Abstract: The invention relates to high efficiency diffusion lighting coverings useful in LED lighting applications. The diffusing lighting coverings are made of organic diffusing particles homogeneously dispersed in a transparent polymer matrix. The primary organic diffusing particles are refractive index mis-matched to the matrix polymer. The refractive index contrast between the polymer matrix and diffusion particles, and particle size are selected to provide a high efficiency (minimized particle loading). The high efficiency diffusion coverings provides excellent light diffusion, high hiding properties and high light transmission. The secondary diffusion particles may optionally be added to further improve selected target properties of the covering. Nano-sized ZnO inorganic particles may also function as diffusion particles and optical brighteners as well UV stabilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin, nano-structured coating that provides optical light efficiency enhancement. The dried coating contains nano-structures that provide a very low haze level of less than 2 percent, and a light transmission improvement of at least 1% over the non-coated substrate. For the nano-structured coating on an acrylic substrate the transmission is greater than 93 percent, and preferably greater than 94 percent. The coatings of the invention are especially useful for optical electronic displays and photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to high efficiency diffusion lighting coverings useful in LED lighting applications. The diffusing lighting coverings are made of organic diffusing particles homogeneously dispersed in a transparent polymer matrix. The primary organic diffusing particles are refractive index mis-matched to the matrix polymer. The refractive index contrast between the polymer matrix and diffusion particles, and particle size are selected to provide a high efficiency (minimized particle loading). The high efficiency diffusion coverings provides excellent light diffusion, high hiding properties and high light transmission. The secondary diffusion particles may optionally be added to further improve selected target properties of the covering. Nano-sized ZnO inorganic particles may also function as diffusion particles and optical brighteners as well UV stabilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical light diffusers for use with point light sources, such as LED lighting. The optical diffusers achieve an optimum balance of light transmission and hiding power. The optical light diffuser is a transparent plastic matrix, such as Plexiglas® resin from Arkema Inc., having organic particles dispersed within the matrix. The particles are crosslinked beads having specific particle sizes and loading. Different beads can be combined to provide added properties such as a textured surface, and to optimize hiding power and light transmission. The invention also relates to a luminous device containing at least one light-emitting diode and a cover made of the optical light diffuser. The invention further relates to a method for assessing hiding power.

Abstract: The invention relates to blend materials useful in LED lighting applications. The diffusing particle blend is a synergistic mixture of selected organic particles and selected inorganic particles of specific composition, loading, and a refractive index difference with the matrix polymer, that provide excellent light diffusion, high hiding properties and good light transmission. Articles made of this blend are useful in commercial and residential lighting, motor vehicle illumination (lights, panels), street lighting, displays and signs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a melt-in-place acrylic binder that is applied to a substrate in the form of a powder, followed by a fusing together of the binder powder by heat or radiation. Particulate filler is present either on the substrate, mixed with the binder powder, or admixed into the binder powder prior to fusion. The fused binder helps adhere the particulate fillers to the substrate, and may or may not cover the particulate filler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic module for capturing and using solar radiation having as a backsheet a composition containing polyvinylidene fluoride. The polyvinylidene fluoride backsheet layer is exposed to the environment and provides chemical resistance, low water vapor transmission, electrical insulation, and UV light protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acrylic sheet having a high Tg, and especially for the use of the high Tg acrylic sheet as a front sheet of a photovoltaic module. The high Tg acrylic polymer is a copolymer of polymethylmethacrylate and one or more higher Tg monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to blend materials useful in LED lighting applications. The diffusing particle blend is a synergistic mixture of selected organic particles and selected inorganic particles of specific composition, loading, and a refractive index difference with the matrix polymer, that provide excellent light diffusion, high hiding properties and good light transmission. Articles made of this blend are useful in commercial and residential lighting, motor vehicle illumination (lights, panels), street lighting, displays and signs.

Abstract: The invention relates to blend materials useful in LED lighting applications. The diffusing particle blend is a synergistic mixture of selected organic particles and selected inorganic particles of specific composition, loading, and a refractive index difference with the matrix polymer, that provide excellent light diffusion, high hiding properties and good light transmission. Articles made of this blend are useful in commercial and residential lighting, motor vehicle illumination (lights, panels), street lighting, displays and signs.

Abstract: The invention relates to blend materials useful in LED lighting applications. The diffusing particle blend is a synergistic mixture of selected organic particles and selected inorganic particles of specific composition, loading, and a refractive index difference with the matrix polymer, that provide excellent light diffusion, high hiding properties and good light transmission. Articles made of this blend are useful in commercial and residential lighting, motor vehicle illumination (lights, panels), street lighting, displays and signs.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical light diffusers for use with point light sources, such as LED lighting. The optical diffusers achieve an optimum balance of light transmission and hiding power. The optical light diffuser is a transparent plastic matrix, such as Plexiglas® resin from Arkema Inc., having organic particles dispersed within the matrix. The particles are crosslinked beads having specific particle sizes and loading. Different beads can be combined to provide added properties such as a textured surface, and to optimize hiding power and light transmission. The invention also relates to a luminous device containing at least one light-emitting diode and a cover made of the optical light diffuser. The invention further relates to a method for assessing hiding power.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a melt-in-place acrylic binder that is applied to a substrate in the form of a powder, followed by a fusing together of the binder powder by heat or radiation. Particulate filler is present either on the substrate, mixed with the binder powder, or admixed into the binder powder prior to fusion. The fused binder helps adhere the particulate fillers to the substrate, and may or may not cover the particulate filler.

Abstract: The invention relates to high Tg monolithic and multi-layer thermoformable film or sheet useful as a backsheet on a photovoltaic module (PV). A methacrylic-based material is preferred. The film or sheet is formed of a composition having a Tg greater than 110° C. The methacrylic composition may be a blend of a polymethyl methacrylate polymer and a miscible or semi-miscible high Tg polymer, or may be a copolymer containing primarily methyl methacrylate monomer units. The backsheet is optionally covered with a fluoropolymer or acrylic/fiuoropolymer covering on the outside (side facing the environment). The back-sheet can be clear, white, and/or pigmented. The film or sheet is especially useful in concentrating photovoltaic modules (CPV), and is also useful in thin film photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin, nano-structured coating that provides optical light efficiency enhancement. The dried coating contains nano-structures that provide a very low haze level of less than 2 percent, and a light transmission improvement of at least 1% over the non-coated substrate. For the nano-structured coating on an acrylic substrate the transmission is greater than 93 percent, and preferably greater than 94 percent. The coatings of the invention are especially useful for optical electronic displays and photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acrylic sheet having a high Tg, and especially for the use of the high Tg acrylic sheet as a front sheet of a photovoltaic module. The high Tg acrylic polymer is a copolymer of polymethylmethacrylate and one or more higher Tg monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a melt-in-place acrylic binder that is applied to a substrate in the form of a powder, followed by a fusing together of the binder powder by heat or radiation. Particulate filler is present either on the substrate, mixed with the binder powder, or admixed into the binder powder prior to fusion. The fused binder helps adhere the particulate fillers to the substrate, and may or may not cover the particulate filler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic module for capturing and using solar radiation having as a backsheet a composition containing polyvinylidene fluoride. The polyvinylidene fluoride backsheet layer is exposed to the environment and provides chemical resistance, low water vapor transmission, electrical insulation, and UV light protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic module for capturing and using solar radiation having as a transparent glazing a thermoplastic structural component covered by a thin polyvinylidene fluoride layer The polyvinylidene fluoride layer is exposed to the environment and provides a chemical resistant and dirt shedding surface. The structure may contain a tie layer between the polyvinylidene fluoride layer and the structural thermoplastic to aid in adhesion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an impact-modified acrylic blend with a low level of fluoropolymer to achieve impact resistance and solvent resistance in a capstock formulation. Preferably the acrylic blend contains a methyl methacrylate-based acrylic polymer and polyvinylidene fluoride.