Abstract: A floor panel includes at least two reinforcing layers extending in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the panel to allow one of the at least two reinforcing layers to be situated at a level between 30˜70 percent of a thickness from a top surface of the panel to a highest part of a top surface of the tongue, and/or a bottom surface of the panel to a lowest part of an upper surface of the lower lip.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing at least one elastomeric article is provided. The method includes placing into a mold an assembly of an uncured elastomeric sheet, a first film fully covering the elastomeric sheet and a second film covering the first film, such that the second film is in contact with and positioned between the first film and an interior surface of the mold. The method further includes curing the assembly in the mold, such that the first film is laminated onto the elastomeric sheet thereby forming the at least one elastomeric article.

Abstract: Provided is a panel suitable for forming a floor covering. The panel has a substantially planar top side, a substantially planar bottom side, and at least four substantially linear side edges. The linear side edges have at least one pair of opposite side edges. The linear side edges may be provided with a locking means.

Abstract: An agricultural stake to support plant includes a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) elongated member comprising a top end and a bottom end, and an exterior coating impregnated with an aggregate covering an exterior surface of the elongated member. The exterior coating is configured to provide purchase to a line attached to the elongated member. A cap may be secured over the top end of the elongated member and is configured to withstand a force used to drive the elongated member into a ground surface.

Abstract: An antireflection article includes a substrate; and an antireflection layer containing a binder resin and inorganic particles, wherein the inorganic particles are particles having an average primary particle diameter of 150 nm to 250 nm and a CV value of 4% or less, 99.9% or more of the inorganic particles are perfectly spherical particles, the antireflection layer includes a moth eye structure composed of an unevenness shape formed by the inorganic particles on a surface of the antireflection layer, and an area occupancy ratio of the inorganic particles on the surface of the antireflection layer is 25% to 64%.

Abstract: An antireflection article includes a substrate; and an antireflection layer containing a binder resin and inorganic particles, wherein the inorganic particles are particles having an average primary particle diameter of 150 nm to 250 nm and a CV value of 4% or less, 99.9% or more of the inorganic particles are perfectly spherical particles, the antireflection layer includes a moth eye structure composed of an unevenness shape formed by the inorganic particles on a surface of the antireflection layer, and an area occupancy ratio of the inorganic particles on the surface of the antireflection layer is 25% to 64%.

Abstract: A bandage comprising a substrate having a first surface with a plurality of superhydrophobic particles attached to the first surface. The plurality of superhydrophobic particles can be porous diatomaceous earth particles having a hydrophobic layer conforming to the surfaces of the DE particles, where the hydrophobic layer is bound to the DE particles. The plurality of attached superhydrophobic particles can render the first surface superhydrophobic, while a second surface opposite the first surface can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The substrate can be breathable in order to maintain skin health for the tissue underlying the bandage. The substrate can be selected from porous films, apertured films, textiles, nonwoven materials, impregnated composites thereof, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydrophilic member includes a substrate having a surface and particles existing at least on the surface of the substrate. The particles are constituted of at least one selected from tungsten oxide particles and tungsten oxide composite particles. The substrate surface on which the particles exist has an arithmetic mean roughness Ra in the range of 1 nm to 1000 nm with a reference length of 100 ?m, and exhibits hydrophilicity independently of light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a substrate having a surface modified to impart multi-scale roughness, thereby providing superhydrophobic and/or superoleophobic properties. The surface comprises a pattern of microscale pillars topped by a plurality of nanoparticles having a re-entrant convex shape. The area fraction of the surface is also selected to provide the desired superoleophobic properties. Also disclosed herein is a process for creating the modified surface comprising photolithography, optionally followed by vapor deposition. The substrates may be formed into useful articles or applied to pre-formed articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides silica particles including primary particles, the primary particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from about 100 nm to about 500 nm, a particle size distribution index in a range of from about 1.40 to about 1.80, and an average roundness in a range of from about 0.5 to about 0.85, and about 95% or more, by number of particles, of the primary particles satisfying following Formula (1) with respect to a roundness (R) and a particle diameter (D) (nm): R=?×D/1000+???Formula (1) (?2.5????0.9, 0.8???1.2).

Abstract: Techniques, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for spectrally selective coatings for optical surfaces having high solar absorptivity, low infrared emissivity, and strong durability at elevated temperatures. In one aspect, a spectrally selective coating includes a substrate formed of a light absorbing material, and a composite material formed over the substrate and including nanoparticles dispersed in a dielectric material, in which the composite material forms a coating capable of absorbing solar energy in a selected spectrum and reflecting the solar energy in another selected spectrum.

Abstract: An anti-reflective article, including: a substrate; an integral binder region on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate; and a nanoparticulate monolayer partially embedded in the integral binder region, as defined herein. The integral binder can be comprised of the same or different material as the substrate material. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: Material comprising sub-micrometer particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The materials are useful in article, for example, for numerous applications including display applications (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, or plasma displays); light extraction; electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, ophthalmic lenses; face shielding lenses or films; window films; antireflection for construction applications, and construction applications or traffic signs.

Abstract: There is provided an article comprising at least a first surface having: (a) a first binder layer; (b) a plurality of transparent microspheres at least partially embedded in the first binder layer; wherein the transparent microspheres have refractive indices that are less than a refractive index of the first binder layer, wherein the plurality of transparent microspheres have an average diameter of at least 5 ?m. There is also provided a transfer article comprising: (a) a transfer carrier, the transfer carrier comprising: (i) a support layer; and (ii) a thermoplastic release layer bonded to the support layer; (b) a layer of a plurality of transparent microspheres, formed on a side of the thermoplastic transparent microsphere release layer opposite the support layer, wherein the plurality of transparent microspheres have refractive indices of below about 1.490.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating method using a plasma shock wave, the method including the steps of: irradiating a pulse laser to a first surface of a mixed layer obtained by mixing powders and resin to generate a plasma, the mixed layer being formed on a second surface of a substance to be coated; striking the powders on the second surface by using a shock wave of the plasma; and forming a coat of the powders on the second surface.

Abstract: A molding packaging material including a matte coat layer having excellent formability, chemical resistance, solvent resistance, and printability is provided. The molding packaging material 1 includes an outer base material 13 made of a heat-resistant resin, an inner sealant layer 16 made of a thermoplastic resin, a metal foil layer 11 arranged between the outer base material 13 and the inner sealant layer 16, and a matte coat layer 14 formed on one side of the outer base material opposite to the other side thereof to which the metal foil layer 11 is arranged. The matte coat layer 14 is made from a resin composition containing a base compound resin including a phenoxy resin and a urethane resin, a curing agent, and solid fine particles.

Abstract: Durable, impact-resistant structural coatings with dewetting and anti-icing properties are disclosed. The coatings possess a self-similar structure with two feature sizes that are tuned to affect the wetting of water and freezing of water on the surface. Dewetting and anti-icing performance is simultaneously achieved in a structural coating comprising multiple layers, with each layer including (a) a continuous matrix; (b) porous voids, dispersed within the matrix, to inhibit wetting of water; and (c) nanoparticles, on pore surfaces, that inhibit heterogeneous nucleation of water. These structural coatings utilize low-cost and lightweight materials that can be rapidly sprayed over large areas. If the surface is damaged during use, fresh material will expose a coating surface that is identical to that which was removed, for extended lifetime.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a substrate having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface and a layer of cementitious material on the first primary surface. The product further comprises decorative aggregate particles partially embedded in the layer of cementitious material. A method of making the product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to articles, systems, and methods for roofing a structure including, for example, layered shingles comprising a plurality of layers. A layered shingle may comprise, in some embodiments, an upper layer and a backing layer comprising a low density aggregate, wherein the backing layer is fixed to the substrate-facing surface of the upper layer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. A method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: An object is to provide a semiconductor device with improved reliability and for which a defect due to an end portion of a semiconductor layer provided in an island-shape is prevented, and a manufacturing method thereof. A structure includes an island-shaped semiconductor layer provided over a substrate, an insulating layer provided over a top surface and a side surface of the island-shaped semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode provided over the island-shaped semiconductor layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. In the insulating layer provided to be in contact with the island-shaped semiconductor layer, a region that is in contact with the side surface of the island-shaped semiconductor layer is made to have a lower dielectric constant than a region over the top surface of the island-shaped semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing roofing granules includes forming kaolin clay into green granules and sintering the green granules at a temperature of at least 900 degrees Celsius to cure the green granules until the crystalline content of the sintered granules is at least ten percent as determined by x-ray diffraction.

Abstract: A floor covering having a web- or plate-shaped base material made from an elastomer material, wherein the base material is provided with mineral decorative particles, and wherein the density of the mineral decorative particles is not greater than 3 kg/dm3.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions pertaining to coatings (e.g., paints) for covering a substrate. In some aspects and embodiments the coatings may include a heat reflective metal oxide pigment that, applied to an external surface of a building (or applied on a substrate used for an external surface of a building) reduces energy consumption in the building. In other aspects and embodiments, provided are textured coatings having a texturing material; e.g., methods and compositions are provided pertaining to textured coatings that can be applied robotically or in an automated fashion. In various aspects and embodiments, textured coatings are provided that include a texturing material and a heat reflective metal oxide pigment. In some aspects and embodiments coatings are provided that include pumice texturing materials (e.g., pumice having particle sizes of greater than 150 microns).

Abstract: A silicon nitride substrate including a phase encompassed of silicon nitride particles, and intergranular phase formed from a sintering aid, wherein a separation layer is formed on the surface of a molded body including silicon nitride powder, sintering aid powder, and organic binder, by using a boron nitride paste containing boron nitride powder, organic binder, and organic solvent; the separation layer and molded body are heated; the organic binder is removed from the separation layer and molded body; subsequently molded bodies stacked with a separation layer therebetween, are sintered. Boron nitride paste contains 0.01 to 0.50% by oxygen mass and 0.001 to 0.5% by carbon mass, and c/a is within range of 0.02 to 10.00, where c is oxygen content in the powder of the boron nitride paste, and a carbon content in the degreased separation layer, which includes 0.2 to 3.5 mg/cm2 of hexagonal boron nitride powder.

Abstract: Aim of the present invention is to obtain cementitious products having smooth, planar surfaces and low thickness for applications having aesthetic purpose, of integrated architecture or as substrates, for example for a thin-film photovoltaic unit, with controlled curling and surface roughness, manufactured by mould casting of a fluid composition comprising: I. a hydraulic binder; II. one or more aggregates; III. an anti-shrinkage agent; IV. a superplasticizer agent; V. water, wherein the percentage by weight of said hydraulic binder in the composition is lower than that of said aggregates, and wherein said aggregates have a maximum diameter dmax not greater than one third of the thickness of the product, the final product thus having an arithmetic mean surface roughness Ra not greater than 500 nm and curling not greater than 1500 micron.

Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: Provided is a glass substrate with a sealing material layer, including a sealing material layer formed by sintering a sealing material, in which: the sealing material includes at least inorganic powder; the inorganic powder includes glass powder and a refractory filler; the content of refractory filler in the inorganic powder is 10 to 35 vol %; and the sealing material layer has a surface roughness Ra of less than 0.5 ?m.

Abstract: A molded article is formed by molding a cycloolefin resin composition, in which the cycloolefin resin composition contains a cycloolefin resin and silica particles, the silica particles have an average primary particle size of 10 nm to 150 nm, the cycloolefin resin composition has a silica particle content of 15% by weight to 70% by weight, and the molded article has a linear expansion coefficient of 50×10?6/degrees (Celsius) or less in the temperature range of 0 degrees (Celsius) to 80 degrees (Celsius).

Abstract: A coated glass or glass ceramic substrate with a local-area and/or full-area layer having haptic properties is provided. The layer has a haptically perceptible texture and includes texturing inorganic and/or polysiloxane-based particles that are fixed on the substrate by a layer-forming material. The particles cause protrusions on the layer and so produce the haptically perceptible texture. The substrate is also provided, at least partially, with at least one additional layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. A solid state electrochemical sensor can include a redox active moiety having an oxidation and/or reduction potential that is sensitive to the presence of an analyte immobilized over a surface of a working electrode. A redox active moiety having an oxidation and/or reduction potential that is insensitive to the presence of the analyte can be used for reference. Voltammetric measurements made using such systems can accurately determine the presence and/or concentration of the analyte in the sample. The solid state electrochemical sensor can be robust and not require calibration or re-calibration.

Abstract: Variations of this invention provide durable, impact-resistant structural coatings that have both dewetting and anti-icing properties. The coatings in some embodiments possess a self-similar structure that combines a low-cost matrix with two feature sizes that are tuned to affect the wetting of water and freezing of water on the surface. Dewetting and anti-icing performance is simultaneously achieved in a structural coating comprising multiple layers, wherein each layer includes (a) a continuous matrix; (b) discrete templates dispersed that promote surface roughness to inhibit wetting of water; and (c) nanoparticles that inhibit heterogeneous nucleation of water. These structural coatings utilize low-cost, lightweight, and environmentally benign materials that can be rapidly sprayed over large areas using convenient coating processes.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises at least three active areas. The at least three active areas are proximate. Longitudinal axes of the at least three active areas are parallel, and each of the at least three active areas comprises an edge intersecting the longitudinal axis of the respective active area. The edges of the at least three active areas form an arc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-glare film with excellent anti-glare properties as well as improved contrast ratio and image definition and a preparation method for the same. More specifically, the anti-glare film comprises an anti-glare layer comprising organic or inorganic particles having a volume average particle diameter of 5 to 10 ?m and a photocurable resin. Here, the difference in refraction index between the organic or inorganic particles and the photocurable resin is in the range of 0.005 to 0.05, and the volume average particle diameter of the organic or inorganic particles and the thickness of the anti-glare layer satisfy a defined mathematical formula.

Abstract: Systems and methods for composite materials, including coatings and stand-alone structures are provided. An apparatus may include a first layer structure that includes a first plurality of densely packed sub-macroscale particles having a first mean diameter; and at least a second layer structure that includes a second plurality of densely packed sub-macroscale particles having a second mean diameter that is different from the first mean diameter. The first layer structure and the second layer structure may be applied to a substrate, where the substrate may be an article of sports equipment, medical device or other article.

Abstract: There is described an intermediate transfer member comprising a seamless layer comprising a polyphenylsulfone and a polysiloxane having dispersed therein carbon black particles. The composition used to manufacture the seamless intermediate transfer member is also described.

Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a bonded substrate, including the steps of: forming a first bonding layer on a surface on one side of a semiconductor substrate; forming a second bonding layer on a surface on one side of a support substrate; adhering the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer to each other; a heat treatment for bonding the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer to each other; and thinning the semiconductor substrate from a surface on the other side of the semiconductor substrate to form a semiconductor layer.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises at least three active areas. The at least three active areas are proximate. Longitudinal axes of the at least three active areas are parallel, and each of the at least three active areas comprises an edge intersecting the longitudinal axis of the respective active area. The edges of the at least three active areas form an arc.

Abstract: A roughened cured material allows reduction of surface roughness and increase in adhesive strength between a cured object and a metal layer. A roughened cured material is obtained by advancing curing of an epoxy resin material to obtain a preliminary-cured material and conducting roughening treatment on a surface of the preliminary-cured material. The epoxy resin material contains an epoxy resin, a curing agent, and a silica whose mean particle diameter is not smaller than 0.2 ?m but not larger than 1.2 ?m. When a roughening-treated surface of the roughened cured material is photographed with a scanning electron microscope, in a 5 ?m×5 ?m sized area of the roughening-treated surface in a photographed image, the number of particles of the silica that are exposed from the roughening-treated surface and whose exposed portions have a maximum length of 0.3 ?M or longer in the image is not greater than 15.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a decorative surface element, which element comprises a base layer, a decor and a wear layer of a UV or electron beam curing lacquer. One or more structured surfaces, forming embossing surfaces of one or more rollers or moulds, are positioned on top of the decorative lacquered surface, possibly after having cured the lacquer to a desired viscosity, and are continuously or discontinuously pressed on to this. The lacquer will be provided with a surface structure which enhances the decorative effect of the decor. The wear layer is then completely cured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate for an organic electronic element that enables surface resistance to be reduced and light-extraction efficiency improved, the substrate including: a base substrate; a scattering layer which is formed on the base substrate and includes an conductive pattern for reducing the surface resistance of an electrode, scattering particles for scattering light and a binder, and which forms an uneven structure in the surface opposite the base substrate; and a planarizing layer which is formed on the scattering layer and flattens the surface undulations caused by the uneven structure of the scattering layer, wherein the refractive index (Na) of the scattering particles and the refractive index (Nb) of the planarizing layer satisfy the relationship in formula 1 below. [Formula 1] |Na?Nb|?0.3. In the formula as used herein, Na signifies the refractive index of the scattering particles and Nb signifies the refractive index of the planarizing layer.

Abstract: A transfer article that includes a liner with multi-sized particles disposed thereon, wherein the multi-sized particles include a plurality of dominant hydrophilic particles having an average primary particle size of no greater than 200 microns, and a plurality of discrete hydrophobic nanoparticles.

Abstract: An exterior cladding that combines the benefits of stone, metal and tar in a laminate form that makes the most with the least expensive forms of each of these three base materials. A construction laminate having an asphaltic core body covered with a metallic facing on a top side and part of a bottom side. A granular coating is applied to the metallic facing on the top side and front edge. The laminate is useful as exterior cladding such as a roofing shingle, siding etc. . . . and is durable and easy to install.

Abstract: A wave-length conversion inorganic member can includes a base body and an inorganic particle layer on the base body. The inorganic particle layer can include particles of an inorganic wave-length conversion substance which is configured to absorb light of a first wave-length and to emit light of a second wave-length different from the first wave-length. The inorganic particle layer can include an agglomerate of a plurality of the particles. Each of the plurality of the particles are in contact with at least one of the other particles or the base body. A cover layer comprises an inorganic material, and the cover layer continuously covers a surface of the base body and surfaces of the particles. The inorganic particle layer has an interstice enclosed by the particles, or by the particles and one of the base body and the cover layer.

Abstract: A silicon wafer is provided in which a dislocation is less likely Lo be generated originating from an oxide precipitate in a semiconductor device forming process, and a gettering effect with respect to Cu is increased. A silicon wafer 1 is characterized in that a surface layer portion 1a from a surface to a depth of at least 5 ?m has an LSTD density of less than 1.0/cm2, and that in a bulk portion 1b except the surface layer portion 1a, planar oxide precipitates 2a and polyhedral oxide precipitates 2b having a scattered light intensity of 3000 to 5000 a.u., and a density of 1.0×109 to 6.0×109 (particles/cm3) are each intermingled and grown, and a density ratio of the planar oxide precipitate to polyhedral oxide precipitate is represented by (planar oxide precipitate:polyhedral oxide precipitate=X: (100-X), where X is 10 to 40).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a superhydrophobic surface. Methods of fabrication are disclosed including laminating a polymer sheet having a surface to a template having a textured surface or a layer of a nanomaterial (e.g., nanoparticles or nanofibers) to convert the surface of the polymer sheet to a hydrophobic surface having a water contact angle of at least about 150°.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ceramic article with an increased surface roughness. The ceramic article includes a ceramic body having an engagement surface and a composite porous layer disposed on the engagement surface of the ceramic body. The composite porous layer is formed from a material including multiple first ceramic particles and multiple second ceramic particles. The sintering temperature of the first ceramic particle is lower than the melting temperature of the second ceramic particle, and at least some of the second ceramic particles are disperse within the composite porous layer whereby increasing the surface roughness of the ceramic article. Methods for manufacturing such ceramic article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A roofing product has a substrate having a binder layer and roofing granules on a majority of the binder layer, such that an exposed portion of the binder layer does not have the roofing granules. In addition, particles may be located on the exposed portion of the binder layer. The particles are smaller in size than the roofing granules, and the reflective particles have a solar reflectance of greater than 10%.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical layered body having excellent hardness, abrasion resistance, and flexibility. The present invention provides an optical layered body having a hard coat layer on one side of a triacetylcellulose substrate, wherein a Martens hardness (N1) of a surface of the hard coat layer, a Martens hardness (N2) of the center of the cross-section of the hard coat layer, and a Martens hardness (N3) of the center of the cross-section of the triacetylcellulose substrate have a relationship of N2>N1>N3 as determined by nanoindentation, and the hard coat layer has a pencil hardness of 4H or more as measured by a test in accordance with a pencil hardness test defined in JIS K5600-5-4 (1999) at a load of 4.9 N.