Abstract: In one embodiment, a brightness enhancement film comprises: a diffusing film comprising a front surface and a back surface, a coating on the front surface, and light redirecting structures disposed in the coating. The brightness enhancement film is capable of collimating light, and wherein, without the coating, the diffusing film would be capable of spread light passing through the back surface. In another embodiment, the brightness enhancement film comprises: a diffusing film comprising a front surface and a back surface, a coating on the front surface, and light redirecting structures disposed in the coating. The diffusing film has a stress retardation gradient of less than or equal to 50 nm/in, wherein an interval for calculation of the stress retardation gradient is less than 1 inch. The brightness enhancement film is capable of collimating light.

Abstract: A cyclic process for operating an equilibrium controlled reaction in a plurality of reactors containing an admixture of an adsorbent and a reaction catalyst suitable for performing the desired reaction which is operated in a predetermined timed sequence wherein the heating and cooling requirements in a moving reaction mass transfer zone within each reactor are provided by indirect heat exchange with a fluid capable of phase change at temperatures maintained in each reactor during sorpreaction, depressurization, purging and pressurization steps during each process cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for operating equilibrium controlled reactions in continuous mode wherein a feedstock is reacted in a plurality of reactors containing an admixture of a desired process catalyst and an adsorbent to form a product which is selectively adsorbed by the adsorbent and an admixture containing a product which is withdrawn from the reactor. A series of separation steps is used to desorb the product which is selectively adsorbed by the adsorbent and to prepare the reactor for a subsequent process cycle. The process utilizes a novel series of adsorption and desorption steps to collect the less selectively adsorbed product in substantially pure form under relatively constant flow rate at feedstock pressure.

Abstract: A method for producing a high solids aqueous solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) in which substantially dry poly(vinyl alcohol) is first fed into a specially designed single screw extruder. Heated water is introduced through a separate entry port downstream of the feed end of the extruder. A temperature of 38 to 121.degree. C. and a back pressure of at least 20,786 kPa are applied to the extruder. The mixture of poly(vinyl alcohol) and water is conveyed through transition and metering sections of the single screw extruder to dispersive and distributive mixing sections to produce a high solids poly(vinyl alcohol) solution which is substantially free of gels. The high solids poly(vinyl alcohol) solution can be used directly in the production of products such as fibers and sheets.

Abstract: An improved process for the continuous production of poly(vinyl alcohol) which involves purifying poly(vinyl acetate) paste exiting from a polymerization reactor and dissolving the substantially pure poly(vinyl acetate) in a hydrolytic alcohol-containing solvent for subsequent saponification to produce poly(vinyl alcohol). Poly(vinyl acetate) paste, containing poly(vinyl acetate), vinyl acetate, and solvent, is heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature but below a temperature which will degrade the poly(vinyl acetate) and is fed into a flashing area of an extruding devolatilization device. Vinyl acetate and solvent are flashed through vent ports in the flashing area of the devolatilization device and can then be recycled to a polymerization reactor, if desired.