Certain patternable reflective films are used as masks to make other patterned articles, and one or more initial masks can be used to pattern the patternable reflective films. An exemplary patternable reflective film has an absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to a radiant beam, absorptively heat a portion of the film by an amount sufficient to change a first reflective characteristic to a different second reflective characteristic. The change from the first to the second reflective characteristic is attributable to a change in birefringence of one or more layers or materials of the patternable film. In a related article, a mask is attached to such a patternable reflective film. The mask may have opaque portions and light-transmissive portions. Further, the mask may have light-transmissive portions with structures such as focusing elements and/or prismatic elements.

Certain patternable reflective films are used as masks to make other patterned articles, and one or more initial masks can be used to pattern the patternable reflective films. An exemplary patternable reflective film has an absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to a radiant beam, absorptively heat a portion of the film by an amount sufficient to change a first reflective characteristic to a different second reflective characteristic. The change from the first to the second reflective characteristic is attributable to a change in birefringence of one or more layers or materials of the patternable film. In a related article, a mask is attached to such a patternable reflective film. The mask may have opaque portions and light-transmissive portions. Further, the mask may have light-transmissive portions with structures such as focusing elements and/or prismatic elements.

The present invention relates to compositions, comprising silver nanoplatelets, wherein the mean diameter of the silver nanoplatelets, present in the composition, is in the range of 20 to 70 nm with standard deviation being less than 50% and the mean thickness of the silver nanoplatelets, present in the composition, is in the range of 5 to 30 nm with standard deviation being less than 50%, wherein the mean aspect ratio of the silver nanoplatelets is higher than 1.5, a process for its production, printing inks containing the compositions and their use in security products. The highest wavelength absorption maximum of the population of all silver nanoplatelets in the composition being within the range of 450 to 550 nm. A coating, comprising the composition, shows a red, or magenta color in transmission and a greenish-metallic color in reflection.

The present invention relates to compositions, comprising silver nanoplatelets, wherein the mean diameter of the silver nanoplatelets, present in the composition, is in the range of 20 to 70 nm with standard deviation being less than 50% and the mean thickness of the silver nanoplatelets, present in the composition, is in the range of 5 to 30 nm with standard deviation being less than 50%, wherein the mean aspect ratio of the silver nanoplatelets is higher than 1.5, a process for its production, printing inks containing the compositions and their use in security products. The highest wavelength absorption maximum of the population of all silver nanoplatelets in the composition being within the range of 450 to 550 nm. A coating, comprising the composition, shows a red, or magenta color in transmission and a greenish-metallic color in reflection.

A manufacturing process that allows for the transfer of labels formed from polarizer film to end-use products. The polarizer film is covered by a masking layer that is typically die cut to create the labels from the continuous sheet of film. Here, an additional covering layer (or layers) of a relatively stiff material is disposed over the masking layer. The addition of the covering layer results in the processed polarizer film being less susceptible to damage (related to unwanted bending) during further processing and/or shipment. Advantageously, the covering layer improves the ability to remove individual labels from the film, particularly with respect to attempting to peel off the thin masking layer.

A manufacturing process that allows for the transfer of labels formed from polarizer film to end-use products. The polarizer film is covered by a masking layer that is typically die cut to create the labels from the continuous sheet of film. Here, an additional covering layer (or layers) of a relatively stiff material is disposed over the masking layer. The addition of the covering layer results in the processed polarizer film being less susceptible to damage (related to unwanted bending) during further processing and/or shipment. Advantageously, the covering layer improves the ability to remove individual labels from the film, particularly with respect to attempting to peel off the thin masking layer.

The invention relates to a method for producing a decorative element DE and uses of a decorative element DE produced in this way.

A polarizing layer PS which functions as an analyzer is applied to a transparent optical carrier material TM and a transparent optical functional layer FS is applied to the other side as an image-forming layer BS which consists of an optically anisotropic material OAM.

By spatially structuring the functional layer FS in an image-forming manner, a targeted location-dependent dependency of material properties of the optically anisotropic material OAM is created for producing the image-forming layer BS in the form of an image motif BM.

One or several decorative elements DE produced according to the invention can each be introduced into a light field of a lighting device BV in a desired shape, size and quantity and having settable image motifs BM (image structures) and being disposed at different spatial distances and being freely disposable.

Furthermore, in terms of a device, the decorative element produced according to the invention is intended to be used as an architectural element for creating light-optical effects in the exterior area of buildings, as a design element for interior design or for object design.

The invention relates to a method for producing a decorative element DE and uses of a decorative element DE produced in this way.

A polarizing layer PS which functions as an analyzer is applied to a transparent optical carrier material TM and a transparent optical functional layer FS is applied to the other side as an image-forming layer BS which consists of an optically anisotropic material OAM.

By spatially structuring the functional layer FS in an image-forming manner, a targeted location-dependent dependency of material properties of the optically anisotropic material OAM is created for producing the image-forming layer BS in the form of an image motif BM.

One or several decorative elements DE produced according to the invention can each be introduced into a light field of a lighting device BV in a desired shape, size and quantity and having settable image motifs BM (image structures) and being disposed at different spatial distances and being freely disposable.

Furthermore, in terms of a device, the decorative element produced according to the invention is intended to be used as an architectural element for creating light-optical effects in the exterior area of buildings, as a design element for interior design or for object design.

The invention relates to an optical structure (5) having a relief effect, comprising: - a support (7) adapted for aligning liquid crystals, - a deposit (9) in contact with the support of a substance in the form of at least one pattern (11), which partially covers the support, and - a liquid crystal layer (13) which at least partially covers the support and said pattern and is in contact with the support.

The invention relates to an optical structure (5) having a relief effect, comprising: - a support (7) adapted for aligning liquid crystals, - a deposit (9) in contact with the support of a substance in the form of at least one pattern (11), which partially covers the support, and - a liquid crystal layer (13) which at least partially covers the support and said pattern and is in contact with the support.