Abstract: Crosslinker compositions consisting essentially of 50 to 95 weight percent monomeric C1 to C8 alkoxymethyl melamine derivatives containing not more than about 0.20 wt. % of imino (>N—H) groups. Such compositions further comprise 5 to 50 weight percent oligomeric C1 to C8 alkoxymethyl melamine derivatives and are useful for low temperature curing of functional resins, e.g. with active hydroxyl groups, for wood, automotive, appliance, coil and other coatings.

Abstract: Composite mirrors on a substrate comprising a mixture of up to 20 percent of polymer and at least 80 percent of metal clusters, e.g. of gold, palladium or silver, which have a nominal diameter less than 100 nanometers and which are agglomerated in a layer conforming to the surface of the substrate. Composite mirrors are produced by coating a substrate with a solution comprising at least 80 percent solvent, e.g. water and alcohol, and up to 20 percent of a mixture of up to 20 percent polymer, e.g. methylcellulose, and at least 80 percent metal, present as a salt of volatiles-forming anion, e.g. silver lactate or palladium acetate; dry films of polymer and salt are exposed to heat or ultraviolet light to convert the salt to metal clusters. Polymeric mirrors are especially useful for making reflection holograms on polymeric surfaces embossed with a latent holographic image in a relief pattern.

Abstract: Metal/polymer laminates prepared from essentially insoluble anionomeric polymer film layer with catalytic metal, e.g. palladium, exchanged into surface acid groups which can be reduced to provide catalytic metal clusters for catalyzing electroless deposition of metal which is resistant to removal by adhesive tape. Anionomeric polymer films are coated from solutions, emulsions or dispersions of sulfonated or carboxylated polyesters or sulfonated, phosphonated or carboxylated perfluorocarbon polymer, dried and heat treated, e.g. at 120.degree.-180.degree. C., to render the coating insoluble.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating two-dimensional imaged metal articles on webs by electroless deposition of metal onto a catalytic pattern rotogravurely printed onto moving webs travelling at linear speeds of up to 500 meters/minute using low viscosity catalytic ink comprising polymer and compound, complex or colloid of a Group 1B or Group 8 metal. Such two-dimensional imaged metal articles comprise areas or fine lines, e.g. less than 100 micrometers wide, which are useful as electrical devices such as circuit connectors, antennas and the like or as mechanical devices such as levers, gears and the like. With modification of the metal component or addition of other materials, such two-dimensional imaged metal articles can be useful a electronic devices such as diodes, resistors, capacitors and the like or as energy conversion devices such as batteries, sensors or fuel cells.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation shielding textile material comprising metal-coated fabric adapted to be applied with overlapping seams at least 4 cm wide to provide at least 80 dB of far-field shielding against electromagnetic radiation between 0.1 and 10 gigahertz. Fabric, e.g. non-woven nylon fabric, coated with at least one layer of electrolessly-deposited metal, e.g. at least 15 g/m.sup.2 copper, is useful as backing for wallpaper which can provide effective far-field shielding of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating two-dimensional imaged metal articles on webs by electroless deposition of metal onto a catalytic pattern rotogravurely printed onto moving webs travelling at linear speeds of up to 500 meters/minute using low viscosity catalytic ink comprising polymer and compound, complex or colloid of a Group 1B or Group 8 metal. Such two-dimensional imaged metal articles comprise areas or fine lines, e.g. less than 100 micrometers wide, which are useful as electrical devices such as circuit connectors, antennas and the like or as mechanical devices such as levers, gears and the like. With modification of the metal component or addition of other materials, such two-dimensional imaged metal articles can be useful a electronic devices such as diodes, resistors, capacitors and the like or as energy conversion devices such as batteries, sensors or fuel cells.

Abstract: Viscous aqueous electroless plating solutions comprising ionic depositable metal species such as copper or nickel, metal complexing agent such as EDTA, metal reducing agent such as formaldehyde or hypophosphite and thickener such as xantham gum, silica or carboxymethylcellulose have a viscosity greater than 50 cp, for instance up to 20,000 cp. The viscous solutions are useful for electrolessly depositing metal onto moving or inclined catalytic substrates and as a component of kits for applying electrolessly deposited metal images to such surfaces.

Abstract: Electrolessly deposited metal holograms comprising a polymeric substrate having a holographic relief-patterned surface and a metal reflective layer electrolessly deposited to conform to and reproduce the holographic relief patterned. Light incident to the metal surface is reflected to provide an holographic reproduction of an holographic image inherent in said relief-patterned polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Metal coated articles where the metal is electrolessly deposited onto catalytic films prepared by thermally activating catalytically inert films formed from an aqueous solution comprising polymer, e.g. cellulosic, vinyl alcohol or oxyolefin polymers, and catalytic metal of Group 8, e.g. palladium. Copper electrolessly deposited on activated films exhibits high ductility similar to electrolytic copper, e.g. at least about 8 percent ductility.