Abstract:
A patterned article includes a carrier layer having a microstructured first major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first major surface includes pluralities of upper and lower edges spaced apart along a thickness direction of the carrier layer and defining respective upper and lower portions of the first major surface. The lower portion is disposed between the upper portion and the second major surface. The article includes a first functional layer disposed on the lower, but not the upper portion of the first major surface. The first functional layer includes at least one first micro-cut inorganic layer including a plurality of cut edges substantially coextensive with the plurality of lower edges. A method of making the patterned article is provided. Articles that can be made by transferring a functional layer from the patterned article are provided.
Abstract:
An article (e.g. film, tape or pipe) is described comprising a microstructured surface. The microstructured surface comprises a thermoplastic polymer; and a block copolymer additive comprising a poly(alkylene)oxide block having a molecular weight greater than 250 or 500 g/mole and at least one hydrophobic block. Also described is a method of making such articles. Also described is a triblock copolymer comprising a poly(alkylene oxide) midblock and hydrocarbon end blocks; and compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer and un to 50 wt. % of the block copolymer.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides articles having conformal layers and methods of making such articles. An article includes a first polymeric layer having a substantially planar major surface and an opposing major surface bonded to a second polymeric layer. One major surface of the second polymeric layer is conformal to the first polymeric layer while the opposing major surface defines a cavity having at least one wall. The second polymeric layer also has a channel connecting the cavity to at least one edge of the second polymeric layer or to the planar surface of the first polymeric layer. A surface of the cavity exhibits an advancing contact angle with water of less than 90 degrees. A method includes obtaining a tool having protruding features; disposing a first polymer on the protruding features; disposing a second polymer on the first polymer; and applying compression to the polymeric tooling, the first polymer, and the second polymer at an elevated temperature to form the article. The articles can be formed to have small cavities for use as precision fluidic devices, such as blood glucose testing strips.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating a nozzle that includes casting and curing a first material using a patterned nip roller to form a first microstructured pattern of discrete microstructures, deforming at least one of the discrete microstructures; replicating the first microstructured pattern, including the at least one deformed discrete microstructure, in a second material different than the first material to make a replicated structure comprising a plurality of blind holes formed in the second material, removing second material of the replicated structure to expose tops of microstructures in the first microstructured pattern, and removing the first material from the replicated structure, resulting in a nozzle having a plurality of through-holes in the second material and corresponding to the first microstructured pattern.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.
Abstract:
Devices including a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide containing material having a microstructured surface are disclosed herein. Such devices can optionally include a flex circuit attached to the microstructured surface and can be useful, for example, in fluid handling applications.
Abstract:
A solid state area light and spotlight having a solid state light source such as LEDs, tapered light guides, and external thermal guides. The area light includes a flared light guide, and the spotlight includes a light guide with a closed end. The light guides are coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source with the distribution being based in part upon the shape and taper of the light guides. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.
Abstract:
A solid state light having a solid state light source such as LEDs, a light guide having an enclosed interior volume such as a bulb shape without vents, and a thermal guide. The light guide is coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source. The thermal guide is at least partially contained within the interior volume with an air gap between a portion of the thermal guide and the light guide. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.
Abstract:
Radar retroreflective (R3) devices including an electromagnetic absorber are provided. The electromagnetic absorber is disposed on selected areas of the device to reduce specular reflection without substantially reducing retroreflection of the device.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a microstructured article (830, 930) including a thermoplastic polymer shaped to have a curve. At least a portion of the curve includes a microstructured surface (1010B, 10, 1110A, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 810, 840, 910, 940) of utilitarian discontinuities and the microstructured surface (101B, 10, 1110A, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 810, 840, 910, 940) includes peak structures and adjacent valleys (810, 910). The peak structures and the curve are formed of a single piece of the thermoplastic polymer. A method of making the microstructured articles is also provided including a) obtaining a tool (820, 920) shaped to include at least one of a protrusion or a concavity; b) disposing a microstructured film (800A, 800C, 900) on at least a portion of the tool (820, 920) including the protrusion and/or the concavity; and c) thermoforming a single piece of thermoplastic polymer onto the tool (820, 920) to form a microstructured article (830, 930) shaped to include a curve. The curve is an inverse of the protrusion or the concavity of the tool (820, 920).