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Retroreflective sheeting including a low index coating

A low-refractive-index layer and low-refractive-index technology, applied in layered products, optics, instruments, etc., can solve problems such as insufficient durability and insufficient whiteness of metal coatings

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-04-25
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Metalized cube corners are not dependent on TIR of retroreflected light, but they are often not white enough for daytime viewing in e.g. signage applications
In addition, the durability of metallic coatings may also be insufficient

Method used

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  • Retroreflective sheeting including a low index coating
  • Retroreflective sheeting including a low index coating
  • Retroreflective sheeting including a low index coating

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

[0095] Coating Solutions 1-9 were prepared using the hydrophobic resins listed in Table 1. For each coating solution, resin and fumed silica (available as TS-530 from Cabot Corporation, Billerica MA) having the weight ratios specified in Table I were mixed with the corresponding solvent also specified in Table I. The weight part of the resin is 1. For example, for coating solution 1, the weight ratio of resin FC2145 to fumed silica is 1:5.

[0096] The resin used in Coating Solutions 1, 2, and 9 was Dyneon Fluoroelastomer Copolymer FC2145 (available from Dyneon LLC, Oakdale MN). The resin used in coating solutions 3 and 4 was SPU-5k, which is a silicone polyurea formed from the reaction between αω aminopropyl polydimethylsiloxane and m-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate, As generally described in Example #23 of US Patent No. 6,355,759. The resin used in coating solutions 5 and 6 was SR-351, a UV-polymerizable monomer (available from Sartomer Company, Exton PA). The resin used ...

example 2

[0103] Coating solutions 10-15 were prepared using hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol as specified in Table II (available as Poval PVA-235 from Kuraray America, Houston TX). For each coating solution, resin and fumed silica (available as Cabo-O-Sperse PG002 from Cabot Corporation, Billerica MA) were mixed in the weight ratios specified in Table II. The weight part of resin is 1. For example, for coating solution 10, the weight ratio of resin PVA-235 to fumed silica was 1:4. First, PVA-235 resin was added as a 7% by weight solution in water into a stainless steel beaker fitted with an air mixer operated at low speed to minimize foaming. Tergitol Min-Foam XL (available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland MI) at 1% by weight of PVA-235 and 2-3% by weight of NH 4 OH was added to the mixer to adjust the pH to about 9.5-10. Fumed silica was then added as a 20% by weight solution in water. If necessary, a sufficient amount of CX-100 as specified in Table II by weight percent of the res...

example 3

[0108] A retroreflecting optical construction 3000 was prepared, a schematic side view of which is shown in Image 6 . Optical Construct 3000 similar to Figure 1A The corresponding configuration in , and includes a flexible prismatic retroreflective layer 930 and a low refractive index layer 960 coated on the retroreflective layer. The low index layer substantially planarizes the structured side of the retroreflective layer. Figure 7A with 7B Schematic top and side views, respectively, of a single prism in a prismatic retroreflective layer. Figure 7A with 7B Angles are measured in degrees and dimensions are measured in mils. Each face of the prisms in the retroreflective layer is a right triangle and the base is an isosceles triangle. Prisms were prepared using methods generally described in, for example, US Patent Nos. 6,843,571 and 5,691,846, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0109] Retroreflecting optical constructio...

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Abstract

Retroreflective articles and constructions are disclosed. One exemplary retroreflective article or construction includes a retroreflective layer and a low refractive index layer. In one exemplary embodiment, the low refractive index layer is adjacent to at least a portion of a retroreflective structured major surface of the retroreflective layer.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to retroreflective articles including low refractive index coatings and methods of making such articles. The present invention also relates to retroreflective articles exhibiting low refractive index-like properties and methods of making such articles. Background technique [0002] Retroreflective materials are characterized by their ability to redirect light incident on the material so that it reflects back to the original light source. This property has made retroreflective sheeting widely used in a variety of transportation and personal safety applications. Retroreflective sheeting is commonly used in a variety of articles such as traffic signs, barricades, license plates, pavement markings and tapes, and reflective tapes for vehicles and clothing. [0003] Two known types of retroreflective sheeting are cube corner sheeting and microsphere-based sheeting. Microsphere-based sheets (sometimes referred to as ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B32B3/00
CPCG02B5/124B32B3/00
Inventor 苏曼・K・帕特尔威廉・D・科焦米哈伊尔・L・佩库洛夫斯基肯尼思・L・史密斯迈克尔・本顿・弗里威廉・布雷克・科尔布
Owner 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
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