Abstract: The invention relates to high efficiency solar collection devices having a matte surface, a low refractive index surface, or both, that increases solar radiation transmission into the device. The matte surface is on a thermoplastic and may be provided in many ways, such as by a matting agent, by the use of a matte chill roll, embossing, or other techniques. The matte and/or low refractive index surface may be a coating, film (single or multi-layer) or sheet (single or multi-layer). The invention is especially useful in both rigid and flexible photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to high efficiency solar collection devices having a matte surface, a low refractive index surface, or both, that increases solar radiation transmission into the device. The matte surface is on a thermoplastic and may be provided in many ways, such as by a matting agent, by the use of a matte chill roll, embossing, or other techniques. The matte and/or low refractive index surface may be a coating, film (single or multi-layer) or sheet (single or multi-layer). The invention is especially useful in both rigid and flexible photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low moisture-absorbing multi-layer acrylic sheet, film, profile or other shaped multi-layer object having of an acrylic substrate, a tie layer, and at least one layer of a moisture-resistant material. Preferably, the acrylic sheet, film, profile or other shaped multi-layer object is transparent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polished translucent co-extruded sheet having utility as a light diffusing protective cover or sign face for light emitting diode (LED) light sources and other purposes. The sheet is comprised of (a) a particle layer containing particles having a mean particle size of about 4 to 100 microns and having a particle size distribution of between 1-110 microns, at a loading of 1 to 60% melt blended with a thermoplastic matrix, wherein the particle and matrix have refractive indices that differ by greater than 0.001 units of each other when measured in conformance with ASTM D 542; and (b) at least one substrate layer comprised of thermoplastic compositions, wherein the substrates have a refractive index within 0.2 units of the refractive index of the particle layer matrix when measured in conformance with ASTM D 542.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polished translucent co-extruded sheet having utility as a light diffusing protective cover or sign face for light emitting diode (LED) light sources and other purposes. The sheet is comprised of (a) a particle layer containing particles having a mean particle size of about 4 to 100 microns and having a particle size distribution of between 1-110 microns, at a loading of 1 to 60% melt blended with a thermoplastic matrix, wherein the particle and matrix have refractive indices that differ by greater than 0.001 units of each other when measured in conformance with ASTM D 542; and (b) at least one substrate layer comprised of thermoplastic compositions, wherein the substrates have a refractive index within 0.2 units of the refractive index of the particle layer matrix when measured in conformance with ASTM D 542.

Abstract: A method is described for strengthening or restoring strength to a brittle oxide substrate which includes the steps of coating the brittle oxide substrate with an aqueous solution containing a silane-based composition, and curing the coating to form a transparent layer on the brittle oxide substrate. Also disclosed are novel compositions used to coat brittle oxide substrates, and silane-coated brittle oxide containers.

Abstract: A method is described for strengthening or restoring strength to a brittle oxide substrate which includes the steps of coating the brittle oxide substrate with an aqueous solution containing a silane-based composition, and curing the coating to form a transparent layer on the brittle oxide substrate. Also disclosed are novel compositions used to coat brittle oxide substrates, and silane-coated brittle oxide containers.

Abstract: A composition for coating glass by chemical-vapor deposition comprises a mixture of a tin oxide precursor monobutyltin trichloride, a silicon dioxide precursor tetraethylorthosilicate, and an accelerant such as triethyl phosphite; the composition is gaseous below 200.degree. C., and permits coating glass having a temperature from 450.degree. to 650.degree. C. at deposition rates higher than 350 .ANG./sec. The layer of material deposited can be combined with other layers to produce an article with specific properties such as controlled emissivity, refractive index, abrasion resistance, or appearance.

Abstract: An electrochromic element useful in an electrochromic glass or mirror device and a process for making such element. The element is a five-layered structure including an electrolyte ion conducting layer interposed between first and second inorganic electrochromic layers which are interposed between a pair of conductive electrodes. The second inorganic electrochromic layer is amorphous. The first and second inorganic electrochromic layers are different and are capable of exhibiting color-forming properties complementary to one another upon the incorporation of at least one H, Li, Na, K, Ag, Cu or Tl ion. The electrolyte ion conducting layer may be a copolymer of ethylene oxide, butylene oxide or methyl glycidyl ether, and optionally a small amount of allyl glycidyl ether, along with an ionizable salt, or may be a polyurethane gel formed by reacting the copolymer with triisocyanate, along with an ionizable salt.

Abstract: A composition for coating glass by chemical-vapor deposition comprises a mixture of a tin oxide precursor monobutyltin trichloride, a silicon dioxide precursor tetraethylorthosilicate, and an accelerant such as triethyl phosphite; the composition is gaseous below 200° C., and permits coating glass having a temperature from 450° to 650° C. at deposition rates higher than 350 ?/sec. The layer of material deposited can be combined with other layers to produce an article with specific properties such as controlled emissivity, refractive index, abrasion resistance, or appearance.