Multilayer articles comprising organic layers

Abstract

To provide articles, such as optical devices in the form of foil, sheets, and / or flakes, which can be prepared in a process utilizing fewer pieces of equipment, resulting in lower manufacturing costs.SOLUTION: An article disclosed herein includes: a first organic layer and a second organic layer, each having an interior embossed surface; and an embossed reflector layer adjacent to the interior embossed surface of the first organic layer and adjacent to the interior embossed surface of the second organic layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. No. 60 / 699,999, filed on May 1, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to articles such as optical devices in the form of foils, sheets, and / or flakes. The article can include a first organic layer and a second organic layer, The two organic layers are each independently embossed on the inner surface of the first organic layer and Adjacent to the inner embossed surface and within the inner embossed surface of the second organic layer and an embossed reflective layer adjacent to the surface. Methods for making articles such as plaster casts are also disclosed. [Background technology]

[0003] Many products can be made on a substrate with a release layer, such as sodium chloride. Before coating, the flakes are evaporated under vacuum. In addition, the multilayer design for producing the flakes is The structure is deposited under vacuum onto the substrate foil. Once coated, the multilayer design is then washed with acetone. The peeling process involves using a mixture of ethanol and water to dissolve the peel layer. The flakes are dried and then crushed to obtain the final desired particle size. Non-limiting examples of dry or wet milling techniques include jet milling, cryogenic milling, , ultrasonic waves in a liquid medium, rotor-stator mill wet grinding, etc. The process requires multiple steps performed by different equipment, resulting in high manufacturing costs. This increases the cost of the final pigment product.

[0004] Manufactured using a process that reduces manufacturing costs by using fewer parts and equipment There is a need for items that can. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a first organic layer and a second organic layer, The organic layers of each of the first and second organic layers include an internal embossed surface. an organic layer adjacent to the inner embossed surface of the first organic layer, and an embossed reflective layer adjacent to the inner embossed surface of the organic layer; An article is disclosed that includes:

[0006] In a further embodiment, a method for producing a photosensitive layer comprising coating a first colored organic layer onto a substrate; depositing a reflective layer on the first pigmented organic layer; and and embossing both the diffractive pigment and the organic layer. do.

[0007] In a further embodiment, a method for producing a photosensitive layer includes coating a first colored organic layer onto a substrate; embossing the coated first colored organic layer; and and depositing a reflective layer on the first pigmented organic layer, the reflective layer comprising: conforming to the embossed surface of the embossed first colored organic layer; A method for making a diffractive pigment is disclosed.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of various embodiments are set forth in part in the description that follows or in the accompanying drawings. These will be apparent in part from the description that follows or may be learned by practice of various embodiments. Objectives and other advantages of various embodiments are particularly set forth in the description herein. This may be realized and achieved by means of the elements and combinations indicated.

[0009] Certain aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. It can be solved.

[0010] Throughout the specification and drawings, like reference numbers identify like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an article including a first organic layer, a reflective layer, and a second organic layer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an article including a first absorbent layer, a first organic layer, a reflective layer, a second organic layer, and a second absorbent layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an article including alternating first and second organic layers according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4A-4D illustrate various steps in a method of manufacturing an article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 5A-5E illustrate various steps in a method of manufacturing an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an article in which all surfaces of all layers are embossed. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an article in which the exterior surface of the exterior layer is flat and all interior surfaces of all layers are embossed. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of an article in which one exterior surface of one exterior layer is flat, another exterior surface of another exterior layer is embossed, and all interior surfaces of all layers are embossed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only. It should be understood that the present disclosure is intended to provide a description of various embodiments of the present teachings.

[0013] In a wide variety of embodiments, disclosed herein are, for example, foils, sheets, and an article such as an optical device in the form of flakes, and a method for making article 10. 0 includes a three-layer structure as shown in FIG. 1, a five-layer structure as shown in FIG. 2, and a The layers present in article 10 may include multiple layers, such as an alternative five-layer structure as shown in FIG. 12, 14, reflective layer 20, magnetic layer, absorbing layer 22, 24, etc. The individual layers of article 10 are disclosed more fully below. In one embodiment, all of article 10 The layers may be embossed or otherwise micropatterned, for example as shown in Figures 6-8. In another embodiment, one or more layers of article 10 may be embossed. In a further embodiment, one or more surfaces of one or more layers of article 10 may be coated with a coating such as that shown in, for example, FIGS. In yet another embodiment, one or more layers of article 10 may be embossed as shown in FIG. One or more of the surfaces may be planar, e.g., as shown in Figures 7 and 8, It may be self-flattened.

[0014] The article 10 may be symmetrical, i.e., have the same type and number of layers on both sides. The materials forming the layers of the symmetric article 10 may be different. For example, Article 10 may include a first organic layer 12, a reflective layer 20, and a second organic layer 14; The material forming the first organic layer 12 may be the same as the material forming the second organic layer 14 or In another embodiment, article 10 may be asymmetric, i.e., have different The materials forming the layers of the asymmetric article 10 may be of different shapes and may be of different numbers of layers. For example, article 10 may include a reflective layer 20, an organic layer 12, and an absorptive layer 14. 22 may also be included.

[0015] 1-3 show various multi-layer structures as article 10, and are embossed for ease of illustration. 6-8 show various embossed articles 10, but are not intended to be limiting. For ease of illustration, the various multi-layer articles 10 are not shown. It is contemplated that the 0 may be embossed in any manner shown in Figures 6-8. The description of a particular layer, such as layer 20, applies to any article 10 that includes that exact layer, such as a reflective layer. Additionally, references to layers refer to the first layer unless otherwise specified. and the second layer, for example, "organic layer," "first organic layer 12," and "second organic layer 14." It is intended to be equally applicable.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an article 10 including a first organic layer 12, a reflective layer 20, and a second organic layer 14. The first organic layer 12 and the second organic layer 14 each have an internal embossed surface. adjacent to the embossed surface 18 of the first organic layer 12 and the embossed surface 18 of the first organic layer 12; The embossed surface 18 of the second organic layer 14 is adjacent to the embossed surface 18. and a protective layer 20. See, for example, Figures 6-8.

[0017] The first organic layer 12 and the second organic layer 14 may be the same or different. For example, the first organic layer 12 and the second organic layer 14 may be the same color, or In one embodiment, the first organic layer 12 and the second organic layer 14 are The first organic layer 12 and the second organic layer 14 may be the same or different. The organic material may include:

[0018] Although not shown in FIG. 1, any surface of any layer present in article 10 may be embossed. For example, the first organic layer 12 and the second organic layer 13 may be coated or flat. The organic layer 14 may have an internal surface, such as a surface adjacent to the reflective layer 20, as shown in FIGS. The reflective layer 20 of FIG. 1 may include an embossed surface 18, for example, where each surface is The embossed surface 18 within the first organic layer 12 and the embossed surface 18 within the second organic layer 14 The surface may be fully embossed so as to abut the bossed surface.

[0019] In another embodiment, the reflective layer 20 may be partially embossed, e.g., a first One embossed surface, such as the surface adjacent to organic layer 12, and the other surface adjacent to second organic layer 14 are In addition, the partially embossed reflective layer 20 is flat with respect to another surface, such as a surface that is , the length of both surfaces adjacent to the first organic layer 12 and the embossed second organic layer 14 along the length of the first organic layer 12 and the surface adjacent to the planar second organic layer 14. and another portion along the remainder of the length.

[0020] Although not shown in FIG. 1, article 10 has an exterior flat surface and an interior embossed surface. The second organic layer 14 may include a first organic layer 12 having an outer flat surface. The reflective layer 20 may include a surface and an internal embossed surface, as shown in FIG. The surface may include two oppositely oriented embossed surfaces, such as 6, article 10 includes first organic layer 12, reflective layer 20, and second organic layer 12. and an organic layer 14, each of which may comprise two oppositely oriented embossed layers. In yet another embodiment, the article 10 may have an exterior surface, as shown in FIG. a first organic layer 12 having a flat surface and an internal embossed surface 18; The embossed reflective layer 20, i.e., two oppositely oriented embossed The second organic layer 14 may include a embossed surface and a fully embossed second organic layer 14 .

[0021] Note that the degree of embossing may vary throughout article 10. The depth (modulation) of the embossed grooves does not have to be the same between opposing surfaces of the article 10. The modulation affects the intensity of a particular diffracted wavelength, but not the spatial location of the diffracted light. Thus, a slight modulation on one side can lead to a deeper modulation on the other side of the article, as shown in Figure 6. This can be compensated for by the adjustment.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the organic layers 12, 14 are made of organic materials, organic pigments, inorganic pigments, and a complex with a colorant such as a dye.

[0023] Non-limiting examples of organic coloring materials include perylene, perinone, quinacridone, quinacridone, Donquinone, Anthrapyrimidine, Anthraquinone, Anthanthrone, Benzimidazoline quinolone, diazo condensation, azo, quinolone, xanthene, azomethine, quinophthalone, indanthone lon, phthalocyanine, triarylcarbonium, dioxazine, aminoanthraquino Isoindoline, diketopyrrolopyrrole, thioindigo, thiazineindigo, isoi Indolin, isoindolinone, pyranthrone, isoviolanthrone, myosimethane, tri arylmethanes, or mixtures thereof.

[0024] The organic material is a material having thermoplastic properties, for example, a softening temperature lower than the thermal distortion of the heat-resistant substrate 26. Non-limiting examples of organic materials include polyester, poly Olefin, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyimide, polyurethane, acrylic, Acrylates, polyvinyl esters, polyethers, polythiols, silicones, fluoro Thermoplastic materials such as carbon and their various copolymers, epoxy, polyurethane, Acrylates, melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and phenol formaldehyde Thermosetting materials such as aldehyde, as well as acrylates, epoxies, vinyls, vinyl esters, Energy curable materials such as styrene, styrene, and silanes. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used include acrylic polymers, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, Acrylic / nitrocellulose mixture, acrylic / epoxy hybrid, styrene / acrylic Polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol are examples of thermosoftening properties. It is defined in terms of the transition temperature (Tg).

[0025] In one embodiment, the organic layers 12, 14 are made of a material having a Tg value in the range of about 20°C to about 150°C. If the Tg is too low, the organic layers 12, 14 may damage the embossed microstructure. It becomes too "sticky" and difficult to remove from the embossed master without breaking. If the Tg is too high, the temperature required to soften the organic layers 12, 1 This may impair the characteristics of 4.

[0026] In another embodiment, the organic layer 12 is a composite of the organic material and light-emitting nanoparticles disclosed herein. The luminescent nanoparticles may be bombarded by an external radiation source such as an electromagnet or electrons. Non-limiting examples of luminescent nanoparticles include fluorescent nanoparticles. and dual converter nanoparticles.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a first absorbing layer 22, a first organic layer 12, a reflective layer 20, and a second organic layer 14. and a second absorbent layer 24. The article 10 and the article 10 of FIG. The layers may be fully or partially bonded as described above with respect to FIG. 1 and as shown in FIGS. Additionally, the first and second absorbent layers 22, 24 may each be embossed with Independently, the embossed inner surface, the flat outer surface, and / or the opposing The adhesive layer may include two embossed surfaces.

[0028] In one embodiment, the organic layers 12, 14 may comprise an organic pigmented dielectric material. Colored dielectric materials can be engineered to selectively absorb incident and reflected light wavelengths. The dielectric material may also be transparent. Organic dielectric materials are , which have a low refractive index that can produce interference that shifts as a function of incident light and viewing angle. A colorant may be used to color the dielectric material.

[0029] The dielectric material may have a low refractive index (less than about 1.6), a medium refractive index (between about 1.6 and 2.0), and It may have a variety of refractive indices, including high refractive indices (greater than about 2.0). , SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, WO3, VO5, ITO, Ta2O5, CeO2, Y2O3, ZnS, ZnO, In2O3, La2O3, MgO, Nd2O3, PrO 11 , Fe2O3, Fe3O4, SiO, SnO2, FeOx, MgF2, Al F3, CeF3, LaF3, LiF, CaF2, cermet, diamond-like carbon and combinations thereof.

[0030] In another embodiment, the organic layers 12, 14 have an organic refractive index that affects the nanoparticles and a It can include complexes with inorganic materials that affect the refractive index. For example, nanoparticles can affect the refractive index. The inorganic refractive index produces optical interference that does not change significantly as a function of the angle of incidence and the viewing angle. It may contain TiO2 or ZnS.

[0031] Figure 3 shows an article 10 that includes alternating first organic layers 12 and second organic layers 14. 1 does not include reflective layer 20. The layers present in article 10 and article 10 of FIG. 3 are the same as those in FIG. As discussed above and as shown in Figures 6-8, the fully or partially embossed In this embodiment, the first organic layer 12 may be a layer made of a high refractive index organic material and inorganic dielectric nanoparticles. The second organic layer 14 may comprise a composite of a low refractive index organic dielectric material. nothing.

[0032] FIG. 3 further illustrates the outer layers of article 10, which further include first absorbent layer 22 and second absorbent layer 24. The first and second absorbing layers 22 and 24 may be formed between the first and second organic layers 12 and 13. 4 colors can be intensified.

[0033] The reflective layer 20 for use in the article 10 disclosed herein may be made of metal and / or metal alloy. In one example, any material with reflective properties may be used. Non-limiting examples of materials having this property include aluminum, silver, copper, gold, platinum, tin, and titanium. , palladium, nickel, cobalt, rhodium, niobium, chromium, and compounds thereof; Examples of other suitable reflective alloys and compounds include: In addition to alloys of the above-listed metals such as silver-palladium, bronze, brass, titanium nitride, etc. The reflective layer 20 may be made of copper, gold, a silver-copper alloy, brass, bronze, titanium nitride, or the like. The color may be a compound, combination, or alloy of these elements, each of which may have its own inherent color.

[0034] The reflective layer 20 is fabricated by incorporating particles with reflective properties into an organic matrix. The silver reflective layer 20 may be deposited using a modification of the Brashear silver process. good.

[0035] The absorbent layers 22, 24 may be any absorbent material, including both selectively absorbing and non-selectively absorbing materials. For example, the absorbent layers 22, 23 may include an absorbent material. formed from a non-selectively absorbing metallic material deposited to a thickness that is opaque or semi-opaque. Examples of non-selective absorbing materials may be grey metals such as chromium or nickel. Examples of selective absorbing materials may be copper or gold. In one aspect, the absorbing material is chromium. Non-limiting examples of suitable absorbing materials include chromium, aluminum, silver, nickel, Kel, palladium, platinum, titanium, vanadium, cobalt, iron, tin, tungsten, molybdenum Butane, rhodium, niobium, carbon, graphite, silicon, germanium, cermet, and various combinations of the above absorbent materials that can be used to form the absorbent layers 22, 24. This includes metallic absorbers such as mixtures, compounds, or alloys.

[0036] An example of a suitable alloy for the absorber material is Inconel (Ni-Cr-Fe). , Stainless steel, Hastelloy (registered trademark) (Ni-Mo-Fe, Ni-Mo-Fe-Cr, N i-Si-Cu), titanium mixed with carbon (Ti / C), titanium mixed with tungsten titanium mixed with niobium (Ti / W), titanium mixed with niobium (Ti / Nb), and titanium mixed with silicon (Ti / Nb). Titanium-based alloys such as titanium (Ti / Si), and combinations thereof. Other examples of compounds suitable for the absorbing layers 22, 24 include titanium silicide (TiSi2), boride (B2), and the like. Titanium (TiB2), and titanium-based compounds such as combinations thereof. The storage layers 22, 24 may be comprised of a titanium-based alloy disposed in a matrix of titanium; Alternatively, it may be composed of titanium disposed in a matrix of a titanium-based alloy.

[0037] In one embodiment, the organic layers 12, 14 may be selective light modulator layers (SLMLs). SLML is a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths ranging from about 0.2 μm to about 20 μm. Multiple devices for modulating (absorbing or emitting) light intensity in different selected areas SLML is a physical layer that includes the optical functions of the Selective Light Modulator System (SLMS). The light can be selectively modulated by the absorption means provided by the (discussed in).

[0038] Each SLML (including each SLML present in the article if multiple layers are present) shall independently, in combination with a host material alone or in a selective light modulator system (SLMS). The SLMS may comprise a host material containing selective light modulator molecules (SLMMs), The material may include selective light modulator particles (SLMPs), additives, or a combination thereof.

[0039] The host material of SLML is applied as a coating solution independently, and optical and structural properties are The host material may be a film-forming material that serves a specific purpose. Add additional light modulation to the item by introducing guest systems such as standard light modulation systems (SLMS). It may be used as a host (matrix) to provide structural properties.

[0040] The host material may be a dielectric material. Additionally or alternatively, the host material may be a organic materials, inorganic polymers, and composite materials as described above with respect to the organic layers 12, 14 Non-limiting examples of inorganic polymers include: are silanes, siloxanes, titanates, zirconates, aluminates, silicates, phosphite Examples include polyazanes, polyborazylenes, and polythiazyls.

[0041] The SLMS are independently and selectively selected for use in SLML with a host material. Selective Light Modulator Particles (SLMPs), Selective Light Modulator Molecules (SLMMs), additives, or combinations thereof The SLMS may also include other materials.

[0042] The SLML may include the SLMP independently within the SLMS. It can be any particle combined with a host material to selectively control modulation, Colorants include, but are not limited to, color shifting particles, colorants (e.g., phthalocyanine-based Dyes, inorganic pigments, organic pigments, reflective pigments, color shifting pigments, quantum dots, selective reflection The present invention may be applied to one or more of the following: nanoparticles (which selectively reflect and / or absorb), micelles, etc. Nanoparticles are organic compounds with a high refractive index (n>1.6 at a wavelength of about 550 nm). Organic and metal-organic materials, TiO2, ZrO2, In2O3, In2O3-SnO, SnO2 , Fe x O y (x and y are each independently an integer greater than 0), and metal oxides such as WO3 oxides, ZnS and Cu x S y (x and y are each independently an integer greater than 0), Sulfides, chalcogenides, quantum dots, metal nanoparticles, carbonates, fluorides, and others It may include, but is not limited to, mixtures of these.

[0043] The article 10 disclosed herein is formed using at least two different methods. In one embodiment, the first organic layer 12 is coated on a substrate 26, as shown in FIG. A method of making an article 10 such as a diffractive pigment is disclosed, which includes forming a first organic layer 1 2 may be coated using a liquid coating process. allows the first organic layer 12 to self-planarize, thereby providing a flat outer surface The reflective layer 20 can be formed by any deposition process, including vacuum deposition and liquid coating processes. It may be deposited onto the first organic layer 12 using techniques.

[0044] The method involves heating the reflective layer 20 deposited on the first organic layer 12 prior to embossing. The deposition layer may be heated to a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the first organic layer 12. May be heated.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4B, both the reflective layer 20 and the first organic layer 12 may be embossed. Embossing is achieved by at least one of temperature and pressure contact with an embossing master. A discontinuous embossing system may also be used, in which case e.g. For example, as shown in Figure 4A, the substrate / coating layer is embossed in separate steps under the embossing plate. Alternatively, the embossing master may be moved by a thermoplastic resin of the first organic layer 12. It may be an embossing roller that is heated to a temperature below its plastic softening temperature.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4C, the method includes depositing a second organic layer 14 on the embossed reflective layer 20. The second organic layer 14 may further include coating the second organic layer 14 with a liquid coating process. The liquid coating process may be used to coat the second organic layer 14. This allows the material to self-flatten, resulting in a flat outer surface and an embossed inner surface. A surface is provided.

[0047] The layers of article 10 may be in a solvent or water-based solution. The layer may be coated / applied / deposited using a liquid coating process. Non-limiting examples of coating processes include slot die, gravure, microgravure, inkjet printing, and inkjet printing. Coupling, curtain coating, metering rod, Meyer bar coating, flexo , offset printing, slot bead, slide bead, slot curtain, slide car Ten, tension web and reverse roll, and apply liquid to substrate or pre-deposited layer Other liquid coatings that form a liquid layer or film that is subsequently dried and / or cured and printing processes. Liquid coating processes involve modifying the composition of layers such as the organic layers 12, 14. This allows the transfer of materials at a faster rate compared to other deposition techniques such as evaporation. Therefore, liquid coating processes allow for a wider range of materials to be used in layers with simpler equipment configurations. The layers formed using the liquid coating processes of the present disclosure provide improved optical It is believed that this will be able to demonstrate academic performance.

[0048] The method peels away substrate 26, thereby forming article 10, as shown in FIG. 4D. In one embodiment, the substrate 26 may further include a release layer 28. 28 may have lower adhesion to the first organic layer 12 compared to the substrate 26. In embodiments, release layer 28 is soluble and may be removed.

[0049] The substrate 26 may be peeled off from the deposited layer to produce the article 10. In one embodiment, the substrate 26 6 may be cooled to embrittle the associated release layer 28, if present. In this case, the release layer 28 may be formed by, for example, photonic or electronic beams to increase the degree of cross-linking. The material may be embrittled by heating and / or hardening with thermal energy, thereby allowing the material to be peeled off. The deposited layer can then be removed by sharply bending or brushing the surface. The exfoliated layer may be separated into flakes, foils, or other suitable materials using well-known techniques. may be sized into articles 10 such as optical devices in sheet form.

[0050] The method involves applying a cooling drum to the embossed layer (reflector / first organic layer 12). This may further include removing the heat provided by the embossing roller / plate. Embossing is the process of applying a diffraction pattern, hologram, symbol, logo, or any other desired pattern to the deposited layer. It is possible to provide a suitable microstructure.

[0051] The substrate 26 is made of a heat-resistant material such as polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, or propylene. The substrate 26 may be present in a roll configuration, such that the article 10 The layers are deposited on the substrate 26 as they move from an unwind to an unwind roll configuration. The substrate 26 is made of a material having a softening temperature higher than the softening temperature of the organic layers 12, 14, etc. The substrate 26 may be formed of a flexible material. The substrate may be any suitable material capable of receiving multiple layers deposited thereon. Non-limiting examples of materials include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass foil, glass polymer foil, polymer sheet, metal foil, metal sheet, ceramic foil, ceramic Examples of substrates include polymer webs such as paper sheets, ionic liquids, paper, and silicon wafers. The thickness may vary, for example, from about 2 μm to about 100 μm, and further for example, from about 10 μm to about 100 μm. The thickness may be in the range of about 50 μm to about 50 μm.

[0052] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing the article 10 is also disclosed, as shown in Figures 5A-5E. The method includes coating a first organic layer 12 onto a substrate 26 that optionally includes a release layer 28. The first organic layer 12 may be coated using a liquid coating process. As shown in Figure 5B, the method may further comprise the step of: This may include bossing to create an internal embossed surface 18. The method includes depositing a reflective layer 20 on the inner embossed first organic layer 12. In this way, the reflective layer 20 may have an embossed surface, as shown in FIG. It conforms to the internal embossed surface 18 of the first organic layer 12 .

[0053] The method includes coating a second organic layer 14 onto the deposited reflective layer 20, as shown in Figure 5D. The second organic layer 14 may be formed using a liquid coating process. The coating may be applied.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5E, substrate 26 and any release layer may be removed from article 10.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method includes embossing the first organic layer 12 followed by depositing the reflective layer 20. and depositing a second organic layer 14. This method produces the product shown in FIG. Alternatively, the method can include depositing a first organic layer 12 and a reflective layer 13. and embossing both the first organic layer 12 and the reflective layer 20. and depositing a second organic layer 14. The outer surface of one side has a different modulation. Thus, the degree of modulation on the outer surface of the other side The article 10 is asymmetric because the second organic layer is statistically less modulated. 50% of the flakes or articles 10 having layers 14 are facing upwards, and the more modulated first 50% of the article 10 with the organic layer 12 facing upwards provides a different diffractive effect. 8 can also be considered asymmetric because of the different degrees of modulation on the opposing outer surfaces. Figure 7 can be considered symmetrical.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the article 10 in flake, sheet, or foil form may be coated with a hard coat. In some instances, these layers (hard coat or protective layer) does not require optical quality.

[0057] Depending on the thermoplastic properties of article 10 and release layer 28, the embossed layer may peel away from substrate 26. The embossed layer may be included between the layer 28 and the article 10. In one embodiment, a release layer 28 is disposed between the substrate 26 and the embossable layer, and can be removed or It may be introduced.

[0058] From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings may be embodied in a variety of forms. Accordingly, these teachings should be construed in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples thereof. Although described, the true scope of the present teachings should not be so limited. Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0059] The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted broadly. Disclosed are equivalents, means, systems, and methods for accomplishing these actions and mechanical movements. Each device, article, method, means, mechanical element, or mechanism of the present disclosure is intended to The present disclosure also encompasses the disclosure of many of the aspects, mechanisms, and and devices. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to coatings and their many aspects, features and elements. While such devices may be dynamic in their use and operation, this disclosure is directed to equivalents, means, systems and methods of using the structural and / or optical devices; It encompasses many aspects thereof consistent with the description and spirit of the operations and functions disclosed herein. It is intended that the claims of this application be interpreted broadly as well. The description herein of many embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and, therefore, Variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. No variations should be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. a first organic layer and a second organic layer, each having an internal embossed surface; adjacent to the inner embossed surface of the first organic layer and adjacent to the inner embossed surface of the second organic layer. an embossed reflective layer adjacent said inner embossed surface of the layer; and An article comprising:

2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the first organic layer and the second organic layer are the same color.

3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the first organic layer and the second organic layer are different colors.

4. 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the first organic layer and the second organic layer comprise the same organic material. 。

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first organic layer and the second organic layer comprise different organic materials. Goods.

6. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a first absorbent layer adjacent to the first organic layer.

7. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a second absorbent layer adjacent to the second organic layer.

8. coating a first organic layer on a substrate; depositing a reflective layer on the first organic layer; and embossing both the reflective layer and the first organic layer; A method of manufacturing an article, comprising:

9. further comprising coating a second organic layer onto the embossed reflective layer. The method of claim 8.

10. Coating the first organic layer onto the substrate using a liquid coating process. The method according to claim 8 .

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the liquid coating process is self-planarizing.

12. The method of claim 8 , wherein the deposition of the reflective layer uses a vacuum deposition process.

13. The coating of the second organic layer on the embossed reflective layer is performed by a liquid coating.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a pulsating process is used.

14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the exterior surface of the second organic layer is substantially flat.

15. The method of claim 8 , wherein the substrate comprises a release layer.

16. The method of claim 8 further comprising peeling the substrate.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the release layer is polyvinyl alcohol.

18. The method of claim 8 , wherein the substrate further comprises an embossable layer.

19. coating a first organic layer on a substrate; embossing the coated first organic layer; and depositing a reflective layer on the embossed first organic layer; A method of manufacturing an article, comprising: The reflective layer conforms to the embossed surface of the embossed first organic layer. A method for manufacturing an article.

20. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising coating a second organic layer on the deposited reflective layer.

9. The method according to claim 9.

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