Pressure-sensitive adhesives having microstructured surfaces

Abstract

The invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) coated articles, including tapes and transfer coatings, having microstructured surfaces and methods of making pressure-sensitive adhesive articles bearing such microstructured surfaces. The performance properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesive articles can be tailored by independently varying the microstructure and the rheological properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesive.

1 - 36 . (canceled)  
   
   
       37 . A method of making a microstructured pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprising: 
 (a) providing a microstructured backing having a pressure-sensitive adhesive releasing microstructured side and a planar side;    (b) coating a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the microstructured side of the backing; and    (c) removing the microstructured side of the backing from the microstructured surface of the adhesive layer to form a microstructured pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.    
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the planar side of the backing has less release character than the microstructured side.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 37  further comprising adhering the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer opposite the surface which is in contact with the microstructured backing to the planar side of the microstructured backing.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the microstructured surface of the adhesive layer comprises a series of features and wherein the lateral aspect ratio of the features range from about 0.1 to about 10.