Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance apparatus includes a transfer roller and a dressing oil tank configured to contain dressing oil. A wick is configured to pass dressing oil from the tank to the transfer roller. A buffer brush is configured to receive dressing oil from the transfer roller and spread the dressing oil on a bowling lane. The wick may comprise a foam material having a first region having a first capillarity and a second region having a second capillarity differing from the first capillarity. The wick may also be maintained in contact with the transfer roller.

Abstract: A coating system for floors, containing a) one or more agents in which, together or separately, a polymer/wax dispersion and aziridine and, where desired, a flatting component are present, for application on the floor in order to form a crosslinked base film that is not capable of being removed by wet chemical means, as well as b) an aziridine-free agent containing conventional floor-maintenance components, in particular a polymer/wax dispersion, for the purpose of generating a sacrificial film on said base film that is capable of being removed by wet chemical means.

Abstract: Dried fibers which are designated for the production of fiber boards are supplied to a fiber roller (17) from a metering device through a feed chute (10) which is subjected to negative pressure, which fiber roller is provided on its surface with a plurality of pins (18) and rotates in such a manner that the fibers (14) are deflected by the pins (18), are directed along a chute section (22) defined by means of a partial section (20) of the periphery of the fiber roller (17) and an opposite-lying wall (21) and gluing means and said fibers are accelerated to approximately the peripheral speed of the fiber roller (17) by means of the pins (18) and an air flow generated by said pins. The fibers (36) lie against a section of the wall and are glued in the region of or adjacent to one end of the wall section and exit at an outlet orifice (23) of the chute section (22).

Abstract: A method for preserving wood which comprises contacting the wood with a complex of a cationic monomeric or polymeric biocide and an anionic monomeric or polymeric biocide. Insoluble complexes may solubilized in water in the form of an emulsion or microemulsion by adding a nonionic and/or amphoteric surfactant and/or aqueous cosolvent to the complex. Suitable cationic biocides are those that contain functionalities such as amidine, guanidine, biguanide, quaternary, phosphonium, sulfonium and gemini quaternary functionalities. Suitable anionic biocides include: phenolics; saturated, unsaturated or substituted carboxylates; organomercaptide; tetrathiocarbonates; cyanodithioimidocarbamates; dithiodialkylcarbamates; anionic oxides of transition metals; aminocarboxylic acids; aminoorganophosphonic acids; monoalkyl phosphates; dialkylphosphates; and substituted or unsubstituted 2-hydroxy-2,4,6-cycloheptatrianone.

Abstract: An aqueous detergent composition is provided containing phosphoric acid or salt thereof, an organic phosphate surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and water. The aqueous detergent composition may be employed to improved the adhesion of a coating to a substrate. Also provided is a method of improving the adhesion of a coating to a substrate.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing an image on one or more surfaces of a wood or wood composite substrate by applying a receptor coat to at least the one or more surfaces of the substrate, transferring the image to the receptor coat using a variety of image transfer processes and applying a topcoat to the image and receptor coat. The system implements the above method using a series of stations and includes a series of platens connected together by a chain and a set of rollers that allow the substrate to travel through the stations on the platens. The resulting wood or wood composite product includes a substrate, a receptor coat disposed on one or more surfaces of the substrate, an image disposed on or within the one or more surfaces of the receptor coat and a top coat disposed on the image and receptor coat.

Abstract: An article made from polyvinyl chloride/wood composite having a natural wood grain finish and a method for creating the article. The natural wood grain finish is created on the article by applying multiple paint transfers onto the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite. The paint is transferred by a series of printing rollers having a wood grain pattern. Optionally, the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite can be painted with a base-coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint before applying the multiple paint transfers. This method is especially suited for manufacturing window blind slats.

Abstract: A process for applying a thermoplastic coating to a substrate wherein the gases and other volatiles in a boundary layer between the substrate and the coating are evacuated using a high volume, high velocity air stream which traverses the surface of the substrate to be coated (functioning as an air knife) such that, when the coating is applied, gases/volatiles do not disrupt the coating while:the coating cools and solidifies. The effect of the air knife may be enhanced by heating the substrate and/or by applying a solvent to the substrate. The air knife also cools down the boundary layer of the substrate so that, as the thermoplastic coating is applied, this cooled-down and gas-evacuated boundary layer provides a measure of insulation between the coating and any gases/volatiles which have not been evacuated from the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an interior fitment for motor vehicles, the interior fitment having on its facing side a wood molding which is provided with a coating. In order to impart a substantially natural impression to the interior fitment, the invention proposes applying to the wood molding a coating material based on vegetable-oil-modified resins and natural vegetable oils, with the addition to the coating material of ceramic microparticles. Likewise proposed is an interior fitment produced preferably by this method.

Abstract: A method of reducing the formation of surface defects in a coated substrate includes providing coating powders at both the appearance surfaces and the non-appearance surfaces of the substrate. A method of coating a substrate includes machining the appearance surface of the substrate, machining the non-appearance surface of the substrate, disposing a first powder at the appearance surface of the substrate, and disposing a second powder at the non-appearance surface of the substrate. The powders are disposed at the surfaces by electrostatic deposition. A method of facilitating the adherence of a coating at an edge between two surfaces of a substrate includes configuring the edge to have a rounded surface.

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use, when dry, as an improved coating is provided including an aqueous emulsion polymer, the polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) from greater than 20° C. to 80° C., formed by the free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic acrylic monomer and 0-7.5%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer in the presence of 0.01-1.0%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, t-alkyl hydroperoxide, t-alkyl peroxide, or t-alkyl perester wherein the t-alkyl group includes at least 5 Carbon atoms and, optionally, at least one other oxidant. A method of preparing the emulsion polymer, a method for providing a coated substrate wherein the coating contains the emulsion polymer having a Tg from −20° C. to 80° C., and a method for improving the scrub resistance of a coating by including the emulsion polymer having a Tg from −20° C. to 80° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid preservative to wood or wood products has a work tank for maintaining a predetermined concentration of preservative in the fluid. The work tank is equipped with a heater to keep the temperature of the fluid and the preservative in the work tank at a predetermined level. Hot fluid and preservative is drawn under a vacuum, initially from the work tank. On filling a pressure vessel, a pressure pump then supplies the preservative and fluid mixture under pressure to the pressure vessel in which the wood or wood product is being treated. As the treatment process depletes the preservative in the fluid, through absorption in the wood, the depleted fluid is circulated back to the work tank where it is heated and more preservative is added to restore the concentration of preservative in the fluid to a desired level. The fluid, replenished with preservative, is then pumped into the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The invention is a paper/plastic laminate suitable for use in office, midrange and high-speed traditional laser and digital copiers and digital printers, and other like equipment using heat set fuser toner adhesion as the method for fusing/bonding an ink to a paper. The paper/plastic laminate comprises a paper web laminated to a plastic film using 100% solids adhesives. Employing 100% solids adhesive technology in the laminating process yields a more dimensionally stable paper/plastic laminate when the laminate is re-exposed to heat and the ability to make lighter paper/plastic laminates than otherwise possible using solvated or waterborne adhesives.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distressing a wooden plank give the plank an antique, aged appearance. The preferred method includes four independent steps. The plank is run through an inventive machine operative to impart a random saw blade distressing on the plank. This step is preferably carried out as a single stream in a machine having a plurality of saw arbors, each driven by its own rotating cam. To impart the most random pattern, each cam preferably has a different shape and rotates at a different speed. The plank is preferably fed into a roller having raised portions operative to produce random dents and impressions into the plank. This step is preferably carried out in multiple streams using a machine having a large roller or drum with protrusions affixed thereto. The plank is then fed into a profile sander having one or more wire wheels operative to apply a surface texture to the plank, then sanding and smoothing the plank with abrasive wheels.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a coating composition for wood products including urethane polymers and fumed alumina is provided.

Abstract: A coating that inhibits stain formation in floor covering. The coating includes a copper amine complex, preferably a copper morpholine complex, and is advantageously applied to an underlayment upon which a floor covering is adhered. Coated panels and floor assemblies that include the coating are also described.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for improving the impregnability of refractory wood species by pretreatment with fungi of the genera Trichoderma o Gliocladium or with weakly wood-degraging fungi. The pretreatment comprises a thermal treatment of the wood, the addition of a nutrient medium as well as an incubation phase to promote fungal growth. The incubation phase is stopped when the desired depth of penetration of the fungus is reached. The wood is subsequently impregnated with a wood impregnating agent. The typical result of the fungal pretreatment is an incarease in the depth of penetration of the impregnating agent to a depth of penetration of 5 mm to 30 mm required depending on the intended use.

Abstract: A method of preparing particles of a lignocellulosic material for the manufacture of a finished product, such as a particle board, includes the steps of chemically modifying the lignocellulosic material by impregnating the lignocellulosic material with a suitable anhydride in a non-aqueous solvent; applying to the particles of lignocellulosic material an adhesion promoter to promote the adherence of a thermoplastic resin to the surfaces of the particles of lignocellulosic material; and applying to the particles a thermoplastic resin in dry powder form, so that after the application of the adhesion promoter, the thermoplastic resin adheres to the surfaces of the particles of lignocellulosic material, the thermoplastic resin having been surfaced modified by irradiation or by fluorination; and removing any solvent present.

Abstract: A method of finishing a wood floor comprising a first step of applying an aqueous polar solvent for a sufficient period of time to allow removal of a portion of any existing stains and soils and to at least partially etch the surface of an existing finish. A second step of applying an aqueous rinse to flush at least a substantial portion of any residue formed in the first steps and a third step of applying a water based finish and allowing it to dry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of applying a powder coating to a substrate (5), in particular a temperature-sensitive substrate such as wood, wood-fiber material, plastic, rubber, cloth, paper or cardboard, wherein a thermoreactive powder is applied as a base layer (6) to the uncoated surface of the substrate (5), and wherein by means of infrared radiation with at least some components in the near and/or short-wave infrared region the powder is warmed throughout to the cross-linking temperature and cured, or is warmed throughout to the gelling temperature and in a subsequent processing step cross-linking is completed and the coating is cured. To generate the infrared radiation in particular halogen bulbs (7) are used in combination with a reflector (8) to reflect the emitted radiation towards the substrate. The halogen bulbs (7) are operated in such a way that the emitted radiation has a flux-density maximum in the near infrared.

Abstract: The wood fiberboard of the present invention comprises wood fibers which have been subjected to an acetylation treatment and wood fibers which have not been subjected to an acetylation treatment bonded together by a binder resin, wherein the content of the wood fibers which have been subjected to an acetylation treatment is 35 to 90% by weight of the total amount of wood fibers which have been treated to an acetylation treatment and wood fibers which have not been subjected to an acetylation treatment.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity is imparted to the surface(s) of an apparatus or article by polymerizing tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate in the presence of the apparatus or article by which adhesion of the polymer to the surface(s) is achieved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the antimicrobial monomer is graft polymerized on the surface(s).

Abstract: A layered material consisting of a substrate of heat-sensitive material, preferably wood, and a powder paint coat applied thereon, characterized in that it is obtained by a) optional application of an extender coat, b) optional application of at least one (water-based) paint, c) heating of the substrate by microwave irradiation, d) optional hardening of the liquid paint, preferably by ultraviolet irradiation, e) application of the powder paint, preferably by electrostatic spraying or by the Tribo process, f) heating of the powder paint to sintering temperature, g) subsequent hardening of the paint coat.

Abstract: A cured coated article and a process for making same includes coating a substrate, such as wood, plastic, high pressure laminates, ceramic or metal with a radiation curable top coat having UV protectable additives therein. The radiation curable top coat is subjected to a curing step which includes curing with either an electron beam, ultraviolet radiation or a combination thereof. A sublimatable ink may be transferred into the top coat.

Abstract: A method for treating wood products is provided wherein wood products are treated in an aqueous solution of a silicate, a rheology modifier, a wetting agent and, optionally, borax and/or a bacteriocide or fungicide; the aqueous solution having a pH of at least 9.0, preferably, a pH of 10-14, and most preferably, 13.0. A suitable dye can be added to the aqueous solution to color the wood product. The present invention is also directed to an aqueous solution for pressure treating wood and a wood product prepared according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A wood treatment process is disclosed in which in one aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative such as CCA at elevated temperature and pressure. The impregnated wood and excess waterborne preservative are separated while the treatment vessel (8) is pressurized, for example by blowing the preservative out of the vessel at the treatment pressure using a pump (10). Kickback may be segregated from the wood once pressure is reduced after the separation of wood and preservative. In another aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative and with oil, each of the impregnating steps being performed under pressure and the oil being heated. If the preservative is one such as CCA which is capable of being fixed to the wood the hot oil may enhance this as well as providing water repellency. The oil may be a process oil.

Abstract: A wood treatment process in which lignocellulosic materials are treated for several hours in a liquid bath of oil with the exclusion of oxygen. The liquid bath at that time has a temperature of 180 to 260° C. By thermal action the wood substance is converted, so that some properties of these materials are altered. Resistance against wood-destroying fungi, for example, is improved.

Abstract: A method for treatment of one or more wood elements by pressurization comprises the steps embedding the wood elements into a pressure medium, of increasing the pressure in the pressure medium, whereby the wood element is compressed by transmitting the pressure via the pressure medium to the wood elements, and of reducing the pressure in the pressure medium, whereby the wood element is relieved. During the treatment, liquid present in the wood elements is driven out therefrom. The pressure medium comprises a plurality of solid bodies with intermediate spaces. The solid bodies transmit the pressure to the wood elements such that a pressure difference arises between the wood elements and said spaces, which pressure difference drives out the liquid. During the relief phase, the wood elements substantially resume their original shape. The method can also be used for introducing impregnating liquid into the wood elements after the liquid expulsion.

Abstract: A process involving the application of an aromatic oil-modified polyurethane coating with a softening agent to specifically prepared solid synthetic organic and natural organic formed substrate materials wherein the coating has the capability of receiving subsequently-applied coloring agents and adhesives.

Abstract: An atomized fluid, such as a mist of water, is applied to a preheated substrate, such as wood, a wood product, paper, or ceramic just prior to or contemporaneously with electrostatically applying a coating powder to the substrate. The atomized fluid is absorbed or adsorbed by the substrate so as to enhance the charge-carrying capacity of the substrate to an extent necessary to promote efficient electrostatic application of the coating powder to the substrate.

Abstract: In substrates, such as wood substrates, having sharp edges, corners and other surface discontinuities, in a front appearance surface, non-functional machining, such as formation of grooves, is performed on the rear non-appearance surface adjacent the surface discontinuities. Coating powder is applied, e.g., electrostatically, to the appearance surface of the substrate and the coating powder fused or fused and cured to form a continuous coating on the appearance surface of the substrate. The rear surface machining reduces cracking of the coating at the front surface discontinuities.In some cases, non-functional machining is distributed over the entire non-appearance surface of the work-piece to promote out-gassing of volatiles to the non-appearance surface, thereby eliminating out-gassing-caused defects in the coating formed on the appearance surface.

Abstract: Oriented strand board is post-fabrication treated with a polymeric coating which includes isocyanate constituents to produce a construction material which is smooth, has high gloss, and which is resistant to water, vapor, and chemical penetration. The isocyanate constituents are most preferably MDI or PMDI, and may be present in a coating composition alone or in combination with other binder materials such as PEEG or other polyols. Prior to application of the coating composition, the surface of the oriented strand board is pretreated using heat and pressure to compress and densify wood at the surface, and to smooth out minor surface irregularities. The coating composition is then applied to the wood surface, and is cured to form a polymeric coating which bonds to the wood material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a pattern on a synthetic wood board to form, on a surface of the synthetic wood board, a pattern such as wooden grain and the like which is close to natural wood, to enhance the reality of woody like appearance. The synthetic wood board is formed by mixing 35-80 wt % of thermoplastic resin material and 20-65 wt %. By a first grinding process, the synthetic wood board is formed at its entire surface of at least one side thereof with a large number of wound stripes in one direction. By a colorant coating process, a colorant is coated on the surface on which said wound stripes are formed, the colorant impregnates in wood meal on the surface to generate blur. And some colorant remain in recess portion of the wound stripes to form recess pigment layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an impregnated wooden product from a wooden article. The article is pressed isostatically with a pressure exceeding 1,000 bars in a first method step. The wooden article is then placed in a bath containing a liquid-impregnating agent in a second method step and allowed to swell so that at least a part of the impregnating agent is absorbed by the article. The method may optionally be supplemented with a third method step in which the article is pressed isostatically with a pressure exceeding 1,000 bars, so as to form a hard element. The third method step may alternatively be applied to a conventionally pressure-impregnated article.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fast-setting coating material on a substrate which comprises contacting a stable aqueous dispersion of a polymer that contains strong cationic groups and weak acid groups onto a substrate that is basic or treated to be basic.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for the preservation of timber, wood or wood based products with a boron based preservative. The preservative comprises a mixture of boric acid or boron oxide with one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of methanol and ethanol.

Abstract: An antistatic film comprising a chemically adsorbed film of straight chain molecules each containing a conductive group and provided on a chargeable substrate via covalent bonds each containing a Si group, said chemically adsorbed film having a conductivity of 10.sup.-10 S/cm or above. With the antistatic chemically adsorbed film according to the invention, conductive functional groups are secured via chemically adsorbed molecules and by siloxane bonds to the surface of a substrate material such as ceramics, glass, synthetic resins or synthetic fibers, a film, a plate, an display screen surface, a light-emitting tube. Thus, the film provides an antistatic effect and does not separate. In addition, this chemically adsorbed film has a thickness at the nanometer level and is thus excellently transparent, as well as capable of preventing contamination of the substrate surface due to charging thereof. The film is also excellently durable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a pattern on a synthetic wood board to form, on a surface of the synthetic wood board, a pattern such as wooden grain and the like which is close to natural wood, to enhance the reality of woody like appearance. The synthetic wood board is formed by mixing 35-80 wt % of thermoplastic resin material and 20-65 wt %. By a first grinding process, the synthetic wood board is formed at its entire surface of at least one side thereof with a large number of wound stripes in one direction. By a colorant coating process, a colorant is coated on the surface on which said wound stripes are formed, the colorant impregnates in wood meal on the surface to generate blur. And some colorant remain in recess portion of the wound stripes to form recess pigment layer.

Abstract: A method of hardening wooden flooring blanks by impregnating the wooden flooring blanks with a hardener while the wooden flooring blanks are in a bundle, wherein the bundled hardened wooden flooring blanks have improved separation characteristics following completion of the impregnation treatment. The method includes the steps of assembling a plurality of wooden flooring product blanks into a bundle of blanks in surface-to-surface contact with each other and enclosing the wooden flooring blanks in a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is evacuated and an effective quantity of a hardening composition for being impregnated into the wooden flooring blanks is introduced into the pressure vessel. An effective quantity of a polyethylene glycol composition is introduced into the pressure vessel. The wooden flooring blanks are soaked in the hardening composition and the polyethylene glycol composition for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method to extend the functional life of wood structures by applying fundamental principles of biology and chemistry to control the activity of wood decay organisms while minimizing the use of environmentally hazardous chemicals. The method comprises applying a microbial treating solution to a portion of the wood structure subject to decay from microbial organisms; and covering the treated portion of the wood structure with a substantially insect impenetrable material. The method of the present invention is particularly advantageous for treating wood supporting structures including, but not limited to: telephone poles, utility poles, pilings, foundations and other building supports and the like. Also disclosed are novel wood structures.

Abstract: A process of treating wood to reduce the tannin staining of coatings subsequently applied includes the steps of providing a solution of a zirconyl compound in a carrier liquid such as water, applying the solution to a wood surface, and, drying the solution. The pore structure of the wood is modified or sealed so that staining of coating compositions applied subsequently over the surface is reduced. The process is particularly beneficial in cases where the coating composition a clear or a light-colored latex paint, especially white. The preferred zirconyl compound is zirconyl acetate. The treating solution may be modified by addition thereto of a lanthanide compound, especially cerium, to provide UV light protection to a substrate and further by one or more metal cations to impart mildewicidal activity to the composition.

Abstract: A process of treating wood to reduce the tannin staining of coatings subsequently applied includes the steps of providing a solution of a zirconyl compound in a carrier liquid such as water, applying the solution to a wood surface, and, drying the solution. The pore structure of the wood is modified or sealed so that staining of coating compositions applied subsequently over the surface is reduced. The process is particularly beneficial in cases where the coating composition a clear or a light-colored latex paint, especially white. The preferred zirconyl compound is zirconyl acetate. The treating solution may be modified by addition thereto of a lanthanide compound, especially cerium, to provide UV light protection to a substrate and further by one or more metal cations to impart mildewicidal activity to the composition.

Abstract: A method is described for preserving wood comprising infiltrating the wood with gaseous carbon disulfide and impregnating the wood with an aqueous solution comprising a copper source, and dimethylamine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of protecting surfaces of wood against damage by light by treatment with a coating composition comprising a benzophenone of the formula I ##STR1## in which the substituents are defined as in claim 1.

Abstract: A method for injecting a treating liquid into a wood or stone material. The liquid is injected in an initial pressure-applying/injecting step in which the wood or stone material is immersed at ambient temperature in a treating liquid under an initial liquid pressure of 1 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2, and maintained at this pressure for a period of time. Subsequently, the pressure is increased to a final pressure having a maximum value of 50 kg/cm.sup.2. Where wood is being treated, the pressure is raised in a plurality of steps of 5 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 each, followed by a defined holding period. Where stone is being treated, the pressure is increased in a single step. Finally, the treated material is depressurized over a period of at least 20 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the hardening of wood material by impregnating it with a polymerizable substance and by polymerizing the polymerizable substance by means of heat. Heat transfer and cleaning in the polymerization have been improved through the impregnated wood material being in contact with water during the polymerization. The water is preferably hot and pressurized and serves at the beginning of the polymerization as a heating medium and during the polymerization as a cooling and cleaning medium.

Abstract: A process for forming a protective layer on a rigid surface, such as a metal or wood surface, to provide protection against abrasion, corrosion, heat and fire. The process comprises first preparing the surface of the article. On metal articles, the surface can be prepared by cleaning the surface and then exposing the surface to concentrated phosphoric acid. On wood, the surface can be prepared by thoroughly cleaning the surface with hot water and detergent only. Preferably, the surface is prepared such that a uniform, continuous layer of liquid can be formed thereon. After the surface is prepared, a 10-16% (v/v) silicate-containing solution is then applied for 20 seconds and allowed to dry completely at 305.degree. F. to form a layer of silicate material over the surface. During the drying process, at least a portion of the sodium silicate is converted into silicon dioxide. An acid is then applied to the surface to form the protective layer on the surface.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a process for treating timber, comprising the first step of immersing a high moisture content timber in an organic solvent compatible with water so as to remove water in the timber and make the organic solvent penetrate into the timber, and the second step of immersing the timber in a solution comprising a wood preservative and a high boiling point organic solvent, the solution being compatible with the organic solvent, so as to make the high boiling point organic solvent and the wood preservative penetrate into the timber, wherein timber is treated in a short period of time without a step of drying a high moisture content timber, and at the same time, cracking by drying at the step of drying a high moisture content timber is inhibited.

Abstract: A multi-ply structure which includes a release coating sandwiched between two plies of the structure and present in an amount of about 5 to about 25 g/sq yd., one of the plies of the structure being flexible and in contact with the release coating and removable therefrom by the application of a force of between about 90 to about 600 g/in., as determined by the Keil test procedure, including a composition for forming the release coating and comprising an aqueous coating composition which includes a solids portion and which is effective in forming a coating having release properties, the solids portion of the composition comprising a major amount of resin binder and a minor amount of filler, the filler comprising a major amount of clay and a minor amount of magnesium or calcium hydroxide, and including also a continuous process for forming such multi-ply structure, including particularly a structure comprising a poly(vinyl chloride) ply strippable from a support ply.

Abstract: An oxynitride film whose compositional ratio between oxygen and nitrogen varies in the thickness direction thereof is formed on a main surface of a silicon substrate, on which a silicon nitride film is formed. The oxynitride film is so controlled in composition that said film has a portion near the silicon substrate which has a composition close to that of a silicon oxide film and that said film has a composition closer to that of a silicon nitride film toward the silicon nitride film. The silicon nitride film and the oxynitride film are patterned in a desired form. Using the patterned silicon nitride film and oxynitride film as a mask, the main surface of the silicon substrate is thermally oxidized. The use of the oxynitride film whose composition varies in the thickness direction thereof can suppress bird's beak extension of an element isolation oxide film and also formation of crystal defects in the main surface of the silicon substrate.