Abstract: Provided are improved coatings, polymeric dispersions, and polymeric composites, which include crosslinked polymeric nanoparticles (hereafter “PNPs”). Also provided are methods for forming improved coatings, polymeric dispersions, and polymeric composites, which include PNPs. The PNPs have polymerized units of at least one multi-ethylenically-unsaturated monomer have a mean diameter of from 1 to 50 nanometers. PNPs having polymerized units of at least one multi-ethylenically-unsaturated monomer and at least one surface-active monomer are also provided.

Abstract: A paper having an improved print quality comprises a paper substrate having a surface with a surface roughness of less than 6 microns and a surface gloss of 5-80% which surface has been coated with a light-weight, low solids content, top coat. The top coat may comprise (i) a rheology modifier/binder component and at least one pigment or (ii) at least one binder coated pigment. The top coat provides a significant improvement to the delta gloss of the so-treated paper.

Abstract: A paper having an improved print quality comprises a paper substrate having a surface with a surface roughness of less than 6 microns and a surface gloss of 5-80% which surface has been coated with a light-weight, low solids content, top coat. The top coat may comprise (i) a rheology modifier/binder component and at least one pigment or (ii) at least one binder coated pigment. The top coat provides a significant improvement to the delta gloss of the so-treated paper.

Abstract: A paper having an improved print quality comprises a paper substrate having a surface with a surface roughness of less than 6 microns and a surface gloss of 5-80% which surface has been coated with a light-weight, low solids content, top coat. The top coat may comprise (i) a rheology modifier/binder component and at least one pigment or (ii) at least one binder coated pigment. The top coat provides a significant improvement to the delta gloss of the so-treated paper.

Abstract: Provided are improved coatings, polymeric dispersions, and polymeric composites, which include PNPs. Also provided are methods for forming improved coatings, polymeric dispersions, and polymeric composites, which include PNPs. The PNPs have polymerized units of at least one multi-ethylenically-unsaturated monomer have a mean diameter of from 1 to 50 nanometers. PNPs having polymerized units of at least one multi-ethylenically-unsaturated monomer and at least one surface-active monomer are also provided.

Abstract: A paper having an improved print quality comprises a paper substrate having a surface with a surface roughness of less than 6 microns and a surface gloss of 5-80% which surface has been coated with a light-weight, low solids content, top coat. The top coat may comprise (i) a rheology modifier/binder component and at least one pigment or (ii) at least one binder coated pigment. The top coat provides a significant improvement to the delta gloss of the so-treated paper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low gloss coating composition having a 75° sheet gloss of 50% or less which is useful for improving the print quality of inks applied to the low gloss coating composition. The low gloss coating composition is particularly useful for increasing the difference in gloss, or delta gloss, between a substrate coated with the low gloss composition and ink applied to the low gloss coated substrate.

Abstract: A laser beam generator is mounted stationarily relative to a sheet roll feed mechanism of the type used in roll feed drafting plotters so as to project a laser beam lengthwise of the crossrail of such feed mechanism. A right angle reflecting and focusing assembly is mounted on a carriage moveable along the crossrail for directing the laser beam toward a sheet positioned by the feeder. The sheet is moved in one axis (the x-axis) by the roll feed mechanism, while the reflecting and focusing assembly is moved in the other axis (y-axis) by the carriage--all under computer control. On-off signals for the laser are derived from the pen up, pen down signaling mechanism of the plotter so that a design or pattern is cut in the sheet as though the plotter were drawing a drafting pattern. Mechanism is provided to calculate the actual speed of the focused laser beam relative to the sheet being cut and to adjust the power output of the laser automatically so that a uniform cut is achieved.