Abstract: The present invention provides a zirconium oxide dispersion which contains zirconium oxide particles, a metal complex, and a dispersion medium and which has excellent storage stability; a photo-curing composition containing zirconium oxide particles which contains zirconium oxide particles, a metal complex, an actinic energy ray-curing compound, a photopolymerization initiator, and a dispersion medium and which composition can form, on a surface of a substrate, a cured film having excellent transparency and high refractive index, and which composition does not corrode a metal-made apparatus employed in a dispersion process and a coating apparatus; and a cured film produced by applying onto a substrate the photo-curing composition containing zirconium oxide particles through coating or printing, followed by hardening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing laminate floor panels comprising at least a core containing wood/plastic composite (WPC) and a top layer of laminate. It includes the step of providing a granulate of WPC in which natural fibers are encapsulated in polymer plastics. There is provided a layer of granulate which is melted. The melted layer is pressed for forming the core of the panels. The top laminate is attached onto the core to form a sheet (S), and the sheet is finished to form one or more panels. The laminate panel comprises a core made of WPC, a basic layer melted to the core and a top laminate comprising at least one paper layer impregnated with impregnation material, such as melamine resin, and being attached to the basic layer through this impregnation material, or a plastic layer melted to a glass fiber basic layer.

Abstract: A process for providing an ozone resistant dye-based image, and a resulting image, includes jetting an ink containing the dye onto a microporous media surface to form a dye-based image, and thereafter jetting over at least a portion of the dye-based image a clear ink overcoat comprising a transparent polymeric binder containing dispersed inorganic nano particles, wherein the median equivalent circular diameter of all of the dispersed inorganic particles is in the range of 1 to 500 nm. Color fade due to ozone effects is diminished while maintaining jetability.

Abstract: A housing with a three dimensional pattern coating includes a substrate, a powder coated layer formed on the substrate, the powder coated layer having plural grooves therein; and a pattern coating formed in the grooves. A method for making the housing comprises: providing a substrate; painting a powder coated layer onto the substrate; etching the powder coated layer to form plural grooves; filling the grooves with a colloidal solution.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating printable sheet. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tamper-indicating printable sheet comprising a retroreflective layer comprising a plurality of microbeads partially embedded in an inkjet receptive beadbond layer; and a reflector layer between one of the microbeads and the inkjet receptive beadbond layer. The present invention provides a method of making a tamper-indicating printable sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a molecular membrane using soft lithography. The method includes forming a pattern having at least one nanoscale feature in a moldable polymer composition and deploying at least a portion of the pattern adjacent a first substrate.

Abstract: When color images are printed on a substantially transparent substrate, such as a transparency film, or on a highly colored substrate, the color properties of image may be compromised. When color images are printed on a substantially transparent substrate, the images do not have the maximum possible color saturation because a large portion of the incident light is not reflected back. As a result, images appear to be dull and lower in contrast. When color images are printed on highly colored substrates, the color properties of the image are also influenced by the color of the substrate. In order to enable printing on such substrates, an opaque toner was developed which comprises predispersed inorganic filler with a refractive index of greater than 1.75.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating printable sheet. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tamper-indicating printable sheet comprising a retroreflective layer comprising a plurality of microbeads partially embedded in an inkjet receptive beadbond layer; and a reflector layer between one of the microbeads and the inkjet receptive beadbond layer. The present invention provides a method of making a tamper-indicating printable sheet.

Abstract: A method for coating a metallic substrate includes applying a powder coating composition to a majority of a surface of the metallic substrate, and applying an autodepositable coating composition to less than the majority of the surface of the metallic substrate. According to a preferred embodiment, the powder coating composition is applied to at least one continuous surface of the metallic substrate, while the autodepositable coating composition is applied to at least one discontinuous surface, such as an edge, of the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A co-extruded plastic film comprises an outer layer formed of a high density polymer or co-polymer having a high surface energy, such as a medium molecular weight high density polyethylene that is corona treated or includes a relatively polar polymer; a core layer preferably formed of a polyolefin, which can include linear low density polyethylene or a foamed polymer preferably produced by an endothermic blowing agent; and an inner layer formed of a polymer or co-polymer having good static or physical cling properties that includes a filler of sufficiently large particle size and in a sufficiently large amount that water vapor can escape laterally from under the film. The inner layer also can include a desiccant and can be embossed. This film allows vapors to disperse and can also be moisture absorbent and vapor permeable. The film also has the benefit that one surface has high paint adherence and the opposite surface clings to a substrate, typically a painted metal or simple metal surface.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a substrate having nanoparticles of a conducting polymer such as polyanaline printed thereon. Also described is a printing composition for printing onto a substrate, the composition comprising nanoparticles of a conducting polymer such as polyanaline.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present system and method, an inkjet recording medium includes a photobase layer, a layer of inorganic oxide dispensed on a first side of the photobase layer, and a layer of ink vehicle absorbing layer formed on a second side of the photobase layer.

Abstract: A covering for a machine for the production of a fibrous web has, at least in some sections, a two-dimensional structure which is formed by a multiplicity of polymer-based regions which differ from each other at least in part by virtue of a different fraction of filler material and/or by virtue of a different type of filler material.

Abstract: A polymer composition containing (a) a high impact polystyrene (HIPS) component with a block copolymer grafted to polystyrene, a rubbery conjugated diene content of one to seven weight percent based on HIPS weight, less than 10 weight-percent gel concentration, an average rubber particle size of between one and 0.01 micrometers, about 40 to about 90 volume percent of the rubber particles have diameters of less than about 0.4 microns and from about 10 to about 60 volume percent of the rubber particles have diameters between about 0.4 and about 2.5 microns, a majority of rubber particles with a core/shell morphology and a concentration that accounts for 10 to 70 weight-percent of the total polymer composition weight and one to five weight-percent rubbery diene based on total polymer composition weight; (b) from 10 to 70 weight percent of a general purpose polystyrene and from about 2 to about 80 weight-percent of a styrene block copolymer component, both based on total polymer composition weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-transparent retroreflective material having a retroreflective side (16) and an opposite rear side (17), the retroreflective material having a regular or irregular two dimensional pattern of transparent and opaque areas, said retroreflective material comprising a layer of transparent microspheres (20) and a reflective layer located functionally behind said layer of transparent microspheres, said reflective layer comprising a regular or irregular two dimensional pattern of metal areas (11) of contiguous metal and open areas (12) having substantially no metal, wherein open areas (12) of said reflective layer correspond to transparent areas of said retroreflective material and metal areas (11) of said reflective layer correspond to opaque areas of said retroreflective material and wherein said transparent microspheres (20) are present in said transparent and opaque areas and wherein said transparent areas comprise at least 5% of the total surface of said retroreflective mater

Abstract: A cut-and-stack label includes a cut-and-stack sheet sized for feeding by cut-and-stack labeling equipment and labeling an individual container. The cut-and-stack sheet includes a first shrink film layer having a first face and a second shrink film layer having a second face. The first face of the first shrink film layer is laminated to the second face of the second shrink film layer. Printing is provided on at least one of the first and second faces. A method of producing cut-and-stack labels and a method of labeling a container are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides metal compositions, including silver compositions, and thermal imaging donors prepared with the compositions. The donors are useful for thermal transfer patterning of a metal layers and optionally, a corresponding proximate portion of an additional transfer layer onto a thermal imaging receiver. The compositions are useful for dry fabrication of electronic devices. Also provided are patterned multilayer compositions comprising one or more base film(s), and one or more patterned metal layers, including EMI shields and touchpad sensors.

Abstract: New hardmask compositions comprising non-polymeric, metal-containing nanoparticles dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system and methods of using those compositions as hardmask layers in microelectronic structures are provided. The compositions are photosensitive and capable of being rendered developer soluble upon exposure to radiation. The inventive hardmask layer is patterned simultaneously with the photoresist layer and provides plasma etch resistance for subsequent pattern transfer.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain laminates comprising a decorated poly(vinyl butyral) sheet and a film. Preferably, the film is a solar control film.

Abstract: A method of producing the low glare, high print gloss paper of the invention comprises the steps of providing a paper substrate, coating the substrate with an aqueous coating composition having, as a dry parts by weight per 100 parts of pigment, 50-90 parts coarse delaminated clay pigment having a particle size of 8-12 microns and 10-20 parts calcium carbonate having a particle size of between 0.7 and 1.1 microns, drying the coating; and supercalendering the coated substrate with at least two passes per side with rolls having a surface roughness of 90-130 Ra. The step of supercalendering imparts a Parker Print-Surf roughness of 1.7-2.2 microns and a sheet gloss of about 25-30. Four color printing produces a print gloss of 65-70 and a delta gloss of at least 38.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present system and method, an electrophotographic media includes a porous base media and a bi-modal pigmented composition disposed on the porous media that provides an increased resistance to blistering during pigment fusing. The bi-modal pigment may include a first pigment and a second pigment, the first pigment including particles having acicular morphology, and the second pigment including substantially spherical particles.

Abstract: There is provided such a heat-generating body for warming a foot in that a heat-generating composition is used that can retain the shape thereof irrespective of the pressure inside the container bag upon using by application to a foot, a footgear or a sock. The heat-generating body of the invention for warming a foot is characterized in that it contains a heat-generating formed article causing a heat-generating reaction in the presence of air and having a shape retaining degree of 70 or more charged in a container bag constituted with a base material, a covering material and the like. Further a process is provided for producing a heat-generating body for warming a foot in that the heat generation reaction of the heat-generating composition is suppressed to prevent loss due to the heat-generating reaction during production, quality deterioration of the heat-generating composition, and other problems.

Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, self-cleaning applications, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nanostructures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within an adhesive, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a metal particle dispersion wherein a metal compound is reduced by using carbodihydrazide represented by the formula (1) below or a polybasic acid polyhydrazide represented by the formula (2) below (wherein R represents an n-valent polybasic acid residue) in a liquid medium. By reducing the metal compound in the presence of a compound having a function preventing discoloration of the metal, there can be obtained a metal particle dispersion having excellent discoloration preventing properties. Metal particles produced by such methods have a uniform particle diameter and are excellent in dispersion stability. By using a conductive resin composition or conductive ink containing a metal particle dispersion obtained by such production methods, there can be formed a conductive coating film, such as a conductive circuit or an electromagnetic layer, having good characteristics.

Abstract: An object is to provide a recorded article or sticker whereby counterfeited articles and genuine articles can be visually distinguished in simple fashion in the market and wherein it is not possible to identify in the market the location and type of the anti-counterfeiting measures that have been taken. Both an overt region 3 (which can be recognized visually in the market) are printing using a color-change ink or liquid-crystal ink, for example, and a covert region 5 formed by for example optical retro-reflective printing (which cannot be recognized without using a special tool) are provided on the surface of the same recording medium. The overt region 3 and the covert region 4 may be arranged at different locations or may overlap, or may be positionally aligned. The overt letter/design pattern and the covert letter/design pattern may be the same or different.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous material including (a) a polyolefin matrix which contains ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin having a molecular weight greater than 7 million grams per mole and 30 to 80 weight percent high density polyolefin, (b) finely divided particulate filler having a density ranging from 2.21 to 3.21 grams per cubic centimeter distributed throughout the matrix, and (c) at least 35 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material. The microporous material has a density ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 g/cc, a Sheffield smoothness of less than or equal to 40, and an air flow rate of 1000 or more Gurley seconds. Printed electronic devices prepared from and methods of making the microporous material also are provided.

Abstract: Aqueous, printable compositions comprising carbon nanotubes and a polymeric dispersing agent, wherein at least one fifth of the carbon nanotubes have a molecular structure comprising a plurality of stacked and rolled graphene layers; processes for preparing such compositions, methods of use and electrically conductive coatings prepared therewith.

Abstract: Semiconductor nano-particles, due to their specific physical properties, can be used as reversible photo-bleachable materials for a wide spectrum, from far infrared to deep UV. Applications include, reversible contrast enhancement layer (R-CEL) in optical lithography, lithography mask inspection and writing and optical storage technologies.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image receiving sheet comprises a support and a toner image receiving layer that is formed on at least one surface of the support and contains a mixture of a linear amorphous polymer having a glass-transition temperature (Tg1) in a range of from 40° to 120° C. and a linear crystalline polymer having a melting temperature (Tm) in a range of from 100° to 200° C. These linear amorphous polymer and linear crystalline polymer satisfy 1.0×Tg1(K)?Tm(K)?1.5×Tg1(K).

Abstract: An electrically conductive/electromagnetic energy absorptive sheet material is provided comprising cellulosic fibers mixed with conductive/absorptive fibers or particles. The material may have additional useful properties such as compressibility, biodegradability, and fire retardance.

Abstract: A composite sintered body according to the present invention contains at least cubic boron nitride and a binder. Cubic boron nitride has a continuous skeleton structure as a result of bonding of a plurality of first cubic boron nitride particles to each other. The binder has a continuous structure as a result of bonding of a plurality of binder particles to each other, that are present in a region except for a bonding interface where the first cubic boron nitride particles are bonded to each other. Second cubic boron nitride particles isolated from the first cubic boron nitride particles forming the skeleton structure are dispersed in the continuous structure of the binder particles.

Abstract: A method of shaping a green body provides a shaped green body comprised of a plurality of sinterable particles and an organic binder. Such a method includes: (1) molding a mixture of sinterable particles and organic binder into the shape of an initial green body or intermediate, wherein the sinterable particles include at least one of metal particles or ceramic particles; and (2) shaping the green body intermediate with at least one of a stream of energy or a stream of matter, wherein the shaping yields a green body having a desired shape. The shaped green body can be sintered in order to provide a hardened body having substantially the shape of the shaped green body.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein concern nanoparticle layers uniformly distributed on a surface or substrate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the nanoparticle layers are of use for Raman spectroscopy. In certain embodiments of the invention, a micelle-metal ion complex is formed and deposited on a surface. The polymer component of the micelle-metal ion complex may be removed resulting in formation of nanoparticles of a uniform size and distribution. The polymers may contain one or more ligands. The number and type of ligands in a micelle will determine the type and amount of metal ion bound to the micelle, in turn determining the metal composition and size of the nanoparticles. The distribution micelle-metal ion complexes on a surface may determine the distribution and periodicity of the nanoparticle layer. In other embodiments, rod or columnar-shaped nanoparticles may be generated. Other embodiments concern the generation of uniform alloy nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for nanostructure synthesis that includes growing nanostructures on a layered structure compound at a low temperature using a solution containing a solvent and at least one precursor. The method can include synthesizing and assembling nanowires in essentially the same method step. Disclosed nanostructures and nanowires are substantially uniform in diameter and single crystal. Nanowires can intersect to form networks and can be covalently bonded at points of intersection. Disclosed nanowire networks can be substantially uniform and can form an ordered network. Nanowire networks can be used to fabricate electronic and optical devices.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented film has a machine direction-orientation (MDO) ratio of more than 1.2 and a transverse direction orientation (TDO) ratio of 2.0 or less, where the MDO ratio is greater than the TDO ratio; where the film contains a polymer composition containing a first high impact polystyrene (HIPS) component with a block copolymer grafted to polystyrene, a rubbery conjugated diene content of one to seven weight percent based on first HIPS weight, less than 10 weight-percent gel concentration, an average rubber particle size of between one and 0.01 micrometers, about 40 to about 90 volume percent of the rubber particles have diameters of less than about 0.4 microns and from about 10 to about 60 volume percent of the rubber particles have diameters between about 0.4 and about 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive pad comprising a fibrous layer comprising a mixture of metal fibers and polymeric fibers, said fibrous layer having a thickness of at least 3 mm and having on at least one of its opposite major surfaces an adhesive layer, said adhesive layer being configured so as to allow electrical contact between said fibrous layer and a metal substrate when such metal substrate is adhered to said adhesive layer. The opposite major surfaces of the fibrous layer of the adhesive pad are generally planar and generally parallel to each other. In a particular embodiment, the adhesive pad is in the form of a sheet, for example rectangular, square, circular or oval or in the form of a web.

Abstract: A composite sintered body according to the present invention contains at least cubic boron nitride and a binder. Cubic boron nitride has a continuous structure as a result of bonding of a plurality of cubic boron nitride particles to each other. The binder has a continuous structure as a result of bonding of a plurality of binder particles to each other, that are present in a region except for a bonding interface where the cubic boron nitride particles are bonded to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a sorptive sheet material in which finely divided nanocrystalline particles that react with a variety of chemical and/or biological agents are dispersed. The sheet material comprises a fibrous web that is formed of a plurality of fibers that are bonded to each other. The fibrous web contains a relatively high concentration of reactive nanocrystalline particles that are entrapped within the matrix of the fibrous web. Fluids containing toxic agents, such as chemical and/or biological agents, odors and/or odor causing compounds, and toxic industrial compounds, pass into the web and contact the reactive nanocrystalline particles contained therein. The reactive nanocrystalline particles react with, and chemically alter or inactivate the toxic agents. The sorptive sheet material may be used to construct containers, such as remains pouches, for the storing and transporting of contaminated items, particularly human remains.

Abstract: Surface covering components that include a topcoat layer with different gloss levels in various regions on the top coat layer, and methods of manufacturing such surface covering components, are disclosed. The surface covering components include a coating layer that includes regions that have a relatively higher gloss, and regions with a relatively lower gloss. The differential gloss is provided by coating a substrate with a UV-curable coating composition, subjecting a first region of the surface coating to polymerization under a first set of conditions, and subjecting a second region of the surface coating to polymerization under a second set of conditions. The UV-curable coating compositions include UV-curable components and one or more flatting agents. The different polymerization conditions involve applying various photoinitiators, thermal initiators and/or cure altering agents to some regions of the coated substrate, and not applying these components to other regions of the substrate.

Abstract: A conductive pattern formation ink capable of forming a conductive pattern while preventing occurrence of disconnection thereof due to thermal expansion of a ceramic molded body, a conductive pattern having high reliability, and a wiring substrate provided with the conductive pattern and having high reliability are provided. The conductive pattern formation ink is used for forming a conductive pattern on a ceramic sintered body, wherein the ceramic sintered body with the conductive pattern is produced by the steps of applying the ink onto a ceramic molded body to obtain a pre-pattern on the ceramic molded body, and subjecting the ceramic molded body with the pre-pattern to a degreasing and sintering treatment.

Abstract: Carbon Nanotube Films, Layers, Fabrics, Ribbons, Elements and Articles are disclosed. To make various articles, certain embodiments provide a substrate. Preformed nanotubes are applied to a surface of the substrate to create a non-woven fabric of carbon nanotubes. Portions of the non-woven fabric are selectively removed according to a defined pattern to create the article. To make a nanofabric, a substrate is provided. Preformed nanotubes are applied to a surface of the substrate to create a non-woven fabric of carbon nanotubes wherein the non-woven fabric is substantially uniform density. The nanofabrics and articles have characteristics desirable for various electrical systems such as memory circuits and conductive traces and pads.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a particulate water-absorbing agent is provided which not only ensures the many conventional physical properties (absorption rate, centrifuge retention capacity, absorbency against pressure, particle size distribution etc.) but also prevents odor which is generated after the resin is swollen by absorption. The water absorbent agent of an embodiment of the present invention therefore does not cause odor in actual use. As a result of intensive study of the foregoing problem, an embodiment of the present invention offers a way of controlling a specific odor component, which is generated from impurities and/or by-product derived from the raw material, after the high temperature process. In this way, an embodiment of the present invention successfully provides a water absorbent agent not causing odor after the resin is swollen by absorption.

Abstract: An absorbent layer is disclosed which is capable of absorbing a fluid and which maintains the superabsorbent particles, powder or fibers in a predetermined position. The absorbent layer is constructed of a bulky, three-dimensional fabric which has a liquid adhesive applied thereto in a non-continuous fashion. A superabsorbent is then positioned on the liquid adhesive. The absorbent layer can be secured to a liquid-impermeable outer cover to form a disposable absorbent article. A method of forming the absorbent layer is also disclosed. Furthermore, a method of forming a disposable absorbent article using the absorbent layer is described.

Abstract: An optical sheet with better brightness-enhancing effectiveness is provided. The optical sheet includes a substrate and pluralities of microstructures disposed on the substrate. The microstructures are spaced from one another at a distance d. The cross-section of the microstructure is formed in a triangle which has a base length D. Wherein d and D satisfy the following equation: 0<d/(d+D)0.61.

Abstract: A security material for documents comprises a first layer of material, such as a polymeric film or laminate, having first and second sides. A pearlescent material is applied to at least one of the first and second sides. The pearlescent material defines a pattern comprising at least two different colors that are at least partially interlocked in the pattern, and the pattern permits printed information that is overlaid by the pattern to be effectively perceived.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for generating a three-dimensional structure on a surface. The method comprises forming a layer comprising a plurality of nanoparticles on a surface; and exposing a portion of the layer to incident radiation having a defined pattern at a dosage effective to aggregate the nanoparticles in the exposed portion of the layer into a three-dimensional structure, wherein the three-dimensional structure has a shape defined by the pattern of the radiation and a height defined by the dosage of the incident radiation and a thickness of the nanoparticle layer. Alternatively, the method comprises forming a layer comprising a plurality of nanoparticles on a surface of a three-dimensional template; and exposing at least a portion of the layer to incident radiation at a dosage effective to aggregate the nanoparticles in the exposed portion of the layer into a three-dimensional structure that corresponds to the three-dimensional template.

Abstract: Light management films and methods of making light management films are described. The light management films contain an optical layer that contains polymeric material and zirconia particles. The zirconia particles are colloidal, crystalline, substantially non-associated, and have a narrow size distribution.

Abstract: Patterned platelets are platelets made with specified shapes and sizes. The various sizes and shapes of the platelets are used to code articles and substances to which they are applied. The patterned platelets can be in inks or paints applied to articles. The platelets can be further coded by markings thereon or by spectral or polarization codes rather than just the distribution of sizes and shapes. The patterned platelets can be made from any materials buy subtractive or additive processes. A patterned platelet can also be made by an actinic polymer being applied to a substrate and a mask applied to allow only the desired size and shape to be exposed to radiation curing the unmasked portion of the polymer on the substrate. The polymer can be cholesteric liquid crystals with the properties of reflecting polarized light of selected wavelengths to code the crystals in addition to the size and shape codes.

Abstract: A method for the production of a weblike material including a flocked substrate (F) is described, in which: on at least a first side of the substrate (F) is applied an adhesive (R); on said first face are distributed flock fibers (13); the fibers are anchored to the substrate by way of the adhesive.

Abstract: A recording medium particularly suitable for electrophotographic copying is characterized by coated paper that for a given basis weight has proportionally less coating and proportionally more fiber than conventional coated paper made for electrophotographic processes. The base sheet of the coated paper is preferably formed square on a paper machine wet end and has on the order of 40-50% less filler than conventional sheet paper made for electrophotographic processes. After being formed and dried, the base sheet is provided with a top coat weight that is approximately 60% less than the typical coat weight used for conventional paper. The coating is formulated to have sufficient viscosity to stay more on the surface of the base sheet. The coated sheet is calendered to a medium gloss on the order of a 75° TAPPI gloss of about 45, both to preserve a degree of surface roughness to enhance runnability of the paper through an electrophotographic copier and to provide a pleasant and easily readable surface.