Abstract: A conformable polymeric composition containing a polymeric material melt-blending from a composition containing (a) from about 50 to about 80 wt. % of at least one polyester thermoplastic polymer which is amorphous or becomes amorphous when melted, and (b) from about 20 to about 50 wt. % of at least one elastomeric polymer which has a flexural modulus of less than 700 MPa and a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., based on the combined weight of (a) and (b), wherein the composition is characterized by: a dead fold angle equal to or less than about 20°.

Abstract: A polymeric material can be deposited or coated on a surface of a hollow microsphere to produce a sacrificial microsphere. Sacrificial microspheres can provide a cost-effective way to produce lightweight plastics and composites.

Abstract: A non-metallic tie, for example a twist-tie or a tin-tie, comprises a polymeric material melt-blending from a composition containing (a) from about 50 to about 80 wt % of at least one matrix-forming thermoplastic polymer which is amorphous or becomes amorphous when melted, and (b) from about 20 to about 50 wt % of at least one elastomeric polymer which has a flexural modulus of less than 700 MPa and a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., based on the combined weight of (a) and (b).

Abstract: Methods of modifying polymeric compositions include exposing a polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer composition to UV radiation at or below the B spectral range to effect de-polymerization of at least a portion of the polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer. The polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer composition may include additional components and the modified polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer compositions can be included into articles.

Abstract: A polymeric material can be deposited or coated on a surface of a hollow microsphere to produce a sacrificial microsphere. Sacrificial microspheres can provide a cost-effective way to produce lightweight plastics and composites.

Abstract: A conformable polymeric composition containing a polymeric material melt-blending from a composition containing (a) from about 50 to about 80 wt. % of at least one polyester thermoplastic polymer which is amorphous or becomes amorphous when melted, and (b) from about 20 to about 50 wt. % of at least one elastomeric polymer which has a flexural modulus of less than 700 MPa and a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., based on the combined weight of (a) and (b), wherein the composition is characterized by: a dead fold angle equal to or less than about 20°.

Abstract: A non-metallic tie, for example a twist-tie or a tin-tie, comprises a polymeric material melt-blending from a composition containing (a) from about 50 to about 80 wt % of at least one matrix-forming thermoplastic polymer which is amorphous or becomes amorphous when melted, and (b) from about 20 to about 50 wt % of at least one elastomeric polymer which has a flexural modulus of less than 700 MPa and a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., based on the combined weight of (a) and (b).

Abstract: Methods of modifying polymeric compositions include exposing a polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer composition to UV radiation at or below the B spectral range to effect de-polymerization of at least a portion of the polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer. The polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer composition may include additional components and the modified polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer compositions can be included into articles.

Abstract: Free radically polymerizable synthons for preparing siloxane polyoxamide copolymers are prepared by reacting amine-terminated siloxane polyoxamide compounds with an isocyanate-functional (meth)acrylate, an isocyanate-functional vinyl-substituted aromatic compound, or a vinyl azlactone. These free radically polymerizable synthons can be used to prepare polymer compositions by combining the free radically polymerizable synthons with an initiator and initiating polymerization.

Abstract: Free radically polymerizable synthons for preparing siloxane polyoxamide copolymers are prepared by reacting amine-terminated siloxane polyoxamide compounds with an isocyanate-functional (meth)acrylate, an isocyanate-functional vinyl-substituted aromatic compound, or a vinyl azlactone. These free radically polymerizable synthons can be used to prepare polymer compositions by combining the free radically polymerizable synthons with an initiator and initiating polymerization.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an illumination device comprising a recycling cavity defined by recycling surfaces and a light emission surface; a light source within the cavity. A spectrum modifying layer is on a portion of the recycling surface, the spectrum modifying layer producing a spectral response different from the spectral response of the recycling surface. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer shifts the spectral properties of the light being emitted from the light emission area from the spectral properties of the light source. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer selectively absorbs a portion of light along the light source spectrum.

Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an illumination device comprising a recycling cavity defined by recycling surfaces and a light emission surface; a light source within the cavity. A spectrum modifying layer is on a portion of the recycling surface, the spectrum modifying layer producing a spectral response different from the spectral response of the recycling surface. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer shifts the spectral properties of the light being emitted from the light emission area from the spectral properties of the light source. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer selectively absorbs a portion of light along the light source spectrum. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer re-emits light at a wavelength longer than the wavelength it absorbed.

Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.

Abstract: A solid state area light and spotlight having a solid state light source such as LEDs, tapered light guides, and external thermal guides. The area light includes a flared light guide, and the spotlight includes a light guide with a closed end. The light guides are coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source with the distribution being based in part upon the shape and taper of the light guides. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.

Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.

Abstract: A solid state light having a solid state light source such as LEDs, a light guide having an enclosed interior volume such as a bulb shape without vents, and a thermal guide. The light guide is coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source. The thermal guide is at least partially contained within the interior volume with an air gap between a portion of the thermal guide and the light guide. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.

Abstract: A solid state area light and spotlight having a solid state light source such as LEDs, tapered light guides, and external thermal guides. The area light includes a flared light guide, and the spotlight includes a light guide with a closed end. The light guides are coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source with the distribution being based in part upon the shape and taper of the light guides. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.

Abstract: A solid state light having a solid state light source such as LEDs, a light guide having an enclosed interior volume such as a bulb shape without vents, and a thermal guide. The light guide is coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source. The thermal guide is at least partially contained within the interior volume with an air gap between a portion of the thermal guide and the light guide. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.

Abstract: A solid state light having a shell forming an interior volume and with surface texture for redirecting light. A light section is coupled to the shell, and a light source board in the light section includes at least one solid state light source such as an LED. The shell, light section, and light source board have apertures for providing an air cooling channel through the light. The solid state light source transmits light into the interior volume, and the light exits from the shell and is redirected by the surface texture, providing for various light distribution curves of the light.