Abstract: An intrinsic polarizer, including a sheet of PVA-type matrix that includes vinylene polymer blocks, the sheet defining a pass polarization axis and a block polarization axis perpendicular to the pass polarization axis, light having an electrical vector parallel to the pass polarization axis being substantially transmitted through the sheet and light having an electrical vector parallel to the block polarization axis being substantially absorbed by the vinylene blocks, the sheet exhibiting a dichroic ratio of more than 100.

Abstract: An improved method of forming an intrinsic polarizer, referred to as a K-type polarizer, includes stretching a polymeric film a first stretching step. The polymeric film comprises a hydroxylated linear polymer which is converted after the first stretching step to form dichroic, copolymer polyvinylene blocks aligned in the polymeric film. The polymeric film is stretched in a second stretching step while converting the hydroxylated linear polymer. This method produces an improved K-type polarizer with excellent polarizing and color characteristics. For example, the dichroic ratio is higher than 100, the color shift for light passed through the polarizer in a crossed configuration is low, and the absorption of light in the blue region of the visible spectrum is more than one half of the absorption for light in the middle of the visible spectrum.

Abstract: An intrinsic polarizer, including a sheet of PVA-type matrix that includes vinylene polymer blocks, the sheet defining a pass polarization axis and a block polarization axis perpendicular to the pass polarization axis, light having an electrical vector parallel to the pass polarization axis being substantially transmitted through the sheet and light having an electrical vector parallel to the block polarization axis being substantially absorbed by the vinylene blocks, the sheet exhibiting a dichroic ratio of more than 100.

Abstract: An improved method of forming an intrinsic polarizer, referred to as a K-type polarizer, includes stretching a polymeric film a first stretching step. The polymeric film comprises a hydroxylated linear polymer which is converted after the first stretching step to form dichroic, copolymer polyvinylene blocks aligned in the polymeric film. The polymeric film is stretched in a second stretching step while converting the hydroxylated linear polymer. This method produces an improved K-type polarizer with excellent polarizing and color characteristics. For example, the dichroic ratio is higher than 100, the color shift for light passed through the polarizer in a crossed configuration is low, and the absorption of light in the blue region of the visible spectrum is more than one half of the absorption for light in the middle of the visible spectrum.

Abstract: Provided is an optical element having at least (a) a support polymeric film layer of film material having opposing first and second sides, (b) a second polymeric film layer having opposing first and second sides, the second layer including a film material exhibiting a light influencing property, and (c) optionally, an adhesive layer interposed between and connected to at least a portion of the first side of support layer (a) and the second side of second layer (b). The film material of support layer (a) and the film material of second layer (b) are the same or different.

Abstract: A peel-developable imaging medium for the imagewise recordation of information is provided, the imaging medium having therein a plurality of fracturable layers, the plurality comprising a porous or particulate image-forming layer and a release layer, and at least one of the fracturable layers having incorporated therein a boric ion generating species. In particular embodiments, the fracturable layers contain crosslinked borated polymeric binder. The laminar imaging medium is characterized by good imaging performance in an extended range of environmental conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides transparent thermographic recording films which exhibit good anti-stick properties, are scratch resistant and substantailly craze-free. The thermographic recording films comprise a transparent support carrying (a) a dye image-forming system comprising a di- or triarylmethane thiolactone dye precursor, an organic silver salt, a heat-fusible organic acidic material, and polyvinylbutyral as the binder; and, (b) a protective topcoat layer positioned above said dye image-forming system and comprising a water-insoluble polymeric binder, a mixture of at least two colloidal silicas having different average particle diameters in the proportion, by weight, of 1 part of silica having an average diameter of 50 nm or smaller and 0.3 to 1 part of silica particles having an average diameter no more than 40% of the larger sized silica particles, the ratio of total silica to binder being at least 3 parts per weight silica to 1 part per weight binder.