Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a binder (e.g., polymeric). Also described are microspheres (e.g., glass-ceramic), methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres 0 partially embedded in a binder (e.g., polymeric). Also described are microspheres (e.g., glass-ceramic), methods of making microspheres, spheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: A touch screen sensor includes a visible light transparent substrate and an electrically conductive micropattern disposed on or in the visible light transparent substrate. The micropattern includes a first region micropattern within a touch sensing area and a second region micropattern. The first region micropattern has a first sheet resistance value in a first direction, is visible light transparent, and has at least 90% open area. The second region micropattern has a second sheet resistance value in the first direction. The first sheet resistance value is different from the second sheet resistance value.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article having (a) a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces; and (b) a conductor micropattern disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The conductor micropattern has a plurality of traces defining a plurality of open area cells. The conductor micropattern has an open area fraction greater than 80% and a uniform distribution of trace orientation. Each of the traces is non-linear and has a trace width from 0.5 to 10 micrometer. The articles are useful in devices such as displays, in particular, touch screen displays useful for mobile hand held devices, tablets and computers. They also find use in antennas and for EMI shields.

Abstract: This disclosure provides polymer electrolytes, polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM's) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA's) such as may be useful in fuel cells which contain or comprise polyoxometalates (POM's) or heteropolyacids (HPA's). In some embodiments the polyoxometalate, it's counterions or both may comprise Mn and/or Ce. In some embodiments the polymer electrolyte is fluorinated. In some embodiments the polymer electrolyte comprises a second acidic functional group other than a polyoxometalate. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of making polymer electrolytes including methods which comprising a step of copolymerizing monomers comprising a covalently bound polyoxometalates and methods which comprise a step of covalently attaching a polyoxometalate to the polymer.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.

Abstract: A touch screen sensor includes a visible light transparent substrate and an electrically conductive micropattern disposed on or in the visible light transparent substrate. The micropattern includes a first region micropattern within a touch sensing area and a second region micropattern. The first region micropattern has a first sheet resistance value in a first direction, is visible light transparent, and has at least 90% open area. The second region micropattern has a second sheet resistance value in the first direction. The first sheet resistance value is different from the second sheet resistance value.

Abstract: Electronic displays and metal micropatterned substrates are described comprising a graphic defined by a contrasting area adjacent the graphic. In one embodiment, the graphic is visible when the display is viewed with reflected light and the graphic is substantially less visible or invisible when viewed with backlighting transmitted through the metal micropatterned substrate. The graphic and contrasting area have a total metal micropattern density that differs by no greater than about 5% and more preferably by no greater than 2%.

Abstract: Method of patterning a substrate are described including a method of providing a substrate comprising a metalized surface having a self-assembled monolayer patterned region and unpatterned region; and wet etching the metalized surface in a liquid etchant agitated with bubbling gas to remove metal from the unpatterned regions to form a metal pattern. Also described are metal patterned article including an article comprising a substrate and an etched microcontact printed metal pattern disposed on the substrate wherein the pattern has a thickness of at least 100 nanometers and a pattern feature uniformity of at least 50% for an area of at least 25 cm2.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.

Abstract: Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising manganese oxides which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are provided.

Abstract: Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising manganese oxides which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are provided.

Abstract: Presently described are articles such as antennas, EMI shields, and touch screen sensors as well as patterned substrates having overlaid micropatterns with low visibility. Also described are methods of determining the visibility of a patterned substrate. In one embodiment, a patterned substrate is described comprising a visible light transparent substrate; and at least two overlaid electrically conductive mesh micropatterns, wherein each mesh has a repeating cell geometry and the combination of overlaid micropatterns has a spatial contrast threshold at a distance of 30000 units of greater than ?35 decibels.

Abstract: Capacitive sensing devices are provided that include a sensing pattern of conductive traces disposed upon the surface of a substrate and a first passive circuit element that includes a metallic conductor disposed upon the same surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the first passive circuit element is a component of an electronic circuit that can be, for example, a low pass filter. Provided capacitive sensing devices are useful, for example, when incorporated into projected touch screen display panels for use on electronic devices.

Abstract: A patterning process comprises (a) providing at least one substrate having at least one major surface; (b) providing at least one patterning composition comprising at least one functionalizing molecule that is a perfluoropolyether organosulfur compound; (c) applying the patterning composition to the major surface of the substrate in a manner so as to form at least one functionalized region and at least one unfunctionalized region of the major surface; and (d) etching at least a portion of the unfunctionalized region.

Abstract: Pavement markings having a substrate with a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of retroreflective elements (100) disposed along the first major surface of the substrate, the retroreflective elements each having a solid spherical core (110) and at least a first complete concentric optical interference layer (120) overlying core. In some embodiments, the retroreflective elements of the pavement marking further include a second complete concentric optical interference layer overlying the first complete concentric optical interference layer. In still other embodiments, the retroreflective elements of the pavement markings further include a third complete concentric optical interference layer overlying the second complete concentric optical interference layer.

Abstract: Security laminates and articles wherein the security laminate includes a first substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a plurality of retroreflective elements affixed along the first major surface of the substrate, the retroreflective elements including a solid spherical core comprising an outer core surface, the outer core surface providing a first interface; a first complete concentric optical interference layer having an inner surface overlying core surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the first complete concentric optical interference layer providing a second interface; a second complete concentric optical interference having an inner surface overlying the outer surface of the first complete concentric optical interference layer and an outer surface, the outer surface of the second complete concentric optical interference layer providing a third interface; the security laminate is retroreflective.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles are provided in the form of garments, fibers and filaments made with retroreflective elements that each include a solid spherical core (110) with an outer core surface, the outer core surface (115). providing a first interface; a first complete concentric optical interference layer (120) having an inner surface overlying the outer core surface (115) and an outer surface (125), the outer surface of the first complete concentric optical interference layer providing a second interface. In some embodiments, the retroreflective elements each include a second complete concentric optical interference layer having an inner surface overlying the outer surface of the first complete concentric optical interference layer and an outer surface, the outer surface of the second complete concentric optical interference layer providing a third interface.

Abstract: An article includes a polymeric film having a major surface, a discontinuous layer of a catalytic material on the major surface, and a metal pattern on the catalytic material. The discontinuous layer of catalytic material has an average thickness of less than 200 angstroms. Methods of forming these articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of microcontact printing comprises (a) providing an elastomeric stamp comprising a printing surface inked with an ink comprising surface-functionalizing molecules, (b) treating the inked printing surface of the stamp with solvent, and (c) contacting the treated inked printing surface of the stamp to a surface of a substrate. The printing surface of the stamp comprises a first relief pattern, or the surface of the substrate comprises a second relief pattern, or both of the surfaces comprise the relief patterns, and a pattern of surface-functionalizing molecules is transferred to the substrate according to one or both of the relief patterns.