Abstract: Casting paper of a desired surface texture or finish for use in the manufacture of artificial leather is produced by heating the polymer coating 1 of a polymer-coated paper 2 to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer and then cooling the polymer coating from its molten state to a solid state as it passes through a nip between an embossing roll 3 having a surface configuration corresponding to said desired surface texture or finish and a backing roll 4, thereby to impart the surface configuration of the embossing roll to the polymer-coated paper. The polymer is preferably polyolefinic, for example poly (4-methyl-1-pentene) or a polypropylene/polyethylene blend. An anti-curl back-coat, for example of polyvinyl alcohol, can be applied after the embossing operation.

Abstract: A smoothing roll for use with apparatus for coating a web of paper or other sheet material, particularly for smoothing coatings at low wet coatweights of silicone compositions applicable in their natural state without the use of a solvent, has a soft elastomeric covering the smoothing surface of which is pitted and is substantially impermeable to liquid coating compositions.

Abstract: In coating apparatus of the kind in which a roll dips into a bath of liquid coating material and applies the material to a transfer roll which in turn transfers the material to an applicator arranged to apply the material to a web passing between the applicator roll and a backing roll the applicator roll is independently rotated in the same direction as the transfer roll and the backing roll is rotated in the same direction as the applicator roll.