Abstract: A polymeric composition includes a first polymeric material, for example, an adhesive material, and a second polymeric material disposed as a plurality of elongated structures within the first polymeric material. Each elongated structure has a major axis and the major axes are substantially aligned. The first polymeric material has an index of refraction that differs by at least 0.01 from an index of refraction of the second polymeric material. In some instances, a pressure sensitive adhesive material is selected as the first polymeric material. The orientation of the elongated structures and the difference in indices of refraction results in the polymeric composition scattering light asymmetrically. The polymeric composition is optionally disposed on a substrate and can be used, for example, to extract light from a light guide or to asymmetrically alter the viewing angle of a display.

Abstract: A hot-melt adhesive composition comprises a blend of at least one acidic polymer and at least one basic polymer. At least one of the polymers is a hot-melt adhesive. Thermally reversible crosslinks are formed between each of the two polymers. These crosslinks impart cohesive strength to the applied adhesive, without sacrificing ease of processing.

Abstract: An article comprising (a) a curved substrate having a surface energy below about 38 dynes/cm2; (b) flexible retroreflective sheeting; and (c) a crosslinked pressure-sensitive adhesive adhering the sheeting to the curved substrate. The adhesive contains sufficient polar monomer and tackifier, and is sufficiently crosslinked, to (i) have a glass transition temperature less than −15° C., (ii) permit the sheeting to remain firmly bonded to a low density polyethylene barrel without buckling when cooled from 49° C. to −1° C., and (iii) provide an adhesive bond to the barrel that exhibits increased energy absorption when tested for impact resistance at 0° C. according to ASTM D4272. The adhesive can be manufactured by partially polymerizing some of the ingredients in a pouch using UV radiation, dispersing the pouch and its contents in the other ingredients using an extruder, extrusion coating the adhesive and then UV crosslinking the coating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article comprising a backing, the backing comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein the first major surface comprises a microstructured surface comprising microstructure elements; and a low-flow adhesive layer opposite the microstructured surface. Additionally, the present invention is directed to multi-layer embodiments that are linerless.

Abstract: Adhesive articles and methods of applying and activating adhesive articles to bond to substrates using a fluid application aid. Preferably, the substrates are traffic devices such as traffic cones and the adhesive articles are retroreflective cone collars or sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward compositions that are chemically different after application to a substrate as compared to the composition prior to its application. A method of the invention comprises a method of transitioning a crosslinked polymer composition from a first chemical state to a second chemical state. Advantageously, compositions of the invention are relatively stable after transformation to their altered, or second, chemical state.

Abstract: Non-tacky, base polymers are plasticized into pressure-sensitive adhesives and comprise: a) about 100 parts by weight of a base copolymer having a Tg greater than about 0° C., wherein the base copolymer is formed from and comprises: (1) about 50 to 70% by weight of a high Tg comonomer component, wherein the homopolymer formed from the high Tg comonomer component has a Tg of at least about 20° C.; (2) optionally, up to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the base copolymer of an acidic comonomer; and (3) about 30 to 50% by weight of one or more low Tg (meth)acrylate comonomer, wherein the Tg homopolymer of the low Tg comonomer is less than about 20° C., and b) about 1 to about 100 parts based on the base copolymer of a nonreactive, non-volatile, non-acrylic-based plasticizing agent.

Abstract: An article comprising (a) a curved substrate having a surface energy below about 38 dynes/cm2; (b) flexible retroreflective sheeting; and (c) a crosslinked pressure-sensitive adhesive adhering the sheeting to the curved substrate. The adhesive contains sufficient polar monomer and tackifier, and is sufficiently crosslinked, to (i) have a glass transition temperature less than −15° C., (ii) permit the sheeting to remain firmly bonded to a low density polyethylene barrel without buckling when cooled from 49° C. to −1° C., and (iii) provide an adhesive bond to the barrel that exhibits increased energy absorption when tested for impact resistance at 0° C. according to ASTM D4272. The adhesive can be manufactured by partially polymerizing some of the ingredients in a pouch using UV radiation, dispersing the pouch and its contents in the other ingredients using an extruder, extrusion coating the adhesive and then UV crosslinking the coating.

Abstract: A vinyl graphic marking film or label coated with a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive designed to achieve high or permanent adhesion to polymeric low energy surfaces is disclosed. In addition to good adhesion to low energy surfaces, the graphic marking film or label may have microperforated or micro-rough edges which initiate tearing when removal is attempted. The article maintains flexibility and film strength for easy fabrication in graphic marking film or label manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising a transparent stack of sheets that may be applied, for example, to protect substrates such as glass or plastic windows, signage or displays. A topmost sheet can be peeled away after it is damaged to reveal an undamaged sheet below. The invention also relates to the protected substrates and a method of protecting substrates such as glass or plastic windows, signage and displays from vandalism or other surface damage by adhering the stack of sheets to the substrate to be protected and subsequently pulling a topmost sheet away from the stack after it becomes damaged.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-contact printing methods of making medical pressure sensitive adhesive articles. A base layer is coated onto a substrate and a liquid composition is non-contact printed onto at least a portion of the base layer to provide a medical pressure sensitive adhesive article. The medical pressure sensitive adhesive article comprises at least one medicinal ingredient intended to have a medicinal or therapeutic effect. More specifically this invention relates to non-contact printing methods of making transdermal drug delivery devices.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a reinforced adhesive fiber that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive component and a reinforcing material within the pressure sensitive adhesive component.

Abstract: Methods of imagewise printing of adhesives that includes providing a latent adhesive image and then activating the latent adhesive image to form an adhesive image. Methods of preparing latent adhesive toners that involve limited coalescence.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive articles and methods, particularly stretch removable adhesive articles that are preferably for use in adhering to skin or like delicate surfaces. Preferably, stretch removability of the article occurs as a result of the selection of a stretch removable pressure sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment of the articles and methods, the adhesive and backing delaminate upon removal. In another embodiment of the articles and methods, the backing includes a predefined tab located in a central location of the backing.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fiber reinforced adhesive composition comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive matrix and a fibrous reinforcing material within the pressure sensitive adhesive matrix. The adhesive composition has a yield strength and a tensile strength. The tensile strength is at least about 150% of the yield strength. Generally, the adhesive composition exhibits these properties at least 50% elongation when measured according to ASTM D 882-97 at a crosshead speed of 12 inches/minute (30 centimeters/minute).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of repairing one or both sides of an optically damaged substrate such as rigid glass or plastic window, signage or displays. The invention also relates to the repaired substrates. This invention also relates to an article comprising a transparent stack of sheets that may be applied, for example, to protect said repaired substrates such as glass or plastic windows, signage or displays. A topmost sheet can be peeled away after it is damaged to reveal an undamaged sheet below. The invention also relates to the protected substrates and a method of protecting substrates such as glass or plastic windows, signage and displays from vandalism or other surface damage by adhering the stack of sheets to the substrate to be protected and subsequently pulling a topmost sheet away from the stack after it becomes damaged.

Abstract: A light managing screen may provide a rear projection screen, front projection screen or component thereof. The screen may comprise a polymeric composition including a first polymeric material, and a second polymeric material disposed as a plurality of elongated structures within the first polymeric material. Each elongated structure has a major axis and the major axes are substantially aligned. The first polymeric material has an index of refraction that differs by at least 0.01 from an index of refraction of the second polymeric material. In some instances, a pressure sensitive adhesive material is selected as the first polymeric material. The orientation of the elongated structures and the difference in indices of refraction results in the polymeric composition scattering light asymmetrically.

Abstract: A polymeric composition includes a first polymeric material, for example, an adhesive material, and a second polymeric material disposed as a plurality of elongated structures within the first polymeric material. Each elongated structure has a major axis and the major axes are substantially aligned. The first polymeric material has an index of refraction that differs by at least 0.01 from an index of refraction of the second polymeric material. In some instances, a pressure sensitive adhesive material is selected as the first polymeric material. The orientation of the elongated structures and the difference in indices of refraction results in the polymeric composition scattering light asymmetrically. The polymeric composition is optionally disposed on a substrate and can be used, for example, to extract light from a light guide or to asymmetrically alter the viewing angle of a display.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fiber reinforced adhesive composition comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive matrix and a fibrous reinforcing material within the pressure sensitive adhesive matrix. The adhesive composition has a yield strength and a tensile strength. The tensile strength is at least about 150% of the yield strength. Generally, the adhesive composition exhibits these properties at least 50% elongation when measured according to ASTM D 882-97 at a crosshead speed of 12 inches/minute (30 centimeters/minute).

Abstract: Methods for enhancing adhesion between at least two surfaces, preferably of at least two different materials, using a powdered surface preparation composition.