AU744231B2

AU744231B2 - Pressure sensitive adhesive

Info

Publication number: AU744231B2
Application number: AU57084/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Horst Honig; Karl W. Kreckel
Original assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: 3M Co
Priority date: 1995-04-03
Filing date: 1999-10-28
Publication date: 2002-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-20
Also published as: AU5708499A

Description

Our Ref: 750276 P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company 3M Center PO Box 33427 Saint Paul Minnesota 55133-3427 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Pressure sensitive adhesive The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5020 r PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE Field of the invention The present invention relates to a removable and/or reactivatable transparent pressure sensitive adhesive obtainable by polymerizing an alkyl acrylate based precursor comprising a filler component. The invention further relates to unsupported films and to supported films comprising said pressure sensitive adhesive arranged on a flexible or stiff backing or carrier film.

Background of the invention Removable pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) which predictably adhere, yet remain repeatedly peelable from a variety of smooth substrates such as glass, metal, wood, paper with matte or glossy finish surfaces or polymer substrates over a long period of time without damaging the substrate or leaving any adhesive residue or stain on the surface, are described in the literature. They are often provided as a sheet material which may be unsupported or supported by a flexible backing such as, for example, a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate film or by a stiff backing such as, for example, a polyurethane foam laminated with paper sheets.

S. Ideally, depending on the substrate, the removable PSA must provide a quick initial adhesion (sufficient initial tack or quick stick) to quickly fix the adhesive to the desired substrate. On the other hand, the PSA should exhibit only a low and at any rate acceptable adhesion build-up with time, even at elevated temperatures, to ensure clean peelability after a prolonged dwell.

The PSA should furthermore be characterized by an adequate peel strength to give a reliable, high performance adhesion to the substrate without damaging the substrate when removing the adhesive.

-1i Another requirement is a sufficient cohesive and tensile strength and hence form and dimensional stability of the PSA sheet to allow proper handling and, in particular, the reapplication of the PSA to substrate after having peeled it off once or several times. The cohesive strength must be adjustable to the thickness of the adhesive layer and should typically be higher the thicker the adhesive layer. A sufficient cohesive strength is also required in order to limit the cold flow of the adhesive on a surface, a process which leads to an undesirable build-up of peel strength over time.

The static shear stregth should be high enough to allow light-duty mounting applications without being too high to result in permanent adhesion.

The PSA should fithemore exhibit a high resistivity against water in order to allow outdoor application. Furtthermore, a high resistance against organic solvents is desirable.

The PSA should futhermore be r tiv insensitive against contamination with, for example, dust, dirt or sweat, to ensure a sufficient number of cycles of removing and reapplication, and/or the PSA should be reactivatable or cleanable to increase the reusability and to ensure proper performance of the PSA during its lifetime.

Another requirement is that the PSA should be transparent for visible light in order to allow, for example, an essentially invisible mounting of objects on transparent substrates such as glass or transparent polymers.

Balancing these desirable properties In a removable PSA poses difficulties to the formulator, and the removable PSA materials described in the state of the art do not meet the profile of properties specified above to an adequate or desirable extent.

US 4,599,265 (Esmay) describes a removable PSA in which the monomer component is based on alkyl acrylates and can contain up to 3 mole/o of strongly polar copolymerizable monomers and up to 15 mole% of moderately polar copolymerizable monomers. The desired 1800 peel properties from glass are adjusted by adding a crosslinker component to the precursor of the PSA. The PSA material described by Esmay exhibits rather low values of the shear strength and tensile strength which do not meet all practical requirements. It is furthermore often characterized by a rather high solubility for organic solvents. The PSA material by Esmay furthermore exhibits some drawbacks with respect to its mechanical handleability and t is, for example, often difficult to diecut or to slit.

US 4,710,536 (Klingen et al.) describes a PSA, the precursor of which mainly relies on alkyl acrylates and additionally contains polar comonomers like, for example, acrylic acid in a concentration of typically 10%. The precursor of the PSA further contains hydrophobic silica as a filler in an amount by weight of 2-15 phr. Tapes comprising the PSA by Klingen are, however, only initially removable, "but within a few days they normally cannot be removed" (see col.4, Ins. 43-50). The PSA by Klingen is furthermore characterized by a relatively poor reactivatability.

DE 42 14 507 (Kreckel et al.) describes pressure sensitive adhesives, the precursor of which mainly relies on alkyl acrylates. The precursor additionally contains a filler component comprising a naturally occurring polysaccharide such as cellulose powder or cotton fibres. The PSA material by Kreckel is, however, white-opaque and is thus less attractive from an aesthetic point of view. Its reactivatability furthermore does not meet all practical requirements.

WO 93/3,148 (Everaerts et al.) describes a removable, low melt viscosity acrylic PSA, the precursor of which comprises a lower alkyl and a higher alkyl acrylate component, a polar comonomer component and a crosslinker component. The PSA by Everaerts is, however, characterized by a relatively poor reactivatability.

The removable PSA materials described in the state of the art, thus do not meet the profile of properties mentioned above to a sufficient and/or practically desirable degree. Therefore there currently exists a need for removable PSA materials which -3ly"i Cirr~Tq~ir~ display a superior balance of tack, peel strength, cohesive strength, shear strength, resistance against water and organic solvents, reactivatability and optical transparency.

There was therefore a need for providing a removable PSA material which meets the above -mentioned desirable profile of properties to a practically relevant decree and/or to a higher degree than removable PSA materials described in the state of the Summa of the Invention The present invention relates to a removable and/or reactivatable PSA which is obtainable by polymerizing a precursor which contains one or more alkyl acrylates, the alkyl groups of which have an average of 4-14 C atoms, and which is essentially free from strongly polar comonomers, said precursor further comprising at least about 2 phr ofhydrophobic silica, one or more polyerization initiators and one or e *.osslinki 15 dinit r ad o more rssinking compounds in a concentration resulting in a crosslinking density Swhich is obtainable by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate as a reference crosslinker in a concentration of0.15 phr or more. The term phr or pph means parts per hundred resin and gives the mass ratio of, for example, the crosslinking component (or of another component) with respect to the mass of the polymerizable monomer component.

The present invention furthermore refers to unsupported or supported films which comprise the pressure sensitive adhesive according to the present invention.

Supported films comprise a backing bearing at least one exposed adhesive layer on one side of the backing or at least one exposed adhesive layer on each of the two opposite sides of the backing, thus forming a single-coated or a double-coated film, the adhesive layer in the single-coated film and at least one of the adhesive layers in the double-coated film being a pressure sensitive adhesive according to the present invention.p -4-

-~I

1~ ;x s u The invention finrthermore refers to a double-coated filmn comprising a backing bearing at least one exposed adhesive layer on each of the opposite sides of a backing with at least one of the adhesive layers being a reactivatable and removable pressure sensitive adhesive which exhibits a value of 900 peel adhesion of the unotamiate virgin pressure sensitive adhesive layer on stainless steel after a dwell. time of 20 minutes at room temperature of between 3 N/1.27 cm and N/1.27 cm.

The PSA materials and the films according to the present invention exhibit advantageous properties and they are highly suitable for a great variety of applications such as, for example, as reactivatajble mounting devices, as skidresistant pads or skid-resistant feet, cushions or spacers to provide prtcto, as cleaning devices, as temporary labels, signs or decorative sheetings or strips, protective coatings, fr-ee layer vibration dampers or constrained layer vibration 15 dampers. The PSA materials and the films according to the present invention can be tailor-made and optimized in order to meet the requirements of a specific application to an eseilyhigh degree.

Detailed Description of the Invention 20 Tepeetivninrltsto removable PSA materials which preferably are also reactivatable.

In literature, PSA materials which predictably adhere but are repeatedly peelable from a variety of smooth substrates over a long period of time without damaging the substrate or leaving any adhesive residue or stain on the surfatce, are usually described as removable. In the present specification, the following definition is used: PSA materials which exhibit an initial value of 900 peel adhesion after minutes dwell time at room temperature on stainless steel of the fresh, i.e., uncontaminated adhesive layer of less than 20 N/1 .27 cm which value does not change by more than 50% after 3 days dwell time at room temperature, are termed as removable. Above the limit of 20 NI 1. 27 cm, removing of the PSA materials from stainless steel is often found to be difficult, and splitting is frequently a, observed, in particular, for PSA materials exhibiting a low crosslinking density. The removable PSA materials according to the present invention can be classified as follows: adhesion behavior 90 peel adhesion from stainless steel low adhesion 0-3 N/1.27 cm medium adhesion 3-8 N/ 1.27 cm high adhesion 8-20 N/1.27 cm The term PSA materials as used in the present specification thus refers to materials which exhibit low or very low values of adhesion (peel adhesion 0, in particular >0.1I N/1.27 cm and 5 3 N/1.27 cm) to medium or high values of adhesion (peel adhesion 20N/1.27 cm) and which can be designed for a wide variety of applications ranging from mounting devices to sid-resistant pads. It should be *:noted that the present use of the term PSA thus extends beyond what in conventional use is covered by this term.

The term reactivatable as used above and below, relates to PSA materials exhibiting after 10 cycles of contamination and reactivation according to methods I or II as ~.described below, values of 900 peel adhesion after 20 mninutes dwell time at room temperature on stainless steel of 50% or more with respect to the corresporidiniz values of 900 peel adhesion measured for the fresh, uncontaminated adhesive layer.

Preferred are PSA materials exhibiting after 10 cycles ofcontamnination and reactivation a value of 90*desiree peel adhesion of 50% or more with respect to the value of 900 peel measured for the fresh, uncontaminated adhesive layer for one of the two methods I and HI, and a value of 60% or more for the other of both methods. All values of 900 peel adhesion given in this paragraph refer to a stainless steel surface and were measured after a dwell time of 20 minutes at room temperature.

-6- The precursor of the removable PSA material according to the present invention comprises one or more alkyl acrylates the alkyl groups of which have an average of 4-14 C atoms. The term average of 4-14 C atoms means that the average number of C atoms of the alkyl acrylate compounds, weighed by their respective percentage by weight with respect to the mass of the alkyl acrylate component, is between 4-14 and, in particular, between 4-12 C atoms.

Useful alkyl acrylates acrylic acid alkyl ester monomers) include linear or branched monofunctional unsaturated acrylates or methacrylates of non-tertiary alkyl alcohols, the alkyl groups of which have from 4 to 14 and, in particular, from 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of these lower alkyl acrylates used in the invention include but are not limited to, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, 2ethylhexyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-octyl methacrylate, 2methylbutyl acrylate, isononyl acrylate, n-nonyl acrylate, isoamylacrylate, n-decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, isobomyl acrylate, 4-methyl-2pentyl acrylate and dodecyl acrylate. Preferred lower acrylate and methacrylate esters include isooctyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, isononyl acrylate and dodecyl acrylate.

20 The precursor preferably contains up to 5 and, in particular, 1-4 alkyl acrylates.

The average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl groups of the alkyl acrylates as defined above, preferably is between 4-14, especially between 4-12 and very particularly between 5- 1 0. The concentration of the alkyl acrylate component with respect to the mass of the precursor of the pressure sensitive adhesive preferably is 25 at least 75 and, in particular, at least 85 wt.%.

:i The precursor of the PSA can contain alkyl esters of unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids other than acrylic acid such as, for example, alkyl maleates and alkyl fumarates (based, respectively, on maleic and fumaric acid). In this regard, dibutyl maleate, dioctyl maleate, dibutyl fumarate and dioctyl fumarate, are preferred. The amount of ester compounds of unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids p A other than acrylic acid preferably is not too high and, in particular, does not exceed wt.% with respect to the mass of the alkyl acrylate component.

It was found that the presence of polar comonomers is usually detrimental to the resistance of the PSA against water and organic solvents and limits its removability and reactivatability.

The term polar monomers includes both moderately polar and strongly polar monomers. Polarity hydrogen-bonding ability) is frequently described by the use of terms such as, strongly', moderately and 'poorly'. References describing these and other solubility termsinclude 'Solvents Paint Testing Manual, 3rd ed., G.G. Seward, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 'A Three-Dimensional Approach to Solubility', Journal of Paint Technology, Vol. 38, No. 496, pp. 269-280. Examples for strongly polar monomers are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and acrylamides while N-vinyl lactams such as, for example, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinyl caprolactam, acrylonitrile and dimethyl amino-propyl methacrylate are typical examples of moderately polar monomers.

e t was found that the PSA materials according to the present inventiun preferably 20 contain no polar comonomers because a superior balance of tack, peel strength, "cohesive strength, shear strength, resistance against water and organic solvents, reactivatability and optical transparency can be obtained without adding polar monomers. Adding a polar comonomer component typically distinctly decreases the resistance against water and organic solvents and especially the reactivatabililty 25 which adversely affects the desired mix of properties of the removable PSA to an *undesirable or even unacceptable degree.

*An essential part of the precursor of the PSA according to the present invention is the filler component comprising at least 2.0 phr, especially at least 3.0 phr and very specifically, at least 4 0 phr ofhydrophobic silica. In an especially preferred S 8 embodiment, the amount of the hydrophobic silica is between 5-25 phr, especially between 5-20 phr and very specifically between 5-15 phr.

Hydrophobic silica is commercially available, for example, from Degussa, Hanau as "Aerosil" R972, R974 or R976. According to a Degussa bulletin entitled "Product Information" of June 4, 1984, the hydrophobic silicas "Aerosil" R972, R974 and R976 are prepared from hydrophilic silicas denoted as "Aerosil" 130, 200 and 300, respectively, which exhibit a surface area of 130, 200 and 300 respectively.

Hydrophobic silica is firthemnore commercially available, for example, as TS-720 from Cabot Cab-O-Sil Division, Tuscola, Illinois, U.S.A. In US 2,859,198 (Sears et al.) it is proposed that the surface of finely-divided inorganic solid silicon-containing materials, such as silica, can be rendered hydrophobic by treating the material with an organo-siloxane material. According to US 4,136,081 (Schultz), silica "can be treated with organosilicon materials such as chlorosilanes, silazanes, alkoxysilanes and cyclic siloxanes to produce hydrophobic surfaces" (col.6, Ins. 47-52).

S. The enumeration of hydrophobic silica materials given above, and the description of some selected methods for preparing hydropobic silica materials is to be understood as illustrative and by no means limitative. The hydrophobic silica used to prepare 20 the PSA materials according to the present invention, preferably exhibits a surface area of at least 10 m 2 /g and especially of at least 50 m 2 The surface area of the hydrophobic silica especially preferably is between 50 to 400 m 2 /g surface area).

0 25 The specific selection of hydrophobic silica in combination with the other components of the precursor of the PSA materials according to the present invention as specified, results in an outstanding and especially advantageous balance of properties. Substituting hydrophobic silica in the precursor according, to the present invention with hydrophilic silica, results in PSA materials exhibiting, disadvantageous values of the peel strength and a relatively poor reactivatability, especially after -9contamination with finely divided or powdered particles such as dust. When mixing hydrophilic silica with the other components of the precursor of the PSA according to the present invention, uniform and useful dispersions are obtained only up to loadings of about 4 phr while hydrophobic silica allows concentrations of up to 25 phr or even more. The limited range of concentration accessible with hydrophilic silica, results in a lower mechanical strength of the PSA materials and restricts the possibilities of the formulator to finetune the properties of the PSA material.

Spolysaccharide fillers such as cellulose fibres, starch fibres or cotton fibres, yield PSA materials with limited reactivatability, especially after contamination with finely divided or powdered particles such as dust. Mixing polysaccharid- fillers with the other components of the precursor of the present invention results in PSA materials which exhibit on smooth surfaces such as, for example, stainless steel or glass a decrease of shear strength with increasing crosslinker concentration while the PSA materials according to the present invention show the opposite behavior. PSA materials containing cellulose fillers, are furthermore white-opaque and therefore both less attractive from an aesthetic point of view and of restricted applicability.

other inorganic fillers such as, for example, finely divided iron oxide, titanium 20 dioxide, calcium carbonate or carbon black adversely affect adhesion, static shear, optical clarity, viscosity and/or coatability of the resulting PSA materials.

other organic fillers such as, for example, polymeric microspheres often adversely affect the adhesion and/or optical properties of the resulting PSA materials.

SThe filler component of the PSA materials according to the present invention mainly consists of one or more hydrophobic silicas which may differ with respect to their surface area and/or the method of preparation used. The filler component o preferably contains at least 75 especially not less than 85 wt.% and very particularly 100 wt.% of one or more hydrophobic silicas \with respect to the mass of the filler component.

OFF; -i The precursor according to the present invention contains a crosslinker component to increase the cohesive strength and the tensile strength of the resulting PSA material Useful crosslinkers include benzaldehyde, acetaldehyde, anthraquinone, various benzophenone-type and vinyl-halomethyl-s-triazine type compounds such as, for example, 2 4 -bis(trichloromethy)- 6 -p-methoystyryl-s-triazine Preferred are polyacrylic-functional monomers such as, for example, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, 1,2-ethylene glycol diacrylate, tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate or 1, 12-dodecanediol diacrylate. The compounds listed above, which can be substituted or unsubstituted, are intended to be illustrative and by no means limitative.

The crosslinking component to be used in the present invention preferably contains especially between 1-3 and very particular 1-2 crosslinker compounds.

Especally preferred crosslinker compounds are 1, 6 -hexanedioldiacrylate and tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate.

The degree of crosslinking (crosslink density) which can be expressed as the number of cross-links per gram or per unit volume of the polymer, can be estimated 20 theoretically and determined experimentally, for example, by swelling measurements or via stress strain curves (see Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, 2nd. ed., New York 1988, vol. 4, p. 355-357). A detailed description of swelling measurements which are preferred, is given in P.J. Flory, Principles of Polymer Chemistry, Cornell University Press, Ithaca and London, 1953, p. 579. When reacting two different precursors which differ with respect to the crosslinker component but are otherwise identical, under identical external reaction conditions (polymerization method such as bulk, solution, emulsion or suspension polymerization, temperature, pressure, irradiation in case of UV-polymerization, etc.), the crosslink density obtained depends on the chemical nature of the crosslinkers used, their functionality and their respective concentratin. In the present application, the crosslink density is reported with respect to the crosslink density -11l-a- r-jS -tl Nc.- 1 which is obtainable by using variable amounts of tripropleneglycol diacrylate (TPGDA) as a refrence crosslinker component under standardized reaction conditions (bulk photopolymerization, photoinitiator: Irgacure 651, supplied by Ciba Geigy, in a concentration of 0.24 phr UV irradiation with an exposure of 1500 mJ/cm 2 from an UV lamp, 90% of the emissions of which are between 300 and 400 am, with a maximum at 351 room temperature-, normal pressure-, exclusion of oxygen).

The precursor according to the present invention contains one or more crosslinker compounds in a concentration to give a crosslink density obtainable by using TPGDA as a reference crosslinking compound in an otherwise identical precursor under identical external conditions, in a concentration of 0.15 phr or more. It was found that for lower cosslinker concentrations, the mechanical strength, the removability and the reactivatability are insufficient and do not meet all practical requirements specially in.as the lding with hydrophobic silica is less than and, in particular, less than 3 phr. It was also found that the precursor preferably S. exhibits a crosslink density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration of not more than 5.0 phr because above this value, the shear strength on most surfaces, even on smooth surfaces, such as, for example, glossy paper or polyester film, tends 20 to become too low.

The precursor according tothe present invention preferably contains one or more crosslinker compounds in a concentration to cave a crosslink density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration between 0.3 4.5 phr. The concentration of 25 TPGDA preferably is between 0.4 to 4.0 phr, and especially preferably between and 4.5 phr.

The PSA materials according to the present invention can be obtained by applying generally known polymerization methods such as bulk, solution, emulsion or suspension polymerization ,iieto;environmental reasons bulk polymerization is often preferred in order to avoid using organic solvents.

-12-

S-

The polymerization reaction is preferably started by means of a polymerization initiator and preferably proceeds via a radical polymerization mechanism Useful examples of polymerization initiators include photoactivatable initiators such as, for example, benzoin ethers benzoin methyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, Substituted benzoin ethers such as anisoin-methyl ether), acetophenones 2diethoxyacetophenone) or alpha-ketols 2 -methyl-2-hydroxy-propiophenone), and/or thermally activatable initiators such as, for example, organic peroxides benzoyl peroxide and lauryl peroxide) and 2 ,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile).

Photopolymerization and the addition of photoactivatable initiators are preferred.

The initiator component preferably comprises between 1-3 and, in particular, between 1-2 initiator compounds, especially preferred are initiator components containing only one photoinitiator. The initiator component is preferably present in an amount of 0.01 -2.00 phr, in particular, between 0.05-1.00 phr and very specifically between 0.1-0.5 phr.

In a preferred method of preparation, a part of the initiator component is added to the alkyl acrylate component which is partly polymerized to a degree of typically 2- 30%/ to form a syrup of coatable viscosity of, for example, 300-20,000 cps 20 (Brookfield) at ordinary room temperatures. The viscosity of the syrup is preferably adjusted to the amount of hydrophobic silica to be added. For high loadings with hydrophobic silica of, for example, 15 phr or more, the viscosity of the syrup preferably is not more than 1,000 cps and, in particular, between 250 and 1,000 cps. For lower loadings with hydrophobic silica, the viscosity preferably is 25 not less than 1,500 cps and, in particular, 1,750 cps or more. The viscosity of the precursor can also be adjusted by adding a small amount of typically less than 5 phr of a polymeric additive which preferably is a photopolymerizable polyacrylate as is described, for example, in WO 94/00,052. The polymerization preferably proceeds as photopolymerization which is described, for example, in US 4,18 1,752. In a preferred embodiment, the polymerization is carried out with UV black lights having over 60 percent, and preferably over 75 percent of their emission spectra -13fly <~WvVfl~ *r fl-fl fl~.flW between 280 to 400 i, with an intensity between about 0. 1 to about 25 mW/Cm 2 The exposure is typically between 900 -1,500 mJ/cm 2 The polymerization may be stopped either by removal of the radiation or heat source and/or introduction of for example, radical scavenging oxygen.

The filler component essentially comprising hydrophobic silica, s subsequently added to the prepolymerized syrup. When the amount of the hydrophobic silica exceeds about 8 phr, it has been found necessary to employ a high-shear mixer such as a paint mill to obtain uniform dispersions. By doing so and by properly adjusting the viscosity of the prepolymerized syrup, useful and essentially uniform dispersion can be obtained for loadings as high as about 25 phr.

The dispersion obtained is mixed with the remaining part of the initiator component and, optionally, with other adjuvants such as, for example, chain transfer agents, polymer additives like, for example, those described in EP 0,349,2 16 or EP 0,352,901, solvents, fire retardants, pigments, colorants, odor masking agents and/or other adjuvents known in the tape art. Especially preferred is the addition of pigments, colorants and/or paints which impart color to the resulting PSA materials without adversely affecting their transparency and clarity. An example of a suitable 20 paint is Yellow Permalink CTL-Druckfarbe (printing paint) which is obtainable from SICPA Druckfarbeng Backnang, To produce PSA films according to the present invention, the above dispersion or mixture obtained is coated onto a backing, a carrier web or a release liner and polymerized in an inert, i.e. oxygen firee atmosphere, for example a nitrogen atmosphere. Above and below, the term film is used to describe a structure whose thickness is substantially, less than either its length or width and which has two, essentially parallel opposed surfatces. As used herein, the term film includes, for example, sheets, ribbons, tapes and discs.

-14- The films obtained can be supported or unsupported, and they exhibit a thickness between 30 to 20,000 pun, preferably between 100 10,000 rm, especially between 200-10,000 pm and very specifically of more than 250 pm. Supported films comprising two exposed adhesive layers on opposite sides of the backing, will be termed above and below as double-coated films while supported films comprising one exposed adhesive layer on one side of the backing only, will be termed above and below as single-coated films. The present invention allows the preparation of relatively thick to thick adhesive films which is due to the excellent mechanical properties of the PSA material according to the present invention. Especially preferred are unsupported films with a thickness of at least 200 pm comprising a PSA material according to the present invention. Supported films exhibiting at least one adhesive layer according to the present invention with a thickness of at least 200 upm are also especially preferred.

The properties of the PSA material and films according to the present invention can be optimized in view of the intended use or application within wide limits.

It was found that the swelling behavior in water and organic solvents and the reactivatability of the PSA films mainly depend on the presence of hydrophobic 20 silica and significantly decrease with increasing concentration of polar comonomers.

The amount of hydrophobic silica (or hydrophobic silicas) must be at least about 2 phr because below this limit, the internal mechanical strength and the handleability in terms ofdiecuttability, for example, was found to be insufficient in many cases.

The mechanical properties of the PSA materials according to the present invention mainly depend both on the loading with hydrophobic silica and on the crosslink density. It was found that for low crosslink densities obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration of 0.30 phr or less, the loading with hydrophobic silica preferably is at least 5 phr, in particular, not less than 10 phr and very specifically 12.5 phr or more.

'iY I~ The amount of hydrophobic silica is at least 2 phr, preferably at least 4 phr, in particular, not less than 5 phr and very specifically not lower than 8 phr. The upper limit of the amount of hydrophobic silica of about 25 phr is due to practical reasons because it was found difficult to obtain uniform dispersions above this limit. The PSA materials according to the present invention preferably contain 4-20 phr and especially between 5-15 phr of hydrophobic silica.

The PSA materials according to the present invention preferably contain no polar comonomer component in order to obtain a high resistivity against water and organic solvents and hence a high reactivatability. In some cases, however, like, for example, for PSA materials exhibiting a high crosslink density (TPGDA concentration 1 phr, especially >2 phr), high values of static shear and low values of adhesion, a small amount of polar comonomers might be added in order to improve the abrasion resistance of the PSA material. The addition of a small amount of polar monomers was found to be particularly useful in case of skid resistant materials. The concentration of the strongly polar comonomer should not exceed, however, 0.5 phr, and preferably is lower than 0.25 phr and especially S• preferably not more than 0.1 phr. A slightly higher amount of moderately polar comonomer is, however, preferably less than 0.5 phr and very particularly not more 20 than 0.25 phr.

The cohesive strength, the tensile strength, the elongation, the shear strength and the peel adhesion are interrelated and they are mainly influenced by the crosslink density, the loading with filler and the thickness of the adhesive layer.

S. If the crosslink density is lower than the crosslink density obtainable by about 0.4 phr of TPGDA, the PSA material typically is a rather soft mass, especially in base the loading with hydrophobic silica is less than 10 phr, and exhibits a high peel adhesion. When used as a film, this PSA material is preferably stabilized by a backing or carrier layer in order to render it diecuttable; the backing can be omitted in case the PSA material is used in form of a roll. The low crosslink density PSA -16material exhibits a rather high to high peel adhesion and sticks also to rather rough surfaces. To ensure sufficient internal strength and mechanical handleability, the loading with hydrophobic silica preferably is at least 5 phr, especially at least 7.5 phr and very specifically not less than 10 phr. The thickness of the adhesive layer must not be too high and is preferably not more than 1,000 pun, especially less than 500 in and very particularly less than 2 In the PSA materials according to the present invention, the crosslink density is not lower than the crosslink density obtainable by using about 0, 15 phr, preferably not lower than about 0.3 phr and very especially not lower than about 0.35 phr of TPGDA. Below the limit of 0.15 phr, the PSA material exhibits a limited internal mechanical strength which adversely affects the requirement of clean removability, dimensional stability and proper handleability, and it was found that the mechanical properties typically cannot be sufficiently improved when increasing the loading with hydrophobic silica to high levels of more than 15 phr. For crosslink densities obtainable by using TPGDA as a crosslinker in a concentration of 0.15 phr and lower, the peel strength of the PSA materials from stainless steel was often found to 0 6%s be too high to ensure reliable removability which is, in particular, true for medium to low fillings with hydrophobic silica of 12.5 phr and especially of 10 phr or less.

Below 0.15 phr, the PSA materials furthermore often exhibit a pronounced cold flow on a surface which results in an undesirable build-up of peel strength over S:time, and they furthermore show an increased sensitivity against contamination, especially against contamination with organic compounds.

6*@ 25 With increasing crosslink density, the cohesive strength of the PSA materials according to the present invention increases while peel adhesion decreases. For a Si crosslink density corresponding to the crosslink density obtainable by using about 0.5-1.0 phr of TPGDA, the PSA material typically sticks to itself but can be easily separated. For crosslink densities obtainable by using about 1.0 2.0 phr of TPGDA, the PSA material only slightly sticks to itself but still adheres well, especially to smooth surfaces such as lass, metal or plastic surfaces or to glossy -17- '=:^teci paper. PSA materials with a crosslink density obtainable by using about 4.0 phr or more of TPGDA, are characterized by a very high shear strength and an excellent skid resistance but by a low to very low peel adhesion even on smooth surfaces. It was found that the PSA materials according to the present invention exhibit a continuous increase in shear strength with increasing, crosslink density especially on smooth or relatively smooth substrates which allows, for example, the realization of skid-resistant supports which simultaneously exhibit a high shear strength and a low peel adhesion, This behavior is surprising and is not observed, for example, for PSA materials containing cellulose fillers. These state of the art materials exhibit decreasing values of shear strength with increasing a crosslink densities at a constant filler loading and therefore provide low peel adhesiorJlow shear strength materials.

The PSA materials according to the present invention preferably exhibit a crosslink 15 density obtainable by using about 0.15 5.0 phr, particularly about 0.3 4.0 phr and very especially about 1.0-4.0 phr of TPGDA.

The cohesive strength, the shear strength and the peel adhesion can also be influenced by varying the loading with filler and the thickness of the adhesive layer.

20 The peel adhesion is being decreased by increasing the filler load with hydrophobic silica so that using high filler loads of at least 10 phr is preferred in case of PSA materials exhibiting a low crosslink density obtainable with TPGDA concentrations of 0.50 wt.% or less. It was further found that for a given crosslink density and filler load, the peel adhesion can be increased with increasing thickness of the adhesive layer.

Crosslink density, filler load and layer thickness can be adjusted and optimized with respect to the respective application. Some especially preferred combinations of these parameters will be discussed below. It should be noted that this discussion refers to the properties of unsupported PSA materials according to the present invention, to the PSA material as such. The person skilled in the art can use -18below compilation ofparameter combinations as a guidline when designing specific film or tape constructions such as, for example, single-coated or double-coated films.

In the range of low crosslink density, the following combination of parameters was found to be especially useful: crosslink density obtainable by using a concentration of TPGDA between 0.15 and 0.5 phr, especiallybetween 0.20 and 0.50 phr and very particularly between 0,20 and 0.40 phr hydrophobic silica between 10 25 phr, especially between 10-20 phr layer thickness between 50-1,000 pm These materials are cratered by relatively high to high values of peel adhesion.

They are relatively soft and stick to a great variety of surfaces from which they can be removed cleanly and reliably,especially when being supported by a backing film.

15 The present inventors tested this specific embodiment of the PSA materials according to the preset invention on nmnerous sibstrates and found that above characterization holds quite generally. The only exception was observed when using a matte-finish offset paper as a substrate from which the PSA material could not be removed without failure.

In the range of intermediate crosslink density the following combination of \parameters was found to be especially useful: crosslink density obtainable by using a concentration of TPGDA between 0.40 and 2.0 phr hydrophobic silica between 5 16 phr, especially between 5 15 phr layer thickness between 100 1,500 pm These materials are characterized by an especially advantageous combination of peel adhesion and shear strength, and they are especially suited for use on smooth surfaces such as glass, metal or plastic surfaces which optionally may be painted or otherwise coated with asnimokth coating material. Due to their high shear and adhesion strength especially on smooth surfaces, they can be used, for example, for -19- ~Fj~jF~rc*~ s ril~ L*c;i;i~ir~l;~ t light weight mounting applications but also for a great variety of other applications.

They exhibit a high internal mechanical strength and can be cleanly and reliably removed from a surface both when used as a supported or phr or more, can cleanly be rmoved from the matte-finish offset pape substrate mentioned above.

In the range of high crosLdink density, the following combination of parameters was found to be especially useflul: *crosslink density obtainable by using a concentration of TPGDA between and 5.0 phr hydrophobic silica between 2.5 12.5 phr, especially between 10 phr *layer thickness between 100 3,000 grm These PSA materials exhibit a low to very low peel adhesion even on smooth surfaces and are characterized by a very high shear strength on smooth surfaces, an excellent internal mechanical strength and a high to very high skid resistance.

Especially preferred are PSA materials according to the present invention exhibiting a medium crosslink level obtainable by using TPGDA in a -concentration between 0.40 and 3.0 phr..

The PSA materials according to the present invention are preferably reactivatable and/or exhibit a low sensitivity towards contamination. Even after heavy contamination with dust, dirt or organic compounds etc., the surface of the PSA materials according to the present invention typically can be cleaned by applying, for example, an aqueous soap solution, lower alcohols like methanol or ethanol or acetone. The PSA layer is then typically rinsed with water and dried. The process of reactivation described is intended to be only illustrative and by no means limitative; the expert can easily give other methods without any inventive input. It was found that the adhesion recovers even after several cycles of contamnination and reactivation to a substantive to high or very high percentage with respect to the adhesion of the fresh and uncontaminatedl PSA layer.

The PSA materials according to the present invention are characterized by an outstanding balance of tack, peel strength, cohesive strength, shear strength, resistance against water and organic solvents, optical transparency, removability and/or reactivability and they can advantageously be used for a number of applications.

In a first preferred embodiment, the PSA material according to the present invention is used as unsupported film which when used in the form of single sheets or stripes is typically protected by two release liners while one release liner is usually sufficient when used in form of a roll. Suitable release liners are, for example, siliconized papers, siliconized polyesters, polyethylenes or polymer films treated with fluorochemicals; when using the unsupported film in form of a roll, the release liner preferably exhibits release properties on both sides with the backside typically exhibiting a lower adhesion than the front side.

Especially preferred unsupported films exhibit a thickness between 50 and 2,000 um, in particular, between 100 and 1,500 mun and especially of at least 250 um.

The loading with hydrophobic silica preferably varies between 5 and 17.5 phr and, in particular, between 5 and 15 phr. Crosslinking densities obtainable by using a 20 TPGDA concentration between 0.4 and 2.0 phr, in particular, between 0.4 and 1.8 phr and very specifically between 0.4 and 1.5 phr are preferred. These especially preferred unsupported films are characterized by a high cohesive strength and a medium peel adhesion. Because of the high cohesive strength, the unsupported films can be diecut, for example, 'on edge', in such a way that the diecut parts are directly adjacent to each other with no supporting spacings being left between them. This results in a considerable reduction or even complete avoidance of waste.

The supported films can be used in light-duty mounting applications on rough surfaces such as, for example, mounting a piece of paper on the wall, or in higher load mounting applications on smooth surfaces such as, for example, mounting advertising emblems on walls. Since the PSA material is transparent, transparent or translucent signs such as those made of polycarbonate or polymethylmethacrylate -21a -r can be attached, for axsmple to glass surfaces with no glue lines or adhesive strips being visible from the ftnt which is especally atractive from an aesthetic point of view.

Another especiafly pretbrred embodiment of unsupported films according, to the invention exhibis the following properties: crosAink dwiftba~ by using a concentation of TPGDA between 0.17an40.4hjbv.- hydrophobic siica between 10 -20 phr film, thickness beten 50 and 2,000 wn, in particular between 100 and 1,500 Mu -and especlally of at least 200 ptm.

~~These unsupported itt ed lft ndvai tgeu shear strength especially on rough, emibossed swihtcestwnd iibe usb'd for mounting'applications'on these surfaces which can be *mpndfbi'r. acmple. in display. boards used in exhibitions.

*Display boards llim 1"xUgJPoni Techiffkc Ne aralfn en,- uanpsHlf oar ?MF (medium density fibre) MEWA Standard White (3.2nmm thick PVC coated).

In another preferred embodiment-of the films according to the present invention, one exposed -adhesive lsyWt is apjlibd tdfathof the opposite sides of a carrier layer or backing thus fonafida bl~gefim w~ith at least one of these adhesive layers comprising a PSA'materihl'according to the present'invention. The other adhesive-layer may also comprWs a PSA material according to the present invention or another PS-A materdalkncwn-.JIn the'9t'which may be removable or permanent.

It should be noted tha the double-coated film can comprisemore than two adhesive layers which is the case,for -example, when A laminated backing comprising one or more adhesive layers, is used. The tierm double-coated film means that the film comprises two -exposed adhesive layrs.

t, -22- AWt~A*A".~ ~94~A<A~ t~flV A .VAA.VAAAS, Depending on the respective application, the carrier layer or backing may be selected from a group of materials comprising polymeric films of various stiffness such as, for example, polyolefins, polyesters, polycarbonates or polymethacrylates, papers, non-wovens, laminates (such as, for example, polyethylene or polyurethane foams laminated on both sides with permanent acrylic adhesives, or papers laminated or jig-welded with polyethylene terehthalates), one part mechanical fasteners (which are described, for example, in US 5,077,870) or metals. The thickness of the carrier layer typically varies between 25 pim and 3,000 gm, preferably between 25 and 1,000 Wm. The carrier material should be selected such that both layers of the adhesive bond very strongly to it. Such a choice can be made easily and does not require any inventive input from the expert. If desired, the carrier material may be treated with chemical primers or may be corona treated.

The respective adhesive Masses can be laminated onto the carrier sheet by means of transfer tapes in the form of cured adhesive films but it is also possible to coat the 15 precursors of the respective adhesive layers onto the carrier layer with subsequent, for example, photochemical curing. The adhesive layers which are applied to the opposite sides of the carrier layer, may be different from each other or equal to each other. When storing the double-coated films, for example, in form of a roll or in form of sheets or-stripes, these must be protected on both sides of the film with 20 release liners. The release liners discussed above for unsupported films, can also be used for double-coated films.

*o Especially preferred are double-coated films comprising two exposed adhesive layers according to the invention on opposite sides of the carrier layer. In another especially preferred embodiment of double-coated films comprising two adhesive layers according to the present invention, at least one of the adhesive layers exhibits a crosslinker density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration of at least 0.3 phr.

In another especially preferred embodiment of double-coated films, which is to be termed as differential adhesion double-coated films, the two adhesion layers are -23different from each other and/or exhibit different values of peel adhesion. In a preferred embodiment of differential adhesion double-coated films, the values of 900 peel adhesion on stainless steel differ by at least 10%, especially by at least 30% and very particularly by at least 50% or more. Differential adhesion double-coated films are especially important from a practical point of view because the adhesion properties of the film can be adjusted and optimized with respect to the intended application.

A permanent, non-removable high adhesion PSA such as, for example, the acrylate based adhesives described in US Re 24,406, US 4,181,752, US 4,303,485, US 4,329,384 and US 4,330,590, rubber resin adhesives or block copolymer adhesives, may be coated on one side of the carrier sheet while the other side is coated with a removable PSA material according to the present invention which may -depending on the application- exhibit a low, medium or high crosslinking density. In another especially preferred embodiment, both sides of the double-coated film are coated with an adhesive layer containing a PSA material according to the present invention with the two PSA layers exhibiting a different crosslinker density- the higher adhesion side of the carrier sheet is coated with a PSA material having a lower crosslink density in comparison to the PSA material used on the lower adhesion 20 side. The person skilled in the art can easily describe other embodiments without any inventive effort.

A more specific embodiment of differential adhesion double-coated films according to the invention are differential adhesion double-coated transfer films comprising at least one adhesive layer containing a PSA material according to the present invention.

The invention furthermore refers to a double-coated film bearing two exposed adhesive layers on opposite sides of the backing, at least one of the layers comprising a reactivatable and removable pressure sensitive material which exhibits an initial value of 900 peel adhesion after a dwell time of 20 minutes on stainless -24steel of the fresh uncontaminated adhesive film of between 3 N/1.27 cm and N/1.27 cm. The initial value of peel adhesion preferably is at least 4 N/1.27 cm and very especially at least 4.5 N/cm and preferably does not exceed 17.5 N/1.27 cm and especially preferably is lower than 15 N/1.27 cm. This specific film is useful for various mounting applications where a meumr to high value of initial adhesion of the uncontaminated sample is required in order to maintain a sufficient peel adhesion after having performed one or more contanination/reactiatnion cycles. In a preferred embodiment of these reactivatable double-coated films, at least one of the exposed adhesive layers comprises a reactivatable pressure sensitive adhesive according to the present invention. Especially preferred are double-coated films the two exposed adhesive layers of which comprise pressure sensitive adhesive materials according to the present invention. In another especially preferred embodiment of these films, the two exposed adhesion layers are different from each other and/or exhibit different values of peel adhesion.

In the following, some specific embodiments of double-coated films according to the present invention will be described by way of example and discussed in the light of specific uses proposed for them. These examples are to be understood as explanatory and by no means as limiting the scope of the present invention. The person skilled in the art can easily describe further specific embodiments and design appropriate embodiments for specific uses.

In a first specific embodiment A of double-coated films, exposed. adhesive layer I comprises a medium-to-low adhesion PSA adhesive material according to the present invention exhibiting a high crossi ink density obtainable by using a TGPDA concentration between 1.5 and 5.0 phr and especially between 1.5 and 3.5 phr. The thickness of layer I preferably is between 200 and 2,000 gtm and especially between 500 and 1,500 gmn, and the silica loading preferably is between 5-15 phr. Adhesive layer 2 comprises a high adhesion PSA material which may be removable or permanent. Suitable permanent PSA materials are given above. A high adhesion PSA material according to the present invention preferably exhibits a crosslink zv-Zr~;z*rr~rtz~v rpe-~=r~s density obtainable by using], TPGDA in a concentration between 0.15 and 0.40 phr.

Exposed layer 2 preferably exhibits a thickness between 30 and 300 utm and a silica loading between 20 phr and, in particular, between 4-15 phr. The carrier can be selected from the materials listed above but preferably is selected from the group comprising polyesters, polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polycoated papers, polymethylmethacrylates and laminates; the thickness of the carrier layer preferably varies between 20 mu and 3 mm.

This preferred double-coated film A can be used to immobilize lightweight objects such as, for example, keyboards or tape dispensers on horizontal surfaces. The high adhesion side 2 of the double-coated film is applied to the respective lightweight object while the low adhesion side I serves to removably and slightly adhere the object upon the surface upon which it rests, providing an improved skid resistance.

The skid resistance of the low-adhesion side I on a typical table surface can be 15 adjusted and optimized with respect to the respective use by varying the crosslinker level-. the tape and hence the object to which it adheres, is non-slideable and practically immovable on the table when using a crosslink density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration between about 1.0-3.5 while it was found to be movable for higher TPGDA concentrations. In any case, the skid-resistant film can 20 be re-adhered to the underlying surface and reactivated in case of contamination because of the excellent reactivatability of the PSA material according to the present invention.

Preferred double-coated film A can be further used, for example, for transportation and shipping of sensitive electronic components and other fragile goods. Presently, in the state of the art, large styrofoam corners are used to immobilize objects in a shipping box. the remaining space Is typically filled with free-flowing styrofoam pieces. Instead of this, preferred double-coated adhesive film A can be used to immobilize the roods in the box in combination with free-flowing styrofoam pieces, for example, being still required to provide the shock-absorption function. The double-coated films according to the present invention require distinctly less space -26than the styrofoam comers and allow use of smaller boxes. The high adhesion side 2 of the double-coated film is preferably adhered to the transportation box so that the double-coated film remains with the packaging and releases from the roods when they are unpacked, In another especially preferred embodiment B of double-coated films, these are especially designed, for example, for low-weight mounting applications such as, for example, as penholders, and they can also be used as a frquently reusable closure system of for example, tobacco bags or bags of paper handkerchiefs.

In this embodiment, exposed low adhesion layer 1 comprises a PSA material according to the present invention exhibiting a crosslinker density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration between 0.5 and 1.5 phr and very specifically between 0.8 and 1.3 phr. The layer thickness preferably amounts to 100-1,500 um, S: 15 and the silica loading preferably is between 5 and 15 phr. This PSA material is characterized both by a high shea strength and a medium to low peel adhesion, and is thus well suited for preparing light-weight mounting devices. Exposed adhesive layer 2 comprises a high adhesion PSA material which may be removable or permanent. Suitable permanent PSA materials include but are not limited to S* 20 acrylate type adhesives which are described, for example, in US Re 24,406, US 4,181,752, US 4,303,485, US 4,329,384 or US 4,330,590, rubber resin adhesives or block copolymer adhesives. Layer 2 preferably comprises a high adhesion PSA material according to the present invention which exhibits a crosslink density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration between 0.20 and 0.60 phr, a layer thickness between 30 and 700 tpm and a loading with hydrophobic silica between 2- 17.5 and especially between 5-15 phr. The carrier layer can be selected from the materials given above.

In an especially preferred embodimefit of type B, layer 2 Is a PSA material according to the present invention and exhibits a crosslink density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration between 0.20 and 0.40 phr, a layer thickness -27- I- r L

I"

between 30 and 200 upm and a silica loading between 2-14 phr. Adhesive layer 2 may be laminated onto a rather stiff carrier like, for example, a thick PS foam (typically 300-2,000 pm) laminated with printable paper sheets; such a carrier material is provided, for example, by Fa. Kapa, Bielefeld. This construction is especially useful for the preparation of light-weight mounting, devices such as, for example, a penholder with the pens being attached to layer 1 while layers 2 fixes the construction onto the respective substrate. In a slightly modified construction of this type, exposed layer I is applied to a flexible sheet material which carries on its backside, for example, a permanent adhesive material to which a flexible and preferably printable substrate is applied. The backing is thus formed by the flexible sheet material, the intermediate, for example, permanent adhesive layer and the printable substrate which carries exposed adhesive layer 2. This specific and preferred embodiment B of a double-coated film can be used for the preparation of .ee light-weight mounting devices such as especially preferred for the preparation of penholders.

In another especially preferred embodiment of type B, layer 2 is a PSA material according to the present invention which exhibits a crosslink density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concentration of between 0.3 0.6 phr, a layer thickness of between 50 600 pm and a loading with silica of typically 5-15 phr. Layer 1 is chosen as described above. The carrier layer is, for example, a PET film with a thickness of typically 30-200 um. This construction can be used, for example, for attaching printed films of, for example, polypropylene, PET or paper, onto a billboard. Layer 2 fixes the double-coated film reliably onto the billboard surface while the printed film is attached to layer 1 and can be easily removed- Other printed films can then be attached to optionally reactivated layer 1. The construction is also useful as a closure system for, for example, tobacco bags or bags for paper handkerchiefs. The-adhesion layer 2 fixes the construction onto the tab of the bag, while exposed low-adhesion layer 1 allows the tab to be frequently attached to the bag and re-opened. Since the PSA material according to the present invention is rather insensitive against contamination with, for example, dust or sweat, and -28- I- -Yut<~ preferably reactivatable, the closure system offers a loner lifetime and a more convenient handling than state of the art system.

In another preferred embodiment C of double-coated films according to the present invention, both exposed adhesive layers are reactivatable, and both of them are characterized by a high peel strength and a high cohesive strength. In an especially prefeed embodimnt, both posed adhesive layers comprise a preferably reactivatable PSA mateddia ording to the present invention which preferably are designed as follows: layer 1:crosslink density obtainable by a TGPDA concentration between 0.15 and 0.40 phr, especially between 0.17,and 0.30 phr 0 0*04. load with hydrphobio slica between 5-15 phr layer thickness between 50-300 tun 15 layer 2:crosslink d ityobtaina <by a TGPDA concentration between 0.30 and 1.00 phr, espe1iallybetW nO.3Siand 0.50 phr load with hydrophobic silica between 5-15 phr layer thickness between 100- 500 un e** The carrier layer or backing inserted between layers I and 2 preferably is, for 20 example, polyethylene terephthalate.

This specific double-coated film C can preferably be used, for example, for mounting flexoplates onto rotatingcylinders in the printing industry or for mounting flexible abrasives and, in particular, flexible abrasive discs to rotatable or vibratory back-up pads typically found on orbital sanders, random orbital (dual action) grinders, stationary grinders and sanders having fixed plates, etc.

Flexible abrasives generally comprise a plurality of abrasive grains bonded to a flexible backing. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible abrasive comprises a backing bearingafirstadhesi hih is commonly referred to as make coat.

Embedded into the first adhesiveis a plurality of abrasive grains. Over the abrasive -29-

I

grains is a second adhesive, commonly referred to as size coat, which serves to reinforce the abrasive grains. In another embodiment, the flexible abrasive is a lapping coated abrasive in which an abrasive coating is bonded to a backing. The abrasive coating comprises a plurality of abrasive rains distributed throughout the binder.

Examples of typical flexible backings for use in flexible abrasives include paper, nonwoven substrates, polymeric films, vulcanized fibers, cloths, treated versions thereof and combinations thereof Examples of suitable binders include phenolics, urea-formaldehydes, acrylates, epoxies, urethanes, hide glues, latices and aminoplasts. The abrasive grains are preferably selected from a group of materials comprising fused alumina, heat treated alumina, ceramic alumina, silicon carbide, garnet, silicon carbide, boron carbide, diamond and cubic boron nitride.

The optimum crosslinker concentration of low adhesion layer 2 of film construction C slightly depends on the flexible backing used. When using smooth flexible backing material such as, for example, Natronkraftpapers or smooth impregnated S. cloths, the optimum crosslink density often corresponds to a TPGDA concentration between 0.40-0.60, more specifically between 0.40 and 0.50 and especially preferably between 0.40 and 0.45. For flexible backings with a larger (porous or fuzzy) surface such as, for example, for IMFF-films (Imperial Microfinishing FilmT

M

or for fuzzy cloths, the optimum crosslinker density was found to correspond to a TPGDA concentration of 0.30-0.45, more particularly around 0.35.

The expert can easily determine the optimum composition of the double-coated film 25 according to the invention for each abrasive disc without any inventive input.

In a modified construction, the high adhesion layer 1 is replaced with a mechanical, interlocking fastener such as, for example, the Dual Lock T fastener available through 3M, or the hook or loop part of a hook and loop fastener. Low adhesion layer 2 is coated or laminated onto the backside of the fastener. The resulting hybrid construction, comprising a mechanical and a chemical fastener, is fixed by

'V

5 *7CSSS5S. S4SS~R- "'rC t&SS54r& S~S;S A rr~~ means of the mechanical fastener on the respective substrate, which carries, for example, the counterpart of the hook and loop system or another Dual LockT* fastener, while low adhesion layer 2 is exposed. The modified hybrid construction can be used, for example, for mounting a flexible abrasive disk onto the rotatable back-up pad of an abrasive system which is equipped with a suitable mechanical fastener. The mechanical fastening is occasionally advantageous, for example, when performing a wet abrading process because the abrasion fluid was sometimes observed to weaken the adhesion between layer 1 and the back-up pad.

In another embodiment it is also possible to replace low adhesion layer 2 with a mechanical interlocking fastener. High adhesion layer 1 is then coated onto the backside of the fastener, and the resulting hybrid construction can be used, for example, for cabinet drawer closures and long term hanging attachments.

Compared to conventional mounting systems for flexible abrasives or flexoplates, the mounting device according to the present invention offers a number of advantages. The device can preferably be reactivated even after heavy surface contamination. The surface can be cleaned, for example, with lower alcohols or S. with water and soap. As soon as the film dries adhesion recovers to a sufficient S" 20 degree even after repeated cycles of contamination and reactivation. Lower contamination levels can be mechanically cleaned by attaching, for example, a noncoated smooth polyethylene terephthalate film to the contaminated PSA layer and .:::stripping it off quickly. While conventional flexible abrasives typically exhibit an adhesive layer on their back which has to be discarded together with the disc after use, the mounting system according to the present invention accommodates flexible abrasives without an adhesive backing which considerably reduces the overall adhesive consumption. The PSA material according to the present invention exhibits a high heat resistance and allows dry finding of materials with poor heat conductivity like stone, marble or granite. The mounting system according to the present invention thus offers convenient handleability and reduces waste.

-31i, 1 The specific ebdnmC of double-coated films described can be furthermore used for providing a fnt and pa hair remover. Low adhesion layer 2 forms the exposed adhesive laye uad PuMrbly exhi~bits a crosslinker density obtainable by usin a TWA ~r i''nbqtwee 0.4 and 1.0 phr. Hi-gh adhesion layer 1 and the other parameters oflays 2 e chosen as given above. The carier layer may be formeid, for examps b wp~ytyi tuplhlate or polypropylene. Layer I s attached to a printed dbsftemvh my be tbnumd, for example, by a printed laminate cpita pri.d Paper layer winch is jig welded between 2 polyethyene layers.

In another preferred embodiment, the PSA material according to the present invention is used x9:prqwW# fiCatdAlms comprising one exposed adhesive layer. It sh4da td tlt im can contain more than one adhesive layer, the term single-coate rears to the number of exposed adhesive layers. The P~maWV.density obtainable by using TPGDA in a concen n kM~~o~ n atclr ewe 0. 5 and 1. 8 phr and very specifcaiy*A*f'b.1 L. S-1. phw, a loading with hydrophobic silica ~between 5 and 15-phvm~detktddwks between 100-1,500 g.m. This specific singlecoated film exhibits both a, high shear strength and a high peel adhesion. When using it in form of a roll, neither release liners nor LABs (low adhesion backsize) 0are required due to the'1 -VbW~yo the P6SAmateial which is advantageous in terms ofL saving -cost4OdfV" 4M'OitibdMt of the bakside.-The.

PSA

*material is directly cotdo~mtndut ufbecrir rbackings'uh s for example, biaxially.o"ioafted4Werethalies, px~lyethylenes, PVCs, polystyrenes, polycoated paperswpol cronta(polyihthylnethiacrylates, fabrics or cloths, ~metals foils, or no.va. r~rdbkknsaepolymer films which, in .particular, are printable..- Especially -suitable backings are decorative or reflective sheeting materials. Examplesof reflective-sheetings, are Sliver Scotchca" films or L1K5005 or.5006 reflective ilhs Whlcdh'are omercially available through 3M.

The adhesion oft he'~e ret rbacing can'further be~ enhanced by chemical priming ,or- coron treatment as was explained above.

-32- <tC~ The single-coated films described can temporarily be attached to vaious surfaices such as, for examples, glass or painted sufaces and can easily be removed and frequently be reapplied.

An especially advantageous embodiment of these single-coated films are temporary license plates employing reflective sheetings as backing. The license plates can be reliably attached even to relatively dirty cars, and they can preferably easily be reactivated after being removed by washing, for example with soap and water, and subsequent drying. Compared to known temnporary license plates, the license plates according to the present invention are easier to handle and do not require mechanical mounting, and no frames or screws. The license plates have a longer lifetime than conventional temnporary metal plates which after frequent use typically exhibit many holes due to mounting on different car models and improper handling which render them illegible. Another advantage of the license plates according to the present invention is that they can be stored without applying a liner. After having applied the PSA material according to the present invention to the sheeting with subsequent curing, the license plates are rolled up with no liner and stored. If 9**9 contaminated during storage, they can preferably be reactivated by appropriate washing procedures.

Unsupported or supported films according to the present invention can also be used as vibration dampers.

Constrained layer dampers are preferred over free layer dampers since in the constrained layer damper the vibration damping material is forced to be deformed in ***shear as the article to which it is attached vibrates, dissipating substantially more *99: energy than when the material deforms in extension and compression, as occurs in free layer dampers.

-33fl ,Vg4vr~4~r4',s4';. >,tTht4> 4*k4'444'~-rS;444'4'4r Constrained-layer constructions can preferably be prepared by two processes. In the first process, a layer of the unpolymerized vibration damping material is coated onto a release liner, the material polymerized, and the layer of resulting material transferred to a stiff backing and adhered thereto, thereby providing a constrainedlayer construction. In the second process, al layer of unpolymerized material is coated directly onto a backing and the mixture polymerized "In-situ" to provide the constrained-layer construction, In each case, the constrained-layer construction is then affixed to the structure requiring damping. The construction may be attached in any manner provided that the constraining layer is only fixed to the vibrating structure via the vibration damping material interface, free of mechanical attachment. When the structure subsequently vibrates under the influence of an internally or externally applied force, the vibration is damped.

The PSA material according to the present invention which acts as the vibration damping material, may be adhering or non-adhering. PSA materials with medium or high values of adhesion can usually be adhered to a stiff constraining layer without the use of an additional bonding agent. However, it is sometimes necessary, to use a thin layer 20 50 um) of a high-modulus adhesive, such S. as, for example, an epoxy adhesive, to bond the PSA material according to the 20 present invention to an article.

For most applications, the layer of the PSA material according to the present invention has a thickness of at least 10 um up to about 100 pm and more preferably of at least 10 pm to 50 pm.

As mentioned above, a stiff layer is part of a constrained-layer vibration damper. A suitable material for a stiff layer has a stiffness of at least 0.40 (relative to stainless steel) as defined in "Handbook of Tables for Applied Engineering Science" ed.

Bolz, R. E. et al., CRC Press, Cleveland, Ohio, page 130 (1974). The desired stiffness of the stiff layer is varied by adjusting the thickness of the layer, for example form about 25 pm to 5 cm, depending on the modulus of the stiff layer.

-34- -rrri Examples of suitable materials include metals such as iron, steel, nickel, aluminum, chromium, cobalt, and copper, and alloys thereof and stiff polymeric materials such as polystyrene; polyester; polyvinylchloride; polyurethane; polycarbonate; polyamide; and polyepoxide; fiber-reinforced plastics such as glass fiber, ceramic fiber, and metal fiber-reinforced polyester, glasses, and ceramics.

The PSA material according to the present invention may also be used to provide a damped laminate comprising the PSA material between two constraining layers so as to yield an inherently damped structural member. Each constraining layer may have a thickness greater than about 125 pun and more preferably from about 125 to 380 Am with the thicknesses of each constraining layer being substantially equal in the most preferred embodiments. Damped laminates having more than three five) alternating material layers and constraining layers are also possible.

The PSA materials according to the present invention are characterized by an :advantageous damping performance, especially also at elevated temperatures.

Vibration dampers comprising the following PSA material according to the present invention, exhibit especially advantageous damping properties over a wide temperature range, in particular also at low temperatures, at 20C or less: e crosslink density obtainable by a TPGDA concentration of between 0. 15 and phr, especially between 0.15 and 0.25 phr e hydrophobic silica between 2-5 phr layer thickness between 10-25 microns For a constrained layer damper using this PSA material, the constraining layers are preferably metal, for example, stainless steel, having a thickness of between 125 gM and 400 gm.

The specific embodiments of PSA materials and film constructions according to the present invention are to illustrate the invention by way of example without limiting it. Exploiting the present disclosure to its fullest extent, the person skilled in the art ;A -r can describe without any inventive effort other embodiments of the PSA materials and further film constructions, and he can easily find other applications for the PSA materials according to the present invention.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention further. First, however, certain procedures and tests utilized in the examples, will be described.

The following test procedures are used to determine physical properties of the adhesive tapes obtained in the examples. If in some cases modified test procedures are applied deviating from the test procedures as described below, this will be explicitly stated in each case.

This test is based on PSTC Method PSTC-7 (Procedure a well-known industry standard available from the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council of Glenview, Illinois, U.S.A. All measurements of this type were made at room temperature. The *too adhesive layer to be tested was produced by photopolymerizing the prepolymerized precursor between two layers of silconized biaxially oriented polyethylene 20 terephthalate (PET) film. One layer of PET was removed and replaced by a 140 thick layer of anodized aluminum sheet. The second layer of PET was then removed, yielding an adhesive tape with an aluminum backing which was used in the static shear test. All shear measuremes were made of 1 easreents using samples o1.27 cmx 2.54 cm.

Shear measurements were performed on polished stainless steel (SS) exhibiting a smooth and glossy surface, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as well as on matte and glossy paper substrates.

For SS substrates, a 1.27 cm wide strip of tape prepared by the method just described was adhered to a flat, rigid, stainless steel plate with an exactly 2.54 cm -36length of tape in contact with the panel. The total bonded area was then 1.27 cm x 2.54 cm. Before testing, a 1,000 g weight rested over the bonded area for minutes (differs from the PSTC method where a rubber-coated roller was used to bond the samples to the panel). Then the panel with the adhered tape test sample was placed in a special stand tilted at two degrees from vertical for 10 minutes.

Then a weight of either 250 or 500 g (the actual weight is specified in the examples) was hung from the free end of the tape. The time required for the weight to fall is the Static Shear Value in minutes. If no failure occurred in 10,000 minutes, the test was discontinued.

The test was accordingly performed for PET substrates (50 pm of ScotchparTM film, available through 3M).

With respect to paper, the stainless steel panel was covered either by copy paper (HP white, 80 g/m 2 Fa. Neusiedler), by a matte finished offset paper (115 g/m 2 Fa. Zanders) or by glossy paper (115 g/m 2 Ikonorex) and a weight of 500 g was used. The paper was bonded to the panel with the film-backed double-coated adhesive tape 419 of3M.

90 or 180 degree Peel Adhesion 'I A modified version of PSTC Method PSTC-3 which is available from the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council of Glenview, Illinois, was used. The peel measurements were made both for 90 and 180 degree and an anodized aluminum film was substituted for the polymeric film backing normally used for this test. All peel adhesion measurements are given in Newton/1.27 cm.

The adhesive layer to be tested was produced by photopolymerizing the prepolymerized precursor between two layers of siliconized biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. This laminate was cut to a width of 1.27 cm.

After removal of one layer of PET, the adhesive was adhered to a smooth stainless steel plate. The second layer of PET was removed and a 1.60 cm wide, 140 pm -37thick anodized aluminum strip was adhered to the adhesive under a weight of 6.8 kg hard rubber-covered steel roller with 1 pass in each direction. The values of the examples are each determined from three masurements.

For the adhesion measurements, stainless steel glass, polypropylene (smooth and. glossy surface finish), matte finish paper and glossy paper were used as substrates. -The values of 90 and 180 degree peel adhesion were measured after minutes and 3 days dwell time, respectively, at room temperature by moving the free end of the aluminum strip away from the respective substrate by 90 or 180 degree, respectively, and at rate of 305 mun per minute using a tensile tester.

Tensile Strength at Break/Elongation at Ba Tensile and elongation were measured according to German Industry Standard DIN 53455 except that the test tape which forms the inner part of a bone-shaped test specimen (between the two thickenings at the ends) was 6.3 5mm wide and had a length ofS50.8 mmn.

The tests were performed using unsupported layers of pressure sensitive adhesive .which were prepared by photo-polymerization between two transparent polymeric rims as described previously. No polymeric film backing or aluminum substrate was used for the adhesive layer In the tensile and elongation test.

.The adhesive sample was cut to width of 6.35 mm and a length of about 50.8 mm.

The thickened ends of the bone-shaped specimen were protected with masking tape and fixed to the clamps of a tensile tester. The distance of the clamps was adjusted to 70 mmn. The sample was torn with a speed of the upper clamp of the tensile tester of 305 mm per minute. Tensile strength was recorded as the force required at break of the sample in units of Newtons per square'millimeter (N/mm 2 Elongation was recorded as length of the sample at break compared to the original sample length of 70 mm. The units of elongation at break are -38- MFT- 7-1-7-7 M-7, 777 Reactivatabilitv The reactivatability was determined via the comparison of 90 degree peel adhesion measurements performed for uncontaminated adhesive layer and adhesive layers contaminated in a defined way, respectively.

The adhesive layer to be tested was produced by photopolymerizing the prepolymerized precursor Setween two layers of siliconized biaxially oriented polyethylene terphthalate film. This laminate was cut to a width of 1.27 cm.

After removal of one layer of PET, the adhesive was adhered to a smooth stainless steel plate. The second layer ofPET was removed and a 1.60 cm wide, 140 gm thick anodized aluminum strip was adhered to the adhesive under a weight of 6.8 kg hard rubber-covered steel rollewitih pass in each direction. The 90 degree peel adhesion for the uncontaminated sample was measured after 20 minutes dwell time S 15 at room temperature bymoving the fle end of the aluminum strip away from the stainless steel plate at90 d6eir elnitf:te of305 mm per minute using a tensile tester, as was described above. The values of the examples are each determined as the average value from two measurements.

20 In a first series of contamination experiments hereafter referred to as method I, TiO 2 powder was applied to thesamfceofthe adhesive layer to be tested. The adhesive layer was then treated with Vl gif iuid soap (Kosmetische Waschlotion of Fa.

Cleaner Lesko GmbH, Elmshorn) fo 15 sec, rinsed with water for 15 sec and dried at 70 0 C. The treatment was repatedIand the peel adhesion was measured after contamination and washing cycles, following the procedure outlined above.

In a second series of contamination experiments hereafter referred to as method II, the surface of the adhesive layer to be tested was treated with about 200 mg of a cosmetic creme (Stokolpapf Pa Stociausen), and washed with an aqueous soap solution and rinsed wi*w e4as cmbed above. The peel adhesion was -39measured after 10 contamination and washing cycles, following the procedure outlined above.

Exampless 1-21 A mixture of 0.04 pph of Irgacure 651 (commercially available through Ciba-Geigy) and 100 parts by weight of isooctylacrylate (IA) was partially polymerizd by UV light to form a syrup of a coatable viscosity of about 2,000 mPas. Then various amounts of hydrophobic silica, tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate (TPGDA) and, in each case, 0.2 phr of Irgacure 651 (commercially available through Ciba-Geigy) were added to the syrup followed by mixing with a lab stirrer for 90 minutes. For 3 amounts of hydrophobic silica 7.5 and 10 phr), the concentration of TPGDA was varied between 0.17 and 1.00. The coating and curing of the syrup were performed between two transparent siiconized polyester films. The level of 15 radiation dosage was about 1,300 mJ/cm 2 The radiation was supplied from lamps having about 901/o of the emissions between 300 and 400 nm, and a peak emission at 351 nm. The thickness of the adhesive samples was chosen to be 800 gm.

"The following properties of the adhesive samples which were measured as described above, are listed in table 1: 900 peel adhesion from copy paper and stainless steel, in each case after a dwell time of 20 minutes and 3 days, respectively static shear from copy paper and from a painted metal surface (painted with an automotive paint obtained from Ford Comp.) a tensile strength at break elongation at break Examples 22-3 3 In this series of experiments, adhesive samples were obtained according to the method used in Example I except that the amount of hydrophobic silica was kept constant at a value of 10 phr while the concentration of tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate was varied between 0.2 and 5.0 phr.

The following properties of the adhesive samples which were measured as described above, are listed in table 2: 900 peel adhesion from matte-finish offset paper and glossy paper, respectively static shear from stainless steel, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate, matte-finish offset paper and glossy paper Examples 34-36 In this series of experiments, adhesive samples were obtained according to the method of Example 1 except that the amount of hydrophobic silica was kept constant at 10 phr while the concentration of tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate was adjusted to be 0.35, 0.50 and 1.0, respectively.

The following properties of the adhesive samples which were measured as described above are listed in table 3: 900 peel adhesion from stainless steel after a dwell time of 20 minutes without contamination and after 10 cycles of contamination and reactivation according to method I and II, respectively.

Comparative Example I In this experiment, an adhesive sample was prepared according to the method of a. Example 1 except that acrylic acid was added as a polar comonomer with the mass ratio of acrylic acid to isooctylacrylate amounting to 10/90. The amount of tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate was adjusted to 1.0 phr, and the concentration of hydrophobic silica was 10 phr.

For this adhesive sample, the same properties as for the adhesive samples of examples 34-36 were determined-, they are listed in table 3.

-41- CoMrative Example 2 in this experiment, an adhesive sample was prepared according to the method of Example I except that 4 pph of hydrophilic silica (Aerosil R200, commercially available through Depauk Hanau) was used as filler component instead of hydrophobic silica Aeorosil R972. The amount of tripropylencglycoldiacrylate was chosen to be For this adhesive sample, psame properties as for the adhesive samples of examples 34-36 were deterfmed; they are listed in table 3.

In this. series of expermimpts, adhesive samples were prepared according to th~e method of Example, xcppt .10-and 40 phr, respectively, of the cellulose powder TechnooeUlO/2 nneally available through Cellulose Fuillstoffabrik, M(~nchengladbach) were usp as Aqljer compponent instead. of hydrophobic silica and that 0.2 phw of Permalink 1:4, pr.t-paint (commercially available through Sicpa Druckfarben Bacpag w .a.ddithe precursor of the PSA. The amount of tripropyleneglycoldiarylae was chosen to be 4* 4For this adhesive sample, the same properties as for the adhesive samples of examples 34-36 were determined; they are listed in table 3.

Examples 3 7-38 In this series of CpowdpMOMM~ a b~v WPsamples were obtained according to the method used in Eu~ape 11 excp that the amount of hydrophobic silica and tripropyleneglycol14cqy*, respvctiely, were kept constant-at values of 10 ph w and 0.27 phr, respective y, tfhe radiation energy was varied between 500-1,300 rnj/CM 2 The following PrRP,",,"dlWOsive samples which were measured as described above, are listed in table 4: -42- 1800 peel adhesion from stainless steel, polypropylene and glass, respectively, after a dwell time of 20 minutes static shear from stainless steel, polypropylene and glass, respectively, at weight loads of 250 and 500 g, respectively tensile at break elongation at break Comparative examples 5-6 In this series of experiments, adhesive samples were obtained according to the method used in examples 37 and 38 except that no hydrophobic silica was added.

For these adhesive samples, the same properties as for the adhesive samples of examples 35-36 were determined; they are listed in table 4.

Examples 39-40 15 In this series of experiments, adhesive samples were obtained according to the method used in Example 1 except that the amount of hydrophobic silica was kept constant at a value of 10 phr while the concentration of tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate was chosen to be 0.47 and 0.62, respectively.

20 The following properties of the adhesive samples which were measured as described above, are listed in table 900 peel adhesion from copy paper and stainless steel, respectively, after dwell times of 20 minutes and 3 days, respectively static shear from copy paper and a painted metal surface (painted with an automotive paint obtained by Ford Comp.), respectively tensile strength at break elongation at break Comparative examples 7-8 In this series of experiments, adhesive samples were obtained according to the method used in examples 39 and 40 except that no hydrophobic silica was added.

-43g- For these adhesive samples, the same properties as for the adhesive samples of examples 39-40 were determined; they are listed in table Examples 41-52 Backing films of various materials and thicknesses were coated or laminated on one side with an adhesive prepared according to the method of example 1. The composition of the precursors of this layer which hereafter will be referred to as layer 1, is specified in table 6.

The following backing materials were used: polyethylene (PE) foam tape (0.8 mm and 1.6 mm thick, available through 3M as PE foam tapes 9528 and 9529, respectively) polyester film (40 wm thick), commercially available through

ICI

polymethylmethacrylate film (PMMA, 2.0 mm thick), commercially available through Fa. R6hm, Darmstadt polyethylene terephthalate film (PET, 12 gtm thick), commercially available through ICI biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP, 40 pm thick), commercially available through Mobile Corp.

linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE, 125 pm thick), commercially available through British Visqueen size-coated offset paper (70 gm thick), commercially available through Zanders Papierwerke, Germany Layer II is an adhesive layer prepared according to Example I (Examples 41-44), an adhesive layer prepared according to comparative example 3 (Examples 45-49), an Acrylate A30 (commercially available through 3M), a synthetic rubber R40 layer (commercially available through 3M) or a rubber-resin PSA (comprising 10 0 parts ofKraton 1011, provided by Shell, and 100 parts of Escorez 1310, provided by Esso).

Examples 53-55 In this series of examples, adhesive samples were obtained according to the method used in Example 1 except that the prepolymerization was stopped at a lower conversion to give a viscosity of about 400 cps. The amount of hydrophobic silica was chosen to be 13.5 and 20 pph, and the concentration of tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate was 0.3 and 0.4 pph, respectively.

The following properties of the adhesive samples which were measured as described above, are listed in table 7- 900 peel adhesion from stainless steel and glossy paper, respectively static shear (for 500 g) from stainless steel and copy paper 15 tensile strength and elongation Examples 56-58 and Comparative Examples In this series of examples, adhesive samples were obtained according to the method used in example 1. The amount of hydrophobic silica was kept constant at 2 pph 20 while the concentration of tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate was varied between 0.1 and The following properties of the adhesive samples which were measured as described above, are listed in table 8: 9 0 0 peel adhesion from stainless steel and polypropylene respectively static shear (for 250 g and 500 g, respectively) from stainless steel and polypropylene, respectively tensile strength and elongation a 12: *i Example 59 A differential adhesion, removable, double-coated adhesive tape is prepared according to the method of example 4 1. The precursors of layer I and II have the following composition: IOA Irgacure AIR972

TPGDA

pph pph pph pph Layer I 100 0.2 10.0 0.2 Layer H 100 0.2 10.0 0.4 Polyethylene terephthalate (50 gm) is used as a backing layer.

The double-coated tape obtained was applied to a Stikitm Disc Pad PN05575 10 (diameter 125 mm, obtainable through 3M) and mounted to a random orbital abrasive machine (Dynabrade 57018). The following flexible abrasives were applied t.to the double-coated tape subsequently to evaluate adhesion of typical abrasives to the double-coated tape of the invention: Polyester Cloth Backing, X/Y weight, in which the polyester cloth had a 15 phenolic/latex saturant and presize and a phenolic/latex/silica fillerbacksize ILF (3 mil polyester film coated with a layer of abrasive minerals, Imperial Lapping FilmT m commercially available through 3M) IDLF (1-3 mm polyester film coated with a layer of diamond minerals, Imperial 20 Diamond Lapping FilmT, commercially available through 3M) Kraft-papers Waterproof papers IMFF (3-5 mil polyester film coated with a layer of abrasive minerals, Imperial Microfinishing Film

T

commercially available through 3M) Polyester/cotton cloth J wt, in which the cloth had a phenolic/latex presize and a glue/starch backsize polyester/cotton cloth, X wt, in which the cloth had a phenolic/latex presize and a glue/starch backsize -46z^^^'ssiy~wgcsff The first 5 flexible abrasive classes enumerated showed a good to excellent adhesion on the double-coated tape while the adhesion of the last three flexible abrasive classes was inferior to the first 5 materials but still acceptable.

All abrasive discs enumerated were used to abrade wood, steel and stainless steel up to the abrasive endpoint. The temperature resistance of the double-coated tape was excellent even under severe load (offhand sanding with portable tool).

After having abrased 10 flexible abrasive disc to the endpoint the exposed layer of the double-coated tape was purposely contaminated once with dust and workpiece material swarf The exposed layer of the double-coated tape was then washed with an aqueous soap solution or methanol, respectively, rinsed with water and dried.

S. Then another 10 flexible abrasive discs were applied to the double-coated tape, abrased to the endpoint and reactivated as described above. The process was repeated for 48 times.

It was found that the adhesion of the double-coated tape recovered to a practically sufficient level as soon as the exposed surface of the double-coated film dried. It was found that at least 500 flexible abrasive discs could be mounted in each case easily, and no differences were observed in the properties of the abrasive system.

Example The rubber surface of a sponge rubber back up pad for stone/marble (commercially available through GrafGmbH, Diisseldort) was sanded away using 3M472L IMFF (commercially available through 3M) until a smooth and even surface was obtained. The double-coated tape of example 59 was applied to this modified backup pad, and the tests according to example 59 were run.

The dry abrasive system showed an excellent behavior with respect to heat resistance and reactivatability.

-47- ~ij Example 61 Differential adhesion, removable, double-coated adhesive films are prepared according to the method of example 39. The IOA, Irgacure and A/R972 concentration are chosen in each case as follows

IOA

pph 100 100 Layer I Layer H Irgacure pph 0.2 0.2 A/R972 pph 10.0 10.0 while the TPGDA concentration is adjusted in 4 different experiments as follows: e• ft *ee Exp.

(a) (b) (c) (d) Layer I pph 0.3 0.25 0.3 0.3 Layer II pph 0.3 0.47 0.6 0.7 Polyethylene terephthalate (50 pm) is used as a backing layer.

Layer 1 of the double-coated film obtained was applied to a Stikit Disc Pad PN05575 (diameter 125 mm, obtainable through 3M) and mounted to a random orbital abrasive machine (Dynabrade 57018). The following flexible abrasive discs A-D were subsequently applied to layer I of the double-coated film: A:3M 241 Resinite Abrasive Paper (commercially available from 3M) B:3M 210A Resin Bond Jwt Abrasive Cloth with fuzzy surface (commercially available from 3M) -48- C: 3M 272L Resin Bond Abrasive Film (as EMFF-film, commercially available from 3M) D: 3M 361A Resin Bond Xwt Abrasive Cloth (commercially available from 3M) The adhesion of exposed layer II was qualitatively assessed using a scale from 1-8: 1. adhesion too high, abrasive disc hardly to remove from layer II 2. vey good a on 3. very good good adhesion 4. good adhesion good to sufficient adhesion 6. sufficient a on 7. sufficient to poor adhesion 8. poor adhesion S "The adhesion was assessed in the following states or after the following treatments, respectively: in the virgin state, prior to any contamination Composition of layer I Abrasive disc (d) A 1 1 2 4 B 4 4 6 6 C 2 2 4 D 2 2 4 4 after a contamination with fingerprints without reactivation -49- Composition of layer II Abrasive disc (c) (iii) after a contamination with Fe powder and wood powder and subsequent reactivation treatment with 1 ml of aqueous soap for 30-45 sec., rinsing with water and subsequent drying with pressurized air) Composition of layer 11 Abrasive disc (c) A 1 2 2 B 4 4 6 C 4 4 D 2 2 (iv) after 10 cycles of contamnination and reactivation as described in (iii) Composition of layer II Abrasive disc (c) A 1 2 2 B 4 4 6 C 4 4 D 2 2 3 For composition of adhesive layer II, additional 15 cycles of contamination and recycling according to (iii) were performed. The result of the subsequent assessment of adhesion was identical to th at obtained after 10 cycles in (iv).

-~tc Example 62 LTK6006 reflective sheeting (containing a PET bacidn& commercially available through 3M, UK) which was printed with a thermal transfer system, was coated with an adhesive layer following the method of example 1. The precursor of the adhesive layer had the following composition: 100 pph IOA 0 10 pph AIR972 0 0.52 pph TPGDA 0 0.2 pph Irgacure The thickness of the adhesive layer was adjusted to be 800 gm.

The adhesive-coated reflective sheeting was subsequently applied to 10 car bodies on a parking lot which were randomly chosen and ranged from fairly clean to relatively dirty. After its removal from a car body and prior to its application to the next, the adhesive layer was treated with an aqueous soap solution, rinsed with water and dried. No significant deterioration of the adhesion performance of the o o adhesive-coated reflective sheeting was observed during above procedure.

Examples 63 Example 62 was repeated except that the adhesive thickness layer was 600 Pm and that the UK6006 reflective sheeting had an additional PMMvA ***(polymethylmethacrylate) top film over the printing.

As in example 62, no significant deterioration of the adhesion performance of the adhesive-coated reflective sheeting was observed during the repetitive mounting, dismounting and reactivation procedure.

Ex=Wes 4 Example 62 was repeated except that LUK5006 reflective sheeting (no PET backing, commercially- available trough 3MK UK) was used and that the thickness of the adhesive layer was 400. tm.

Eamples Example. 64 was repeated except that the thickness layer of the adhesive was 600 in and that the UK5 006 reflective sheeting had an additional PMMA (polyintlylinethaqrylt), JpAm.'over the printing.

As in example64. osgicp 4rpmaton of the adhesion perfbrmance of the adhesive-coated re~ectffieeting was observed during the -repetitive mounting, dismounting and reactivation procedure.

-52o .0 oe. f ooo .o Do of Table I Ex- IOA Irgacure A/R 972 TPGDA 900 peel adhesion (Ni1.27 cm) Static shear Tensile strength Elongation ample (pph) (pph) (pph) (pph) (min) (for 250 g) (N/mi) copy paper SS copy paper paint min 3 days 20 min 3 days 1 100 0.24 5.0 0.47 6.7 4.1 6.3 7.9 178 7151 0.63 469 2 100 0.24 5.0 0.62 4.8 2.6 4.4 6.2 136 4010 0.62 372 3 100 0.24 5.0 0.67 4.0 2.0 4.0 5.7 56 321 0.67 351 4 100 0.24 5.0 0.72 3.5 1.6 3.9 4.8 50 3040 0.65 334 100 0.24 5.0 0.77 3.1 1.5 3.5 4.7 28 4171 0.67 319 6 100 0.24 5.0 0.82 2.9 1.5 3.3 3.9 11 0.59 283 7 100 0.24 5.0 1.00 1.9 0.9 2.6 3.3 39 0.71 251 8 100 0.24 7.5 0.47 6.5 3.7 6.4 9.4 1151 5582 1.04 528 n 9 100 0.24 7.5 0.62 4.4 2.3 4.7 6.6 65 1513 1.04 432 100 0.24 7.5 0.67 3.4 1.3 4.6 5.9 16 3622 0.86 365 11 100 0.24 7.5 0.72 3.2 2.1 3.7 5.5 26 335 0.97 367 12 100 0.24 7.5 0.77 3.2 1.2 3.9 5.4 41 5127 0.84 324 13 100 0.24 7.5 0.82 2.7 1.2 3.7 4.9 17 1.14 350 14 100 0.24 7.5 1.00 1.9 0.8 2.7 3.4 26 1657 0.74 257 100 0.24 10.0 0.17 16.2 16.1 14.6 18.4 >10000 8738 1.39 1304 16 100 0.24 10.0 0.32 11.1 8.9 9.3 12.4 7645 7786 1.48 807 17 100 0.24 10.0 0.67 5.4 2.7 5.8 7.4 67 9425 1.31 442 18 100 0.24 10.0 0.72 3.9 1.7 4.6 6.2 27 6089 1.22 392 19 100 0.24 10.0 0.77 3.4 1.3 4.6 6.2 45 >1000 1.12 358 100 0.24 10.0 0.82 3.0 1.3 4.1 5.3 36 >1000 1.02 326 21 100 0.24 10.0 1.00 .1.8 0.7 2.9 3.5 15 >1000 1.13 290 *59 S. S S S S S S S S S S S

S

*5 .5

S

S. 55 S S **S S S Table 2 Ex- IOA Irgacure A/R 972 TPGDA 90° peel adhesion (N/1.27 cm) Static shear ample (pph) (pph) (pph) (pph) for 500 Matte offset paper Glossy paper SS PET Matte offset Glossy paper ae 22 100 0.24 10.0 0.2 l J16.2 >10000 >10000 23 100 0.24 10.0 0.3 15.6 3188 >10000 >10000 24 100 0.24 10.0 0.4 fl 12.5 378 5920- >10000 >10000 100 0.24 10.0 0.5 _10.7 285 >10000 >10000 >10000 26 100 0.24 10.0 0.6 9.8 >10000 >10000 >10000 >10000 27 100 0.24 10.0 0.7 8.1 ->10000 >10000 6940 >10000 28 100 0.24 10.0 0.8 >10000 >10000 3566 >10000 29 100 0.24 10.0 0.9 5.4 >_10000 >10000 >10000 >10000 100 0.24 10.0 1.0 5.0 4.5 6095 >1 0000 >10000 >W10000 31 100 0.24 10.0 2.0 1.21 0.65 5762 >10000 3 >10000 32 I w 00 0.24 10.0 3.0 0.41 0.49 5461 >10000 0 >10000 33 100 0.24 10.0 5.0 0 0.33 5161 4021 0 365 paper split observed for this specific paper, i.e. no removability Table 3 Examplec

IOA

(pph)

AA

(pph) Irgacur (jpph) 34 36 C9m. Corny. 2 Comp .3 Cor. .4 100.0 0 0.24 100.0 0 0.24 100.0 0 0.24 90.0 10.0 0.24 100.0 0 0.24 100.0 0 0.24 100.0 0 .2

TPGDA

(pph) 103 0.50 0.50 0.62 A/R 972 (pph) 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 0 0 0 A/R 200 Cellulose TWF 30/2 900 peel adhesion (N/1.27 cm) (jPph) (JPph) (SS suface) contamiagioi/reactivation fresh sample, Method I Method 11 no contain.

0 0 10.4 5.7 7.4 0 0 .10.9 15.9 0 0 1.9 1.2 1.4 0 0 2. 1 0 0.91 4.0 0 4.0 1-2 3. 4 0 10 3.7 0.42 143 0 40 0.90 .9105 9. 9* 9 9 9** 9** 9 9* 9 9 9 9 9 *99 *9 9 9 Table 4 Example IOA Irgacure A/R 972 TPGDA Static Shear (min) Static shear (min) Tensile strength Elongation ((pph) (pph) (pph) (ph) 500 (for 250 g) (N/mmn) 5 PP Glass SS PP Glass 37 100.0 0.24 10.0 0.27 >10000 571 978 >10000 1605 >10000 1.75 804 38 100.0 0.24 10.0 0.27 >10000 533 4120 >10000 3186 >10000 1.35 812 Comp. 5 100.0 0.24 0 0.27 1 0 1 3340 2 89 0.12 490 Comp. 6 1100.0 10.24 0 0.27 3 1 .1 7 122 128 132 10.11 1423 Table 4 (cont.) Example 1800 peel adhesion (N/1.27 cm) PP Glass 37 7.0 5.3 38 7.3 5.8 6.4 Comp. 5 1.4 1.8 1.2 Comp. 6 1.8 2.4 11.6 9* Table Exarmple 10A Irgacure A/R972 TPGDA 900 peel adhesion (N4/1.27 cm) Static shear Tensile strength Elongation (pph) (pph) (pph) (pph) (nin) (for 250 g) (N/mm 2

MV.)

copy paper S copy .paper paint 20 -i days_ 20m rui 3 -ay 100 10.24 10.0 0.62 4.8 2.7 5.5 6.9 112 3815 1.40 466 Cm. 100 0.24 0 -0.47 4.8 3.2 5.0 5.7 320 150 0.12 348 S100 0.24 0 0.62 13.5 2.3 13.5 102 r183 0.18 1252 a a a a a a a a a.

a p a a a a a. aa a.a

S

a a. a a a a a a a a a.

a a..

a a a a a a Table 6 Ex- Backing Lay Composition of adhesive layer Thickness of ample er Adhesive layer material thickness IOA AA A/R 972 Cellulose TWF 30/2 Irgacure TPGDA Other (M (pph) (pph) (pph) (pph) (pph) (ph composition 41 PET 12 1 100 10 -0.24 0.30 400 it 100 10 -0.24 0.82 400 42 BOPP 40 1 100 10 *0.24 0.25 400 I 100 -10 -0.24 0.40 400 43 LLDPE go 1 100 -10 0.24 0.30 __400 it 0 10- 0.24 0.82 400 44 PET 40 1 100 -10 -0.24 0.40 100 100 0.24 0.80 *200 PE foam 1600 1 99.5 0.05 10 -0.24 iI t Acrylate A30 46 PE foam 800 1 100 0 10 *0.24 2.5 -100 i Syn. rubber 47 PT 40 1 10 10R40 47 PET 40 1 10 1 0.24 0.80- 90 10 10 0.24 0.40- 48 PET 40 1 10 10 0.24 2.00 1 00 -10 0.24 0.30 49 PNIMA 2000 1 199 1 10 0.24 2.00 1I90 10 10 0.24 0.30- BOPP 40 1 100 -10 0.24 0.90- If Rubber resin

PSA

51 LLDPE 125 1 100 10 0.60 11 94.5 5.5 0.24 52 PET 140 1 100 -10 0.24 0.60- 11i 90 10 10 0.24 0.60 C 0 C. C 0

C

*.r C.

S

S C C. Ce 5O5 See 0 C 0 OeeSSS CC S S C Seeseee S C C C S. C C C S Table 7 Example IOA Irgare AIR 972 TPGDA 900 peel adhesion (N/1.27 cm) Static shear Tensile strength Elongation (pph) (pph) (pph) (pph) (mi) r 230 g) (N/mm 2 .ASY PI- per Copy Paper SS min 3_days 2mi1da 53 100 0.24 20 0.3 26.7 28.9 116 L >10M >10.000 2.49 911 54 100 0.24 20 0.4 209 25 112.8 ij90 >10.000 2.52 682 1 100 0.24 13.5 0.4 19.4 24.9 10.4 13.3 44 >10000 .2.13 717 S 0 0 0 0 0 0 *00 0 *0 0 0 0 Table 8 Example IOA Irgacure A/R1972 TPGDA 900 peel adhesion (N/1.27 cm) Static shear, (min) Static shear, Tensile Elonga- (jPph) (JPph) (pph) (pph) (for 500 g) (min) (for 250 g) Strength tion (N/mm 2 ss Pp 55 Pp s Pp 3 days 20 min days___ Corny. 9 100 0.24 2 0.1 24.4 26.7 27.0 24.7 25+ 76+ 1232+ 324k* Comp. 100 0.24 2' 0.2 11.9 13.6 13.9 12.8 l 10+~ 165+ 52+ 0.48 1200 57 100 0.24 2 0.3 -8.7 110.1 110.3 19.4 8 in 12 67 10 0.33 464 158 100 10.24 12 0.4 17.3 17.4 18.3 18.0 21 12 124 76 0.33 467 159 1100 10.24 12 10.5 15.8 16.2 _I6.6 16.5 117 11 112 2440 0.32 386 *not measurable not cleanly removable, residue Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises", or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

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Claims

1. Removable and/or reactivatable, transparent pressure sensitive adhesive obtained by polymerizing a precursor comprising a monomer component which contains one or more alkyl acrylates, the alkyl groups of which have an average of 4-14 C atoms, and which is essentially free from polar comonomers, said precursor further comprising at least 2.0 phr of hydrophobic silica, one or more polymerization initiators and one or more crosslinker compounds in a concentration resulting in a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate as a reference crosslinker compound in a concentration of 0.15 phr or more.

2. Pressure sensitive adhesive accordg to claim 1 wherein the surface area of the hydrophobic silica is at least 10 m'/g.

3. Pressure sensitive adhesive according to claim 1 containing between 4 and phr of hydrophobic silica.

4. Pressure sensitive adhesive according to claim 1 containing one or more crosslinkers in a concentration to give a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate in a concentration of 0.30 phr or more. Pressure sensitive adhesive according to claim 1 wherein the concentration of the alkyl acrylates with respect to the mass of the precursor of the pressure sensitive adhesive is 75 wt.% or more.

6. An unsupported film which comprises the pressure sensitive adhesive according to claim 1.

7. An unsupported film according to claim 6 the thickss of which is between

30-200 pm and the pressure sensitive adhesive of which contains S-62- hydrophobic silica in an amount between 10-20 phr and exhibits a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate in a concentration between 0. 15 and 0.40 phr, 8. An unsupported film according to caim 6 the thickness of which is between

200-1,500 pm and the pressure sensitive adhesive of which contains hydrophobic silica in an amount between 10-20 phr and exhibits a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate in a concentration between 0.35 1.0 phr. S 9. An unsupported film according to claim 6 the thickness of which is between 100-1,000 pm and the pressure sensitive adhesive of which contains hydrophobic silica in an amount between 5-12.5 phr and exhibits a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate in a concentration between 0.50 and 2.0 phr. An unsupported film according to claim 6 the thickness of which is between

500-3,000 pm and the pressure sensitive adhesive of which contains hydrophobic silica in an amount between 2.5-12.5 phr and exhibits a "i crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate in a concentration between 2.0 and 3.0 phr. 11. A supported film comprising a backing bearing at least one exposed adhesive layer or at least one exposed adhesive layer on each of the two sides of the backing thus forming a single-coated or a double-coated film, the exposed adhesive layer in the single-coated film and at least one of the exposed adhesive layers in the double-coated film being a pressure sensitive .adhesive according to claim 1. -63- ^Q~nopp 12. A double-coated film according to claim 11 wherein the values of 900 peel adhesion of the two exposed adhesive layers on stainless steel after a dwell time of 20 minutes at room temperature differ by at least 13. A double-coated film according to claim 11, wherein one of the exposed adhesive layers is a pressure sensitive adhesive according to claim 1, exhibiting a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using a tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate concentration between 1.5 and 5.0 phr, a loading with hydrophobic silica between 5-15 phr and a layer thickness of 200-2,000 jm. 14. A double-coated film according to claim 13, wherein the other exposed adhesive layer comprises a non-removable pressure-sensitive adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive layer according to claim 1 exhibiting a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using a tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate concentration between 0. 15 and 0.40 phr, a loading with hydrophobic silica between 2-12.5 phr and a layer thickness between 30 and 300 pm. A double-coated film according to claim 11 comprising a first exposed layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive according to claim I exhibiting a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by a tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate concentration between 0. 15 and 0.70 phr, a loading with hydrophobic silica between 5-15 phr and a thickness of 50-300 pm and a second exposed layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive according to claim 1, exhibiting a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by a tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate concentration between 0.30-1.0 phr, a loading with hydrophobic silica between 5zand 15 phr and a layer thickness between 100 and 500 jm on the other side of the backing. 16. A single-coated film according to claim 11 wherein the exposed adhesive layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive accordig to claim I which exhibits a crosslink density equivalent to that obtained by using tripropyleneglycoldiacrylate -64- in a concentration between 0.4 and 2.0 phr, a loading with hydrophobic silica between 5 and 15 phr and a thickness between 50-1,500 pnm. 17. A pressure sensitive adhesive, or films or tape containing the same substantially as described in any of examples 1 to DATED this 22nd day of June 2000 MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY By Their Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE .5