Abstract: A polymer sheet having a decorative surface and a nondecorative surface may be joined to a thermoplastic “substrate” by melt bonding the nondecorative surface and a surface the substrate to different sides of a sheet which has two irregular surfaces. The resulting article is useful for products where a decorative surface on a thermoplastic substrate is desirable, such as automobiles, appliances and power tools.

Abstract: A thermoformable multi-layer sheet is disclosed, which comprises or is produced from a first co-extruded clear polymeric layer comprising an ionomer resin; a second co-extruded polymeric layer; a third co-extruded thermoformable polymeric adhesive layer that is in direct contact with the second co-extruded layer and a backing layer; and a co-extruded backing layer adhered to the adhesive layer. Also disclosed is a product such an auto part, a truck part, an auto or truck body panel, or a part or panel of a recreational vehicle having a Class A surface that can comprise or be produced from the multi-layer sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effect-particle orientation in a film or coating are disclosed. The method comprises using opposing directional reflectance measurements, preferably in continuous processes and allows for an on-line evaluation system to provide more specific control over particle orientation, thereby allowing for better color matching between and among various panels or articles.

Abstract: A thermoformable multi-layer sheet is disclosed which comprises or is produced from (such as combining) a first co-extruded polymeric layer; a second co-extruded polymeric layer and/or a co-extruded polymeric adhesive layer; and optionally at least one additional co-extruded thermoformable layer. The first co-extruded polymeric layer can comprise an ionomer resin of ethylene. The second co-extruded polymeric layer can comprise an ionomer resin, an ethylene acid polymer, an ethylene copolymer, an ethylene acid terpolymer, or a metallocene catalyzed very low density polyethylene (m-VLDPE) and optionally, contains pigments, dyes, flakes, additives and any mixtures thereof. The co-extruded polymeric adhesive layer can be a metallocene-catalyzed very low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer sheet is disclosed which comprises a first thick clear thermoplastic polymeric polyolefin, a second polymeric layer, and optionally, a third thermoformable polymeric adhesive layer, and further optionally, a co-extruded backing layer adhered to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) having high HFP content and end-of-melting temperature, T.sub.m (end), as low as 200.degree. C. are disclosed. Exceptional performance as a processing aid in polyolefins results from having T.sub.m (end) of the TFE/HFP copolymer close to the processing temperature of the polyolefin. These TFE/HFP copolymers are soluble in fluorinated cyclic solvents. Copolymer/solvent systems copolymer at significant concentrations in selected solvents are fluid and stable at room temperature.