Multilayer structure with intercrosslinked polymer layers

A method of making a multilayer article comprising the steps of

• (A) providing a core layer having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, a first adhesion resistant layer, and a second adhesion resistant layer, the core layer comprising a crosslinkable polymer of a composition such that a composite formed by a process consisting essentially of coextruding the core layer with the first adhesion resistant layer or of coextruding the core layer with the second adhesion resistant layer, would have an interlayer peel strength of less than about 40 g/cm,
• (B) placing the first adhesion resistant layer coextensively in direct contact with the first face of the core layer to form a composite having the adhesive resistant layer positioned to define a first side of the composite and placing the second adhesion resistant layer coextensively in direct contact with the second face of the core layer to define a second side of the composite opposite the first side,
• (C) heating the composite to an elevated temperature above the melting points of the first adhesion resistant layer and the crosslinkable polymer,
• (D) while maintaining the composite at the elevated temperature of step (C), compressing the first adhesion resistant layer and the core layer together with a pressure of at least about 0.1 MPa,
• (E) heating the composite to an elevated temperature above the melting points of the second adhesion resistant layer and the crosslinkable polymer,
• (F) while maintaining the composite at the elevated temperature of step (E), compressing the second adhesion resistant layer and the core layer together with a pressure of at least about 0.1 MPa,
• (G) radiating the composite from a source positioned proximate to the first side with ultraviolet radiation comprising wavelengths in the range of about 170–400 nm in an amount effective to form intercrosslinking bonds at the first face between the first adhesion resistant layer and the core layer, and
• (H) radiating the composite from a source positioned proximate to the second side with ultraviolet radiation comprising wavelengths in the range of about 170–400 nm in an amount effective to form intercrosslinking bonds at the second face between the second adhesion resistant layer and the core layer.