Abstract: Disclosed is a polyolefin microporous membrane including a multilayer film having two or more layers. In this polyolefin microporous membrane, at least one surface layer has a thickness of not less than 0.2 ?m but not more than 5 ?m and contains inorganic particles, while at least one layer contains a polyethylene and has an air permeability of not less than 50 second/100 cc but not more than 1000 second/100 cc and a puncture strength of not less than 3.0 N/20 ?m.

Abstract: The present application is directed to electric double layer capacitance (EDLC) devices. In one aspect, the present application is directed to an electrode comprising an activated carbon cryogel having a tunable pore structure wherein: the surface area is at least 1500 m2/g as determined by nitrogen sorption at 77K and BET analysis; and the pore structure comprises a pore volume ranging from about 0.01 cc/g to about 0.25 cc/g for pores having a pore diameter of 0.6 to 1.0 nm. In another aspect, the present application is directed to an Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) device comprising an activated cryogel.

Abstract: Methods of analysis, and compositions relating to such, to determine the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample utilizing a composite substrate which facilitates surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy through the use of ‘hot spots’ of the form ‘metal/analyte/metal’ are presented. Additionally, substrates which contain ‘hot spots’ of the form ‘metal/analyte/metal’ and substrates which facilitate the formation of ‘hot spots’ of the form ‘metal/analyte/metal’ are presented as well as methods for making these substrates.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer, a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The gas diffusion layer having different hydrophilic/hydrophobic structure and channel therein can be manufactured quickly and easily by using a coating mask. The gas diffusion layer is used in various fuel cells to enhance the ability of water management and to solve the problem of flooding at the cathode, the problem of water deficit at the anode, and the problem of gas transfer. The gas diffusion layer includes a gas diffusion medium having a first property and a micro porous layer having a second property. The micro porous layer is formed on one surface of the gas diffusion medium. The micro porous layer has a plurality of channel layers penetrating the gas diffusion medium. One of the first property and the second property is hydrophilic, and the other is hydrophobic.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compressible plate for flexographic printing, designed to be positioned on a support cylinder of a printing machine. The invention is characterised in that said plate (1) comprises a photopolymer layer (10) and a compressible layer (11) made of a material exhibiting voids forming between 10 and 60% by volume of said compressible layer, the material comprising at least 70% by weight of a polymer or a mixture of polymers chemically compatible with the photopolymer.

Abstract: Provided are multilayer, microporous breathable barrier films and items such as laminates and garments made from such films. The films contain one or more layers of polymers without fillers in combination with at least two or more microporous breathable layers. The unfilled layers provide a barrier that can effectively allow moisture vapor to pass, but retain fluids and challenge materials.

Abstract: Described are microporous materials including (a) a polymeric matrix component; (b) a finely divided, particulate inorganic filler component dispersed throughout the polymeric matrix; and (c) a network of interconnecting pores communicating substantially throughout the microporous material, the pores constituting 10 to 80 percent by volume of the microporous material. The polymeric component is based on (i) 5 to 100 weight percent based on total weight of component (a) of low melt flow index polypropylene; (ii) 0 to 90 weight percent based on total weight of component (a) of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene; and (iii) 0 to 90 weight percent based on total weight of component (a) of high density polyethylene. Also provided are multi-layer articles prepared from the microporous materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides an asymmetric porous PTFE membrane for a filter having little change over time and conventionally known properties of a porous PTFE molded article such as water permeability resistance, air permeability, sealing properties and electric properties, in which collection efficiency, air permeability and pressure loss are improved. Specifically, the present invention relates to an asymmetric porous PTFE membrane for a filter comprising a dense skin layer and a continuously foamed porous layer, wherein (1) the contact angle of water to the surface of the skin layer is 120 to 140°; and (2) the diffuse reflectance of light is 91 to 94%.

Abstract: Methods for filtering particles from a fluid are disclosed, wherein an array of microstructures defining respective microchannels having respective minimum widths are used to separate the fluid from particles to be filtered. The fluid flows through the minimum widths into the microchannels defined between adjacent microstructures. The particles to be filtered are prevented from passing through the respective minimum widths, resulting in filtration of those particles from the fluid. The microchannels can be provided with gradient characteristics to separate particles in the fluid according to size.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressible printing blanket in which voids are formed in the compressible layer by using microballoons, comprising at least two fabric layers, an adhesive layer interposed between adjacent fabric layers, a surface rubber layer, and a compressible layer arranged between the at least two fabric layers and the surface rubber layer and containing spherical voids and voids having a shape other than a sphere in a ratio defined in formula given below: S1:S2=20:80 to 95:5 ??(1) where, S1 denotes the number of spherical voids per unit area in a cross section of the compressible layer, and S2 denotes the number of voids having a shape other than a sphere per unit area in a cross section of the compressible layer.

Abstract: An air filter material includes a laminate of an air inlet layer and an air outlet layer, and has a mean flow pore size of 20 ?m to 40 ?m, a minimum pore size of 2.4 ?m to 3.8 ?m, and a maximum pore size of 80 ?m or less. The air inlet layer is a needle punched nonwoven fabric layer having an areal fiber weight of 55 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. The air outlet layer is a laminated spunlace nonwoven fabric made by laminating at least two or more spunlace nonwoven fabric layers having an areal fiber weight of 20 g/m2 to 60 g/m2, a mean flow pore size of 50 ?m to 90 ?m, a minimum pore size of 3.0 ?m to 10.0 ?m, and a maximum pore size of 180 ?m or less.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A metallized thermoplastic label includes a first skin layer containing a thermoplastic and a first cavitating agent, wherein the first skin layer has a first side and a second side, the first skin layer is cavitated, and the first side of the first skin layer is adapted to be used in contact with a cold glue adhesive. The label further includes a cavitated core layer and a second skin layer that is metallized. The particle size of the cavitating agent in the core layer is selected to achieve a desired appearance, especially luster, of the metal layer.

Abstract: A reflective optical film comprises a layer containing a polyester voided with inorganic particles such as barium sulfate in a size and an amount sufficient to provide a visible light reflectivity of at least 93%, a void volume of 40 to 70%, the film at least (1) having a thickness of less than 150 ?m, or (2) containing UV particles in amounts sufficient to provide a UV light reflectivity of less than 40%.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging member comprising an image layer and a base material wherein said base material comprises at least one oriented sheet laminated to a core sheet comprising a vacuous composite of polyolefin and polyester having a density of less than 0.7 g/cc.

Abstract: Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorochemical additive providing novel fluid repellent articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, barrier membranes, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), and protective garments.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin foam, which is high in thickness-direction compressive strength and low in flexural modulus of elasticity, can be set pliably along a curved applicable portion such as body's outer surface, and can effectively absorb an impact force imparted from the outside; and an expandable thermoplastic resin molded product providing the above foam. An expandable thermoplastic resin molded product comprises an expandable thermoplastic resin sheet-form material of expandable thermoplastic resin having a sheet body and many projections formed scattered on at least one surface of the sheet body, and an elastic thermoplastic material layer laminated on at least one surface of the expandable thermoplastic resin sheet-form material so as to be spread over the outer surfaces of the projections; and a thermoplastic resin foam obtained by foaming the expandable thermoplastic resin molded product.

Abstract: An element provided with a layer based on fibrin- or fibrinogen-containing material, said element comprising (a) a hydrophobic or substantially hydrophobic support, which has a porous part with a thickness of 0.1 to 5 mm, and whose pores, extending across its thickness have a node spacing of 5 to 100 ?m, one face of said porous part being treated with a compound based on fibrin and/or a fibrinogen-containing material, and (b) a fibrin-based layer covering said treated surface of the support, characterized in that said fibrin-based layer is substantially uniform and homogeneous on said treated surface, and that the fibrin layer and at least the face of the support in contact with the fibrin layer are substantially free of fibrinogen.

Abstract: Novel gas-permeable membranes which are particularly useful in the packaging of fresh cut fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials. The membranes have an O2 permeability of at least 775,000 ml/m2.atm.24 hrs, a P10 ratio of at least 1.3, and a ratio of CO2 permeability to O2 permeability (R) of at least 1.5, and are made by forming thin polymeric coatings on microporous polymeric films. Preferred coating polymers are side chain crystalline polymers. Preferred microporous films contain inorganic fillers, particularly such films based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene. FIG. 1 illustrates how O2 permeability and R ratio vary for different coating polymers and microporous films.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lining having very good sound absorbing properties and is air-permeable to air comprises an outside decorative layer, a barrier layer arranged on the rear side of the decorative layer, and a foamed layer which directly adjoins the barrier layer and is produced by back foaming. The barrier layer is formed from cellulose fleece and prevents the material used to form the foamed layer from seeping through to the decorative layer. The vehicle interior lining is air-permeable after the foamed layer is cured and can be used as, for example, a roof lining.

Abstract: The apparel is constructed from various combinations of layers of materials with moisture transfer properties. A first liner of moisture transfer fabrics abuts a second layer of structural material such as a foam. The second layer can abut a breathable membrane and/or an insulating material. Finally, carefully selected outer fabrics complete the combination to provide apparel with improved performance characteristics. The outer fabrics are treated in various ways to enhance performance.

Abstract: A multilayer, metallizable, white opaque film suitable for use in forming metallized plastic labels for bottles and other containers includes at least a internal core layer and opposed outer skin layers. One of the outer skin layers is a non-voided layer having a surface treated to receive a metal layer thereon and the opposed outer skin layer includes an amount of a void creating additive to provide sufficient porosity for the absorption of an aqueous cold glue adhesive of the type employed to adhere a label to a container. Preferably the core layer is free of void creating additives and the opposed outer skin layer for receiving the cold glue adhesive is oxidatively treated, e.g., corona treated, to improve receptivity for the cold glue adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging member comprising an imaging layer and a base wherein said base comprises a polymer sheet having at least one oriented polymer core and adhered thereto at least one unoriented polymer layer. Another embodiment relates to an imaging element comprising an imaging layer and a base, wherein said base comprises an integral polymer sheet having at least one oriented polymer core and at least one unoriented polymer layer. The invention further relates to a process of manufacturing a base for an imaging element comprising the steps of extruding a voided core polymer sheet; orienting said extruded voided core polymer sheet; and extrusion coating said oriented extruded voided core polymer sheet with at least one unoriented polymer layer.

Abstract: A base material for a wiping sheet on which powder is to be supported, wherein the ratio of the average pore diameter (D) of the surface of the base material while dry as measured by the mercury penetration method to the average particle diameter (d) of the powder, D/d, ranges from 0.03 to 30, and the base material while dry has a bulk softness of from 0.1 to 5 N/30 mm and a thickness of from 0.3 to 5 mm.

Abstract: This invention relates to labels. In one embodiment, the labels comprise a polymer facestock layer, a nano-porous layer underlying the facestock, and a metal layer overlying the facestock or underlying the facestock between the facestock and the nano-porous layer. In another embodiment, the labels also comprise a water-based adhesive in contact with the lower surface of the nano-porous layer. These labels can be bonded to substrates of glass, plastic, or metal using a water based adhesive which is in contact with the nano-porous layer.

Abstract: An integral polishing pad includes an elastic support layer and a polishing layer, which is formed on the elastic support layer and has a higher hardness than the elastic support layer. The elastic support layer and the polishing layer are made from materials chemically compatible with each other so that a structural border between the elastic support layer and the polishing layer does not exist. In addition, the integral polishing pad also includes a transparent region, which is transparent to a light source used to detect the surface state of an object being polished and integrated with the other elements of the integral polishing pad. The integral polishing pad has high planarization efficiency and uniform properties, and thus can be reliably used for polishing. In addition, the integral polishing pad prevents a congestion of a polishing slurry and facilitates delivery of the polishing slurry.

Abstract: An optical component or an analytical platform includes a substrate, an array of microstructures on the substrate and microchannels formed by side walls of adjacent microstructures, a width of the microchannels varies as a function of distance to the substrate, the width continuously decreasing with increasing distance from the substrate within at least one distance-interval. In a method for producing such a component or such a platform a substrate with an array of surface microstructures is coated in a vapor treatment in such a way that shadowing effects of the coating mechanism narrow at least partially a width of the upper parts of side walls of the microstructures thereby forming at least partially embedded microchannels.

Abstract: The invention relates to the area of armor and in particular to multilayer armor having a composite layer containing a first material made of a metal or an alloy and a second material where the second material is porous and in that the metal or metal alloy is infiltrated into some or all of the pores of the second material and characterized in that a cage made of plates having openings contains the first and second materials and in that the cage is itself coated, at least partly, with the infiltration metal or alloy, the melting point of the cage material being higher than that of the infiltration metal or alloy.

Abstract: A fusing-station member, which member can be a compliant fuser roller or a compliant pressure roller for use in a fusing station of an electrostatographic machine, and which member includes a base cushion layer formed on a core member, with the base cushion layer coated by a thin protective gloss control layer. The base cushion layer is a highly crosslinked addition-polymerized polyorganosiloxane material made by thermally curing, below 100° C., a formulation which includes three types of filler particles, namely hollow flexible microballoon particles, strength-enhancing solid particles, and thermal-conductivity-enhancing solid particles.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover includes top and bottom layers each having outer and inner edge portions. The top and bottom layers are preferably formed from a paper and nylon composite for providing a waterproof barrier. The toilet seat cover further includes a middle layer sandwiched between the top and bottom layers and a plurality of adhesive strips for removably attaching the toilet seat cover onto a toilet seat are attached to the bottom layer. The middle layer is preferably formed from foam material and may include a deodorizing agent impregnated therein. The toilet seat cover is preferably made from soluble material so that it can be flushed down a toilet after use.

Abstract: An interior lining component for a vehicle, in particular an inside roof lining, is provided. The interior lining includes at least one decorative layer forming a facing of the interior lining component, an intermediate layer covered by the decorative layer, and at least one support layer having a comparatively high flexural strength. The support layer includes at least one lower and one upper foam panel which are interconnected by pressing or press-moulding.

Abstract: The moisture transfer system includes a waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner having an inner fabric layer selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, encapsulation technology, waterproof films and an outer fabric layer. The moisture transfer system in incorporated into in-line skate as either a removable liner for a shell boot or a liner for a softboot.

Abstract: Fibrous monolith composites having architectures that provide increased flaw insensitivity, improved hardness, wear resistance and damage tolerance and methods of manufacture thereof are provided for use in dynamic environments to mitigate impact damage and increase wear resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides coating materials (14), insulation-containing building material products bearing the materials and methods for applying the coatings to the building material products. The coating materials (14) possess one-way “breathability” characteristics with respect to water and aqueous solutions. That is, the coatings are essentially impermeable to liquid water and permeable to water vapor. Vapor from water insulation coated by the material may thus pass through the coating, whereas liquid water is effectively prevented from passing through the coating and entering the insulation.

Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.

Abstract: Surface coverings and surface covering components that include a textured transparent or translucent wear layer and a design layer, where the design layer is printed with an ink that includes collapsible microspheres, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such surface coverings and surface covering components. In one embodiment, a pattern is printed on a substrate to be coated with a wear layer. In another embodiment, a clear transparent or translucent layer underlies the design layer. The ink includes collapsible microspheres, and can also include foaming inhibitors. A number of surface covering substrates and surface coverings can be prepared using the methods described herein. The surface coverings include a substrate, for example, a foamable substrate, a design layer printed with an ink composition that includes collapsible microspheres, and a wear layer.

Abstract: The present application relates to a white, biaxially oriented, flame-retardant, UV-resistant polyester film with at least one base layer which comprises, based on the weight of the base layer, from 2 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), where the glass transition temperature of the COC is within the range from 70 to 270° C. The film also comprises from 0.01 to 5.0% by weight of a UV stabilizer as light stabilizer and also comprises from 0.5 to 30% by weight of flame retardant, based in each case on the weight of the layer comprising the UV stabilizer and/or comprising the flame retardant. The film of the invention is suitable for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air, or for use in industry, e.g. in the production of hot-stamping foils or as a label film, or for image-recording papers, printed sheets or magnetic recording cards.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stretched, multilayer breathable film that provides a barrier to microorganisms, blood and bodily fluids that is manufactured by simultaneously extruding a five-layer film having a minimum structure of C:A:B:A:C or a three-layer film having a minimum structure of C:D:C in which B is a microporous core layer, C is an outer monolithic layer, A is a microporous adhesive layer for bonding the outer monolithic layers to the core layer, and D is a microporous adhesive layer, and then stretching the extruded film to form micropores in the microporous core layer or the microporous adhesive layer, the micropores allowing the passage of water vapor but substantially preventing the passage of liquid water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of a three-dimensional dyed macropattern in a web of web-shaped flexible material. The method comprises a bonding device being made, in interaction with the dye-coated tops of the raised macroportions, to form bonding points and three-dimensional bonding areas at the same time as the bonding areas and/or the bonding points are dyed, thereby forming a three-dimensional dyed macropattern.

Abstract: A porous resin film which comprises 30 to 90 wt % of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophilic thermoplastic resin component; and 70 to 10 wt % of an inorganic or organic fine powder was disclosed. The porous resin film of the present invention is valuable as an ink-jet recording medium since the film shows excellent ink absorbing and drying properties even when a large amount of ink is discharged thereon, and thus can produce thereon a high-definition image.

Abstract: A laminate with a peelable top layer is provided. The laminate comprises a substrate such as a porous board, the top layer such as a plastic top layer or a decorated metal plate, and a bonding layer between the top layer and the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the top layer is porous. An adhesive for forming the bonding layer comprises (A) an aqueous dispersion containing a polymer, which demonstrates properties that a dried film of the aqueous dispersion has a tensile strength of 1 to 28 MPa and a percentage elongation of 100 to 2000%, and (B) a water-based adhesive composition containing microspheres with thermal expansion capability, each of which is composed of a polymer shell encapsulating a gas. By use of this adhesive, the bonding layer provides a high bonding strength between the top layer and the substrate. When irradiating the laminate with ultraviolet or far infrared, while heating, the top layer can be easily peeled off from the laminate.

Abstract: Buckyrock is a three-dimensional, solid block material comprising an entangled network of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT), wherein the block comprises greater than 75 wt % SWNT. SWNT buckyrock is mechanically strong, tough and impact resistant. The single-wall carbon nanotubes in buckyrock form are present in a random network of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes, SWNT “ropes” and combinations thereof. The random network of the SWNT or SWNT ropes can be held in place by non-covalent “cross-links” between the nanotubes at nanotube contact points. In one embodiment, SWNT buckyrock is made by forming a SWNT-water slurry, slowly removing water from the slurry which results in a SWNT-water paste, and allowing the paste to dry very slowly, such that the SWNT network of the SWNT-water paste is preserved during solvent evaporation. Buckyrock can be used in applications, such as ballistic protection systems, involving light-weight material with mechanical strength, toughness and impact resistance.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: The transport member of the present invention is a laminate of skin and core layers made of CFRP. The skin layer comprises a prepreg made of a pitch type carbon fiber, oriented by ?20° to +20° with respect to a longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the transport member, having a tensile elasticity of 500 to 1000 GPa; and a prepreg of PAN type carbon fiber, oriented by +75° to +90° and/or ?75° to ?90° with respect to the longitudinal direction, having a tensile elasticity of 200 to 400 GPa. As a consequence, a transport member which is light in weight, easy to handle, while being excellent in its bending rigidity, vibration damping characteristic, and heat resistance can be obtained.

Abstract: An optical component or an analytical platform includes a substrate, an array of microstructures on the substrate and microchannels formed by side walls of adjacent microstructures, a width of the microchannels varies as a function of distance to the substrate, the width continuously decreasing with increasing distance from the substrate within at least one distance-interval. In a method for producing such a component or such a platform a substrate with an array of surface microstructures is coated in a vapor treatment in such a way that shadowing effects of the coating mechanism narrow at least partially a width of the upper parts of side walls of the microstructures thereby forming at least partially embedded microchannels.

Abstract: An antireflection film is formed of an organic film, a hard hard coating layer on the organic film, a first layer coated on the hard coating layer, and a second layer having an index of refraction lower than that of the first layer and coated on the first layer. The first layer is formed of a synthetic resin having pores therein and metallic oxide particles contained in the synthetic resin. The metallic oxide is at least on selected from the group consisting of ZrO1, TiO2, NbO, ITO, ATO, SbO2, In2O3, SnO2 and ZnO. The synthetic resin is ultraviolet ray curable resin or electron beam curable resin. The second layer partly enters the pores of the first layer to firmly bond to the first layer through the pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-whiteness, biaxially oriented polyester film with at least a base layer made from polyester. The base layer of the polyester film of the invention also comprises from 2 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), from 0.1 to 25% by weight of a white pigment, and, if desired, from 0 to 5% by weight of an optical brightener, based on the weight of the base layer. The glass transition temperature of the COC here is to be within the range from 70 to 270° C. The film is particularly suitable for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air, or for use in industry, e.g. for producing hot-stamping foils or as a label film, or for image-recording papers, printed sheets, or magnetic recording cards, or for processing on high-speed machinery for winding, metallizing, printing or laminating.

Abstract: A turbocharger including means for preventing or reducing coking, particularly following engine shutdown, without noticeably increasing weight or volume of the turbocharger. The turbocharger bearing housing (14) has defined therein a lubrication flow path for bearing lubricant and a lubricant drain gallery (40) below a shaft (20), and in accordance with the invention at least a portion of a wall (42) of the lubricant drain gallery (40) is coated with an oil repellant and/or heat insulating coating (44).

Abstract: A thin film based nanoporous alumina template has been developed which allows the in situ removal of an electrically insulating alumina barrier layer at the pore bases. This barrier free nanoporous system has great utility for electrodeposition of a wide variety of nanowire materials. An exemplary multilayer thin film precursor is provided comprising Al (anodization layer), Ti (diffusion barrier) and Pt (active electrode) on a Si substrate. Aluminum anodization in sulfuric acid with a subsequent applied voltage ramping program produces a Pt electrode at the base of the nanopores without the additional steps of alumina removal, barrier layer dissolution, and metal deposition onto the pore bottoms.

Abstract: A retroreflective article comprises a) a microporous substrate (52) containing a plurality of pores (56) which are less than 0.5 ?m in diameter; and b) a layer of reflective material (54) located on the surface (58) of the substrate such that the reflective material layer at least partially obscures a plurality of the pores of the substrate. A method for the production of a reflective article comprises the steps of a) providing a substrate which contains pores which have a diameter of less than 0.5 ?m; and b) applying a layer of reflective material to the substrate in such a way that the reflective material layer at least partially obscures a plurality of the pores of the substrate.