Abstract: An emulsifier for use in forming a film for a suspended particle device (SPD) wherein the film is comprised of a cross-linked matrix polymer having a plurality of droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed therein. The emulsifier is formed of a copolymer material comprising at least first and second segments, the segments differing from one another in at least one of their chemical affinities, their compositions and their polarities. A first one of the segments is soluble in an uncured liquid matrix polymer used in forming the film, but insoluble in a liquid suspension medium of which the droplets are dispersed. A second segment is soluble in the liquid suspending medium in the droplets and insoluble in the uncured liquid matrix polymer. The first and second segments have substantially the same index of refraction and the index of refraction of the segments is within 0.010 of that of each phase of an emulsion formed with the emulsifier.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for laminating a suspended particle device (SPD) film which comprises forming a suspended particle device film; positioning the suspended particle device film within an unlaminated stack of components for forming a laminated suspended particle device film, wherein the stack comprises at least one hot melt adhesive sheet or film contacting an outer surface of the suspended particle device film; subjecting the unlaminated stack to at least a partial vacuum, preheating the unlaminated stack of components under the vacuum for a time and at a temperature selected to permit at least partial degassing of the stack and applying a sufficient net pressure to the stack at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to produce a laminated suspended particle device film from the unlaminated stack.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device light valve, comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium, distributed within an optionally crosslinked matrix polymer. The suspending medium is substantially immiscible with the matrix polymer, has a boiling point greater than about 100° C., has an electrical resistivity of at least about 0.8×106 ohms per square, and has an in endex of refraction at 25° C. which differs from that of the matrix polymer by no more than about 0.002.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device (SPD) light valve. The film comprises a siloxane matrix polymer which has a refractive index>1.4630 and has droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed within the matrix. The liquid light valve suspension preferably comprises a polyalkyl (meth)acrylate and/or fluorinated (meth)acrylate suspending polymer and optionally may comprise one or more non-polymeric liquids.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device (SPD) light valve. The film comprises a siloxane matrix polymer which has a refractive index>1.4630 and has droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed within the matrix. The liquid light valve suspension preferably comprises a polyalkyl (meth)acrylate and/or fluorinated (meth)acrylate suspending polymer and optionally may comprise one or more non-polymeric liquids.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device light valve. The film comprises a matrix polymer and has droplets of a liquid light valve suspension comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium distributed within the matrix. The suspending medium (a) is substantially immiscible with the matrix polymer, (b) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure greater than about 100° C., (c) has an electrical resistivity of at least about 0.8×106 ohms per square, and (d) has an index of refraction at 25° C. which differs from that of the matrix polymer, measured at substantially the same temperature, by no more than about 0.002.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as the light-modulating unit of an SPD light valve, the film comprising a cross-linked polymer matrix and having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix, the liquid light valve suspension comprising particles suspended in a liquid suspending medium, wherein the matrix and the droplets each have a refractive index within a range of from about 1.455 to 1.463 and wherein the refractive index of the droplet and the matrix components of the film are preferably matched as closely as possible within RI 0.005 of each other.

Abstract: Unsaturated or polyunsaturated, conjugated or nonconjugated hydrocarbons are reacted with an oxidizing agent including hydroperoxides and monopersulfate compounds in the presence of phase-transfer catalysts. Suitable hydrocarbons include ricinic compounds such as castor oil and dehydrated castor oil. The phase-transfer catalysts include novel tungsten peroxo complexes, such as quaternary ammonium tetrakis (diperoxotungsto) phosphates, and crown ethers. Other additives utilized include pH buffers and alkaline compounds including alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates, and solvents.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as the light-modulating unit of a light valve, is disclosed. The film comprises a cross-linked polymer matrix having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix. The polymer matrix, prior to cross-linking, comprises a polymer having a Brookfield viscosity of at least 2000 CPs.

Abstract: Unsaturated or polyunsaturated, conjugated or nonconjugated hydrocarbons are reacted with an oxidizing agent including hydroperoxides and monopersulfate compounds in the presence of phase-transfer catalysts. Suitable hydrocarbons include ricinic compounds such as castor oil and dehydrated castor oil. The phase-transfer catalysts include novel tungsten peroxo complexes, such as quaternary ammonium tetrakis (diperoxotungsto) phosphates, and crown ethers. Other additives opionally utilized include pH buffers, alkaline compounds, and solvents.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of tris(4-hydroxyphenyl) compounds is provided. In particular, an improved method for preparing 1, 1, 1-tris(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethane is provided which comprises heating a mixture comprising phenol and 4-hydroxy acetophenone in the presence of effective amounts of an ion exchange catalyst and a mercaptan as a copromoter such that the resulting 1, 1, 1-tris(4'-hydroxyphenyl)ethane is substantially free of various reaction impurities.