Patent Description:
The following references may be relevant to the general field of technology of the present disclosure: <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

<CIT> relates to semi-IPN polyurethane/polyurea protective films.

<CIT>, "Method for Making a Microreplicated Article Using a Substrate Comprising a Syndiotactic Vinyl Aromatic Polymer," purports to describe a "urethane acrylate IPN formulation," e.g., at Examples <NUM>, <NUM>, C1, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The term "IPN" is used there in a manner inconsistent with the manner in which it is used in the present application. Each "urethane acrylate IPN formulation" of <CIT>, Examples <NUM>, <NUM>, C1, <NUM>, and <NUM> includes caprolactone acrylate, a monomer having a hyrdoxy group reactive with polyurethane-forming (polyisocyanate) monomers at one end, and an acrylate group reactive with polyacrylate-forming monomers at the other. Therefore, it is believed that upon heat cure of the polyurethane-forming and polyacrylate-forming monomers of the "urethane acrylate IPN formulation," one single polymer network is formed.

<CIT> describes an article having reduced drag resistance to a fluid flowing thereover, said article comprising a conformable, crosslinked sheet material having a patterned first surface which contacts said fluid and which reduces said drag resistance, wherein said pattemed surface comprises a series of parallel peaks separated from one another by a series of parallel valleys.

Briefly, the present disclosure provides an article comprising a microstructured layer having a microstructured surface bearing microstructures having an average height of greater than <NUM> micrometers and less than <NUM> micrometers, the microstructured layer comprising a semi-IPN of a polymer network selected from the group consisting of urethane acrylate polymer networks, urethane/urea acrylate polymer networks and urea acrylate polymer networks and a linear or branched polymer that is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyurethane/polyureas, thermoplastic polyureas, and combinations thereof, wherein the weight ratio of linear or branched polymer to polymer network in the semi-IPN is greater than <NUM>:<NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>:<NUM>. In some embodiments, the microstructures are thermally stable to the extent that they retain their shape when heated to a temperature of <NUM> (<NUM> °F) for <NUM> minutes; in some embodiments to a temperature of <NUM> (<NUM> °F) for <NUM> minutes; and in some embodiments to a temperature of <NUM> (<NUM> °F) for <NUM> minutes. In some embodiments, where the thermoplastic polymer has a G' G" crossover point at a certain temperature; the microstructures are thermally stable to the extent that they retain their shape when heated to a temperature of more than <NUM> higher than the thermoplastic polymer G' G" crossover point for <NUM> minutes; in some embodiments, more than <NUM> higher; and in some embodiments, more than <NUM> higher. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of linear or branched polymer to polymer network in the semi-IPN is greater than <NUM>:<NUM>, in some embodiments greater than <NUM>:<NUM>, and in some embodiments greater than <NUM>:<NUM>. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer has a G' G" crossover point at a temperature of less than <NUM>, in some less than <NUM>, in some less than <NUM>, in some less than <NUM>, and in some less than <NUM>. In some embodiments the article additionally comprises an adhesive layer. In some such embodiments the adhesive layer is attached to the back surface of the microstructured layer opposite the microstructured surface. In some such embodiments the adhesive is a thermally cured adhesive curing at a temperature of not less than <NUM>, in some not less than <NUM>, in some not less than <NUM>, and in some not less than <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the article is a free-standing film, whereas in other embodiments the article is a part comprising the microstructured layer, in particular a part having the microstructured surface of the microstructured layer as an outermost surface. In some such embodiments the part comprises a metal part. In some such embodiments, the part comprises a resin matrix-fiber composite part, including embodiments wherein the back surface of the microstructured layer is bound by the resin matrix to the resin matrix itself to the resin matrix-fiber composite part. In some embodiments the article additionally comprises a removable liner having a complimentary microstructured surface in direct contact with the microstructured surface of the microstructured layer.

The present disclosure provides methods of making microstructured layers according to the present disclosure. In particular, in another aspect, the present disclosure provide a method of making a microstructured layer having a microstructured surface bearing microstructures having an average height of greater than <NUM> micrometers and less than <NUM> micrometers, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a liner having a complimentary microstructured surface; b) casting onto the liner a polymer blend comprising: i) an oligomer selected from the group consisting of urethane acrylate oligomers, urethane/urea acrylate oligomers, urea acrylate oligomers, and combinations thereof; and ii) a linear or branched polymer that is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyurethane/polyureas, thermoplastic polyureas, and combinations thereof; and c) thereafter curing the oligomer by radiation cure to convert the polymer blend into a microstructured layer having a microstructured surface, wherein the weight ratio of linear or branched polymer to polymer network in the semi-IPN is greater than <NUM>:<NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>:<NUM>. In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises the step of: d) applying an adhesive to the back surface of the microstructured layer to make an adhesive-backed microstructured layer, the back surface of the microstructured layer being opposite the microstructured surface. In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises the steps of: d) applying the adhesive-backed microstructured layer to a part; and e) removing the liner from the microstructured layer to make a part having the microstructured surface of the microstructured layer as an outermost surface. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: f) applying the back surface of a microstructured layer to an uncured resin matrix-fiber composite part; g) curing the resin matrix; and h) removing the liner from the microstructured layer to make a resin matrix-fiber composite part having the microstructured surface of the microstructured layer as an outermost surface. In some embodiments, casting the polymer blend onto the liner comprises hot melt extrusion of the polymer blend. In some embodiments, the polymer blend comprises not more than <NUM> weight percent solvent; in some embodiments not more than <NUM> weight percent. In some embodiments, curing the oligomer by radiation cure comprises e-beam cure. In some embodiments, curing the oligomer by radiation cure comprises UV cure.

Articles of the present disclosure and/or microstructured layers made according to a method of the present disclosure favorably allow for the provision of highly erosion resistant and thermally stable surfacing films for aeronautic applications which bear drag-reduction microstructures that maintain shape during high temperature processing and during exposure to high temperature working environments.

What has not been described in the art, and is provided by the present disclosure, is a highly durable and thermally stable film surface patterned with microstructures that maintain shape in high temperature environments, as well as methods of patterning such films with such microstructures. It is an unexpected feature of the present disclosure that this thermally stable microstructured film can be made with melt-processable materials comprising high amounts of thermoplastic.

As used herein, "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising" are used in their open ended sense, and generally mean "including, but not limited to. " It will be understood that the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are subsumed in the term "comprising".

The present disclosure provides microstructured layers composed of polyurethane, polyurea and/or polyurethane/urea semi-IPN materials, the layers having microstructured surfaces which are highly durable and thermally stable. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides highly erosion resistant and thermally stable surfacing films for aeronautic applications which bear drag-reduction microstructures that maintain shape in high temperature environments. Surprisingly, this thermally stable microstructured film can be made with melt-processable materials comprising high amounts of thermoplastic.

In some embodiments, microstructured layers according to the present disclosure can be used to protect surfaces of aircraft including leading edges of wings, radomes, blades, and rotors from damage due to water, sand, dust, or debris.

The microstructured layer may be made by any suitable method, including those demonstrated in the Examples below. In one such method, a liner having a complimentary microstructured surface is provided, i.e., a surface complementary to the desired surface of the microstructured layer. A thermoplastic polymer blend is cast onto the liner and cured, in some embodiments by radiation cure, such as e-beam, UV, IR, gamma, or light cure. Typically the thermoplastic polymer blend is a hot melt blend, essentially without solvent. The thermoplastic polymer blend includes: i) an oligomer, which is a urethane acrylate oligomer, a urethane/urea acrylate oligomer, a urea acrylate oligomers, or some combination thereof; and ii) a thermoplastic polymer that is a thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane/polyurea, thermoplastic polyurea, or combinations thereof. In some embodiment an adhesive is subsequently added to the back side of the microstructured layer; in others no adhesive is added. It will be understood that the use of the term oligomer does not place any upper limit on the size of the molecule, and analogous polymers are included in any reference herein to oligomers.

Resin matrix-fiber composites have become widely accepted for the variety of applications in aerospace, automotive and other transportation industries because their light weight, high strength and stiffness. These parts are typically manufactured under vacuum and/or pressure at temperatures from <NUM> to <NUM> and occasionally up to <NUM>. In some embodiments the microstructured layer according to the present disclosure may be adhered to such a composite part prior to cure and incorporated into the part as an outermost layer without loss of fidelity in the microstructured surface pattern.

Any suitable microstructures may be formed in the surface of the microstructured layers according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, drag reduction microstructures are used, which may comprise patterns of multiple parallel ridges. The microstructured layer is typically transparent or translucent but may also be pigmented.

Any suitable thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea may be used as the linear or branched polymer in the semi-IPN of the present disclosure. Suitable polyurethanes may include polymers of polyisocyanates and polyols. Suitable polyureas may include polymers of polyisocyanates and polyamines. In some embodiments, the crosslinked polymer may be a mixed polyurethane/polyurea polymer derived from polyisocyanates and a mixture of polyols and polyamines. Any suitable polyisocyanates, polyols or polyamines may be used. Suitable polyisocyanates may include aromatic isocyanates, aliphatic isocyanates, polyisocyanates, or combinations thereof. Suitable aromatic isocyanates may include Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-Phenylene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-Phenylene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>'-Dimethyl diphenylmethane-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, Diphenylmethane-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, naphthalene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>'-Biphenyldiisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-Naphthalene Diisocyanate, <NUM>-Methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-naphthalene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-toluene diisocyanate and <NUM>,<NUM>-toluene diisocyanate and mixtures of the two isomers, diphenylmethane-<NUM>,<NUM>'-diisocyanate, <NUM>-Ethyl-m-phenylenediisocyanate, or mixtures thereof. Suitable aliphatic isocyanates may include <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-Cyclohexane diisocyanate, <NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexyl diisocyanate, Trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI), Decamethylene diisocyanate, Methylene diisocyanate, Methylene-bis(<NUM>-Cyclohexylisocyanate) (H12MDI), dimethyl diisocyanate, trans-<NUM>,<NUM>-Cyclohexane diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, or mixtures thereof. Other suitable isocyanates may include polyisocyanates, including those based on any of the above. Suitable polyols may include polyester polyols, polycaprolactone polyols, polyether polyols, hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene and hydrogenated polybutadiene polyols, polycarbonate polyols, or mixtures thereof. Suitable polyamines may include JEFFAMINE® polyetheramines, or mixtures thereof. In addition, chain extenders may be included, which are typically monomeric or low molecular weight difunctional compounds. Suitable hydroxy chain extenders may include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, <NUM>,<NUM> butanediol, and <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-propylenediol, or mixtures thereof. Suitable amino chain extenders may include <NUM>,<NUM> diaminobutane, Ethylenediamine, <NUM>,<NUM> diaminopropane, <NUM>,<NUM> diaminopropane, <NUM>,<NUM> diaminocyclohexane, isophorone diamine, secondary cycloaliphatic diamines, diethyltoluenediamine, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments of the microstructured layer according to the present invention, the microstructures are unexpectedly stable at temperatures above the G' G" crossover point of the thermoplastic polymer, i.e., the point where G" (loss modulus) surpasses G' (storage modulus), and viscous behavior surpasses elastic behavior. For a thermoplastic polyurethane (urea) elastomer, this signifies an onset of melting. The viscoelastic properties are measured via parallel plate rheology. See, e.g., <NPL>. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the microstructured layer according to the present invention, the microstructures are unexpectedly stable at temperatures above the crossover point of the thermoplastic polymer despite the fact that the microstructured layer comprises a majority of such thermoplastic material.

Any suitable polyurethane acrylate oligomer, polyurea acrylate oligomer or polyurethane/polyurea acrylate oligomer may be used in the practice of the present disclosure. The acrylate component is derived from any suitable acrylate component precursor, which is any suitable monomer, oligomer or polymer with an acrylate double bond available for polymerization. The acrylate component precursor is copolymerized into the oligomer, typically as an end group. In other embodiments, acrylated polyurethane, polyurea, or polyurethane/polyurea polymers may be used, which may be linear or branched.

In embodiments where an adhesive is present, any suitable adhesive layer may be used. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer may comprise an acrylic adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is a structural adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is two-part adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is an energy-cured adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive is an air cured adhesive. Suitable adhesives may include acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, styrene-butadiene block copolymers, styrene-isoprene block copolymers, epoxies, cyanoacrylates, and two-part urethane.

Objects and advantages of this disclosure are further illustrated by the following examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, all reagents were obtained or are available from Sigma-Aldrich Company, St. Louis, Missouri, or may be synthesized by known methods. Unless otherwise reported, all ratios are by weight percent.

The following abbreviations are used to describe the examples:.

Abbreviations for the materials used in the examples are as follows:
MRL: A microreplicated liner which was a polyester liner bearing an array of linear ridges of triangular cross-section, valley to peak height <NUM>, peak to peak distance of <NUM>, complimentary to the array apparent in <FIG>.

Krystalgran PN3429-<NUM>, a thermoplastic polyurethane (available from Huntsman Corporation, The Woodlands, TX), and CN9893, an aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomer (available from Sartomer Company, Exton, PA), were blended and co-extruded in a weight ratio of <NUM>/<NUM> on a <NUM> Davis Standard, co-rotating twin screw extruder having a L/D ratio of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> and a <NUM>" (<NUM>) wide die. The G' G" crossover point for Krystalgran PN3429-<NUM> was measured to be <NUM>. The polyurethane was fed by Ktron gravimetric feeder. The CN9893 was fed from a heated pressure vessel, heated with a heat blanket set to <NUM> °F and pressurized to <NUM> psi with air. The flowrate was controlled manually with a needle valve. The pot was placed on a weigh scale, enabling consistent monitoring of the flowrate / weight loss.

The TPUB films were cast onto a matte paper casting liner at a width of <NUM>" (<NUM>) wide and thickness of <NUM> mil (<NUM> micrometer).

A <NUM> by <NUM> inch (<NUM> by <NUM>) section of the TPUB film was laminated to a section of MRL of equal size under a vacuum of <NUM> mmHg for <NUM> minutes at <NUM>°F (<NUM>) in an oven. The liner-film assembly was removed from the oven, allowed to cool to <NUM>°F (<NUM>), then irradiated at <NUM> MRAD and <NUM> kV through the top surface of the urethane film using an ESI Electrocurtain® CB-<NUM> e-beam aparatus. The resultant semi IPN microstructured riblet polyurethane film was removed from the MRL and placed in an oven set to <NUM>°F (<NUM>), for <NUM> minutes. The film was then removed from the oven, allowed to cool to <NUM>°F (<NUM>), and returned to the oven, now set to <NUM>°F (<NUM>), for another <NUM> minutes. The film was again removed from the oven, allowed to cool to <NUM>°F (<NUM>), after which it was returned to the oven, now set to <NUM>°F (<NUM>), for another <NUM> minutes. The film was again removed from the oven and allowed to cool to <NUM>°F (<NUM>).

<FIG> are micrographs of the semi-IPN microstructured polyurethane film of this Example <NUM>, before heat treatment, after <NUM>°F (<NUM>) treatment, after <NUM>°F (<NUM>) treatment, and after <NUM>°F (<NUM>) treatment, respectively. As evident in these figures, there is faithful reproduction of the microreplicated liner pattern and no noticeable degradation of the structures when subjected to the successive heat treatments.

Claim 1:
An article comprising a microstructured layer having a microstructured surface bearing microstructures having an average height of greater than <NUM> micrometers and less than <NUM> micrometers, the microstructured layer comprising a semi-IPN of a polymer network selected from the group consisting of urethane acrylate polymer networks, urethane/urea acrylate polymer networks and urea acrylate polymer networks and a linear or branched polymer that is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyurethane/polyureas, thermoplastic polyureas, and combinations thereof; wherein the weight ratio of linear or branched polymer to polymer network in the semi-IPN is greater than <NUM>:<NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>:<NUM>.