Abstract: The present invention relates to transparent microspheres (i.e., beads) that impart yellow color to retroreflected light. The microsphere preferably comprise titania plus alumina, zirconia, and/or silica and iron oxide, manganese oxide, or mixtures thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to fused microspheres that impart yellow color to retroreflected light having both transparency and mechanical properties suitable, for example, for lens elements in retroreflective articles.

Abstract: Precisely shaped abrasive composites are disclosed. The abrasive composites comprise from 20 to 75 percent by weight at a plurality of abrasive grits and a binder.

Abstract: Precisely shaped composites and methods for making these composites are disclosed. The method of this invention comprises the steps of:(a) providing a production tool having a plurality of cavities;(b) providing a dispensing means capable of introducing a binder precursor comprising a thermosetting resin into the cavities;(c) providing a means, within a curing zone, for at least partially curing the binder precursor;(d) introducing the binder precursor into at least a portion of at least two of the cavities;(e) continuously moving the production tool through the curing zone to at least partially cure the binder precursor to provide a solidified, handleable binder;(f) removing the binder from said at least one cavity; and(g) converting the binder into precisely shaped composites.Steps (f) and (g) can be conducted simultaneously. The composites are bonded to a backing to form a coated abrasive article.

Abstract: Precisely shaped composites and methods for making these composites are disclosed. The method of this invention comprises the steps of:(a) providing a production tool comprising a plurality of cavities;(b) providing a dispensing means capable of introducing a binder precursor comprising a thermosetting resin into the cavities;(c) providing a means, for at least partially curing the binder precursor;(d) introducing said binder precursor into at least a portion of at least two of the cavities;(e) continuously moving the production tool through a curing zone to at least partially cure the binder precursor;(f) removing the solidified binder from the production tool; and(g) converting the solidified binderinto precisely shaped composites. Steps (f) and (g) can be conducted simultaneously. The composites can be bonded together to form a shaped mass, e.g.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprising:(a) a backing;(b) at least one layer comprising a plurality of precisely shaped abrasive particles that comprise abrasive grits and a free-radically polymerized binder, wherein said precisely shaped particles have vertexes and(c) a bonding medium which serves to adhere said precisely shaped particles to said backing;wherein the precisely shaped particles are randomly disposed on the backing such that at least a portion of said particles are oriented with said vertexes pointing toward said backing.

Abstract: Abrasive articles comprising precisely shaped particles are disclosed. The particles are bonded together to form a shaped mass, e.g., a wheel; alternatively, the particles can be bonded to a backing to form a coated abrasive article; or the particles can be bonded into a fibrous, nonwoven substrate to form a non-woven abrasive article.