Abstract: Articles having reduced sliding frictional force comprising a lubricant applied to one or more surfaces of the article, and the lubricant-coated surface treated by exposing the surface to an energy source, wherein the energy source is an ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure. The ionizing gas plasma may be a flame plasma. One or more of the surfaces may be exposed to the ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure prior to application of the lubricant.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises a method for increasing the hydrophobic characteristics of a surface. A coupling agent is applied to the surface, and the surface is subsequently exposed to a first ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure for a predetermined period of time. The ionizing gas plasma may be formed from a mixture of a carrier gas and a reactive gas. The reactive gas may be comprised of one or more hydrocarbon compound such as an alkane, an alkene, and an alkyne. Alternatively, the reactive gas may be a fluorocarbon or organometallic compound. A lubricant may then be applied to the surface, followed by exposure to second ionizing gas plasma.

Abstract: A method for preparing one or more lubricated surfaces of an article to reduce the break-out force and sliding frictional force. A lubricant is applied to one or more surfaces, and the lubricant-coated surface is treated by exposing the surface to an energy source, wherein the energy source is an ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure, gamma radiation, or electron beam radiation. One or more of the surfaces may be exposed to the ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure prior to application of the lubricant. Another aspect of the invention is articles produced using one or more methods of the invention.

Abstract: A rotary cutting tool and method for cutting a shape in a workpiece. The rotary cutting tool includes a shank portion, a cutting portion, a bearing connected to one end of the cutting portion, and a rub collar attached to the periphery of the bearing. The outer diameter of the rub collar is selected to be larger than the diameter of the cutting portion. The rotary cutting tool is used to cut a workpiece, such as decorative plastic laminate, to the approximate shape of the substrate, such as a counter top, to which it will be mounted. The larger diameter rub collar allows the workpiece to be cut larger than the dimensions of the substrate in order to reduce the level of skill and amount of labor required for the cutting operation and subsequent placement of the workpiece onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method for preparing one or more lubricated surfaces of an article to reduce the break-out force and sliding frictional force. A lubricant is applied to one or more surfaces, and the lubricant-coated surface is treated by exposing the surface to an energy source, wherein the energy source is an ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure, gamma radiation, or electron beam radiation. One or more of the surfaces may be exposed to the ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure prior to application of the lubricant. Another aspect of the invention is articles produced using one or more methods of the invention.