Abstract: A solar panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells embedded in a layer of encapsulant. A textured and/or colored layer is positioned on a back side of the layer of encapsulant. The textured and/or colored layer matches a color and/or texture of the plurality of photovoltaic cells. A top layer is positioned on a front side of the layer of encapsulant.

Abstract: A solar panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells embedded in a layer of encapsulant. A textured and/or colored layer is positioned on a back side of the layer of encapsulant. The textured and/or colored layer matches a color and/or texture of the plurality of photovoltaic cells. A top layer is positioned on a front side of the layer of encapsulant.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition includes a polypropylene polymer component including a low flow grade polypropylene and a high flow grade polypropylene, and a fiber reinforcement component. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition is capable of being vacuum formed. In another aspect a thermoplastic composition includes a homopolymer component including polypropylene, a co-polymer component, an impact modifier, and one or more of a flame retardant component and a fiber reinforcement component. The thermoplastic composition is capable of being vacuum formed. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition may be formed into an article such as an enclosure for an electrical component, and it may be chemically resistant to a medical grade cleaner.

Abstract: A solar panel includes a backsheet layer, a bottom encapsulant layer adjacent the backsheet layer, a plurality of photovoltaic cells adjacent the bottom encapsulant layer, a top encapsulant layer adjacent the plurality of photovoltaic cells having a plurality of louvers constructed therein to block side view of the plurality of photovoltaic cells, and a top layer adjacent the top encapsulant layer.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition includes a polypropylene polymer component including a low flow grade polypropylene and a high flow grade polypropylene, and a fiber reinforcement component. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition is capable of being vacuum formed. In another aspect a thermoplastic composition includes a homopolymer component including polypropylene, a co-polymer component, an impact modifier, and one or more of a flame retardant component and a fiber reinforcement component. The thermoplastic composition is capable of being vacuum formed. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition may be formed into an article such as an enclosure for an electrical component, and it may be chemically resistant to a medical grade cleaner.

Abstract: A method of making an article includes: heating a plaque formed from a thermoplastic composition; and vacuum forming the heated plaque to form the article. The thermoplastic composition includes a polypropylene polymer component and a fiber reinforcement component. The heating is implemented using one or more heaters having a maximum temperature output of between 1500-3000° C. and maximum intensity between 0.80 ?m and 2 ?m. The article may include a surgical tray having a bottom surface having side walls disposed around a periphery thereof and extending from the bottom surface.

Abstract: A surgical article formed from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composition includes a polypropylene polymer component and a fiber reinforcement component. The surgical article is formed using a vacuum forming process. The surgical article may include a surgical tray including a bottom surface having side walls disposed around a periphery thereof and extending from the bottom surface. The vacuum forming may include a heater profile configured to heat a surface area at a perimeter of a plaque such that a plaque thinning at the bottom surface is minimized and radius stretch through the side walls is minimized, thereby retaining maximum wall thickness.

Abstract: A laminate structure having a first chemically strengthened glass layer, a second chemically strengthened glass layer, and a polymer interlayer structure intermediate the first and second glass layers. The polymer interlayer structure can include a first polymeric layer adjacent to the first glass layer, a second polymeric layer adjacent to the second glass layer, and a polymeric rigid core intermediate the first and second polymeric layers.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an electronic device includes a glass layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and an optically clear polymer film disposed on the optically clear adhesive on a side opposite the glass layer, the polymer film comprising a thermoplastic polymer. The cover assembly transmits greater than 85% of visible light as determined according to ASTM D1003-00. A method of manufacturing the cover assembly is also described. The cover assembly can be useful for use with an electronic device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a polymeric sheet, comprising: a foamed layer comprising a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material has a Tg of greater than or equal to 100° C.; and wherein the sheet has a weight reduction of 10% to 60%, as compared to a solid sheet of the same geometry and size formed from the same polymeric material. The sheet, at the thickness of 1.0 mm, has a smoke density of less than or equal to 200 particles after four minutes of burning according to ASTM E662-06. The sheet is thermoformable.

Abstract: An article of manufacturing can comprise a mold insert comprising: a cap substrate having a first surface and a second surface; an adhesive coupled to a portion of the second surface of the cap substrate; a base substrate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the base substrate is coupled to the adhesive, wherein the adhesive is disposed between the second surface of the cap substrate and the first surface of the base substrate; and a polymeric resin attachment, wherein the polymeric resin attachment is coupled to a portion of the second surface of the base substrate, wherein the polymeric resin extends along an edge of the base substrate, and along an edge of the cap substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a polymeric sheet, comprising: a foamed layer comprising a polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material has a Tg of greater than or equal to 100° C.; and wherein the sheet has a weight reduction of 10% to 60%, as compared to a solid sheet of the same geometry and size formed from the same polymeric material. The sheet, at the thickness of 1.0 mm, has a smoke density of less than or equal to 200 particles after four minutes of burning according to ASTM E662-06. The sheet is thermoformable.

Abstract: A laminate structure having a first chemically strengthened glass layer, a second chemically strengthened glass layer, and a polymer interlayer structure intermediate the first and second glass layers. The polymer interlayer structure can include a first polymeric layer adjacent to the first glass layer, a second polymeric layer adjacent to the second glass layer, and a polymeric rigid core intermediate the first and second polymeric layers.

Abstract: A repositionable and substantially transparent multi-layer anti-frost film assembly comprising a film and an anti-frost layer formed from a polyurethane-film forming composition effective to provide the layer with anti-frost properties at temperatures that alternate between ?23° C. and 65° C. Optionally, an anti-frost film assembly comprises an adhesive layer. The anti-frost film assembly to be applied with any of a variety of substantially transparent substrates to provide condensation-resistant articles, including refrigerator doors and panels.

Abstract: In a method of molding, a decorative substantially transparent cycloaliphatic polyester resin substrate is formed into a three-dimensional shape, placed into a mold, and a resin is injection molded into the mold cavity space behind the formed substrate.

Abstract: An article comprises a formed polymeric base comprising a substantially transparent cycloaliphatic polyester resin having a decorative surface area which may have an opening for exposing the transparent polymeric base resin to the exterior of the molded article, and a process for making the molded structure is described.

Abstract: A molded structure comprises a decorative film or substrate, and an adjacent injection molded polymeric base comprising a substantially transparent cycloaliphatic polyester resin which may have an opening for exposing the transparent polymeric base resin to the exterior of the molded article, and a process for making the molded structure is described.