Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: Polymeric sheets of the invention comprise sequential layers as follows: a topcoat layer, a polyurethane-based carrier layer, and an adhesive layer. The polyurethane-based carrier layer is formed using essentially no chain extender having a molecular weight of 350 grams/mole or less, resulting in a relatively low storage modulus polymeric sheet. Such polymeric sheets are particularly useful for application to surfaces having a concave topography.

Abstract: A method of applying a paint film to a substrate may include wetting a surface of the substrate or an adhesive layer of a paint film to form a fluid layer thereon. The paint film may further comprise a polymer film layer. The method may further include applying the paint film to the substrate such that the fluid layer is positioned between the adhesive layer and the surface. The applied paint film may be heated with infrared heat to facilitate the removal of the fluid layer and adhere the adhesive layer to the surface. Systems and devices for applying a paint film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of applying a paint film to a substrate may include wetting a surface of the substrate or an adhesive layer of a paint film to form a fluid layer thereon. The paint film may further comprise a polymer film layer. The method may further include applying the paint film to the substrate such that the fluid layer is positioned between the adhesive layer and the surface. The applied paint film may be heated with infrared heat to facilitate the removal of the fluid layer and adhere the adhesive layer to the surface. Systems and devices for applying a paint film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: Advantageously, para-chloroaniline (PCA) is minimal in antimicrobial articles prepared according to the method of the invention. A method of forming an antimicrobial article according to the invention comprises steps of: providing a polymerizable composition; incorporating an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one chlorhexidine-containing antimicrobial agent into the polymerizable composition; and, polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form chlorhexidine-containing polymer of the antimicrobial article, wherein processing temperature during the method is less than about 80° C.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: Paint replacement films of the invention comprise at least one adhesive layer; at least one pigmented layer; and at least one polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials. In addition, paint replacement composite articles and related methods of the invention comprise a paint replacement film and a topcoat on a surface of the paint replacement film opposite the adhesive layer. Paint replacement films and composite articles of the invention are useful when applied to a variety of articles (e.g., a motorized vehicle such as an aircraft).

Abstract: In order to repair any damage to an originally applied paint film, a method of the invention facilitates repair of the paint film by removing essentially only that portion of the paint film that is damaged. After removal of the damaged portion of the paint film, a series of abrading, application, and polishing steps results in a repaired portion of the paint film.

Abstract: Polymeric sheets of the invention comprise sequential layers as follows: a topcoat layer, a polyurethane-based carrier layer, and an adhesive layer. The polyurethane-based carrier layer is formed using essentially no chain extender having a molecular weight of 350 grams/mole or less, resulting in a relatively low storage modulus polymeric sheet. Such polymeric sheets are particularly useful for application to surfaces having a concave topography.

Abstract: Advantageously, para-chloroaniline (PCA) is minimal in antimicrobial articles prepared according to the method of the invention. A method of forming an antimicrobial article according to the invention comprises steps of: providing a polymerizable composition; incorporating an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one chlorhexidine-containing antimicrobial agent into the polymerizable composition; and, polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form chlorhexidine-containing polymer of the antimicrobial article, wherein processing temperature during the method is less than about 80° C.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.