Abstract: An anisotropic polymer film with improved alignmentis prepared by coating onto a substrate with a structured surface. The polymer films thereby obtained are useful in optical and electrooptical devices for decorative and security applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optically variable marking comprising a semiopaque substrate with a first surface that is covered with an optically variable layer that is for example a liquid crystal polymer layer or a layer comprising pearlescent pigments, and a second surface that is partially covered with a metal layer in the shape of a pattern, to methods of its preparation and to its use for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rare earth metal sulfide or oxysulfide pigments and yttrium sulfide or oxysulfide pigments based on platelet-shaped substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to multilayer reflective films and pigments showing selective reflection of light wherein the reflection characteristics are dependent on the viewing angle, characterized in that they comprises at least one reflective layer, at least one circular polarizing layer and optionally at least one optical retardation layer. The invention further relates to the use of these multilayer reflective films and pigments in optical elements, as coatings or in lacquers, inks or paints for cosmetic, decorative or security applications, to inks and paints comprising one or more multilayer reflective pigments dispersed in a light transmissive binder, and to security markings or devices comprising one or more multilayer reflective films or pigments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray pyrolytic process for the preparation of multi-element metal oxide powders useful as precursors of high temperature superconductor ceramics. Aerosols of aqueous solutions containing corresponding metal salts admixed in the required stoichiometric proportion are sprayed through an independently operated hydrogen/oxygen flame in such a way that a flame temperature of 800.degree.-1100.degree. C. is maintained to form said powders. Any contact of the aerosols and powders generated during the process with carbon or carbon-containing compounds or materials is strictly avoided.

Abstract: Reaction spray process for preparing inclusion pigments by suspending the pigment to be encapsulated in an aqueous solution or suspension of a precursor of the inclusion material, spraying the suspension, with or without the addition of nitric acid and fuel, in a tubular reactor heated at from 850.degree. to 1100.degree. C., separating the inclusion pigment from the product stream and, if desired post-calcining the pigment at a temperature of at least 816.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray pyrolyric process for the preparation of multi-element metal oxide powders useful as precursors of high temperature superconductor ceramics. Aerosols of aqueous solutions containing corresponding metal salts admixed in the required stoichiometric proportion are sprayed through an independently operated hydrogen/oxygen flame in such a way that a flame temperature of 800.degree.-1100.degree. C. is maintained to form said powders. Any contact of the aerosols and powders generated during the process with carbon or carbon-containing compounds or materials is strictly avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of multi-element metal oxide, high temperature superconductor precursor powder comprising spraying a homogenous solution of a multi-element metal salt solution mixed in a stoichiometric ratio corresponding to the desired superconducting composition into a horizontal tube-like furnace being heated to a temperature of 800.degree.-1000.degree. C., transporting resulting sprayed mist along the main axis of the furnace tube by the aid of hot air and collecting resultant finely divided metal oxide powder by the aid of a filter, whereby the resultant mixed metal oxide powder is a precursor for the preparation of a high temperature superconducting ceramic.