An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective layer which includes an aggregate of long chain molecules wherein each long chain molecule is randomly oriented and consistently entangled to adjacent long chain molecules throughout the aggregate of long chain molecules. Additionally, the layer is essentially free from voids and essentially free from residual stresses. By way of example and not limitation, the long chain molecule may be a plastic or liquid crystal polymer. Additionally, a method for forming the protective layer is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of disposing an aggregate of long chain molecules in a liquid state onto a substrate such that each long chain molecule is randomly oriented, maintaining the liquid state of the aggregate of long chain molecules such that each long chain molecule is consistently entangled to adjacent long chain molecules throughout the aggregate of long chain molecules, and solidifying the aggregate of long chain molecules from the liquid state to a solid state.