Abstract: A hot stamping foil includes a carrier, and disposed thereon, a thermochromic layer. The thermochromic layer includes a mixture of a thermochromic compound, a sizing or adhesive compound, a release compound, and an antimicrobial compound. The hot stamping foil is useful in creating various visual effects and also preventing the growth of microbes on a medium to which the hot stamping foil is applied.

Abstract: A hot stamping foil includes a carrier, and disposed thereon, a thermochromic layer. The thermochromic layer includes a mixture of a thermochromic compound, a sizing or adhesive compound, and a release compound.

Abstract: A shear-thinning ink composition for use in ball point pens contains a substantially reduced amount of water. These low water-containing inks contain a polymeric material and exhibit superior "cap off" properties by remaining free-flowing after the cap has been off of the pen for at least seven days. The ink compositions of this invention comprise as little as 4 parts by weight of water if the ink utilizes dye as the colorant and as little as 10 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts of the total composition, if the ink utilizes pigment as the colorant.