Abstract: A thermoformable basecoat/clearcoat sheet material having improved retention of geometric metamerism (flop) when stretched and bonded to a substrate comprises a carrier film having a dark basecoat layer and, over the basecoat layer, a transparent layer which contains light reflective metallic flakes and, over the flake layer, a clear topcoat layer.

Abstract: Paint compositions which contain stretchable polymers and reflective metal flakes are used to form stretchable films for the thermoforming of protective and decorative films on various articles, including automobile panels. The use of low melting metallic flakes improves the retention of gloss when the films are stretched during thermoforming.

Abstract: A paint coated article has a plurality of paint layers containing a polymeric binder and reflective flakes, such as metal flakes, coated on a substrate. Flakes in the outer layer are of relatively large average size and are present in a concentration such that the layer is light transmissive. The flakes in the inner layer are of relatively smaller average size and the coverage of the inner layer is sufficient that the total paint coating is opaque. The paint coated article has excellent distinctness of image, gloss, flop and covering power. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the paint layers are applied as coatings on a thermoformable carrier film to provide a stretchable and flexible sheet material adapted for use in a thermoforming process in which it is stretched and bonded to a three dimensional substrate, such as an exterior automobile panel, to form thereon a decorative coating exhibiting a high degree of geometric metamerism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for improving the dimensional stability of a thermoplastic polymeric film such that it can be used as a flexible support in optical disk assemblies in which maintenance of flatness, smoothness and track configuration of the record layer thereon is essential. This process comprises the steps of: (a) heat treating the film for a time and at a temperature sufficient to achieve a low free volume state; (b) subjecting the film to a substantially uniform omnidirectional tension; and (c) heat treating the film while under such tension for a time and at a temperature sufficient to effect substantial stress relaxation.

Abstract: A heat-tempered film element having a core-set curling tendency and a net core-set curl at least about 15% below that of a similar non-heat-tempered film element is provided by a process which comprises heating a sheet or roll of self-supporting, core-set-prone thermoplastic polymeric film, which is non-coated or is coated with one or more layers on at least one surface, under ambient relative humidity of less than 100%, at a temperature in the temperature range of from about 30.degree. C. up to about the glass transition temperature (Tg) of said polymer for 0.1 to 1500 hours, said heating being continued until the change in the number of ANSI curl units that the resulting film undergoes upon subsequent core-setting at 21.degree. C. and 50% R.H. for 2200 hours is reduced by at least 15%, compared to the change in the number of ANSI curl units untreated thermoplastic polymer film undergoes upon core-setting under like conditions.