Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of thin silver nano-particle layers, which are produced directly on a substrate as part of a coating or printing process. The layers show different colours in transmittance and reflectance. The layers do not show the typical conductivity of metallic layers, since the particles are essentially discrete particles which are not sintered. The invention further relates to decorative and security elements. When the layers are applied over a security element, such as a hologram, the obtained products show also different colours in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright optically variable image (OVD image) and high purity and contrast. Depending on the thickness of the layer a more or less intensive metallic aspect appears.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a method for the production of brilliant glossy metal coatings on paper or board substrates. Further aspects of the invention are a paper or board product obtainable by using the method and the use of such a paper or board for decorative or packaging purposes. In particular the instant invention is directed to a method, wherein a UV curable composition is applied/printed on a paper or board substrate and cured through the paper or board from the reverse side by UV/Visible light. Simultaneously with the curing step the coated/printed paper or board is pressed from the coated/printed side against a mirror like shim. The shim has no structure and should be of mirror quality. In a second step this glazed and cured surface is overcoated/overprinted with an aluminium layer. The result is a metallized surface exhibiting excellent gloss and brilliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coating compositions, comprising shaped transition metal, especially silver, particles and a binder, wherein the ratio of pigment to binder is preferably such that the resulting coating shows an angle dependent colour change, for the production of security elements and holograms. When the coating compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show a an angle dependent colour change (flip/flop effect), different colours in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aluminum flakes having a thickness between 7 and 9 nm, coating compositions containing them and the use of the coating compositions for forming (security) products. When the compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coating compositions, comprising shaped transition metal, especially silver, particles and a binder, wherein the ratio of pigment to binder is preferably such that the resulting coating shows an angle dependent color change, for the production of security elements and holograms. When the coating compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show a an angle dependent color change (flip/flop effect), different colors in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complex security elements based on recording materials for optical elements with refractive index modulation, in particular, holograms, which are subsequently coated with specific metallic nano-shaped metal particles, a method for their manufacture, in particular on a paper or on a plastic substrate and a security product obtainable using the security element. A further aspect of the invention is the use of such a security element for the prevention of counterfeit or reproduction of a document of value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image (an optically variable device) on a transparent or translucent substrate and a product obtainable using the method. A further aspect of the invention is the use for the prevention of counterfeit or reproduction of a document of value and a method of forming a coating showing an angle dependent color change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coating compositions, comprising shaped transition metal, especially silver, particles and a binder, wherein the ratio of pigment to binder is preferably such that the resulting coating shows an angle dependent colour change, for the production of security elements and holograms. When the coating compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show a an angle dependent colour change (flip/flop effect), different colours in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition, comprising shaped transition metal, especially silver, particles and a binder, wherein the ratio of pigment to binder is such that the resulting coating shows an angle dependent color change. When the coating compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show a an angle dependent color change (flip/flop effect), different colors in reflection and transmission, an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a method for the production of brilliant glossy metal coatings on paper substrates. Further aspects of the invention are a paper product obtainable using the method and the use of such a paper for decorative or packaging purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complex security elements based on liquid crystal coatings which are subsequently coated with specific metallic nano-shaped metal particles, a method for their manufacture, in particular on a glass, paper or on a plastic substrate and a security product obtainable using the security element. The security element may contain additionally an embossed surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image (an optically variable device, OVD), such as a hologram. A further aspect of the invention is the use of such a security element for the prevention of counterfeit or reproduction of a document of value.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of security documents, more particularly in the field of security elements aimed to protect security documents against copying (illegal reproduction) and counterfeiting. It discloses a security element having a security feature which changes its visual appearance after irradiation with light, especially with UV light and at rotation and/or tilting. Security documents comprising said security element, as well as a method for producing said security element, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for embossing a flexible substrate. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for embossing a curable composition coated flexible substrate with an optically variable image transferred from an embossing foil, especially belt, or sheet of an optically transparent fluoropolymer. The optically variable image is irradiated through the embossing belt, or sheet with ultraviolet light contemporaneously with the embossing so that the transferred imprint pattern cures, hardens, and retains its shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complex security elements based on recording materials for optical elements with refractive index modulation, in particular, holograms, which are subsequently coated with specific metallic nano-shaped metal particles, a method for their manufacture, in particular on a paper or on a plastic substrate and a security product obtainable using the security element. A further aspect of the invention is the use of such a security element for the prevention of counterfeit or reproduction of a document of value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image (an optically variable device) on a transparent or translucent substrate and a product obtainable using the method. A further aspect of the invention is the use for the prevention of counterfeit or reproduction of a document of value and a method of forming a coating showing an angle dependent color change.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image on a paper substrate are provided, the method comprising the steps of: A) applying a curable composition to at least a portion of the frontside of the paper substrate; B) contacting at least a portion of the curable composition with surface relief microstructure, especially optically variable image forming means; C) curing the composition by using at least one UV lamp (1, 2, 3) which is arranged on the backside of the paper substrate; D) optionally depositing a layer of a transparent high refractive index material and/or a metallic layer on at least a portion of the cured composition, wherein the lamp (1, 2, 3) having emission peak(s) in the UV-A and near VIS range and the curable composition comprises at least a photoinitiator which absorbs in the UV-A region and preferably in the near VIS range.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image on a paper substrate are provided, the method comprising the steps of: A) applying a curable composition to at least a portion of the frontside of the paper substrate; B) contacting at least a portion of the curable composition with surface relief microstructure, especially optically variable image forming means; C) curing the composition by using at least one UV lamp (1, 2, 3) which is arranged on the backside of the paper substrate; D) optionally depositing a layer of a transparent high refractive index material and/or a metallic layer on at least a portion of the cured composition, wherein the lamp (1, 2, 3) having emission peak(s) in the UV-A and near VIS range and the curable composition comprises at least a photoinitiator which absorbs in the UV-A region and preferably in the near VIS range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aluminium flakes having a thickness between 7 and 9 nm, coating compositions containing them and the use of the coating compositions for forming (security) products. When the compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a surface relief microstructure, especially an optically variable image on a paper substrate are provided, the method comprising the steps of: A) applying a curable composition to at least a portion of the frontside of the paper substrate; B) contacting at least a portion of the curable composition with surface relief microstructure, especially optically variable image forming means; C) curing the composition by using at least one UV lamp (1, 2, 3) which is arranged on the backside of the paper substrate; D) optionally depositing a layer of a transparent high refractive index material and/or a metallic layer on at least a portion of the cured composition, wherein the lamp (1, 2, 3) having emission peak(s) in the UV-A and near VIS range and the curable composition comprises at least a photoinitiator which absorbs in the UV-A region and preferably in the near VIS range.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of security documents, more particularly in the field of security elements aimed to protect security documents against copying (illegal reproduction) and counterfeiting. It discloses a security element having a security feature which changes its visual appearance after irradiation with light, especially with UV light and at rotation and/or tilting. Security documents comprising said security element, as well as a method for producing said security element, are also disclosed.