Abstract: The invention generally encompasses compositions comprising polymers coated with one or more metallic layers. In certain embodiments, the invention encompasses compositions comprising polyurethane foam coated with one or more metallic layers. The invention also encompasses methods of coating polymers using vapor depositions techniques, for example, physical vapor deposition, with one or more metallic layers. The invention further encompasses articles of manufacture including the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly process for applying a chrome finish on a substrate is provided. The chrome finish comprises a thin film of aluminum and chromium deposited onto the substrate by physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques. The thin layer can consist of three separately deposited metallic layers including a chromium layer sandwiched between a pair of aluminum layers or can consist of a single, simultaneously co-deposited layer of aluminum and chromium in a ratio of 10% to 70% by weight chromium and 30% to 90% aluminum. The structure of a coated substrate is also disclosed.