Abstract: Self-cleaning aluminum alloy substrates and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided, the substrate including an aluminum alloy body, an anodic oxide zone having micropores within a surface of the aluminum alloy body, the anodic oxide zone being substantially impermeable to contaminants, and a photocatalytic film located on at least a portion of the anodic oxide zone, wherein the photocatalytic film comprises photocatalytically active semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided, the method including the steps of forming an anodic oxide zone in at least a portion of an aluminum alloy base, forming a photocatalytic film, the photocatalytic film being located on the anodic oxide zone, and sealing the anodic oxide zone with a sealant, wherein, as sealed, the anodic oxide zone is substantially impermeable to contaminants.

Abstract: Self-cleaning aluminum alloy substrates and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided, the substrate including an aluminum alloy body, an anodic oxide zone having micropores within a surface of the aluminum alloy body, the anodic oxide zone being substantially impermeable to contaminants, and a photocatalytic film located on at least a portion of the anodic oxide zone, wherein the photocatalytic film comprises photocatalytically active semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided, the method including the steps of forming an anodic oxide zone in at least a portion of an aluminum alloy base, forming a photocatalytic film, the photocatalytic film being located on the anodic oxide zone, and sealing the anodic oxide zone with a sealant, wherein, as sealed, the anodic oxide zone is substantially impermeable to contaminants.

Abstract: A surface finishing and coating methodology that provides a superior looking aluminum product with acceptable corrosion performance for outdoor use. In one embodiment, a coating of high purity aluminum is applied first to an aluminum article or product via cold or thermal spray and the mechanical surface modification (e.g., polishing, buffing, brushing, etc.) is clone second. The resulting product has the desirable light weight and mechanical properties of aluminum with the chosen look and performance of the high purity aluminum coating. The aluminum product to be coated may be obtained by extrusion, forging, casting, or rolling.

Abstract: A method of making an integral antenna from a metal laminate is provided. The metal laminate comprises a top metal layer, a middle thermoplastic layer, and a bottom metal layer. A portion of the top metal layer of the metal laminate is isolated to create an antenna structure so that the antenna remains a part of the metal laminate to create an integral antenna.

Abstract: Self-cleaning aluminum alloy substrates and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a substrate is provided, the substrate including an aluminum alloy body, an anodic oxide zone having micropores within a surface of the aluminum alloy body, the anodic oxide zone being substantially impermeable to contaminants, and a photocatalytic film located on at least a portion of the anodic oxide zone, wherein the photocatalytic film comprises photocatalytically active semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided, the method including the steps of forming an anodic oxide zone in at least a portion of an aluminum alloy base, forming a photocatalytic film, the photocatalytic film being located on the anodic oxide zone, and sealing the anodic oxide zone with a sealant, wherein, as sealed, the anodic oxide zone is substantially impermeable to contaminants.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.

Abstract: A lithographic sheet product having a substrate with a roll textured surface covered by a pretreatment layer. The pretreatment layer enhances adhesion of a printing composition to the sheet product and is composed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers of acrylic acid, polymers of methacrylic acid, an organophosphorous polymer and copolymers of an organophosphorous compound and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Dopant particles of alumina, silica, titanium dioxide or a black dye or pigment may be added to the pretreatment layer to reduce the gloss and reflectance of the pretreatment layer in a printing process. Etching of the substrate also reduces gloss and reflectance.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a metal substrate with an anodized surface portion. The anodized surface portion has a porous texture in which a radiation-absorbing composition, preferably a black dye, is deposited. The surface portion with the radiation-absorbing composition is covered with a hydrophilic polymer or a sealant both. Upon exposure to laser radiation, the underlying oleophilic anodized surface portion containing the radiation-absorbing composition is revealed. Alternatively, laser radiation of the polymer composition may cause the affinity of the polymer for water and ink to change so that an irradiated portion of the polymer becomes oleophilic while the non-irradiated portion remains hydrophilic.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated. Alternatively, the printing plate may include a printing member with an initial affinity for a printing fluid that changes to another affinity to printing fluid upon treatment with radiation.

Abstract: A lighting sheet including an aluminum sheet with a substantially uniform, non-directional roll textured surface having an extended surface area (Ra roughness of about 15 to about 35 microinches) and a clear polymer layer not containing added particulate matter coated on the textured surface. The non-directional roll textured surface provides a uniform matte finish to the lighting sheet.

Abstract: A process for making printing plate material suitable for imaging by laser radiation. A metal substrate is electrocoated in a bath containing a polymeric resin and laser-sensitive particles, thereby depositing a laser ablatable layer on a principal surface of the metal substrate. In one embodiment, the laser-ablatable layer is treated with a corona discharge for a time sufficient to render the layer non-ink wettable. In other preferred embodiments, the laser-ablatable layer is overcoated with an overlayer such as a non-ink wettable silicone layer or a water-wettable layer comprising an organophosphorus polymer, preferably a copolymer of acrylic acid and vinylphosphonic acid.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.

Abstract: A prefinished curved reflector suitable for use in recessed lighting, downlighting, head lamps, and tail lamps is made from metal sheet, preferably an aluminum alloy sheet. An outer surface of the metal sheet is either anodized, laminated, or polymer coated to provide desired appearance and performance. Surprisingly, the metal sheet retains its reflectivity and resistance to corrosion even after deformation into a curved reflector.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a laser-ablatable member supported by a substrate. At least one portion of the laser-ablatable member is formed form an acrylic polymer containing laser-sensitive particles. The laser-sensitive particles absorb imaging radiation and cause the portion of the laser-ablatable member containing the laser sensitive particles and any overlying layers to be ablated.

Abstract: A printing plate for computer-to plate lithography having a metal substrate with an anodized surface portion. The anodized surface portion has a porous texture in which a radiation-absorbing composition, preferably a black dye, is deposited. The surface portion with the radiation-absorbing composition is covered with a hydrophilic polymer or a sealant both. Upon exposure to laser radiation, the underlying oleophilic anodized surface portion containing the radiation-absorbing composition is revealed. Alternatively, laser radiation of the polymer composition may cause the affinity of the polymer for water and ink to change so that an irradiated portion of the polymer becomes oleophilic while the non-irradiated portion remains hydrophilic.

Abstract: A lithographic sheet product having a substrate with a roll textured suiface covered by a pretreatment layer. The pretreatment layer enhances adhesion of a printing composition to the sheet product and is composed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers of acrylic acid, polymers of methacrylic acid, an organophosphorous polymer and copolymers of an organophosphorous compound and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Dopant particles of alumina, silica, titanium dioxide or a black dye or pigment may be added to the pretreatment layer to reduce the gloss and reflectance of the pretreatment layer in a printing process. Etching of the substrate also reduces gloss and reflectance.

Abstract: A prefinished curved reflector suitable for use in recessed lighting, downlighting, head lamps, and tail lamps is made from metal sheet, preferably an aluminum alloy sheet. An outer surface of the metal sheet is either anodized, laminated, or polymer coated to provide desired appearance and performance. Surprisingly, the metal sheet retains its reflectivity and resistance to corrosion even after deformation into a curved reflector.