Abstract: The present method comprises providing a flexible web substrate (e.g., polymeric flexible web substrates) that forms at least part of a component of a device, coating so as to wet-out on and cover all or a substantial portion of a major surface on one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate with flowable polymeric material, while the flexible web substrate is moving in a down-web direction, and solidifying the polymeric material so as to form one cleaning layer on the major surface of one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate. The present invention can be utilized in a continuous in-line manufacturing process. In applications of the present invention where the flexible web substrate will not form a component of a device, the present invention broadly provides a method for cleaning particles from a flexible web of indefinite length.

Abstract: The present method comprises providing a flexible web substrate (e.g., polymeric flexible web substrates) that forms at least part of a component of a device, coating so as to wet-out on and cover all or a substantial portion of a major surface on one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate with flowable polymeric material, while the flexible web substrate is moving in a down-web direction, and solidifying the polymeric material so as to form one cleaning layer on the major surface of one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate. The present invention can be utilized in a continuous in-line manufacturing process. In applications of the present invention where the flexible web substrate will not form a component of a device, the present invention broadly provides a method for cleaning particles from a flexible web of indefinite length.

Abstract: Articles having poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings are provided. More specifically, the articles include a substrate and a multilayer coating attached to the substrate. The multilayer coating includes a silica layer that is the outermost layer, the silica layer containing acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The multilayer coating also includes a PVA layer disposed between a surface of the substrate and the outermost silica layer. The PVA and silica nanoparticle coatings can be used on a large variety of substrates and tend to be resistant to impacts, scratches, wet abrasions, soil and fog.

Abstract: Articles having crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings are provided. More specifically, articles including a substrate, and a multilayer coating attached to the substrate are provided. The multilayer coating includes a first crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) layer and a first silica layer. The first crosslinked PVA layer is an outermost layer of the multilayer coating. The first silica layer comprises a plurality of acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The PVA and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings can be used on a large variety of substrates and tend to be resistant to wet and dry abrasions, scratches, and impacts.

Abstract: Articles having poly(vinyl alcohol)-containing (PVA-containing) and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings are provided. More specifically, articles include a substrate and a multilayer coating attached to the substrate. The multilayer coating includes a first silica layer and a first PVA-containing layer. The first silica layer is a primer layer of the multilayer coating, and the silica layer comprises a plurality of acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The PVA-containing and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings can be used on a large variety of substrates and tend to be resistant to wet and dry abrasions, scratches, and impacts.

Abstract: Optically clear adhesive or coating layers can be prepared by preparing a curable mixture, coating the curable mixture to form a layer, partially curing the curable mixture, drying the coated layer, and fully curing the curable mixture. The curable mixture may also be partially cured and then coated, dried and fully cured. The curable mixture includes two free radically polymerizable monomer compositions that are relatively incompatible and a transient compatibilizer, such as a solvent. Polymers of the two monomer compositions, if polymerized separately and blended, form phase separated domains. The curable mixture provides for adhesive or coating layers that are optically clear.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a protective coating for a low index material, and a process for preparing a protected low index material. The protective coating partially penetrates the pores of a low index material, providing a seal protecting the pores, and can strengthen the construction by forming a gradient in properties of the protected low index material. The present disclosure further provides a diffusing low index optical element having a protected low index material and a diffusing layer disposed on the low index material.

Abstract: Articles having poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings are provided. More specifically, the articles include a substrate and a multilayer coating attached to the substrate. The multilayer coating includes a silica layer that is the outermost layer, the silica layer containing acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The multilayer coating also includes a PVA layer disposed between a surface of the substrate and the outermost silica layer. The PVA and silica nanoparticle coatings can be used on a large variety of substrates and tend to be resistant to impacts, scratches, wet abrasions, soil and fog.

Abstract: It has now been determined that a first coating layer may be applied to a substrate by a first coating die in a much thinner layer than its rheological properties and/or surface properties would normally allow. This is accomplished by using a second coating fluid dispensed from a second coating die acting as a “dynamic liquid squeegee” to transport, spread, even, or meter the first coating layer on the substrate by varying a gap between the second coating die and the substrate.

Abstract: Articles having crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings are provided. More specifically, articles including a substrate, and a multilayer coating attached to the substrate are provided. The multilayer coating includes a first crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) layer and a first silica layer. The first crosslinked PVA layer is an outermost layer of the multilayer coating. The first silica layer comprises a plurality of acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The PVA and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings can be used on a large variety of substrates and tend to be resistant to wet and dry abrasions, scratches, and impacts.

Abstract: Articles having poly(vinyl alcohol)-containing (PVA-containing) and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings are provided. More specifically, articles include a substrate and a multilayer coating attached to the substrate. The multilayer coating includes a first silica layer and a first PVA-containing layer. The first silica layer is a primer layer of the multilayer coating, and the silica layer comprises a plurality of acid-sintered interconnected silica nanoparticles arranged to form a continuous three-dimensional porous network. The PVA-containing and silica nanoparticle multilayer coatings can be used on a large variety of substrates and tend to be resistant to wet and dry abrasions, scratches, and impacts.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a protective coating for a low index material, and a process for preparing a protected low index material. The protective coating partially penetrates the pores of a low index material, providing a seal protecting the pores, and can strengthen the construction by forming a gradient in properties of the protected low index material. The present disclosure further provides a diffusing low index optical element having a protected low index material and a diffusing layer disposed on the low index material.

Abstract: The present method comprises providing a flexible web substrate (e.g., polymeric flexible web substrates) that forms at least part of a component of a device, coating so as to wet-out on and cover all or a substantial portion of a major surface on one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate with flowable polymeric material, while the flexible web substrate is moving in a down-web direction, and solidifying the polymeric material so as to form one cleaning layer on the major surface of one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate. The present invention can be utilized in a continuous in-line manufacturing process. In applications of the present invention where the flexible web substrate will not form a component of a device, the present invention broadly provides a method for cleaning particles from a flexible web of indefinite length.

Abstract: The present method comprises providing a flexible web substrate (e.g., polymeric flexible web substrates) that forms at least part of a component of a device, coating so as to wet-out on and cover all or a substantial portion of a major surface on one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate with flowable polymeric material, while the flexible web substrate is moving in a down-web direction, and solidifying the polymeric material so as to form one cleaning layer on the major surface of one side or both sides of the flexible web substrate. The present invention can be utilized in a continuous in-line manufacturing process. In applications of the present invention where the flexible web substrate will not form a component of a device, the present invention broadly provides a method for cleaning particles from a flexible web of indefinite length.

Abstract: Optically clear adhesive or coating layers can be prepared by preparing a curable mixture, coating the curable mixture to form a layer, partially curing the curable mixture, drying the coated layer, and fully curing the curable mixture. The curable mixture may also be partially cured and then coated, dried and fully cured. The curable mixture includes two free radically polymerizable monomer compositions that are relatively incompatible and a transient compatibilizer, such as a solvent. Polymers of the two monomer compositions, if polymerized separately and blended, form phase separated domains. The curable mixture provides for adhesive or coating layers that are optically clear.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (40) to neutralize the charge on a moving web (42) by splitting the field present on the web (42). One portion of the field is removed by a grounded element (55a, 55) proximate to, and optionally contacting, one side of the web (42). Proximate the opposite side of the web, the apparatus includes an ion source (57a, 57b, 57c), which provides ions to the web (42) to neutralize the charge remaining on the web (42), and a second grounded element (50a, 50b, 50c) positioned between the ion source (57a, 57b,57c) and the web (42). The methods provide a web (42) that is net neutralized and is also dual-side or bipolar neutralized.

Abstract: It has now been determined that a first coating layer may be applied to a substrate by a first coating die in a much thinner layer than its rheological properties and/or surface properties would normally allow. This is accomplished by using a second coating fluid dispensed from a second coating die acting as a “dynamic liquid squeegee” to transport, spread, even, or meter the first coating layer on the substrate by varying a gap between the second coating die and the substrate.

Abstract: Methods for preparing double-sided multi-layer adhesives, double-sided multi-layer adhesives and articles prepared with double-sided multi-layer adhesives are disclosed. The methods for preparing double-sided multi-layer adhesives include providing a first fluid, the first fluid including a polymeric adhesive composition solution or dispersion, providing a second fluid, the second fluid including a curable composition, coating the first fluid and the second fluid onto a substrate, and curing the curable composition to form a double-sided multi-layer adhesive. The coating of the first fluid and the second fluid onto a substrate may include simultaneous slot die coating of the two fluids or sequential coating of the two fluids. The curable composition layer is cured to form a multi-layer adhesive article. The formed multi-layer adhesive article may be a transfer tape.

Abstract: Computer implemented method for making a die includes: selecting coating uniformity required to produce a particular coated product with the die and a value for one or more dimensions of the die; determining (using a mathematical model determined by regression analysis) total indicated run-out (TIR) of a die surface and dimensions of the die not having a user specified value; and machining die part or parts to the determined TIR and dimensions. A thermal treatment process for reducing the number of finishing (e.g., grinding) cycles needed to produce a desired die flatness is provided. A coating fluid rheological characteristic can be an input to the method.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a polymer coating with reduced defects is described. The process includes coating a solution of a polymerizable material and a solvent on a substrate, polymerizing a portion of the polymerizable material, and removing a major portion of the solvent after polymerization of the portion of polymerizable material. A further polymerization of any remaining polymerizable material can occur after removal of the solvent. The apparatus includes a webline for conveying a substrate from an unwind roll to a windup roll, a coating section proximate the unwind roll for coating a solution of a polymerizable material and a solvent on the substrate, a polymerization section downweb from the coating section for polymerizing a portion of the polymerizable material, and a solvent removal section downweb from the polymerization section for removing the solvent after polymerization of the portion of the polymerizable material.