Abstract: Coating materials comprising polymeric particles in a geometrically ordered array are disclosed. The particles can be formed from materials having different glass transition temperatures; this allows for phase segregation between areas of different glass transition temperatures within each particle. Typically, at least 50 percent of the particles will form a hexagonal array, capable of exhibiting Bragg diffraction. Because the particles within the array do not coalesce to any appreciable extent, significant surface area is provided by the present coating materials. Thus, the present materials have particularly good sound deadening properties. Substrates coated with the present materials are also disclosed, as are methods for inhibiting sound transmission through a substrate using these coatings.

Abstract: Methods for preparing crosslinking agents that are the ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one aminoplast resin and (b) at least one modifying compound, wherein the crosslinking agents are essentially free of active hydrogen functional groups and have a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. are disclosed. The methods include, inter alia, the use of vacuum and/or increased rates of inert gas introduction during reaction.

Abstract: Comb polymers prepared by reacting an acrylic polyol or a siloxane polyol with a lactone are disclosed. These comb polymers find particular application as additives for powder coating compositions, to improve various performance properties thereof. Powder coating composition comprising the described comb polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pigmented curable composition adapted for decorating ceramic substrates (e.g., glass bottles) comprises curable organic binder and solid spherical particles (glass or polymer) having diameters of 10 to 50 microns for facilitating overprinting of additional layers. The preferred embodiment comprises: (a) reactive organic resin component in which epoxy groups comprise the major reactive functionality; (b) amino-functional curing agent; (c) blocked polyisocyanate; and (d) 5 to 35 percent solid spherical particles having diameters of 10 to 50 microns.

Abstract: A method for treating wood having a high extractive content is disclosed. The method generally comprises applying to the wood a coating comprising a water-based polyurethane dispersion and a crosslinker. The dispersion can be cured and one or more additional coatings can be applied. The method results in reduced migration of extractives to the surface of the wood, improved adhesion and/or reduced staining of the wood.

Abstract: Anti-fouling compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a film-forming resin and an effective amount of silica coated copper. Methods for using the compositions are also disclosed, as are substrates coated with the compositions. The coatings find particular application on substrates that are submerged for extended periods of time in salt water. Methods for promoting oyster cultivation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A weldable coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a binder in which is dispersed a conductive pigment and a source of silicon. Enhanced corrosion protection is offered, without sacrificing weldability of the coating layer. The composition is applied to and cured on a metal substrate.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant, alkali resistant coating composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a binder comprising a reaction product of an epoxy-containing material and a phosphorus-containing material together with a curing agent. Aminoplasts, especially melamine-based aminoplasts, are particularly suitable curing agents. A source of silicon can optionally be included. The compositions also provide excellent adhesion and can be used with or without a weldable primer. The compositions are applied to and cured on a metal substrate.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent that is an ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one aminoplast resin and (b) at least one aromatic heterocycle containing at least one nitrogen atom wherein the crosslinking agent is essentially free of active hydrogen functional groups and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. is disclosed. Methods for preparing crosslinking agents are also disclosed. Further provided is a curable powder coating composition including a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30° C. containing reactive functional groups and the present crosslinking agent; a multilayer composite coating composition and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: Powder coating compositions having improved mar and scratch resistance are disclosed. The coatings generally comprise one or more particles that have been modified to render the particles more surface active. The improved resistance is achieved without affecting the appearance or mechanical performance of the coatings. Methods for using the coatings, and the substrates coated therewith, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent that is an ungelled reaction product of (a) an aminoplast resin and (b) a carboxylic acid-containing compound wherein the crosslinking agent is essentially free of reactive carboxylic acid groups and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. is disclosed. Methods for preparing crosslinking agents are also disclosed. Further provided is a curable powder coating composition including a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30° C. containing reactive functional groups and the present crosslinking agent; a multilayer composite coating composition and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polythioether polymers, curable compositions of polythioether polymers, the process of making polythioether polymers, and the use of polythioether polymers in sealants, wherein the polythioether polymers and curable compositions are liquid at a temperature of 20° C. or less, are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising photoactive polymers comprising a dinitrobenzyl group in conjunction with a photoacid generator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the photoacid generator is a diazide and/or a sulfonyl aceto carbonyl compound. The photoacid generators are typically used in amounts of 10 weight percent or less. The compositions find particular application in storage stable, pH stable, and water stable positive photoresist compositions. Such compositions demonstrate reduced process time as compared with similar compositions lacking the photoacid generator. Methods for using these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Low-cure powder coating compositions are disclosed, comprising at least one epoxy-containing resin and/or at least one siloxane-containing resin, and at least one material having the structure wherein R1 is an organic radical having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; each R2 is independently a multivalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; Y is each R3 and R4 are independently alkyl or aryl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; each Z is independently oxygen or nitrogen; R5 is absent when Z is oxygen and R5 is hydrogen, an alkyl or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or (Y)a —R2— when Z is nitrogen; a and b are integers; a is at least 1; b is 1 to 3; and (b) at least one epoxy-containing resin and/or at least one siloxane-containing resin. The material can optionally be reacted with an acidic hydrogen-containing compound. Some compositions are curable without using crosslinking agents or accelerators.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent that is an ungelled reaction product of (a) an aminoplast resin and (b) a compound having active hydrogen groups reactive with the aminoplast resin such that the crosslinking agent is essentially free of functional groups reactive with an aminoplast resin and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. is disclosed. Compound (b) is, more specifically, a monofunctional sulfonamide having only one active hydrogen. Methods for preparing crosslinking agents are also disclosed. Further provided is a curable powder coating composition including a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30° C. containing reactive functional groups and the present crosslinking agent; a multilayer composite coating compositions and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed. Methods for modifying aminoplasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to coatings that provide improved retort and tropical decay resistance for use on metal food containers. The coatings generally comprise a carbamated polyol formed by the reaction between a polyol, an alkylene oxide and an alkyl carbamate. A crosslinker reactive with the carbamate functionality is used to react with the carbamate moiety. Methods for improving retort resistance and resistance to tropical decay are also disclosed, as are substrates coated with the present compositions.

Abstract: Preformed compositions comprising sulfur-containing polymers in shaped form and the use of preformed compositions in shaped form to seal apertures. In certain embodiments, the preformed compositions comprise a sulfur-containing polymer and a blend of fillers wherein the blend comprises substantially equal amounts of mica and polyamide.

Abstract: Compositions for use in optical fiber coatings and optical fibers and optical fiber arrays using these coatings are disclosed, as are methods for making the same. The compositions comprise a combination of two different radiation curable urethane oligomers, and can further comprise one or more reactive monomers. One of the oligomers has at least three functional groups that can undergo radiation cure, and comprises a lactone modified polyol.

Abstract: Anti-fouling compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a film-forming resin and effective amounts of graphite and copper. Methods for using the compositions are also disclosed, as are substrates coated with the compositions. The coatings find particular application on substrates that are submerged for extended periods of time in salt water. Methods for promoting oyster cultivation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid pigment dispersion is disclosed. The dispersion comprises a pigment dispersed in a blend of two or more active hydrogen-containing materials that together have a freezing point that is room temperature or below. The pigment remains dispersed in the blend, even if the dispersion is subjected to freezing and thawing. A curative blend comprising at least two active hydrogen-containing materials, which is liquid at room temperature, is also disclosed. The dispersions and curative blends of the present invention can be solvent-free. Resins and prepolymers comprising the curative blends of the invention, either pigmented or unpigmented, are also disclosed.