Protective film with release surface

Abstract

Films for use in protecting surfaces are disclosed and comprise at least one release layer and optionally an adhesion layer and/or an intermediate layer, the release layer having a plurality of three-dimensional protrusions that are either formed integral with the release layer or are discrete polymer beads applied to the release layer.

1 . A film comprising an adhesion layer and a release layer, said release layer comprising a release surface having a plurality of three-dimensional protrusions. 
     
     
         2 . The film of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional protrusions are integral extensions of the release layer. 
     
     
         3 . The film of  claim 2 , wherein the protrusions are vacuum formed protrusions. 
     
     
         4 . The film of  claim 2 , wherein the protrusions are hydroformed protrusions. 
     
     
         5 . The film of  claim 2 , wherein the protrusions are mechanically deformed protrusions. 
     
     
         6 . The film of  claim 5 , wherein the protrusions are deep embossed protrusions. 
     
     
         7 . The film of  claim 2 , wherein the protrusions comprise ridges extending substantially the length of the film. 
     
     
         8 . The film of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one intermediate layer disposed between the release layer and the adhesion layer. 
     
     
         9 . The film of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional protrusions comprise discrete polymeric beads. 
     
     
         10 . A film comprising a first release surface and a second release surface, at least one of said first and second release surfaces having a plurality of three-dimensional protrusions. 
     
     
         11 . The film of  claim 10 , wherein the three-dimensional protrusions are integral extensions of the release layer. 
     
     
         12 . The film of  claim 11 , wherein the protrusions are selected from vacuum formed protrusions; hydroformed protrusions; and mechanically deformed protrusions. 
     
     
         13 . The film of  claim 11 , wherein the protrusions comprise ridges extending substantially the length of the film. 
     
     
         14 . The film of  claim 10 , comprising a multilayer film. 
     
     
         15 . The film of  claim 10 , wherein the three-dimensional protrusions comprise discrete polymeric beads. 
     
     
         16 . The film of  claim 10 , wherein the first release surface comprises three-dimensional protrusions and wherein said second surface comprises a matte surface. 
     
     
         17 . The film of  claim 10 , wherein both the first and second release surfaces comprise three-dimensional protrusions. 
     
     
         18 . A method of protecting a substrate surface comprising placing a film in intimate contact with said substrate surface, said film comprising at least one release layer having a release surface, said release surface having a plurality of three-dimensional protrusions. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said film is positioned between two adjacent substrate surfaces in a stack of substrates. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the film is selected from
 a) a film having an adhesion layer and a release layer;   b) a film having an adhesion layer, a release layer, and at least one core layer intermediate the release layer and the adhesion layer;   c) a film having a release layer and a matte surface opposite the release surface; and   d) a film having a second release layer, said second release layer having a plurality of three-dimensional protrusions.