Abstract: The invention relates to optical light diffusers for use with point light sources, such as LED lighting. The optical diffusers achieve an optimum balance of light transmission and hiding power. The optical light diffuser is a transparent plastic matrix, such as Plexiglas® resin from Arkema Inc., having organic particles dispersed within the matrix. The particles are crosslinked beads having specific particle sizes and loading. Different beads can be combined to provide added properties such as a textured surface, and to optimize hiding power and light transmission. The invention also relates to a luminous device containing at least one light-emitting diode and a cover made of the optical light diffuser. The invention further relates to a method for assessing hiding power.

Abstract: Films, sheets or profiles useful as optical reflectors may be prepared by extruding a melt-processable acrylic resin composition comprised of acrylic polymer, white pigment and, optionally one or more additives such as impact modifiers, matting agents, UV stabilizers, antioxidants and processing additives onto a layer of ABS, acrylic or other thermoplastic. Alternatively, a monolithic film or sheet or profile useful as an optical reflector is obtained by forming the acrylic resin composition using a melt-processing technique such as extrusion or injection molding without a substrate layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer structure having at least one inner layer containing an alloy of a biopolymer and an acrylic polymer and at least one outer layer containing a thermoplastic or thermoset polar polymer matrix. The combination of outer polar layer and an inner biopolymer/acrylic layer provides improved properties, such as improved adhesion, and improved mechanical properties. The multi-layer structure may be in the form of a sheet, a film, a tube or pipe, or a profile, and could be used by itself or as a cap-layer over a substrate.

Abstract: Films useful as optical reflectors are prepared by coating a sheet of polyethylene terephthalate or other thermoplastic with acrylic polymer, white pigment, and optionally other additives such as impact modifiers, matting agents and UV stabilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the synthesis of polythiophene (PAT) copolymers, and their use as conductive polymers in final applications. Specifically, copolymers of PAT with (meth)acrylates, or amides are useful as additives in blends of different polymer matrices in many commercial applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer structure in which one or more layers contain an acrylic polymer, and one or more layers contain biopolymers. The acrylic polymer and biopolymer could be in different layers of the structure, or in the same layer ofteh structure. The combination of acrylic polymer and biopolymer in the same multi-layer structure provides improved properties, such as improved adhesion, improved mechanical properties, and improvements in the ease of manufacturing. An inner layer containing a biopolymer gains significantly improved UV resistance, abrasion resistance, and surface appearance, when covered with an outer acrylic layer. The multi-layer structure may be in the form of a sheet, a film, a tube or pipe, or a profile, and could used by itself or as a cap-layer over another substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to architectural substrates coated with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) dispersion coating to produce a weatherable material. One specific use is as a PVDF coating on a frontsheet or backsheet of a photovoltaic module for capturing and using solar radiation. The polyvinylidene fluoride coating is exposed to the environment and provides chemical resistance, low water vapor transmission, electrical insulation, and UV light protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to high Tg monolithic and multi-layer thermoformable film or sheet useful as a backsheet on a photovoltaic module (PV). A methacrylic-based material is preferred. The film or sheet is formed of a composition having a Tg greater than 110° C. The methacrylic composition may be a blend of a polymethyl methacrylate polymer and a miscible or semi-miscible high Tg polymer, or may be a copolymer containing primarily methyl methacrylate monomer units. The backsheet is optionally covered with a fluoropolymer or acrylic/fiuoropolymer covering on the outside (side facing the environment). The back-sheet can be clear, white, and/or pigmented. The film or sheet is especially useful in concentrating photovoltaic modules (CPV), and is also useful in thin film photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acrylic layer (in the form of a coating, film or sheet) useful as part of a photovoltaic module backsheet. The acrylic layer contains at least 40 percent of one or more acrylic polymers, including an acrylic polymer matrix and optionally acrylic impact modifiers. The acrylic polymer is preferably a polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer containing at least 50 weight percent of methylmethacrylate monomer units. The acrylic layer is flexible and optionally contains high levels of white pigment. It may also contain fluoropolymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride to improve weathering, processibility and film formation. The acrylic layer adheres to a polymer support layer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A preferred substrate is PET that is pre-treated to improve adhesion, but unprimed PET can also be used. The backsheet provides excellent weatherability, environmental stability and reflectivity as part of a photovoltaic module.

Abstract: The invention relates to the synthesis of polythiophene (PAT) copolymers, and their use as conductive polymers in final applications. Specifically, copolymers of PAT with (meth)acrylates, or amides are useful as additives in blends of different polymer matrices in many commercial applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers for self-polishing marine antifouling coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to polymer binders, which provide an erosion rate in seawater that is suitable for use in marine antifouling coatings. These polymer binders contain pendant benzylsilylacrylate groups. Additionally it was found that marine antifouling coatings could be formed with lower silyl acrylate levels using the monomers of the invention, and still achieve a suitable erosion rate in seawater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to triorgano phosphites, triorgano amines, heteroaromatic nitrogen compounds, and carbodiimides used as stabilizers for hydrolyzable organic binders. The stabilizers help to prevent viscosity thickening of polymeric binders containing carboxylic ester groups. Without stabilization, the binders can rapidly thicken when exposed to moisture air. The stabilized organic binders of the invention are especially useful for formulating marine antifoulant coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to environmentally sensitive organic binders stabilized by maleic anhydride and its derivatives. The unstabilized binders can rapidly hydrolyze and thicken when exposed to the environment, and especially to moisture. Maleic anhydride and its derivatives act to stabilize these binders. The stabilized organic binders of the invention are especially useful for forming marine antifoulant coatings.