Abstract: A coating composition is provided comprising a) an aqueous dispersion, having a pH of less than 7.5, of silica nanoparticles having average particle diameters of 40 nanometers or less, b) an alkoxysilane oligomer; c) a silane coupling agent, and d) optionally a metal ?-diketone complexing agent. The compositions may be used to prepare coated articles wherein the coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides hydrophilic and/or antireflection surface properties to the substrate.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising (a) an aromatic material selected from (i) an aromatic compound, (ii) an aromatic resin, (iii) a heteroaromatic compound, and (iv) a heteroaromatic resin, wherein the aromatic material has (1) at least one non-hindered amine group bonded to an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, (2) a heteroaromatic ring and has a nitrogen atom in the heteroaromatic ring, or (3) a combination thereof; (b) an inorganic base; (c) a fluoroplastic; and (d) optionally a phase transfer catalyst. Also provided are reaction products of the described compositions, multi-layer articles comprising the compositions and reaction products, and methods for making the compositions, reaction products, and articles.

Abstract: A coated article having a substrate coated with a layer of acicular silica particles is provided. The coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides antireflection and or hydrophilic surface properties to the substrate.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a) a fluoroplastic; b) an aromatic material having exactly one hydroxyl group, wherein the aromatic material is free of thiol groups, and wherein the hydroxyl group is bonded to an aromatic carbon; c) a salt former compound capable of forming a salt with the aromatic material; and d) optionally a phase transfer catalyst. Also provided are reaction products of the described compositions, multi-layer articles comprising the compositions and reaction products, and methods for making the compositions, reaction products, and articles.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer coating composition contains a homogeneous mixture of crystalline submicron fluoropolymer particles dispersed in a solvent-borne solution of less crystalline or amorphous fluororesin. The composition may be prepared by blending a latex containing crystalline submicron fluoropolymer particles with a latex containing less crystalline or amorphous fluororesin particles, coagulating and drying the blended latices, and dissolving the dried blend in a solvent for the fluororesin particles. Quasi-homogenous compositions may be prepared by blending dry crystalline submicron fluoropolymer particles with a) dry less crystalline or amorphous fluororesin particles and a solvent for the fluororesin particles, or b) a solvent-borne solution of less crystalline or amorphous fluororesin. Rubbing the disclosed coatings can provide a thin, continuous or nearly continuous fluoropolymer surface layer atop a less crystalline or amorphous fluororesin binder containing crystalline submicron fluoropolymer particles.

Abstract: A method of reducing fluorescent self-quenching comprising attaching fluorescent molecules to nanoparticles so as to thereby reduce the self-quenching of the fluorescent molecules, the resulting fluorescent nanoparticles, and solutions that comprise such fluorescent nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided are fluoropolymer blends comprising a fluoropolymer having a major amount of fluorothermoplastic, a bubble suppressing metal compound, a base and a phase transfer catalyst. Also provided are layered articles comprising a first layer having the described fluoropolymer blend and methods for making the layered articles.

Abstract: Antireflective films and low refractive index compositions are described. The low refractive index layer comprises the reaction product of a composition comprising at least one free-radically polymerizable material having a high fluorine content, and at least one free-radically polymerizable fluoropolyether urethane material.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising a first layer comprising a first substantially solid partially-fluorinated thermoplastic polymer, and a second layer comprising a second substantially solid partially-fluorinated thermoplastic polymer, the second layer bonded to the first layer, wherein the first polymer and the second polymer have different compositions. The invention also provides layered articles and processes for preparing layered articles.

Abstract: An adhesive article comprising a fluorothermoplastic film having a major surface; and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adhered to at least a portion of the first major surface, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive comprises a silicone polyurea block copolymer and an MQ tackifying resin. Composite articles preparable from the adhesive articles, and methods of making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid cleaner for heated surfaces is disclosed. The solid cleaner includes a solidifying agent including wax, and a cleaning agent. The solid cleaner is solid at room temperature and liquid at an elevated temperature. Methods of cleaning a heated surface and cleaning articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked polymer is provided as well as the polymer so made, the method comprising the steps of: providing a highly fluorinated fluoropolymer, typically a perfluorinated fluoropolymer, comprising pendent groups which include a group according to the formula —SO2X, where X is F, Cl, Br, OH, or —O?M+, where M+ is a monovalent cation, and exposing said fluoropolymer to electron beam radiation so as to result in the formation of crosslinks. Typically, the method according to the present invention additionally comprises the step of: forming said fluoropolymer into a membrane, typically having a thickness of 90 microns or less, more typically 60 microns or less, and most typically 30 microns or less.

Abstract: Polymer bonding compositions having greater than about 1 milliequivalent primary amine/100 grams of the polymer, more preferably greater than about 3 milliequivalent non-tertiary amine/100 grams of the polymer. Preferably the polymer is not significantly crosslinked. These bonding compositions may be especially useful for bonding fluoropolymers. Processes for making the novel polymers and the resulting multilayer bonded articles are described. The polymers include polymer-bonded ZNHLSi(OP)a(X)3?a?b(Y)b units. The bonding composition may be used for making multi-layer polymer laminates such as tubes and films and containers.

Abstract: Highly water repellent coated articles may be made by applying to a substrate a coating having dispersed therein or sprinkled thereon partially or fully fluorinated polymer microparticles. The coating includes a partially fluorinated hexafluoropropylene copolymer binder in a nonfluorinated solvent that dissolves the binder and does not dissolve the microparticles. The coating is heated sufficiently to bond the microparticles to the binder but not so much as to cause the receding water contact angle for the coating to fall below 80°.

Abstract: A low refractive index composition that forms a low refractive index layer on an optical display is formed having a co-crosslinked interpenetrating polymer network of a fluoropolymer phase and an acrylate phase. The fluoropolymer phase is preferably formed from fluoropolymers based on THV or FKM and having either a degree of unsaturation and/or containing a reactive cure site monomer in its polymer backbone. The acrylate phase includes a multifunctional acrylate crosslinker, and more preferably includes a perfluoropolyether acrylate crosslinker. The formed low refractive index layer has improved interfacial adhesion to other layers or substrates contained in the optical display. Further, the mechanical strength and scratch resistance of the either of above low refractive index compositions can be further enhanced through the incorporation of surface functionalized inorganic particle into the formed layer.

Abstract: Perfluoropolyether benzotriazole compounds and compositions containing perfluoropolyether benzotriazole compounds are provided. The perfluoropolyether benzotriazole compounds can be attached to a substrate having a metal or metal oxide-containing surface to provide at least one of the following characteristics: anti-soiling, anti-staining, ease of cleaning, repellency, hydrophobicity, or oleophobicity.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a crosslinked polymer electrolyte, typically in the form of a membrane for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane in an electrolytic cell such as a fuel cell, by trimerization of nitrile groups contained on groups pendant from the polymer. The resulting polymer electrolyte membrane comprises a highly fluorinated polymer comprising: a perfluorinated backbone, first pendent groups which comprise sulfonic acid groups, and crosslinks comprising trivalent groups according to the formula: The first pendent groups are typically according to the formula: —R1—SO3H, where R1 is a branched or unbranched perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroether group comprising 1-15 carbon atoms and 0-4 oxygen atoms, most typically —O—CF2—CF2—CF2—CF2—SO3H or —O—CF2—CF(CF3)—O—CF2—CF2—SO3H.

Abstract: A low refractive index composition that forms a low refractive index layer on an optical display is formed having a co-crosslinked interpenetrating polymer network of a fluoropolymer phase and an acrylate phase. The fluoropolymer phase is preferably formed from fluoropolymers based on THV or FKM and having either a degree of unsaturation and/or containing a reactive cure site monomer in its polymer backbone. The acrylate phase includes a multifunctional acrylate crosslinker, and more preferably includes a perfluoropolyether acrylate crosslinker. The formed low refractive index layer has improved interfacial adhesion to other layers or substrates contained in the optical display. Further, the mechanical strength and scratch resistance of the either of above low refractive index compositions can be further enhanced through the incorporation of surface functionalized inorganic particle into the formed layer.

Abstract: An economic, optically transmissive, stain and ink repellent, durable low refractive index fluoropolymer composition for use in an antireflection film or coupled to an optical display. In one aspect of the invention, the composition is formed from the reaction product of a fluoropolymer and a fluoroalkyl containing multi-olefinic crosslinker. In another aspect of the invention, the composition further includes surface modified inorganic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Fluoroacrylate additives and hardcoat compositions including the same. The hardcoats can be particularly useful as a hardcoat layer on protective films or optical displays. Methods of forming the hardcoat layer from the hardcoat composition.