Abstract: A lap used for the grinding, fining and polishing of glass and plastic lenses is constructed of a one-piece injection-molded reinforced polymer body. The front surface of the lap is curved and adapted to receive an abrasive pad. The rear of the lap has a skeletal rib structure of projecting interconnected ribs. Polymers suitable for forming the lap include various crystalline polymers and copolymers having adequate chemical resistance, strength, rigidity and thermal resistance.

Abstract: Novel anti-static and/or anti-reflective optical elements are produced by coating at least one surface of an organic polymeric plastic substrate with a protective organo-silica coating composition and then subjecting the coated plastic substrate to a glow discharge treatment.

Abstract: Cast resin lenses which are removed from casting molds early in a cure cycle are coated for protection against exposure to oxygen to provide increased post cure surface polymerization and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A fade resistant, visually undetectable identification mark is imparted to an optically clear plastic lens or the like by providing a marking composition comprising a fluorescent dye and a liquid carrier material, and preferably including an inert sublimable solid diluent, applying the composition in a selected pattern on the surface of an article to be marked, removing the carrier material from the composition to leave a solid residue of the fluorescent dye and inert solid diluent, and permanently transferring the dye to a surface layer of the article as by heating. The mark enables a manufacturer to identify a particular article as its product by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation, yet the mark does not adversely affect the visible light optical properties of the article.

Abstract: A coating composition which results from hydrolyzing 35 to 70 weight percent tetraethyl orthosilicate and 60 to 20 weight percent of certain silane is useful for providing abrasion resisting coatings for plastics after curing. Optionally, up to 20 weight percent of a silane having a reactive polar site or, in the alternative, a small percentage of a surfactant may be used to provide a dyeable coated article.

Abstract: A coating composition prepared by simultaneously hydrolyzing 20 to 50 wt. % tetraethylorthosilicate, 37 to 60 wt. % of certain silanes and 15 to 35 wt. % formalin has good abrasion resistance and resistance to crazing on substrates having a high affinity for water as well as those with a low affinity for water.

Abstract: A coating composition which results from hydrolyzing 40 to 70 weight per cent tetraethyl orthosilicate and 60 to 20 weight per cent of certain silane is useful for providing abrasion resisting coatings for plastics after curing. Optionally, up to 20 weight percent of a silane having a reactive polar site or, in the alternative, a small percentage of a surfactant may be used to provide a dyeable coated article.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant organic optical element comprising a transparent base of a synthetic organic material having an adhering coating of an abrasion-resistant material comprising a polysilicic acid ester of an alcohol containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms and a partially hydrolyzed vinyl polymer to provide polyvinyl alcohol, the coating being cross-linked with formaldehyde or zirconyl nitrate or mixtures thereof. The abrasion-resistant organic optical elements can comprise sheet material or a lens.

Abstract: An abrasion-resistant organic optical element comprising a transparent base of a synthetic organic material having an adhering coating of an abrasion-resistant material comprising a polysilicic acid ester of an alcohol containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms and a partially hydrolyzed vinyl polymer to provide polyvinyl alcohol; the coating being cross-linked with formaldehyde or zirconyl nitrate or mixtures thereof. The abrasion-resistant organic optical elements can comprise sheet material or a lens.