Abstract: Optical films for redirecting light are described, and optical systems, such as display systems, incorporating such optical films are described.

Abstract: Light redirecting film is disclosed. The light redirecting film includes a first major surface that includes a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The light redirecting film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is in a range from about 4% to about 20% and an optical clarity that is in a range from about 20% to about 60%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.55.

Abstract: Methods of forming patterned coatings are disclosed. The methods include the steps of disposing a composition onto a substrate to form a liquid coating on the substrate and removing or providing energy through a first pattern of areas on the liquid coating to form a topographically patterned coating, the topographical pattern corresponding to the first pattern of areas.

Abstract: A light redirecting film (100) includes a first major surface (110) that includes first microstructures (150) that extend along a first direction and a second major surface (120), which may form part of a matte layer, the second major surface being opposite to the first major surface and including second microstructures (160). The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.75. The light redirecting film (100) may comprise particles. The second microstructures may have a slope distribution.

Abstract: The present invention concerns antiglare films having a microstructured surface.

Abstract: A die assembly includes a die housing having a multiplicity of inner wall sections defining a die cavity, an inlet passageway passing through the die housing in fluid communication with the die cavity, and an outlet passageway passing through the die housing in fluid communication with the die cavity at a position distal from the inlet passageway. The die assembly also includes an insert removably received in the die cavity. The insert includes a body portion having a multiplicity of outer wall sections, and at least one flow channel is formed between at least one inner wall section of the die housing and each opposite outer wall section of the body portion of the insert; fluid communicates between the external supply and each of the flow channels and the outlet passageway. Also provided is a die insert and a method of purging gas from a die having an insert.

Abstract: Methods of making an optical body include coating a mixture including a first cholesteric liquid crystal polymer, a second cholesteric liquid crystal monomer, a second cholesteric liquid crystal polymer formed from a portion of the second cholesteric liquid crystal monomer, and a solvent on a substrate. The first cholesteric liquid crystal polymer is different than the second cholesteric liquid crystal polymer. Then, forming from the mixture an optical body including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer disposed between the first and second layer. The first layer includes a majority of the first cholesteric liquid crystal polymer. The second layer includes a majority of a second cholesteric liquid crystal monomer. The third layer includes the second cholesteric liquid crystal polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of reducing visible defects in curable coating compositions. In one embodiment, the method includes coating a curable composition onto a substrate, removing solvent from the curable composition, and heating the dried curable composition to a temperature at which the curable coating exhibits leveling flow. In another embodiment, the curable composition is coated onto a substrate, and then is heated to a temperature at which the curable coating exhibits leveling flow.

Abstract: Methods of forming patterned coatings are disclosed. The methods include the steps of disposing a composition onto a substrate to form a liquid coating on the substrate and removing or providing energy through a first pattern of areas on the liquid coating to form a topographically patterned coating, the topographical pattern corresponding to the first pattern of areas.

Abstract: Methods of forming patterned coatings are disclosed. The methods include the steps of disposing a composition onto a substrate to form a liquid coating on the substrate and providing or removing energy through a first pattern of areas on the coated film to form a morphologically patterned coating, the morphological pattern corresponding to the first pattern of areas.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a die assembly. The die assembly includes a die housing having a plurality of inner wall sections defining a die cavity, an inlet passageway passing through the die housing in fluid communication with the die cavity, and an outlet passageway passing through the die housing in fluid communication with the die cavity at a position distal from the inlet passageway. The die assembly also includes an insert removably received in the die cavity. The insert includes a body portion having a plurality of outer wall sections, and at least one flow channel is formed between at least one inner wall section of the die housing and each opposite outer wall section of the body portion of the insert. The die assembly includes a means for providing fluid communication between the external supply of fluent material and each of the at least one flow channel and the outlet passageway.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal composition includes a) a cholesteric liquid crystal compound or a cholesteric liquid crystal precursor; and b) a compound of formula (I), formula (II) or formula (III): where, n is 1, 2, 3, or 4; m is 1, 2, or 3; R is an acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, isocyanate, epoxy, or silane; R1 is a (C3–C8) alkylene, (C3–C8) alkenylene, or (C3–C8) alkylyne; R2 is a bond, —O—, —C(O)O—, —O(O)C—, —OC(O)O—, —C(O)N—, —CH?N—, —N?CH—, or —NC(O)—; R3 is a cycloalkylene, cycloalkenylene, heterocyclylene, arylene, or hetroarylene; R4 is a bond, (C1–C8) alkylene, (C2–C8) alkenylene, (C2–C8) alkylyne, carbonyl, —O—, —C(O)O—, —O(O)C—, —OC(O)O—, —C(O)N—, —CH?N—, —N?CH—, or —NC(O)—; R5 is a bond, cycloalkylene, cycloalkenylene, hetrocyclylene, arylene, or hetroarylene; R6 is hydrogen, cyano, halo, (C1–C8) alkoxy, (C1–C8) alkyl, nitro, amino, carboxy, mercapto, (C1–C4)thioalkyl, COCH3, CF3, OCF3, or SCF3; R7 is a (C1–C2) alkylene, (C2) alkenylene, or (C2) alkylyne; R8 is is hydrogen, halo, (C1–C8)

Abstract: The method of making an optical body includes coating a mixture that includes a plurality of cholesteric liquid crystal compositions, and a solvent on a substrate. Each cholesteric liquid crystal composition is different. A plurality of layers is formed on the substrate. Each layer includes a majority of one of the cholesteric liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of forming a cholesteric liquid crystal layer that include forming a cholesteric liquid crystal composition, depositing the cholesteric liquid crystal composition onto a substrate, and initially drying the cholesteric liquid crystal composition at a temperature at or below about 90° C. so that the cholesteric liquid crystal composition has at least 80% solids remaining. The invention also provides methods of forming a cholesteric liquid crystal layer that include forming a cholesteric liquid crystal composition, depositing the cholesteric liquid crystal composition onto a substrate, and initially drying the cholesteric liquid crystal composition at a temperature at or below about 90° C., wherein the drying is accomplished using a technique that provides little or no airflow. The invention further provides a cholesteric liquid crystal composition that includes at least one cholesteric liquid crystal precursor and 1,3-dioxolane.

Abstract: The method of making an optical body includes coating a mixture that includes a plurality of cholesteric liquid crystal compositions, and a solvent on a substrate. Each cholesteric liquid crystal composition is different. A plurality of layers is formed on the substrate. Each layer includes a majority of one of the cholesteric liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of forming a cholesteric liquid crystal layer that include forming a cholesteric liquid crystal composition, depositing the cholesteric liquid crystal composition onto a substrate, and initially drying the cholesteric liquid crystal composition at a temperature at or below about 90° C. so that the cholesteric liquid crystal composition has at least 80% solids remaining. The invention also provides methods of forming a cholesteric liquid crystal layer that include forming a cholesteric liquid crystal composition, depositing the cholesteric liquid crystal composition onto a substrate, and initially drying the cholesteric liquid crystal composition at a temperature at or below about 90° C., wherein the drying is accomplished using a technique that provides little or no airflow. The invention further provides a cholesteric liquid crystal composition that includes at least one cholesteric liquid crystal precursor and 1,3-dioxolane.

Abstract: Conformable multilayer films having alternating layers of a stiff polymeric material and a flexible polymeric material are described.

Abstract: Tape backing compositions of the present invention comprise a blend of a first relatively flexible and second relative inflexible polymer, the two polymers having a melting temperature of at least about 93° C. (200° F.). Tape backing compositions of the present invention are especially useful for making flexible films and tapes. Such films and tapes advantageously possess properties particularly useful for applications involving elevated temperatures, such as auto paint masking tape applications, where the flexible film is used as a backing. In one embodiment, the backing is chloride-free. In another embodiment, the backing is essentially free of plasticizers.

Abstract: Tape backing compositions of the present invention comprise a blend of a first and second polymer, the two polymers having a melting temperature of at least about 93° C. (200° F.). Tape backing compositions of the present invention are especially useful for making flexible films and tapes. Such films and tapes advantageously possess properties particularly useful for applications involving elevated temperatures, such as auto paint masking tape applications, where the flexible film is used as a backing. In one embodiment, the backing is chloride-free. In another embodiment, the backing is essentially free of plasticizers.

Abstract: Conformable multilayer films having alternating layers of a stiff polymeric material and a flexible polymeric material are described.