Abstract: A method of using metallized and nonmetallized nanostructured chemicals as surface and volume modification agents within polymers and on the surfaces of nano and macroscopic particulates and fillers. Because of their 0.5 nm-3.0 nm size, nanostructured chemicals can be utilized to greatly increase surface area, improve compatibility, and promote lubricity between surfaces at a length scale not previously attainable.

Abstract: A copolymer and a process of making the copolymer are disclosed. The copolymer is produced from reacting a glycidyl ester and/or ether with a polyol comprising a functionality of at least 2 wherein at least 50% by weight of the copolymer comprises a minimum of 3n+X repeating units, wherein n is a monomer unit and X is a monomer unit and/or other reactant. The copolymer may also include less than 50% of the polymeric units having the same molecular weight. The present invention is further directed to processes for preparing the copolymer and to coating compositions employing the copolymer.

Abstract: An extremely durable, stable and fast-curing elastomeric composition suitable for coating all types of architectural and decorative glass is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes novel silicone-containing graft copolymers and processes for their preparation. In particular, it relates to silicone-containing graft copolymers P, which are obtained by grafting olefinic monomers M onto polyether-containing radicals of polyoxyalkylene-polysiloxane block copolymers S with (AB)n structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental composition comprising a) halogenated aryl alkyl ether component (A) comprising at least 1 aryl alkyl ether moiety, at least 1 halogen atom attached to each aryl residue of the aryl alkyl ether moieties, at least 2 unsaturated moieties, b) Si—H functional component (B), c) initiator (C), d) optionally filler (D), and e) optionally component (E) selected from modifiers, dyes, pigments, thixotropic agents, flow improvers, polymeric thickness, surfactants, odorous substances, diluting agent(s) and flavourings.

Abstract: A silicone composition comprising at least one hydrogenpolysiloxane resin having an average of at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, a cross-linking agent having an average of at least two aliphatic carbon-carbon double bonds per molecule, and a hydrosilylation catalyst; a silicone adhesive comprising a cured product of at least one hydrogen-polysiloxane resin; and a coated substrate and a laminated substrate, each comprising the silicone adhesive.

Abstract: Metallized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes and metallized polyhedral oligomeric silicates are used as cure promoters, catalysts, and alloying agents for the reinforcement of polymer microstructures, including polymer coils, domains, chains, and segments, at the molecular level. Because of their tailorable compatibility with polymers, polyhedral oligomeric metallosesquioxanes (POMS) can be readily and selectively incorporated into polymers by common mixing processes.

Abstract: Rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a polymeric filler as reinforcing filler and a coupling agent for bonding between the polymeric filler and the elastomer. The polymeric filler includes nanoparticles of a polyvinylaromatic (PVAr) carrying a functional group denoted by Z of formula a ?Si—X, X representing a hydroxyl or hydrolyzable group. The PVAr is especially a copolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene, divinylbenzene and trimethoxysilylpropylacrylate or trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate, being in the form of nanobeads, the diameter of which is between 10 and 100 nm. Also described is a method of obtaining such a composition, and use of such a rubber composition for the manufacture of rubber articles, in particular tires or rubber semi-finished products intended for these tires, as well as a masterbatch including at least one diene elastomer and such a polymeric filler, and a method of obtaining such a masterbatch.

Abstract: The invention relates to new alkoxyamines suitable for hydrosilylation reactions, to siloxane modified alkoxamines and to siloxane modified polymers as well as to their use. The alkoxamines are compounds of formula (I) or (II) wherein A is a group capable of forming a stable free nitroxyl radical A. which is bound via its oxygen atom to the carbon atom; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently of one another are hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8cycloalkyl or phenyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by NO.sub.2, halogen, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.4alkoxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.4alkylthio, C.sub.1-C.sub.4alkylamino or di(C.sub.1-C.sub.4alkyl)amino; R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 independently of one another are hydrogen or C.sub.1-C.sub.18alkyl or phenyl; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 together with the linking group C.dbd.C form a 5 to 12 membered ring; R.sub.6 is X hydrogen or C.sub.1-C.sub.l8alkyl or phenyl; X is O, NH or NR.sub.7, wherein R.sub.7 is C.sub.1-C.sub.18alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.

Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide a curable composition which gives good curability, adhesiveness and storage stability by use of a catalyst other than organic tin catalysts. The above problem is solved by a curable composition, comprising: (A) one or more organic polymers having a reactive-silicon-containing group, and (B) a silanol condensation catalyst consisting of one or more compound(s) selected from organic tin compounds, carboxylic acids, and amine compounds, wherein at least one part of the reactive-silicon-containing group(s) of the organic polymer(s) (A) is represented by the following general formula (1): —(CR22)2—(SiR12-aXaO)m—SiX3 (1), and the silanol condensation catalyst (B) consists of amine compound(s) (B1) or consists of amine compound(s) (B1) and a carboxylic acid (B2), and when the mol number of the amine compound(s) is regarded as 1, the ratio by mol of the total amount of the carboxylic acid(s) to the amount of the amine compound(s) is 0.1 or less.

Abstract: A core-shell particle is formed by a method that includes forming a crosslinked polyorganosiloxane core, reacting a graftlinking agent with the crosslinked polyorganosiloxane core, and polymerizing a poly(alkenyl aromatic) shell around the graftlinking agent-functionalized polyorganosiloxane core. The method produces a core-shell particle with improved adhesion between shell and core. The core-shell particle is useful as an impact modifier in thermoplastic compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing branched SiH-functional siloxanes by converting a mixture of one or more low molecular weight SiH-functional siloxanes, one or more low molecular weight SiH-free siloxanes and one or more trialkoxysilanes with addition of water and in the presence of at least one Brønsted-acidic catalyst, which is characterized in that the reaction is performed in one process step.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized, telechelic polymers synthesized by enzymatic catalysis and methods, and the functionalization of polymers via Michael addition with a lipase catalyst, and the crosslinking of mono- or difunctional (telechelic) polymers made by enzymatic catalysis, such as by using multifunctional coupling agents and enzyme catalysts. Quantitative transesterification of vinyl methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol), poly(isobutylene) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) was achieved using Candida antarctica lipase B. In addition, methacrylate-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether has been successfully coupled to aminoethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether via Michael addition using Candida antarctica lipase B. Amine-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)s have also been used for the preparation of poly(ethylene glycol)-based dendrimers and gels through Michael addition of the polymer onto triacryloyl hexahydro-triazine using the same enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyhydroxy-functional polysiloxanes which are preparable by the addition reaction of at least one branched polyhydroxy-functional allyl polyether with an Si—H-functional alkyl polysiloxane, to processes for preparing them, to their use as additives in coating compositions, polymeric moulding compounds or thermoplastics, and to coating compositions, polymeric moulding compounds and thermoplastics that comprise them.

Abstract: Method for enhancing the crystallization rates of engineering thermoplastics through the use and incorporation of particulate additives with dimensions on the order of 10-1000 nm is described. The presence of nanoparticles at concentrations of, e.g., less than 10 weight percent of the composition, reduces the viscosity of the thermoplastics as compared to the respective homopolymer, thereby increasing polymer chain transport and diffusion to the crystallizing growth front. The prescription of this technology has been shown to reduce crystallization half times of some engineering thermoplastics by as much as 40 percent at optimal crystallization temperatures, an effect that is magnified as the temperature is reduced towards the glassy state of the amorphous phase. Nano-modified engineering thermoplastics with rapid crystallization kinetics and relatively low viscosities can be utilized in component fabrication processes that require rapid processing times, e.g., for the sake of cost efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of crosslinked silicone polymers that by virtue of the nature of the dimol alcohol undecylenic acid ester based crosslinker, have unique solubility and properties. These include improved tolerance for oily materials and improved skin feel. These polymers find use in personal care applications like pigmented products. In the personal care arena, solid products that do not experience syneresis are important. Syneresis is a condition that exists in a solid product that causes a liquid that is incompatible to ooze out, which is cosmetically unacceptable.

Abstract: A light-shielding paste which contains a thermoplastic resin and an inorganic member as essential components or which contains a thermosetting resin and an inorganic member as essential components is provided. A curable composition and light-shielding paste comprising the composition are provided which contains, as essential components, (A) an organic compound comprising an organic main chain containing at least two carbon-carbon double bonds reactive with a SiH group in each molecule, (B) a silicon compound having at least two SiH groups in each molecule, (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst, (D) a silane coupling agent and/or an epoxy group-containing compound, (E) a silanol condensation catalyst, and (F) an inorganic member. The curable composition can further contain (G) silica. Also provided is a method of forming a light-shielding resin layer on a LED package having an aperture comprising a bottom and sidewalls. The curable composition is excellent in light-shielding ability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomedical devices, and particularly contact lenses comprising a polymer having entangled therein at least one acyclic polyamide.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an ocular lens superior in the wettability of the surface thereof, hydrating properties, oxygen permeability, flexibility, elasticity, transparency and shape recoverability though it has a composition using a silicone-containing monomer. The present invention relates to a highly oxygen-permeable hydrated ocular lens obtained by saponifying a copolymer prepared from a specific both-terminal (meth)acryl polydimethylsiloxane, a vinyl carboxylate, a (meth)acrylamide type monomer, a vinyl type crosslinking agent, one or both of a (meth)acrylate having a tertiary structure and a (meth)acrylate having a cyclic structure as (meth)acrylates each having a bulky structure at its side chain and a monomer copolymerizable with these compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a curable composition excellent in workability, adhesion properties, rubber-like properties, storage stability, and quick curability. The curable composition comprises (A) a crosslinkable silyl group-containing organic polymer and (B) a (meth)acrylic polymer obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic monomer having a polymerizable unsaturated bond in the presence of a metallocene compound and a crosslinkable silyl group-containing thiol compound, at least one end of the (meth)acrylic polymer being bonded to a residue, —S—R3 (where R3 represents a group having a crosslinkable silyl group) obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from the crosslinkable silyl group-containing thiol compound.

Abstract: There is provided a surface treatment agent which comprises a fluoropolymer having repeating units derived from a fluorine-containing monomer of the formula: wherein (a) the fluoropolymer contains a silicon atom, and/or (b) the surface treatment agent contains a fluorine-free polymer which is different from the fluoropolymer and which is a silicon-containing polymer. The surface treatment agent imparts excellent water- and oil-repellency and soil resistance to textiles while retaining the feeling of the textiles, even if the surface treatment agent contains a fluorine-containing acrylate polymer substituted at its ?-position by a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom or the like.

Abstract: A crosslinker for polymerizing a film-forming material including an alkyl or aromatic compound comprising at least two functional groups reactive with a film-forming resin and at least one pendent group having a nonionic metal coordinating structure. Coating compositions can include a film-forming material and the crosslinker. The coating compositions can be used to coat a substrate, such as a metal substrate. Applied coating layers on substrates can be cured to form coating films.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of a number of hydrophilic silicone elastomers in various cosmetic and personal care products where they serve various functions such as emulsifiers, film forming agents, viscosity stabilizers, conditioning agents and protective barrier forming agents. Emulsions and personal care products based upon same are also described.

Abstract: A composition is described comprising an organic polymer or a polymerizable monomer, having dispersed therein a surface-modified particle phase, in an amount sufficient to reduce the flammability of the polymer.

Abstract: Film-forming materials include nonionic metal coordinating structures. Nonionic metal coordinating structures can coordinate metals, such as metal catalysts and metal substrates. Example film-forming materials can be the product of a poly-functional epoxide and a nucleophilic ligand having a nonionic metal coordinating structure, or the product of a poly-functional alcohol and an electrophilic ligand having a nonionic metal coordinating structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition suitable for use as a top antireflective coating and barrier layer for 193 nm lithography. The inventive composition is soluble in aqueous base solutions and has low refractive index at 193 nm. The inventive composition comprises an aqueous base-soluble polymer having a backbone and a fluorinated half ester moiety. The fluorinated half ester moiety is pendant from the backbone. The present invention also discloses a method of forming a patterned layer on a substrate by using the inventive composition in lithography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acryl-silicon rubber complex polymer which has a seed-core-shell structure wherein vinyl monomer and hydrophilic monomer are cross-linked on the seed; the acryl-silicon complex IPN core having an IPN (interpenetrating network) structure formed by radical polymerization of acryl monomer and hydrosilyation of silicon rubber in which silicon rubber particles are dispersed by being cross-linked to acryl rubber, in a continuous phase, is formed on the seed; and a shell prepared by graft-polymerization of C1-C4 alkyl methacrylate to the acryl-silicon complex IPN core is formed on the core, and a method of preparation and use of the same, thereby having excellent impact resistance, weatherability and gloss, so that it can be effectively used as an impact modifier for vinyl chloride resin.

Abstract: A heat conductive silicone composition is provided, which includes (A) an organopolysiloxane having the formula (1): {(CH2?CH)R12SiO1/2}L(R1SiO3/2)m(R12SiO)n{O1/2SiR12—R2—SiR1(3-a)(OR3)a}o??(1) wherein R1 represents monovalent hydrocarbon groups, R2 represents an oxygen atom or a bivalent hydrocarbon group, R3 represents an alkyl group, alkoxyalkyl group, alkenyl group, or acyl group, L and o represent numbers from 1 to 10, m represents a number from 0 to 10, n represents a number from 5 to 100, a represents an integer from 1 to 3, and when m=0, L+o=2 and R2 is a bivalent hydrocarbon group, (B) a heat conductive filler, and (C) an organopolysiloxane other than the component (A). Even upon high-level packing with the heat conductive filler to obtain a highly heat conductivity, the composition still exhibits favorable handling and moldability properties.

Abstract: A colorless transparent silicone lens produced by thermally curing a silicone resin composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane having a resin structure comprising R1SiO1.5 unit, R22SiO unit, and R3aR4bSiO(4-a-b)/2 unit wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, cyclohexyl group, or phenyl group, R4 is vinyl group or allyl group, a is 0, 1, or 2, b is 1 or 2, and a+b is 2 or 3, and wherein number of repetition of the R22SiO unit is 5 to 300, (B) an organohydrogen polysiloxane having a resin structure comprising R1SiO1.5 unit, R22SiO unit, and R3cHdSiO(4-c-d)/2 unit wherein c is 0, 1, or 2, d is 1 or 2, and c+d is 2 or 3, and wherein number of repetition of the R22SiO unit is 5 to 300, the component, and (C) a platinum group catalyst. A silicone lens having excellent flexibility, transparency, and moldability as well as reduced surface tackiness is provided.

Abstract: A method of using metallized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes as cure promoters and catalysts for polyurethanes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of crosslinked silicone polymers that by virtue of the nature of the crosslinking undecylenic acid ester based crosslinker, have unique solubility and properties. These include improved tolerance for oily materials and improved skin feel. These polymers find use in personal care applications like pigmented products. In the personal care arena, solid products that do not experience syneresis are important. Syneresis is a condition that exists in a solid product that causes a liquid that is incompatible to ooze out, which is cosmetically unacceptable.

Abstract: The invention aims to improve surface tackiness of a curable composition comprising a reactive silicon group-containing polyoxypropylene polymer without decreasing coating workability, strength, adhesion and appearance. As one embodiment of a means for resolution, a curable composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a reactive silicon group-containing polyoxypropylene polymer, (B) from 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a silane coupling agent, (C) from 0.1 to 80 parts by weight of an epoxy group-containing compound, (D) from 0.1 to 60 parts by weight of a tertiary amine, and (E) from 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a primary or secondary amine having a melting point of 20° C. or more is mentioned.

Abstract: Provided is a curable organosilicon composition comprising (A) a polycyclic hydrocarbon group-containing organosilicon compound, which comprises two hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon atoms within each molecule, and is an addition reaction product of (a) an organosilicon compound having two hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon atoms within each molecule, and (b) a polycyclic hydrocarbon compound having two hydrosilylation reactive carbon-carbon double bonds within each molecule, (B) a siloxane-based compound having two or more alkenyl groups bonded to silicon atoms within each molecule, and (C) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of producing an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) comprising the steps of I) providing a silicone polymer composition; (ii) providing one or more monomers for a polymer; (iii) providing a solvent for the one or more monomers; iv) exposing said silicone polymer composition to said one or more monomers and said solvent to precipitate monomer within said silicone polymer composition and v) polymerizing said monomer to form an IPN, wherein said solvent has a surface tension at the exposing step of about 15 mNZm or less. It is preferred that the solvent, which is preferably CO2, in the exposing step is in or near its supercritical state. The method is fast and simple, and the dispersion of the monomers may be controlled to thereby control the amount and distribution of the interpenetrating network in the silicone material. Further more the method results in new materials, where silicone polymers are used as the basic materials.

Abstract: A silicone composition according to the present invention comprises (A) an organopolysiloxane resin having an average of at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl groups per molecule, (B) an organohydrogensilane in an amount sufficient to cure the composition, (C) an effective amount of a reactive diluent comprising (i) an organosiloxane having an average of at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and a viscosity of from 0.001 to 2 Pa·s at 25° C., wherein the viscosity of (C)(i) is not greater than 20% of the viscosity of component (A), and (ii) an organohydrogensiloxane having an average of at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule and a viscosity of from 0.001 to 2 Pa·s at 25° C., in an amount sufficient to provide from 0.5 to 3 moles of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in (C)(ii) to moles of alkenyl groups in (C)(i), and (D) a catalytic amount of a hydrosilylation catalyst; and a cured silicone resin prepared by curing the silicone composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures of substances based on organopolysiloxane polyethers and at least one further substance or component, preferably a polymer obtained from aqueous suspension, particularly preferably crosslinked functionalized polystyrene polymer beads, and also to the use of such mixtures of substances based on organopolysiloxane polyether together with crosslinked functionalized polystyrene polymer beads as free-flowing ion exchangers or free-flowing adsorbers, particularly preferably free-flowing monodisperse or heterodisperse anion exchangers or cation exchangers, but also free-flowing mixtures of anion and cation exchangers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastomer composition comprising a mixture of (A) a perfluoroelastomer and (B) at least one elastomer selected from fluorine rubbers, silicone rubbers and ethylene-propylene based rubbers, in a mixing ratio (A/B) of from 0.5/99.5 to 80/20 in terms of weight ratio.

Abstract: Provided are a vinyl monomer-grafted alkoxysilane-modified oxyalkylene resin which is useful as a raw material for a modified silicone based elastic adhesive and excellent in storage stability and adhesiveness and furthermore, cures with moisture excellently within a short time period, a production method for the resin, and a curable composition containing the resin. Specifically disclosed is a vinyl monomer-grafted alkoxysilane-modified oxyalkylene resin, which is produced by a method including grafting of a vinyl monomer by using an oxyalkylene based polymer as a raw material, in which the vinyl monomer includes a vinyl monomer containing 50 wt % or more of one or more of kinds of (meth)acrylic monomers, and the vinyl monomer is subjected to a graft reaction by using an alkyl peroxide as a radical reaction initiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of crosslinked silicone polymers that by virtue of the nature of the dimol alcohol undecylenic acid ester based crosslinker, have unique solubility and properties. These include improved tolerance for oily materials and improved skin feel. These polymers find use in personal care applications like pigmented products. In the personal care arena, solid products that do not experience syneresis are important. Syneresis is a condition that exists in a solid product that causes a liquid that is incompatible to ooze out, which is cosmetically unacceptable.

Abstract: Addition-curable organopolysiloxane resin composition comprising an organopolysiloxane resin that contains at least alkenyl, hydroxyl, and phenyl directly bonded to silicon of which at least 30 mole % is phenyl; an organohydrogenoligosiloxane or organohydrogenpolysiloxane that contains at least phenyl directly bonded to silicon of which at least 20 mole % is phenyl; and an addition reaction-curing catalyst.

Abstract: A multi-functional (meth)acrylate compound containing at least three F atoms and at least three Si atoms per molecule is provided. A photocurable resin composition comprising the compound can endow support substrates with antifouling properties with respect to organic stains such as oil mist and fingerprints, without detracting from surface mar resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing siloxanes modified with organic esters, by hydrosilylating siloxanes with terminally unsaturated esters, which comprises preparing the terminally unsaturated esters used using at least one enzyme as catalyst.

Abstract: Optoelectronic devices include a polymer composition derived from reaction between a hydrosiloxane and a polyfluorene comprising structural units of formula I wherein R1 and R2 are independently alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, alkyloxy, substituted alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, substituted alkenoxy, substituted alkynoxy, or a combination thereof; Ar1 and Ar2 are independently aryl or substituted aryl; m and n are independently 0 or 1; and at least one of R1 and R2 is alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkenyl, or substituted alkynyl.

Abstract: To provide a one-part type moisture curable composition exhibiting superior adhesion properties, weather resistance, coating tolerance, and the like, and providing good operationability, which is cured by moisture in the atmosphere to form an elastic material in the form of a rubber A one-part type moisture curable composition comprising: (A) a prepolymer having a urea bond(s), a urethane bond(s), and a hydrolysable silyl group(s) at a chain end(s) or pendent position(s) thereof; and (B) a polymer comprising a polyether structure(s) and/or a polyacryl structure(s) in the main chain, and having a hydrolysable silyl group(s) at a chain end(s) or pendent position(s) thereof.

Abstract: Metallized nanostructured chemicals are incorporated at the molecular level as alloying agents for the reinforcement of polymer microstructures, including polymer coils, domains, chains, and segments. Direct blending processes are effective because of the tailorable compatibility of the metallized nanostructured chemicals with polymers.

Abstract: A light filter or an array of filters can be either one or two dimensional. The filter or filters use multiple beam interference by varying an optical path length between semi-reflective surfaces. The optical path length between the semi-reflective surfaces is varied by changing a thickness of a polymer film in response to an electric field formed between two semi-transparent electrodes. The filter can be configured in either a transmissive or reflective mode.

Abstract: A prepreg, for printed wiring boards, comprising a flame resistant resin composition containing a specific cyanate ester resin, a nonhalogen epoxy resin, boehmite which is hardly soluble in acids or alkalis and a silicone powder which is a flame retardant assistant, and a base material, which prepreg retains high-degree flame resistance without a halogen compound and has excellent resistance to chemical, high glass transition temperature, excellent soldering heat resistance and excellent heat resistance after moisture absorption, and a laminate or metal-foil-clad laminate obtained by curing the above prepreg.

Abstract: Addition curable elastomer compositions whose cured products exhibit high elongation at break and high tear propagation resistance are prepared from specific molecular weight ranges of alkenyl-terminal, alkenyl-pendant, and substantially non-functional organopolysiloxanes.

Abstract: A polymer coating for implantable medical devices based on polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating the coating are disclosed. The implantable medical devices made of polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tuneable diffraction grating modulator based on the principle of total internal reflection comprising an elastomer as a deformable layer to be modulated in a nonuniform electric field.