Abstract: Processes for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay are disclosed. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for modifying the surface chemistry of a clay, wherein the process comprises: providing a clay dispersion comprising at least one unmodified clay wherein said clay has a first exchangeable cation; adding a second cation to the clay dispersion, wherein at least a portion of the second cation exchanges with at least a portion of the first cation to form a modified clay dispersion; and combining at least one polar containing agent with the modified clay dispersion to provide a modified clay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low temperature curing coating powder composition comprising a mixture of a high gloss film-forming system and a low gloss film-forming system. Preferably, the high gloss film-forming system comprises a GMA (glycidyl methacrylate) resin, a curing agent, and a catalyst and forms a coating having a gloss greater than 80% measured at 60°. Preferably the low gloss film-forming system comprises a carboxyl terminated polyester, acrylic resin and a catalyst and forms a coating having a gloss less than 50% measured at 60°. The composition of the present invention provides coatings having a control gloss, which can range from a low to a high gloss and is useful for coating heat-sensitive substrates.

Abstract: Corrosion- and chip-resistant coatings for high tensile steel components, such as automotive coil springs, are formed from a coating powder composition of “toughened” epoxy resin. In a single coat embodiment, the entire coating is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc powder. In a dual coat embodiment, an inner coat is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc and an outer, zinc-free coating is reinforced by the addition of fibers and/or by a foaming agent which renders it porous.

Abstract: A powder coating composition includes an epoxy resin and a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 105° C. The compositions provide low gloss finishes at low curing temperatures, as well as consistent gloss over a wide range of curing temperatures.

Abstract: A powder coating composition includes an acid-functional polyester resin and a matting agent selected from styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers and acid-functional acrylic resins. The compositions provide low gloss finishes at low curing temperatures, as well as consistent gloss over a wide range of curing temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powder composition for forming a heat stable wrinkle finish coating and the wrinkle finish coatings formed there from. The composition of the present invention comprises a resin consisting essentially of one or more than one silicone resin having a condensable hydroxyl content of from 2% by weight to 7% by weight, a curing agent, preferably an aminoplast, and a wrinkle finish forming catalyst, preferably an amine salt of triflic acid. In another embodiment, the powder composition of the present invention may comprise a hydroxyl functional resin, preferably a polyester, mixed with the said silicone resin to aid in the adhesion of the coating to a substrate. The composition of the present invention may further comprise up to 60 phr of a filler, such as wollastonite, to aid in heat stability. The coatings of the sent invention provide outstanding heat stability at temperatures greater than 350° F. and up to 550° F., preferably up to 650° F.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultraviolet (UV) curable powders for powder coatings comprising one or more than one free radical curable epoxy resin and one or more than one second free radical curable resin, or, alternatively, one or more than one free radical curable unsaturated polyester resin in combination with one or more than one wax, and one or more than one free radical photoinitiator, wherein the coating powder has an average particle size of 5 to 25 microns. Further, the present invention provides a method for making a powder for thin (1.0 to 4.0 mil), smooth coatings having an average particle size of from 5 to 25 microns, the method preferably comprising jet milling dry powder or spray drying an aqueous emulsion, fluid mixture, or a supercritical suspension of a powder or of the composition for making the powder.

Abstract: A mixture of a self-curing epoxy resin having an equivalent weight of from about 100 to about 700, a melt viscosity of from about 200 to about 2000 centipoise at 150° C. and a low temperature curing agent capable of maintaining its own domain during extrusion which is extruded as one component at a temperature below 220° F. and the extrudate is cooled and pulverized to form a low temperature curable coating powder. The powder cures at a temperature of from about 225 to about 300° F. and produces a coating having an exceptionally smooth surface with either a low or high gloss. The powder is particularly useful for coating heat sensitive substrates such as plastics, paper, cardboard and wood.

Abstract: A wheelchair or a vehicle for sand or loose soil comprises one or more skids, each equipped with a spring-loaded roller or roller plate. Examples of the vehicle include a wheelchair and a planetary rover. Preferably, a beach, shower or pool wheelchair comprises two front skids in place of front wheels. The skids provide a resistance-free, broad footprint in the sand and a low-resistance narrow footprint when used on hard, e.g. boardwalk, surfaces. A wheelchair may further comprise a lightweight, easy to fold frame, which closes like a pair of eyeglasses. Still further, a wheelchair may provide a removable and reclining lounge chair seat to allow the user to exit the wheelchair to enter the water or sit and recline on the sand. In addition, dog bone or dumbbell shaped wheels provide the wheelchair strong, lightweight support and a wide footprint and can be equipped with grip notches for user self-propulsion.

Abstract: The present invention, a powder composition for making powder coatings comprising one or more than one curable polymer or resin and an agglomerate of a core-shell polymer, wherein the agglomerate of a core-shell polymer has an average particle size of from 5 to 190 microns, preferably from 10 to 127 microns. The powders in accordance with the present invention provide a cured powder coating that is flexible, smooth, and which may be applied in a thickness of only from 0.3 to 8 mils. In a preferred embodiment of making a powder in accordance with the present invention, the agglomerate is cryoground to form a reduced agglomerate prior to adding it into a powder as a post-blend or a powder-forming mixture as a preblend. The preferred core-shell polymer for use in accordance with the present invention comprises an acrylic impact modifier having a poly(methyl methacrylate) shell and a poly(butyl acrylate) core.

Abstract: A method of reducing the formation of surface defects in a coated substrate includes providing coating powders at both the appearance surfaces and the non-appearance surfaces of the substrate. A method of coating a substrate includes machining the appearance surface of the substrate, machining the non-appearance surface of the substrate, disposing a first powder at the appearance surface of the substrate, and disposing a second powder at the non-appearance surface of the substrate. The powders are disposed at the surfaces by electrostatic deposition. A method of facilitating the adherence of a coating at an edge between two surfaces of a substrate includes configuring the edge to have a rounded surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides UV curable coating powders comprising a blend of one or more than one free radical curable resin and one or more than one cationic curable resin, at least one free radical photoinitiator and at least one cationic photoinitiator, including suitable cross-linking agents and additives to enhance the chemical and physical properties of the coating appearance. The coating powder, preferably finely ground to between 5 and 30 microns in average particle size, is applied to a substrate, heat fused, and cured for an amount of time sufficient to form a powder coating having a low gloss finish.

Abstract: Corrosion- and chip-resistant coatings for high tensile steel components, such as automotive coil springs, are formed from a coating powder composition of “toughened” epoxy resin. In a single coat embodiment, the entire coating is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc powder. In a dual coat embodiment, an inner coat is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc and an outer, zinc-free coating is reinforced by the addition of fibers and/or by a foaming agent which renders it porous.

Abstract: Corrosion- and chip-resistant coatings for high tensile steel components, such as automotive coil springs, are formed from a coating powder composition of “toughened” epoxy resin. In a single coat embodiment, the entire coating is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc powder. In a dual coat embodiment, an inner coat is loaded with at least 75 phr zinc and an outer, zinc-free coating is reinforced by the addition of fibers and/or by a foaming agent which renders it porous.