Abstract: The present invention includes polymer films that comprise lanthanum hexaboride and an epoxy agent. The lanthanum hexaboride and epoxy agent can be incorporated into or onto a polymer film in any suitable manner. The addition of an epoxy agent surprisingly provides a stabilization effect to the lanthanum hexaboride, which allows for the production of polymer films that advantageously absorb infrared radiation and resist environmental degradation. Polymer films thus produced have a significant number of applications, for example, but not limited to, display devices, protective coverings, and glazing film applications.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glazing panels comprising infrared absorbing agents, and, more specifically, the present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glazing panels comprising infrared absorbing agents that selectively absorb infrared radiation. In various embodiments of the present invention, an interlayer includes lanthanum hexaboride, which effectively absorbs infrared radiation at about 1,000 nanometers, and an epoxy, which stabilizes the lanthanum hexaboride agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of continuous extrusion devices to form high quality polymer dispersions. Screw extruder devices of the present invention inject water into a zone of high pressure, temperature, and shear to cause the rapid inversion of a weld in less than, for example, one minute, which compares very favorably with conventional batch methods, which can take, for example, two or more hours to complete an inversion. This rapid inversion—a surprising result given the extended time inversion requires in batch processes—allows for the continuous production of polymer dispersions.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer sheets comprising poly(vinyl butyral) and sodium acetate and methods of producing and using the same, and more specifically, the present invention is in the field of polymer sheets comprising plasticized poly(vinyl butyral), sodium acetate, and an adhesion control agent.