Abstract: A method of preparing a photochromic optical article is provided, which includes: (i) applying a first organic solvent to a surface of an optical substrate, thereby forming an organic solvent wetted surface on the optical substrate; and (ii) applying a curable photochromic coating composition over the organic solvent wetted surface of said optical substrate, thereby forming a curable photochromic coating layer over the surface of the optical substrate. The curable photochromic coating composition includes a second organic solvent, and the first and second organic solvents are miscible with each other. With some embodiments, the first and second organic solvents are the same.

Abstract: A method of preparing a photochromic optical article is provided, which includes: (i) applying a first organic solvent to a surface of an optical substrate, thereby forming an organic solvent wetted surface on the optical substrate; and (ii) applying a curable photochromic coating composition over the organic solvent wetted surface of said optical substrate, thereby forming a curable photochromic coating layer over the surface of the optical substrate. The curable photochromic coating composition includes a second organic solvent, and the first and second organic solvents are miscible with each other. With some embodiments, the first and second organic solvents are the same.

Abstract: Describes a photochromic plastic article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes (1) a polymeric substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, (2) a photochromic polymeric coating appended to at least one surface of the substrate, the photochromic polymeric coating containing a photochromic amount of at least one organic photochromic material, e.g., spirooxazine, naphthopyran and/or fulgide, and (3) a radiation-cured, acrylate-based film coherently appended to the photochromic coating, the acrylate-based film being (a) resistant to removal by aqueous solutions of inorganic caustic, e.g., potassium hydroxide, (b) compatible with organo silane-containing abrasion-resistant coating, and (c) harder than said photochromic coating. Describes also the aforedescribed photochromic article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the radiation-cured acrylate-based film, e.g.

Abstract: Describes a photochromic plastic article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes (1) a polymeric substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, (2) a photochromic polymeric coating appended to at least one surface of the substrate, the photochromic polymeric coating containing a photochromic amount of at least one organic photochromic material, e.g., spirooxazine, naphthopyran and/or fulgide, and (3) a radiation-cured, acrylate-based film coherently appended to the photochromic coating, the acrylate-based film being (a) resistant to removal by aqueous solutions of inorganic caustic, e.g., potassium hydroxide, (b) compatible with organo silane-containing abrasion-resistant coating, and (c) harder than said photochromic coating. Describes also the aforedescribed photochromic article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the radiation-cured acrylate-based film, e.g.

Abstract: Described are photochromic polyurethane coatings that meet commercially acceptable “cosmetic” standards for optical coatings. Also described are articles having such coatings. The coatings exhibit a Fischer microhardness of from 50 to 150 Newtons per mm2 and improved photochromic properties, i.e., the formation of darker activated colors and faster rates of photochromic activation and fade when irradiated with ultraviolet light.