Abstract: There are provided moisture-curable hot-melt compositions comprising a polyurethane prepolymer and a crystalline polymer obtained from monomer(s) containing at least one crystalline ethylenically unsaturated monomer with no active hydrogen, which have low melt viscosities and high initial impact strength and final strength. The monomers may also contain amorphous ethylenically unsaturated monomers with no active hydrogen, in addition to the crystalline monomer. Typical crystalline monomers are (meth)acrylate esters of non-tertiary alcohols, the alkyl portions of which comprise 16 or more carbon atoms. Typical amorphous monomers are (meth)acrylate esters of non-tertiary alcohols, the alkyl portions of which comprise no more than 15 carbon atoms. Use of an alkyl acrylamide as one of the amorphous monomers is advantageous for improving the performance of the moisture-curable hot-melt adhesive.

Abstract: Styryl-modified acrylate polymer pressure sensitive adhesive beads, adhesive films made therefrom and methods of making the same. Surprisingly, the polymerization of styryl-functional monomer into bead formulations provides beads that can be easily extruded and made into adhesive films having high shear strength. The polymerization of styryl-functional monomer into bead formulations comprising methacrylic acid also obviates the need to use a modifier moiety.

Abstract: An optical fiber having a core is disclosed. A notch having first and second sides is formed in the fiber and extends into the core. At least the portion of the interior of the notch adjacent the first side has an index of refraction less than that of the core. Light travelling at a first angle to the fiber axis and striking the first side will be totally internally reflected if the first angle is greater than a predetermined angle. If the first angle is less than the predetermined angle, a portion of the light will enter the notch and emerge through the second surface making a second angle to the first surface, the second angle being greater than the first.