Abstract: A face mask includes a non-woven fabric filter configured to be worn on a user's face. A composition with anti-viral properties is arranged on the fabric. The composition preferably includes anti-viral oils and an anti-viral metal such as copper or copper oxide.

Abstract: A method of processing a linked series of metallic plates, in which each plate (9) is connected to an adjacent plate along adjoining edges (8), the method comprising: providing the series of plates as a first fan-folded stack of plates (1); drawing the plates in sequence from the stack; applying a surface treatment to one or more of the plates; and stacking the plates in reverse order to form a second fan-folded stack of plates (5).

Abstract: A method to fabricate a hierarchical graduated-branched structure that grows in a three-dimensional pattern down to fractal-branching, nano-size level is detailed. The fractal patterning is accomplished on a three-dimensional (i.e., non-planar) surface, by exposing the surface to a properly focused particle beam, which causes the spontaneous growth of graduated branches all over the surface. The structure can be fabricated with a single material and the fractal-patterning is done in a one step process. No addition of material is required for the formation of each branch. The fractal graduated branching structure can then be molded in order to produce replicas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition that comprises a composite structure with a body of polysaccharide, into which carbonate has been precipitated. The invention also relates to a coated paper or board product, onto which the said composition has been spread on one or both sides into one or more layers; as well as to paint that is formed of the coating composition according to the invention, or that contains the said composition.

Abstract: Media coating composition and inkjet recording media including it. An example composition includes a total solid content ranging from about 10 to about 65 weight percent by total weight of the composition. The solid content includes from about 80 to about 99 weight percent of insoluble starch nanoparticles having a particle size ranging from about 50 to about 300 nm and from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of fillers by total weight of the solid content. A disclosed example inkjet recording media includes a supporting substrate, and the coating composition disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A non-aqueous pigment dispersion includes a quinacridone pigment, a polymeric dispersant, and a dispersion synergist in a non-aqueous dispersion medium wherein the dispersion synergist is a quinacridone derivative substituted on one of the two nitrogen atoms of the quinacridone basic chromophore structure by a group including at least one carboxyl group or a salt thereof. Also, a method for printing an ink-jet image with an ink including the non-aqueous pigment dispersion.

Abstract: Pigmented coated paper is prepared by adding a water-soluble hydroxyalkylcellulose (HAC) with an alkyl moiety of 1 to 4 carbons, or water soluble alkylhydroxyalkylcellulose (AHAC) with an alkyl hydrophobe of 1 to 24 carbons to a pigmented wet coating formulation in an amount equal to or greater than 0.15 parts HAC or AHAC based on pigment content of the coating and applying the pigmented wet coating formulation to a moving paper web via roller metering size press, wherein the use of HAC or AHAC in the pigmented coating significantly reduce misting of the coating during application as compared to the control condition with no HAC or AHAC added.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a surface-structured substrate, comprising the steps: (i) production of a first substrate, nanostructured with inorganic nanoclusters on at least one surface, (ii) application of a substrate material for a second substrate, different from the first material to the nanostructured surface of the first substrate as obtained in step (i) and (iii) separation of the first substrate from the second substrate of step (ii), including the inorganic nanoclusters to give a second substrate nanostructured with the nanoclusters.

Abstract: A coating composition for paper is provided for use with inkjet printing comprising at least one of ground calcium carbonate and kaolin clay, a binder, and a salt suitable to fix the ink on the paper. A method of printing on a paper coated with the composition, as well as the coated paper, and a method of forming the coated paper are also provided.

Abstract: A fibrous product, the absorption and desorption properties of which have been improved and which comprises a fibrous substrate which has, on at least one of it surfaces, a small quantity of a modified starch, and a method of producing it. According to the present invention, onto at least one surface of the fibrous product is applied 0.01-1.0 g/m2 of starch ether ester, anionic starch ester, or starch ether or ester, from a diluted aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion. By means of the present invention it is possible efficiently to reduce the absorption of printing ink into a surface to be printed. Consequently, the desired density is achieved with a smaller printing ink quantity and, at the same time, harmful print-through of imprints is reduced.

Abstract: A composition including a styrene acrylate copolymer; an organic cationic polyelectrolyte; at least one inorganic pigment; a binder; a wetting agent and a salt. Such a coated multipurpose paper is suitable for use on inkjet printers, laser printers, fax machines, copiers, offset presses and more. A process for preparing such a multicoated paper is also provided.

Abstract: The barrier properties of a water soluble gas barrier material are improved if the material is blended with a nanoparticle calcium carbonate having a size of from 10 to 250 nanometers. The barrier material is on a substrate to provide a substrate with gas barrier properties. A layer of heat sealable material may be applied to the exposed surface of the barrier material. A method for making the barrier coated substrate is disclosed.

Abstract: Release papers and release paper backings (10) are disclosed. The release papers and release paper backings (10) can include a network of fibers (12) and yellow and/or red dye and a first coating (14) on a first surface (16). Light transmission through the release paper and release-paper backings (10) can be, for example, between about 40% and about 80% at a wavelength of about 680 nm. The Gurley density can be, for example, between about 4,000 seconds and about 10,000 seconds. The release papers and release paper backings (10) also can have a positive b* value on the International Commission on Illumination L*a*b* scale. Overall, the release papers and release paper backings (10) can have a greater ability to transmit light when compared with conventional release papers and release paper backings at some or all wavelengths in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: The specification discloses a waterbox for applying an aqueous mixture, such as a starch mixture, to a web in a calender stack. The waterbox includes a spillway disposed adjacent a calender stack having a bottom plate, substantially parallel front and rear walls, and substantially parallel first and second end walls. The waterbox also includes an elongate lip for which extends from adjacent the front wall of the reservoir to a position adjacent a roll of the calender stack to form a pond area. A weir is provided for controlling the amount of mixture in the pond. Additionally the waterbox includes an inlet or a plurality of inlets for introduction of mixture into the pond area located below the pond level.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the manufacture of a packaging material (1; 21) for the production of packaging blanks and packages and comprising the steps of providing at least on surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) in the form of a continuous material web and substantially consisting of cellulosic fibres and applying a distance layer (3; 23) comprising a matrix material and reinforcement fibres thereto so that said surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) is bonded to said distance layer (3; 23). The matrix material in the distance layer (3; 23) is in an expandable state when it is applied to the surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) and is expanded in a separate process step, subsequent to the application step. The invention also concerns expandable packaging materials.

Abstract: A calendering method which enhances the smoothness of surface sized paper/paperboard by a combination of temperature and moisture gradient calendering processes without the fiber sticking/picking problems that affect runnability and without using waterboxes. The moisture gradient calendering is performed so that the cross direction moisture profile can be corrected and high smoothness levels can be obtained. Heated calender rolls form a hot pressure nip having a temperature greater than the temperature of the moisturized web. Lubricant is applied to both sides of the web to prevent fiber sticking/picking in the hot nip. The lubricant may be applied by the size press, by the moisturizing showers or by separate lubricant showers. The smoothness developed by moisturizing and hot nip calendering is substantially irreversible.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for calendering a board web including a calender providing a hot and hard calendering nip formed by two calender rolls and through which the board web passes. At least one of the calender rolls is arranged to be heated to such a temperature that the surface layer of the board web placed at the side of this roll reaches its vitrification temperature in the calendering nip. A film press is arranged directly before the calendering nip in the direction of transfer of the board web and includes a film press nip through which the board web is passed. The film press nip is arranged to transfer a liquid layer onto the face of the board web so as to moisten the board web. The board web is transferred from the film press nip into the calendering nip while the surface layer of the web is at the moisture level determined by the film press in view of producing a controlled moisture gradient.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and a coating color for coating a cellulosic web. According to the process an aqueous coating color is applied on the surface of the web. The invention comprises using a coating color which contains an aqueous polymer whose viscosity in an aqueous solution increases when the temperature rises. Preferably, methylcellulose or a corresponding polymer having a gelling temperature of about 5 to 10 .degree. C. more than the application tempature of the coating color is used. The temperature of the coating is increased after the application of the coating color in order to achieve gelling of the polymer. As a result, the coating color rapidly solidifies which decreases the amount of mixture being recycled and it reduces mist-formation in the film press method and improves coverage of coating applied by conventional blade coating.

Abstract: An aqueous paper and paperboard coating composition is provided containing as a lubricant a vegetable oil triglyceride which is hydrophobic and non-ionic.

Abstract: A transfer roll coating color is described comprising a pigment and an adhesive as main components, wherein the average aspect ratio of the pigment is 10 or less, the adhesive is a low viscosity starch adhesive, the solids content of the color is about 58 weight % or higher, and the viscosity of the color determined at 60 rpm by using a No. 4 rotor of a Brookfield.TM. viscometer is 1,500 cps or less. Coated papers obtained by transfer roll coating using the colors at an amount of 5 g/m2 or higher per side also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a method of plating a nonmetallic substrate comprising the steps of depositing an adhesion enhancing film on the substrate, treating the adhesion enhancing film to make the film catalytic, and forming an outer coating and passivating plate on the adhesion enhancing film. The resulting plated, nonmetallic substrates may comprise any number of materials used as an inner substrate such as compounds of oxide, nitride, phosphide, carbide, glass, ceramic, and mixtures thereof. In use, the resulting substrate may find application in any number of data storage and retrieval application.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a coated paper for use in printing is characterized in that the coated paper for printing is produced by coating a color consisting mainly of pigment and a water-soluble binder made of starch or starch derivatives to the surface of a base paper, then drying and finishing it. Steam or an aqueous penetrant solution having a penetrating force of less than 50 seconds is sprayed or applied over the dry coated layer surface of the coated paper, prior to it being finished with a calender, for redistributing the water-soluble binder in the coated layer in order to correct its uneven distribution, which is the cause of printing mottle during the offset printing operation.

Abstract: An improved thermal ink jet recording paper, incorporating heat aged precipitated calcium carbonate ("PCC") and a binder, is disclosed. Heat aging the PCC in the presence of an organophosphonate produces discrete particles of PCC with a surface morphology and chemistry that enhances the ability of the PCC to bind to ink jet ink without binding so strongly that the color of the ink is changed. Ink jet recording papers incorporating the PCC and binders of the present invention have reduced feathering, spreading, and penetration or backside showthrough, as well as improved optical density, dry time, and water fastness.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for surface sizing paper or paperboard involving applying a surface sizing composition containing a mixture of starch and a surfactantless stable vinyl polymer microemulsion, followed by drying. The vinyl polymer microemulsion is prepared by emulsion polymerization of a styrene or styrene containing organic group with a C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 acrylic or methacrylic ester utilizing as the sole emulsifying agent a low molecular weight alkali soluble, acid containing copolymer.

Abstract: An adhesive based on casein, water-soluble extenders, natural or synthetic resin acids, resin alcohols or resin esters, and an alcohol is provided. The adhesive has specific amounts of these ingredients which leads to a viscosity of the adhesive which is temperature dependent to a surprisingly large extent. The adhesive is particularly useful in the labelling of bottles wherein the surface of the bottles is wet and cold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device in a size press in which a nip is formed by a pair of rolls. A paper or board web is passed through the nip. The rolls are provided with surface-sizing units for applying films of size or coating agent onto faces of the rolls. Each surface-sizing unit comprises an application zone defined by a coating member, a front edge of the application zone and a feed chamber. The coating agent, such as a size, is fed, through holes or corresponding nozzles that have been formed into a wall of a feed pipe, into the feed chamber under pressure out of the feed pipe which is arranged transverse to the machine direction. The coating agent is fed out of the feed chamber into the application zone through a throttle placed between the feed chamber and the application zone. The throttle comprises a perforated plate or equivalent which extends across the width of the machine and which is detachably fixed to the frame constructions of the surface-sizing unit by fastening members.

Abstract: The method comprises the application of a liquid film to a paper or paperboard rawstock web in a controlled and uniform manner to achieve a moisture gradient in the Z-direction thickness of the web to a depth of less than about one-half of the web thickness, and then pressing the treated web in at least one nip of a calender device before drying the web. The liquid application plasticizes only the surface fibers of the web so that the paper fibers at or near the surface become deformed and bonded under pressure to achieve a substantially irreversible smoothness upon being rewetted in a coating application or the like.

Abstract: A matte printing paper, excepting bank note and security document paper, especially for offset or intaglio printing, is coated with a composition containing calcium carbonate as a coating pigment, a binding agent for absorption of printing ink and 10 to 65% by weight, based on its total solids content, of ungelatinized starch granules, except rice starch granules.

Abstract: A high quality coated paper for printing having excellent smoothness, gloss and printability is provided by using a coating composition mainly composed of a pigment and a latex of heterogeneous polymer particles consisting of a hard polymer domain having a glass transition temperature of 80.degree. to 220.degree. C. and a soft polymer domain having a glass transition temperature of 25.degree. to 95.degree. C. in combination with a high temperature calender finishing.

Abstract: A paper having an absolute dry moisture content (moisture content in absolute dry condition) of 1.8-7% is subjected to a heat calendering treatment at a temperature of 150.degree.-300.degree. C. under a linear pressure of 40 kg/cm or above to provide a paper which has both satisfactory surface smoothness and rigidity (stiffness) and is suited for use as a photographic support.

Abstract: An ink jet recording medium having at least one ink receptive layer containing synthetic silica of fine particle form as a main pigment, having a recording surface dried by pressing said recording surface against a heated mirror surface, and having ink receptive layer having an absorption capacity of at least 10 g/m.sup.2 is disclosed.That is, the present invention provides an ink jet recording medium which has a gloss without requiring any post-treatment for imparting the gloss, has a high ink absorbability and gives a high color reproducibility and a high color density in printing with a water-base ink, particularly a recording medium for full color ink jet recording having a gloss.

Abstract: Amylose and high amylose starch fibrous food wrappings, including casings for meat products provide a low cost alternative to ordinary fibrous casings. The composite material consists of a cross-linked matrix of the amylose polymer coupled or bonded with the reinforcement and possesses a wet strength and elongation properties for suitable handling and stuffing without exhibiting embrittlement upon aging.

Abstract: A method of preparing a substrate coated with a proteinaceous foaming composition wherein the substrate is coated with the foamed composition and the foamed composition is mechanically disintegrated to form a continuous surface coating upon the substrate. The foamed composition is prepared by ingesting gas into an aqueous medium containing a proteinaceous foaming composition consisting essentially of at least one proteinaceous foaming component selected from the group consisting of vegetable protein hydrolyzate having at least two different chelating sites, egg albumen, and casein hydrolyzate; alkaline earth metal ions, and zinc ions.

Abstract: A coating composition, comprising an aqueous dispersion of a pigment such as clay and a binder such as a latex of a copolymer of styrene and butadiene thickened with a water-soluble copolymer of an .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid such as acrylic acid, an ethylenically unsaturated carboxamide such as acrylamide and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having limited solubility in water such as acrylonitrile, is effectively employed in coating paper and other cellulosic web materials.

Abstract: A process for reconditioning used currency includes the steps of applying a stiffening compound thereto, squeezing the excess from the currency, and drying the currency. Apparatus for performing this process includes gripping and transporting mechanism for transporting the currency to various stations for performing the necessary steps. Arrangements are included for repeating the application, squeezing and drying steps to recondition the portion of the currency originally blocked from treatment by the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a method for the preparation of paper having improved water and/or solvent resistance which comprises applying to a base paper a plastic particle containing formulation, and then wetting the formed coating with a solvent to which the plastic particles are sensitive. The present invention is particularly applicable to the preparation of electrostatic paper masters of improved water resistance for lithographic printing having a photoconductive layer and a barrier coat to which the photoconductive layer is applied. The barrier coat contains a binding amount of a binder resin and filler at least a portion of which is an amount of said plastic particles sensitive to the solvent system of the photoconductive layer, the amount of plastic particles and sensitivity being sufficient to materially increase water resistance.

Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a method for the preparation of paper having improved water and/or solvent resistance which comprises applying to a base paper a plastic particle containing formulation, and then wetting the formed coating with a solvent to which the plastic particles are sensitive. The present invention is particularly applicable to the preparation of electrostatic paper masters of improved water resistance for lithographic printing having a photoconductive layer and a barrier coat to which the photoconductive layer is applied. The barrier coat contains a binding amount of a binder resin and filler at least a portion of which is an amount of said plastic particles sensitive to the solvent system of the photoconductive layer, the amount of plastic particles and sensitivity being sufficient to materially increase water resistance.

Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a method for the preparation of paper having improved water and/or solvent resistance which comprises applying to a base paper a plastic particle containing formulation, and then wetting the formed coating with a solvent to which the plastic particles are sensitive. The present invention is particularly applicable to the preparation of electrostatic paper masters of improved water resistance for lithographic printing having a photoconductive layer and a barrier coat to which the photoconductive layer is applied. The barrier coat contains a binding amount of a binder resin and filler at least a portion of which is an amount of said plastic particles sensitive to the solvent system of the photoconductive layer, the amount of plastic particles and sensitivity being sufficient to materially increase water resistance.

Abstract: A froth coated paper substrate in which the froth coating may be densified by compression when applied as a frothed resinous emulsion to improve opacity and ink-holdout of the substrate, or applied as a frothed surface size when the coating is a frothed admixture of a resin emulsion and a starch solution, or a frothed starch solution.

Abstract: The present invention resides broadly in a method for the preparation of paper having improved water and/or solvent resistance which comprises applying to a base paper a plastic particle containing formulation, and then wetting the formed coating with a solvent to which the plastic particles are sensitive. The present invention is particularly applicable to the preparation of electrostatic paper masters of improved water resistance for lithographic printing having a photoconductive layer and a barrier coat to which the photoconductive layer is applied. The barrier coat contains a binding amount of a binder resin and filler at least a portion of which is an amount of said plastic particles sensitive to the solvent system of the photoconductive layer, the amount of plastic particles and sensitivity being sufficient to materially increase water resistance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cellulosic material such as paper or paperboard surface-sized with an aqueous dispersion of a combination of degraded starch or a starch derivative and a branched-chain, water-dispersible polyester condensation product. Said polyester is derived from the reaction of a dicarboxylic reactant, a diol or polyoxyalkylene glycol, and a phosphorus acid reactant wherein said polyester has a carboxylic acid number of about 5 to about 15 and an average molecular weight of about 4,000 to about 11,000. Mixtures of said starch and said polyester when used to surface-size cellulosic materials impart water resistance thereto.

Abstract: A method of reducing the number or amount of chemical additives normally incorporated into paper pulp furnish before transferring the latter to the continuous wire mesh of a papermaking machine in the manufacture of paper sheet involves the use of a hydrolyzed proteinaceous foam which does not appreciably affect the degree of sizing of the finished paper sheet. The use of such foam in paper manufacture can render unnecessary the chemical treatment of effluent from the papermaking machine which is normally required to avoid environmental pollution.

Abstract: In the process for producing a refined kaolin clay pigment by forming a crude kaolin clay into an aqueous slurry, performing a particle size classification, and subjecting the slurry to reductive bleaching with an alkali metal hydrosulfite; a method is disclosed for reducing the viscosity of a slurried product including the refined pigment, which method comprises adding a source of barium ion to the said bleached slurry, to thereby precipitate at least the sulfate ion present in that slurry from oxidation of the hydrosulfite ion during the bleaching step. The barium ion may be derived, e.g., from barium carbonate, which is added while the slurry preferably includes at least a 50% solids content by weight. The bleached slurry may be one which has been partially purified by an initial flotation, and which includes at least 99% by weight of particles less than 5 microns E.S.D., with substantially 100% by weight of the particles having an E.S.D. less than 10 microns.

Abstract: The process of producing a porous, smooth, easy finishing coated paper utilizing high solids water-based coating compositions (e.g. 68-73% solids) having certain rheological and viscosity characteristics in blade coating apparatus on paper webs moving at speeds above 500 feet per minute (e.g. moving at 1500 to 3500 feet per minute). The coating compositions are substantially free of protein adhesives and contain clay as a coating pigment.