Abstract: Compositions comprising surface-modified nanocalcite particles dispersed in a curable resin, and to coatings and fibrous composites incorporating such compositions are described. The surface-modifying agents include a binding group ionically associated with the calcite and a compatiblizing segment, compatible with the curable resin. The surface-modifying agent may also include a reactive group capable of reacting with the curable resin. Methods of preparing nanocalcite composites and coating a fibrous composites prepared from such nanocalcite composites are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a light emitting device, an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) device that includes the light emitting device, and an image display device that includes the light emitting device. In particular, the light emitting device includes a microcavity organic light emitting diode (OLED) (120), a light extraction film (110), and a high-index capping layer (122) disposed between the microcavity OLED and the light extraction film.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical component array and method of making an optical component array that can include a plurality of optical components useful for projection devices or other optical devices. The optical component array can be fabricated such that individual optical components having several elements can be assembled in a massively parallel manner and then singulated as individual optical components, and can result in a large reduction in manufacturing cost.

Abstract: There are provided curable resin sols having a curable polycyanate ester resin and at least 30 weight percent of an essentially volatile-free, colloidal dispersion of substantially spherical surface-modified silica nanoparticles; wherein the curable resin sol comprises no greater than 200 parts per million by weight alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions based on the total weight of the silica nanoparticles and curable polycyanate ester resin. There are also provided compositions comprising such curable resin sol and reinforcing fibers, a process for preparing such compositions, and various articles made using such curable resin sols and compositions.

Abstract: There are provided curable resin sols comprising an essentially volatile-free, colloidal dispersion of substantially spherical nanosilica particles in a curable bisimide resin, said particles having surface-bonded organic groups which render said particles compatible with said curable bisimide resin. There are also provided compositions comprising such curable resin sol and reinforcing fibers, a process for preparing such compositions, and various articles made using such curable resin sols and compositions.

Abstract: A light extraction film having multi-periodic zones of engineered nanostructures. The light extraction film includes a flexible substrate, a layer of low index engineered nanostructures applied to the substrate, and a high index backfill layer applied over the nanostructures. The multi-periodic zones include a repeating zone of the nanostructures having multi-periodic characteristics. The repeating zone includes first and second sets of nanostructures having different periodic pitches. The multi-periodic zones can be used to enhance the light output and tune the angular luminosity of organic light emitting diode devices.

Abstract: First and second optical films in a stack each have a structured surface defining extended Fresnel lenses. First and second Fresnel lenses of the respective first and second films extend generally parallel to different first and second in-plane axes respectively. The films may be attached together such that light transmitted by one film is intercepted by the other. The film stack may also include a diffuser disposed to scatter light transmitted by the optical film(s). Other disclosed decorative articles include an individual optical film having a structured surface with transmissive facets arranged in a cyclic slope sequence from substantially zero to a maximum positive slope to substantially zero to a maximum negative slope and back to substantially zero, the sequence repeating over some or all of the structured surface. The slope sequence may define alternating focusing and defocusing Fresnel lenses, and the Fresnel lenses may be extended and linear.

Abstract: A decorative film having a wood-like 3-dimensional appearance includes a plurality of Fresnel mirrors extending generally parallel to an in-plane axis, a diffuser disposed to scatter light reflected by the Fresnel mirrors, and wood-grain indicia disposed to cover the Fresnel mirrors. Embodiments of the film can be made to simulate highly figured wood such as flame maple, also called fiddleback maple. Other decorative articles that utilize Fresnel mirrors are also disclosed. At least some of these other articles do not have a wood-like appearance, and they may include a Fresnel mirror film in combination with other components such as a Fresnel lens film or other light-transmissive film(s).

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes, a host polymer, and A block copolymer comprising a first block and a second block, wherein no block is compatible with the host polymer. In one aspect, the block copolymer is amphiphilic. In another aspect, the block copolymer may comprise a first block and a second block, wherein at least one of the first and second blocks comprises repeating units derived from a monomer having the general formula: (R)2C?C(R)(Rf) wherein Rf is selected from fluorine, a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl group, and a C1 to C10 fluorinated or perfluorinated alkoxy group; each R is independently selected from F, H, Cl, Rf, a C1 to C10 alkyl group, and R2A, wherein R2 is a C1 to C10 alkylene group and A is selected from CO2M and SO3M, wherein M is selected from H, an ammonium and organo onium group.

Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes the steps of: Providing a wiped film evaporator with an internal evaporator chamber maintained under vacuum and having an internal chamber wall maintained at an elevated temperature; introducing solvent-borne particles and organic matrix into the internal chamber; and compounding the solvent-borne particles and the organic matrix in the internal evaporator chamber by forming a thin film against the internal chamber wall, the thin film including organic matrix and particles, and the vacuum conditions and elevated temperature being sufficient to remove solvent from the particles and organic matrix to provide the filled resin. Less than about 10% of the particles in the resulting filled resin are agglomerated.

Abstract: A method for coating a work piece with resin including applying a controlled volume of liquid resin to the work piece with an applicator and allowing consecutive streams of resin to meld together to form a self leveling surface. The resin can be actively or passively cured. The work piece can be planar or cylindrical.

Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes providing functionalized particles; and combining and homogenously mixing the functionalized particles with an organic matrix in a vacuum kneader to provide the filled resin so that the functionalized particles comprise at least about 20% by weight of the filled resin. The step of providing functionalized particles can also include providing a feedstock of (i) untreated particles, (ii) a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and (iii) solvent, and directing the feedstock through a continuous reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours; and directing the functionalized particles from the continuous reactor directly into the vacuum kneader. In another aspect, the a finished resin comprises at least about 20% by weight of functionalized particles in an organic matrix.

Abstract: A method for coating a work piece with resin including applying a controlled volume of liquid resin to the work piece with an applicator and allowing consecutive streams of resin to meld together to form a self leveling surface. The resin can be actively or passively cured. The work piece can be planar or cylindrical.

Abstract: Methods of compounding nanoparticles (e.g., surface-modified silica nanoparticles) with a resin (e.g., a curable resin) are described. The methods use continuous wet milling technology and can be used to compound nanoparticles, including highly aggregated and agglomerated surface-modified nanoparticles, into a resin or resin precursor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and tagging a target, such an individual or an item, are described that provide an improved mechanism for identifying the target without alerting the target. In this regard, a method and apparatus can irradiate the target so as to create a radioisotope signature for the target. By thereafter monitoring the radioisotope signature, the target can be identified and tracked in a covert manner.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of functionalized particles includes providing a feedstock that includes particles, a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles and solvent. The feedstock is direct through a continuous hydrothermal reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agents to thereby provide functionalized particles. The method of the invention is capable of providing the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours.

Abstract: A light extraction film having multi-periodic zones of engineered nanostructures. The light extraction film includes a flexible substrate, a layer of low index engineered nanostructures applied to the substrate, and a high index backfill layer applied over the nanostructures. The multi-periodic zones include a repeating zone of the nanostructures having multi-periodic characteristics. The repeating zone includes first and second sets of nanostructures having different periodic pitches. The multi-periodic zones can be used to enhance the light output and tune the angular luminosity of organic light emitting diode devices.

Abstract: Computer implemented method for making a die includes: selecting coating uniformity required to produce a particular coated product with the die and a value for one or more dimensions of the die; determining (using a mathematical model determined by regression analysis) total indicated run-out (TIR) of a die surface and dimensions of the die not having a user specified value; and machining die part or parts to the determined TIR and dimensions. A thermal treatment process for reducing the number of finishing (e.g., grinding) cycles needed to produce a desired die flatness is provided. A coating fluid rheological characteristic can be an input to the method.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of functionalized particles includes providing a feedstock made of particles, a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and solvent. The feedstock is exposed to microwave radiation to heat the feedstock and react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 60 minutes.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating detection of an object in a point cloud of three-dimensional imaging data representing an area of study where the object potentially is obscured by intervening obstacles are provided. The imaging data is processed to identify elements in the point cloud having substantially common attributes signifying that the identified elements correspond to a feature in the area of study. An isosurface is generated associating the elements having substantially common attributes. A reversed orientation visualization model for a region of interest is generated. The reversed orientation visual model areas of total occlusion that potentially signify presence of the object.