Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains an oxidizable metal component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of one or more chelating agent, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with an oxidizable metal component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: A sodium/zinc mixed ionomer comprises carboxylate groups and a combination of counterions that consists essentially of sodium cations and zinc cations. The sodium/zinc mixed ionomer is the neutralization product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin and an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and it has a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min. In addition, the precursor acid copolymer, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90%, and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium ions, produces a sodium ionomer that has a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g, when determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Further provided are articles comprising or prepared from the sodium/zinc mixed ionomer.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains a silver component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of one or more unsaturated heterocyclic compounds, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with a silver component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: Described certain plasticized poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) interlayer sheets that may be used to produce safety glass and solar cell laminates having enhanced penetration resistance and adequate adhesion levels. In particular, the stress value of these interlayer sheets at an elongation of 120% is preferably in the range of from about 8 to about 15 N/mm2.

Abstract: Provided is a solar control composition comprising an infrared absorbing phthalocyanine compound or naphthalocyanine compound and a resin having a modulus from 20,000 psi (138 MPa) to 1000 psi (7 MPa) and solar control laminates comprising the solar control composition of the invention.

Abstract: A phase transition golf ball comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. The performance of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or compression, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved through the use of common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles and a matrix material and methods to produce the compositions. The infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles preferably include antimony tin oxide (ATO), indium tin oxide (ITO), or mixtures thereof. Also provided are polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets, solar control laminates, and processes to produce the polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets and solar control laminates.

Abstract: An acoustic solar control laminate comprising a multi-layer interlayer formed of a solar control film bonded between two polymeric sheets with at least one being an acoustic poly(vinyl acetal) sheet is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved polymeric resin composition comprising or consisting essentially of from about 70 wt % to about 79 wt % units derived from ethylene and from about 21 wt % to about 30 wt % units derived from an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having from 3 to 8 carbons. Resins of the present invention are particularly suitable for preparing transparent laminates useful as glazing elements that provide a greater measure of safety than non-laminated glazing elements. Laminates of the present invention have 3% haze or less without the addition of amines.

Abstract: Provided is a transparent and light-weight ballistic resistant safety glazing comprising an ionomer sheet. The ionomer sheet comprises an ionomer derived from a parent acid copolymer that comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and, based on the total weight of the acid copolymer, about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The ionomer is neutralized to a level of about 5% to about 90%, based on the total carboxylic acid content of the acid copolymer, and further comprises at least one cation. Further provided are articles comprising the light-weight ballistic resistant safety glazing.

Abstract: Polymer compositions having thermoplastic and elastomeric features are provided. These polymer compositions, which are also characterized by superior compatibility with water-based and solvent-based adhesives, comprise at least one thermoplastic elastomer and at least one maleated ethylene copolymer. The compositions of the invention are useful in articles of manufacture that require flexibility and are fabricated with adhesives, including sporting goods, and particularly athletic shoes.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles and an ethylene copolymer, and methods to produce the compositions. The infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles preferably include antimony tin oxide (ATO), indium tin oxide (ITO), lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6), or mixtures thereof. Also provided are polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets, solar control laminates, and processes to produce the polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets and solar control laminates.

Abstract: Provided is a transparent and light-weight ballistic resistant safety glazing comprising an ionomer sheet. The ionomer sheet comprises an ionomer derived from a parent acid copolymer that comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and, based on the total weight of the acid copolymer, about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The ionomer is neutralized to a level of about 5% to about 90%, based on the total carboxylic acid content of the acid copolymer, and further comprises at least one cation. Further provided are articles comprising the light-weight ballistic resistant safety glazing.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain laminates comprising a decorated poly(vinyl butyral) sheet and a film. Preferably, the film is a solar control film.

Abstract: Provided is a solar control composition comprising an infrared absorbing phthalocyanine, naphthalocyanine or rylene compound and an ethylene acid copolymer or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. Further provided are solar control laminates comprising the solar control composition of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic compositions comprising partially or fully neutralized carboxylic acid-based ionomers modified with rosin or rosin derivatives and, optionally, organic acids and salts thereof. Methods of preparing the thermoplastic compositions are also provided. The thermoplastic compositions exhibit higher hardness and stiffness than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are golf balls, sporting equipment, and other non-sport articles comprising said thermoplastic compositions and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic compositions comprising partially or fully neutralized carboxylic acid-based ionomers modified with rosin or rosin derivatives and, optionally, organic acids and salts thereof. Methods of preparing the thermoplastic compositions are also provided. The thermoplastic compositions exhibit higher hardness and stiffness than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are golf balls, sporting equipment, and other non-sport articles comprising said thermoplastic compositions and methods for their preparation.