Abstract: A film stretching apparatus includes: a pair of first and second link devices configured to be able to carry and stretch a film and each composed of a plurality of links coupled to form an endless chain; a heat treatment unit configured to cover a central portion of the first and second link devices and perform a heat treatment to the film; a sprocket (first link drive mechanism) arranged outside the heat treatment unit and on an inlet side of the film and configured to drive the plurality of links; a sprocket (second link drive mechanism) arranged outside the heat treatment unit and on an outlet side of the film and configured to drive the plurality of links; and a sprocket (link adjustment mechanism) arranged outside the heat treatment unit and on the outlet side of the film and configured to reduce a pitch of the plurality of links.

Abstract: A 3D display apparatus including lenticular lenses is provided. The lenticular lenses may be disposed between a display panel and a viewing angle control film. A direction in which the lenticular lenses extend may be inclined with a direction in which pixel regions of the display panel are arranged. The display panel may include light-blocking patterns overlapping with a boundary of the lenticular lenses. Thus, in the 3D display apparatus, the quality of the image provided to the user may be improved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode belt that includes pressing a belt-shaped current collector foil with an electrode mixture layer along a longitudinal direction in a thickness direction of the electrode mixture layer so that the electrode mixture layer is formed on a part of the current collector foil, and stretching, by a stretching roll, a non-forming part of the current collector foil in which the electrode mixture layer is not formed and in which the current collector foil is exposed in respective ends in a width direction. The stretching roll includes a first roll opposed to the electrode mixture layer, and a pair of second rolls arranged in respective ends of the first roll in an axial direction and opposed to the non-forming part. A central axis of the first roll is deviated with respect to a central axis of the pair of second rolls.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a dye polarizer and a display panel are provided. The fabrication method includes: dissolving a dye mixture and a reactive monomer in a solvent to form a polarization film solution, in which the dye mixture is formed by mixing multiple dichroic dyes and the dye mixture functions to absorb visible light of all wave band; coating the polarization film solution one a base, followed by alignment, to allow the reactive monomer to cure on the base; and repeating the step of forming the dye polarization film for n times to form a dye polarizer including n+1 stacked layers of the dye polarization, where n is a nature number greater than or equal to 2. The display panel includes the dye polarizer that is formed with the fabrication method described above.

Abstract: A polarizing film, comprising a polarizer, and a transparent protective film laminated on/over at least one surface of the polarizer to interpose an adhesive layer between the surface and the transparent protective film, and the polarizing film comprising, on/over the adhesion surface of the polarizer, an adhesion-improving layer interposed between the polarizer and the adhesive layer. The adhesion-improving layer preferably comprises a compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein X is a functional group containing a reactive group, and R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, aryl group or heterocyclic group that may have a substituent, and the compound represented by the general formula (1) is interposed between the polarizer and the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Provided are a cover window and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the cover window. The cover window includes a film layer having at least one bent portion, a resin layer having at least one bent portion, and an adhesive layer disposed between the film layer and the resin layer and adhering the film layer and the resin layer.

Abstract: An iodine-based polarizer includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based film; and iodine adsorbed and oriented in the polyvinyl alcohol-based film, the iodine-based polarizer having be undergone a treatment with a treatment bath containing at least one reducing agent, the iodine-based polarizer containing an oxidized form of the reducing agent, wherein the total content of the reducing agent and the oxidized form is from 0.06×10?6 mol/g to 1.6×10?6 mol/g. The iodine-based polarizer has a sufficiently high level of transmittance, degree of polarization, and other optical properties and can suppress light leakage in short-wavelength.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transfer apparatus includes a transfer roller which supports a mold and transfers a fine transfer pattern formed on the mold to a resin coated on a substrate installed in a substrate installation part with movement of the transfer roller and a transfer roller guide part for guiding the transfer roller when the mold is pressed against the resin coated on the substrate installed in the substrate installation part by the movement of the transfer roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflective polarizer and a backlight unit including same and, more particularly, to a reflective polarizer and a backlight unit including same which can display excellent and uniform brightness throughout the visible light wavelength range in the following manner. Regardless of the incident angle of incident light, a discordance in the refractive index in one particular direction is minimized, and the transmissivity of polarized light targeted within the visible light wavelength range is uniform. Thus, light transmitted through the reflective polarizer is not biased toward a particular wavelength range, and the exterior is not colorful or a particular color due to rainbow-colored light. Because the reflectivity of polarized light not targeted within the visible light wavelength range is significantly large, the light is not biased toward a particular wavelength range.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biaxially stretched article obtained by stretching a thermoplastic composition in a machine direction and a transverse direction at elevated temperature, said thermoplastic composition comprising: —a polyolefin phase containing at least one polyolefin, —a starch phase containing thermoplastic starch, —at least one compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers, block saponified polyvinyl acetate and random terpolymers of ethylene, butylacrylate and maleic anhydride, wherein the total of the at least one polyolefin, the thermoplastic starch and the at least one compatibilizer is more than 80 wt % of the weight of the thermoplastic composition and wherein the article has a layered morphology with alternating layers of starch phase and polyolefin phase, said layers of starch phase and polyolefin phase extending in machine direction and transverse direction.

Abstract: There is provided a polarizing film that is excellent in optical characteristics, and is excellent in durability and water resistance. A polarizing film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film having a thickness of 10 ?m or less. The polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film has an iodine concentration of 6.0 wt % or less; and the polarizing film has a cross-linking index defined by the below-indicated equation of from 100 to 200: (Cross-linking index)=(Iodine concentration in film)×(Boric acid concentration in film).

Abstract: A feedstock line comprises elongate filaments, a resin, and optical direction modifiers. The resin covers the elongate filaments. The optical direction modifiers are covered by the resin and are interspersed among the elongate filaments. Each of the optical direction modifiers has an outer surface. Each of the optical direction modifiers is configured such that when electromagnetic radiation strikes the outer surface from a first direction, at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation departs the outer surface in a second direction that is at an angle to the first direction to irradiate, in the interior volume of the feedstock line, the resin that, due at least in part to the elongate filaments, is not directly accessible to the electromagnetic radiation, incident on the exterior surface of the feedstock line.

Abstract: A dual layer e-screen includes a top layer of a transparent lenticular or parallax material backed by an e-screen made of a material with controllable grey scales such as electronic paper. The top layer is controllable compensates for ambient lighting by creating a controllable surface that allows for uniform light distribution across the screen, while providing for adaptive contrast levels that selectively darken areas where light is not needed to more accurate display shadows from projected images. The eScreen can be additionally arranged to dynamically alter the gray scale matched to the video being shown to support viewing high dynamic range video through a projector. The gray scale used for each pixel element is biased to the ambient lighting conditions to remove the ambient light from the HDR video playback.

Abstract: A polarizer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a resin film having a thickness of 13 ?m or less and containing iodine. The resin film has formed therein a low-concentration portion having a content of the iodine lower than that of another portion.

Abstract: The present describes a chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) film comprising: cellulose nanocrystals that self-assemble to form an iridescent CNC structure, wherein the self-assembled structure comprises a finger-print pattern of repeating bright and dark regions, defining a pitch of the iridescent film, where the pitch variable. Also described are conductive polymer nanocomposite based on the CNC film. Further described is the electrophoretic method of producing the chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystal film as well as the polymer nanocomposites and the apparatus used.

Abstract: An iodine-based polarizer includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based film; and iodine adsorbed and oriented in the polyvinyl alcohol-based film, the iodine-based polarizer having be undergone a treatment with a treatment bath containing at least one reducing agent, the iodine-based polarizer containing an oxidized form of the reducing agent, wherein the total content of the reducing agent and the oxidized form is from 0.06×10?6 mol/g to 1.6×10?6 mol/g. The iodine-based polarizer has a sufficiently high level of transmittance, degree of polarization, and other optical properties and can suppress light leakage in short-wavelength.

Abstract: A polarizing plate includes a polarizer, and a polyester film formed on one or both surfaces of the polarizer. The polyester film has a tensile strength ratio of about 3 or greater, as calculated by Equation 4, and an orientation displacement (°) of about ?5° to about +5° with respect to a transverse direction (slow axis) of the polyester film at a wavelength of 550 nm. A liquid crystal display apparatus includes the polarizing plate Tensile strength ratio=TD tensile strength/MD tensile strength??Equation 4.

Abstract: A reflection-type polarizer according to the present invention has an improved bright line visibility phenomenon and a wider viewing angle, compared with a conventional dispersion-type reflection polarizer, and can maximize luminance improvement while minimizing optical loss. In addition, in connection with implementing a reflection polarizer, a group dispersion body can be formed through simple control, making it possible to maximize productivity improvement through process simplification.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the manufacture of decorative multilayer coatings for attachment to surfaces, including using a roll-to-roll printer to print a decorative layer on a surface of a film layer, wherein the decorative layer includes cutting lines and a first indication, using a curable roller coater to coat a layer on the surface above the print layer, using a laminator to laminate a mask over the print layer, using a cutter to cut the print layer into a cut print, and entering the cut print layer into a line printer to read the first indication and print a second indication on the cut print.

Abstract: A resin composition includes a cellulose derivative of which a weight average molecular weight is 10,000 or greater and less than 75,000 and in which at least one hydroxyl group is substituted with an acyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: There is provided a polarizing film that is excellent in external appearance and can contribute to the improvement of the display characteristics of an image display apparatus. A polarizing film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film containing iodine. The polarizing film has a ratio I2/I1 between an iodine concentration I1 on one surface and an iodine concentration I2 on another surface of 3.0 or more.

Abstract: Provided is a polarizing film that is excellent in external appearance and can contribute to improving the display characteristics of an image display apparatus. A polarizing film of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film containing iodine. At least one surface side of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film includes a low-iodine layer.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cellulose acetate film having excellent adhesion to a polarizer, and in which there is minimal change in retardation with respect to residual solvent during film stretching. This phase difference film contains cellulose acetate ? having a degree of acetyl substitution of 2.1 or less, cellulose acetate ? having a degree of acetyl substitution of 2.3-2.5, and a compound having a van der Waals volume of 500 ?3 to 1000 ?3 in the amount of 5-10 mass % with respect to the total amount of the cellulose acetate ? and the cellulose acetate ?, and the phase difference film is stretched.

Abstract: A method includes: a main body processing step of forming a lens main body having the concave lens surface; a molding step of coating a molding resin on the concave lens surface, pressing a microstructure forming mold, having a molding surface portion transferring the reflection preventing part formed on the surface of a deformable base body part thereof, against the concave lens surface, and curing the molding resin; and a mold release step of exerting a moment of a force relating to the surface top of the molding surface portion so as to deform the base body part to gradually separate the microstructure forming mold from an outer peripheral side thereof in a direction in which the concavo-convex shape of the reflection preventing part extends, thereby performing mold release.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a polarizing plate having sufficient heat resistance, without deteriorating the dye-affinity and the like of the polarizing film and without the necessity of transferring or detaching the polarizing film. Provided is a method of manufacturing a polarizing plate (10) that includes a polyester resin base (11) and a polarizing film including a polyvinyl alcohol resin laminated on the polyester resin base. The method includes the steps of: stretching a laminate that includes a polyvinyl alcohol resin layer (12) laminated on the polyester resin base (11); dyeing the polyvinyl alcohol resin layer (12); and crystallizing the polyester resin base (11). The crystallization step is performed after the dyeing step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal panel in which warping is controlled. The liquid crystal panel includes a liquid crystal cell 20, a first polarizing film 31 disposed on a viewer side of the liquid crystal cell 20 and a second polarizing film 32 disposed on a side of the liquid crystal cell 20 opposite to the viewer side. A thickness (d1) of the first polarizing film 31 is smaller than a thickness (d2) of the second polarizing film 32.

Abstract: A new method to control the iridescence color of solid nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) films by ultrasound and high-shear (mechanical) energy input to the NCC suspension prior to film formation is provided. As the energy input to the NCC suspension increases, the resulting film color shifts from the ultraviolet region towards the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum; this wavelength shift lies in the opposite direction to that caused by the addition of electrolytes to NCC suspensions prior to film formation. No additives are required to achieve the changes in color; color changes can also be effected by mixing two suspensions exposed to different levels of sonication.

Abstract: Methods and systems for flexographic printing are described and include curing of material to be printed while the material is in contact with both a feature of a flexographic printing plate and a recipient substrate. The systems and method are useful in preventing slippage between the feature and the recipient substrate, and are particularly useful when printing at high resolution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a thin polarizer, and a thin polarizer prepared using the same, the method including forming a film laminate by attaching a non-stretched polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film having a thickness of 10 to 60 ?m to at least one surface of a non-stretched base film, using attractive force therebetween; and stretching the film laminate such that the thickness of the PVA film is 10 ?m or less.

Abstract: A feedblock including a first packet creator that forms a first packet including a first plurality of polymeric layers, the first plurality of layers including at least four first individual polymeric layers; and a second packet creator that forms a second packet including a second plurality of polymeric layers, the second plurality of layers including at least four second individual polymeric layers, wherein the first and second packet creators are configured such that, for each packet creator, respective individual polymeric layers of the plurality of polymeric layers are formed at approximately the same time. The feedblock may include a packet combiner that receives and combines the first and second primary packets to form a multilayer stream. In some examples, at least one of the first and second primary packets may be spread in the cross-web direction prior to being combined with one another.

Abstract: A reflective film includes interior layers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the layers extending from a first to a second zone of the film. In the first zone, the layers operate substantially as a reflective polarizer; in the second zone they operate substantially as a mirror. The layers may thus provide a first reflective characteristic in the first zone wherein normally incident light of one polarization state is substantially reflected and normally incident light of an orthogonal polarization state is substantially transmitted, and a second reflective characteristic in the second zone wherein normally incident light of any polarization state is substantially reflected. The film may have a first thickness in the first zone that is substantially the same as a second thickness in the second zone. Alternatively, the second thickness may be substantially less than the first thickness. Related methods, articles, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a negative C-type retardation compensator for a liquid crystal display. The negative C-type retardation compensator for the liquid crystal display includes polyarlate having a thio group or a sulfur oxide group in a polymer main chain thereof. Accordingly, the retardation compensator has an absolute value of negative retardation that is larger in a thickness direction that a retardation compensator which includes polyarylate having no thio group or sulfur oxide group in a polymer main chain thereof even though the retardation compensator having the thio group or sulfur oxide group and the retardation compensator having no thio group or sulfur oxide group are the same as each other in thickness. Thereby, the negative C-type retardation compensator for liquid crystal displays is capable of being desirably applied to the liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: An optical film of high planarity that even in the use of an optical film material containing a non-resinous additive in an amount of 5 mass % or more, would exhibit inexpensive satisfactory roll cleaning effects, and that would find application in, especially, various functional films such as a retardation film and a protective film for polarization plate for use in a liquid crystal display apparatus, etc.; and a process for producing the optical film. There is disclosed a process for producing an optical film according to a melting casting film forming method, including extruding a melt of resin blend containing a resin and 5 mass % or more of non-resinous additive through a casting die into a film form, wherein a first roller (5) for cooling has a temperature of the melting point of the additive to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin blend.

Abstract: There is provided a polarizing film that is excellent in optical characteristics, and is excellent in durability and water resistance. A polarizing film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film having a thickness of 10 ?m or less. The polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film has an iodine concentration of 6.0 wt % or less; and the polarizing film has a cross-linking index defined by the below-indicated equation of from 100 to 200: (Cross-linking index)=(Iodine concentration in film)×(Boric acid concentration in film).

Abstract: There is provided a polarizing film that is excellent in optical characteristics, and is excellent in durability and water resistance. A polarizing film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film having a thickness of 10 ?m or less. The polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film has an iodine concentration of 8.5 wt % or more; and the polarizing film has a cross-linking index defined by the below-indicated equation of from 100 to 200.

Abstract: A method of preparing a retardation film includes cellulose acetate having an average degree of acetylation of 2.0 to 2.5 and having a moisture content of 1.0 mass % or less, where the retardation film includes a compound having a Van der Waals volume of 450 to 1000 ?3. The retardation film is prepared by a dope preparing step of dissolving cellulose acetate having an average degree of acetylation within the range of 2.0 to 2.5 to prepare a dope; a film product forming step of casting the dope onto a metal belt to form a film product; a film product peeling step of peeling off the film product from the metal belt; a drawing step of drawing the peeled film product; and a drying step at a drying temperature of 140° C. or more.

Abstract: A reflective film includes a first optical stack that provides a first reflective characteristic and a second optical stack that provides a second reflective characteristic. The optical stacks also have first and second absorptive characteristics that are suitable to absorptively heat the respective stacks upon exposure to light including a write wavelength while maintaining the structural integrity of the stacks. The absorptive heating can change the first and second reflective characteristics to third and fourth reflective characteristics, respectively. A blocking layer that at least partially blocks light of the write wavelength may also be provided between the optical stacks to permit absorptive heating of any selected one of the optical stacks. The reflective characteristics of the optical stacks can thus be independently modified in any desired patterns by appropriate delivery of light beams that include the write wavelength.

Abstract: A 3-d stereoscopic viewing lens which the retarder film is made of a PVA film. A 3-D stereoscopic viewing lens having a linear polarized film, one or more lens substrate layers, and an epoxy layer. A process of making retarder film including mounting a PVA film to an assembly line; wetting, cleaning, and washing the PVA film through said assembly line; softening, expanding and stretching the PVA film's x-axis through said assembly line; adding gap filling agent to the PVA film; stretching the PVA film's y-axis through a width frame holder and as a result transforming the PVA film into a retarder film.

Abstract: A composition for a polarization film including a polyolefin component including polypropylene and a polyethylene-polypropylene copolymer; and a dichroic dye.

Abstract: A reflective film includes interior layers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the layers extending from a first to a second zone of the film. In the first zone, the layers operate substantially as a reflective polarizer; in the second zone they operate substantially as a mirror. The layers may thus provide a first reflective characteristic in the first zone wherein normally incident light of one polarization state is substantially reflected and normally incident light of an orthogonal polarization state is substantially transmitted, and a second reflective characteristic in the second zone wherein normally incident light of any polarization state is substantially reflected. The film may have a first thickness in the first zone that is substantially the same as a second thickness in the second zone. Alternatively, the second thickness may be substantially less than the first thickness.

Abstract: Provided is a device for manufacturing an optical film having satisfactorily reduced thickness unevenness, by using a melt-casting film forming method, which device includes a casting die for discharging a molten film-forming material including a thermoplastic resin into a film-like shape; a pair of a first rotation roll and a second rotation roll between which the discharged film-shaped molten article is pinched to be cooled and solidified to make the film-shaped molten article; and two pairs of wind shield plates each of which pairs are arranged between the shaft-direction ends of the first and second rotation rolls and an end part in the width-direction of the film-shaped molten article, wherein the wind shield plates are placed approximately perpendicular to the surface of the film-shaped molten article, and wherein each pair of the wind shield plates are placed approximately in parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a light guide film may comprise a feed roller, a receiving roller, a separating device, a hot press printing device and a recombining device. Firstly, the separating device may separate a protective layer from a substrate layer of the light guide film. Secondly, a surface of the substrate layer to be manufactured may be impressed with light guide dots by the hot press printing device, and the recombining device recombine the peeled protective layer to the substrate layer. And lastly, the finished light guide film is recycled by the receiving roller. The apparatus may have advantages such as high output and low cost, and it may manufacture a large dimensioned product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical film and method of manufacturing the same. The optical film of the present invention includes an acrylic resin and a core-shell type graft copolymer wherein the core includes a conjugate diene rubber, and the shell includes an acrylic monomer, an aromatic vinyl monomer, and a maleimide monomer.

Abstract: A method of determining conditioning pulse parameters for an optical element includes directing a pump pulse to impinge on the optical element and directing a probe pulse to impinge on the optical element. The method also includes determining a first time associated with an onset of electronic excitation leading to formation of an absorbing region of the optical element and determining a second time associated with expansion of the absorbing region of the optical element. The method further includes defining a turn-off time for a conditioning pulse between the first time and the second time. According to embodiments of the present invention, pulse shaping of the conditioning pulse enables laser conditioning of optical elements to achieve improvements in their laser induced damage threshold.

Abstract: Provided is a producing method for a retardation film with a reverse wavelength dispersion property, which is highly reliable in terms of a small wavelength dispersion change and is low in display unevenness due to a position dependence of a retardation variation. The production method is designed for a retardation film which satisfies the following formulas (1) and (2): 0.7<Re1[450]/Re1[550]<0.97 - - - (1); and 1.5×10?3<?n<6.0×10?3 - - - (2) (where: Re1[450] and Re1[550] represent, respectively, in-plane retardation values thereof as measured by using light of a wavelengths of 450 nm and light of a wavelength of 550 nm, at 23° C.; and ?n represents an in-plane birefringence thereof as measured by using light of a wavelength of 550 nm).

Abstract: A retardation plate manufacturing method for manufacturing a retardation plate that has an orientation pattern in which is formed a plurality of regions having optical axes oriented in different directions from each other, the retardation plate manufacturing method comprising arranging an unoriented light orientation layer that is to be oriented by light on a first surface of a substrate; preparing a retardation mask including an orientation pattern in which is formed a plurality of regions that have a quarter wavelength retardation plate retardation function and correspond to the plurality of regions in the orientation pattern of the retardation plate; and orienting the light orientation layer by irradiating the retardation mask with elliptically polarized light and irradiating the light orientation layer with polarized light emitted form the retardation mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorptive polarizer and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to an absorptive polarizer which includes a nano-composite layer in which nanoparticles including a light absorptive element or an oxide or compound thereof are selectively contained in a block copolymer having a first block and a second block which are separately aligned therein, thereby exhibiting excellent durability even when it is exposed under hot and humid environments for a long time, and having polarization degree and transmittance substantially equal to or greater than those of any typical absorptive polarizer manufactured through drawing, as well as a method of easily preparing such an absorptive polarizer as described above at low production costs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a material roll that includes a roll of an optical film having defect information markings printed thereon and is resistant to the formation of a defect by the transfer of a bump/dent deformation at the marking site. The material roll includes a long sheet of an optical film with polarizer wound into roll shape; and marking(s) formed at or in a vicinity of at least one defect site. The marking has an optical density of 1.5 or more, and a thickness of a center part of the marking is 1.5 ?m or less. The marking preferably has an optical density per unit thickness of 2.5 ?m?1 or more.

Abstract: Nanorods assemblies that have lengths in excess of 50 microns to meters are formed from contacting rice-shaped colloidal superparticles that are aligned along the long axis of the colloidal superparticles. The rice-shaped colloidal superparticles are formed from a multiplicity of nanorods with a high degree of association that is end to end to form colloidal superparticles that are in excess of three microns in length and have a length to diameter ratio of about three or more. Methods of preparing the rice-shaped colloidal superparticles employ mixing with an additional ligand to the nanorods to bias the self assembly of the nanorods by solvophobic interactions. Methods of preparing the nanorods assemblies include the infusion of the rice-shaped colloidal superparticles into microchannels patterned on a substrate, wherein the rice-shaped colloidal superparticles' long axes align in the microchannels.