Abstract: Blends of oligomeric urethane multi(meth)acrylate; optionally at least one other monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic monomers, styrenic monomers and ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen heterocycles, preferably a polyol multi(meth)acrylate; and nanoparticles of an ethylenically unsaturated, preferably (meth)acrylic-functionalized, titanium or zirconium compound can be cured by ultraviolet radiation in contact with a photoinitiator to produce optical resinous articles having high refractive indices, haze ratings of at most 5% and other properties which may be tailored according to the desired use.

Abstract: Blends of monofunctional and multifunctional (meth)acrylate monomers, optionally in addition to oligomeric multifunctional (meth)acrylates), can be cured by ultraviolet radiation in contact with a photoinitiator to produce optical resinous articles having a glass transition temperature of at least 35° C. and having physical properties making them suitable for use as microstructure-bearing articles.

Abstract: A method for producing articles bearing patterned microstructures, e.g., optical film, information carrying substrates for optical recording media, etc. includes applying a radiation curable coating material to a surface of a base film substrate, passing the base film substrate and uncured coating through a compression nip defined by a nip roll and a casting drum having pattern master of the microstructures. The method further includes curing the radiation curable coating by directing radiation energy through the base film substrate from the surface opposite the surface having the coating thereon while the coating is in contact with the drum, thus causing microstructure pattern to be replicated in the cured coating layer.

Abstract: A process for producing low birefringence and low stress thermoplastic polycarbonate film having a birefringence of less than about 20 nm from polycarbonate resin. The process consists of feeding a polycarbonate resin to an extruder, melting the polycarbonate resin, extruding the melted polycarbonate resin downwardly through an extrusion nozzle having the configuration of, forming a continuous film of melted resin, advancing the melted resin downwardly by essentially gravity into a gap between two calendering rolls which lie in a plane essentially perpendicular to the downward extrusion of the resin, cooling the polycarbonate film to below its glass transition temperature and advancing the cooled polymer to storage. The calendering rolls lie in a plane essentially perpendicular to the downward extrusion of the melted resin to wherein one roll is in a plane at an angle of about 30° from said perpendicular. The film is useful for optical media applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thermoplastic film having low-birefringent, low stress and at least one polished surface for optical media applications as well as low stress film for non-optical applications using a continuous extrusion process. The apparatus consists of a novel calendering roll in a calendering roll stack wherein, at least one roll consists of an inner steel shell, a resilient covering over the inner steel roll and a multi-layer metal sleeve outer covering of at least two layers. The metal sleeve preferably consists of three layers. The inner layer of the multi-layer outer sleeve is preferably nickel, the intermediate layer is preferably copper and the outer layer is preferably chrome with a highly polished surface.

Abstract: A die clamp assembly for an extruder comprises at least one passage through which product being extruded flows. The die clamp assembly is attached to an extruder and comprises a last barrel that is connectable to the extruder. The last barrel comprising a flange and the extruder and last barrel define at least one passage through which product flows; at least one die body comprising at least one die body passage that communicates with the at least one passage; and at least one die plate that comprises at least one die plate passage that communicates with the die body passage and at least one opening so product can be extruded from the at least one opening. A clamp collar assembly connects corresponding peripheral surfaces of the last barrel to the die body, and comprises a closed position that connects the last barrel to the die body and an open position that permits separation of the last barrel and the die body.

Abstract: A die clamp assembly for an extruder comprises at least one passage through which product being extruded flows. The die clamp assembly is attached to an extruder and comprises at least one adapter plate that is connectable to the extruder. The die clamp assembly also comprises at least one adapter plate passage that communicates with the passage of the extruder; at least one die body comprising at least one die body passage that communicates with the adapter plate passage; and at least one die plate that comprises at least one die plate passage that communicates with the die body passage and at least one opening so product can be extruded from the at least one opening. A clamp collar assembly connects corresponding peripheral surfaces of the adapter plate to the die body, and comprises a closed position that connects the adapter plate to the die body and an open position that permits separation of the adapter plate and the die body.