Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising a nonmicellar twisted nematic liquid crystal having cholesteric near infrared-reflecting properties and at least one near infrared absorptive material. This composition reduces the transmission of near infrared radiation. The composition can be used as a layer, optionally in conjunction with polymeric films, polymeric sheets, rigid sheets, and the like, to form multilayer laminates. In some embodiments these multilayer laminates are useful as solar control windows or window films to reduce energy consumption necessary to cool the interior of a structure such as an automobile or building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of microwave heating, in particular to the use of so-called microwave susceptors for providing localized thermal heating for the purpose of heating an object, such as the browning or crisping a food item. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a technology for providing heating while avoiding overheating. The present invention provides a microwave susceptor comprising a substrate, a microwave-interactive component, and a plurality of expandable semicrystalline thermoplastic polymeric microspheres in thermally conductive contact with the microwave-interactive component. In a preferred embodiment, the expandable microspheres are disposed in such manner that upon reaching a pre-determined temperature the heating rate of the composite microwave susceptor is reduced.