Multifunctional sheets and laminates, articles, and methods

A multifunctional laminate comprising an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sheet, a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer, wherein:

• the UHMWPE sheet is sandwiched between the first and second polymer layers;
• the first polymer layer is a protective layer or a hard coat layer;
• the second polymer layer is a protective layer, a hard coat layer, or an adhesive layer;
• the first and second polymer layers are made of different materials;
• the protective layer comprises a polymer material selected from the group consisting of polyimide-polyamide, polyamide, polyethersulfone, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyester-imide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, poly(meth)acrylate, polyurethane-(meth)acrylate, silicone, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymers, polyether block amide (PEBA), polyacrylic acid, fluorosilicone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyetherimide, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polycarbonate-urethane (meth)acrylate (PCUA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyetherketone, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, combinations thereof, or a thermoplastic elastomer;
• and
• when adhered to a 300 μm thick glass using a 10 μm adhesive for ball drop testing using a 32 gram ball having a diameter of 20 mm, the multifunctional laminate has a ball drop height of at least 60 cm without any visual cracks on the surface of the glass layer after the ball hits the surface of the glass layer, wherein the multifunctional laminate is configured as a rear panel of housing for a portable electronic device or a protective case of a portable electronic device.