Method for protecting tire innerliner using thermoformable film coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive

摘要

A method is provided for protecting a virgin surface of a tire innerliner from contamination by a release agent during curing. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)-coated thermoformable film is pressed onto an exposed virgin surface of a green tire innerliner to adhere the PSA to the virgin surface and thereby form a protected green innerliner. The PSA is based on a rubber that is compatible with the rubber of the tire innerliner. The protected green innerliner is then exposed to the release agent, and cured. By virtue of the PSA, the film stays reliably in position. The thermoformable film is then removed to reveal the cured virgin surface substantially free of the release agent.