Abstract: A coated printing sheet is provided that is suitable for conventional offset printing grades, exhibiting desirable surface and optical properties and providing a surface that is image receptive and resistant to coating failure. The coated printing sheet includes an image receptive coating containing a hard polymer pigment having a shear modulus of at least 5.0×109 dynes/cm2 and a film forming binder. The coated printing sheets resist burnishing and exhibit desirable properties, e.g., gloss, bulk, stiffness and smoothness, with minimal or no calendering.

Abstract: A cast coated printing sheet providing high paper gloss and smoothness, desirable printing performance characteristics, and enhanced printed product attributes. The cast coated sheet comprises a substrate and a brushed coating layer comprising (a) a pigment, (b) a functionally effective amount of latex such that a dried unbrushed layer of the coating will not adhere sufficiently to the casting surface to allow the unbrushed layer to be cast, and (c) a functionally effective amount of brushing agent such that damage to the coating layer surface during brushing is minimized. The invention further provides methods for manufacturing such cast coated printing sheets.

Abstract: A coated printing sheet is provided that is suitable for conventional offset printing grades, exhibiting desirable surface and optical properties and providing a surface that is image receptive and resistant to coating failure. The coated printing sheet includes an image receptive coating containing a hard polymer pigment having a shear modulus of at least 5.0×109 dynes/cm2 and a film forming binder. The coated printing sheets resist burnishing and exhibit desirable properties, e.g., gloss, bulk, stiffness and smoothness, with minimal or no calendering.

Abstract: A cast coated printing sheet providing high paper gloss and smoothness, desirable printing performance characteristics, and enhanced printed product attributes. The cast coated sheet comprises a substrate and a brushed coating layer comprising (a) a pigment, (b) a functionally effective amount of latex such that a dried unbrushed layer of the coating will not adhere sufficiently to the casting surface to allow the unbrushed layer to be cast, and (c) a functionally effective amount of brushing agent such that damage to the coating layer surface during brushing is minimized. The invention further provides methods for manufacturing such cast coated printing sheets.

Abstract: A composite doctor blade is provided that is suitable for use in the manufacture of paper, particularly for use in calenders. The composite doctor blade includes multiple layers of composite material in which a substantial proportion of the fibers are aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the long axis of the doctor blade.

Abstract: A cast coated printing sheet providing high paper gloss and smoothness, desirable printing performance characteristics, and enhanced printed product attributes. The cast coated sheet comprises a substrate and a brushed coating layer comprising (a) a pigment, (b) a functionally effective amount of latex such that a dried unbrushed layer of the coating will not adhere sufficiently to the casting surface to allow the unbrushed layer to be cast, and (c) a functionally effective amount of brushing agent such that damage to the coating layer surface during brushing is minimized. The invention further provides methods for manufacturing such cast coated printing sheets.

Abstract: A flexible composite release sheet providing a replicative surface with a desired surface effect and a method of manufacturing such a release sheet is disclosed. The release sheet is suitable for use in multicomponent reactive urethane casting systems. The invention further provides flexible composite release sheets having a first acrylic functional coating layer containing the desired surface effect and a second silicone release coating layer overlying the acrylic functional coating layer.

Abstract: A flexible composite release sheet providing a replicative surface with a desired surface effect and a method of manufacturing such a release sheet is disclosed. The release sheet is suitable for use in multicomponent reactive urethane casting systems. The invention further provides flexible composite release sheets having a first acrylic functional coating layer containing the desired surface effect and a second silicone release coating layer overlying the acrylic functional coating layer.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to characterize local, small-scale variations in tack build-up, e.g., by measuring tack over areas smaller than 20 mm.sup.2, preferably over areas smaller than 1 mm.sup.2. These devices and methods measure the tack properties, e.g., tack build-up, of a coating over a very small area, allowing characterization of such small-scale variations. The invention also provides methods for using such characterization to predict back trap mottle (BTM).