Abstract: Solar energy device (100) comprising at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector (101) having an absorption bandwidth in the infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum; a visible light-transmitting reflector (103); and at least one of a graphic film or lighted display (105). The graphic film or a lighted display present is visible through the visible light-transmitting reflector. The solar energy devices can be used, for example, as a sign (e.g., an advertising sign or a traffic sign), on the side and/or roof, as well as in a window, of a building.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixture of a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide-containing material and an organic polymer.

Abstract: An article including a transparent substrate having an anti-reflective, structured surface and a sintered coating including a porous network of silica nanoparticles thereon, wherein the silica nanoparticles are bonded to adjacent silica nanoparticles, wherein the structured substrate further includes a backing face, and a moisture barrier layer bonded to the backing face of the structured substrate.

Abstract: Methods of protecting a substrate from light-induced degradation are described. The methods comprise providing a substrate and disposing onto the substrate a plurality of layers deposited by layer-by-layer self-assembly. At least a portion of the layers comprise an organic light absorbing compound, an organic light stabilizing compound, or a combination thereof dispersed within a polyelectrolyte. Also described are articles comprising a substrate and a plurality of layers deposited by layer-by-layer self-assembly wherein at least a portion of the layers comprise an organic light absorbing compound, an organic light stabilizing compound, or a combination thereof dispersed within a polyelectrolyte. Random copolymers suitable for use in the method and articles are also described.

Abstract: Articles including bi-layers of anionic and cationic self-limited monolayers are described. One monolayer comprises titanium dioxide and the other layer comprises a fluorinated polyelectrolyte. The use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and perfluorinated polymers such as perfluorosulfonic acid polymer are described. Layer-by-layer, self-assembled layers and processes of producing such layers are also described.

Abstract: A thermoplastic copolymer that includes a first divalent unit having a pendent ultraviolet absorbing group and a second divalent unit that is fluorinated. A fluoropolymer composition including the thermoplastic copolymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition that includes a blend of a fluoropolymer and an ultraviolet light-absorbing oligomer. The oligomer has a first divalent unit having a pendent ultraviolet absorbing group and at least one of a second divalent unit that is non-fluorinated or a third divalent unit that is fluorinated. The pendent ultraviolet absorbing group can include a triazine group. The composition can be an extruded film. A method of making such an extruded film is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making a multilayer optical film are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a multilayer optical film and disposing onto the multilayer optical film a plurality of layers deposited by layer-by-layer self-assembly of nanoparticles, polymers, and combinations thereof. The multilayer optical film typically comprises a plurality of alternating polymeric layers of a low refractive index layer and a high refractive index layer that reflects at least one bandwidth of electromagnetic radiation ranging from ultraviolet to near infrared. Multilayer optical film articles are described comprising a plurality of layers disposed onto the multilayer optical film, wherein the plurality of layers comprises layer-by-layer self-assembled nanoparticles, polymers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixture of a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide-containing material and an organic polymer.

Abstract: A method of making an optical film includes providing a film, substantially uniaxially orienting the film, and heat setting the oriented film. The film includes a polymeric material capable of developing birefringence.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to anti-soiling compositions, methods of applying anti-soiling compositions, and equipment for applying anti-soiling compositions. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of forming a durable coating on a glass substrate, comprising: (1) applying a coating composition to a glass substrate, the applied coating composition having a thickness of greater than 4 microns; the coating composition consisting essentially of about 0.25% to about 10% by weight of non-oxidizing nanoparticles, an acid, and water; (2) allowing the coating composition to remain on the glass substrate for at least an amount of time sufficient to permit at least some of the nanoparticles to bond to the glass substrate; (3) reducing the thickness of the coating composition to about 0.25 to 4 microns, and (4) evaporating at least some of the water to form the durable coating.

Abstract: Assemblies comprising multi-layer optical film comprising optical layers reflecting incident UV and blue light over specified wavelength ranges. Embodiments of the multi-layer optical films are useful, for example, as a UV protective covering. An exemplary UV stable assembly comprises a multi-layer optical film comprising at least a first plurality of first and second optical layers reflecting at least 50 percent of incident UV light over at least a 30 nanometer wavelength range in a wavelength range from at least 300 nanometers to 400 nanometers, and a second plurality of first and second optical layers reflecting at least 50 percent of incident light over at least 30 nanometer wavelength in a wavelength range from at least 430 nanometers to 500 nanometers.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.

Abstract: A reflective film or article including a substrate, a smoothing layer adjoining and extending across at least a portion of the first major surface of the substrate, a tie layer having a first major surface adjoining and extending across at least a portion of the second major surface of the substrate, and a metallic layer adjoining and extending across at least a portion of the second major surface of the tie layer. The smoothing layer includes poly(methyl methacrylate) and a first block copolymer having at least two endblock polymeric units and at least one midblock polymeric unit derived from first and second monoethylenically unsaturated monomers selected from a methacrylate, acrylate, vinyl ester, or combination thereof, respectively, each endblock having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 50° C., and each endblock having a Tg no greater than 20° C.

Abstract: A film including poly(vinylidene fluoride) and a block copolymer with at least two endblock polymeric units that are each derived from a first monoethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from a methacrylate, acrylate, styrene, or combination thereof; and at least one midblock polymeric unit is derived from a second monoethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from a methacrylate, acrylate, vinyl ester, or combination thereof, each endblock having a glass transition temperature of at least 50° C., and each midblock having a glass transition temperature no greater than 20° C. The film may further include poly(methyl methacrylate). The film may be a multilayer film with a first outer layer and a second outer layer opposite the first outer layer. The multilayer film may include a multiplicity of interior layers between the first and second outer layers, or the first outer layer may be adjacent to the second outer layer. Articles and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A front and back reflector are arranged to form a hollow light recycling cavity having an output region, and one or more light sources (e.g. LEDs) are disposed to emit light into the cavity. In one aspect, the back reflector has a design characterized by a first and second parameter. The first design parameter is a ratio of the collective emitting area of the light sources Aemit to the area of the output region Aout, and Aemit/Aout is preferably from 0.0001 to 0.1. The second design parameter is SEP/H, where H is the depth of the recycling cavity, and SEP is an average plan view source separation associated with the light sources. Other aspects of the disclosed extended area light sources are also described.

Abstract: Multi-layered solar cell devices covered with partially transmissive graphic films. The multi-layered solar cell devices include at least one solar cell, a graphics layer over the solar cell, and a reflective layer. The reflective layer can be behind the solar cell for recycling light or between the partially transmissive graphic film and the solar cell for improved appearance. The multi-layered solar cell devices have a high efficiency and a customizable appearance.

Abstract: A backlight that includes a front reflector and a back reflector that form a hollow light recycling cavity including an output surface is disclosed. The backlight further includes one or more light sources disposed to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The front reflector includes an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 90% for visible light polarized in a first plane, and an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 25% but less than 90% for visible light polarized in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A backlight that includes a front reflector and a back reflector that form a hollow light recycling cavity including an output surface is disclosed. The backlight further includes one or more light sources disposed to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The front reflector includes an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 90% for visible light polarized in a first plane, and an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 25% but less than 90% for visible light polarized in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: An architectural article that includes a photovoltaic cell and a visible light-transmitting reflector positioned to reflect light onto the photovoltaic cell is disclosed. The visible light-transmitting reflector includes a multilayer optical film having an optical stack with a plurality of alternating first and second optical layers having different indices of refraction. The multilayer optical film reflects at least a portion of light in a range of wavelengths that corresponds with the absorption bandwidth of the photovoltaic cell.