Abstract: A method of converting a poorly water soluble crystalline compound to an amorphous compound and a method of increasing the solubility of a poorly water soluble crystalline compound in biorelevant fluid at pH 6.5 is disclosed. The method includes dissolving the compound and a polymer in a solvent to form a solution, the polymer being present in the solution in an amount such that after electrospraying the solution the compound is in an amorphous form, electrospraying the solution using an electrospray system, the electrospraying forming nanoparticles, collecting the nanoparticles on a substrate, and removing the nanoparticles in the form of a powder.

Abstract: Methods of electrospraying particles are disclosed that include electrospraying a liquid spray composition from the nozzle, the liquid spray composition including a liquid and a compound that exhibits a melting point and a crystallization temperature, and at least one of exposing particles formed from the liquid spray composition to a temperature modified environment, exposing particles formed from the liquid spray composition to an organic solvent, and collecting particles formed from the liquid spray composition on at least one of a temperature modified collector, a liquid collector, a variable topography collector, and a dry ice collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles having multilayer films are useful for commercial graphics and retroreflective products, such as roll-up signs for highway transportation safety. The articles comprise multilayer films having at least one layer of polyurethane and at least one layer of a copolymer of alkylene and at least one non-acidic, polar co-monomer. Articles having the new multilayer films provide the same or improved performance, are less expensive, and offer improved methods for manufacturing, when compared to prior articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate and an article comprising a retroreflective layer having a retroreflective viewing surface and an opposing surface and a tear resistant film disposed on the retroreflective layer. The finished article is preferably flexible and suitable for use as roll-up signs, flags, banners and other retroreflective articles requiring similar flexibility including other traffic warning and personal safety items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate and an article comprising a retroreflective layer having a retroreflective viewing surface and an opposing surface and a tear resistant film disposed on the retroreflective layer. The finished article is preferably flexible and suitable for use as roll-up signs, flags, banners and other retroreflective articles requiring similar flexibility including other traffic warning and personal safety items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate and an article comprising a retroreflective layer having a retroreflective viewing surface and an opposing surface and a tear resistant film disposed on the retroreflective layer. The finished article is preferably flexible and suitable for use as roll-up signs, flags, banners and other retroreflective articles requiring similar flexibility including other traffic warning and personal safety items.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light absorbing material that resists blooming and migration is made up of a polyurethane or polyurea polymer and an amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound, wherein the polymer and the amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound are hydrogen bonded to one another. Polymeric films that contain a polymeric matrix and the ultraviolet light absorbing material are useful as the top layer in multilayer constructions such as retroreflective sheetings and conformable marking sheets.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light absorbing material that resists blooming and migration is made up of a polyurethane or polyurea polymer and an amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound, wherein the polymer and the amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound are hydrogen bonded to one another. Polymeric films that contain a polymeric matrix and the ultraviolet light absorbing material are useful as the top layer in multilayer constructions such as retroreflective sheetings and conformable marking sheets.

Abstract: Microstructured articles of the invention comprising, in order: a) a retroreflective microstructured member; b) a sealing layer melt-bonded to the microstructured member; and c) a backing member. The backing member is a fibrous web comprising a plurality of multifilament strands and is melt-bonded to the second surface of the sealing layer.

Abstract: A process and article for a retroreflective polymeric coated flexible fabric material having a retroreflective layer and a polymeric compatibilizing layer welded to a polymeric coated outer surface of a flexible fabric material. The compatibilizing layer provides an intermediate layer between the retroreflective layer and the flexible fabric material creating suitable bond strength between dissimilar polymers.

Abstract: A cube corner retroreflective sheeting construction comprising alternating zones of cube corner element arrays disposed at approximately ninety degrees orientations to provide exactly two principal plane of improved retroreflective performance in response to light incident on the sheeting at high entrance angles is disclosed. According to one embodiment the sheeting includes a body layer which has an elastic modulus less than 7.times.10.sup.8 pascals and cube corner elements formed from a material which has an elastic modulus greater than 16.times.10.sup.8 pascals. According to a second embodiment the sheeting includes an overlay film having two major surfaces and comprising a first polymeric material and a plurality of arrays of substantially independent cube corner elements bonded to a major surface of the overlay film having a minimal, fractured land.

Abstract: A cube corner retroreflective sheeting construction comprising alternating zones of cube corner element arrays disposed at approximately ninety degrees orientations to provide exactly two principal plane of improved retroreflective performance in response to light incident on the sheeting at high entrance angles is disclosed. According to one embodiment the sheeting includes a body layer which has an elastic modulus less than 7.times.10.sup.8 pascals and cube corner elements formed from a material which has an elastic modulus greater than 16.times.10.sup.8 pascals. According to a second embodiment the sheeting includes an overlay film having two major surfaces and comprising a first polymeric material and a plurality of arrays of substantially independent cube corner elements bonded to a major surface of the overlay film having a minimal, fractured land.

Abstract: Thermoplastic based pavement marking sheets are disclosed. The marking sheets employ a conformant composite material including: polyolefin and a nonreinforcing mineral particulate; and/or a thermoplastic upper surface. Preferably, the sheet's thermoplastic upper surface is embedded with reflective elements and/or skid-resistant particles. A solventless process of embedding particles in thermoplastic pavement marking sheets is disclosed. Processes for preparing marking sheets are also disclosed. Conformant pavement marking sheets which may be applied in cooler conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Conformable marking sheet comprising a microporous thermoplastic polymer base sheet having a network of interconnected pores. The marking sheet has a low yield stress, making it conformable to rough surfaces. The pores of the base sheet can be filled with a diluent (wax) or they may have the diluent removed, for example by extraction. The construction may further comprise an adhesive on the bottom and a top marking indicium layer comprising a polymeric binder in which is partially embedded a multiplicity of retroflective lens elements, e.g., transparent microspheres.