Abstract: A process for preparing a polarizer is described whereby a pre-polarizing article comprising an oriented, vinylalcohol polymer film layer, and an acid donor layer comprising a thermal acid generator, is exposed to radiant energy at a temperature sufficient to effect a partial dehydration of the vinylalcohol polymer to a vinylalcohol/poly(acetylene) copolymer.

Abstract: A photocuring system selection tool. A database containing a list of two or more elements of a photocuring system includes a name for each element and wavelength response information. Elements can be selected from the database and visual comparisons of the wavelength response can be shown. By categorizing wavelength response regions within the wavelength response information, components of a photocuring system can be selected so that overlap among wavelength response of system elements can be assured and a working photocuring system thereby designed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising epoxy-containing monomers, where the polymerization of the monomers can be influenced by accelerators. The compositions include at least one photo-polymerizable epoxy monomer and an initiation system. The initiation system comprises at least one organo-iron complex salt and at least one accelerator. The epoxy-containing monomers are energy-polymerized to form useful articles or coated articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising epoxy-containing monomers, where the polymerization of the monomers can be influenced by accelerators. The compositions include at least one photo-polymerizable epoxy monomer and an initiation system. The initiation system comprises at least one organo-iron complex salt and at least one accelerator. The epoxy-containing monomers are energy-polymerized to form useful articles or coated articles.

Abstract: A retroreflective element which may be used in pavement markings comprising a core having (a) a central layer having first and second major surfaces and at least one vertical surface, (b) a barrier layer applied to the first major surface, and (c) a barrier layer applied to the second major surface; and a plurality of optical elements embedded in the vertical surface(s) of the central layer.

Abstract: Cold curing epoxy resin compositions contain an epoxy functional component having an average epoxide functionality greater than 1; a hydroxy functional component; a pigment, a filler or a mixture thereof; and an SbF.sub.5 -alcohol complex curing agent in an amount effective to cure the epoxide composition. The cure rate of the compositions can be controlled by manipulating the pH and concentration of the filler and/or the pigment, making the use of amine rate controlling agents unnecessary. The compositions may be used, for example, as pavement marking compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy polymerizable composition comprising at least one epoxy monomer or at least one vinyl ether monomer and an initiation system therefor, the initiation system comprising at least one organometallic complex salt and at least one stabilizing additive. The cured composition provides useful articles or coated articles.

Abstract: A stabilized heat curable adhesive prepared from a formulation comprised of (1) at least one free radically polymerizable monomer; (2) at least one epoxy function monomer; (3) at least one free radical polymerization photoinitiator; (4) a thermally-initiated cationic catalyst system comprising (a) at least one salt of an organometallic cation, (b) at least one stabilizing additive; (5) optionally, at least one alcohol-containing material; and (6) optionally, adjuvants.

Abstract: An energy-sensitive (e.g., thermal, radiation or photosensitive) initiator, curative, and/or catalytic salt that has an anion comprising a tris-(highly fluorinated alkylsulfonyl)methide, tris-(fluorinated arylsulfonyl)methide, bis-(highly fluorinated alkyl)sulfonyl imide, bis-(fluorinated aryl)sulfonyl imide, mixed aryl- and alkylsulfonyl imides and methides and any combinations thereof, has improved solubility in organic solvents, exhibit minimal corrosiveness when coatings and adhesives are prepared using the initiator, curative and/or catalytic salts, generates a highly reactive initiator, curative, and/or catalyst upon activation by energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy polymerizable composition comprising at least one epoxy monomer or at least one vinyl ether monomer and an initiation system therefor, the initiation system comprising at least one organometallic complex salt and at least one stabilizing additive. The cured composition provides useful articles or coated articles.

Abstract: A stabilized heat curable adhesive prepared from a formulation comprised of (1) at least one free radically polymerizable monomer; (2) at least one epoxy function monomer; (3) at least one free radical polymerization photoinitiator; (4) a thermally-initiated cationic catalyst system comprising (a) at least one salt of an organometallic cation, (b) at least one stabilizing additive; (5) optionally, at least one alcohol-containing material; and (6) optionally, adjuvants.

Abstract: An anisotropically conductive adhesive composition provides electrical conductivity between facing electrodes but maintains electric insulation laterally between adjacent electrodes and comprises (a) a cationically polymerizable monomer, such as a glycidyl epoxy resin; (b) a thermoplastic resin, essentially free of nucleophilic or metal complexing functional groups; (c) optionally, an alcohol containing material; (d) a thermally initiated catalyst system comprising: (1) a salt of an organometallic cation; (2) a cure rate enhancer; and (3) a stabilizing additive; (e) conductive particles; and (f) optionally, a silane coupling agent, wherein the adhesive compositions cure at a temperature of 120.degree.-125.degree. C.