Abstract: Adhesive tapes, articles containing the adhesive tapes, methods of making the adhesive tapes, and uses of the adhesive tapes are described. The adhesive tape is stretch releasable and can be used to couple two substrates together. The adhesive tape can be removed easily to separate the two substrates for any reason. The adhesive tape includes a backing layer and at least one pressure sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to the backing layer. The backing layer contains a poly(alkylene) copolymer. Each pressure sensitive adhesive layer contains an acrylic copolymer that is crosslinked plus inorganic particles that are dispersed or suspended in the acrylic copolymer.

Abstract: An electromechanical article that includes a composite material (110) including a polymer and at least one expanded microsphere having an outer shell of a shell material and a gas contained within the outer shell, wherein the polymer at least partially encapsulates the microsphere and wherein the polymer, shell material and gas all have different dielectric constants. Devices including such articles and methods of making the articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adhesive tapes, articles containing the adhesive tapes, methods of making the adhesive tapes, and uses of the adhesive tapes are described. The adhesive tape is stretch releasable and can be used to couple two substrates together. The adhesive tape can be removed easily to separate the two substrates for any reason. The adhesive tape includes a backing layer and at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to the backing layer. The backing layer contains a first acrylic copolymer. Each pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains a second acrylic copolymer plus inorganic particles that are dispersed or suspended in the second acrylic copolymer.

Abstract: An electroactive polymer device is described that includes at least one layer of a dielectric polymer that is a polymerized product of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing monomer. Also disclosed is a transducer that includes the electroactive polymer as disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.

Abstract: An adhesive tape that is stretch releasable, articles that contain the adhesive tape, and uses of the adhesive tape are disclosed. The adhesive tapes include a backing layer that is adjacent to at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The backing layer typically is optically clear and includes a poly(alkylene)copolymer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is a silicone-based adhesive composition. In many embodiments, the adhesive tape is optically clear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The optical device may have a “front lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and retroreflected by the film toward a viewer. The optical device may have a “back lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and transmitted through the film toward a viewer. The retroreflective film may comprise beaded retroreflective sheeting such as that used in traffic signs and markings.

Abstract: A stretch releasable adhesive article includes first and second opposed major surfaces and a pull tab, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second major surfaces is adhesive. The adhesive article has a cross-sectional area—as measured normal to the axis defined by a stretch release force applied to the pull tab during the stretch release process—that has a defined width to thickness ratio, and the adhesive article may have a visible light transmission of at least about 90%, and a haze of no greater than 5%.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesives can be formed using gamma irradiation. One embodiment is a pressure sensitive adhesive which is a polymeric reaction product formed by gamma ray irradiation of an emulsion composition. The emulsion composition includes water; (meth)acrylate monomer material; polar, free-radically polymerizable material that is copolymerizable with the (meth)acrylate monomer material; and at least one emulsifier.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesives can be formed using gamma irradiation. One embodiment is a pressure sensitive adhesive which is a polymeric reaction product formed by gamma ray irradiation of an emulsion composition. The emulsion composition includes water; (meth)acrylate monomer material; polar, free-radically polymerizable material that is copolymerizable with the (meth)acrylate monomer material; and at least one emulsifier.

Abstract: A method for polymerizing a free-radical initiated adhesive syrup of an C8-13 alkyl acrylate monomer, optionally including one or more comonomers, by irradiating the adhesive syrup with about 20 to 100 kGy of accelerated electrons over a residence time of greater than 1 second at a temperature below 20° C. The method produces a pressure-sensitive adhesive with balanced peel adhesion, shear strength and conversion.

Abstract: A one-step process using electron beam radiation to polymerize pressure sensitive adhesives on web from acrylate emulsions is disclosed. The radiation may be supplied in a single or multiple dose. Products using such pressure sensitive adhesives are also disclosed.