strength, and an adhesive tape member having a peel adhesion value which is greater than the tear strength of the substrate when the tape member is adhered to a first major surface of the substrate. A reinforcement layer composed of a hot melt adhesive is bonded to a second major surface of the substrate located opposite to the first major surface. The reinforcement layer exhibits an elongation-at-break of at least about 100%. The substrate and the reinforcement layer thereby provide a composite tear strength greater than the peel adhesion value of the tape member, and provide a composite elongation-at-break of at least about 100%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reinforcing a substrate, which includes the step of coating at least a portion of the surface of the substrate with a layer of material that is curable by a high-energy-radiation. The coating material is cured with a suitable source of the high-energy-radiation to form a reinforcement layer affixed to the substrate. The reinforced substrate is particularly useful in the attachment zone of a refastenable, pressure-sensitive tape closure systems.