Abstract: A flexible, calenderable film exhibiting enhanced durability under external weathering conditions. The film comprises predominantly a base layer of a graft copolymer of vinyl chloride on polyacrylate laminated with an acrylic based protective layer. Importantly, the base layer is devoid or contains minimal plasticiser components to eliminate or reduce UV absorber migration from the acrylic based protective layer.

Abstract: A hydrophilic coating is applied to the surface of a substrate by a method which comprises the steps of (a) applying a first coating comprising a polyvinyl chloride copolymer; and (b) applying a second coating comprising a mixture of a poly(N-vinyl lactam), a polyvinyl chloride copolymer and optionally a zwitterionic compound. Preferably the polyvinyl chloride copolymer is a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer. A substrate resulting from the method and a kit for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a mixture of a poly(vinylacetal-co-vinylalcohol-co-vinylacetate) and a poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinylacetate) allows a medical device to be coated with a first layer containing a first bioactive material (such as rapamycin) and a second layer containing a second bioactive material (such as dexamethasone) for release in vivo at different release rates.

Abstract: A positive working printing form precursor comprises a thermally imagable composition which includes a hydroxyl group-containing polymer, for example a novolak resin. The composition has a weight of less than 1.1 gm?2. It has been found that using a low weight of the composition on the precursor improves the properties of the precursor, in particular by rendering the sensitivity of the precursor to imaging radiation less variable over time.

Abstract: Imageable articles comprising positive working polymeric coatings on substrates are given a heat treatment as part of their manufacture, notably at a moderate temperature for an extended period. This heat treatment improves the development characteristics of the coatings in use. It has been found that by carrying out the heat treatment on articles wrapped in a water-impermeable material or in a humidity-enhanced oven, development characteristics may be further improved, especially adjacent to the edges of articles. The imageable articles include precursors for lithographic printing plates and for printed circuits.

Abstract: A positive working printing form precursor comprises a thermally imagable composition which includes a hydroxyl group-containing polymer, for example a novolak resin. The composition has a weight of less than 1.1 gm−2. It has been found that using a low weight of the composition on the precursor improves the properties of the precursor, in particular by rendering the sensitivity of the precursor to imaging radiation less variable over time.