1. Liners (Silicone Release Liners) Larry K. Post North American Technical Services & Strategic Account Technology Manager Ashland, Inc. Dublin, OH Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes for Sales and Marketing Professionals Tape University Basics May 12, 2009

2. Larry K. Post North American Technical Services & Strategic Account Technology Manager Ashland, Inc. Dublin, OH More than 30 years in PSA tape industry Specializing in solution, emulsion and radiation cure PSA adhesives B.S. and M.S. in chemistry from Wright State University Graduate research on synthesis and polymer characterization of new polymerizable herbicide monomers

3. A release liner is a paper or plastic carrier, which is coated on one or two sides with a release agent, which provides a release effect against an adhesive. Release is the separation of the liner from the Definition Backing Adhesive Liner Release Coating Carrier Adhesive Liner Adhesive Release Coatings Adhesive Liner Release Coatings Single Coated Liner Double Coated Liner

4. Release Liner Designs! PROCESS Coating application Curing (thermal, radiant) Finishing SUBSTRATES Paper Paper/Polymer Film RELEASE COATING Silicone Organic Coating

5. Typical Releases  Poly vinyl carbamates  Poly silicones  Fluoropolymers We will focus on silicone release liners for the rest of this presentation

6. Constructions Release is coated onto the tape backing Single coated release liner Double coated release liner Differential Release Tight side Easy side Release is coated onto the tape backing Single coated release liner Double coated release liner Differential Release Tight side Easy side

7. Constructions Silicone Paper or Film (Silicone) Polyolefin: PP or PE Paper or Film (Polyolefin) Silicone (Silicone) Silicone release coatings are either thermally or radiation cured.

8. Release Coating Expectation Stable and consistent release Release coating anchorage to backing Non migrating Easy to initiate removal of liner Recyclability Convertibility Stable and consistent release Release coating anchorage to backing Non migrating Easy to initiate removal of liner Recyclability Convertibility

9. Practical Considerations Speed of liner removal Transfer of silicone from liner Consistent release Paper vs. Plastic liner Speed of liner removal Transfer of silicone from liner Consistent release Paper vs. Plastic liner Silicone chemistry, liner composition and adhesive chemistry must be compatible and linked to application

10. ADD SLIDE SHOWING AFFECT OF STRIPPING SPEED

11. Selection Factors Adhesive chemistry Application-machine or hand applied Converting (Die Cutting) Environment-Temperature, water/humidity COST Adhesive chemistry Application-machine or hand applied Converting (Die Cutting) Environment-Temperature, water/humidity COST Be sure liners substitutions are thoroughly qualified