Abstract: Free radically polymerizable synthons for preparing siloxane polyoxamide copolymers are prepared by reacting amine-terminated siloxane polyoxamide compounds with an isocyanate-functional (meth)acrylate, an isocyanate-functional vinyl-substituted aromatic compound, or a vinyl azlactone. These free radically polymerizable synthons can be used to prepare polymer compositions by combining the free radically polymerizable synthons with an initiator and initiating polymerization.

Abstract: A microstructured article includes a nanovoided layer having opposing first and second major surfaces, the first major surface being microstructured to form prisms, lenses, or other features. The nanovoided layer includes a polymeric binder and a plurality of interconnected voids, and optionally a plurality of nanoparticles. A second layer, which may include a viscoelastic layer or a polymeric resin layer, is disposed on the first or second major surface. A related method includes disposing a coating solution onto a substrate. The coating solution includes a polymerizable material, a solvent, and optional nanoparticles. The method includes polymerizing the polymerizable material while the coating solution is in contact with a microreplication tool to form a microstructured layer. The method also includes removing solvent from the microstructured layer to form a nanovoided microstructured article.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The optical device may have a “front lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and retroreflected by the film toward a viewer. The optical device may have a “back lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and transmitted through the film toward a viewer. The retroreflective film may comprise beaded retroreflective sheeting such as that used in traffic signs and markings.

Abstract: Dual-sided adhesive articles include a first crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, a second siloxane-based pressure sensitive adhesive layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, such that the first major surface of the second siloxane-based pressure sensitive adhesive layer is in contact with the second major surface of the first crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The articles also include a release liner having a microstructured surface with an array of microstructures, where the microstructured surface is in contact with the second major surface of the second siloxane-based pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The microstructures of the microstructured surface of the second siloxane-based pressure sensitive adhesive layer are unstable when not in contact with the microstructured release liner, and disappear over time when in contact with a substrate.

Abstract: Optically clear adhesive or coating layers can be prepared by preparing a curable mixture, coating the curable mixture to form a layer, partially curing the curable mixture, drying the coated layer, and fully curing the curable mixture. The curable mixture may also be partially cured and then coated, dried and fully cured. The curable mixture includes two free radically polymerizable monomer compositions that are relatively incompatible and a transient compatibilizer, such as a solvent. Polymers of the two monomer compositions, if polymerized separately and blended, form phase separated domains. The curable mixture provides for adhesive or coating layers that are optically clear.

Abstract: Crowd funding for innovation includes distributing a proposal with a description of a project idea, an amount of funds requested, and a time frame for raising the funds. Ownership of the project is transferred to an entity, which receives contributions from contributors and for each of the received contributions converts the contribution to a corresponding amount of virtual coin and adds the contribution to the funds. If the funding goal is complete within the time frame, the entity converts the coins to actual money and releases the money to the requestor. After completion of the project, the entity determines if the project is successful and can commercialize successful projects. For certain successful projects, the entity can also distribute funds to the contributors.

Abstract: The present invention is a two-part adhesive layer including a first, optically clear adhesive composition and a second, light-blocking adhesive composition substantially surrounding the first, optically clear adhesive composition.

Abstract: Optically clear curable adhesive films that are heat conformable prior to setting include a reactive composition. The curable films are flexible and free-standing, and have a complex viscosity of greater than 100,000 poise (10,000 Pascal seconds) at 25° C. and less than 100 poise (10 Pascal seconds) at 85° C., prior to setting. The set film has an adhesive shear strength of greater than 100 Newtons per square centimeter (N/cm2) to a glass substrate when measured according to the Shear Adhesion Test Method. The reactive composition includes an ethylenically unsaturated polyester-containing oligomeric composition that is the reaction product of a saturated, amorphous co-polyester polyol and a compound with a terminal polyol-reactive group and a terminal ethylenically unsaturated group, a (meth)acrylate functional material, and at least one initiator.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions include a blend of a non-siloxane polyurea-based polymer, a non-siloxane polyurethane-based polymer, or a blend of a non-siloxane polyurea-based and non-siloxane polyurethane-based with at least one (meth)acrylate-based pressure sensitive adhesive. The non-siloxane polyurea-based polymer or non-siloxane polyurethane-based polymer is free of free radically polymerized groups. The adhesive composition is a self-wetting, optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive compositions can be coated on substrates to form adhesive articles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.

Abstract: Devices including a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide containing material having a microstructured surface are disclosed herein. Such devices can optionally include a flex circuit attached to the microstructured surface and can be useful, for example, in fluid handling applications.

Abstract: An optical article, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The optical article includes a lightguide, a viscoelastic layer disposed on the light guide and a nanovoided polymeric layer disposed on the viscoelastic layer. The nanovoided polymeric layer comprises a plurality of interconnected nanovoids and at least some of the interconnected nanovoids are connected to one another by hollow passages. The lightguide may be optically coupled to a light source, and the viscoelastic layer and the nanovoided polymeric layer may be used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically interconnected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide.

Abstract: Variable index light extraction layers (100) that contain a plurality of microreplicated posts (120) are described. The variable index light extraction layers contain a plurality of microreplicated posts (120), a first region including a first lower-index substance (130) and a second region including a second higher-index substance (140). Optical films can use the variable index light extraction layers (100) in front lit or back lit display devices.

Abstract: Broadband reflectors include a UV-reflective multilayer optical film and a VIS/IR-reflective layer. In various embodiments, the VIS/IR reflective layer may be a reflective metal layer or a multilayer optical film. Concentrated solar power systems and methods of harnessing solar energy using the broadband reflectors and optionally comprising a celestial tracking mechanism are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cover tapes for securing electronic parts in a carrier tape are provided. The cover tape includes opposing edges extending along a longitudinal direction of the cover tape orthogonal to a transverse direction, and first and second layers. The first layer is stretch-oriented along the longitudinal direction at a first stretch ratio, and the first and second layers are stretch-oriented along the transverse direction at a second stretch ratio greater than the first stretch ratio. The cover tape further includes a first major surface extending along the longitudinal direction and between the opposing edges, the first major surface including a plurality of linear depressions extending along the longitudinal direction. The cover tape is hand-tearable along each linear depression. Also, assemblies and methods for making cover tapes are provided.

Abstract: Optically clear stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive films containing a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive composition and a tacky tab are provided. The pressure sensitive adhesive compositions are formed from elastomeric silicone polymer selected from the group consisting of urea-based silicone copolymers, oxamide-based silicone copolymers, amide-based silicone copolymers, urethane-based silicone copolymers, polydiorganosiloxane polymers, or mixtures of these copolymers. The pressure sensitive adhesive compositions may also contain an MQ tackifying resin. The pressure sensitive adhesive compositions may be used to form adhesive articles.

Abstract: A method of making a microstructured adhesive article that includes (a) providing an article comprising a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a backing; and (b) embossing the surface of the crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer to form a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a microstructured adhesive surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixture of a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide-containing material and an organic polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes light delivery and distribution components of a ducted lighting system having a cross-section that includes at least one curved portion and a remote light source. The delivery and distribution system (i.e., light duct and light duct extractor) can function effectively with any light source that is capable of delivering light which is substantially collimated about the longitudinal axis of the light duct, and which is also preferably substantially uniform over the inlet of the light duct. The light delivery and distribution system can further function as a structural element that adjoins at least two walls of an illuminated enclosure or supports the shelves of illuminated shelving, joining the unit together.