Abstract: A method for coating a textile includes applying a substantially water-free, energy-curable, polymer-forming composition to the textile and exposing the textile and composition to a source of energy under such conditions as to generate chemically active sites on the surface of the textile and polymerize the composition. The resulting polymer is grafted onto the textile. Preferably, the energy is derived from electron beam radiation. The composition includes an epoxy oligomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated moieties, and at least one alkoxylated polyol monomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated moieties and capable of being copolymerized with the epoxy oligomer. Preferably, the composition also includes a surface active agent capable of rendering the uncured composition dispersible in water. Optionally, the composition can contain a colorant, and photoinitiator. The composition is especially suitable for use as a screen printing ink and coating material for textiles.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion containing a polyamide and non-polyamide polymer is prepared by dissolving the polyamide in an organic solvent with a surfactant to form a polyamide solution. Water is then added to the polyamide solution to form an aqueous dispersion. The non-polyamide polymer can be added before or after the addition of water. The polyamide/non-polyamide dispersion can be used to produce an ink with better adhesion to plastic substrates and reduced blocking problems.

Abstract: A means for mounting ornamental light bulbs comprising a light bulb holder, and resilient arms at the bottom of the light bulb holder extending in opposite directions from each other. Each arm member has at its outward end an aperture for inserting a tree branch. The arms are bent to align the apertures and the holder is then mounted on a branch. The resiliency of the arms urges the arms back into the original position, thereby gripping the branch and frictionally holding the light bulb holder to the tree branch.