WO2017132035A1

WO2017132035A1 - Adherent laminated glass structures

Info

Publication number: WO2017132035A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/014014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dana Craig Bookbinder; Timothy Michael Gross; Jean-Marc Martin Gerard Jouanno; Govindarajan Natarajan
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2016-01-25
Filing date: 2017-01-19
Publication date: 2017-08-03
Also published as: TW201739614A

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a stack of laminate structures, wherein adjacent laminate structures are adhered to each other, and wherein each of the laminate structures in the stack comprise a glass sheet having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.3 mm, an adhesive, and one or more layers of material provided on a portion of the glass sheet.

Description

ADHERENT LAMINATED GLASS STRUCTURES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/286687 filed on January 25, 2016, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to an apparatus comprising one or more adherent ultrathin and thin glass laminate structures and methods of manufacture therefor.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Transparent covers such as decals, pictures, posters, logos, writing pads, furniture, window panels, displays, and appliance fascia are typically made of clear or decorated plastics, fabrics, and/or thick framed glass. Such structures and surfaces are typically heavy and can be easily damaged. Additional surface options include electrostatic cling protectors designed to cover items attached to desired surfaces. These covers or surfaces may have an adhesive edge or surface to prevent movement thereof once the cover or surface is in place. Such conventional covers or surfaces, however, lack the optical clarity of glass, quickly lose the ability to cling to a surface, easily tear, and cannot be permanently applied to a surface.

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a laminated ultrathin or thin glass structure having polymeric, plastic, metallic, or other substrate materials and adhesives that is capable of being manufactured in mass quantities and is functional, appealing, flexible, lightweight, transparent, adaptable, scratch resistant, easy to clean, and can be applied to most surfaces temporarily or permanently to display and/or cover articles such as, but not limited to, electronic devices, pictures, videos, decals, logos, or posters, to name a few. SUMMARY

[0005] The disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to structures and processes for manufacturing adherent ultrathin and thin glass laminates. These laminates can include a single laminate or a plurality of laminates in a stacked format bonded by a temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent adhesive for consumer applications.

[0006] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an apparatus comprising a stack of laminate structures, wherein adjacent laminate structures are adhered to each other, and wherein each of the laminate structures in the stack comprise a glass sheet having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.3 mm, an adhesive, and one or more layers of material provided on a portion of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 80 mol % S1O2, between about 2 mol % to about 15 mol % AI2O3, between about 10 mol % to about 36 mol % B2O3, between about 1 mol % to about 15 mol % RO, and between about 0 mol % to about 5 mol % other minor components, wherein RO is one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO. In some embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 90 mol% Si0₂, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% Al₂0₃, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% B₂0₃, and between 0 mol% to about 25 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 . In other embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 66 mol % to about 78 mol% Si0₂, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% B₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂0, between about 4 mol% to about 12 mol% Na₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Sn0₂. In further embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 72 mol % to about 80 mol% Si0₂, between about 3 mol% to about 7 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% B₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂0, between about 6 mol% to about 15 mol% Na₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 2 mol% to about 10 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Sn0₂. In additional embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 60 mol % to about 80 mol% Si0₂, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% AI2O3, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% B2O3, and about 2 mol% to about 50 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 . In further embodiments, the glass sheet is chemically strengthened. In some embodiments, the glass sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to about 400 microns, less than or equal to about 300 microns, less than or equal to about 200 microns, less than or equal to about 100 microns, less than or equal to about 50 microns, less than or equal to about 30 microns, less than or equal to about 20 microns, less than or equal to about 10 microns, or about 2 microns. In other embodiments, the glass sheet has a thickness of between 300 microns and 200 microns or between 300 microns and 100 microns. In some embodiments, one or more laminate structures in the stack has a score on a surface thereof. In some embodiments, the laminate structure has a width > 1 cm and a length > 5 cm. In some embodiments, the laminate structure has a polygonal geometry. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a polymer. In some embodiments, the one or more layers of material is selected from the group consisting of a polymer layer, a release liner, an adhesive, a feedstock layer, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the adhesive, the one or more layers of material, or both the adhesive and one or more layers of material is arranged on opposing portions of adjacent laminate structures. In some embodiments, the number of laminate structures in the stack is between 2 and 500. In some embodiments, the glass sheet comprises a soda lime glass. In other embodiments, the glass sheet comprises an alkali-free alumino-silicate glass.

[0007] In other embodiments, a laminate structure is provided comprising a glass sheet having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.3 mm, an adhesive, and one or more layers of material provided on a portion of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 80 mol % Si0₂, between about 2 mol % to about 15 mol % Al₂0₃, between about 10 mol % to about 36 mol % B2O3, between about 1 mol % to about 15 mol % RO, and between about 0 mol % to about 5 mol % other minor components, wherein RO is one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO. In some embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 90 mol% Si0₂, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% Al₂0₃, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% B₂0₃, and between 0 mol% to about 25 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 . In other embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 66 mol % to about 78 mol% Si0₂, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% B₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂0, between about 4 mol% to about 12 mol% Na₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Sn0₂. In further embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 72 mol % to about 80 mol% Si0₂, between about 3 mol% to about 7 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% B₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂0, between about 6 mol% to about 15 mol% Na₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 2 mol% to about 10 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Sn0₂. In additional embodiments, the glass sheet comprises between about 60 mol % to about 80 mol% Si0₂, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% B₂0₃, and about 2 mol% to about 50 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 . In further embodiments, the glass sheet is chemically strengthened. In some embodiments, the glass sheet has a thickness of less than about 400 microns, less than about 300 microns, less than about 200 microns, less than about 100 microns, less than about 50 microns, less than about 30 microns, less than about 20 microns, less than about 10 microns, or about 2 microns. In other embodiments, the glass sheet has a thickness of between 300 microns and 200 microns or between 300 microns and 100 microns. In some embodiments, one or more laminate structures in the stack has a score on a surface thereof. In some embodiments, the laminate structure has a width > 1 cm and a length > 5 cm. In some embodiments, the laminate structure has a polygonal geometry. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a polymer. In some embodiments, the one or more layers of material is selected from the group consisting of a polymer layer, a release liner, an adhesive, a feedstock layer, and combinations thereof. Additional embodiments further comprise a stack of laminate structures, wherein adjacent structures in the stack are adhered to each other. In some of these embodiments, the adhesive, the one or more layers of material, or both the adhesive and one or more layers of material is arranged on opposing portions of adjacent laminate structures. In some embodiments, the number of laminate structures in the stack is between 2 and 500, and in other embodiments, one or more laminate structures in the stack has a score on a surface thereof.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the methods as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following detailed description can be further understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary laminated structure according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of another laminated structure according to other embodiments;

[0013] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are side views of some embodiments of the present subject matter;

[0014] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are side views of additional embodiments of the present subject matter; [0015] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E are side views of further embodiments of the present subject matter;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a photograph of one embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a processing system for producing a web of the laminated structure in a continuous process;

[0018] FIG. 8 is top schematic view of an apparatus for cutting a web (e.g., the laminated structure) into at least ribbons in a continuous transport process;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a side, elevational schematic view, which illustrates further details of the apparatus of FIG. 8;

[0020] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict additional embodiments of the present subject matter; and

[0021] FIGS. 1 1 A and 1 1 B depict further embodiments of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Disclosed herein are ultrathin and thin glass and polymer composite structures and methods of preparing and processing such structures. Further disclosed herein are adherent ultrathin and thin glass structures with or without a substrate and adhesive. These structures can comprise a single laminate or a plurality of laminates in a stacked format or arrangement, each laminate bonded to an adjacent laminate by a temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent adhesive. As will be described in further detail below exemplary adhesives can be applied as a strip along one or more edges of the structure or over portions of or substantially an entire surface of the structure. Using exemplary properties of the adhesive, the corresponding laminate structure can be attached, removed, and reattached to any desired surface. Exemplary ultrathin and thin glass laminate structures according to embodiments described herein may be used for various applications such as, but not limited to, electronic devices (such as cover glass, back cover, protectors, decorations, logos, and the like), furniture (interior surfaces, exterior surfaces), appliances (surfaces, displays, logos, and the like), writing pads (permanent, semipermanent, temporary, repositionable, and the like), display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications (light covers, etc.), lighting applications, and other suitable purposes. Glass surfaces of exemplary structures described herein can facilitate cleaning and easy maintenance thereof as well as provide a protective display function to an underlying and/or adjacent surface.

[0023] Structures

[0024] With reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary laminated structure according to some embodiments. With reference to FIG. 1 , an exemplary laminated or composite structure 100 comprises a glass sheet 102 (e.g., solid and transparent or colored glass structure) having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween. The glass sheet 102 can be thin or ultrathin. If ultrathin, the glass sheet can have a thickness between the first and second surfaces of less than about 400 microns, less than about 300 microns, less than about 200 microns, less than about 100 microns, less than about 50 microns, less than about 30 microns, less than about 20 microns, less than about 10 microns, or about 2 microns. If thin, the glass sheet can have a thickness between the first and second surfaces of greater than about 300 microns, between 300 microns and 0.5 mm, between 300 microns and 200 microns, between 300 microns and 0.1 mm, and all subranges therebetween. The glass sheet 102 may have any desired width and length. By way of non-limiting examples, the glass sheet 102 may be > 1 cm wide, > 10 cm wide, > 1 m wide, > 10 m wide, > 1 cm long, > 10 cm long, > 1 m long, or > 10 m long. In other non-limiting examples, the glass sheet 102 may have a width of > 0.5 cm and a length of > 5 cm, 10cm, 1 m, or 10m, may have a width of > 5 cm and a length of > 5 cm, 10cm, 1 m, or 10m, or may have a width of > 10 cm and a length of > 5 cm, 10cm, 1 m, or 10m. The glass sheet 102 and resultant laminate or composite structure as described below can have any two dimensional geometry or shape, for example, square, rectangular, circular, oval, rhomboid, or any polygon depending upon the surface to which the embodiment is to be attached. Additionally, the embodiments described herein can be cut-to-fit, diced-to-fit, and/or shaped-to-fit, as further described herein, for complex polygonal or other compound shapes.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one polymer layer 106 can be adhered directly or indirectly to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the glass sheet 102 to form a laminated or composite structure 100. The polymer layer 106 may have the same width and length dimensions as the glass sheet, may be larger, or may be smaller, as desired, whereby any desired amount of overlap between the polymer layer 106 and glass sheet 102 may be obtained. For example, the polymer layer 106 may have any desired width and length including, but not limited to, > 1 cm wide, > 10 cm wide, > 1 m wide, > 10 m wide, > 1 cm long, > 10 cm long, > 1 m long, or > 10 m long. In other non-limiting examples, the polymer layer 106 may have a width of > 0.5 cm and a length of > 5 cm, 10cm, 1 m, or 10m, may have a width of > 5 cm and a length of > 5 cm, 10cm, 1 m, or 10m, or may have a width of > 10 cm and a length of > 5 cm, 10cm, 1 m, or 10m. The structure 100 may, in some embodiments, include one or more intermediate adhesive layers 104 between the glass sheet 102 and the polymer layer(s) 106 when indirect adhesion is desired. If an adhesive layer 104 is employed, then such may be on the order of between about 1 micron to 500 microns thick. According to some embodiments, the polymer layer is adhered to any portions of the glass sheet 102 where it may be desired to cut the glass sheet 102.

[0026] The structure 100 depicted in FIG. 1 illustrates a single polymer layer 1 06 adhered to the glass sheet 102 via an adhesive layer 104; however, this should not limit the scope of the claims appended herewith as there are a number of variations available to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the structure 100 may include a plurality of polymer layers 106 adhered directly to one or the other, or both, of the first and second surfaces of the glass sheet 102. Alternatively, the structure 100 may include a first (or a first plurality of) polymer layer(s) 106 adhered to the first surface of the glass sheet 102, and a second (or a second plurality of) polymer layer(s) 106 adhered to the second surface of the glass sheet 102, wherein when a plurality of polymer layers are disposed on one side of the glass sheet 102, they may be disposed one atop another and may be made of the same or a different polymer. The thickness of the at least one polymer layer 106 can be between about 1 - 2 mils, between about 2 - 3 mils, between about 3 - 5 mils, between about 5 - 10 mils, between about 10-20 mils, and all subranges therebetween. The at least one polymer layer 106 may be formed from polypropylene (PP) and/or propylene co-polymers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), cellulose acetate polymers (CA), including cellulose triacetate (TAC), poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene and/or polyethylene copolymers (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic polymers (ACRYL), or nylon polymers. The at least one polymer layer 106 may, in some embodiments, be used as an anti-spalling layer for the glass sheet 102.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of another laminated structure according to other embodiments. With reference to FIG. 2, another exemplary laminated or composite structure 100A is illustrated which can include a removable backer layer 1 10 adhered directly or indirectly to at least one of or a portion of the first and second major surfaces of the laminated structure 100. For example, the structure 100A may have the removable backer layer 1 10 adhered indirectly to the laminated structure 100 through one or more intermediate adhesive layers 108. An optional protective layer 1 12 or adhesive may also be applied to the glass sheet 102. By way of example, the laminated structure 100A may be employed in a "tear away" application, where the backer layer 1 10 and adhesive layer 108 are torn away to expose the glass sheet 102 and polymer laminated/composite structure 100 for use. For example, one such application is a "tear away" vehicular headlight cover or other surface (e.g., billboard, display device subject to the environment, and the like) that may be easily replaced if/when the head light scratches and/or loses its clarity (see, e.g., FIG. 6). With reference to FIG. 6, an exemplary headlight cover 600 is depicted with a revitalized section having an exemplary structure 100A adhered thereto. As can be observed, certain portions 601 of the headlight cover 600 (or billboard, display device subject to the environment, and the like) lost visibility and/or optical clarity over time due to environmental conditions (e.g., weather, stones, sand, salt, debris, etc.). Visiblity and/or optical clarity of any portion or all of the headlight cover 600 or portions thereof can be improved by applying a permanent or semipermanent ultrathin or thin glass structure 100A according to embodiments described herein. The structure 100A can be replaced, if necessary, by applying heat to remove the structure 100A and then replacing it with another structure. It was discovered that if the headlight cover or other display device has a compound curve (i.e., curves about multiple radii), the disclosed thin and ultrathin embodiments could easily conform to such compound curvatures due to the very thin or ultrathin nature of the glass substrate. That is, the thinner the glass sheet or substrate, the better the conformity to the compound curve. In other embodiments, the glass structure could be laminated or ion-exchanged to strengthen the glass to assist in forming the compound curve. In yet further embodiments, the glass structure could be scored in selected portions thereof to ensure conformity of the structure with the compound curve. For example, in some embodiments (see FIGS. 1 1A and 1 1 B), an exemplary glass structure 1 100 could be controllably cleaved (i.e., unfractured) at one or more score lines 1 1 10 while remaining adhered to the polymer (i.e., the polymer is not cut, cleaved, or fractured) thus allowing the overall structure to be "tiled" and adaptable to conform to complex curvatures. It should be noted that while the score lines 1 1 10 are depicted as linear and/or orthogonal to each other (e.g., in x- and y-directions, see, e.g., FIG. 1 1 A), the claims appended herewith should not be so limited as the score lines 1 1 10 can occur in any direction and in any pattern (curvilinear score lines, parabolic score lines, hyperbolic score lines, star-shaped score lines, and the like, see, e.g., FIG. 1 1 B) to conform an exemplary glass structure 1 100 to an underlying complex curvature contained by a surface.

[0028] FIGS. 3A - 3D are side views of some embodiments of the present subject matter. With reference to FIG. 3A, one exemplary laminated or composite structure 300A can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 302 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent polymer layer 304 bonded thereto with a suitable adhesive such as, but not limited to, an optically clear adhesive. Suitable materials for the polymer layer 304 include PP and/or PP co-polymers, PET, EVA, ETFE, CA polymers, TAC, PMMA, PE and/or PE copolymers, PVC, PC, ACRYL, or nylon polymers. The polymer layer 304 can act to strengthen the structure and can also act as an anti-spalling layer should the glass sheet 302 fracture. A suitable adhesive 306 can be applied to portions of the structure 300A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, an adhesive 306 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 300A. In other embodiments, the adhesive 306 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 300A. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat activated adhesive. The adhesive 306 can be used to temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently adhere or bond the structure 300A to other surfaces. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the adhesive 306 is used to adhere the structure 300A to similar structures to form a stack of laminated or composite structures 300C as shown in FIG. 3C. Any number of structures 300A may be used to form a stack of structures 300C from 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, and 500 or more (as indicated by the vertical ellipsis in FIG. 3C) structures 300A.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 3B, another exemplary laminated or composite structure 300B can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 302 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent first feedstock layer 308 bonded thereto with a suitable adhesive. A polymer layer 304 can also be bonded to the feedstock layer 308 or glass sheet 302 thereto with a suitable adhesive such as, but not limited to, an optically clear adhesive. Suitable materials for the feedstock layer 308 include colored paper, white paper, polymer materials, and the like. Suitable materials for the polymer layer 304 include PP and/or PP co-polymers, PET, EVA, ETFE, CA polymers, TAC, PMMA, PE and/or PE copolymers, PVC, PC, ACRYL, or nylon polymers. The polymer layer 304 and/or feedstock layer 308 can act to strengthen the structure, allow ease of sizing or cutting, and can also act as an anti-spalling layer should the glass sheet 302 fracture. A suitable adhesive 306 can be applied to portions of the structure 300B. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, an adhesive 306 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 300B. In other embodiments, the adhesive 306 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 300B. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat activated adhesive. A second feedstock material 307 can be adhered to one or more portions of the laminate structure 300B by a suitable adhesive. For example, in one embodiment a second feedstock material 307 such as, but not limited to, colored paper, white paper, wax paper, polymer material, or the like, can be temporarily attached to the adhesive 306 and then removed when it is necessary to attach the structure 300B to an underlying surface temporarily, semipermanently, or permanently. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the adhesive 306 is used to adhere the structure 300B to similar laminated structures to form a stack of laminated or composite structures 300D as shown in FIG. 3D. Any number of structures 300B may be used to form a stack of structures 300D from 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, and 500 or more (as indicated by the vertical ellipsis in FIG. 3D) structures 300B.

[0030] FIGS. 4A - 4D are side views of additional embodiments of the present subject matter. With reference to FIG. 4A, one exemplary laminated or composite structure 400A can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 402 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent adhesive structure 404 bonded thereto. In some embodiments the adhesive structure includes a suitable permanent adhesive layer 404a such as, but not limited to, 3M9215PC or other permanent or semipermanent adhesive materials, a temporary adhesive layer 404c, and a polymer core layer 404b intermediate the permanent adhesive and temporary adhesive layers 404a, 404c. Suitable materials for the polymer core layer 404b include PP and/or PP co-polymers, PET, EVA, ETFE, CA polymers, TAC, PMMA, PE and/or PE copolymers, PVC, PC, ACRYL, or nylon polymers. The adhesive structure 404 can act to strengthen the structure 400A and can also act as an anti-spalling layer should the glass sheet 402 fracture. A suitable adhesive 406 can be applied to portions of the structure 400A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, an adhesive 406 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 400A. In other embodiments, the adhesive 406 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 400A. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 and/or the temporary adhesive layer 404c can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat activated adhesive. The adhesive 406 can be used to temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently adhere or bond the structure 400A to other surfaces. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 is used to adhere the structure 400A to similar structures to form a stack of laminated or composite structures as shown in FIG. 4A. Any number of structures 400A may be used to form a stack of structures from 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, and 500 or more (as indicated by the vertical ellipsis in FIG. 4A) structures 400A. [0031] With reference to FIG. 4B, another exemplary laminated or composite structure 400B can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 402 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent adhesive structure 404 bonded thereto. In some embodiments the adhesive structure includes a suitable permanent adhesive layer 404a such as, but not limited to, 3M9215PC or other permanent or semipermanent adhesive materials. The adhesive structure 404 can act to strengthen the structure 400B and can also act as an anti-spalling layer should the glass sheet 402 fracture. A suitable adhesive 406 can be applied to portions of the structure 400B. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, an adhesive 406 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 400B. In other embodiments, the adhesive 406 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 400B. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat activated adhesive. The adhesive 406 can be used to temporarily, semipermanently, or permanently adhere or bond the structure 400B to other surfaces. In some embodiments, a feedstock material 407 such as, but not limited to, colored paper, white paper, wax paper, polymer material, or the like, can be temporarily attached to the adhesive 406 and then removed when it is necessary to attach the structure 400B to an underlying surface temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 is used to adhere the structure 400B to similar structures to form a stack of laminated or composite structures as shown in FIG. 4B. Any number of structures 400B may be used to form a stack of structures from 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, and 500 or more (as indicated by the vertical ellipsis in FIG. 4B) structures 400B. While not shown, adjacent structures 400B in a stack of structures can, in some embodiments, be separated by a suitable feedstock material including, but not limited to, colored paper, white paper, polymer material, or the like.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 4C, a further exemplary laminated or composite structure 400C can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 402 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent adhesive structure 404 bonded thereto. In some embodiments the adhesive structure 404 includes one or more suitable self- wetting films such as, but not limited to, 3M87630 or other suitable self-wetting materials where one side of the film can be renewable and removable and the other side of the film can be permanent or semi-permanent. In some embodiments, the permanent portion of the self-wetting film 404d is adjacent the glass sheet 402 and the removable portion of the self-wetting film 404e is opposite the glass sheet 402. In some embodiments, a polymer core layer 404b may be intermediate self-wetting film layers 404d, 404e. Suitable materials for the polymer core layer 404b include PP and/or PP co-polymers, PET, EVA, ETFE, CA polymers, TAC, PMMA, PE and/or PE copolymers, PVC, PC, ACRYL, or nylon polymers. The adhesive structure 404 can act to strengthen the structure 400C and can also act as an anti-spalling layer should the glass sheet 402 fracture. A suitable adhesive 406 can be applied to portions of the structure 400C. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, an adhesive 406 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 400C. In other embodiments, the adhesive 406 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 400C. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat activated adhesive. The adhesive 406 can be used to temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently adhere or bond the structure 400C to other surfaces. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 is used to adhere the structure 400C to similar structures to form a stack of laminated or composite structures as shown in FIG. 4C. Any number of structures 400C may be used to form a stack of structures from 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, and 500 or more (as indicated by the vertical ellipsis in FIG. 4C) structures 400C.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 4D, a further exemplary laminated or composite structure 400D can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 402 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent adhesive structure 404 bonded thereto. In some embodiments the adhesive structure 404 includes one or more suitable self- wetting films such as, but not limited to, 3M87630, 3M821 1 , or other suitable self- wetting materials where one side of the film can be renewable and removable and the other side of the film can be permanent or semi-permanent. In some embodiments, the permanent portion of the self-wetting film 404f (e.g., 3M821 1 ) is adjacent the glass sheet 402 and the removable portion of the self-wetting film 404g (e.g., 3M87630) is opposite the glass sheet 402. The adhesive structure 404 can act to strengthen the structure 400D and can also act as an anti-spalling layer should the glass sheet 402 fracture. A suitable adhesive 406 can be applied to portions of the structure 400D. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, an adhesive 406 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 400D. In other embodiments, the adhesive 406 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 400D. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat activated adhesive. The adhesive 406 can be used to temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently adhere or bond the structure 400D to other surfaces. In some embodiments, a feedstock material 407 such as, but not limited to, colored paper, white paper, wax paper, polymer material, or the like, can be temporarily attached to the adhesive 406 and then removed when it is necessary to attach the structure 400D to an underlying surface temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. In some embodiments, the adhesive 406 is used to adhere the structure 400D to similar structures to form a stack of laminated or composite structures as shown in FIG. 4D. Any number of structures 400D may be used to form a stack of structures from 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, and 500 or more (as indicated by the vertical ellipsis in FIG. 4D) structures 400D.

[0034] While a stack of laminate or composite structures have been heretofore described as having adhesive films, polymer layers, and other layers (e.g., release liners, and the like) over an edge portion or substantially all of first and second opposing major surfaces of the structure and/or glass sheet in a single structure or stack of structures, such a description should not limit the scope of the claims appended herewith. For example, FIGS. 10A and 10B depict additional embodiments of the present subject matter. With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an exemplary stack 550A, 550B of laminate or composite structures can include discrete single laminate structures 552 having a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent adhesive film 554 (or other films and layers as described herein) on alternating corner portions 556 (see FIG. 10A) of adjacent structures 552 in the stack 550A or on alternating edge portions 558 (see FIG. 10B) of adjacent structures 552 in the stack 550B. Because of the lateral offset of the adhesive film 554 (or other films and layers as described herein), the structures 552 can be placed in a manner in the stack 550A, 550B to reduce the overall height thereof. It should be noted that while the adhesive film 554 and/or other films/layers are illustrated as being provided on an upper major surface 551 of adjacent structures 552, this should not limit the scope of the claims appended herewith as the film 554 and other layers can be provided on an opposing or lower major surface (hidden from view) of adjacent structures 552 and achieve the same outcome.

[0035] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E are side views of further embodiments of the present subject matter. With reference to FIG. 5A, one exemplary laminated or composite structure 500A can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 502 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent low tack film 504 bonded to all (FIG. 5B) or an edge portion (FIG. 5A) of the glass sheet 502. Suitable materials for the low tack film 504 include, but are not limited to, self-wetting films, 3M 87630 type films, and the like. A suitable release liner 506 can also be applied to portions of the structure 500A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, a release liner 506 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 500A. In other embodiments, the release liner 506 and low tack film 504 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 500A as depicted in FIG. 5B. Exemplary low tack films 504 can provide a temporary bond of less than about 2N/25mm. The release liner 506 can be used to protect the adhesive, e.g., low tack film 504, from damage or use until the structure 500A is ready for temporary, semipermanent, or permanent bonding to other surfaces. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. With reference to FIG. 5C, another exemplary laminated or composite structure 500C can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 502 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent high tack film 505 bonded to all or an edge portion (not shown) of the glass sheet 502. Suitable materials for the high tack film 505 include, but are not limited to, optically clear adhesives, 3M OCA 821 1 type adhesives, and the like. A suitable release liner 506 can also be applied to portions of the structure 500A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the release liner 506 and high tack film 505 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 500C. Of course, the release liner 506 and high tack film 505 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 500C. Exemplary high tack films 505 can provide a bond of greater than about 2N/25mm or greater than about 10N/25mm. The release liner 506 can be used to protect the adhesive, e.g., high tack film 505, from damage or use until the structure 500C is ready for temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent bonding to other surfaces. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 5D, another exemplary laminated or composite structure 500D can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 502 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent low tack film 504 or low tack film (not shown) bonded to all (FIG. 5D) or an edge portion (not shown) of the glass sheet 502. A suitable polymer layer 503 can also be bonded to the low tack film 504. Suitable materials for the polymer layer 503 include PP and/or PP co-polymers, PET, EVA, ETFE, CA polymers, TAC, PMMA, PE and/or PE copolymers, PVC, PC, ACRYL, or nylon polymers. The polymer layer 503 can act to strengthen the structure, allow ease of sizing or cutting, and can also act as an anti-spalling layer should the glass sheet 502 fracture. A high tack film 505 or low tack film (not shown) can be bonded to all or an edge portion (not shown) of the polymer layer 503. A suitable release liner 506 can also be applied to portions of the structure 500D. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 5D, the release liner 506, high tack film 505, low tack film 504, and polymer layer 503 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 500D. Of course, in other embodiments these films and layers can cover a portion (e.g., edge portion) of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 500D. The release liner 506 can be used to protect the adhesive, e.g., low or high tack film 505, from damage or use until the structure 500D is ready for temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent bonding to other surfaces. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. With reference to FIG. 5E, a further exemplary laminated or composite structure 500E can include an ultrathin or thin glass sheet 502 having first and second opposing major surfaces each with a plurality of perimeter edges therebetween and having an adjacent double sided adhesive 507 bonded to all (FIG. 5E) or an edge portion (not shown) of the glass sheet 502. A suitable adhesive 507 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat activated adhesive such as, but not limited to, Somatac PS- 213VTE#100. The adhesive 507 can be used to temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently adhere or bond the structure 500E to other surfaces. Exemplary surfaces include, but are not limited to, polymer, glass, metallic, fibrous, wooden or other surfaces used by or in electronic devices, furniture, writing pads, display coverings, marker boards, automotive applications, lighting applications, and the like. In the depicted, non-limiting embodiment, a suitable release liner 506 can be applied to portions of the structure 500E. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 5E, the release liner 506 can comprise a continuous adhesive layer adhered to substantially all of the first and/or second major surface of the structure 500E. Of course, the release liner 506 and adhesive 507 can be applied to an edge portion of a first and/or second major surface of the structure 500E. The release liner 506 can be used to protect the adhesive 507 from damage or use until the structure 500E is ready for temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent bonding to other surfaces.

[0037] Exemplary PSAs depicted in the figures include, but are not limited to, rubber based adhesives, acrylic adhesives, vinyl ether adhesives, silicone adhesives, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Also included are the pressure sensitive adhesive materials described in Adhesion and Bonding, Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 1 , pages 476-546, Interscience Publishers, 2nd Ed. 1985, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Some of the above-referenced suitable PSA materials contain as a major constituent resin- based material such as acrylic type polymers, block copolymers, natural, reclaimed or styrene butadiene rubbers, tackified natural or synthetic rubbers, random copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, ethylene-vinyl-acrylic terpolymers, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl ether), and the like. Some suitable PSA materials have a glass transition temperature of from about -70° C to about 10° C. Other materials in addition to the foregoing resins may be included in the pressure sensitive adhesives. These include solid tackifying resins, liquid tackifiers (also referred to as plasticizers), antioxidants, fillers, pigments, waxes, etc. The adhesive materials may contain a blend of solid tackifying resins and liquid tackifying resins (or liquid plasticizers). Exemplary additives are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5, 192,612 and 5,346,766, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary temporary or semipermanent adhesives include the ability to remove an exemplary laminate or composite structure and re-stick or apply the same on surfaces, articles, and other structures. Exemplary permanent adhesives include the ability for removal using heat treatment, UV exposure, or the like. Generally, use of adhesive type is a function of the application of embodiments described herein.

[0038] Additional useful pressure sensitive adhesives include those which are capable of retaining microstructured features on an exposed surface after being embossed with a microstructured molding tool, backing or liner, or after being coated on a microstructured molding tool, backing or liner from which it is subsequently removed. The particular pressure sensitive adhesive selected for a given application is dependent upon the type of substrate the laminate or composite structures described herein will be applied onto and the microstructuring method employed in producing the adhesive-backed structure. Additionally, useful microstructured pressure sensitive adhesives should be capable of retaining their microstructured surfaces for a time sufficient to allow utilization of the adhesive-backed structure.

[0039] Adhesives are typically selected based upon the type of substrate to which they are to be adhered. Additional classes of pressure-sensitive adhesives include acrylics, tackified rubber, tackified synthetic rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, silicone, and the like. Suitable acrylic adhesives are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,239,478; 3,935,338; 5, 169,727; RE 24,906; 4,952,650; and 4, 181 ,752. Another class of pressure-sensitive adhesives is the reaction product of at least alkyl acrylate with at least one reinforcing comonomer. Suitable alkyl acrylates are those having a homopolymer glass transition temperature below about -10° C. and include, for example, n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexylacrylate, isoctylacrylate, isononlyl acrylate, octadecyl acrylate and the like. Suitable reinforcing monomers are those having a homopolymer glass transition temperature about -10° C , and include for example, acrylic acid, itaconic acid, isobornyl acrylate, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N- vinyl caprolactam, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and the like.

[0040] Exemplary adhesives may also be polymers that are dispersed in solvent or water and coated onto the release liner and dried, and optionally crosslinked. If a solventborne or waterborne pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is employed, then the adhesive layer should undergo a drying step to remove all or a majority of the carrier liquid. Additional coating steps may be necessary to achieve a smooth surface. Exemplary adhesives may also be hot melt coated onto the liner or microstructured backing. Additionally, monomeric pre- adhesive compositions can be coated onto the liner and polymerized with an energy source such as heat, UV radiation, e-beam radiation.

[0041] The thickness of the adhesive is dependent upon several factors, including for example, the adhesive composition, the type of structures used to form the microstructured surface, the type of substrate, and the thickness of the film. Those skilled in the art are capable of adjusting the thickness to address specific application factors. In general, the thickness of the adhesive layer is greater than the height of the structures which comprise the microstructured surface. In some embodiments, the thickness of the adhesive layer is within a range from about 2 to about 50 μιη, from about 2 to about 100 μιη, or from about 10 to about 500 μιη, and all subranges therebetween.

[0042] Other exemplary adhesives can optionally include one or more additives. Depending upon the method of polymerization, the coating method, the end use, etc., additives selected from the group consisting of initiators, fillers, plasticizers, tackifiers, chain transfer agents, fibrous reinforcing agents, woven and non-woven fabrics, foaming agents, antioxidants, stabilizers, fire retardants, viscosity enhancing agents, coloring agents, and mixtures thereof can be used.

[0043] Useful techniques for applying the adhesive layers described herein include curtain coating, gravure coating, reverse gravure coating, offset gravure coating, roller coating, brushing, knife- over roll coating, metering rod coating, reverse roll coating, doctor knife coating, dipping, die coating, spraying, and other similar methods. In one embodiment, the adhesive can be applied by laminating an adhesive layer that is removably adhered to a release liner or carrier layer. In some embodiments, the adhesive articles also comprise a release liner as depicted in FIGS. 5A-5F. Exemplary release liners include polyethylene coated papers with a silicone release coating, polyethylene coated terephthalate films with a silicone release coating, or cast polypropylene films that can be embossed with a pattern or patterns while making such films, and thereafter coated with a silicone release coating. The release liner may be selected for its release characteristics relative to the pressure sensitive adhesive chosen for use in the specific embodiment. In some embodiments, the surface of the release liner may have a textured finish, a smooth finish, or a patterned finish. The release layer may have a randomly microstructured surface such as a matte finish or may have a pattern of three-dimensional microstructures. The microstructures may have a cross-section which is made up of circles, ovals, diamonds, squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, lines or irregular shapes, when the cross-section is taken parallel to the surface of the release surface.

[0044] In other embodiments, a second surface of exemplary adhesive layers may have a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10, or at least about 75, or at least about 150. The second surface of the adhesive layer may itself have the indicated roughness or the rough surface may be formed when the adhesive is coated onto a release liner. It is understood that the surface of the release liner may have a Sheffield roughness at least about 10 or at least about 50, or at least about 75 or at least about 150. The adhesive will generally replicate the complementary texture or pattern of the release liner. Alternatively, the release liner can be rougher depending on the configuration of the adhesive article.

[0045] Methods

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 1 -5 and 10, one or more of the edges of the depicted structures may be the result of a cutting process using at least one of the following techniques: shear cutting, burst cutting, razor cutting, crush cutting, score cutting, and rotary die cutting. The properties of the laminated or composite structures in these figures are such that the one or more resultant edges from cutting the structure exhibit very fine, particle free characteristics, few defects and/or edge corner defects. Notably, the complex and costly laser cutting technique need not be employed to cut the structure. The desired edge characteristics are such that any lateral cracks resulting from the cutting operation and running from the cut edge into the glass sheet penetrate no further than: (i) about 1400 microns; (ii) about 1000 microns; (iii) about 800 microns; (iv) about 600 microns; (v) about 400 microns; (vi) about 200 microns; (vii) about 100 microns, and (viii) about 50 microns. It was found that shear cutting laminate or composite structures described herein with scissor- type cutting mechanisms can produce a high quality cut edge specifically where lateral cracks resulting from the cutting operation and running from the cut edge into the glass sheet penetrated no further than about 600 microns when a polymer layer or adhesive was used in the structure. It was also discovered that the same cutting technique carried out on exemplary glass sheets with no polymer layers yielded lateral cracks running from the cut edge and penetrating into the glass sheet by about 1600 microns. In some experiments, the samples without the polymer layer resulted in the glass sheet cracking and falling apart into many pieces when shear cutting was attempted. In additional experiments, it was found that rotary die cutting mechanisms for laminate or composite structures described herein also produced high quality cut edges. A number of samples of varying thickness, including 100 microns, 50 microns, 25 microns, and 10 microns, each with a 3 mil (PET - heat sealable PET) polymer layer (bonded to the glass to form the glass-polymer laminate) were cut using a rotary die cutter. The samples were approximately 20cm x 20cm (length x width). During the experiments, a 10 micron thick sample exhibited edge characteristics in which the lateral cracks resulting from the cutting operation and running from the cut edge into the glass sheet penetrated no further than about 84 microns. In a 100 micron thick sample, a similar experiment exhibited edge characteristics in which the lateral cracks resulting from the cutting operation and running from the cut edge into the glass sheet penetrated no further than about 380 microns. The surface analysis of all of the samples indicated that there was a significant difference in the extent of surface and lateral cracking along the edges depending on the thickness of the glass sheet, whereby the thinner 10 micron sample exhibited fewer and smaller lateral cracks in comparison to the thicker samples. Thus, it was discovered that employing a polymer layer(s) to the glass sheet provides some additional features to the laminated structure beyond the improvement to the cut edge characteristics discussed above. For example, the proper selection of the materials from which the glass sheet and the polymer layer(s) are formed may provide very desirable water vapor transmission rates (WVTR). WVTR is the measurement of the hermeticity or impermeability of a barrier film to water vapor. The thin and ultrathin glass and polymer structures described herein can offer similar impermeability as that of glass, well above commercially available plastic film barriers alone. From the applicable literature, glass WVTR has been quoted to be less than about 10-6 g.mm/m².day. Available measurement results indicate glass actually exhibits about 6x10-6 g.mm/m².day; however, such a value is actually due to the limitations of available measurement equipment, not the actual vapor barrier characteristics of glass which may, in fact, be higher than this measurement limitation. The glass and polymer laminate structure described herein can thus have a WVTR similar to the value for glass. In comparison, commercially available polymer barrier films alone exhibit much higher WVTR, such as 0.39 - 0.51 g.mm/m².day for PET; 3.82 - 4.33 g. mm/m².day for polycarbonate; and 15 - 16 g.mm/m².day for Nylon 6.

[0047] Additionally, by laminating the thin or ultra-thin glass with one or more polymer layers, the polymer gains dimensional stability (particularly in a plane generally perpendicular to the thickness direction) with barrier properties of glass while the thin and ultrathin glass gains greater flexibility, and bendability similar to plastic materials. This increased stability may be in terms of any one or more of creep resistance, reduced elastic and yield elongation, reduced moisture permeability, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the laminate, or post forming crystallization. The glass and polymer laminate structure further provides for an ease of handling and processing compared to plain ultra-thin glass, whether in sheet form or web form disposed in a roll.

[0048] With reference to Table 1 below, exemplary compositions of glass sheets according to some embodiments were varied during experimentation to evaluate the effect on the edge characteristics of the laminate or composite structure. For example, variations in the mole percentage of Si02, AI203, B203, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO were made over several samples.

Table 1

B₂0₃ 10 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 34

CaO 10 11 9.5 8 6.5 5 3.5 2 8

MgO 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SrO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BaO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ZnO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

[0049] As a result of experimentation and with reference to Table 2 below, it was found that acceptable edge characteristics existed when exemplary embodiments comprised a glass sheet formed from a composition in mole percent of between about 50 - 80% Si0₂, 2 - 15% Al₂0₃, 10 - 36% B₂0₃, 1 - 15% RO (where RO is one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO), and 0 - 5% other minor components. While the above compositions were found to be very effective, it is believed that other compositions of glass will also yield satisfactory (although maybe somewhat different) results depending on the particular application.

Table 2

[0050] Additional exemplary laminate or composite structures can comprise commercially available glasses including, for instance, EAGLE XG^®, Lotus™, Willow^®, Iris™, and Gorilla^® glasses from Corning Incorporated. Some non- limiting glass compositions can include between about 50 mol % to about 90 mol% Si0₂, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% Al₂0₃, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% B₂0₃, and between 0 mol% to about 25 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 . In still further embodiments, the laminate or composite structures can comprise glasses having between about 66 mol % to about 78 mol% Si0₂, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% B₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂0, between about 4 mol% to about 12 mol% Na₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Sn0₂.

[0051] In additional embodiments, the laminate or composite structure can comprise between about 72 mol % to about 80 mol% Si0₂, between about 3 mol% to about 7 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% B₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂0, between about 6 mol% to about 15 mol% Na₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂0, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 2 mol% to about 10 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Sn0₂. In certain embodiments, the glass substrate can comprise between about 60 mol % to about 80 mol% Si0₂, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% Al₂0₃, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% B₂0₃, and about 2 mol% to about 50 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 . In further embodiments, the laminate or composite structure can comprise a suitable soda lime glass or other float manufactured glass.

[0052] The glass sheet in such exemplary laminate or composite structures may also comprise a glass that has been chemically strengthened, e.g., by ion exchange. During the ion exchange process, ions within a glass sheet at or near the surface of the glass sheet may be exchanged for larger metal ions, for example, from a salt bath. The incorporation of the larger ions into the glass can strengthen the sheet by creating a compressive stress in a near surface region. A corresponding tensile stress can be induced within a central region of the glass sheet to balance the compressive stress. Ion exchange may be carried out, for example, by immersing the glass in a molten salt bath for a predetermined period of time. Exemplary salt baths include, but are not limited to, KNO3, L1NO3, NaNC , RbN0₃, and combinations thereof. The temperature of the molten salt bath and treatment time period can vary. It is within the ability of one skilled in the art to determine the time and temperature according to the desired application. By way of a non-limiting example, the temperature of the molten salt bath may range from about 400°C to about 800°C, such as from about 400°C to about 500°C, and the predetermined time period may range from about 4 to about 24 hours, such as from about 4 hours to about 10 hours, although other temperature and time combinations are envisioned. By way of a non-limiting example, the glass can be submerged in a KNO₃ bath, for example, at about 450°C for about 6 hours to obtain a K-enriched layer which imparts a surface compressive stress.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a processing system for producing a web of the laminated structure in a continuous process. With reference to FIG. 7, one exemplary process of adhering a polymer layer 706 to a glass sheet 702 may include lamination directly to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the glass sheet 702 during one of: an up-draw process, a down-draw process, a slot- draw process, a fusion process, a redraw process (e.g., from a spool source, from a sheet source, etc.). The illustrated process is the re-draw process, where a web of the glass sheet 702 material is supplied from a source roll 701 into a furnace and heated to a re-draw temperature. Before presenting the glass sheet 702 to the redraw furnace it may be necessary to remove a temporary static film (which may have been previously applied to the glass sheet 702 as a protective film). Indeed, such temporary film may have been applied from a previous forming process to preserve the pristine glass quality before redraw. An anti-static bar may also be employed at various points in the process to protect the virgin surface of the glass sheet 702. The glass sheet 702 is then carefully stretched to a desired thickness (e.g., less than about 300 microns or other thicknesses as discussed above). One or more sources (e.g., rolls or spools) 752, 754 of polymer film 706 and/or adhesives are provided downstream from the stretching zone and apply the polymer layer(s) 706 to the glass sheet 702 (which may be at an elevated temperature due to residual heat from the down-draw glass furnace). A laminator 760 provides additional pressure, heating/cooling, tension, etc. to facilitate the desired adhering of the polymer layer(s) 706 and/or adhesives to the glass sheet 702 and produce a web 703 of an exemplary laminated structure.

[0054] The aforementioned cutting step (e.g., via shear cutting, slitting, or the like) may be provided downstream of the lamination zone. A plurality of cutting elements 720 may be provided to produce a number of ribbons of laminated material, which are rolled onto a suitable number of destination spools 704A, 704B, 704C. When the edges of the web 703 are to be discarded, the cutting elements 720 are located nearer to the edges of the web 703 and the outer spools 704A, 704C may collect the waste while the spool 704B collects the desired ribbon for later processing.

[0055] It should be noted that this depiction is exemplary only as there are any number of alternative ways to apply the polymer layer(s) 706 to the glass sheet 702. For example, the polymer layer 706 may be applied to the glass sheet 702 from a spool, via a die, via a spray technique, etc. The polymer layer 706 may also be bonded to the glass sheet 702 via pressure, chemical techniques, thermal techniques, ultraviolet curing techniques, adhesive layers, and/or any combination of the above or other techniques known in the art or developed in the future.

[0056] An additional and/or alternative continuous roll-to-roll apparatus 800 for cutting a laminated or composite structure is illustrated in FIGS. 8-9. It is noted that the apparatus 800 may be combined with some of the structure of FIG. 7 to achieve further functionality, although a skilled artisan will see that there are some common, or at least similar, structures in the respective apparatuses of FIG. 7 and FIGS. 8-9. The apparatus 800 operates to cut a web 803 of the laminated structure into at least two ribbons 803A, 803B. Additional cutting may be provided to discard waste near the edges 801 A, 801 B of the web 803. In general, the apparatus 800 operates to source the web 803 and continuously move the web 803 from the source to the destination(s) 804A, 804B (collectively "804") in a transport direction along the length of the web 803 (illustrated by the arrows). During the transport of the web 803 from the source to the destination 804, the web 803 is cut in a cutting zone 847 into at least first and second ribbons 803A, 803B. The web 803 has a length (in the transport direction) and a width transverse to the length, and the respective widths of the first and second ribbons 803A, 803B will be restrained within the overall width of the web 803.

[0057] The web 803 may be provided by a wide range of sources. For example, the web 803 may be provided using the aforementioned re-draw forming apparatus (see FIG. 7) without a destination spool, i.e., where the resultant web 803 may be introduced into the transport mechanisms of the apparatus 800 for cutting. Alternatively, the source of web 803 may include a coiled spool 802 as shown, where the web 803 is first wound onto the spool 802, e.g., following the re-draw process as described above with respect to FIG. 7. Typically, the coiled spool 802 would be provided with a diameter to present an acceptable bending stress to accommodate the characteristics of the web 803. Once coiled, the web 803 may be uncoiled from the spool 802 and introduced into the transport mechanisms of the apparatus 800. It is noted that the web 803 would typically include a pair of opposed edge portions 801 A, 801 B and a central portion 805 spanning between the opposed edge portions 801 A, 801 B. Due to the re-draw process (or other formation process), the edge portions 801 A, 801 B of the web 803 may have undesirable features, such as beads of a thickness that is typically greater than a thickness of the central portion 805 of the web 803. Such features may be removed using the cutting techniques disclosed herein or other approaches.

[0058] The destination of the apparatus may include any suitable mechanisms for accumulating the respective ribbons 803A, 803B. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the destination 804 includes first and second spools 804A, 804B, each spool receiving and winding one of the ribbons 803A, 803B. Again, the spools 804A, 804B should be provided with a suitable diameter to present an acceptable bend radius in order to accommodate the characteristics of the respective ribbons 803A, 803B.

[0059] The apparatus 800 includes a transport mechanism having a number of individual elements that cooperate to continuously move the web 803 from the source spool 802 to the destination spools 804 in the transport direction. This transport function may be accomplished without degrading the desirable characteristics of the edge portions 801 A, 801 B, the produced edges from the cutting operation, or either (pristine) side of the central portion 805 of the web 803. In short, the transport function is accomplished without degrading desirable characteristics of the individual ribbons 803A, 803B. [0060] In particular, the apparatus 800 may include a plurality of noncontact support members, rollers, etc., to guide the web 803 and ribbons 803A, 803B through the system from the source spool 802 to the destination spools 804. Exemplary non-contact support members 806, 808 may be flat and/or curved in order to achieve desirable directional conveyance of the respective work pieces. Each of the noncontact support members 806, 808 may include a fluid bar and/or a low friction surface in order to ensure that the web 803 and ribbons 803A, 803B are suitably conveyed through the system without damage or contamination. When a given non-contact support member 806, 808 includes an fluid bar, such element includes a plurality of passages and ports configured to provide a positive fluid pressure stream (such as air), and/or a plurality of passages and ports configured to provide a negative fluid pressure stream, to the associated surface of the web 803 and/or ribbons 803A, 803B to create an air cushion for such noncontact support. A combination of positive and negative fluid pressure streams may stabilize the web 803 and ribbons 803A, 803B during transport through the system.

[0061] Optionally, a number of lateral guides (not shown) may be employed proximate to the edge portions 801 A, 801 B of the web 803 and/or ribbons 803A, 803B to assist in orienting the web 803 in a desired lateral position relative to the transport direction. For example, the lateral guides may be implemented using rollers configured to engage a corresponding one of the opposed edge portions 801 A, 801 B of the web 803, and/or one or more edge portions of the ribbons 803A, 803B. Corresponding forces applied to the edge portions 801 A, 801 B by the corresponding lateral guides may shift and align the web 803 in the proper lateral orientation as the web 803 is conveyed through the apparatus.

[0062] The apparatus 800 further includes a cutting mechanism 820 that operates to cut or sever the web 803 in the cutting zone 847 as the web 803 passes over, for example, the noncontact support member 808. The cutting mechanism 820 may make a single cut or simultaneous multiple cuts. Notably, however, the cutting mechanism 820 need not be a laser system to achieve desirable edge characteristics. Instead, the cutting mechanisms may be of the less complex, less costly types discussed above, such as the shear cutting, burst cutting, razor cutting, crush cutting, score cutting, slitter, etc.

[0063] In accordance with one or more further embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned cutting techniques (such as shear cutting) may be combined with a scoring (or scribing) operation to achieve desirable results. As discussed above, when an exemplary laminate structure is cut, lateral cracks will initiate at the cut edge and propagate into the glass sheet 802. It has been found that some control over the depth of propagation of such cracks may be obtained using a scribing technique. In particular, a scribing tool, such as a diamond tipped tool, may be used to first scribe or score a trench into the glass sheet 802 parallel to, and slightly spaced away from, an intended cutting line. Once the scribe line (which exhibits trench-like characteristics in the surface of the glass sheet 802) is in place, the cutting operation is carried out to cut along the intended cutting line. Any cracks that propagate from the cut edge toward the scribe line will cease propagation at the scribe line. Indeed, any cracks reaching the scribe line will abruptly change direction due to the trench, where the propagation direction changes from generally transverse to the thickness of the glass sheet 802 to generally parallel to the thickness of the glass sheet 802. Thus, placement of the scribe line relative to the intended cutting line will give the artisan some control over the extent of the micro- cracking, and therefore the quality characteristics of the cut edge.

[0064] It has been found that the above-noted scribing technique may be applied successfully to shear cutting with scissor-type mechanisms (although other cutting techniques may also benefit). Notably, when cutting an exemplary laminate structure with scissors, cracks will propagate from both cut edges (resulting from a single cut) and into the respective portions of the glass sheet 802. It has been found that such cracks propagate significantly further into one of the portions of the glass sheet 802 as compared with the other, and that such characteristics are highly correlated with the sides of the scissors on which the respective portions of the glass sheet 802 are positioned during the cut. In other words, the mechanical characteristics of the scissors do not result in symmetrical treatment of the respective portions of the glass sheet 802 on either side of a cut; rather, the action of the scissors actually manipulates one of the portions of the glass sheet 802 in such a manner as to cause the cracks to propagate further into such portion as compared to the other. Without limiting the embodiments to any theory of operation, it is believed that the specific mechanism of manipulation at play is that the scissors bend the portion of the glass sheet 802 on one side of the scissors more severely than the other, thus resulting in more cracks in the portion of glass sheet 802 on one side than the other. Placement of a scribe line on one side of the intended cut line (i.e., on a side of the intended cut line that corresponds to the side of the scissors that tends to bend the glass sheet 802 more severely) will mitigate the propagation of cracks on such side.

[0065] The above scribing technique may be applied to only one side of an intended cut line or it may be applied to both sides of an intended cut line, all depending on the exigencies of the particular application. The resulting edge of an exemplary laminated structure that has been cut using a scribe line will include the cut edge at the extreme, an intermediate zone inward from the cut edge containing cracks running from the cut edge toward the scribe line, and a bulk zone inward from the scribe line containing substantially no cracks from the cutting operation. The resulting structure may be used in such state or may be further processed, for example, by removing the polymer layer 806 in the intermediate zone and removing the portion of the glass sheet 802 of the intermediate zone (which contains the cracks). The removal of the portion of the glass sheet 802 in the intermediate zone may include snapping such portion off or otherwise providing mechanical emphasis to cause such portion to fall away from the exemplary laminate structure. Such manipulation would result in a new edge at the scribe line of the exemplary laminate structure.

[0066] In accordance with an alternative approach, the scribe technique could be applied to the laminated structure without using a subsequent cutting technique. Indeed, the scribing tool may be used to score through the polymer layer 806 and into the glass sheet 802 thereunder along an intended line of separation. Instead of using a further cutting technique (such as shearing), however, the structure would be snapped along such scribe line (i.e., along the intended line of separation) to achieve the desired cut edge.

[0067] Adhesive layers as described herein can be applied to embodiments in a variety of methods. In some embodiments, adhesive layers may be sprayed onto a major surface of a laminate structure or a portion thereof (e.g., edge, corner, etc.) using a spray nozzle having an air stream which can break a supplied adhesive into a cloud of small droplets. The pattern assumed by the droplets can be a function of the geometry of spray nozzle, and the diameter or coverage of the spray pattern is directly related to the distance between spray nozzle and the substrate or laminate toward which adhesive droplets are directed. The size of adhesive droplets can be altered by appropriately adjusting air and adhesive supply pressures, and the coating weight applied to a moving substrate or laminate can be adjusted by varying either the rate at which the spray is applied or the speed at which the substrate or laminate moves. Thus, the application of an adhesive with a spray mechanism can offer great versatility in the coating applied. Other methods of adhesive application can include other spraying methods, printing, ink jet printing, roll printing, screen printing, or other known means of deposition.

[0068] Embodiments described herein can thus provide an adherent thin or ultrathin glass deck as an individual (single) laminate structure with adhesive on a surface or a stack of individual structures. The type of adhesive employed on such structures can be used to provide a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent attachment to a desired surface. Embodiments described and claimed herein can thus provide a number of advantages. For example, adherent thin and ultrathin glass laminate structures have a number of advantages including a peelable, bondable, renewable, and repositionable structure. Embodiments can be low cost, used for multiple applications (in volume) for consumer and specialty products. Exemplary laminate structures can be used to cover surfaces such as, but not limited to, signage and displays, appliances, and furniture, among other architectural, commercial, and household surfaces, and protect such surfaces from damage or renew or enhance their functionality and/or appearance. The optical clarity of glass sheets in some embodiments can ensure the laminate surface remains pristine and can provide a temporary or permanent attractive and/or aesthetically appealing look. Due to the adhesive nature of some embodiments, exemplary structures provide an ability to apply such structures to surfaces temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently and an ability to quickly change decor or display materials. Exemplary laminate structures are easy to clean and provide a scratch-free, durable, and impact and puncture resistant surface. Exemplary laminate structures can also provide a lightweight, flexible, mark-able and erasable surface with an ability to produce a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Exemplary laminate structures can also provide increased dimensional stability and rigidity to thin or ultrathin glass while maintaining flexibility of such a structure in a single structure or in stacked structures.

[0069] It will be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may involve particular features, elements or steps that are described in connection with that particular embodiment. It will also be appreciated that a particular feature, element or step, although described in relation to one particular embodiment, may be interchanged or combined with alternate embodiments in various non-illustrated combinations or permutations.

[0070] It is also to be understood that, as used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "at least one sensor" includes examples having two or more such sensors unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0071] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, examples include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0072] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

[0073] While various features, elements or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the transitional phrase "comprising," it is to be understood that alternative embodiments, including those that may be described using the transitional phrases "consisting" or "consisting essentially of," are implied. Thus, for example, implied alternative embodiments to a device that comprises A+B+C include embodiments where a device consists of A+B+C and embodiments where a device consists essentially of A+B+C.

[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Since modifications combinations, subcombinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosure should be construed to include everything within the scope appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a stack of laminate structures,

wherein adjacent laminate structures are adhered to each other, and wherein each of the laminate structures in the stack comprise a glass sheet having a thickness of less than or equal to 0.3 mm, an adhesive, and one or more layers of material provided on a portion of the glass sheet.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 80 mol % SiO₂, between about 2 mol % to about 15 mol % AI₂O₃, between about 10 mol % to about 36 mol % B₂O₃, between about 1 mol % to about 15 mol % RO, and between about 0 mol % to about 5 mol % other minor components, wherein RO is one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO.

3. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 90 mol% SiO₂, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% AI₂O₃, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% B₂O₃, and between 0 mol% to about 25 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 .

4. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 66 mol % to about 78 mol% SiO₂, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% AI₂O₃, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% B₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂O, between about 4 mol% to about 12 mol% Na₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SnO₂.

5. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 72 mol % to about 80 mol% SiO₂, between about 3 mol% to about 7 mol% AI₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% B₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂O, between about 6 mol% to about 15 mol% Na₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 2 mol% to about 10 mol% MgO, between about

0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SnO₂.

6. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 60 mol % to about 80 mol% SiO₂, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% AI₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% B₂O₃, and about 2 mol% to about 50 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 .

7. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the glass sheet is chemically strengthened.

8. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the glass sheet has a thickness of less than about 200 microns, less than about 100 microns, less than about 50 microns, less than about 30 microns, less than about 20 microns, less than about 10 microns, or about 2 microns.

9. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein one or more laminate structures in the stack has a score line on a surface thereof.

10. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the laminate structure has a width >

1 cm and a length > 5 cm.

1 1 . The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the laminate structure has a polygonal geometry.

12. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is a polymer.

13. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the one or more layers of material is selected from the group consisting of a polymer layer, a release liner, an adhesive, a feedstock layer, and combinations thereof.

14. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the adhesive, the one or more layers of material, or both the adhesive and one or more layers of material is arranged on opposing portions of adjacent laminate structures.

15. The apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the number of laminate structures in the stack is between 2 and 500.

16. A laminate structure comprising a glass sheet having a thickness of less than 0.3 mm, an adhesive, and one or more layers of material provided on a portion of the glass sheet.

17. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 80 mol % SiO₂, between about 2 mol % to about 15 mol % AI₂O₃, between about 10 mol % to about 36 mol % B₂O₃, between about 1 mol % to about 15 mol % RO, and between about 0 mol % to about 5 mol % other minor components, wherein RO is one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO.

18. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 50 mol % to about 90 mol% SiO₂, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% AI₂O₃, between 0 mol% to about 20 mol% B₂O₃, and between 0 mol% to about 25 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 .

19. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 66 mol % to about 78 mol% SiO₂, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% AI₂O₃, between about 4 mol% to about 1 1 mol% B₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂O, between about 4 mol% to about 12 mol% Na₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 5 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SnO₂.

20. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 72 mol % to about 80 mol% SiO₂, between about 3 mol% to about 7 mol% AI₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% B₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% Li₂O, between about 6 mol% to about 15 mol% Na₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% K₂O, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% ZnO, between about 2 mol% to about 10 mol% MgO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% CaO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SrO, between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% BaO, and between about 0 mol% to about 2 mol% SnO₂.

21 . The structure of Claim 16, wherein the glass sheet comprises between about 60 mol % to about 80 mol% SiO₂, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% AI₂O₃, between about 0 mol% to about 15 mol% B₂O₃, and about 2 mol% to about 50 mol% R_xO, wherein R is any one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and x is 2, or Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba and x is 1 .

22. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the glass sheet is chemically strengthened.

23. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the glass sheet has a thickness of less than about 200 microns, less than about 100 microns, less than about 50 microns, less than about 30 microns, less than about 20 microns, less than about 10 microns, or about 2 microns.

24. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the laminate structure has a width > 1 cm and a length > 5 cm.

25. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the laminate structure has a polygonal geometry.

26. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the adhesive is a polymer.

27. The structure of Claim 16, wherein the one or more layers of material is selected from the group consisting of a polymer layer, a release liner, an adhesive, a feedstock layer, and combinations thereof.

28. The structure of Claim 16, further comprising a stack of laminate structures, wherein adjacent structures in the stack are adhered to each other.

29. The structure of Claim 28, wherein the adhesive, the one or more layers of material, or both the adhesive and one or more layers of material is arranged on opposing portions of adjacent laminate structures.

30. The structure of Claim 28, wherein one or more laminate structures in the stack has a score line on a surface thereof.

31 . The structure of Claim 30, wherein the score line is curvilinear or linear.

32. The structure of Claim 28, wherein the number of laminate structures in the stack is between 2 and 500.