Abstract: A thermochromic ink composition comprises at least one thermochromic optical-state change material, at least one thermally responsive pH modifier, and at least one base and at least one binder material. The quantity of the thermally responsive pH modifier is less than or equal to about 0.25 milli moles based on the amount of optical-state change material. The ink composition is capable of transforming from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to a thermal stimulus. The thermochromic ink composition may comprise a nitro dye. A thermochromic coating composition formed using the thermochromic ink composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods revealing surface imperfections on an object comprising the steps of: coating the surface to be inspected with a composition comprising an opaque, water-dispersible liquid, sufficiently surface-adherent and with surface-wetting properties as to create a gloss finish, at least before the liquid dries, on the restored area; inspecting the surface to check for imperfections; and removing said composition with water. The method may also include a step of marking the surface, through the wet composition layer, to indicate the location of imperfections discovered. Also described are compositions and delivery systems suitable for carrying out the method comprising aqueous dispersions of a pigment and a resin, especially a polysaccharide resin.

Abstract: Paper coating formulations having a reduced level of binder and processes for their manufacture are disclosed. Specifically, the paper coating formulations comprise a paper coating pigment and a binder. The binder comprises a strongly associated adhesive material that can bind to the other components, such as pigments, that is less prone to depletion from paper coating formulations into a paper web during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermochromic liquid crystalline medium comprising a liquid crystalline host component and an active component, to a thermochromic ink comprising such a thermochromic liquid crystalline medium encapsulated in a light transmissive polymeric material, to the use of a thermochromic medium or ink in decorative applications like pigments, inks and paints, cosmetics, thermodiagnostic applications like medical thermography, thermometry, optical and electrooptical applications, and security applications and devices, to a security marking or device comprising a thermochromic liquid crystalline medium or thermochromic ink and to a document of value comprising such a security marking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modifying agent for resins for paints or resins for inks, containing fatty acids obtained by the enzymatic decomposition of vegetable oils or fats, the resins for paints or resins for inks modified with the modifying agent, and a paint or ink composition containing the resin for the paint or resin for the ink. The paint or ink composition of the present invention has electrodeposition potential or UV curing property and is excellent in the appearance of the paint film, finishing sharpness and adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent or colorless coating comprising a heat responsive material that increases in opacity when exposed to heat. An example of a heat responsive material is a silicate or a titanate. The present invention further provides a coating composition comprising a carrier and a heat responsive material. The coating can further include additives such as adhesion promoters, surface tension modifying agents, crosslinking agents, or plasticizers. The present invention further provides a method for creating a mark on a substrate comprising providing to the substrate the transparent coating to obtain a coated substrate and exposing a selected area of the coated substrate to heat, e.g., a laser, to create the mark. The present invention further provides substrates suitable for laser marking.