Abstract: [Summary] [Problem] Provision of a thermoadhesive polyester film having improved thermal adhesiveness and ruggedness absorbability and sliding quality while maintaining environmental suitability (halogen-free), heat resistance, and chemical resistance as a plastic material that constitutes IC cards or IC tags. [Solving Means] A thermoadhesive polyester film wherein a thermoadhesive layer is laminated on one face or both faces of a biaxially stretched polyester film, the thermoadhesive layer having a thickness of 5 to 30 ?m, consisting of a mixture of a non-crystalline polyester resin A having a glass transition temperature of 50 to 95° C. and a thermoplastic resin B incompatible therewith, the thermoplastic resin B being any of (a) a crystalline resin having a melting point of 50 to 180° C., (b) a non-crystalline resin having a glass transition temperature of ?50 to 150° C., and (c) a mixture thereof, and contained at 1 to 30% by mass in the thermoadhesive layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an over-current protection device comprises a step of providing at least one current sensitive device and a step of pressing. The current sensitive device comprises a first electrode foil, a second electrode foil and a PTC conductive layer physically laminated between the first and second electrode foils. The pressing step is to press the current sensitive device at a predetermined temperature, thereby generating at least one overflow portion at sides of the PTC conductive layer to form the over-current protection device. The predetermined temperature is higher than the softening temperature of the PTC conductive layer. The over-current protection devices manufactured according to the present invention have superior resistance distribution.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a more heat-resistant laminate comprising a metal foil, a fabric, and bonding means between the metal foil and the fabric, wherein the bonding means are a flouropolymer foil functioning as an adhesive film for bonding the fabric and the metal foil together. Hereby, an impermeable laminate is provided which is flexible and can withstand higher temperatures without delaminating. A laminate according to the invention can be mounted directly against hot components with temperatures up to 550° C. when the fabric is a woven glass fabric and as high as 1100° C. if the fabric is ceramic. The bonding means are stabile in temperatures up to 290° C. and provides a stabile and durable bonding also during temperature exposure of the laminate of 310° C. for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte membrane positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode; a separator including a channel for a flow of fuel and oxidant and closely adhered to the membrane electrode assembly; and a gasket with a two-layer structure stacked between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method for applying a pattern to a target surface includes the steps of applying a coating of membrane material over a selected portion of a substrate. The substrate imparts a pattern to the membrane material corresponding to a pattern to be applied to the target surface. A support member is positioned in contact with an outer portion of the membrane material. The support member has a higher rigidity than the membrane material. The method may also combine the steps of curing the membrane material to bond the support member to the membrane. When bonded to the membrane, the support member maintains at least a portion of the membrane in a substantially taut condition to prevent a portion of the membrane from folding onto itself. The membrane is then employed to impart the pattern to the target surface.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, in particular for producing a bond between optical liquid crystal data displays (LCDs), comprising an upper and a lower side with light-reflecting properties on the upper side and light-absorbing properties on the lower side and further comprising a support film with an upper and a lower side, each side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having an outer pressure-sensitive layer, and said adhesive tape being characterized in that at least one metallic reflective layer for the reflection of light is provided between the outer pressure-sensitive layers of at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, colored black, for the absorption of light and in that at least the outer pressure-sensitive layer on the upper side is transparent.

Abstract: A method of attaching MST devices to a support member via an adhesive film, the MST devices each having an attachment face with a first aperture and the support member having a mounting surface with second apertures corresponding to each of the first apertures respectively and a fiducial marker for each of the MST devices respectively, and the adhesive film having a plurality of openings. The method involving positioning the adhesive film using the fiducial marker and the corresponding opening such that the openings register with at least part of the second apertures in the mounting surface, applying the adhesive film to the mounting surface, positioning each of the MST devices relative to the respective openings, and, attaching the MST devices with heat and pressure such that the openings establish the respective first and second apertures.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive tape for producing or bonding optical liquid crystal data displays (LCD's) is disclosed. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape is constructed of an upper side and an underside, as well as a carrier film with an upper side and a lower side. At least one pressure sensitive adhesive layer is applied to both the upper and lower side of the adhesive tape. The adhesive tape also includes at least two black layers on one side of the carrier film between one of the outer pressure sensitive adhesives, and a silver-colored layer between the two black layers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a penetration resistant article comprising a plurality of substantially planar elements; each element comprising at least one fibrous layer formed of multifilaments having a linear density of at least 200 dtex, a tenacity of at least 10 grams per dtex, and an elongation to break of at least 2%; and superposed upon at least one of the fibrous layers, a polymer layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a thermoset polymer, or a polymer having glass transition temperature of ?40° C. to 0° C., a molecular weight (Mw) of 20,000 to 100,000, and a viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C.; the polymer layer covering and being adhered to from 25% to 75% of the area of the fibrous layer, wherein the area not covered by the polymer layer comprises a plurality of discrete areas.

Abstract: A multi-layer thin-film narrow-band filter is fabricated by a process wherein each half of a symmetric stack is deposited under exact conditions, either successively or contemporaneously. The two halves of the filter structure are then combined and bonded together using a wet bonding process that remains reversible for a period of time sufficient for testing the filter and, if necessary, for separating the two halves to regain access to the spacer layer. Accordingly, the spacer layer may be adjusted to shift the peak wavelength, if necessary, to the precise design specifications for a particular application. After correction, the components of the symmetric filter are bonded again using the same wet process.

Abstract: Information carrier precursor comprising a rigid sheet or support; a receiving layer configuration comprising at least one layer; and at least one substance, optionally provided pattern-wise, capable of and available for interacting in situ with at least one species diffusing through the receiving layer configuration to produce a functional species, wherein at least one layer of the receiving layer configuration is opaque, porous, has the capability of being rendered substantially transparent by penetration by a lacquer provided at the outermost surface of the receiving layer configuration and comprises at least one pigment and at least one binder; a method for producing the above-mentioned information carrier precursor; a method for producing an information carrier; and information carriers produced therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate for a flexible printed wiring board including an adhesive layer containing an epoxy resin composition, insulating layers respectively stacked on both sides of the adhesive layer and formed with a pair of films containing a nonthermoplastic polyimide resin, and conductor layers respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the films. The total thickness of the insulating layers respectively stacked on both sides of the adhesive layer is 10 to 100 ?m and 2 to 10 times the thickness of the adhesive layer. The mutual adhesion strength between the insulating layers through the intermediary of the adhesive layer is 7.0 N/cm or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of bonding two members together utilizing a stack of solid film adhesive and a layer of solid film adhesive, both disposed between the members. A pressure-applying device may be utilized to apply low pressure to force the members together. The pressure may force the stack to compress and expand in varying directions in order to substantially remove air-bubbles between the layer and one of the members. A heating device may be utilized to change the layer and the stack into liquid states in order to bond the members together with a void-free bond-line.

Abstract: An improved method for joining together the edge portions of first and second panels includes applying a heat curable adhesive along the edge portion of the first panel and then abutting the edge portion of the second panel with the edge portion of the first panel so that the adhesive is interposed between the edge portions of the first and second panels and the adhesive spaces the panels apart and provides a gap between the panels. A brazing material is melted and fills the gap and the heating of the panels by the brazing causes at least partial curing of the adhesive so that the panels are joined together by both brazing and adhesive bonding.

Abstract: An automobile trim has a trim body (a base layer) formed of a rubber composition and having a design surface, a decorating layer formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition and thermally bonded integrally with the design surface of the trim body. A thermal bonding layer is formed of a thermoplastic resin composition and interposed between the decorating layer and the trim body so that the decorating layer is thermally bonded integrally with the trim body through the thermal bonding layer. The thermal bonding layer has a thickness to an extent not to prevent bending flexibility when the trim is attached to a vehicle body. In another example, a cushion layer is laminated on the trim body and formed of sponge rubber of EPDM, a decorating layer is laminated on the cushion layer and formed by foaming olefin thermoplastic elastomer, and an olefin bonding layer for bonding the cushion layer and the decorating layer.

Abstract: A method of stacking a flexible substrate is provided. The method includes the steps of: preparing a carrier substrate; stacking an adhesive layer on the carrier substrate; and stacking a flexible substrate having at least one image display device on the adhesive layer using a laminating or pressing method. Thus, the flexible substrate is easily fabricated without modification of conventional mass-production equipment for fabricating a display, and thereby a lightweight, thin, and compact flexible display can be realized.

Abstract: A seven-layered laminated composite lumber 1 is constructed by stacking veneers 2, whose oven-dry specific gravity is 0.6 or larger, alternately with veneers 3, whose oven-dry specific gravity is 0.4 or less, and by bonding them together. The invention can thus provide a laminated composite lumber that is light in weight, is substantially resistant to warping and distortion, and yet retains the desired bending strength and nail holding power, and a method of producing such a laminated composite lumber.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure-sensitive adhesive for an optically functional film which can carry out adhesion with a good durability in adhesion of an optically functional film such as adhesion of a polarizing plate, particularly a polarizing plate integrated with a viewing angle expanding film and the like with a liquid crystal cell, adhesion of a polarizing plate with a retardation film, adhesion of a retardation film with a retardation film and adhesion of a retardation film with a liquid crystal cell and which has the characteristics that a liquid crystal display obtained therefrom is less liable to cause light leakage even under the environment of high temperature and high humidity and that static electricity is less liable to be produced when peeling off a release film from a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive for applying an optically functional film comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive resin and an antistatic agent, wherein a storage elastic modulus (G?) at 23° C. is 0.

Abstract: A footwear adhesion system including a thermoplastic film, a sole component, and a footwear component. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic film is a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) film. The film is sandwiched between the sole component and the footwear component. The film may be activated, for example, by high frequency welding, to form a bond between the sole component and the footwear component without releasing the amount of volatile organic compound emissions typical with conventional adhesives. Use of the film reduces or eliminates the need for conventional environmentally unfriendly cement in footwear construction.

Abstract: A plastic product is fabricated from plastic sheets by heat sealing the plastic sheets to form an enclosure member. In order to strengthen the heat-sealed joints of the plastic sheets, the plastic sheets are thickened at portions where the heat-sealed joints are to be formed. Preferably, the heat-sealed joints are formed in such a manner that the cross-section of the heat-sealed joints is smaller than that of the thickened portions of the plastic sheet, thereby preventing effectively the non-thickened portions of the plastic sheets from being affected adversely by the heat sealing process.

Abstract: One-component moisture-curing hot melt adhesive compositions based on reaction products from di- or polyisocyanates and polyether-polyols, crystalline or partly crystalline polyester-polyols and low molecular weight polymers from olefinically unsaturated monomers and optionally hydroxylated tackifying resins are suitable for high-strength and ageing-resistant gluing of profiles of plastics to one- or multilayer acrylate films.

Abstract: A pellicle membrane is mounted between an outer frame and an inner frame. At least one of the frames is attached to the reticle without using conventional adhesives. The pellicle and reticle may be used in a lithography system. The pellicle allows radiation to pass through the pellicle to the reticle and may prevent particles from passing through the pellicle.

Abstract: A novel gasket material. The gasket material has a foam core. The foam core is at least partially saturated with a curable polyurethane mix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a laminate suitable for a flexible circuit board which is free from visual defects such as wrinkles and curls that appear when a plurality of laminating materials containing a thermally fusible laminating material are formed by thermally laminating these materials each other using a thermal-press forming device, which comprises the steps of: arranging a heat resistant protective material between a pressing surface and the laminating materials, laminating the materials by thermal pressure at not lower than 200° C.

Abstract: A double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for fixing a touch panel to a display device wherein one surface of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is stuck to the surface of the touch panel while the other surface of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is stuck to a display surface of the display device, the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including: a transparent base; a first transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one surface of the transparent base; and a second transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the other surface of the transparent base; wherein the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is releasable and re-stickable to the display surface while being stuck to the touch panel.

Abstract: Hot-melt webs are located on an outer surface of a pad member and an inner surface of a cover member, individually. The pad member and the cover member are heated to melt the hot-melt webs by means of heaters from the sides opposite the webs, individually. As fibrous hot-melt adhesive elements are cut at every turn and separated to insular pieces, they are distributed like mist drops in the outer surface of the pad member and the inner surface of the cover member. Thereafter, the pad member and the cover member are superposed and pressurized so that they are bonded to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface by means of a water based adhesive composition by the following steps: (a) applying a layer of a hydrophilic solid material to a polymeric label to form a hydrophilic layer; (b) applying water or a water based adhesive to the hydrophilic layer to form a fastenable polymeric label; (c) fastening the fastenable polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface; and (d) allowing said the polymeric label to dry on the glass, plastic or metal container or surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical disc. The method includes the steps of peeling a release paper from a four layered adhesive sheet member, which is composed of an elongated release paper, a protective sheet attached to the release paper, an adhesive layer formed on the protective sheet, and a release paper formed on the adhesive layer. A three layered adhesive sheet member which results from the peeling of the release paper is applied to the single layered disc, the protective sheet is transferred and bonded to the surface of the single layered discs and the elongated release paper is peeled off from the protective sheet bonded to the single layered disc to expose the protective sheet on the upper side of the single layered disc.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyester/polyolefin laminate materials having improved properties. The invention also relates to copolyester/polyolefin laminate materials having improved properties. The laminates herein exhibit improved results in flammability studies. The invention further relates to methods of making laminate structures.

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to the area of a composite part masked by a secondary feature comprises the steps of positioning a pressure augmentation strip in contact with the masked area, securing a pressure transfer wedge on each of two sides of the secondary feature, such that pressure is transferred to the pressure augmentation strip during co-curing/co-bonding, and co-curing/co-bonding the composite part and the secondary feature. When the area between the composite part and the secondary feature is fairly large, the method can comprise the further steps of positioning a sine wave spring between the pressure augmentation strip and the secondary feature, injecting a structural paste adhesive into the voids around the sine wave spring, and curing the structural paste.

Abstract: A joining pin (3.2) with which two parts (1 and 2) made from a porous material, particularly wood or a wood-like material, are to be joined together, is anchored in the porous material at predetermined anchoring points (31, 33). For this purpose, a bore (4.2) with a closed inner end (41) is made in the parts (1 and 2). The shape of this bore (4.2) is so matched to the joining pin (3.2) that it can be introduced substantially without force expenditure into the bore and is positionable in a first position. At least one predetermined anchoring point (31, 33) between the joining pin (3.2) and the wall of the bore (4.2) is formed when pressure is built up by pressing the joining pin (3.2) with a pressing force (F) more deeply into the bore to a second position. Energy is supplied in a planned manner to the joining pin (3.2) so that at the predetermined anchoring points (31, 33) the thermoplastic material of the joining pin (3.2) is plasticized.

Abstract: A batch electrically connecting sheet makes it possible to form an electric connection with mechanical, thermal, and electrical stability at plural points of contact. A batch electrically connecting sheet comprises a heat-resistant sheet having plural perforations, conductive blocks, inserted in the perforations, having ridges including indentations and projections; the projections are outstanding from the perforations, and the conductive blocks are thicker than the heat-resistant sheet, and the heat-resistant sheet has an adhesive layer composed of a heat curable adhesive agent applied on at least one surface thereof, covering the projections of the conductive blocks.

Abstract: A method for forming a fusion bond between polymeric materials. Preferably, a detector detects thermal radiation being emitted from a fusion bond site while a laser beam impinges on and heats at least a portion of the bond site. In an aspect of the present invention the detector can provide an electrical signal to a signal processor for controllably adjusting the laser beam power. In another aspect of the present invention, the electrical signal may be substantially correlated to the temperature of at least a region of the bond site. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus for forming a fusion bond between polymeric materials. The apparatus includes a workpiece support, a laser, a detector, and a signal processor. The workpiece support preferably positions a first and second polymeric body so that a fusion bond site is formed. The laser impinges on at least a portion of the fusion bond site such that it emits thermal radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides, chemical mechanical polishing pad with improved polishing properties and longevity for polishing semiconductor wafers. The polishing pad comprises a thermoplastic backing film and a pressure sensitive adhesive coupled to the thermoplastic backing film. The pressure sensitive adhesive is configured to couple a chemical mechanical polishing pad to a polishing platen. The pressure sensitive adhesive is further configured to provide an interface capable of substantially preventing delamination of the polishing pad from the polishing platen for at least about 4 days exposure to a polishing slurry medium having a pH of about 4 or higher.

Abstract: An adhesive for semiconductor parts, comprising, as a base polymer, at least one cyclic structure-containing thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of (a) a cycloolefin polymer and (b) an aromatic-condensed polymer having a repeating unit of an aromatic ring in its main chain, and having a number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 500,000, an adhesive sheet formed of the adhesive, a semiconductor part package making use of the adhesive, and a production process of the package.

Abstract: An article having (a) a layer of fabric having a first surface and a second surface made of polytetrafluoroethylene fibers; and (b) a first composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said first composite disposed adjacent to said first surface of said fabric, wherein the article passes a Newark Flex test after 10,000 cycles. In another embodiment, the invention includes a second composite comprising (i) a porous PTFE film having interconnected passages and pathways and (ii) a fluoropolymer adhesive, wherein said fluoropolymer adhesive is at least partially contained in said passages and pathways of said PTFE film, said second composite disposed adjacent to said second surface of said fabric. The article of the present invention is preferably waterproof, fire retardant, and flexible.

Abstract: Plastic panels which are useful as automotive interior trim panels, interior door panels and the like decorative and structural panels, are made by a method which integrates insert sections in the surfaces of the panels and eliminates insert edge trim molding strips. The method includes bonding, via an adhesive film, at least the edge portions of the inserts upon a thin plastic sheet, pre-sized blank, then removing the plastic sheet portions and adhesive film that overlap the insert within the bonded portions; next, positioning the blank in a mold against a mold face and molding in situ and simultaneously bonding a plastic substrate against the blank and the exposed surface of the insert. A substantially continuous, channel forming means, such as a narrow rib or a groove, on the mold face, is overlapped by the bonded insert edge portions and sheet portion, which are folded by said means to form a narrow, relatively deep channel. The insert edges are part of and, consequently, are concealed within the channel.

Abstract: The strength of wood composites, including hybrid composites comprising wood members bonded to reinforced polyester members, is improved by modifying the polyester components with a polyisocyanate. Wood composites adhesively bonded with polyester resins modified according to this invention are particularly desirable for use in applications where exterior exposure is contemplated.

Abstract: Two circuit bearing substrates, such as a rigid electronic circuit board and a flexible circuit film, each having large arrays or multiple arrays of surface contact pads or traces, are mechanically and electrically joined without relocating the substrates during the bonding process by using a bonding apparatus with multiple working tools or bond shoes. The bonding apparatus includes a fixture for holding the circuit bearing substrates with a joining layer between them, and two or more independently operated heated bond shoes that compress different portions of the circuit bearing substrates with the joining layer, such as a layer of anisotropic conductive film.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated systems comprising macroscale devices interfaced with microscale devices and methods for making these systems.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite sheet by joining a second web made of thermoplastic synthetic fiber and capable of inelastic extension to at least one surface of a first web capable of elastic stretch and contraction in an intermittent manner. The process involves a step of extending the first web and a step of allowing the first web to retract, and a step of joining a second web to the second web while in a retracted state are included.

Abstract: A method for bonding heat sinks to packaged electronic components comprises the steps of: (a) exposing to a plasma a surface of a molded polymer formed on a substrate; (b) allowing the plasma to at least partially convert silicon-containing residue on the surface to silica; and (c) bonding an article to the surface by applying an adherent between the article and the surface. Often, the silicon-containing residue is silicone oil, a mold release compound, which may prevent the formation of a bond when using conventional bonding methods and materials. The silica layer formed on the surface of the molded polymer assists in formation of a proper bond. The plasma may be an oxygen plasma and the adherent may be selected from either a heat cured silicone-based paste adhesive with a metal oxide filler or a heat cured porous polymer film impregnated with adhesive.

Abstract: In a method of mechanical processing in which mechanical processing is performed while a coolant 19 is sprinkled over a workpiece 13 fastened to a fixing surface using a coagulating agent, any agent having melting point equal to or higher than ordinary temperature from among calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, polyethylene glycol, and paraffin is used as the coagulating agent 12 for fastening the workpiece 13 to a workpiece-fastening stage 14 as the fixing surface, the coagulating agent 12 being solidified to thereby fasten the workpiece 13 to the workpiece-fastening stage 14, and a coolant 19 at an ordinary temperature is used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a front plate for plasma display panels with the transparent substrate, electroconductive member and optical film fast adhered to each other, easily produced by a simple process, and excellent in productivity. The present invention further provides a method of producing the same. The present invention provides a front plate for plasma display panels comprising a transparent substrate laminated, at least on one side, with an electroconductive member and at least one type of optical film to form a monolithic structure, wherein (a) two types of adhesive layers of tackifier layer and heat-bond film are orderly placed between the optical film as the outermost layer and the adjacent member, and (b) the transparent substrate, electroconductive member and at least one type of optical film are pressed under heating.

Abstract: A printed wiring board is formed from two or more layers, one of which has circuit lines formed thereon, and wherein the surfaces of the circuit lines are roughened only in areas that require good copper to laminate adhesion. The remainder of the circuit line surfaces are smooth. Thus, those areas for propagation of the signal on signal lines have the circuit lines smooth to maximize the signal propagation effect, while those areas where the signal propagation is not critical are rough, which improves the adhesion of one layer to another. On the voltage planes, the surface in those regions opposite the smooth surfaces of the signal planes is smooth. Thus, these areas of the voltage planes can be maintained smooth while the other areas of the surface of the voltage planes can be roughened, providing good adhesion to the adjoining dielectric material.

Abstract: A resin impregnated overlay is applied to a wood veneer, which in turn may be adhered to a substrate.

Abstract: A double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for fixing a touch panel to a display device wherein one surface of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is stuck to the surface of the touch panel while the other surface of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is stuck to a display surface of the display device, the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including: a transparent base; a first transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one surface of the transparent base; and a second transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the other surface of the transparent base; wherein the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is releasable and re-stickable to the display surface while being stuck to the touch panel.

Abstract: A system for permanently associating identifying indicia with a previously manufactured product. Silicone sheet material having imbedded therein a quantity of thermally activatable crosslinking catalyst is secured to the product. An indici-containing element is placed on the silicone sheet material and is then covered by another piece of the same type of silicone sheet material. Heat is then applied to the assembly to cause the pieces of silicone sheet material to crosslink together and encapsulate the indicia-containing element.

Abstract: A method of laminating a graphic sheet of material onto a substrate material, including the steps of positioning a substrate material, having a top and sides, into a desired position, disposing (a) at least one sheet of thermo-setting adhesive on the top of the substrate material, disposing (b) at least one opaque white melamine sheet on the at least one adhesive sheet, disposing the (c) graphic sheet of material on the at least one opaque white melamine sheet, disposing a (d) at least one clear sheet of melamine on the graphic sheet of material, disposing a (e) at least one release paper sheet on the at least one clear sheet of melamine, applying heat to the sheets a, b, c, d and e, and applying pressure to force said sheets a, b, c, d and e against the substrate to thereby cause bonding of said sheets a, b, c and d together and to the substrate. A preferred product produced by the method is formed with a ceramic tile as the substrate and a printed paper sheet as the graphic sheet of material.