Abstract: A composite photonic crystal comprising an inverse opal structure defining an ordered array of voids with a filler composition received within the voids. A property of the filler composition changes in response to a stimulus, such as a temperature change, thereby changing the band gap of radiation that is reflected by the composite photonic crystal.

Abstract: A method for applying a multilayer coating comprising a basecoat and a clearcoat is disclosed. The basecoat is a curable aqueous composition comprising (1) polymeric particles prepared from ethylenically unsaturated compounds including a multi-ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a keto or aldo-functional monomer, and (2) a polyhydrazide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coated substrate comprising: A) a heat sensitive substrate having a heat distortion temperature less than 120 degrees C., and B) a coating layer deposited on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the coating layer is deposited from a waterborne coating composition comprising: (a) a continuous phase comprising water, and (b) a dispersed phase comprising: (i) optional pigments; (ii) polymeric particles containing carboxylic acid functionality prepared from the polymerization of a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated compounds including ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and (iii) a polycarbodiimide or a polyhydrazide.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of particles at least partially encapsulated by a polymer, the method comprising dispersing inorganic particles in an aqueous phase; functionalizing at least a portion of the surfaces of the inorganic particles with a coupling agent, the coupling agent having pendent reactive groups; polymerizing the reactive groups on the functionalized particles with a first polymerizable component to produce inner polymer shells surrounding the inorganic particles; polymerizing a second polymerizable component to form outer polymer shells at least partially encapsulating the inner polymer shells; and producing voids within the outer polymer shells, such that the inorganic particles are received within the voids.

Abstract: A method of repairing defects in automotive coatings is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of repairing defects in color-clear composite coatings.

Abstract: A method for applying a multilayer coating comprising a basecoat and a clearcoat is disclosed. The basecoat is a curable aqueous composition comprising (1) polymeric particles prepared from ethylenically unsaturated compounds including a multi-ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a keto or aldo-functional monomer, and (2) a polyhydrazide.

Abstract: A method for applying a multilayer coating comprising a basecoat and a clearcoat is disclosed. The basecoat is a curable aqueous composition comprising (1) polymeric particles containing carboxylic acid functionality and prepared from ethylenically unsaturated compounds including a multi-ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and (2) a polycarbodiimide.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dispersion of polymeric particles is disclosed. Monomers are emulsion polymerized in the presence of an ionic monomer to produce highly charged polymeric particles. At least 50% of the ionic monomer in the dispersion is bound to the polymeric particles.

Abstract: The invention includes a composite material for use in a security device including a radiation diffracting component that exhibits a first optical effect and a photochromic component that exhibits a second optical effect. The composite material is particularly suited for use in authenticating articles, such as currency.

Abstract: A thermally responsive material comprising an ordered periodic array of particles received in a substantially nonaqueous matrix composition. The material diffracts radiation in a first wavelength band when the material is at a first temperature and the material diffracts radiation in a second wavelength band when the material is at a second temperature.

Abstract: The invention includes a composite material for use in a security device including a radiation diffracting component that exhibits a first optical effect and a photochromic component that exhibits a second optical effect. The composite material is particularly suited for use in authenticating articles, such as currency.

Abstract: The invention includes a radiation diffracting member having a crystalline structure comprising an ordered periodic array of hollow particles. The radiation diffracting member also includes a matrix material in which the array of particles is received.

Abstract: A radiation diffractive film is disclosed, which includes a viewing surface, with at least a portion of the viewing surface residing in a viewing plane. The film comprises an ordered periodic array of particles received in a matrix material, the array of particles having a crystalline structure, wherein the crystalline structure defines (i) a plurality of first crystal planes of the particles that diffract infrared radiation and (ii) a plurality of second crystal planes of the particles that diffract visible radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of forming a multi-component composite coating on a substrate. The methods include applying a transparent radiation curable film-forming composition onto a colored base coat deposited upon a substrate to form a transparent top coat over the basecoat. The colored base coat includes a colorant and a film-forming resin, and the transparent radiation curable film-forming composition includes a fluorine-containing radiation curable compound.

Abstract: A composite photonic crystal comprising an inverse opal structure defining an ordered array of voids with a filler composition received within the voids. A property of the filler composition changes in response to a stimulus, such as a temperature change, thereby changing the band gap of radiation that is reflected by the composite photonic crystal.

Abstract: A thermally responsive material comprising an ordered periodic array of particles received in a substantially nonaqueous matrix composition. The material diffracts radiation in a first wavelength band when the material is at a first temperature and the material diffracts radiation in a second wavelength band when the material is at a second temperature.

Abstract: A crystalline colloidal array of particles is disclosed, which includes reactive surfactant covalently bound to the particle surfaces. During formation of the array, the bound surfactant remains in position on the particles resulting in reduced quantity of defects compared to arrays of particles produced with non-reactive surfactants.

Abstract: A radiation diffractive film is disclosed, which includes a viewing surface, with at least a portion of the viewing surface residing in a viewing plane. The film comprises an ordered periodic array of particles received in a matrix material, the array of particles having a crystalline structure, wherein the crystalline structure defines (i) a plurality of first crystal planes of the particles that diffract infrared radiation and (ii) a plurality of second crystal planes of the particles that diffract visible radiation.

Abstract: A method of producing a radiation diffractive sensor that diffracts radiation according to Bragg's law is disclosed. The sensor is produced by forming an ordered periodic array of particles on a substrate, coating the array of particles with a polymeric matrix, curing the matrix to fix the array of particles within the matrix and contacting the fixed array with an activator, wherein the activator shifts the wavelength of radiation diffracted by the sensor from a first wavelength to a second wavelength.

Abstract: A radiation diffractive material that diffracts radiation according to Bragg's law is disclosed. The material includes an ordered periodic array of diffracting regions received within a matrix, the matrix comprising an inorganic sol-gel.