Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic cells having a protective coating as an encapsulant are disclosed. The protective coating is one that imparts durability, moisture resistance and/or abrasion resistance to the photovoltaic layer of the cell. One or more coating layers, either alone or in combination with one or more primer or adhesive layers, can be used. Powder, liquid and electrodeposited coatings can all be used according to the present invention. Methods of making such cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a copolymer and a copolymer product of the method. The copolymer is prepared by a controlled radical polymerization process, typically an atom transfer radical polymerization process, in which polymerizable alkene monomers are polymerized in the presence of a halogenated polyolefin macroinitiator. The copolymer product of this process is useful in a film-forming composition that adheres strongly to polyolefinic substrates and to which non-polyolefinic film-forming compositions strongly adhere. The copolymer can be applied to a substrate in an adhesion-promoting layer or can be incorporated into a film-forming composition, such as a primer, that contains additional resinous compounds.

Abstract: Microporous sheets coated with a colored base coating and a clear coating are disclosed. The coated microporous sheets are durable and possess desirable visual characteristics such as high gloss and distinctiveness of image.

Abstract: Microporous sheets coated with protective coatings are disclosed. The protective coatings comprise a UV absorber, and may also comprise a light stabilizer. The coated microporous sheets exhibit favorable physical properties including high QUV resistance and exterior durability. The coated microporous sheets may be used for applications such as advertising displays, banners, printed materials and sports equipment.

Abstract: Microporous sheets coated with substantially solvent-free, water-based coating compositions are disclosed. The coating compositions may comprise film-forming resins such as polyurethanes, acrylics and polyesters, and may further comprise pigments, crosslinkers, standard additives and the like. The coated microporous sheets exhibit favorable visual and mechanical properties, including high levels of elongation. The coated microporous sheets of the present invention may be applied to substrates by techniques such as injection molding and compression molding. The ability of the coated microporous sheets to withstand substantial elongation permits their use in high draw, in-mold applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a copolymer and a copolymer product of the method. The copolymer is prepared by a controlled radical polymerization process, typically an atom transfer radical polymerization process, in which polymerizable alkene monomers are polymerized in the presence of a halogenated polyolefin macroinitiator. The copolymer product of this process is useful in a film-forming composition that adheres strongly to polyolefinic substrates and to which non-polyolefinic film-forming compositions strongly adhere. The copolymer can be applied to a substrate in an adhesion-promoting layer or can be incorporated into a film-forming composition, such as a primer, that contains additional resinous compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a copolymer and a copolymer product of the method. The copolymer is prepared by a controlled radical polymerization process, typically an atom transfer radical polymerization process, in which polymerizable alkene monomers are polymerized in the presence of a halogenated polyolefin macroinitiator. The copolymer product of this process is useful in a film-forming composition that adheres strongly to polyolefinic substrates and to which non-polyolefinic film-forming compositions strongly adhere. The copolymer can be applied to a substrate in an adhesion-promoting layer or can be incorporated into a film-forming composition, such as a primer, that contains additional resinous compounds.

Abstract: A water dispersible polyurethane dispersion suitable for use as a curable film-forming composition is provided wherein the dispersion comprises, in water, the reaction product of (i) an acrylic polyol having hydrophilic groups, (ii) a polyol hydrosilylation reaction product of an alkylpolysiloxane and an unsaturated hydroxyalkyl compound, and (iii) a polyisocyanate component. Preferably, the acrylic polyol comprises a copolymer containing aromatic groups and having a glass transition temperature of at least about 0° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a copolymer and a copolymer product of the method. The copolymer is prepared by a controlled radical polymerization process, typically an atom transfer radical polymerization process, in which polymerizable alkene monomers are polymerized in the presence of a halogenated polyolefin macroinitiator. The copolymer product of this process is useful in a film-forming composition that adheres strongly to polyolefinic substrates and to which non-polyolefinic film-forming compositions strongly adhere. The copolymer can be applied to a substrate in an adhesion-promoting layer or can be incorporated into a film-forming composition, such as a primer, that contains additional resinous compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a copolymer and a copolymer product of the method. The copolymer is prepared by a controlled radical polymerization process, typically an atom transfer radical polymerization process, in which polymerizable alkene monomers are polymerized in the presence of a halogenated polyolefin macroinitiator. The copolymer product of this process is useful in a film-forming composition that adheres strongly to polyolefinic substrates and to which non-polyolefinic film-forming compositions strongly adhere. The copolymer can be applied to a substrate in an adhesion-promoting layer or can be incorporated into a film-forming composition, such as a primer, that contains additional resinous compounds.

Abstract: A water dispersible polyurethane dispersion suitable for use as a curable film-forming composition is provided wherein the dispersion comprises, in water, the reaction product of (i) an acrylic polyol having hydrophilic groups, (ii) a polyol hydrosilylation reaction product of an alkylpolysiloxane and an unsaturated hydroxyalkyl compound, and (iii) a polyisocyanate component. Preferably, the acrylic polyol comprises a copolymer containing aromatic groups and having a glass transition temperature of at least about 0° C.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel phosphatized polymeric product which is formed by: (a) forming an amine-extended resinous composition having unreacted epoxy groups by mixing, under free-radical initiated polymerization conditions, a polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomeric component and a polyepoxide component; and (b) phosphatizing at least a portion of the unreacted epoxy groups of the resinous composition. The present invention also provides novel coating compositions containing the aforedescribed polymeric product. While these novel coating compositions have a number of different uses, they are particularly useful for application to metal substrates such as can end stock since they result in a cured film which has excellent performance properties such as flexibility and extensibility, adhesion, resistance to boiling liquid pack tests and boiling water taste test results.