Abstract: UV-curable coatings for photovoltaic systems, photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating, and methods of generating energy through photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating are disclosed. The UV-curable coating includes a urethane acrylate blend, a montmorillonite platelet, a light stabilizer, a UV absorber, and a photoinitiator. The coating is substantially transparent to visible and near infrared light and provides a barrier to oxygen and moisture and the coating is configured to adhere to an acrylic film.

Abstract: UV-curable coatings for photovoltaic systems, photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating, and methods of generating energy through photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating are disclosed. The UV-curable coating includes a urethane acrylate blend, a montmorillonite platelet, a light stabilizer, a UV absorber, and a photoinitiator. The coating is substantially transparent to visible and near infrared light and provides a barrier to oxygen and moisture and the coating is configured to adhere to a film.

Abstract: A coated system having a UV-curable coating, a method of forming the coated system, and a UV-curable coating for the coated systems are disclosed. The coated system has exterior durability and includes a film, a reflective ink applied to the film, and a UV-cured coating applied to the film. The film and the reflective ink each include at least one IR reflective pigment and at least one color chelator.

Abstract: A coated system having a UV-curable coating, a method of forming the coated system, and a UV-curable coating for the coated systems are disclosed. The coated system has exterior durability and includes a film, a reflective ink applied to the film, and a UV-cured coating applied to the film. The film and the reflective ink each include at least one IR reflective pigment and at least one color chelator.

Abstract: UV-curable coatings for photovoltaic systems, photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating, and methods of generating energy through photovoltaic systems having a UV-curable coating are disclosed. The UV-curable coating includes a urethane acrylate blend, a montmorillonite platelet, a light stabilizer, a UV absorber, and a photoinitiator. The coating is substantially transparent to visible and near infrared light and provides a barrier to oxygen and moisture and the coating is configured to adhere to an acrylic film.

Abstract: Siding including composite building material and an interlocking mechanism are provided. The panels, possibly in conjunction with particular fasteners, include interlocking elements and may be formed from a composite building material having a foamed substrate having a foamed inner core and a dense integral skin, wherein the foamed substrate includes a polymer matrix and a reinforcing filler, and a urethane/acrylic coating applied to the foamed substrate at the front face of the siding panel, wherein the coating includes an IR-reflective pigment, wherein the urethane/acrylic coating is chemically and/or physically bound to the substrate.

Abstract: A beneficiated fiber and composite including a fiber having a lumen with voids. A suspension including a bonding agent, chemical blowing agent, and catalyst is drawn into the lumen by a capillary action to beneficiate the fiber. The beneficiated fiber may be imbedded with a polymeric material to form the composite. The natural voids of the lumen are preserved by the suspension causing the fiber to maintain natural density and strength characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ultraviolet cured coating compositions. More specifically, the present invention is directed to urethane/acrylic coating compositions that contain additives for the absorption of ultraviolet radiation and the reflection of infrared radiation and which are UV cured.

Abstract: A composite building material and a method for its manufacture are provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a foamable mixture comprising a polymeric matrix material, a filler, a processing aid, one or more lubricants, a thermal stabilizer, and a blowing agent; foaming said foamable mixture to form a foamed composite substrate; optionally embossing the substrate; and coating the substrate with a polyurethane/acrylic coating to form the composite building material, wherein the polyurethane/acrylic coating is keyed chemically and/or physically to the foamed composite substrate.

Abstract: A beneficiated fiber and composite including a fiber having a lumen with voids. A suspension including a bonding agent, chemical blowing agent, and catalyst is drawn into the lumen by a capillary action to beneficiate the fiber. The beneficiated fiber may be imbedded with a polymeric material to form the composite. The natural voids of the lumen are preserved by the suspension causing the fiber to maintain natural density and strength characteristics.

Abstract: A beneficiated fiber and composite including a fiber having a lumen with voids. A suspension including a bonding agent, chemical blowing agent, and catalyst is drawn into the lumen by a capillary action to beneficiate the fiber. The beneficiated fiber may be imbedded with a polymeric material to form the composite. The natural voids of the lumen are preserved by the suspension causing the fiber to maintain natural density and strength characteristics.

Abstract: A beneficiated fiber and composite including a fiber having a lumen with voids. A suspension including a bonding agent, chemical blowing agent, and catalyst is drawn into the lumen by a capillary action to beneficiate the fiber. The beneficiated fiber may be imbedded with a polymeric material to form the composite. The natural voids of the lumen are preserved by the suspension causing the fiber to maintain natural density and strength characteristics.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for providing an extruded polyvinyl chloride exterior siding with a weatherable layer of polyvinyl fluoride is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the process facilitates the production of dimensionally stable dark colored siding.