Dye enhanced durability through controlled dye environment
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsDenise A. Barrera, Roberta E. Harelstad, William D. Joseph, Lee A. Pavelka
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Abstract
An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) comprises a first phase which is continuous and comprises a flexible polymer and a second phase which is a fluorescent or nonfluorescent durable dispersed or continuous phase and comprises a dye and a polymer, wherein the polymer enhances durability of the dye. Such networks are particularly useful in fluorescent traffic signs or safety devices or in pavement marking tape or paint.
Claims25
An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) comprising
- a) a first phase being continuous and comprising a flexible polymer, and
- b) a second phase being a fluorescently durable dispersed or continuous phase and comprising a fluorescent dye and a polymer, wherein said polymer enhances durability of the fluorescent dye.
A method of enhancing the color durability of a fluorescent dye in an IPN or semi-IPN comprising the step of:
- providing an IPN or semi-IPN comprising:
- a first phase being a continuous phase and comprising a flexible polymer, and
- a second phase being a durable colored dispersed or continuous polymer comprising a fluorescent dye therein,
- wherein the polymer enhances durability of the fluorescent dye.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.