3m Innovative Properties Company

Other

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Bimal V Thakkar

Kenneth L Smith

Michael Benton Free

Jeffrey O Emslander

Raymond C Chiu

Mikhail L Pekurovsky

Mieczyslaw H Mazurek

William D Coggio

Suman K Patel

Robert F Watkins

David B Olson

Todd D Jones

Bryan C Feisel

Albert I Everaerts

Joseph D Rule

Lee A Pavelka

Jay M Jennen

David M Burns

Charlie C Ho

Ryan M Braun

David W Meitz

Robert D Hamann

David G Schueler

Douglas J Hall

Steven M Nielsen

Stephen A Johnson

Duane Douglas Fansler

Greggory S Bennett

Jonathan E Janoski

Cristina U Thomas

Gina M Buccellato

Anthony F Schultz

Carla S Thomas

Sithya S Khieu

Tien Yi T H Whiting

Gary R Miron

David C Lueneburg

Reema Chatterjee

Tien YH Whiting

The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane composition is well suited for use in thin, flexible light directing articles to impart flexibility, toughness, or protection to the light directing articles that contain optically active elements. The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have improved thermostability at higher temperatures. Specifically, the disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have a cross-over temperature greater than 110&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is greater than 130&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is less than 170&#xb0; C. and a Tg greater than 35&#xb0; C. and less than 70&#xb0; C.

Polyurethane layer for a light directing article

A light directing article comprises an acrylic polyvinyl acetal film to protect the optical elements of the light directing article. The acrylic polyvinyl acetal film has a Tg of at least 30&#xb0; C. and comprises a (meth)acrylic polymer and polyvinyl acetal polymer. The acrylic polyvinyl acetal film is flexible and durable to mechanical deformation.

Acrylic polyvinyl acetal film for a light directing article

The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane composition is well suited for use in thin, flexible light directing articles to impart flexibility, toughness, or protection to the light directing articles that contain optically active elements. The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have improved thermostability at higher temperatures. Specifically, the disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have a cross-over temperature greater than 110&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is greater than 130&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is less than 170&#xb0; C. and a Tg greater than 35 C and less than 70 C.

This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles.

Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas

The relates to multi-layer sealing films for microstructured articles. The multi-layer sealing film may include two or more layers. The multi-layer sealing film has an elastic modulus of at least 3.5&#xd7;10kPa and the flexural rigidity of the microstructured article is less than about 4.0&#xd7;10N&#xb7;m.

Multi-layer sealing films

The present application generally relates to EAA films including at least one triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. The present application also generally relates to retroreflective sheeting including an EAA film including a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. One embodiments of the present application relates to a film, comprising poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA. Another embodiment of the present application relates to retroreflective sheeting, comprising: a plurality of cube corner elements; and a body layer adjacent to the cube corner elements, the body layer including poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA.

Films including triazine-based ultraviolet absorbers

The present application generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making retroreflective articles. The retroreflective articles include a substantially amorphous polymeric layer between the body layer and the discrete truncated cube corner elements. The substantially amorphous polymeric layer absorbs, dissipates, and/or accommodates at least some of the stress forces placed on the retroreflective article during processing. As a result, discrete truncated cube corner elements with increased fidelity can be formed. Consequently, retroreflective sheeting including a substantially amorphous polymeric layer has increased brightness compared to similarly made and composed sheeting lacking the substantially amorphous polymeric layer.

Retroreflective sheeting including a substantially amorphous polymeric layer

The present application generally relates to EAA films including at least one triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. The present application also generally related to retroreflective sheeting including an EAA film including a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. One embodiments of the present application relates to a film, comprising poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA. Another embodiment of the present application relates to retroreflective sheeting, comprising: a plurality of cube corner elements; and a body layer adjacent to the cube corner elements, the body layer including poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA.

Growing community of inventors

Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Bimal V Thakkar