Abstract: The composite building panel is a decorative panel for use as a roofing shingle, an interior wall panel or the like. The composite building panel includes a layer of polymer with a layer of particulate matter partially embedded therein. The particulate matter may be in the form of granular ceramic or the like. The process for preparing the composite building panel includes the steps of first depositing a layer of the particulate matter on a molding surface, and then depositing a layer of polymer on to the layer of particulate matter, such that a sheet is formed.

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: The present invention provides a flooring material including a base portion, a coating portion being positioned in contact with an upper surface of the base portion and creating an upper surface of the flooring material, wherein the coating portion is substantially free from contaminants from the base portion which decrease the stain resistance of the coating portion and wherein the coating portion includes a first particulate material which at least partially penetrates the base portion and is proud from the upper surface of the flooring material.

Abstract: The tips of gas turbine engine turbine rotor blades are provided with an abrasive layer and the abrasive layer comprises chromised silicon carbide grit protruding from a layer of material. In particular the abrasive layer comprises a mixture of cubic boron nitride grit and chromised silicon carbide grit and the cubic boron nitride grit and the chromised silicon carbide grit protruding from the layer of material. The cubic boron nitride grit has a greater dimension than the chromised silicon carbide grit. The cubic boron nitride grit cuts the majority of a track in an abradable structure and then the chromised silicon carbide grit provides any additional cutting of the abradable structure.

Abstract: A method of joining two silicon members and the bonded assembly in which the members are assembled to place them into alignment across a seam. Silicon derived from silicon powder is plasma sprayed across the seam and forms a silicon coating that bonds to the silicon members on each side of the seam to thereby bond together the members. The plasma sprayed silicon may seal an underlying bond of spin-on glass or may act as the primary bond, in which case through mortise holes are preferred so that two layers of silicon are plasma sprayed on opposing ends of the mortise holes. A silicon wafer tower or boat may be the final product. The method may be used to form a ring or a tube from segments or staves arranged in a circle. Plasma spraying silicon may repair a crack or chip formed in a silicon member.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide an optical sheet having excellent abrasion resistance and hardness, and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides an optical sheet in which a hard coat layer is provided on one surface of a substrate, wherein the hard coat layer comprises a cured product of a curable resin composition for a hard coat layer, which comprises reactive inorganic fine particles and a binder component, and wherein fine protrusions are provided on an interface on the side opposite to the substrate side of the hard coat layer, in which the minimum angle of each of the fine protrusions making angles with a virtual plane that is parallel to the hard coat layer is an acute angle.

Abstract: A water-repellent, oil-repellent, and antifouling antireflection film having water-repellent, oil-repellent, and antifouling properties, a water liberation property, and durability; a method for manufacturing such an antireflection film; a lens, a glass sheet, and glass having a surface coated with a water-repellent, oil-repellent, and antifouling antireflection film; and an optical apparatus, a solar energy system, and a display equipped with such components are provided.

Abstract: A corrosion barrier is provided, disposed on a substrate. The corrosion barrier includes a vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) material and an anti-wetting barrier having a nano-particle composite structure.

Abstract: A roofing material, such as laminated shingles, comprising fines deposited on an upper surface of the roofing material, particularly on one or more non-weathering regions, such as on the headlap region, and/or shim layer. The fines may be deposited, for example, as a strip from about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches in width and extend the length of the roofing material at a fixed position from one edge of the roofing material to the opposite edge of the roofing material. The fines may comprise mica flakes, copper slag, coal slag, sand, talc, expanded clay, slate flour, powdered limestone or silica dust.

Abstract: The use of a coating composition comprising: (a) from about 5 to about 50 weight percent solids, the solids comprising from about 10 to about 70 weight percent silica and from about 90 to about 30 weight percent of a partially polymerized organic silanol of the general formula RSi(OH)3, wherein R is selected from methyl and up to about 40% of a group selected from the group consisting of vinyl, phenyl, gamma-glycidoxypropyl, and gamma-methacryloxypropyl, and (b) from about 95 to about 50 weight percent solvent, the solvent comprising from about 10 to about 90 weight percent water and from about 90 to about 10 weight percent lower aliphatic alcohol, wherein the coating composition has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 8.0, for the purpose of improving the surface smoothness of a polymeric substrate, particularly a heat-stabilised, heat-set, oriented polyester substrate, and use of said coated substrate in the manufacture of an electronic or optoelectronic device containing a conjugated conductive polymer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making semiconductor films from a eutectic alloy comprising a metal and a semiconductor, which are vapor deposited at a fixed temperature on relatively inexpensive buffered substrates, such as glass. Such films could have widespread application in photovoltaic and display technologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating of reflective surfaces to prevent fouling. The present invention also relates to reflective materials treated to prevent fouling, as well as methods of using such reflective materials.

Abstract: A surface-modified article is formed of an elastomeric matrix, such as a glove shape, and a plurality of fine silica particles affixed to at least a portion of the surface of the matrix, the outside surface in the case of the glove. The fine silica particles increase the coefficient of friction of the article surface. The fine silica particles may also be made electrically conductive, so that static charge at the surface of the article is dissipated. The silica particles are applied by mixing them into a coating composition, applying the coating composition to the surface of a mold, and solidifying a flowable elastomeric composition against the coated surface. The coating composition may include a coagulant or a parting agent.

Abstract: An article includes a scratch resistant non-stick finish adhered to a substrate. The scratch resistant non-stick finish includes a primer layer, a midcoat layer, and a topcoat layer. The primer layer is adhered to the substrate and includes a first polymer binder and large ceramic particles, the midcoat layer includes a first fluoropolymer composition and inorganic whiskers, and the topcoat layer includes a second fluoropolymer composition. A liquid coating composition for a non-stick finish includes a fluoropolymer, a polymer binder, and inorganic whiskers. A composition of the inorganic whiskers is in a range of from about 1 to 40 percent by weight of the liquid coating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for impregnation of porous objects comprising the following steps i)-v): i) applying an injection layer of a material comprising acrylic, epoxy or polyurethane onto the surface of at least part of the porous object and allowing at least part of said material to enter into the pores of said object utilising subatmospheric or superatmospheric pressure; ii) allowing the porous object to return to an atmosphere of normal pressure; iii) optionally at least partly allowing the injection layer to harden; iv) applying a topcoat of acrylic, epoxy or polyurethane onto the area of the porous object impregnated with the injection layer: v) allowing the topcoat to harden; wherein the injection layer applied in step i) and/or the topcoat applied in step iv) comprises pulverised glass having a particle size of 0 run to 100 ?m. The invention also relates to porous objects obtained according to this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides such a formation method that an antireflection structure having excellent antireflection functions can be formed in a large area and at small cost. Further, the present invention also provides an antireflection structure formed by that method. In the formation method, a base layer and particles placed thereon are subjected to an etching process. The particles on the base layer serve as an etching mask in the process, and hence they are more durable against etching than the base layer. The etching rate ratio of the base layer to the particles is more than 1 but not more than 5. The etching process is stopped before the particles disappear. It is also possible to produce an antireflection structure by nanoimprinting method employing a stamper. The stamper is formed by use of a master plate produced according to the above formation method.

Abstract: An anti-reflection film comprising: a transparent support; at least one high refractive index hard coat layer; and a low refractive index layer disposed as an outermost layer, in this order, wherein (i) the high refractive index hard coat layer has a refractive index of 1.55 or more and a thickness of 4 to 15 ?m; (ii) the anti-reflection film has a surface roughness Ra (center line average roughness) of 0.10 ?m or less; and (iii) the low refractive index layer comprises a hollow silica microparticle having an average particle diameter of 5 to 200 nm and a refractive index of 1.17 to 1.40.

Abstract: A component for a vacuum apparatus for use in a plasma processing apparatus or a film forming apparatus for a semiconductor or the like, in which a surface is covered with a ceramic and/or metallic thermal spray film and projection-shaped particles of a width of 10-300 ?m, a height of 4-600 ?m and an average height/width ratio of 0.4 or higher are present within a range of 20-20,000 particle/mm2 on the surface of the thermal spray film. The thermal spray film has a porosity of 10-40%, shows a high adhering property to a film-shaped substance, is free from a product contamination by particles generated by a peeling of the film-shaped substance and can be continuously used over a prolonged period.

Abstract: A composite is provided, comprising a substrate and a film on the substrate. The film has an RMS surface roughness of 25 nm to 500 nm, a film coverage of 25% to 60%, a surface energy of less than70 dyne/cm; and a durability of 10 to 5000 microNewtons. Depending on the particular environment in which the film is to be used, a durability of 10 to 500 microNewtons may be preferred. A film thickness 3 to 100 times the RMS surface roughness of the film is preferred.

Abstract: A composite is provided, comprising a substrate and a film on the substrate. The film has an RMS surface roughness of 25 nm to 500 nm, a film coverage of 25% to 60%, a surface energy of less than 70 dyne/cm; and a durability of 10 to 5000 microNewtons. Depending on the particular environment in which the film is to be used, a durability of 10 to 500 microNewtons may be preferred. A film thickness 3 to 100 times the RMS surface roughness of the film is preferred.

Abstract: A printing line is provided for producing a retro-reflective material which comprises at least one first screen printing stage. The or each first stage comprises a screen with a shaped stencil, for applying a layer of adhesive to a substrate in a pattern defined by the stencil or stencils. The printing line also comprises a second screen printing stage which comprises a screen with a shaped stencil having a shape within the boundaries of, or the same as, the adhesive pattern generated by the or each first stage, for applying a layer of retro-reflective elements, for example micro-beads, to the layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A diffusion brightness enhancement sheet includes a substrate and a prism structure. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface, which are disposed opposite to each other The substrate has a diffusion material, and the prism structure is disposed over the second surface.

Abstract: A low reflection film and the forming method for making the same are disclosed. The low reflection film includes at least one siloxane resin and a plurality of silicon dioxide particles. The siloxane resin has at least two alkoxylates. The silicon dioxide particles are fixed by the siloxane resin and protrude from the surface of the siloxane resin. The method includes preparing a first solution by adding a first solvent to a mixture of a catalyst and a siloxane resin after sol-gel reaction, preparing a second solution by mixing the first solution with silicon dioxide particles, coating the second solution onto a surface, and performing a drying process to form the low reflection film.

Abstract: A glass article having at least one edge of which at least a portion has been laser melted. The laser melted portion scatters light, thus enabling the glass article to be properly aligned. In some embodiments, the laser melted portion also provides a roughened edge having a coefficient of friction that facilitates handling of the glass article. The laser melted portion is formed by irradiating the peripheral surface with a laser beam to cause localized melting.

Abstract: A glass article having an edge of which at least a portion that is ground and subsequently etched to provide a roughened edge. The roughened edge scatters light, thus enabling the glass article to be properly aligned. In some embodiments, the roughened edge also provides a surface having a coefficient of friction that facilitates handling of the glass article. The edge may further include at least one chamfer that may either be polished, so as to be transparent or ground and subsequently etched.

Abstract: A method for producing a silicon-carbide nanostructure, which includes steps of: irradiating a carbon-source supplied to a reaction chamber at a pressure of 1. Pa to 70 Pa with microwaves of 0.5 kW to 3 kW; generating plasma in a space above the silicon substrate at a temperature of 350° C. to 600° C.; and forming a silicon-carbide nanostructure having cone-shaped silicon-carbide aggregates which are scattered on and protruded from a surface of a silicon substrate. The silicon-carbide aggregates have a crystal structure of 2H ?-siC.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a biaxially oriented polyamide based mixed resin film roll with which bag forming processing by lamination is able to be performed smoothly and with high yield ratio and at the same time with which packages free of S-shaped curls can be obtained efficiently. A solution for the problem concerns the polyamide based mixed resin film roll of the present invention which includes a first sample cutout portion within 2 m from the winding end of film and a final cutout portion within 2 m from the winding start of film, and when a sample cutout portion is set up in approximately every 100 m from the first sample cutout portion, in all samples cut out from each of the cutout portions, physical properties such as elastomer content, elastic modulus in tension, boiling water shrinkage percentage and refraction index in the thickness direction are adjusted to be within a predetermined range of variation range.

Abstract: A graphite-silicon carbide composite comprises a graphite substrate and a silicon carbide layer formed thereon and comprising silicon carbide particles in fused and contact bonded state. The composite has excellent oxidation resistance and finds a wide range of application as heat resistant material. The method of forming a silicon carbide layer on graphite surface is simple and consistent.

Abstract: Disclosed are compaction resistant thin film composite membranes having a porous polymeric support; a semi-permeable polymer film polymerized on the porous polymeric support; and particles, of a size in the range of microparticles and nanoparticles, dispersed in the porous polymeric support. Also disclosed are methods of making compaction resistant membranes by polymerizing a polymer film on a porous polymeric support with particles of a size in the range of microparticles and nanoparticles dispersed therein, the particles having been selected to improve flux flow characteristics over time of the semi-permeable membrane. Also disclosed are methods of purifying water using the disclosed membranes. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a dispersion of hollow fine SiO2 particles which contains no residual core fine particles, generates no uncontrollable agglomerates, and is easy to filtrate.

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: A sheet of conglomerate material is formed with a visible surface having the form of so-called split stone or crocodile skin using a multiple mix consisting of at least two single mixes each formed by a granulated stone material and a hardening binder. At least one of the single mixes comprises a granular material having a hardness less than that of the granular material of the at least one other mix. When the sheet, vacuum vibrocompressed and hardened, is machined using a non-rigid abrasive tool, the surface zones (14) where the mix with the granular material of lesser hardness is present are scored to a greater degree, producing the aforementioned aesthetic effect. If, on the other hand, granules (26) of a material with a very high hardness are added to the mix, a sheet with non-slip properties is obtained.

Abstract: Provided herein are multi-layer composite construction materials which are suitable as an external insulating layer on a dwelling, which includes homes, office buildings and other installations. The composite constructions of the invention comprise an insulating layer which is typically abutted or adhered to an outside surface of a dwelling, often to the exterior of a foundation or basement wall near the ground line. A composite according to the invention resists damage and abrasion from normal activities, which may include landscaping activity and normal wear and tear experienced by external building surfaces.

Abstract: Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles.

Abstract: A ceramics composite member includes a structure in which a first ceramic member and a second ceramic member are integrated with a joint portion. The joint portion has a texture in which a silicon phase having an average diameter of 0.05 ?m or more and 10 ?m or less is continuously provided in a network form in interstices of silicon carbide particles having an average particle diameter of 0.1 ?m or more and 0.1 mm or less.

Abstract: In film-forming devices and plasma-processing devices, filmy matter adheres to the surfaces of the inner parts and it peels to cause dust and particles in the devices. In the devices, the dust and particles contaminate the objects for film formation thereon or the objects to be processed with plasma. For preventing the objects from being contaminated with them, the inner parts of the devices must be frequently exchanged every time when they have received any minor filmy matter thereon, and this lowers the productivity in the devices. When a modified glass part of which the surface is modified with spherical or bell-like island projections having a width and a height of from a few ?m to a few hundreds ?m is used in a film-forming device and in a plasma-processing device, then its ability to hold the filmy substance having adhered thereto is good and its resistance to plasma is also good.

Abstract: A timepiece dial having a base member made primarily of polycarbonate, a silicon compound layer made primarily of a silicon oxide compound, and a zinc sulfide compound layer made primarily of a zinc sulfide compound and rendered on the opposite side of the silicon compound layer as the side facing the base member.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a coating having a top portion containing a mixture of asphalt and igneous and/or metamorphic rock particles, while the mat portion of the coating contains a mixture of asphalt and a filler which contains less than 10% igneous and/or metamorphic rock particles. In other embodiments, the top portion but not the bottom portion of the coating meets or exceeds a pliability standard, passes a weathering performance test, or has a high solar reflectance. In another embodiment relating to a laminated roofing material, the top portion but not the bottom portion has viscoelastic properties effective to prevent the coating from sticking to an adjacent shingle in a bundle. The invention also relates to a continuous process of applying first and second coatings to a mat for manufacturing a roofing material.

Abstract: An improvement applicable to a method for the production of a multi-layer identity card of plastic wherein the card comprises one or more card core layers bonded under the action of pressure and heat and printed on either side or on opposite sides with a covering layer applied to the printed side or sides of the card core. In accordance with the improvement a thermoplastic polymer adhesive is applied between and in direct contact with each covering layer and the respective printed side of the card core, the thermoplastic adhesive coating possessing at least one additive that increases the friction between the covering layer and the printed card core during lamination so as to prevent displacement of the printed card core in relation to the covering layer or layers.

Abstract: An antireflection film having a hard coat layer prepared on one side of a transparent substrate directly or through other layers, and further an antireflection layer laminated on a surface of the hard coat layer, wherein the antireflection layer is formed by a dry cured film obtained from a solution comprising a siloxane oligomer (A) obtained by condensation polymerization after partial hydrolysis of a hydrolyzable alkoxy silane that contains a tetra alkoxy silane represented by a general formula (1): Si(OR)4 (where R represents methyl group or ethyl group) as a principal component and a compound (B) having a fluoro alkyl structure and a polysiloxane structure, is excellent scratch-proof property, stain resistance, and cured in a short period of time at comparatively low temperature.

Abstract: Use of internal gas-forming compound to adjust coating porosity to control copper release rates in algae-retardant roofing granule products.

Abstract: The invention relates to retroreflective articles such as retroreflective sheeting that comprises a core sheet comprising retroreflective elements and a topcoat wherein the topcoat comprises certain water-borne acrylic polymer(s).

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: A coated bathroom or kitchen component product includes a transparent polymerized resin and inserts of gravel of marble and/or other stones embedded substantially uniformly in the transparent polymerized resin. The inserts have a coplanar leveled surface at a surface of the component. The inserts are surrounded by a surface of the polymerized resin defining surface depressions having a lowest depression surface in a region between inserts and the surface of the polymerized resin rising form the lowest depression surface to the level of the surface of the component adjacent to the inserts.

Abstract: A three-layer asphalt composition shingle where the top layer is of a full width, a middle layer is less than the full width, and a bottom layer has a width shorter than the middle layer. The middle and top layers of the shingle have tabs and cutouts. The tabs of each such layer generally differ in some feature. Moreover, the corresponding tabs between the middle layer and top layer also differ with respect to some feature, such as a lengthwise size, a widthwise size, shape or in color. Each of the three layers includes color zones, and often plural color zones. The different tab features and the different color features of the various layers provide a high degree of randomness to enhance a visual appearance to a roof shingled with such type of shingles.

Abstract: A low reflectance glass surface with improved cleanability is disclosed which includes a particular combination of surface structures which produce a low reflectance yet high clarity glass. The surface structure includes a plurality of islands distributed at a density of about 60 to about 10,000 islands per square millimeter. The glass surface also includes a skeletalized silica structure of about 100 to about 400 angstroms in diameter uniformly distributed over the surface. By combining the various surface structures on one piece of glass, unique properties of low reflectance yet high clarity are provided, which is particularly suitable for use in picture frames where any distortion would distract from viewing a picture contained therein and also in computer or t.v. screens where distortion or glare could produce operator fatigue or stress. The glass structure is achieved by a process which is readily adaptable to existing production lines without requiring major modifications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-blocking roll of roofing membrane employing a combination of silicone rubber sealant, non-woven fiberglass scrim and pressure sensitive adhesive. The method utilizes a process by which silicone rubber sealant is applied to the top surface of the non-woven fiberglass scrim and made to penetrate {fraction (1/10)} to {fraction (9/10)} of the way into the thickness of the scrim, thus no silicone rubber sealant reaches the bottom or underside surface of the scrim. To the remaining {fraction (9/10)} to {fraction (1/10)} of the scrim's thickness and to the bottom surface of the scrim is applied pressure sensitive adhesive. This construction results into a self-adherent roofing membrane that can be packaged and transferred in roll form without the need to include an additional release liner sheet or non-blocking material such as talc, mica, or clay powder.

Abstract: A novel artificial stone which contains an inorganic aggregate and a resin and has an uneven surface wherein the inorganic aggregate is exposed, wherein the average depth of concave grooves of the surface is in the range of 0.02 mm to 1.0 mm and the volume percentage of the inorganic aggregate is 25% to 75%. The artificial stone has an elaborate structure, exhibits transparent and deep sense, has excellent massive feeling and color like a marble, has a high surface hardness, exhibits good formability, and exhibits excellent non-slop performance even when it is contacted by bare feet or by hard soles of shoes.

Abstract: A self-cleaning surface which has an artificial, at least partially hydrophobic, surface structure containing elevations and depressions, which comprises an at least partially hydrophobic surface formed from structure-forming particles of hydrophobic fumed silica having elevations and depressions ranging in dimensions of 1 to 1000 nm and the particles themselves having an average size of less than 50 ?m adhered to the surface by way of a viscous, curable carrier material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyurethane acrylates, silicone acrylates and singly and/or multiply unsaturated (meth)acrylates applied to the surface, which is sufficient to bond the structure forming particles without substantial wetting of the particles by the carrier material while retaining the fissured structure of elevations and depressions of the structure-forming particles in the nanometer range.

Abstract: A self-cleaning surface which has an artificial, at least partially hydrophobic, surface structure containing elevations and depressions, which comprises a surface having structure-forming particles, which are formed of hydrophobic, fumed silica, adhered thereto by way of fixative particles applied to the surface, whereby the structure-forming particles and the fixative particles have elevations and depressions ranging in dimensions of 1 to 1000 nm and the particles themselves having an average size of less than 50 ?m, the particles providing said surface structure of elevations and depressions, wherein, by incipient melting of the fixative particles, only partial melting of the fixative particles occurs which is sufficient to bond the structure forming particles without substantial wetting of the particles by the fixative particles to said surface while retaining, the fissured structure of the structure-forming particles in the nanometer range.