Abstract: A coating composition includes a first polymer and a second polymer that are incompatible and non-reactive with one another. The absolute value of the difference between the refractive index of the first polymer and the refractive index of the second polymer is about 0 to about 0.01. The first polymer and the second polymer are soluble in a carrier liquid that is a good solvent for the first polymer and a poor solvent for the second polymer. The carrier liquid is removed from the coating layer to spinodally decompose the mixture of the first polymer and the second polymer in an amount sufficient to form a substantially continuous first phase with a predominant amount of the first polymer and a substantially discontinuous second phase with a predominant amount the second polymer. At least 70% of the second phase includes droplets with an aspect ratio, when viewed in the plane of the surface of the substrate, of less than about 3.

Abstract: A matte coat having a first major surface, the matte coat comprising a first layer defining the first major face of the matte coat and comprising a polymeric matrix and a plurality of forming bodies entrained therein, wherein index of refraction of the forming bodies is similar to that of the polymeric matrix and the first major surface has a plurality of protuberances corresponding to forming bodies entrained within. Also, optical assemblies comprising such matte coats and methods for making such matte coats.

Abstract: An optical film assembly comprises a light redirecting film (110) having a first structured major surface (112) and a second, opposed major surface (114). An optical adhesive layer (120) is disposed on the second major surface of the light redirecting film. A light diffusion film (140) comprises a first major surface (142) comprising a light diffusion surface and a second, opposed major surface (144). A plurality of discrete optical decoupling structures (146) project from the light diffusion surface and contact the optical adhesive layer. An air gap (148) is defined between the first major surface of the light diffusion film and the optical adhesive layer. Embodiments of optical film assemblies described herein are useful, for example, for hiding optical defects and improving the brightness uniformity of light emitted by a light source.

Abstract: A matte coat having a first major surface, the matte coat comprising a first layer defining the first major face of the matte coat and comprising a polymeric matrix and a plurality of forming bodies entrained therein, wherein index of refraction of the forming bodies is similar to that of the polymeric matrix and the first major surface has a plurality of protuberances corresponding to forming bodies entrained within. Also, optical assemblies comprising such matte coats and methods for making such matte coats.

Abstract: A matte coat having a first major surface, the matte coat comprising a first layer defining the first major face of the matte coat and comprising a polymeric matrix and a plurality of forming bodies entrained therein, wherein index of refraction of the forming bodies is similar to that of the polymeric matrix and the first major surface has a plurality of protuberances corresponding to forming bodies entrained within. Also, optical assemblies comprising such matte coats and methods for making such matte coats.

Abstract: A matte coat having a first major surface, the matte coat comprising a first layer defining the first major face of the matte coat and comprising a polymeric matrix and a plurality of forming bodies entrained therein, wherein index of refraction of the forming bodies is similar to that of the polymeric matrix and the first major surface has a plurality of protuberances corresponding to forming bodies entrained within. Also, optical assemblies comprising such matte coats and methods for making such matte coats.

Abstract: An optical film that includes a reflective polarizer and a stretched polymer film is disclosed. The stretched polymer film is laminated to the reflective polarizer, and the stretched polymer film exhibits a refractive index symmetry point at an angle of incidence in air of at least about 60 degrees in a plane of incidence parallel to a direction of greatest stretch.

Abstract: A coating composition includes a first polymer and a second polymer that are incompatible and non-reactive with one another. The absolute value of the difference between the refractive index of the first polymer and the refractive index of the second polymer is about 0 to about 0.01. The first polymer and the second polymer are soluble in a carrier liquid that is a good solvent for the first polymer and a poor solvent for the second polymer. The carrier liquid is removed from the coating layer to spinodally decompose the mixture of the first polymer and the second polymer in an amount sufficient to form a substantially continuous first phase with a predominant amount of the first polymer and a substantially discontinuous second phase with a predominant amount the second polymer. At least 70% of the second phase includes droplets with an aspect ratio, when viewed in the plane of the surface of the substrate, of less than about 3.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a protective coating for a low index material, and a process for preparing a protected low index material. The protective coating partially penetrates the pores of a low index material, providing a seal protecting the pores, and can strengthen the construction by forming a gradient in properties of the protected low index material. The present disclosure further provides a diffusing low index optical element having a protected low index material and a diffusing layer disposed on the low index material.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a protective coating for a low index material, and a process for preparing a protected low index material. The protective coating partially penetrates the pores of a low index material, providing a seal protecting the pores, and can strengthen the construction by forming a gradient in properties of the protected low index material. The present disclosure further provides a diffusing low index optical element having a protected low index material and a diffusing layer disposed on the low index material.

Abstract: An optical film that includes a reflective polarizer and a stretched polymer film is disclosed. The stretched polymer film is laminated to the reflective polarizer, and the stretched polymer film exhibits a refractive index symmetry point at an angle of incidence in air of at least about 60 degrees in a plane of incidence parallel to a direction of greatest stretch.

Abstract: A method of slide coating that includes providing a first fluid including at least one solvent and at least one polymer; providing a second fluid, including multi unit polymeric precursors; flowing the first fluid down a first slide surface, to create a first fluid layer on the first slide surface; flowing the second fluid down a second slide surface; coating the substrate with the first and second fluid by flowing the first fluid layer and the second fluid layer from the first slide surface to the substrate; moving the substrate; and curing the first fluid, the second fluid, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of slide coating that includes providing a first fluid (55), wherein the first fluid includes multi unit polymeric precursors; flowing the first fluid down a first slide surface, the first slide surface being positioned adjacent a substrate; coating the substrate (18) with the first fluid by flowing the first fluid from the first slide surface (53) to the substrate to form a first coated layer; moving the substrate; and curing the first coated layer.

Abstract: A method of slide coating that includes providing a first fluid, wherein the first fluid includes at least one solvent, at least one single unit polymeric precursor or a combination thereof; providing a second fluid, wherein the second fluid includes multi unit polymeric precursors; flowing the first fluid down a first slide surface, to create a first fluid layer on the first slide surface, the first slide surface being positioned adjacent a substrate; flowing the second fluid down a second slide surface, the second slide surface positioned relative to the first slide surface such that the second fluid flows from the second slide surface to above the first slide surface onto the first fluid layer to create the second fluid layer on the first slide surface; coating the substrate with the first and second fluid by flowing the first fluid layer and the second fluid layer from the first slide surface to the substrate forming first and second coated layers; moving the substrate; and at least partially curing the f

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for applying a coatable material to a substrate. Further, a method for treating a coating apparatus is described. At least one treated surface is coated with a low surface energy material having a thickness less than 5 micrometers.

Abstract: Thermally developable materials including photothermographic and thermographic materials have a buried conductive backside layer comprising one or more binder polymers in which are dispersed each of at least two types of conductive materials: (1) nanoparticles of one or more conductive metal compounds, and (2) one or more organic solvent soluble inorganic alkali metal salt antistatic compounds. These buried conductive backside coatings provide conductivity that is affected minimally by humidity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of reducing visible defects in curable coating compositions. In one embodiment, the method includes coating a curable composition onto a substrate, removing solvent from the curable composition, and heating the dried curable composition to a temperature at which the curable coating exhibits leveling flow. In another embodiment, the curable composition is coated onto a substrate, and then is heated to a temperature at which the curable coating exhibits leveling flow.

Abstract: Thermally developable materials that comprise a support have an antistatic backside layer that includes a quaternary ammonium salt. The same or different backside layer can also include another antistatic agent such as conductive metal particles or conductive polymers. These thermally developable materials include both thermographic and photothermographic materials that can be suitably imaged to provide images useful for medical diagnoses.

Abstract: Backside conductive layers with increased conductive efficiency can be provided for thermally developable materials by formulating hydrophilic metal oxide clusters in a hydrophobic environment using low shear mixing conditions. The dry thickness and coating weight of the conductive layer are thereby reduced.

Abstract: Thermally developable materials including photothermographic and thermographic materials have an outermost backside layer that includes a combination of a polysiloxane and a smectite clay that has been modified with a quaternary ammonium compound. The resulting outermost backside layers exhibit improved abrasion resistance. The materials can also include conductive layers underneath the outermost backside layer.