3m Innovative Properties Company

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Craig R Hoff

Thomas J Blong

Robert M Biegler

Jay M Jennen

Erik A Aho

Jeffrey M Maki

David V Mahoney

Derek W Patzman

Mark A Hoisington

Anton F Jachim

Tatsuo Fukushi

Robert E Kolb

David Jon Lundin

Douglas A Devens, Jr

Attila A Molnar

Paul F Tuckner

Steven J Wellner

This disclosure describes co-extruded multilayer articles including at least one continuous layer and one discontinuous layer, as well as systems and techniques for the manufacture of co-extruded multilayer articles. For example, a co-extruded multilayer article is described that includes a body having a plurality of layers, where a first layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a first material and is continuous along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a second layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a second material and is discontinuously co-extruded along the longitudinal axis.

Co-extruded multilayer articles including continuous layer and discontinuous layer

A method for enhancing the bond strength between a VDF-containing fluoroplastic layer and an elastomer layer of a multi-layer article. A VDF-containing fluoroplastic composition is applied to the surface of a precursor article that includes a curable elastomer layer to form a fluoroplastic layer. Prior to application of the fluoroplastic composition, the curable elastomer layer is thermally insulated to prevent it from undergoing substantial heating. Following application, the fluoroplastic layer is heated and the curable elastomer layer is cured (e.g., thermally cured). Preferably, the elastomer cure occurs separately from and subsequent to heating the fluoroplastic layer. The combination of thermally insulating the curable elastomer layer prior to application of the fluoroplastic composition and heating the fluoroplastic layer following application of the fluoroplastic composition results in formation of a strong bond between the fluoroplastic and elastomer layers upon cure.

Process for preparing a multi-layer article having a fluoroplastic layer and an elastomer layer

An illumination waveguide that includes: a core having a cross-section in which the shortest dimension of the cross-section is at least one millimeter; and a cladding surrounding the core that includes a polymer having an optically smooth inner surface.

Illumination waveguide and method for producing same

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Champlin, MN, United States of America

Craig R Hoff