Abstract: A multilayer graphic article comprises a substrate, at least one color layer disposed on the substrate, and a protective surface layer that overlies the substrate and the color layer. The color layer is visible through the surface layer and comprises a color agent in a copolymeric binder. The binder comprises the copolymerization product of an olefinic monomer and a second monomer having a pendant carboxyl group. The substrate may be a polymeric film, an adhesive or a temporary, removable liner. The protective surface layer may be formulated to impart interior surface protection properties to the graphic article or it may be formulated to render the graphic article weatherable and resistant to chemical exposure.

Abstract: A method of vibrationally damping article, comprising applying to the article a vibration damper comprising a radiation curable vibration damping material which comprises (a) from about 5 parts to about 95 parts by weight acrylic monomer and (b) correspondingly, from about 95 parts to about 5 parts by weight of a silicone adhesive, wherein the sum of (a) plus (b) equal 100 parts by weight, whereby the vibration damper vibrationally damps the article.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fire-resistant, essentially halogen-free epoxy composition that emits low amounts of smoke and toxic gas while burning. The one-part composition is particularly useful in aerospace applications for bonding, sealing and/or insulating metal, plastic and composite parts.

Abstract: A hot melt stick that includes a core of a moisture-curable hot melt composition and a moisture-resistant shell coaxial with the core. The shell includes one or more ethylene-containing copolymers that are compatible with the core upon melting. The hot melt stick is adapted for delivery to the melting chamber of a hot melt applicator.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises a backing, a first binder on the backing, and a plurality of abrasive particles in the first binder. The first binder is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive that is energy cured to provide a crosslinked coating. The invention also relates to a method of producing such articles.

Abstract: A blend of isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers is provided. The blend consists essentially of a first crystalline prepolymer based upon polyhexamethylene adipate and a second prepolymer based upon polytetramethylene ether glycol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin transfer molding preform binder resin that comprises at least one aromatic polyepoxide, a fluorene epoxide that is different than the aromatic polyepoxide and having a defined structure, and a 9,9-bis(aminophenyl)fluorene curing agent. The binder resin is a solid, room temperature stable, essentially nonsintering powder that displays a glass transition temperature greater than about 40.degree. C. Also disclosed are preforms made with the binder resin and a method for preparing the preforms.

Abstract: A tear resistant film comprises more than five layers situated one on the other in a parallel array. The layers are individually selected from a stiff polyester or copolyester, a ductile polymeric material, and optionally, an intermediate material. The stiff polyester or copolyester is oriented in at least one direction. Tear resistance may be measured in a Graves area test and reflects the ability of the film to absorb energy. The films of the invention are useful in many articles including security control laminates for glazing members.

Abstract: A blend of isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers comprising: (a) a first prepolymer which comprises the reaction product of an at least essentially semicrystalline hydroxy-functional material and a polyisocyanate; (b) a second prepolymer which comprises the reaction product of a poly(tetramethylene glycol)ether and a polyisocyanate; and (c) a third prepolymer which comprises the reaction product of an essentially amorphous hydroxy-functional material and a polyisocyanate. The blend may also include a fourth prepolymer which comprises the reaction product of a slightly branched hydroxy-functional material and a polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Conformable marking sheet comprising a microporous thermoplastic polymer base sheet having a network of interconnected pores. The marking sheet has a low yield stress, making it conformable to rough surfaces. The pores of the base sheet can be filled with a diluent (wax) or they may have the diluent removed, for example by extraction. The construction may further comprise an adhesive on the bottom and a top marking indicium layer comprising a polymeric binder in which is partially embedded a multiplicity of retroflective lens elements, e.g., transparent microspheres.

Abstract: An embossed multilayer film comprises an embossed base layer and a conformable, substantially uniformly thick protective surface layer that overlies the base layer. In one embodiment, the embossed multilayer film can be re-embossed. In another embodiment, the surface layer is provided by a polyurethane-based material. The invention also relates to a method of providing such an embossed multilayer film.

Abstract: A carrier tape is provided for storing electronic components and for supplying those components seriatim to a machine. The tape comprises an aligned row of pockets formed in the tape, with each pocket having a plurality of ribs that define lead-retaining slots therebetween for retaining the projecting leads of the electronic components positioned therein. At least one of the electronic components positioned within the carrier tape has a different number of leads than the pockets have lead-retaining slots, to facilitate the storage and delivery of different sized components within the pockets of a single carrier tape.

Abstract: A coating composition comprises an epoxy silane, an amine hardener that can react with the epoxy silane to form a cross-linked coating, and a stabilizer that includes a sufficient amount of a metal component to delay cross-linking between the epoxy silane and the amine hardener. The coating composition has a shelf life of at least 3 days.

Abstract: A carrier tape and cover strip are provided for storing electronic components and for supplying those components seriatim to a machine. The carrier tape includes a strip portion having spaced longitudinal edge surfaces, and a plurality of pockets formed in the strip portion. The cover strip is applied over the pockets to contain electronic components therein, and is bonded along two outer bonding portions to the edge surfaces of the carrier tape. The cover strip includes a pair of longitudinal tear lines which enable progressive separation of a medial portion of the cover strip overlying the pockets from the bonding portions to expose the contents of the pockets. In one embodiment, the cover strip includes nicks in the bonding portions thereof for providing a predetermined direction of tear in the bonding portions to initiate a tear along each of said longitudinal tear lines when said cover strip is removed from said top surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin transfer molding preform binder resin that comprises at least one aromatic polyepoxide, a fluorene epoxide that is different than the aromatic polyepoxide and having a defined structure, and a 9,9-bis(aminophenyl)fluorene curing agent. The binder resin is a solid, room temperature stable, essentially nonsintering powder that displays a glass transition temperature greater than about 40.degree. C. Also disclosed are preforms made with the binder resin and a method for preparing the preforms.

Abstract: A tear resistant coated abrasive article comprises a backing which comprises a film having at least five layers situated one on the other in a parallel array. The layers occur essentially randomly in the array and are individually selected from a stiff polyester or copolyester and a ductile polymeric material. An abrasive layer is on a surface of the backing.

Abstract: A method of preparing a film includes the steps of mixing a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer with a host polymer to provide a first material, coextruding the first material with a second material so as to form a film comprising the first and second materials, quenching the film, and orienting the quenched film in at least one direction. The oriented film has an exposed first major surface that includes protrusions resulting from regions of the liquid crystalline polymer in the host polymer.

Abstract: Adhesive beads comprise a core comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive material and an essentially discontinuous organic polymer disposed about the core. The beads are free-flowing at room temperature. Upon application of heat and/or pressure the core is activated and blends with the coating to provide a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A coating composition comprises an epoxy silane, an amine hardener that can react with the epoxy silane to form a cross-linked coating, and a stabilizer that includes a sufficient amount of a metal component to delay cross-linking between the epoxy silane and the amine hardener. The coating composition has a shelf life of at least 3 days.

Abstract: A hot-melt composition comprising an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene/n-butyl acrylate copolymer, and a tackifying resin can be spread into a thin layer that has a limited open time of at least 5 seconds. The composition eventually crystallizes to form a creep-resistant bond.