MXPA00003042A - Sealant composition, article including same, and method of using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-layer article (10) which may be provided in the form of a tape comprises a conformable, compressible, melt flow-resistant core layer (14) having first and second major surfaces, a sealant layer (12) on the first major surface of the core layer, and optionally a bonding layer (16) on the second major surface of the core layer. The sealant layer and the bonding layer each have a surface available for contacting a separate substrate. Various thermoset and foam core layers are disclosed as are thermosettable and thermoplastic sealant layers. The articles are useful for sealing two substrates together, particularly where one of the substrates is glass. Thus, the articles are especially adapted for sealing motor vehicle windshields to a frame. Various assemblies and methods for producing the same are also described.

Description

SEALANT COMPOSITION, ARTICLE THAT USES THE SAME? METHOD OF USING THE SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is concerned with the establishment of a seal between two substrates, particularly, wherein at least one of the substrates is glass. There are many applications where it is necessary to secure a glass substrate within a frame such as a metal, plastic or wooden frame, which can be painted. For example, glass windshields are secured in the metal or plastic frame of a motor vehicle during the manufacturing of the vehicle and after manufacture to replace the windshield in the event of cracking or breaking. It is difficult to establish a strong bond to glass using conventional sealants and adhesives such as polyurethane pastes. To improve adhesion, the surface is typically primed before inserting it into the frame. The polyurethane legs are conventionally used to establish a seal between the primed glass and the frame. However, such pastes are difficult to apply uniformly and reproducibly. Another problem is that pushing the glass into the frame causes the paste to flow and spill out of the joint line. This REF .: 33125 creates joint lines of unequal thickness and glass-frame contact points that can act as points of failure because any stress applied to the frame is transmitted directly to the glass at these points. This is particularly a problem when a windshield of a motor vehicle is installed to a frame having a highly uneven surface. To address this problem, continuous "separators" are commonly placed at various points around the perimeter of the frame. While these spacers help avoid glass-frame contact points, they also act as stress concentration points because, as the sealant shrinks or expands during curing, the spacers do not. Then, it is necessary to use extra sealant to accommodate the spacers. Another problem is found in the case of polyurethane sealing pastes which require a relatively long time to cure and accumulate bond strength such as those which are curable by moisture. During this period of vulnerable curing, glass can vibrate within the frame, making the seal and glass susceptible to damage. Spaces can be formed in the seal, giving rise to noise and compromising the integrity of the seal. The noise associated with the vibrations is also undesirable. In addition, the dependence on ambient humidity means that the curing process varies depending on the environmental conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the invention features an article (for example, in the form of a tape) that includes: (a) a central layer or core layer, foam, conformable, flow-resistant compressible in the molten state having first and second major surfaces and (b) a thermosetting sealant layer on the first major surface of the core layer. The sealant layer has a surface available to contact a substrate. A "sealing composition" or a "sealing layer" is a material that fills spaces. As a result of the sealing formation time, the sealing compositions according to the invention have an elasticity that is sufficiently low such that the sealing composition is able to flow and fill spaces in the substrate to which it is applied and after the sealant has been applied. cured (in the case of heat-sealable sealing compositions) or solidified after cooling (in the case of thermoplastic sealing compositions), still sufficiently fills the spaces to seal the substrate. The surface of the sealing layer available for contacting a substrate and the volume composition of the sealing layer meet these criteria. The sealant compositions useful in the invention are non-tacky (this is, are not sticky to the touch) once they have cured (in the case of thermosetting sealant compositions) or solidified after cooling (in the case of thermoplastic sealant compositions). In addition, the sealant compositions do not meet the definition of a pressure sensitive adhesive as established by the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) Glenview IL. According to the PCTC glossary of terms (August, 1985, revision) pressure-sensitive adhesives are aggressive and permanently sticky at room temperature and adhere firmly to a wide variety of dissimilar surfaces at the mere contact and without the need for more of a finger or manual pressure. They do not require activation by water, solvent or heat in order to exert a strong adhesive holding force towards materials such as paper, plastic, glass, wood, cement and metals. They have a highly cohesive and elastic retention nature in such a way that, despite their aggressive tackiness, they can be manipulated with the fingers and removed from smooth surfaces without leaving a residue. A "thermosettable" or "thermosetting" composition is one that can be cured (ie, cross-linked), for example by preferential exposure to heat or actinic radiation (although exposure to moisture or other chemical means may be sufficient), for produce a material that is substantially non-fusible (that is, thermoformable). Combinations of these various curing media can also be used (for example, a combination of heat and actinic radiation). Such compositions may include a curing agent (e.g., a thermal or photoactive curing agent). A "thermoplastic" composition is one that is capable of being repeatedly softened by heat and hardened by cooling. A material "resistant to flow in the molten state" is a material that resists to undergo macroscopic mass flow under conditions to which the sealing layer exhibits macroscopic flow. Normally, the material resistant to the flow in the molten state resists to undergo macroscopic mass flow when it is subjected to temperatures of up to approximately 200 ° C. A "conformable, compressible" material is a material that easily deforms when subjected to an applied stress but will tend to recover elastically when the effort is removed within the time frame that it takes to establish a seal between two substrates of interest, although some setting or permanent deformation can occur depending on the effort to which the material is subjected in a given application. In one embodiment, the thermosetting sealant layer includes a combination of: (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a resin selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, semicrystalline polyesters and combinations thereof and (c) a curing agent selected from group consisting of: (i) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (ii) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature. In another embodiment, the thermosetting sealant layer substantially retains its shape when subjected to a temperature greater than the softening temperature of the composition, but less than about 200 ° C, until it is driven by an external force different from gravity. Such force includes the pressure exerted during sealing by pushing two substrates together. A test to determine whether a given composition exhibits this behavior involves placing a sample of the composition on a plate held at an angle in an oven, heating the sample to the desired temperature and observing the extent to which the sample loses its initial shape and flows over the surface of the plate in a set period of time. Because the test is carried out in the absence of an applied external force, any flow is attributable to the combined effect of temperature and gravity only. This test is described in more detail in the "examples" section later in the present. In another embodiment, the sealant layer includes a thermosetting sealant composition that includes a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents., characterized by a temperature of thermal activation, (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition. The sealant composition is characterized in that, prior to curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the composition but less than (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity, measured according to the test procedure described in general above. An example of a preferred sealant composition includes a combination of an epoxy resin, a semicrystalline polyester, and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature. The sealing composition is characterized in that, prior to curing, the sealing composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester but less than (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is driven by an external force different from the strength of the curing agent. the severity, measured according to the test procedure described in general above. Preferably, this sealing composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester but less than about 200 ° C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity. The core layer preferably has a tensile strength no greater than the tensile strength. traction of the sealing layer. Examples of suitable core layers include foams, which may be open cell or closed cell foams, although closed cell foams are preferred. Examples of suitable foams include acrylic, polyurethane and polyolefin foams. Also useful are the core layers in the form of pressure sensitive adhesives, for example pressure-sensitive adhesive foams. The article may further include a link layer provided on the second major surface of the core layer. In such embodiments, the sealing layer and the bonding layer are preferably thermally insulated from each other. In a second aspect, the invention has as features an article that includes: (a) a conformable, compressible thermoshable core layer, resistant to melt flow having first and second major surfaces and (b) a thermosetting sealant layer on the first main surface of the core layer. The sealant layer has a surface available to contact a substrate. The thermosetting core layer can be provided for example by a closed cell foam or a pressure sensitive adhesive. Useful thermosetting sealer layers include those that were described above.

In a third aspect, the invention features an article that includes: (a) a conformable, compressible core layer, resistant to melt flow having first and second major surfaces and (b) a thermoplastic sealant layer over the first surface of the core layer. The sealant layer has a surface available for contacting a substrate and is formed from a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyesters, block copolymers containing polyaromatics and silicones. Useful core layers include those previously described. In a fourth aspect, the invention features an article comprising: (a) a thermosettable, conformable, compressible core layer, resistant to melt flow having first and second major surfaces (b) a sealant layer on the first main surface of the core layer and having a surface available for contacting a substrate and (c) a thermoset bonding layer on the second major surface of the core layer and having a surface available for contacting with a second substrate. Core layers and useful sealant layers include those materials mentioned previously.

In a fifth aspect, the invention features an article that includes: (a) a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface separated by an edge region having a finite thickness; (b) a conformable, conformable, melt-flowable, conformable core layer having first and second major surfaces (c) a thermosetting sealant layer provided on the first major surface of the core layer and having a surface available for in contact with a second substrate. Examples of suitable core layers and sealants include the materials described above. The core layer is fixed on its second main surface to (i) the first major surface of the substrate and / or (ii) the edge region of the substrate. The . The core layer imparts damping properties to the vibration to the article. The invention also features a method for attaching these articles to a second substrate by contacting the sealing layer with the second substrate to join the second substrate to the first substrate by means of the sealing layer. An example of a preferred substrate is glass, for example, a glass windshield adapted for use in a motor vehicle. Such substrates can be attached, for example, to metal substrates, painted substrates (for example, painted metal substrates) and in the case of windshields, frames of the type found in motorized vehicles. Higher surface energy substrates are particularly usefully linked together. Another example of a second substrate is a U-shaped clamp to which the article bearing the sealant can be placed. In a particularly useful embodiment in the case of windshields or substrates installed in slits, the first main surface of the substrate is characterized by a first perimeter, the second main surface of the substrate, is characterized by a second perimeter and the core layer is fixed in its second main surface a- (i) the first main surface of the substrate, such that the core layer extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the first major surface of the first substrate and / or (ii) the edge region of the substrate, such that the core layer substantially surrounds the edge region. In a sixth aspect, the invention has as features an article that includes: (a) a substrate having a first main surface characterized by a first perimeter and a second main surface characterized by a second perimeter, in which the first and second surfaces they are separated by a region of the edge that has a finite thickness; (b) a conformable, compressible core layer, resistant to melt flow, having first and second major surfaces; (c) a sealing layer provided on the first main surface of the core layer and (d) a second substrate joined to the first substrate by means of the sealing layer. The core layer is fixed on its second main surface to (i) the first major surface of the first substrate, such that the core layer extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the first major surface of the first substrate and / or (ii) the edge region of the substrate, such that the core layer substantially surrounds the edge region. The core layer imparts vibration damping properties to the article. Examples of suitable core layers and sealants include the materials described above. In a preferred embodiment, the first substrate includes glass and the second substrate includes metal. In a second preferred embodiment, the first substrate includes glass and the second includes a painted substrate (e.g., a painted metal substrate). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first substrate is a glass windshield and the second substrate is a frame (e.g., formed in a motor vehicle) to support the windshield.

In a seventh aspect, the invention features a sealing composition that includes a combination of an epoxy resin, a semicrystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition. The sealant composition is characterized in that, prior to curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester but less than (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is driven by an external force different from the strength of the curing agent. the severity, measured according to the test procedure described in general above. In preferred embodiments, the sealant composition further includes a thixotropic agent, for example selected from the group consisting of particles (such as silica particles), staple fibers, bubbles (such as glass, ceramic or polymer bubbles) and combinations thereof. . Prior to curing, the composition preferably retains substantially its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester, but less than about 200 ° C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity. . The invention provides a ready-to-use sealant in the form of an article such as a tape to establish a seal between two substrates that is particularly useful where at least one of the substrates is glass. The sealant and one of the substrates can be provided in the form of a single ready-to-use article. The sealant can be uniformly and consistently applied and is not pressed out excessively when the substrate is driven into a frame. Thus, the cleaning of the sealing operation is simplified. Sealants can also be used without a primer. Once placed between the two substrates, the preferred sealants build up quickly, resulting in a seal having good green strength. Thus, it minimizes or eliminates the need for special precautions to support one or both of the substrates during the sealing operation. The rapid accumulation of resistance also eliminates problems concerning the stresses imposed on the substrate before full cure such as may be caused by movement of the substrate relative to the frame. Thus, for example, in the case of windshield installation, it is possible to drive in the vehicle carrying the newly installed windshield before the curing is complete. The ability to accumulate green resistance quickly, coupled with the ability to eliminate processing steps such as priming and cleaning the excess sealant pressed out of the joint line, simplifies the sealing process. This in turn facilitates the use of sealants in a motor vehicle assembly line. In addition, this imparts greater flexibility to the assembly process of the motor vehicle. For example, instead of installing the windshield prematurely in the manufacturing process to allow time for the sealant to cure before the vehicle is driven from the manufacturing line, it becomes possible to install the windshield later in the manufacturing process. Preferred sealants can be stored for extended periods of time without degradation because curing does not begin until the composition is exposed to heat or actinic radiation. Advantageously, preferred heat-curable or actinic-based sealants cure relatively independent of ambient conditions that could limit the utility of temperature and moisture sensitive materials such as moisture-curable sealants. After curing, the sealant forms a hard, ductile material that has good tensile strength. Thus, it maintains a good seal between the substrate and the frame even when the seal is subjected to environmental humidity and stress, for example, of the type found during the use of the motor vehicle. In addition, the sealant exhibits low shrinkage or shrinkage after curing, thereby maintaining seal and minimizing stresses to the substrate. Particularly in the case of glass substrates, such efforts can cause the glass to crack. The conformable compressible core layer acts as a separator of the integral link line and forms a vibration dampening cushion on which the substrate floats within the frame. Because it is preferably substantially continuous around the perimeter of the surface of the substrate, it can advantageously accumulate and dissipate stresses to which the article is subjected under conditions of normal use. An additional advantage is that the preferred constructions, under catastrophic impact of high cutting ratio, can transmit the stress imposed on the substrates. In addition, the compressible, conformable property of the core layer allows for greater sealing capacity thus reducing the amount of sealant needed and minimizing outward compression. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings in which similar reference numerals designate similar or analogous components from beginning to end and in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, enlarged of a multilayer article according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a motor vehicle windshield having a multilayer belt secured to a main face thereof according to the invention. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the installation of a windshield to a motorized vehicle according to the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing, according to the invention, the use of a multilayer tape to secure a windshield to a frame in a motor vehicle; Figure 6 is a plan view of a substrate having a multilayer tape secured to an edge surface thereof according to the invention; Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6 and Figure 8 is a sectional view illustrating a substrate sealed to a clamp using a multilayer tape according to the invention .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Article Figure 1 illustrates a multilayer article 10 in the form of a tape useful for establishing a seal between two substrates. The tape 10 features a sealing layer 12, a core layer 14, an optional tie layer 16 and an optional removable inner or liner 18, temporary, to protect the tie layer (if present) or the layer of the nucleus. The liner or inner liner 18 is removed before joining the surface that protects a substrate. Alternatively, the optional link layer 16 may be replaced by a second optional sealer layer.

Conveniently, although not shown separately in the drawings, the tape 10 can be provided in the form of a roll of tape for easy storage, packaging, handling and use. In such constructions, the tape 10 is commonly wound around a core of paper or plastic having a diameter, conventionally, of approximately 7.6 cm. In such constructions, the tape can be wound with a separable, temporary inner liner or liner, which separates the adjacent turns of the roll. The provision of the tape 10 in roll form is facilitated by selecting the sealant layer in such a way that it has a thickness and a modulus that promotes easy winding without exerting a force that could result in a permanent deformation of the core layer 14 in the article, by fusing some of the layers in the article beyond the widest layer in the article or by plugging in the article, when it is stored under ordinary conditions of temperature and humidity environments. The tape 10 can be used to seal a variety of substrates together. The substrates may be the same or different from each other. Examples of suitable substrates include glass, metal, plastic, wood and ceramic substrates. Representative plastic substrates include polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene-dienomonomer rubber, polyurethanes, polymethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic design (e.g., polyphenylene oxide, polyether ether ketone, polycarbonate) and thermoplastic elastomers which include elastomeric olefins thermoplastic Glasses and polymers that can be used as substitutes for glass (for example, polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate) can be referred to as glazing materials. Tape 10 is particularly effective for sealing substrates having a higher surface energy (as measured by a critical Zisman wetting tension greater than 35 millijoules / m2) such as metal, painted metal and many polymers. The surface of the substrate can be coated, for example, with paint, an abrasion-resistant coating or an anti-glare coating. In the case of, for example, windshields, the glass may include an alkaline ceramic-flux layer. The tape 10 is particularly useful for sealing glass substrates to, for example, metal and plastic substrates. For example, article 10 is particularly useful for sealing a glass windshield to a metal or plastic frame in a motor vehicle. The core layer 14 supports the sealant layer 12. One purpose of the core layer 14 is to act as an integral separator when the belt 10 is used to establish a seal between a pair of substrates. Thus, during the pressurized application of the substrate carrying tape to the other substrate, the core layer 14 prevents the two substrates from coming together in the event that the sealant is displaced. Such contact is particularly undesirable where one of the substrates is glass because the resulting stress could cause the glass to break. The core layer 14 also dissipates the stress resulting from curing of the sealant, thereby minimizing seal stresses. The core layer 14 also preferably acts as an internal vibration damper to minimize the noise associated with the movement of the variable frequency substrate once the two substrates have been sealed together. The core layer also isolates the substrate to which it is attached from the stresses transmitted to that substrate and from the other substrate. For example, in the case of a glass windshield installed in a motorized vehicle, the core layer absorbs the vibrations that arise from the wind that hits the glass, as well as vibrations that arise from the frame of the motor vehicle. Another function of the core layer 14 is to thermally insulate the sealant layer 12 from the tie layer 16, regardless of whether the tie layer is integral with the tape 10 or is applied separately to the surface of the substrate prior to application of the tie layer. tape. In this way, the respective curing reactions that can be carried out in the sealing and bonding layers can be isolated from each other, providing the opportunity to cure the tape in stages. It also offers the advantage of increasing the freedom of formulation with respect to the compositions of the sealing and bonding layer. Yet another function of the core layer 14 is to act as a failure zone in such a way that the cohesion failure of the tape (as opposed to a failure in a tape / substrate interface) is preferably present in the core layer. , instead of the sealing layer or the bonding layer (if present). This feature is particularly advantageous when bonding or bonding glass substrates such as windshields to a metal or plastic frame in a motor vehicle because it secures aggressive bonds between the glass and the belt and between the belt and the vehicle, remain intact when subjected to effort, thereby improving overall performance. To obtain these functions, the core layer 14 is designed in such a way that it is compressible and conformable. These features allow the core layer 14, for example, to dampen the substrate to which the tape is attached and to absorb and distribute the stresses applied to the sealed construction. In addition, compressibility and conformability help obtain full body contact and seal formation. The core layer 14 is also designed in such a way that it is resistant to melt flow such that it does not suffer macroscopic mass flow when exposed to the temperature and pressures used during the sealing operation. To promote the cohesive failure of the tape 10, the core layer 14 is preferably formulated in such a way as to be weaker than either the sealer layer or the link layer (if present). This is, the final tensile strength of the core layer is not greater than the final tensile strength of either the sealing layer or the bonding layer (if present). To encourage cohesive faults within the core layer. For example, the ultimate tensile strength of the core layer is preferably no greater than about 80% of the final tensile strength of either the sealant layer or the bond layer, as measured according to the process of test described in the section of "examples" hereinafter, "ultimate tensile strength" refers to the tensile strength as measured under the temperature and humidity conditions specified in the "examples" section below in the present and after any individual thermoset layers within the tape have cured. Commonly, the core layer 14 has a final tensile strength of not more than about 6.9 MPa, preferably not greater than about 5.2 MPa, and more preferably not greater than 3.5 MPa, measured in accordance with the test procedure described in the section ^ of "examples" later in the present. The value of the particular maximum tensile strength is a function of the application for which the belt 10 is designed to be used. For example, in the case of windshields installed in motor vehicles, the ultimate tensile strength of the core layer is preferably not greater than about 3.5 MPa. To further locate the cohesive failure in the core layer, a tie layer (not shown separately in the drawings) can be disposed between the sealing layer and the core layer to improve adhesion between the two layers. A second tie layer (also not shown separately in the drawings) can be similarly arranged between the core layer and the link layer (if present). Increasing the adhesion between the individual layers increases the probability that the failure mode will be cohesive failures in the core instead of faults in a tape / substrate interface.

Useful materials for the tie layer include, for example, polymeric films, pressure sensitive adhesives, pressure activated adhesives, heat activated adhesives and the like, any of which may be latently curable or not. Frequently, the choice of the tie layer is based on the composition of the respective layers. For example, in the case of core layers and sealants having acid functional groups, thermoplastic polyamides are useful as tie layers. In the case of sealing layers containing epoxy and acrylic-based cores, water-borne dispersions of a mixture of an epoxy and a polyamide are useful. Such dispersions are commercially available from Union Camp Corp., Wayne, NJ under the description of Micromid ™ 142LTL. Other methods for improving adhesion between the individual layers of tape 10 include providing the core layer with functional groups, such as carboxylic acid nuclei, to allow the core layer to be covalently bound to the sealer layer, the bond layer or both. The surface of the core layer can also be treated, for example, by corona discharge, to improve adhesion to the adjoining layers. The thickness of the core layer 14 must be sufficient for the core layer to perform the separation function of the link line and preferably, the vibration damping and thermal insulation functions as well. The particular thickness of a given core layer is selected based on the application for which the belt 10 is designed. For example, in the case of motorized vehicle windshield installation, the thickness of the core layer must be sufficiently small such that the belt can fit into the frame for which the windshield is designed. Commonly, the thickness of the core layer 14 is at least about 1 mm, preferably at least about 2 mm and more preferably at least about 3 mm. Preferred materials for the core layer 14 are viscoelastic materials. These materials can be thermoplastic or thermofratable, thermosetting materials are preferred. Examples of materials suitable for the core layer 14 include thermoformable materials such as polyacrylates and polyurethanes and thermoplastic materials such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. An example of a suitable commercially available material is sold by 3M Company under the designation Structural Bonding Tape No. 9214. The polyurethane-based core layers can be provided as solid elastomers or as cellular foams and can be formed from compositions of one part or two parts. The compositions of a part can be activated by moisture, in which case water, either introduced on purpose or acquired from the atmosphere, initiates the curing reaction. Alternatively, a blocked isocyanate can be used with heat used to release the isocyanate and initiate the curing reaction. The two-part urethanes include a first component having one or more isocyanate-based resins and a second component containing one or more polyols and curing agents. Also suitable are pressure sensitive adhesives. Such adhesives allow the free ends of the tape 10 to be fused together in the form of a gasket to produce a continuous seal, preferably a gasket in which the tape ends remain in the same plane such as a gasket side by side, gasket beveled or butted. Further, when the core layer 14 is in the form of a pressure sensitive adhesive it is possible to link the core layer directly to the substrate, thereby eliminating the need for a separate bond layer (integral or otherwise). Preferably, the core layer 14 is in the form of a foam, thermosetting acrylic foams are particularly preferred. The foam may have an open or closed cell structure although closed cell foams are preferred. Examples of suitable foams are described for example in U.S. Patent No. 4,223,067 issued to Levens and U.S. Patent No. 4,415,615 issued to Esmay et al. Foams based on polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate can also be used and are commonly produced by extruding a resin composition from an extruder and forming a foam of the material before or after crosslinking. Commercial suppliers for these types of foam include Voltek Div. Of Sekisui America Corp., Lawrence, MA or Sentinel Products Corp., Hyannis, MA. Other materials that can be incorporated into the core layer 14 include for example stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, adherents, flow control agents, adhesion promoters (eg, silanes and titanates), colorants, thixotropic agents and other reinforcing or fillers. . The sealing layer 12 is preferably in the form of a continuous layer. However, discontinuous layers can also be used as long as the sealant fuses under the application of heat and pressure to form an effective seal of the final article. To help obtain a good seal on uneven surfaces, the surface of the sealing layer 12 available for sealing to the second substrate can be textured. In addition, single-layer and multi-layer sealing compositions are contemplated. Sealing compositions useful in the invention are non-tacky (that is, they are not sticky to the touch) and once they have cured (in the case of thermosetting sealant compositions) or solidified on cooling (in the case of thermoplastic sealant compositions). In order to facilitate the provision of such compositions and facilitate the manufacture and handling of the tape 10 when in the form of a roll of tape, it is preferred that the sealing composition have a cutting module at room temperature (ie, approximately 23 ° C) of at least about 3 x 106 dynes / cm2, more preferably about 107 to 1010 dynes / cm2 when measured at a frequency of 1 Hertz. The width of the sealing layer 12 is dependent on the application. In general, however, the width of the sealant layer 12 is not greater than the width of the core layer 14. The purpose of the sealant layer 12 is to establish and maintain the seal between a pair of substrates. The sealant is designed in such a way that it has a relatively high final tensile strength after curing (in the case of thermoformable materials) or in cooling (in the case of thermoplastic materials), without being brittle, to promote localized flaws of the core lid. The particular minimum tensile strength value is dependent on the application. In general, however, the tensile strengths are in the order of at least about 3.5 MPa, preferably at least about 5.2 MPa and more preferably at least about 6.9 MPa when measured according to the test procedure described in the "examples" section later in the present. For example, in the case of windshields installed in motor vehicles, the final tensile strength of the sealing layer is preferably greater than about 3.5 MPa. After causing the sealing composition to flow and form a seal (eg, by applying heat and / or pressure), the sealant layer 12 is preferably designed to accumulate cohesive strength rapidly, resulting in a construction having good strength green. A measure of the speed at which the resistance builds up is the addition of overlap cut of the sealing layer relative to the core layer, as measured according to the test procedure described in the "examples" section. later in the present. Preferably, the adhesion of cut-off overlapping of the sealing layers is greater than the adhesion of cut-over of the core layer in about 30 minutes after the initial application of heat and pressure, more preferably in about 15 minutes and even more preference in about 5 minutes. Of course, the sealant composition also needs to exhibit an appropriate adhesion to the surface of the substrate that is designed to seal, recognizing that the desired adhesion may be application dependent. This can be reflected by a cut adhesion value of preferably at least about 1.7 Kg / cm2 (25 pounds / square inch), more preferably at least about 3.5 Kg / cm2 (50 pounds / square inch) and more preferably at least about 7.0 Kg / cm2 (100 pounds / square inch). In certain applications, however, higher values such as at least about 21.1 kg / cm2 (300 pounds / square inch), more preferably at least about 35.1 kg / cm2 (500 pounds / square inch) or even more preferably at least about 49.2 kg / cm2 (700 pounds / square inch) may be desirable. Such values relate to the measurement of the cutting adhesion at a jaw separation speed of 50.8 mm / minute when a sealant layer of approximately 1 mm thickness is placed between an E coated steel substrate of approximately 0.9 mm. thickness (ie, using panels coated with ED-5100 as obtained from Advanced Coating Technologies Inc., Hillsdale, MI) and an anodized aluminum substrate as obtained from Hiawatha Panel & Ame Pia Co., Inc., Minneapolis, MN. The thickness of the sealing layer 12 is a function of the particular sealing application for which the article 10 is designed. Commonly, however, the thickness of the sealing layer 12 is at least about 0.25 mm, preferably at least about 1 mm and more preferably at least about 1.5 mm, such thicknesses are also useful to provide the article 10 in the form of a roll of ribbon. In some applications, the relative thicknesses of the core layer 14 and the sealing layer 12 can influence the performance of the multilayer article since the compression force exerted by the core layer on the sealing layer can contribute to the formation of a good seal to the substrate. Accordingly, it may be desirable in some instances that the thickness of the sealant layer 12 be at least 30% of the thickness of the core layer 14, more preferably at least 50% of the thickness of the core layer. Compositions that can flow in the molten state can be used for the sealant layer 12. Suitable compositions include thermosetting materials such as epoxy resins or the combination of such materials with thermoplastic materials to form miscible or physical combinations. Examples of such combinations or mixtures are described, for example, in Johnson et al., "Melt-Flowable Materials and Method of Sealing Surface", filed on April 12, 1995 and having serial number 08 / 421,055, assigned to the same transferee. as the present application and incorporated by reference in the present (b) US Patent No. 5,086,088 to Kitano et al, also incorporated by reference. An appropriate class of materials includes mixtures of epoxy resins with semicrystalline polymers such as polyesters, as described in the application of Johnson et al, mentioned above. Semicrystalline polymers are advantageous because they contribute to the rapid accumulation of sealant strength, leading to a seal having a high green strength. A polymer that is "semi-crystalline" exhibits a crystalline melting point, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, (DSC), preferably with a maximum melting point of about 200 ° C. The crystallinity in a polymer is also observed as a nebulization or opacification of a sheet that has been heated to an amorphous state as it cools. When the polymer is heated to a molten state and coated by a knife on an inner liner or coating to form a sheet, it is amorphous and it is observed that the sheet is clear and fairly transparent to light. As the polymer in the sheet material cools, crystalline domains are formed and crystallization is characterized by clouding of the sheet to a translucent or opaque state. The degree of crystallinity can be varied in the polymers by mixing any compatible combination of amorphous polymers and semicrystalline polymers having varying degrees of crystallinity. The clouding of the sheet provides a convenient non-destructive method to determine that the crystallization has been presented to a degree in the polymer. During use, when preferred sealers based on blends of epoxy-containing material and polyester components soften, it flows and fills the spaces on the surface to be sealed, the epoxy resin and the polyester component form a homogeneous system as evidenced by a lack of macroscopic phase separation with the naked eye. The polymers may include nucleating agents to adjust the rate of crystallization at a given temperature and thus the rate at which the green resistance accumulates. Useful nucleating agents include microcrystalline waxes. A suitable wax is for example sold by Petrolite Corp. as Unilin ™ 700. Preferred polyesters are hydroxyl terminated polyesters and carboxyl terminated polyesters which are semicrystalline at room temperature. Other functional groups that may be present include -NH-CONH-NH2-, SH, anhydride, urethane and oxirane groups. The preferred polyesters are also solid at room temperature. Preferred polyester materials have a number average molecular weight of about 7500 to 200,000, more preferably about 10,000 to 50,000 and more preferably about 15,000 to 30,000. The polyester components useful in the invention comprise the reaction product of dicarboxylic acids (or their diester equivalents, in which anhydrides are included) and diols. The diacids (or diester equivalents) can be saturated aliphatic diacids containing from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, (in which are included branched, unbranched or cyclic materials having 5 to 6 carbon atoms in a ring) and / or aromatic acids containing from 8 to 15 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable aliphatic diacids are succinic, glutaric, adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic, sebacic, 1, 12-dodecandioic, 1,4-cycloexandicarboxylic, 1,3-cyclopentadicarboxylic, 2-methylsuccinic, 2-methylpentanedioic, 3 -methylexanedioic and the like. Suitable aromatic acids include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, 4,4'-benzophenodicarboxylic acid, 4- 4'-diphenylmethanedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-diphenylethylethericarboxylic acid and 4,4'-diphenylaminadicarboxylic acid. Preferably, the structure between the two carboxyl groups in the diacids contain only carbon and hydrogen and more preferably the structure is a phenylene group. Mixtures of the above diacids can be used. The diols include branched, unbranched and cyclic aliphatic diols having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable diols include ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 1,6 -hexanodiol, cyclobutan-1,3-di (2'-ethanol), cyclohexane-1,4-dimethanol, 1,10-decanediol, 1, 12-dodecanediol, and neopentyl glycol. The long chain diols include poly (oxyalkylene) glycols in which the alkylene group contains from 2 to 9 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms can be used. Mixtures of the above diols can be used. Useful commercially available hydroxyl-terminated polyester materials include various linear saturated semicrystalline copolyesters available from Huís America, Inc. such as Dynapol ™ S330, Dynapol ™ S1401, Dynapol ™ S1402, Dynapol ™ S1358, Dynapol ™ S1359, Dynapol ™ S1227 and Dynapol ™ S1229. Useful saturated linear amorphous copolyesters available from Huís America, Inc. include Dynapol ™ S1313 and Dynapol ™ S1430. Useful epoxy-containing materials are epoxy resins having at least one oxirane ring polymerizable by a ring-opening reaction. Such materials, broadly called epoxides, include monomeric and polymeric epoxides and may be aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic. These materials generally have, on average, at least two epoxy groups per molecule (preferably more than 2 epoxy groups per molecule). The "average" number of epoxy groups per molecule is defined as the number of epoxy groups in the epoxy-containing material divided by the total number of epoxy molecules present. The polymeric epoxides include linear polymers having terminal epoxy groups (eg, a diglycidyl ether of a polyoxylene glycol), polymers having structural oxirane units (eg, polybutadiene polyepoxide) and polymers having pendant epoxy groups (eg, a glycidyl methacrylate polymer or copolymer). The molecular weight of the epoxy-containing material can vary from 58 to about 100,000 or more. Mixtures of various epoxy-containing materials can also be used. Useful epoxy-containing materials include those containing cyclohexene oxide groups such as epoxy cyclohexanecarboxylate, exemplified by 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate, 3, -epoxy-2-methylcyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxy-2. -methylcyclohexancarboxylate and bi (3,4-epoxy-6-methylcyclohexylmethyl) adipate. For a more discussed list of useful epoxides of this nature, reference may be made to U.S. Patent No. 3,117,099. Additional epoxy-containing materials that are particularly useful are glycidyl ether monomers such as glycidyl ethers, polyhydric phenols obtained by reacting a polyhydric phenol for example an epichlorohydrin (for example, the diglycidyl ether of 2,2-bis- (2,3-epoxypropoxyphenol propane). Additional examples of epoxides of this type which can be used in the The practice of this invention is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,018,262, Other useful glycidyl ether-based epoxy-containing materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,407,978.There are a variety of commercially available epoxy-containing materials that can be used. In particular, epoxides that are readily available include octadecylene oxide, epichlorohydrin, styrene oxide, vinylcyclohexene oxide, glycidol, glycidyl methacrylate, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (for example, those available under the trade designations EPON SU-8, EPON SU-2.5, EPON 828, EPON 1004F and EPON 1001F from Shell Chemical Co. and DER-332 and DER-334, from Dow Chemical C or.), diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (eg, ARALDITE GY281 of Ciba-Geigy), vinylcyclohexene dioxide (eg, ERL 4206 DE Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, CT) 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3, -epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate (e.g., ERL-4221 from Union Carbide Corp.), 2- (3,4-epoxycyclohexyl-5,5-spiro-3, 4-epoxy) cycloexanmetadioxane (e.g., ERL-4234 from Union Carbide Corp.), bis (3,4-epoxycyclohexyl adipate (e.g., ERL-4299 from Union Carbide Corp.), dipentene dioxide (e.g., ERL-4269 from Union Carbide Corp.), epoxidized polybutadiene (e.g., OXIRON 2001 from FMC Corp. ), epoxysilanes (e.g., beta- (3,4-epoxycyclohexyl) ethyltrimethoxysilane and gamma-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxysilane commercially available from Union Carbide), flame retardant epoxy resins (e.g. DER-542, a brominated bisphenol-type epoxy resin available from Dow Chemical Co.), 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (for example, ARALDITE RD-2 from Ciba-Geigy), epoxy resins to ba of dysphenol A epichlorohydrin (e.g., EPONEX 1510 from Shell Chemical Co.) and polyglycidyl ether of phenolformaldehidonovolak (e.g., DEN-431 and DEN-348 from Dow Chemical Co.). Useful photoactive curing agents are cationic and include aromatic iodonium complex salts, aromatic sulfonium complex salts and metallocene salts and are described for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,089,536 (Palazzotto). Peroxides and oxalate esters can be used with the metallocene salts to increase the curing speed, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,252,694 (Willett). Useful commercially available photoactive curing agents include FX-512, a complex salt of aromatic sulfonium (3M Company), CD-1010 a complex salt of aromatic sulfonium from Sartomer, CD-1012, a complex salt of diaryliodonium from Sartomer, a salt complex of aromatic sulfonium (Union Carbide Corp.), UVI-6974 a complex salt of aromatic sulfonium (Union Carbide Corp.), and IRGACURE 261, a complex salt of metallocene (Ciba-Geigy). Photosensitizers may also be included, for example, to improve the efficiency of the photoactive curing agent and / or adjust the wavelength of photoactivity. Examples of photosensitizers include pyrene, fluoroanthrene, benzyl, chrysene, p-terphenyl, acenaphthalene, phenanthrene, biphenyl and camphorquinone. A variety of thermally activated curing agents can also be incorporated into the compositions. For example, useful thermally activated curing agents include amine-amide-type materials of Lewis acid and anhydride-type materials and those that are preferred include dicyandiamide, imidazoles and polyamine salts. These are available from a variety of sources, for example Omicure, available from Omicron Chemical, Ajicure ™, available from Ajinomoto Chemical and Curezol ™, available from Air Products. In certain cases, it may be advantageous to add an accelerator to the composition, such that it will fully cure at a lower temperature or fully cure when exposed to heat for shorter periods. Imidazoles are also useful, suitable examples of which include 2,4-diamino-6- (2'-methyl-imidazoyl) -ethyl-striazine isocyanurate, 2-phenyl-4-benzyl-5-hydroxymethyl-imidazole and Ni-imidazole-phthalate. Other mixtures useful for the sealing layer-14 include epoxy-acrylate mixtures, such as those described for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,086,088 issued to Kitano et al. These mixtures are preferably the photopolymerized reaction product of a composition that has as characteristics: (i) a propolymer or monomeric syrup (ie, partially polymerized to a viscous syrup commonly between about 100 and 100,000 centipoises of an ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid); (ii) optionally, a reinforcing comonomer; (iii) an epoxy resin; (iv) a photoinitiator and (v) a thermally activated curing agent for the epoxy. Also useful is the thermally polymerized reaction product of a composition having the characteristics: (i) a prepolymer syrup (ie, partially polymerized to a viscous syrup commonly between about 100 and 10,000 centipoise) or monomeric of an acrylic acid ester or methacrylic; (ii) optionally a reinforcing comonomer; (iii) an epoxy resin (iv) a thermal initiator and (v) a photoactive curing agent for the epoxy. Suitable epoxy resins and thermally activated curing agents ide those described above. Examples of useful photoinitiators ide quinones, benzophenones, triacylimidazoles, acylphosphine oxides, bisimidazoles, chloroalkyltriazines, benzoin ethers, benzyl ketals, thioxanthones and acetophenone derivatives and mixtures thereof. Examples of useful thermal initiators ide organic peroxides and azo compounds. During use, preferred sealers based on mixtures of epoxy-containing material and polyacrylate components soften, flow and fill the spaces on the surface to be sealed, the epoxy resin and the polyacrylate component form a single-phase system homogeneous, as evidenced by the lack of a phase separation macroscopic to the naked eye. The relative amounts of the different ingredients are selected to balance the final tensile strength and the thermal resistance on the one hand, with flexibility and green resistance accumulation on the other hand. For example, increasing the amount of epoxy resin increases. the ultimate tensile strength and thermal resistance, while decreasing the flexibility and speed of green resistance accumulation. Conversely, increasing the amount of polyester or polyacrylate increases the flexibility and speed of green strength accumulation, while decreasing the ultimate tensile strength and thermal resistance. In the case of epoxy-polyacrylate and epoxy-polyester blends, the compositions commonly ide 0.01 to 95 parts per 100 parts total of the epoxy-containing material and correspondingly 99.99 to 5 parts-of the polyester or polyacrylate component. More preferably, the compositions ide 0.1 to 80 parts of the epoxy-containing material and correspondingly 99.9 to 20 parts of the polyester or polyacrylate component. More preferably, the compositions ide from 0.5 to 60 parts of the epoxy-containing material and correspondingly from 99.5 to 40 parts of the polyester or polyacrylate component. Other thermosetting, melt flowable compositions useful for the sealant layer 12 ide urethane-based materials, such as moisture curable urethanes which may also be thermal fusion compositions. Such compositions frequently comprise one or more polyisocyanates (eg, dissociates such as 4,4'-diphenylmethylene diisocyanate, toluene disocyanate, isophorone disocyanate or hexamethylene diisocyanate in which isocyanate derivatives of these materials are ided), one or more materials functional polyhydroxy (e.g., polyester or polyether polyols iding polycaprolactones), optionally a catalyst for the moisture curing reaction (e.g., dibutyltin dilaurate) and optionally a variety of additives or adjuvants (e.g., builders or fillers, dyes, beads, bubbles, fibers, plasticizers, adhesion agents, flow control agents, thixotropic agents, adhesion promoters, etc.) that do not materially interfere with the curing reaction by moisture. The sealant layer 12 can also be formed from a thermoplastic composition. Examples of suitable thermoplastic compositions ide polyestersblock copolymers of thermoplastic elastomers (for example, block copolymers based on styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene), phenoxy resins, polyurethanes, silicones and polyamides. Polyesters, block copolymers and polyurethanes are particularly preferred thermoplastics. Preferably, the thermoplastic compositions used in the sealant layer are provided as homogeneous single-phase materials that do not include a dispersed phase such as cross-linked particles. The thermoplastic compositions selected for the sealant layer 12 preferably exhibit a softening temperature (as measured by a ring and ball softening test) that is greater than the service temperature for the final construction to which the article carrying Sealer will be incorporated. The service temperature for the final design refers to the maximum temperature that the final construction is expected to be exposed under ordinary conditions of use. The preferred compositions for the sealant layer 12 are sealant compositions that resist flow and thus substantially retain their shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the sealant and for thermosetting sealant compositions, a temperature that is less than: (a) in the case of agents of thermally activated curing, the temperature of thermal activation of the curing agent or (b) in the case of photoactive curing agents, the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, until it is subjected to pressure of the order of pressure applied during the curing process. alteration as the tape carrier substrate is pressed into contact with the other substrate. Under the influence of heat and applied pressure, these compositions undergo a controlled flow to conform and functionally seal against uneven surfaces.

The softening temperature represents the minimum temperature at which the composition is sufficiently malleable so that it can be mounted to and held in place on a substrate. The softening temperature is a function of the particular sealing composition. In the case of sealant compositions containing crystalline, semicrystalline components, this corresponds in general to the melting temperature of this component. Commonly, the upper temperature limit is of the order of about 200 ° C. To determine whether any particular sealant composition meets these performance criteria, the composition is subjected to the test procedure described in further detail in the "examples" section later herein. Briefly, this test involves placing a sample of the composition on a plate held at an angle in an oven, heating the sample to the desired temperature and observing the extent to which the sample loses its initial shape and flows across the surface of the plate. in a set period of time. Examples of compositions that meet these requirements include thermoplastic and thermosetting materials. In the case of the latter, the compositions may incorporate one or more photoactive curing agents, thermally activated curing agents or combinations thereof, the use of photoactive curing agents is preferred. Particular compositions that meet these criteria include the epoxy / polyester and epoxy / polyacrylate compositions described above, but particularly designed or formulated in such a way that the flow in the molten state does not occur under the influence of heat and gravity only, but in Place of this requires applied pressure as well. A useful formulation involves including one or more thixotropic agents to the composition in an effective amount; that is, an amount necessary to obtain the desired rheological properties. In general, the total amount of thixotropic agents is not greater than about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the sealant composition without curing, preferably not greater than about 10% by weight, more preferably not greater than about 5% by weight and more preferably in the range of about 3-5% by weight. Suitable thixotropic agents do not materially interfere with curing, in the case of thermoformable compositions or otherwise cause degradation of the composition. Representative examples of thixotropic agents include fillers or particulate reinforcing agents, beads (which may be of the glass, ceramic or polymeric type), bubbles (which may be of the glass, ceramic or polymeric type) and staple fibers, also as combinations of the same. Fillers in suitable particles include for example hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica, calcium carbonate, titania, bentonite, clays and combinations thereof. Suitable fibers include polymer fibers (eg, aromatic polyamide fibers, polyethylene, polyester and polyamide fibers), glass fibers, graphite fibers and ceramic fibers (for example, boron fibers). Other materials that can be incorporated into the sealant layer 12 include, for example, stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, adherents, flow control agents, adhesion promoters (eg, silanes and titanates), colorants and other fillers. The link layer 16 is preferably in the form of a continuous layer. The width of the link layer 16 is dependent on the application. In general, however, the width of the link layer 16 is preferably not greater than the width of the core layer 14. In addition, single-layer and multi-layer link compositions are contemplated. In service, the link layer 16 is disposed between the core layer 14 and the surface of the substrate to which the tape 10 is fixed. The purpose of the link layer 16 is to improve the adhesion between the substrate and the core layer 14. It can be integral with the tape 10 as shown in Figure 1 or it can be provided separately on the face of the substrate before fixing the tape 10 to the substrate. It is particularly useful when the substrate is glass. The thickness of the link layer 16 is selected based on the particular application for which the tape will be used. In general, however, the thickness of the tie layer 16 is not greater than about 500 microns, preferably not more than about 250 microns and more preferably not greater than about 125 microns. Suitable materials for the bonding layer 16 are adherent or sticky at the installation temperature. Thermoplastic and thermoplastic materials can be used. The bond layer is ordinarily selected such that it has, in comparison with the sealant layer, a different composition, thickness or both. The choice of a particular material for the link layer 16 depends on the substrate to which the tape 10 is fixed. For example, in the case of glass substrates, thermosetting materials are preferred, while in the case of encapsulated glass substrates, in which a polymer encapsulates the peripheral edge of the glass, it is preferred to use thermoplastic bonding materials. The bonding layer is designed in such a way that it has a relatively high final tensile strength after curing (in the case of thermoformable materials) or in cooling (in the case of thermoplastic materials) without being brittle, to promote faults located in the core layer. The value of the particular minimum tensile strength is dependent on the application. In general, however, the tensile strengths are in the order of at least about 3.5 MPa, preferably at least about 5.2 MPa and more preferably at least about 6.9 MPa, when measured according to the process of test described in the "examples" section later in the present. For example, in the case of windshields installed in motor vehicles, the ultimate tensile strength of the link layer is preferably greater than about 3.5 MPa. Thermosetting materials may incorporate a photoactive curing agent (ie, light-cured materials) or a thermally activated curing agent (ie, thermally curable materials). Preferably, the tie layer 16 cures under conditions other than the conditions under which the sealing layer 12 cures. For example, if the sealant layer 12 and the link layer 16 are photocurable materials, the wavelength of radiation necessary to initiate the curing of the layer 12 differs from that necessary to initiate the curing of the layer 16. Similarly, if the Sealing layer 12 and bonding layer 16 are thermally curable materials, cure at different temperatures. The link layer 16, for example, is commonly formulated in such a way as to cure in the range of 90-200 ° C, preferably in the range of 120-170 ° C and more preferably in the range of 140-160 ° C. C. It is also possible to use a photocurable material for layer 12 and a thermally curable material for layer 16 and vice versa. Examples of materials suitable for the link layer 16 include epoxy / polyacrylate blends, as described for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,086,088 issued to Kitano et al., amorphous epoxy / polyester blends.; polyolefin adhesives (for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyhexene, polyoctene and mixtures and copolymers thereof); ethylene-vinyl monomer copolymer adhesives (e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate); epoxy adhesives; silicone adhesives; silicone-acrylate adhesives; acrylic adhesives; rubber or rubber adhesives (for example, butyl rubber) and adhesives based on thermoplastic elastomer block copolymers (for example, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene or styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers) ). These materials can be provided in the form of film or bulk and can be supplied as thermal fusion materials. Depending on the substrate to which the bond coat will adhere, the use of a primer may be advantageous to promote adhesion. An example of a commercially available material is structural bonding tape No. 9214 from 3M Company. Other materials that can be incorporated into the link layer 16 include, for example, stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, adherents, flow control agents, adhesion promoters (eg, silanes and titanate) dyes, thixotropic agents and other fillers. The optional protective inner liner 18, temporary if included, protects the tie layer 16 (if present) or core layer 14 from damage, exposure to actinic radiation and debris or other contaminants until article 10 is designed for use and is commonly removed briefly after joining article 10 to a substrate. The lining or inner liner 18 may comprise a variety of constructions including those conventionally used to protect adhesive surfaces. For example, the inner lining may be in the form of a paper or polymeric tape having a release material such as a polyolefin (eg, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), silicone or fluorosilicone on a surface thereof which rests against the link layer or core layer. The internal coatings are slightly adherent and can be used to protect non-adherent surfaces.

Manufacturing The multilayer articles according to the invention can be easily prepared in many ways. For example, the ingredients of the sealant composition can be melted and stirred in an appropriate mixing vessel (eg, a batch mixer, an extruder, etc.) at a sufficiently low temperature to avoid activating any thermally activated agent or the decomposition of any photoactive curing agent present in the sealing composition. After mixing, the sealant composition can be formed into its final form by a variety of different methods. For example, the sealant composition can be coated on an internal release liner using a heated knife coating apparatus. Alternatively, the ingredients of the sealant composition can be compounded in an extruder and then extruded through a nozzle or mold having a desired profile to produce a strip formed of sealant, that is, a strip having the desired cross-sectional shape . In another process, the composition can be extruded as a dough and delivered between a pair of motor-driven cooled rolls separated by a predetermined distance to form a flat sheet of the sealant composition which can subsequently be calendered to the desired thickness. In another method, a flat mold or nozzle can be coupled to the extruder to extrude the sealing composition to a flat sheet either on an internal release liner or directly on a separately provided core layer. A structure can be imparted to a major surface of the sealing layer by extruding the sealing sheet between a pair of spaces between the rollers, at least one of which is etched to the desired configuration. A sheet of the sealing composition can also be etched at any time subsequent to heating the sheet (if necessary) and pressing the sheet with an engraving roller (which can be heated or unheated) that carries the desired configuration. In a preferred manufacturing method, wherein the sealant composition comprises a material comprising epoxy and a polyester component, these ingredients are composites using a twin screw extruder set to provide an appropriate barrel temperature profile. Commonly, the feed end of the extruder is adjusted to a relatively low temperature, for example about 60 to 70 ° C and the temperature is increased along the length of the barrel, such that the temperature is high enough to mix the ingredients of the sealant composition in a uniform but low enough mixture to avoid activating any curing agent at the end of the mold or nozzle of the extruder, for example about 60 to 110 ° C. The residence time inside the extruder must also be balanced with the temperature profile of the extruder to avoid activating any curing agents. Preferably, the extruder has one or. more ventilation holes along the barrel towards the end of the nozzle in such a way that a vacuum can be applied to remove trapped air and moisture. The composition is extruded to a calender roll space or through an appropriately formed nozzle, which results in a sheet of the sealing composition having the desired thickness and width. Batch mixing techniques can also be employed in the preparation of the sealant compositions used in the invention and for certain sealers (for example, those that are curable by moisture) such procedures can be preferred. The core layer can also be prepared in many ways, depending on its composition. For example, in a thermosetting acrylic core layer, suitable acrylate and / or methacrylate monomers are mixed together and then combined with a suitable photo or thermally activated polymerization initiator. Then the monomer composition is preferably bubbled with an inert gas such as nitrogen to remove most of the oxygen from the composition and then either exposed to an ultraviolet light source, or heated to initiate the polymerization of the monomer mixture. Once the desired viscosity has been reached, the reaction is turned off either by removing the light source, cooling the composition, bubbling with oxygen or a combination thereof, to result in a viscous polymer / monomer mixture having a consistency similar to syrup. The polymer / monomer mixture can be combined with various ingredients such as additional initiator, particulate additives such as fumed silica (hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic type), fillers such as glass, ceramic or polymer bubbles or glass beads, ceramics or polymeric, thixotropic agents, colorants, stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, adhesion promoters, surfactants and other flow control agents, adhesion promoters (eg, silanes, titanates) and crosslinking agents. This composition is then degassed and / or bubbled with an inert gas such as nitrogen and then coated between a pair of release coatings (e.g., biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate films, coated with silicone) for compositions to be further polymerized. by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the release coatings are preferably transparent to ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the composition can be pumped to a foaming agent where an inert gas such as nitrogen is introduced into the composition creating a cellular foam mixture which is subsequently coated between a pair of release coatings such as those just described. The uniformity, density, cell size, tensile strength and elongation of the final foam are controlled by the selection and amount of surfactant, the flow rate of the nitrogen and the pressure in the foam former, as described in the literature. technique. If the composition is to be polymerized with actinic radiation, the construction of the compound comprising the polymer / monomer syrup between the release coating pair is for example irradiated by a source of ultraviolet light, preferably of low intensity (e.g. less than about 20 milliwatts / cm 2 as measured with the NIST units, more preferably less than about 10 milliwatts / cm 2). The amount of radiation energy required to polymerize the composition varies depending on the thickness and chemical composition, but normally ranges from about 200 to 2,000 millijoules. Preferably, sufficient radiation is used to reduce the content of the volatile monomer to less than 5% and more preferably to less than 2% by weight of the entire composition. Alternatively, the composition can be polymerized with heat. If the polymerization reaction is exothermic, the temperature control of the compound construction (preferably less than 85 ° C) is desirable. This can be carried out in a variety of ways which include blowing cold air against the faces of the composite construction, submerging the compound construction in a water bath, running the composite construction on cooling plates and the like. In the case of a urethane-based core layer, the components of the core layer (either a one-part or two-part system) are mixed just before coating the resulting composition between two release coatings, such as those previously described. A small amount of heat can be used to accelerate the curing reaction, although many urethanes will cure at room temperature. Alternatively, the urethane compositions, after mixing, can be coated between a release coating and a sealant layer, between a sealant layer and a bonding layer or between a release coating and a bonding layer. When the urethane composition is applied directly to a sealing layer and / or bonding layer, additional layers, for example, tie layers may advantageously not be necessary. Foams based on polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate can also be used and are produced by extruding a resin composition from an extruder and forming the material before or after crosslinking. The link layer can also be prepared in various ways. Pressure-sensitive adhesive bond layers are formed from compositions that can be prepared by solvent, emulsion or solvent-free processes. For solvent-based and emulsion-based systems, the compositions are coated on a release coating (such as those described above) and heated in an oven to evaporate the solvent or water and form an adhesive film. Such adhesives are well known and are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. Re. 24,906 (Ulrich). For compositions without solvents, a prepolymer composition is coated on a release coating and exposed to an energy source to form an adhesive film. These types of processes are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,181,752 (Martens et al.) And 5,086,088 (Kitano et al.). In a preferred embodiment, a bond coat composition is prepared by mixing acrylic monomers such as n-butyl acrylate and N-vinyl caprolactam, an epoxy resin such as Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, a photoinitiator, a thermal curing agent and Sulfurized silica in a high speed Cowles mixer. The composition is then coated between polyethylene terephthalate release coatings and exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation, similar to that described above for the manufacture of acrylic foam core layers, to produce a. curable pressure sensitive adhesive, latently reactive. A method is particularly useful when a layer of the acrylic foam core is to be combined with a solvent-free pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive bonding layer of the type described above. The composition for the core layer of acrylic foam can be coated on a release coating transparent to ultraviolet radiation as described above and then the composition for the pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive bonding layer is coated on the composition of the core layer. Then a second release coating transparent to ultraviolet radiation is placed over the composition of the bonding layer and the entire construction is exposed to ultraviolet light to concurrently cure the core layer of acrylic foam and the bond layer of sensitive acrylic adhesive to the pressure producing by this a finished compound. The link layer and the core layer, the core layer and the sealer layer or core layer, the link layer and the sealant layer can also be processed simultaneously using, for example, the techniques described in conjunction with manufacturing of the urethane-based core layers. The multilayer articles of the invention can also be produced by lamination of a pre-prepared sealing layer, a core layer and a link layer (if provided). For example, the tie layer and / or the sealant layer can be easily laminated to the core layer under the influence of pressure to produce a finished tape. When the core layer, sealing layer and bond layer are each made separately, the adhesion between these layers can be improved by the use of primers or tie layers. The priming or bonding layer can be applied by extrusion coating a compatible material either on the sealer layer or the core layer, coating a primer on either one layer or another, optionally drying the primer or primer layer. joining and then pressing the layers together to form a multilayer article according to the invention. In another modality, a sealing layer can be extruded or coated directly on a core layer. Once the tape has been manufactured a release liner can optionally be laminated to protect the exposed surfaces of the sealant layer and / or the core layer or the link layer (if provided). The tape can be converted to the desired final shape for example by cutting it to the desired width and winding it to a roll form and around a suitable plastic or paper core if necessary. Alternatively, the tape may be cut or otherwise cut into discrete lengths or die cut into desired shapes.

Use The tapes described above can be used to establish a seal between a variety of substrates. For its simplicity, however, the sealing processes will be described in the context of the installation of a glass windshield in a motor vehicle.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the belt 10 is initially fixed to a face 22 of the glass windshield 22 by means of the link layer 16, such that the belt substantially surrounds the perimeter of the face 22 and adheres uniformly to the glass without shrinkage, perforation or formation of spaces as the tape travels curves of approximately ninety degrees at the corners of the windshield. This arrangement avoids the formation of stress consideration points previously associated with the use of discontinuous separators. If the bonding layer is not tacky or adherent at room temperature, it is then activated to permanently bond the tape 10 to the glass, preferably without activating the sealant layer 12. The particular activation method depends on the composition of the sealant and sealant layers. link. Examples of suitable activation methods include thermal radiation and actinic radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation or visible radiation). In the case of thermal radiation, either the tape, the glass or both, can be heated. Because the sealing layer is not activated, the windshield carrying the resulting tape can be packed or stacked in close proximity to other tape carrying windshields without transferring sealant to a neighboring windshield. The tape also prevents windshields from colliding with each other, which eliminates costly packaging materials that separate packaged or stacked windshields adjacent to each other (eg, polymeric or cellulosic foam separators) and which may require separate disposal or recycling. The next step is to heat the sealant, for example by exposing it to a bank of heating lamps, to the point where the sealant softens but does not flow. As shown by Figures 4 and 5, the windshield containing the heated, softened sealant is then installed in the frame 24 of a motor vehicle 26. It is also possible to heat the sealant after installing it in the frame of the motor vehicle to soften the sealer During installation, pressure is applied which causes the softened sealant to flow and "self-level" with the core layer 12 in relation to the uneven surface of the vehicle. The sealer it flows between high points and fills recessed areas such as point and cavity welds, creating an effective seal. In severely distorted metal areas, the core layer 12 is compressed by itself and can be permanently deformed in the process of creating a seal with the uneven surface. After intimate contact between the sealing layer and the vehicle frame, the heat sink of the large metal vehicle mass effectively quenches or cools the sealing layer, allowing it to solidify rapidly, recrystallize (in the case of sealing compositions containing crystalline component). or semicrystalline) and form a durable, permanent bond. A variation of this process involves the use of photocurable sealing layers (ie, sealing layers incorporating a photoactive curing agent). The use of a photocurable sealing composition is advantageous because the tape can be fixed to the windshield and run through a glass manufacturing autoclave cycle to activate the bonding layer, while at the same time softening the sealing composition without causing it to flow. After leaving the autoclave, the construction is cooled, causing the softened sealant layer to resolidify. Next, the sealing composition is activated, for example, by exposure to heat followed by actinic radiation, after which the windshield carrying the tape is placed in the frame of the vehicle. The radiation softens simultaneously and initiates the curing of the sealing composition. Once installed, the heat sink created by the body of the vehicle effectively cools the sealing layer, causing it to resolidify and, in the case of compositions containing crystalline or semicrystalline components, to recrystallize. At this point, the green resistance of the sealing layer is sufficiently high that a person can drive in the vehicle although the sealant continues with the curing process. In the case of photocurable sealant compositions, it is also necessary to protect the composition from premature activation, for example during storage and packaging. This can be accomplished for example by covering the sealant composition with an internal release coating that blocks the radiation. Alternatively, all the construction that carries the tape can be stored in a container that blocks the radiation. Although it is preferable to include the sealant layer, core layer and tie layer in the form of a single integral tape, it is also possible to apply these materials separately or in various combinations with each other to the glass surface. For example, it is possible to apply a tape having as characteristic the core layer and the bonding layer to the glass surface, followed by the application of a separate sealing layer. Alternatively, the bonding layer may be provided in the form of a primer applied to the glass surface, after which a two-layer tape (containing the sealing layer and the core layer) is fixed to the primed surface. Although in the case of substrates such as windshields, it is preferable to apply the tape to one side of the substrate, it is also possible to apply the tape around the edge 30 of a substrate 32 as shown in figures 6 and 7, so that the tape 10 substantially surrounds the substrate. Such constructions are useful, for example in architectural applications for linking the substrate within a slot such as a window frame. In addition to windshields in which a seal is established between one side of the windshield and the frame or frame of a motor vehicle, it is also possible to seal a substrate 40 carrying a belt 10 according to the invention inside a bracket or bracket or U-shaped clamp 42, as shown in Figure 8. The invention will now be further described by way of the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Unless otherwise specified, the materials used in these examples can be obtained from standard commercial sources such as Aldrich Chemical Co. of Milwaukee, Wl. All amounts used in the examples are in parts by weight unless otherwise specified. The sealing layers were prepared by calendering the corresponding sealing composition to a desired thickness. Thus, the sealing layer A is composed of the sealing composition A, the sealing layer B is composed of the sealing composition B and so on. All sealing layers, core layers and bond layers were nominally 1.0 mm thick unless otherwise specified. The following list contains commercial sources for the materials used in the examples that follow. The Fusion-Systemas processor (lamp box and conveyor) was equipped with a V bulb unless otherwise specified. The epoxy resin A is an aliphatic epoxy resin crowned at the end of bisphenol A as described in example 1 of the US patent No. 5,407,978 (Bymark et al.). The primer composition A is: 2.45 parts of Nipol ™ 1002, 1.23 parts of Epon ™ 828, 2.05 parts of Versamid ™ 115, 42.40 parts of methyl ethyl ketone, 50.84 parts of toluene, 1.23 parts of 1-butanol. The metallocene catalyst A is Cp (Xylenes) Fe + SbF6 ~; also described as: (eta6-xylenes) (eta5-cyclopentadinyl) iron (1+) hexafluoroantimonate as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,089,536 (Palazzotto). (Cp = cyclopentylene). Glass bubbles Scotchkote ™ 215, FX-512, K15 (250 mesh) and automotive glass urethane windshield adhesive No. 08693 urethane paste sealer were obtained from 3M Company of St. Paul, MN Steel panels coated with E (ED 5100) and clear coated steel panels of DCT5000, DCT 5002 and Stainguard ™ IV were obtained from Advanced Coating Technologies, Inc. of Hillsdale, MI. Diciandiamide (CG-1200) and Curezol ™ 2MZ-azima were obtained from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. of Allentown, PA. N-butyl acrylate, N-vinylcaprolactam were obtained from BASF Corp. of Mount Olive, NJ. Vitel ™ 5833B was obtained from Bostik of Middleton, MA. Cab-O-Sil ™ M5 was obtained from Cabot Corp. of Boston, MA. Irganox ™ 1010 was obtained from Ciba Specialty Chemicals of Ardsley, NY. Aerosil ™ R972 was obtained from DeGussa Corp. of Ridgefield Park, NJ. Voranol ™ 230-238 was obtained from Dow Chemical Co. of Midland, MI. Isocryl ™ EP550, Octaflow ™ ST 70 and Oxymelt ™ A-1 were obtained from Estron Chemical, Inc. of Calvert City, KY.

Melinex ™ 054 is a biaxially oriented, treated polyester film available from ICI Americas of Wilmington, DE. The processed Fusion Systems (Fusion Systems Processor) were obtained from Fusion Systems Corp. of Rockville, MD. Versamid ™ 115 was obtained from Henkel Corp. De Ambler, PA. Dynapol ™ S1402, Dynapol ™ S1313, Dynapol ™ S1359, Dynacol ™ 7130. Synthetic resin SK, Hydrosil ™ 2627, Synthetic resin AP, synthetic resin CA, synthetic resin -LTH, polyester A (a semi-crystalline hydroxyl functional copolymer of 50% by weight of butanediol, 23% by weight of terephthalic acid and 27% by weight of sebacic acid with a melting point of 116 ° C, a glass transition temperature of -40 ° C, and a melt flow rate of 160 ° C. C 250 g / min were obtained from Huís America Inc. of Somerset, NJ Santicizer ™ 278 was obtained from Monsanto Co.

St. Louis, MO. Penn Color 9B117 pigment was obtained from Penn Color of Doylestown, PA. Unilin ™ 700 wax was obtained from Petrolite Corp. of St. Louis, MO.

Meyer rods # 5 (rolled wire rods) were obtained from R &D Specialties of Webster, NY. KB-1 and SarCat ™ CD1012 were obtained from Sartomer Co. of Exton, PA. Epon ™ 1001, Epon ™ SU-8 and Epon ™ 828 were obtained from Shell Chemical Co. of Houston, TX. Benzoflex ™ S-404 was obtained from Velsicol Chemical Corp. of Rosemont, IL. Nipol ™ 1002 was obtained from Zeon Chemicals, Inc. of Louisville, KY. The anodized aluminum panels were obtained from Hiawatha Panel & Yam Píate Co., Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

TEST METHODS 45 ° flow test A panel coated with E was cleaned by spraying with 50% aqueous isopropanol and dried by wiping, allowing sufficient time to ensure complete drying. The sample to be measured (commonly 14.5mm by 25.4mm) was adhered lightly to an E-coated panel such that the narrow edge of the sample was pointing down to the panel. Then the panel was placed in an oven in a plane inclined at 45 ° for 12 minutes at 177 ° C unless otherwise specified. Then the sample was removed from the oven and allowed to cool to room temperature. The flow was measured as the distance (in millimeters) that the sample had flowed in relation to its initial position.

Tensile and elongation test Traction measurements were made in the usual way with attention to the following parameters. Samples were cut to size using ASTM method D-412, die C. Then the samples were conditioned under constant temperature (23 +/- 2 ° C) and humidity (50 +/- 10% relative humidity) during for at least 24 hours after the preparation and before the tests. The tensile strength and elongation were measured using an Instron tensile tester using a jaw spacing of 50.8 mm and a transverse speed of 508 mm / minute. The maximum tensile strength (in MPa) and optionally the% elongation at maximum were recorded.

Superposition cut test A sealant composition was laminated between anodized aluminum coupons and 25.4 mm by 76.2 mm E coated aluminum coupons that had been cleaned with 50% aqueous isopropanol as follows: a 12.7 mm by 25.4 mm sample Sealant was bonded and leveled to the narrow edge of both coupons in such a way that the overall construction was approximately 63.5 mm in length. The laminate was heated in an oven at 140 ° C for 25 minutes while it was under about 2.3 kilograms of compression force, unless otherwise specified. Then the samples were conditioned under constant temperature and humidity (23 +/- 2 ° C and 50 +/- 10% relative humidity) for at least 24 hours after the preparation and before the tests. The overlap cut was measured using an Instron tensile tester using a cross-sectional speed of 50.8 mm / minute and a jaw ration of 50.8 mm. The maximum force before the sample rupture and the failure mode (eg, cohesive, mixed adhesive) were recorded.

EXAMPLE 1 This example describes the preparation of the binding layer A. A solution was prepared by mixing 29 g of n-butyl acrylate (BA) and 29 g of N-vinylcaprolactam (NVC) and heating to about 49 ° C. To this solution, an additional 42 grams of BA and 0.05 g of hexanediol acrylate were added. This monomeric acrylate solution, 45 grams of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (Epon ™ 828) and 25 grams of diglycidyl ether oligomer of bisphenol A (Epon ™ 1001) were placed in a glass container. The container was sealed and placed on rollers at room temperature (approximately 21 ° C) until a uniform adhesive solution results, to this epoxy / acrylate solution (170.05 parts), 7 grams of CG-1200 and 2.7 grams of an accelerator (Curezol ™ 2MZ-Azine), were added and mixed with a Cowles blade mixer at high speed, while maintaining the temperature at a level less than about 37 ° C for 15 minutes. In the final stage, 0.24 grams of benzyl dimethyl ketal photoinitiator (KB-1), 0.1 grams of Irganox ™ 1010 antioxidant, 0.38 g of Penn Color 9B117 pigment and 8 g of Cab-O-Sil ™ M5 silica were added and mixed to form a uniform mixture. The adhesive mixture was degassed and then coated to a thickness of 0.508 mm between two polyester films treated with silicone release material. The sandwich adhesive coating was exposed to ultraviolet light which has a majority of its emissions between 300 and 400 mm with a maximum emission at 351 mm to form a pressure sensitive adhesive tape. The adhesive was exposed to 350 mJ / cm2 (NIST units) above and below, with a total energy of approximately 700 mJ / cm2. The intensities were 4.06 mW / cm2 above and 4.03 mW / cm2 at the bottom of the adhesive.

Examples 2-7 describe the preparation of several layers of the core.

Example 2 A composition was prepared by mixing 87.5 parts of isoctyl acrylate, 12.5 parts of acrylic acid and 0.04 parts of a photoinitiator (benzyl dimethyl ketal available as Irgacure ™ 651 from Ciba-Geigy). The mixture was exposed to low intensity ultraviolet radiation (described hereinafter) at a viscosity of approximately 2,200 centipoise. Then 0.19 additional parts of benzyl dimethyl ketal were also added as 0.55 parts of 1,6-hexanedioldiacrylate, 8 parts of K15 glass bubbles and 2 parts of hydrophobic silica (Aerosil ™ R972). The composition was. mixed until it was completely uniform, degassed, and then pumped to a 90 mm skimmer (available from E.T. Oakes, Hauppage, NY) operating at approximately 300 to 350 rpm. Concurrently and continuously, nitrogen, black pigment (Penn Color 9B117), and about 1.5 parts of a 60/40 blend of surfactant A / surfactant B were fed to the frother for 100 parts of the total composition. The nitrogen was controlled to provide the desired foam density. Surfactant A was C8F? 7S02N (C2H5) (C02H40) 7CH3 surfactant B was a 50% solution of -solids in ethyl acetate of the fluoroaliphatic oligomer of Example 2 of US Patent No. 3,787,351. The black pigment was added in an amount to provide a value. L of the finished product of about 32 as measured with a HunterLab calorimeter (Color Calorimeter "L" and an optical detector D25, both available from HunterLab Associates, Reston VA). The foamed mixture was fed under a pressure of 205 kilopascals to the roll gap of a roller coater to a thickness of about 1 mm between a pair of blades of biaxially oriented, polyethylene terephthalate, the top surfaces of which had coatings of release, to produce a compound. The tube was partially restrained by a clamp to provide the desired level of pressure in the skimmer. The compound that emerges from the roller coater was irradiated from the top and bottom with banks of Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs, 90% of the emissions of which were between 300 and 400 mm, with a maximum of 351 mm. The compound was successively exposed to light bulbs at an intensity of 2.65 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW / cm2) and a total energy of 165.4 milliJoules per square centimeter (mJ / cm2) each from the top and bottom, then also to a intensity of 2.70 mW / cm2 and a total energy of 168.5 mJ / cm2 and then also at an intensity of 5.90 mW / cm2 and a total energy of 516.8 mJ / cm2. The light measurements were measured in NIST units. The cured core (that is, the core layer A) between the release coatings had a density of about 0.64 g / cm 3.

Example 3 The core layer B was prepared as described above for the core layer A except that the processing conditions were varied as follows. The compound was successively exposed to Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs at an intensity of 4.3 mW / cm2 for a total energy of 160.7 mJ / cm2 each from the top and bottom and then an intensity of 5.1 mW / cm2 for an energy total of 892.6 mJ / cm2. The cured core between the release coatings had an intensity of approximately 0.64 g / cm 3.

Example 4 The core layer C was prepared as described above for the core layer A except that the pigment was a mixture of 77 parts of a 20% stannous chloride and 80% polyoxypropylene diol and 23 parts of 20 carbon black. % in 80% polyoxypropylene diol and the amount of the pigment was adjusted to provide a color value L of the final core of 45. The processing conditions were also varied as follows. The compound was successively exposed to Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs at an intensity of 1.25 mW / cm2 for a total energy of 73.5 mJ / cm2 each from the top and bottom, then also at an intensity of 1.50 mW / cm2 for a total energy of 88.2 mJ / cm2 and then also at an intensity of 4.3 mW / cm2 for a total energy of 353.5 mJ / cm2. The cured core between the release coatings had an intensity of approximately 0.64 g / cm 3.

Example 5 The core layer D was prepared by laminating two layers of core C together, total thickness of 2.0 mm.

Example 6 The core layer E was prepared by laminating three layers of core C together, total thickness of 3.0 mm.

Example 7 The core layer F was prepared by extrusion of auto glass urethane windscreen adhesive No. 08693 from a caulking gun onto a silicone release material coated with polyester coating and coated to a 5 mm thick film . Examples 8 to 28 describe the preparation of various sealing layers and compositions useful in the invention. Sealing layers A to C were extruded onto a polyester carrier film having a silicone release coating on both sides and fed from inter roller spaces to obtain the desired layer thicknesses.

Example 8 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer A. a 2: 1 ratio of Dynapol ™ polyester S1402 and Scotchkote ™ 215 powder coating resin was melt blended in a twin screw extruder and calendered to a thickness of 1.5 mm. The representative operating conditions of the extruder were: revolutions per minute of the screw = 100, melting temperature = 103.9 ° C, temperature of zone 1 = 81.1 ° C, temperature of zone 2 = 85.5 ° C. A flow test at 45 ° was carried out on samples of 25.4 mm by 25.4 mm. The test conditions were 177 ° C for 12 minutes. The reflux was also effected by allowing the samples to cool to room temperature for 30 minutes and then placing them in the oven again. The flow was 42 mm. There was no flow after 30 minutes, indicating the formation of a thermofixed material.

Example 9 This example describes the preparation of sealant layer B. Polyester and Dynapol ™ S1359 (60 parts by volume) and a powder mix of epoxy resin Epon ™ 1001 (10 parts by volume) dicyandiamide (7 parts by volume) and Curezol ™ 2MZ-Azine (3 parts by volume) was fed to a twin screw extruder. Epon ™ 828 epoxy resin (20 parts by volume) was introduced through an injection hole.

Example 10 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer C. The preparation for the sealant layer B was repeated, except that 1 part by volume of silica Aerosil ™ R972 was incorporated into the powder mixture that was fed to the extruder.

Example 11 This example describes the preparation of seal layer D. Dynapol ™ S1359 (59 parts), 15 parts of epoxy resin A, 7 parts of dicyandiamide and 3 parts of Curezol ™ 2MZ-Azine were fed to a twin screw extruder. 15 parts of Epon ™ 828 were introduced through an injection hole. The resulting extruded sealant layer D was calendered at 1.75 mm in thickness and wound on a roll using Melinex ™ 054 polyester film as a carrier.

Example 12 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer E. The sealant layer E was prepared by mixing together 90 parts of Dynapol ™ S1402, 10 parts of Epon ™ 1001, 1 part wax of Unilin ™ 700 and 0.5 parts of FX- 512 (triarylsulfonium salt photoinitiator). This mixture was heated on a hot plate until it is homogeneous and then pressed into a layer between silicone-treated inner polyester coatings. The film is allowed to cool to room temperature and recrystallize.

Example 13 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer F. The sealant layer E was prepared by mixing together 80 degrees of Dynapol ™ S1402, 20 grams of Epon ™ 1001, 1 gram of Unilin ™ 700 wax and 0.5 grams of FX-512. This mixture was heated on a hot plate until it is homogeneous and then pressed into a layer between silicone-treated inner polyester coatings. The film is allowed to cool to room temperature and recrystallize.

Example 14 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer G. The sealant layer G was prepared by mixing together 70 parts of Dynapol ™ S1402, 30 parts of Epon ™ 1001, 1 part wax of Unilin ™ 700 and 0.5 parts of FX- 512 This mixture was heated on a hot plate until it is homogeneous and then pressed into a layer between silicone-treated inner polyester coatings. The film is allowed to cool to room temperature and recrystallize.

Example 15 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer H. The sealant layer H was prepared by mixing together 70 parts of Dynapol ™ S1402, 30 parts of epoxy resin A, 1 part wax of Unilin ™ 700 and 0.5 parts of FX- 512 This mixture was heated on a hot plate until it is homogeneous and then pressed to a layer between silicone-treated inner polyester coatings. The film is allowed to cool to room temperature and recrystallize.

Example 16 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer I. The sealant layer I was prepared by mixing together 70 parts of polyester A, 30 parts of Epon ™ 1001, 1 part wax of Unilin ™ 700 and 0.5 parts of FX- 512. This mixture was heated on a hot plate 10 until it is homogeneous and then pressed to a layer between silicone-treated inner polyester coatings. The film is allowed to cool to room temperature and recrystallize.

Example 17. This example describes the preparation of the sealing layer J. The sealing layer J was prepared by mixing together 70 parts of Dynapol ™ S1402, 30 parts of epoxy resin A, 1 part wax of Unilin ™ 700 and 0.5 parts 20 of FX-512 . This mixture was heated on a hot plate until it is homogeneous and then pressed into a layer between silicone-treated inner polyester coatings. The film is allowed to cool to room temperature and recrystallize. '25 Example 18 This example describes the preparation of the sealing layer K. The sealing layer K was prepared by mixing together 70 parts of Dynapol ™ S1402, 30 parts of epoxy resin A, 1 part of wax of Unilin ™ 700 and 0.3 parts of FX-512. This mixture was heated on a hot plate until it is homogeneous and then pressed into a layer between silicone-treated inner polyester coatings. The film is allowed to cool to room temperature and recrystallize.

Example 19 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer L. Polyester A was heated to 177 ° C, then pressed to a layer between internal silicone-coated polyester release liners.

Example 20 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer M. Polyester A (100 parts) was heated to 177 ° C and manually mixed with 5 parts of Silica Cab-O-Sil ™ M5. The sample is pressed to a layer between internal silicone-coated polyester release liners.

Example 21 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer N. The following formulation was extruded using a twin-screw extruder Berstorff equipped with two feeders and a liquid ejection orifice. Cab-O-Sil ™ M5 fumed silica was added through a feeder. The other feeder was used to feed the pellets of polyester, wax and solid epoxy. The liquid injection hole was used to feed the liquid epoxy resin, polyether triol, photocatalyst and sensitizer. The following formulation was used: 50 parts of polyester A, 20 parts of Epon ™ 1001, 12.5 parts of Epon ™ 828, 7.5 parts of polyether triol Voranol ™ 230-238, 1 part of Unilin ™ 700, 2 parts of SarCat ™ photocatalyst CD 1012 ,. 0.5 parts of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, 7 parts of Cab-O-Síl ™ M5. The extruded product was fed to the space between rollers of a calender between two internal process coatings and calendered to a thickness of 1.5 mm. The inner lining of the upper side consisted of an inner lining of poly-coated silicone paper and the inner lining of the underside consisted of a green polyethylene inner lining. The use of the internal coatings results in a very uniform coating of the sealant between the two coatings and also helps protect the sealant from ambient light. The paper coating was detached, leaving the green polyethylene liner in place. The use of polyester resin A significantly simplifies the extrusion operation, since the rapid recrystallization process improves roll-up and results in an adhesion-free sealer.

Example 22 This example describes the preparation of the sealing layer O. Polyester A (57 parts), 15 parts of Epon ™ 1001, 12.5 parts of Epon ™ 828, 7.5 parts of polyether triol Voranol ™ 230-238, 1 part of Unilin ™ 700, 5 parts of Santicizer ™ 278, 2 parts of diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate, 0.005 parts of 1, 3-diphenylisobenzofuran and 3 parts of silica Aerosil ™ R972 were heated to 127 ° C and manually melted. The samples were pressed in layers between internal polyester release coatings coated with silica.

EXAMPLE 23 This example describes the preparation of the sealing layer P. The sealing layer P was prepared by mixing together 10 parts of Dynapol ™ S1402, 10 parts of Epon ™ 1001 and 4 parts of Benzoflex ™ S-404 plasticizer.

This sample had a much longer recrystallization time than the samples that do not contain the plasticizer. The samples were pressed in layers between internal silicone coated polyester release liners.

Example 24 This example describes the preparation of the sealing layers Q to V. Table 1 gives the parts by weight of the ingredients used to prepare the sealing layers Q to V. The components were mixed in the molten state and pressed in layers between internal coatings - release of polyester coated with silicone.

Table 1 Overlapping cut adhesion panels were prepared by placing a 12.7 mm by 25.4 mm piece of each sealant layer between an anodized aluminum coupon and a DTC 5000 metal coupon as summarized above in the overlap cut test method and they are heated on a hot plate to allow the sealing layer to soften. Overlapping bonds were made while the sealant was still molten, so that a sealing layer area of about 25 mm by 25 mm is realized. These samples are allowed to cool for 24 hours before testing. Table 2 shows the results of the superposition cut test.

Table 2 "AA" means adhesive failure at the DTC 5000 interface / sealer layer.

Example 25 This example describes the preparation of the sealing layer W. The sealing layer W was prepared by manually melting 45 parts of Dynapol ™ S1402, 30 parts of Dynacoll ™ 7130, 20 parts of Epon ™ 828, 5 parts of Voranol ™ 230-238, 1 part of SarCat ™ CD1012, 0.005 parts of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran and coating of the mixture on a polyester film coated with silicone at a thickness of 1.0 mm.

Example 26 This example describes the preparation of the sealing layers X to Z. Table 3 shows the parts by weight of the ingredients used to prepare the sealing layers X to Z. The components were melt blended manually and coated to a thickness of 1 mm between internal polyester coatings coated with silicone.

Table 3 Example 27 This example describes the preparation of the sealant layer AA. The AA sealant layer was prepared by manually melting 12 parts of Vitel ™ 5833B polyester, 8 parts of Epon ™ 828 and 0.2 parts of metallocene A catalyst. The mixture was coated to a thickness of 1.0 mm between internal polyester coatings coated with silicone. The layer was laminated to an anodized aluminum sheet, heated in an oven at 125 ° C, removed from the oven and immediately photolized with a Fusion Systems processor (Lamp Model 300300MB, conveyor model LC-6) at 24.4 meters / minute (total energy was approximately 103 mJoules) and laminated to Stainguard ™ IV and DCT 5000 panels. In both cases, adhesion failures are observed at the paint interface / sealer layer.

Example 28 This example describes the preparation of sealing layers AB to AH. Table 4 shows the parts by weight of the ingredients used to prepare the sealing layers AB to AH. To prepare the following examples, the samples were mixed in the molten state manually until a homogeneous mixture was reached. The silica was dispersed well manually in the mixture with a tongue depressor. The samples were molded between silicone treated polyethylene terephthalate inner liners using separators to create the desired 1.0 mm thickness.

Table 4 The sealing layers were evaluated using the 45 ° flow test described above and with the following results: Table 5 Example 29 This example illustrates the codependency of the thickness of the core layer and the sealing layer in the sealing effectiveness of the space. The sealing layer AB was prepared at thicknesses of 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mm as before. The core layer B was laminated together to prepare 2.0 and 3.0 mm thick core layers. Then, the three thicknesses of the sealing layer were laminated to the layers of the three thickness core. Then the tape samples were cut to 10 mm wide by 127 mm long. Glass coupons (5.08 cm by 12.7 cm by 0.394 cm) were primed with a 1% by weight solution of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane in methanol and allowed to dry at room temperature. Then the tape samples were laminated to the surface of primed glass. Coupons of DE 5100 (25.4 mm by 102 mm by 0.89 mm) were laminated together with the bonding layer A (0.51 mm thick) to manufacture separators of various thicknesses and these were joined to a painted panel of DCT 5002 (102 mm by 305 mm). The first stack was 5.6 mm, the second stack was 4.0 mm, the third stack was 2.6 mm and the last stack was 1.8 mm. The spacing between the piles was 10 mm. Then the panel was baked for 25 minutes at 140 ° C. Then the capped glass coupons were placed in an oven for approximately 5 minutes at 120 ° C. Then the coupons were exposed to a step at 16.5 meters / minute in the Fusion Systems processor. Then, the capped glass coupon was pressed onto the stacked panel in such a way that the coupon filled the spaces and manual pressure was applied and was released and the sample allowed to cool. Then the spaces were inspected to determine if the sealant was capable of filling the space and wetting the painted surface. The table below shows the results. "C" indicates that a seal is obtained; "I" indicates an incomplete seal. As you can see, the core layer helps seal efficiently by helping the sealing layer reach spaces that would otherwise require more sealant.

Table 6 Example 30 This example describes a two-layer tape construction A and its use with corbel-mounted windows. The link layer A was laminated to the side of Melinex ™ 054 of the 1.0 mm thick sealant layer D. Then, the resulting laminate was cut to a strip of 25.4 mm x 50.8 mm. Then the inner release liner was removed from the side of the tie layer and the tape applied to one side of a piece of flat glass near the edge of the glass. Then it was wrapped around the edge of the glass and fastened to the opposite side of the glass, so that the sealing layer was facing outwards. Then a grooved U-shaped metal bracket is slid over the tape. There was enough resistance to maintain a press fit. Then the whole was placed in an oven and baked for 25 minutes at 141 ° C. The sealing layer had filled the channel that covers the glass and had filled the volume of the corbel sufficiently to give an appearance that closely resembles that for the adhesive paste systems. The bond strength between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 14 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in glass fracture. No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 31 This example describes the preparation of a two-layer tape construction B. The sealing layer W was laminated to the core layer D that had been primed with a primer composition A using a Meyer # 5 rod (wire wound). Allowed Let the primer dry for about 5 minutes before laminating it to the core layer. Then the resulting laminate was cut into strips 12.7 mm wide. The one-piece alkaline flux surface of a 1985 quarter window glass Buick Somerset was primed with a solution of the primer composition A with 2% by weight of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane applied thereto. This solution was then applied with a brush on the bonding surface of the alkaline flux of the glass and allowed to dry with air at room temperature. The side of the foam core layer of the tape construction was then laminated to the glass using a beveled joint to splice the ends of the tape together surrounding the circumference of the part. Then the resulting assembly or assembly was packed using a hanging inner lining composed of 76.2 mm wide labeling tape that had an internal green polyethylene liner laminated thereto. The tape was applied on the covered surface, since the inner lining serves as a light shield for the sealant and hangs on the sticky labeling tape, so that it sticks along the surface edge of the tape. A quartz IR lamp was used to heat the surface of the tape. It took approximately 2 minutes for this light system to heat the tape to 80 ° C. Next, the capped glass assembly was exposed to a blue diazo super lamp (Black Ray Lamp No. of Model XX-15L, from UVP Inc., San Gabriel, California, equipped with two bulbs, Model TLD15W / 03 from Philips BV, Netherlands) for 25 seconds (the total energy was approximately 137 mJoules) and then installed in a cut painted metal. There was a good flow. The sealant was able to flow through the burnt holes of the welding point and fungus on the opposite side forming a good seal.

EXAMPLE 32 These examples describe the preparation of two layer tape constructions C to E. Sealing layers X to Z were laminated to the core layer C (primed with the primer composition A) and then the core layers were laminated to an anodized aluminum sheet. Then the sealing layer was exposed to UV light from a Fusion Systems processor (total energy was approximately 137 mJoules) and applied to painted metal coupons of DCT 5000 at room temperature and refrigerated panels. The samples were aged overnight and manually pulled by scraping with a spatula to try to force an adhesive failure.

Table 7 In table 7, "FS" means that the foam core layer is divided (cohesive failure of the core layer); "AD" means adhesion failure at the sealing layer / paint layer interface; "Coh" means failure of cohesion of the sealing layer.

Example 33 This example describes the preparation of the two-layer tape construction F. As a comparative example, glass primer Hydrosil ™ 2627 was applied to a 50.7 mm x 100.1 mm piece of glass. A 6.3 mm diameter bead of automotive glass urethane adhesive (Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive) No. 08693 was applied to the glass and the assembly was laminated to a painted metal coupon DCT 5002. According to the invention, the core layer E was applied to a separate piece of primed glass as before. Then, a 6.3 mm bead of Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive No. 08693 was applied to the central foam layer and the assembly applied to the painted metal coupon as before. In both cases, sufficient pressure was applied to each sample to press the urethane out against the metal panel. After 1 week, the samples were inspected and it was evident that each construction was firmly attached to the panel; however, in the case of the sample with the core layer E, the glass had an increased ability to move relative to the metal coupon without bond failures.

Example 34 This example describes the preparation of a three-layer tape construction A having a polyester tie layer and its use for bonding glass to metal. The central layer A was laminated to the polyester side of the sealing layer D. On the opposite side of the central layer A, a 0.25 mm thick layer of the bonding layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a strip 19 mm wide and 100 mm long and the bond layer was laminated to flat glass 4 mm thick. A metal coupon coated with E of 25.4 mm x 100.2 mm was laid on top of the sealing layer. Spring clips were used to secure the ends of the E-coated coupon to the glass plate creating a normal force that was to simulate the weight of a windshield. An anodized aluminum coupon of 25.4 mm x 50.8 mm was laid on the opposite edge of the sealing layer and the sample was placed in an oven for 25 minutes at 177 ° C. After removal of the oven, the link layer A had changed color, indicating that the tape had obtained a thermofixed state. The flow of the sealing layer and the formation of a bond to the coupon was observed in both cases. When the anodized panel was deformed, there was a significant amount of deformation of the acrylic foam core in the direction perpendicular to the coupon and the assembly or assembly remained intact.

Example 35 This example describes the preparation of a three layer tape construction A having a polyester tie layer and its use with bracket mounted windows. A layer of 0.762 mm (30 mils) thick of the bond layer A was laminated to the core layer B. The sealant layer F was. laminated on the opposite side of the central layer B. A 25.4 mm by 76.2 mm sample strip was cut from the composite laminate and the bond layer was laminated to a 50.8 mm x 127 mm piece of flat glass. Then this assembly or assembly was placed in a forced air convection oven at 140 ° C for 20 minutes with the tape facing upwards. After baking it was observed that the bond coat had changed in appearance and was now mottled gray in appearance and the sealant had softened / melted and was translucent in appearance.

The sealing layer did not run and over the edge of the tape that would have resulted in the encapsulation of the bond and foam layers of the tape. After cooling, the sealant resolidified to a solid state. Then the whole or assembly was aged overnight and the next day the sample was exposed to 5 minutes of low intensity UV radiation at a distance of approximately 25.4 mm. After the exposure, a heat gun was used to heat the tape. During the heating, it was observed that the mass of the sealant advanced to translucent and lustrous in appearance, which indicates the softening of the mass of the sealant. A painted piece of steel, 25.4 mm x 100.2 mm (DCT 5002) was bent into an inverted "U" shape with a channel depth of approximately 3 mm. This was pressed with manual pressure, over the mass of the softened sealant along its length to try to simulate the ability of the sealant to fill spaces that are deeper than the thickness of the sealant layer itself. Visually, it could be seen that the sealing layer had effectively flowed into the channel cavity and was apt to make contact with the deepest part of the metal panel. During the flow and bonding process, it was observed that the sealant wetted the entire face of the painted surface and when the manual pressure was released, the sealant narrowed on the edge creating a light cavity. To test if this cavity was sealed, water was poured into the cavity. It was determined that an effective seal had been obtained by the fact that the water was retained in the cavity.

Example 36 This example describes the preparation of a three layer tape construction C having a polyester tie layer and its use with bracket mounted windows. The tape construction C was prepared by laminating the core layer B to the sealant layer E. On the opposite side of the core layer B the bond layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a 12.7 mm x strip 25.4 mm and the bond layer was laminated to a 4 mm thick flat glass. Then the sealing layer of the laminate was exposed to UV radiation for 5 minutes using the Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs described in conjunction with Example 2 at a distance of approximately 10 cm. Then the laminate was placed on a DCT 5002 painted metal panel, such that the sealing layer was above and in contact with the panel. The sample was placed in an oven for 20 minutes at 141 ° C. The strength of the bond between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 20 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in fracture of the central layer . No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 37 This example illustrates the preparation of a three-layer tape construction D having a polyester tie layer and its use with bracket-mounted windows. The tape construction D was prepared by laminating the core layer B to the sealant layer F. On the opposite side of the core layer B the bond layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a strip of 12.7 mm × 25.4 mm and the bond layer was laminated to a 4 mm thick flat glass. Then the sealing layer of the laminate was exposed to UV radiation for 5 minutes using the Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs described in conjunction with Example 2 at a distance of approximately 10 cm. Then the laminate was placed on a DCT 5002 painted metal panel, such that the sealing layer was above and in contact with the panel. The sample was placed in an oven for 20 minutes at 141 ° C. The strength of the bond between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 20 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in fracture of the central layer . No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 38 This example describes the preparation of a three-layer tape construction E having a polyester tie layer and its use with bracket-mounted windows. The tape construction E was prepared by laminating the core layer C to the sealant layer G. On the opposite side of the core layer C the bond layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a 12.7 mm x strip. 25.4 mm and the bond layer was laminated to a 4 mm thick flat glass. Then the sealing layer of the laminate was exposed to UV radiation for 5 minutes using the Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs described in conjunction with Example 2 at a distance of approximately 10 cm. Then the laminate was placed on a DCT 5002 painted metal panel, such that the sealing layer was above and in contact with the panel. The sample was placed in an oven for 20 minutes at 141 ° C. The strength of the bond between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 20 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in fracture of the central layer . No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 39 This example describes the preparation of a three layer tape construction F having a polyester tie layer and its use with bracket mounted windows. The tape construction F was prepared by laminating the core layer B to the sealant layer H. On the opposite side of the core layer B the bond layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a 12.7 mm x strip 25.4 mm and the bond layer was laminated to a 4 mm thick flat glass. Then the sealing layer of the laminate was exposed to UV radiation for 5 minutes using the Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs described in conjunction with Example 2 at a distance of approximately 10 cm. Then the laminate was placed on a DCT 5002 painted metal panel, such that the sealing layer was above and in contact with the panel. The sample was placed in an oven for 20 minutes at 141 ° C. The strength of the bond between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 20 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in fracture of the central layer . No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 40 This example describes the preparation of a three layer tape construction G having a polyester tie layer and its use with bracket mounted windows. The tape construction G was prepared by laminating the core layer B to the sealant layer I. On the opposite side of the core layer B the bond layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a strip of 12.7 mm x 25.4 mm and the bond layer was laminated to a 4 mm thick flat glass. Then the sealing layer of the laminate was exposed to UV radiation for 5 minutes using the Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs described in conjunction with Example 2 at a distance of approximately 10 cm. Then the laminate was placed on a DCT 5002 painted metal panel, such that the sealing layer was above and in contact with the panel. The sample was placed in an oven for 20 minutes at 141 ° C. The strength of the bond between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 20 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in fracture of the central layer . No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 41 This example describes the preparation of a three-layer tape construction H having a polyester tie layer and its use with mounted windows in corbel. The tape construction H was prepared by laminating the core layer B to the sealing layer J. On the opposite side of the core layer B the bond layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a 12.7 mm x strip. 25.4 mm and the bond layer was laminated to a 4 mm thick flat glass. Then the sealing layer of the laminate was exposed to UV radiation for 5 minutes using the Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs described in conjunction with Example 2 at a distance of approximately 10 cm. Then the laminate was placed on a painted metal panel DCT 5002, such that the sealing layer was above and in contact with the panel. The sample was placed in an oven for 20 minutes at 141 ° C. The strength of the bond between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 20 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in fracture of the central layer . No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 42 This example describes the preparation of a three-layer tape construction I and its use for bonding glass to metal. The tape construction I was prepared by laminating the core layer B to the sealing layer K. On the opposite side of the core layer B the bond layer A was laminated. The laminate was cut to a 12.7 mm x strip. 25.4 mm and the bond layer was laminated to a 4 mm thick flat glass. Then the sealing layer of the laminate was exposed to UV radiation for 5 minutes using the Sylvania fluorescent black light bulbs described in conjunction with Example 2 at a distance of approximately 10 cm. Then the laminate was placed on a DCT 5002 painted metal panel, such that the sealing layer was above and in contact with the panel. The sample was placed in an oven for 20 minutes at 141 ° C. The strength of the bond between the metal and the glass was tested using tensile and elongation test after periods of up to 20 days at 70 ° C or alternatively 37.8 ° C and 100% relative humidity and resulted in fracture of the central layer . No delamination or adhesion failure was observed either on one or the other of the substrates.

Example 43 This example describes the preparation of a three layer tape construction J. The sealant layer L was laminated to itself at a thickness of 4 folds to obtain a final thickness of approximately 4.0 mm. Then, the 4-ply laminate samples were further laminated to a 1.0 mm thick piece of core layer B and then the bond layer A was laminated to the opposite face of the acrylic foam. Then, multiple samples were cut to 25.4 mm by 12.7 mm and laminated horizontally to a piece of flat glass on one edge. Then, the glass was stacked vertically with the tapes over the top edge and placed in an oven set at 141 ° C for 25 minutes. After the kiln removal, the entire sealing layer had flowed.

Example 44 This example describes the preparation of a three layer tape construction K. The sealant layer M was laminated to itself at a thickness of 4 folds to obtain a final thickness of approximately 4.0 mm. Then, the 4-ply laminate samples were further laminated to a 1.0 mm thick piece of core layer B and then the bond layer A was laminated to the opposite face of the acrylic foam. Then, multiple samples were cut to 25.4 mm by 12.7 mm and laminated horizontally to a piece of flat glass on one edge. Then, the glass was stacked vertically with the tapes over the top edge and placed in an oven set at 141 ° C for 25 minutes. After removal of the oven, the entire sealing layer had flowed approximately 25.4 mm through the face of the glass panel.

Example 45 This example describes the preparation of a three-layer tape construction L. The sealing layer N was laminated to itself at a thickness of 4 folds to obtain a final thickness of approximately 4.0 mm. Then, the 4-ply laminate samples were further laminated to a 1.0 mm thick piece of core layer B and then the bond layer A was laminated to the opposite face of the acrylic foam. Then, multiple samples were cut to 25.4 mm by 12.7 mm and laminated horizontally to a piece of flat glass on one edge.

Then, the glass was stacked vertically with the tapes over the top edge and placed in an oven set at 141 ° C for 25 minutes. After removal of the furnace, no flow of the sealing layer was observed and the sealant still had square edges. After cooling the material was then reheated for 5 minutes at 141 ° C, taken from the furnace and a metal coupon coated with E of 25.4 mm by 100.2 mm with a 0.63 mm cut hole was pressed against the sealer containing 10% of silica. It was noted that the sealant flows easily out and around the coupon, into the hole and swells on the back side to physically secure the coupon to the sealant. The sealant rapidly cooled and recrystallized to form a strong bond / seal.

EXAMPLE 46 This example describes the preparation of a three-layer tape construction M. The bonding layer A was laminated to a core layer E of 3.0 mm thickness laminated in turn to a sealant layer O of 1.5 mm thickness.

Example 47 This example describes a glass window installation according to the invention. Glass and a cut metal were obtained from a quarter window of Buick Somerset 1985 (which is supposed to be encapsulated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC)). Both surfaces were cleaned and the metal repainted before use with a conventional automotive repair paint. The three-layer tape construction M was converted to strips that were approximately 12.7 mm wide. The bonding layer of the tape was glued to the perimeter of the glass at ambient temperature conditions, followed by heating with an infrared quartz lamp to activate the bonding layer. During the process, the PVC encapsulant begins to cloud. The sample is allowed to cool and the tape was reheated by exposing the face of the sealant to the infrared radiation. After it had softened, the laminated construction was exposed. at 10 seconds of light using the super blue diazo lamp described in conjunction with Example 31; the exposure was (approximately 110 mjoules / square cm). Then, the sample was quickly installed to a cut metal by applying uniform pressure to the face of the glass.

Example 48 This example describes another glass window installation according to the invention. Similar to Example 47, the glass was preheated with infrared radiation at approximately 82.2 ° C. The three-layer tape construction M was easily applied to the perimeter of the glass. The ends were placed side by side for approximately 76.2 mm to make a seal. Additional infrared heat was applied to the back side (through the glass). After approximately 20 minutes, the sample is allowed to cool. The sealant layer was reheated with infrared radiation, then exposed to light using the super blue diazo lamp described in conjunction with Example 31 and installed on the cut metal with a good seal.

Example 49 This example describes a metal to glass seal using a three layer tape construction. The link layer A was laminated to a surface of the core layer F, the sample was slit to a width of 12.7 mm and the strip was laminated to a glass substrate and placed in an oven for 25 minutes at 140 ° C. After removing the sample from the oven and allowing it to cool to room temperature, a 10 mm diameter bead of Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive No. 08693 was applied to the center layer F and the resulting assembly was laminated to a metal panel of DCT 5002 with enough pressure to expel the sealant against the surface. The film is allowed to cure overnight under ambient conditions, thereby creating a good seal.

Example 50 This example describes a metal to glass seal using a three layer tape construction. The procedure of Example 49 is repeated except that the sealant layer AB was used instead of the urethane paste. Thus, the sealing layer AB was laminated on the surface of the central layer F and the assembly was heated to 120 ° C for about 5 minutes. Then the sample was exposed to a step at 16.5 meters / minute using the Fusion Systems processor. The sample was then placed on a DCT 5002 metal panel and sufficient pressure was applied to ensure good wetting.

Example 51 This example describes a metal to glass seal using a three layer tape construction. In this example, the link layer A was applied in the form of a 25.4 mm wide tape around the perimeter of a 102 mm by 203 mm piece of glass. The capped glass was cured for 25 minutes at 140 ° C. The AF sealant layer was laminated to a two-ply laminate of core layer B (thickness 2 mm) and slit to 12.7 mm width. Then, this strip was laminated to the cured bond layer A. A tenacious bond was observed between the cured bond layer and the core layer. A beveled joint was used to join the two ends after surrounding the perimeter of the glass. Then this set was heated to 120 ° C for about 5 minutes and exposed to 16.5 meters / minute using the Fusion Systems processor. Then the assembly was laminated to a DCT 5002 metal panel to produce a good seal.

Example 52 This example describes a metal to glass seal using a three layer tape construction. In this example, the link layer A was laminated to a two-ply laminate of the core layer B (2 mm thick) and split to form a 12.7 mm wide tape. The side of the bond layer A of the tape was laminated to the perimeter of a 102 mm by 203 mm piece of glass cleaned with isopropanol. A beveled joint was used to splice the two ends together and the sample was baked for 25 minutes at 140 ° C. The sample is allowed to cool. After cooling, the sealant layer AB (width of 12.7 mm) was laminated to the central layer and the two ends were joined together. Then, this assembly or assembly was heated for approximately 5 minutes at 120 ° C and exposed to 16.5 meters / minute using the Fusion Systems processor. Then the assembly was laminated to a DCT 5002 metal panel to create a good seal. Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims. While the invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments and drawings outlined above, the spirit of the invention is not limited in this manner and is defined by the appended claims. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (86)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. An article characterized in that it comprises (a) a central layer or layer of the core, of foam, resistant to melt flow, conformable, compressible, which has first and second major surfaces and (b) a thermosetting sealant layer on the first major surface of the core layer or core layer, the sealant layer has a surface available to contact a substrate.
2. 2. An article in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer comprises a curing agent.
3. 3. An article in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that the curing agent comprises a photoactive curing agent.
4. 4. An article according to claim 2, characterized in that the curing agent comprises a thermally active curing agent.
5. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermoformable sealing layer is a mixture comprising: (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a resin selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, semicrystalline polyesters and combinations thereof and (c) a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) thermally activated agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (ii) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature.
6. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of such composition, but less than about 200 degrees C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity.
7. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer includes a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the composition, but less than: (a) the temperature of the composition. thermal activation of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by an external force different from the force of gravity.
8. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermoformable sealing layer comprises a mixture of an epoxy resin, a semicrystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated agents characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the sealing composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the composition, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the of curing is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by a former force terna different from the force of gravity.
9. 9. An article according to claim 8, characterized in that before curing, the thermosetting sealant composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester, but less than about 200 degrees C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity.
10. 10. An article according to claim 8, characterized in that the curing agent comprises a photoactive curing agent.
11. 11. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a curable polyurethane by moisture.
12. 12. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the core layer or core layer has a final tensile strength no greater than about the final tensile strength of the thermosetting sealant layer.
13. 13. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a foam.
14. 14. An article according to claim 13, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a closed cell foam.
15. 15. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a foam selected from the group consisting of acrylic, urethane and polyolefin foams.
16. 16. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.
17. 17. An article according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a link layer provided on the second main surface of the core layer or core layer.
18. 18. An article by. according to claim 17, characterized in that the sealing layer and the bonding layer are thermally isolated from each other.
19. 19. An article characterized in that it comprises (a) a core layer or core layer, foam, conformable, compressible, melt flow resistant, having first and second major surfaces and (b) a thermosetting sealant layer on the first surface The main layer of the core layer or core layer, the sealant layer has a surface available to contact a substrate.
20. 20. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer includes a photoactive curing agent.
21. 21. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer comprises a thermally active curing agent.
22. 22. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that the thermoformable sealing layer is a mixture comprising: (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a resin selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, semicrystalline polyesters and combinations thereof and (c) a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) thermally activated agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (ii) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature.
23. 23. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of such composition, but less than about 200 degrees C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity.
24. 24. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that the core layer or core layer has a final tensile strength not greater than about the final tensile strength of the thermosetting sealant layer.
25. 25. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a closed cell foam.
26. 26. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.
27. 27. An article according to claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises a link layer provided on the second main surface of the core layer or core layer ..
28. 28. An article characterized in that it comprises: (a) a central layer or core layer, conformable, compressible, melt flow resistant, having first and second major surfaces and (b) a thermoplastic sealant layer on the first major surface of the core layer or core layer, the sealant layer has an available surface to contact a substrate and further wherein the sealant layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyesters, block copolymers containing polyaromatics and silicones.
29. 29. An article according to claim 28, characterized in that the core layer or core layer has a final tensile strength no greater than the ultimate tensile strength of the thermoplastic sealant layer.
30. 30. An article according to claim 28, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a foam.
31. 31. An article according to claim 30, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive foam.
32. 32. An article by. according to claim 28, characterized in that it further comprises a link layer provided on the second main surface of the core layer or core layer.
33. 33. An article characterized in that it comprises: (a) a core layer or core layer, melt flow resistant, formable, compressible, having first and second major surfaces and (b) a sealing layer on the first major surface of the central layer or core layer and having a surface available for contacting a substrate and (c) a thermosetting link layer on the second major surface of the core layer or core layer and having a surface available for in contact with a second substrate.
34. 34. An article characterized in that it comprises: (a) a core layer or core layer, melt flow resistant, conformable, compressible, comprising a closed cell foam having first and second major surfaces and (b) a layer The sealant provided on the first main surface, the sealant layer has a surface available for contacting a substrate, the sealant layer comprises a sealant composition consisting of a mixture of an epoxy resin, a semi-crystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated agents characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its form when it is heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the Curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by an external force different from the force of gravity.
35. 35. An article characterized in that it comprises: (a) a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface separated by a region of the edge having a finite thickness; (b) a core layer or core layer, melt flow resistant, conformable, compressible, having first and second major surfaces, the core layer or core layer is fixed on its second major surface to: (i) the first main surface of the substrate and / or (ii) the edge region of the substrate, the core layer or core layer imparts vibration dampening properties to the article, and (c) a thermosetting sealant layer provided on the first major surface of the substrate. At the core layer, the sealant layer has a surface available to contact a second substrate.
36. 36. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the substrate consists of glass.
37. 37. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the substrate comprises a glass windshield suitable for use in a motor vehicle.
38. 38. An article according to claim 35, wherein the first main surface of the substrate is characterized by a first perimeter and the second main surface of the substrate is characterized by a second perimeter, the core layer or core layer is fixed in its second main surface to: (i) the first surface. of the substrate, such that the core layer or core layer extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the first major surface of the substrate and / or (ii) the edge region of the substrate is such that core or core layer substantially surrounds the edge region.
39. 39. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer comprises a photoactive curing agent.
40. 40. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer comprises a mixture of: (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a resin selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, semicrystalline polyesters and combinations thereof and (c) ) a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) thermally activated agents characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (ii) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition.
41. 41. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of such composition, but less than about 200 degrees C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity.
42. 42. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer comprises a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents. characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the composition, but less than: (a) the temperature of the composition. thermal activation of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by an external force different from the force of gravity.
43. 43. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the sealant layer comprises a sealant composition consisting of a mixture of an epoxy resin, a semicrystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature, the sealing composition is characterized in that prior to curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated at a temperature higher than the temperature. melting temperature of the polyester, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated med by an external force different from the force of gravity.
44. 44. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the core layer or core layer has a final tensile strength no greater than the ultimate tensile strength of the sealing layer.
45. 45. An article according to claim 35, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a foam.
46. 46. An article by. according to claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises a link layer interposed between the second main surface of the core layer or core layer and (b) the first major surface of the substrate, wherein the core layer is fixed to the first main surface of the substrate and / or (b) the edge region, wherein the core layer or core layer is fixed to the edge region.
47. 47. A windscreen suitable for use in a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: (a) a glass substrate having a first main surface characterized by a first perimeter and a second main surface characterized by a second perimeter, the first and second surfaces they are separated by a region of the edge that has a finite thickness; (b) a core layer or core layer, melt flow resistant, conformable, compressible, having first and second major surfaces; the core layer is fixed on its second main surface to the first main surface of the glass substrate, such that the core layer extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the first main surface of the glass substrate, the layer of the core or core layer has vibration dampening properties and (c) a sealing layer provided on the first major surface of the core layer, the sealing layer has a surface available to contact a substrate.
48. 48. An article according to claim 47, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a thermosetting sealant composition comprising a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the composition, but less than (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is an agent of photoactive curing, until it is activated by an external force dif erent to the force of gravity.
49. 49. An article by. according to claim 47, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a sealing composition consisting of a mixture of an epoxy resin, a semicrystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the composition. polyester, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the of curing is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by means of an external force different from the force of gravity.
50. 50. An article according to claim 47, characterized in that the core layer or core layer has a final tensile strength no greater than the ultimate tensile strength of the sealant layer.
51. 51. An article by. according to claim 47, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a foam.
52. 52. An article characterized in that it comprises: (a) a substrate having a first major surface characterized by a first perimeter and a second major surface characterized by a second perimeter, the first and second surfaces being separated by a region of the edge having a finite thickness; (b) a core layer or core layer, melt flow resistant, conformable, compressible, having first and second major surfaces, the core layer or core layer is fixed on its second major surface to: (i) the first main surface of the substrate, such that the core layer or core layer extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the first major surface of the substrate and / or (ii) the edge region of the substrate, such that the The core layer or core layer substantially surrounds the edge region, the core layer or core layer imparts vibration damping properties to the article; (c) a sealing layer provided on the first major surface of the core layer or core layer and (d) a second substrate joined to the first substrate by means of the sealing layer.
53. 53. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the first substrate consists of glass and the second substrate consists of metal.
54. 54. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the first substrate consists of glass and the second substrate consists of a painted substrate.
55. 55. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the first substrate consists of a windshield and the second substrate consists of a frame or frame (frame) to support the windshield.
56. 56. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a thermoformable composition comprising a photoactive curing agent.
57. 57. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a thermosetting mixture consisting of: (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a resin selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, semicrystalline polyesters and combinations of and (c) a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (ii) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature.
58. 58. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a thermoplastic or thermosetting sealant composition which, prior to curing in the case of thermosetting sealant compositions, substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature greater than the temperature of softening of such composition, but less than about 200 degrees C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity.
59. 59. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a thermosetting sealant composition comprising a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the composition, but less than (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is an agent of photoactive curing, until it is activated by an external force difer to the force of gravity.
60. 60. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the sealing layer comprises a sealing composition consisting of a mixture of an epoxy resin, a semicrystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: thermally activated curing characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, in wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by an external force different from that of the curing agent. force of gravity.
61. 61. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the core layer or core layer has a final tensile strength no greater than the final tensile strength of the sealing layer.
62. 62. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a foam.
63. 63. An article according to claim 52, characterized in that it further comprises a link layer interposed between the second main surface of the core layer or core layer and (b) the first major surface of the substrate, wherein the core layer is fixed to the first major surface of the substrate and / or (b) the edge region, wherein the core layer or core layer is fixed to the edge region.
64. 64. A method for attaching a first substrate to a second substrate, characterized in that it comprises: (a) providing an article comprising: (A) a first substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface separated by an edge region which has a finite thickness; (B) A core layer or core layer, melt flow resistant, conformable, compressible, having first and second major surfaces, the core layer or core layer is fixed on its second major surface to: (i) the first main surface of the first substrate and / or (ii) the edge region of the first substrate, the central layer has vibration damping properties; and (C) a thermosetting sealant layer provided on the first major surface of the core layer or core layer, the sealer layer has a surface available for contacting a second substrate and (b) contacting the sealant layer with a second substrate for joining the second substrate to the first substrate by means of the sealing layer.
65. 65. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the first main surface of the first substrate is characterized by a first perimeter and the second main surface of the first substrate is characterized by a second perimeter, the central layer or core layer is fixed in its second major surface a: (i) the first major surface of the first substrate, such that the core layer or core layer extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the first major surface of the first substrate and / or (ii) ) the edge region of the first substrate substrate, such that the core layer or core layer substantially surrounds the edge region.
66. 66. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the first substrate consists of glass and the second substrate consists of metal.
67. 67. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the first substrate consists of glass and the second substrate consists of a painted substrate.
68. 68. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the first substrate consists of a windshield and the second substrate consists of a frame or frame (frame) to support the windshield.
69. 69. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the second substrate consists of a clamp or U-shaped bracket.
70. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer comprises a photoactive curing agent. .
71. 71. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the thermoformable sealing layer comprises a mixture of: (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a resin selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, semicrystalline polyesters and combinations thereof and (c) a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) thermally activated agents characterized by a temperature of thermal activation and (ii) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition.
72. 72. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of such a composition, but less than about 200 degrees C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity.
73. 73. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the thermosetting sealant layer comprises a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature, the sealant composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the composition, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by an external force different from that of the curing agent. force of gravity.
74. 74. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the thermoformable sealing layer comprises a mixture of an epoxy resin, a semi-crystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a thermal decomposition temperature, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the composition. polyester, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the of curing is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by an external force different from the force of gravity.
75. 75. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the core layer or core layer has a final tensile strength no greater than the ultimate tensile strength of the sealant layer.
76. 76. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that the core layer or core layer comprises a foam.
77. 77. A method according to claim 64, characterized in that it further comprises a link layer interposed between the second main surface of the core layer or core layer and (a) the first major surface of the first substrate, wherein the core layer is fixed to the first major surface of the first substrate and / or (b) the edge region, wherein the core layer or core layer is fixed to the edge region.
78. 78. A method according to claim 70, characterized in that it comprises: (a) heating the sealing layer under conditions which cause the sealing layer to soften and (b) photoactivating the sealing layer to initiate curing of the sealing layer.
79. 79. A method for attaching a windshield to a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: (a) providing a windshield comprising: (A) a first substrate having a first major surface characterized by a first perimeter and a second major surface characterized by a second perimeter, the first and second surfaces are separated by a region of the edge having a finite thickness; (B) A core layer or core layer, melt flow resistant, conformable, compressible, having first and second major surfaces, the core layer or core layer is fixed on its second major surface to the first major surface of the core. glass substrate, such that the core layer or core layer extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the first major surface of the glass substrate, the core layer or core layer has vibration damping properties and (C) a thermosetting sealant layer provided on the first major surface of the core layer or core layer and (b) attaching the windshield to the frame by means of the sealant layer.
80. 80. A sealant composition, characterized in that it comprises a mixture of an epoxy resin, a semicrystalline polyester and a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: (a) thermally activated curing agents characterized by a thermal activation temperature and (b) photoactive curing agents characterized by a temperature of thermal decomposition, the sealing composition is characterized in that before curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester, but less than: (a) the thermal activation temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a thermally activated curing agent or (b) the thermal decomposition temperature of the curing agent, wherein the curing agent is a photoactive curing agent, until it is activated by an external force different from the force of gravity.
81. 81. A sealant composition according to claim 80, characterized in that the sealant composition further comprises a thixotropic agent.
82. 82. A sealant composition according to claim 81, characterized in that the thixotropic agent is selected from the group consisting of particles, fibers in pieces, bubbles, beads and combinations thereof.
83. 83. A sealant composition according to claim 82, characterized in that the thixotropic agent comprises silica particles.
84. 84. A sealant composition according to claim 80, characterized in that the curing agent comprises a photoactive curing agent.
85. 85. A sealant composition according to claim 80, characterized in that the curing agent comprises a thermally activated curing agent.
86. 86. A sealant composition according to claim 80, characterized in that, prior to curing, the composition substantially retains its shape when heated to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polyester, but less than about 200 degrees C, until it is driven by an external force different from the force of gravity. COMPOSITION S, USE OF THE SAME SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A multilayer article (10) is described which can be provided in the form of a tape comprising a core layer or core layer (14) conformable, compressible, resistant to flow in the molten state, having first and second major surfaces, a sealing layer (12) on the first major surface of the core layer or core layer and optionally a link layer (16) on the second major surface of the core layer or core layer. Each of the sealer layer and the link layer have a surface available to contact a separate substrate. Various core layers or thermosetting and foam core layers are described, also as thermosetting and thermoplastic sealing layers. The articles are ul for sealing two substrates together, particularly where one of the substrates is glass. Thus, the articles are especially suitable for sealing windshields of motorized vehicles to a frame or frame (frame). Various assemblies and methods for producing them are also described.