Abstract: A stretcher for processing a film is described. In particular, stretcher receives a film, graps edge portions of the film, conveys the film in a machine direction, and moves the opposing edge portions along diverging; substantially parabolic paths to form a stretched film.

Abstract: A roll of multilayer optical film is described. The roll includes a substantially uniaxially-oriented multilayer optical film, where at least one layer of the multilayer optical film has indices of refraction in a length direction and a thickness direction that are substantially the same, but substantially different from an index of refraction in a width direction.

Abstract: A roll of multilayer optical film is described. The roll includes a substantially uniaxially-oriented multilayer optical film, where at least one layer of the multilayer optical film has indices of refraction in a length direction and a thickness direction that are substantially the same, but substantially different from an index of refraction in a width direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of forming barrier assemblies. Some embodiments include application and removal of a protective layer followed by application of a topsheet. Some embodiments include application and removal of a protective layer including a release agent and a monomer.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of forming barrier assemblies. Some embodiments include application of an adhesive layer and/or a topsheet to protect the exposed uppermost layer of the barrier stack during roll-to-roll processing. Some embodiments include application of an adhesive layer and/or a topsheet before the exposed, uppermost layer of the barrier film contacts a solid surface or processing roll. Inclusion of an adhesive layer and/or a topsheet protects the oxide layer during processing, which creates an excellent barrier assembly that can be manufactured using roll-to-roll processing.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to films capable of use in a flexible photovoltaic solar module, rolls of films capable of use in a flexible photovoltaic solar module, processes of making the films and rolls of films, to flexible photovoltaic solar modules including such films, and to methods of making flexible solar modules. One exemplary process involves providing at least two discrete segments of a multilayer barrier film and placing a segment of protective layer adjacent to two of the adjacent discrete segments of multilayer barrier film such that the first and second terminal edges of the segment of protective layer span the gap between the discrete segments of barrier film to form a continuous film.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an assembly comprising an electronic device and a multilayer film. The multilayer film comprises a barrier stack adjacent the electronic device, and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier stack opposite the electronic device. The weatherable sheet is bonded to the electronic device.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an assembly comprising an electronic device, and a multilayer film. The multilayer film comprises a substrate adjacent the electronic device, a barrier stack adjacent the substrate opposite the electronic device, and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier stack opposite the substrate. The multilayer film is transparent and flexible and the barrier stack and the substrate are insulated from the environment.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of reducing delamination in an assembly. The method comprises providing an assembly and limiting visible light exposure to parts of the assembly to maintain a peel force of 20 grams/inch or greater where the light is limited. The assembly comprises an electronic device, a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface of the substrate is disposed on the electronic device, a barrier stack disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier film opposite the substrate. The assembly is transmissive to visible and infrared light.

Abstract: Multilayer optical films having one or more reflection bands are provided. The films include alternating polymeric layers configured to selectively reflect and transmit visible light at a design angle of incidence, where the selective reflection includes first and second visible reflection bands. At least one of the first and second visible reflection bands is a first-order reflection.

Abstract: A stretcher for substantially uniaxially orienting a film includes a plurality of gripping members to hold opposing edge portions of the film, paths along which the gripping members travel to stretch the film in a stretching region, and a drive mechanism to convey the film and gripping members along a machine direction. At least a portion of the paths in the stretching region define diverging, curvilinear courses disposed in-plane. The paths are configured such that during the stretching an extent of uniaxial character, U, is between zero and unity and a minimum value of an extent of uniaxial character, U, is at least 0.70 over a final portion of the stretching after achieving a TDDR of 2.5. U is defined as U=(1/MDDR?1)/(TDDR1/2?1), wherein TDDR is greater than 4 at an end of the stretching region.

Abstract: Multilayer films are provided that exhibit a colored appearance when viewed at an oblique angle as a result of one or more reflection bands in the visible region of the spectrum. The films however provide no substantial reflection bands in either the visible or near infrared regions for light normally incident on the film. The films can be made to shift from clear at normal incidence to an arbitrary designed color at an oblique angle without necessarily becoming cyan.

Abstract: A stretcher for substantially uniaxially orienting a film includes a plurality of gripping members to hold opposing edge portions of the film, paths along which the gripping members travel to stretch the film in a stretching region, and a drive mechanism to convey the film and gripping members along a machine direction. At least a portion of the paths in the stretching region define diverging, curvilinear courses disposed in-plane. The paths are configured such that during the stretching an extent of uniaxial character, U, is between zero and unity and a minimum value of an extent of uniaxial character, U, is at least 0.70 over a final portion of the stretching after achieving a TDDR of 2.5. U is defined as U=(1/MDDR?1)/(TDDR1/2?1), wherein TDDR is greater than 4 at an end of the stretching region.

Abstract: Multilayer optical films having one or more reflection bands are provided. The films include alternating polymeric layers configured to selectively reflect and transmit visible light at a design angle of incidence, where the selective reflection includes first and second visible reflection bands. At least one of the first and second visible reflection bands is a first-order reflection.

Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.

Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.

Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.

Abstract: Stretched polymeric films can be used in a variety of applications, including optical applications. The stretching conditions and shape of the stretching tracks in a stretching apparatus can determine or influence film properties. Methods and stretching apparatuses can include adjustable or zone-defined stretching regions.

Abstract: Multilayer films are provided that exhibit a colored appearance when viewed at an oblique angle as a result of one or more reflection bands in the visible region of the spectrum. The films however provide no substantial reflection bands in either the visible or near infrared regions for light normally incident on the film. The films can be made to shift from clear at normal incidence to an arbitrary designed color at an oblique angle without necessarily becoming cyan.

Abstract: A multilayer film article is disclosed. The film includes an infrared light reflecting multilayer film having alternating layers of a first polymer type and a second polymer type and an infrared light absorbing or reflecting layer adjacent the multilayer film. The film includes a multilayer stack composed of alternating optical layers of first and second diverse polymers A, B. The optical layers when counted from one end of a first effective optical packet form a plurality of unit cells each having six optical layers arranged in relative optical thicknesses in a first cyclic permutation of 7A1B1A7B1A1B. At normal incidence the first effective optical packet provides a reflection band at infrared wavelengths and substantially transmits light at visible wavelengths.