Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a self-support optical cable, a support wire and an optical cable body arranged in parallel are fed with each other; a sheath into an eight figure shape is extruded by an extruder to collectively coat the outer circumferences of the support wire and the optical cable body with the sheath, and thereafter, the self-support optical cable is cooled before hardening while the cable passes through a plurality of guide wheels so that an excess length is given to the optical cable body.

Abstract: An improved package and method for manufacturing extruded monofilament string trimmer line incorporates preconditioning of the line to provide a high moisture content. Straight line segments are produced by feeding the extruded line through a straight guide after surface cooling or quenching and cutting the line segments as the line exits the guide. The line then is packaged in a sealed package with a removable cap to permit withdrawal of line from the package. A moisture-laden sponge may be placed within the bottom of the package to maintain a high humidity within the package. Copper chloride or cobalt chloride salts also may be coated on the line, or added to the plastic forming the line to provide a color indication of the relative moisture content of the line.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing cellulose fibers or yarns with a reduced tendency to form fibrils includes treating fibers or yarns, which are washed after the filament forming process but not yet dried, with a cross-linking agent. The process includes treating the fibers or yarns with reactive polysiloxanes which are modified with amino, polyalkylene oxide, epoxy or carboxyl functional groups and which cross-link with themselves. The process is particularly suitable for fibers produced according to the NMMO process.

Abstract: A heating furnace is used in a drawing device for drawing a base material made of plastic. The base material is fed into the heating furnace, melted under heat and drawn into a plastic optical fiber. The heating furnace is divided into a pre-heating zone located upstream and a heat-melting zone located downstream in the advancing direction of the base material and of the plastic optical fiber made therefrom. The preheating zone includes a pre-heater for pre-heating the base material, while the heat-melting zone includes a melting heater for melting the base material. Both zones are controllable independently so as to give an appropriate temperature for each zone.

Abstract: An electronic part having a complicated internal configuration is integrally molded without dividing the configuration into a plurality of sections, thereby reducing the cost and improving the quality of the electronic part.

Abstract: A method of making mesoporous carbon involves combining a carbon precursor and a pore former. At least a portion of the pore former dissolves molecularly in the carbon precursor. The pore former has a decomposition or volatilization temperature above the curing temperature and below the carbonization temperature of the carbon precursor. The carbon precursor is cured, carbonized, and optionally activated, and at the same time the pore former is removed.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating material, such as a urethane, to an outer dimpled surface of a golf ball by forming a first mold cavity between upper and lower mold dies configured and adapted for molding a golf ball, molding a golf ball having an outer dimpled surface within the first mold cavity under a first pressure greater than ambient pressure until the golf ball is sufficiently cured to receive a coating that will not substantially penetrate the outer dimpled surface of the ball, opening the first mold cavity and transferring the molded but uncoated golf ball to a second mold cavity, preparing an in-mold golf ball coating composition, introducing a sufficient amount of the coating composition into the second mold cavity between the outer dimpled surface of the golf ball and an inner surface of said second mold cavity to substantially surround and coat the outer surface of said golf ball, curing said coating composition to form a coated golf ball having at least one layer of said coating composition, and

Abstract: Formulation polymer dopes and development of processes for preparing asymmetric polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes for gas separation are provided. Polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes which exhibit improved gas permeability and selectivity have been produced from a formulated polymer dope containing N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and suitable nonsolvent-additives (NSA). The nonsolvent-additives are water and the mixture of ethanol and water. The dopes were tailored to be close to the point of phase separation, and have moderate polymer concentration with moderate viscosity. The hollow fibers were spun by the dry-wet phase inversion processes using water as both the internal and external coagulant. The dried hollow fibers are then coated with silicone rubber, a highly permeable material and the coated hollow fiber membranes exhibit excellent permeability and selectivity compared to those of the state-of-the-art polyethersulfone membranes.

Abstract: An electronic part, which has a complicated internal configuration and has a movable part rotatably and movably accommodated therein, is integrally molded without dividing the configuration into a plurality of sections to carry out a number of molding operations for separate sections of the electronic part, thereby reducing the cost and enhancing the quality of the electronic part.

Abstract: A process for forming ultrathin dense-layer asymmetric hollow fiber membranes with a dense layer of less than 500 .ANG. from a binary solution system comprising a polymer and a solvent. In this process, the spinning polymeric solution has a high viscosity and exhibits chain entanglement at the spinning temperature. The solubility parameter difference between the bore fluid and the spinning dope is less than 2.5 (cal/cm.sup.3).sup.0.5 and the volume ratio of bore-fluid flow rate to the dope flow rate is between 0.45 to 0.75. The dope is wet-spun into hollow fibers using water as external coagulant. The ultrathin dense-layer asymmetric hollow fiber membranes are suitable for air and other gas separations.

Abstract: A plastic optical fiber is provided with a desired length and with a desired graded refractive index. To this end, a base polymer is first mixed with a non-polymerizable compound having a higher refractive index to obtain a fiber material. This material is then melted and continually spun into a fiber. The fiber is dipped into a polymerizable monomer and heated, during which both the non-polymerizable monomer and the polymerizable monomer diffuse inside the fiber, thereby grading the refractive index. When the fiber is heated, the diffused polymerizable monomer is polymerized and the fiber is hardened. The fiber is further coated with a cladding to form the desired plastic optical fiber. Various devices are provided for carrying out the above described processes.

Abstract: This invention disclose a process for producing a multi-layer biaxially oriented polypropylene synthetic paper of improved gloss and easy-drying printability by means of 3-layer co-extrusion wherein two different PP resin composites are separately extruded by one primary and two secondary extruders and then co-flowed by a same T-die to form a paper sheet having three layer coating material sheet, and through cooling, bi-axial orientation, surface-coating by prime coating and top coating, winding and calendering to be a synthetic paper depending on the required thickness.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative surface texture on a plastic component is disclosed. A planar component, composed of PVC or other plastic material, is cut and routed according to a desired size and shape. The plastic component is then heated to a temperature and for a duration such that the upper and lower surfaces of the panel shrink and the corners or edges of the panel, as well as its cut portions, melt. This produces an antique effect on the surface of the plastic component.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a fluid-pervious web comprising a first or wearer-contacting surface and a second or garment-facing surface. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The first and second surfaces are separated from one another by an intermediate portion. The first surface of the web provides a structure which exhibits a surface energy less than the surface energy of the intermediate portion. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a plurality of regions of comparatively low surface energy which define surface energy gradients where they interface with higher surface energy web surfaces. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fluid-pervious web having a plurality of small-scale surface energy gradients which are oriented and located so as to effectively transport fluid away from the first or wearer-contacting surface.

Abstract: A molding process in which a material with an open cell, porous structure 10 is placed, aligned or supported inside a suitable enclosed holding device. Another molding material 20 is subsequently injected into the said holding device while gas and/or pressure is sequentially applied to the said holding device, causing a synergistic interaction and joining between the said materials to take place. During the processing phase, gas is evenly dispersed throughout the porous core, effectively equalizing cavity pressure and permitting an even flow pattern to exist, encapsulating or sandwiching the said porous structure, thus forming a composite material with physical properties which are substantially greater than the individual components.

Abstract: A flexible composite surfacing film for providing a substrate with desired surface characteristics is disclosed. The film comprises a flexible temporary carrier film and a flexible transparent outer polymer clear coat layer releasably bonded to the temporary carrier film, the flexible outer polymer layer comprising an extruded thermoplastic polymer having a M.sub.w /M.sub.n ratio of 4 or lower. A pigmented base coat layer is adhered to said outer clear coat layer and is visible therethrough, and a thermoformable backing layer is adhered to the pigmented base coat layer. The film is produced by extruding a molten transparent thermoplastic polymer and applying the polymer to a flexible temporary carrier thereby forming a continuous thin transparent film.

Abstract: A method for making an apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is corona treated on one side, and has received a surfactant application that is distributed to both the corona treated and non-corona treated sides of the film. A method for application of surfactant includes applying the surfactant to one side of the film and rolling the film into a roll while the surfactant is still wet in order to apply surfactant to both sides of the film.

Abstract: Methods for producing plastic scintillating material employing either two major steps (tumble-mix) or a single major step (inline-coloring or inline-doping). Using the two step method, the polymer pellets are mixed with silicone oil, and the mixture is then tumble mixed with the dopants necessary to yield the proper response from the scintillator material. The mixture is then placed in a compounder and compounded in an inert gas atmosphere. The resultant scintillator material is then extruded and pelletized or formed. When only a single step is employed, the polymer pellets and dopants are metered into an inline-coloring extruding system. The mixture is then processed under a inert gas atmosphere, usually argon or nitrogen, to form plastic scintillator material in the form of either scintillator pellets, for subsequent processing, or as material in the direct formation of the final scintillator shape or form.

Abstract: A method for making a surface covering is disclosed which includes providing a surface covering having a backing layer, a foamable layer, and a design layer, wherein the design layer includes a portion of a pattern printed with at least one retarder composition. A wear layer is then provided on the design layer and the wear layer is cured. The foamable layer is thereby expanded to form a foam layer, and the pattern printed with at least one retarder composition is chemically embossed. The cured product is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature and then the top surface of the wear layer is subjected to a sufficient temperature to soften the wear layer. After being softened the wear layer is mechanically embossed with a surface texture, the embossed surface texture is set in the wear layer, and a top coat may then be provided on the embossed set wear layer. A surface covering having the various features described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical transmission line is formed and thereafter solidified using an optical transmission line forming material in the fluid condition. The optical transmission line formed between optical transmission terminals assures higher reliability and never generates disconnection or internal stress therein.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for producing a basic element of a multi-element fibre optic cable having a coating tool (6) for forming a tubular sheathing around a single optical fibre (3) or a fibre bundle formed of several optical fibres (3), and a pulling device (8) placed after the coating tool (6) for pulling the sheathing and the fibres forward as a unit. In order to produce a stable product, the tension (t.sub.3) of the fibres (3) passed to the coating tool (6) is kept continuously at a controlled level. The direction of travel of the fibres and the sheathing is kept straight before and at the pulling device (8), and the pulling device (8) is spaced from the coating tool (6) at a distance depending on the production rate of the production line, so that desired sliding of the fibres (30 inside the sheathing is provided at the pulling device (8).

Abstract: A plastic optical-fiber is provided having a desired length and a desired graded refractive index. To this end, a base polymer is mixed with a non-polymerizable compound having a higher refractive index to obtain a fiber material. This material is then transformed continuously into a fiber in a fiber-preparing unit. A plurality of diffusion tanks are each provided with a solution, each solution having a level of viscosity different from one another. The fiber is then dipped successively into the solutions in the order from a lowest viscosity level to a higher viscosity level. During this process, the non-polymerizable compound and polymerizable compound diffuse inside the fiber and form a graded refractive index distribution. The polymerizable compound is then polymerized and hardened in a drying-and-heating unit. The fiber thus obtained is drawn and coated with a cladding.

Abstract: The invention features a method of making a gradient-index polymer rod involving the steps of: combining a polymer with an additive, wherein the refractive index of the polymer material is different than the refractive index of the additive material; extruding the polymer and the additive into a polymer rod having a substantially uniform index of refraction profile; and immersing the rod having the substantially uniform index of refraction profile in a non-solvent under conditions and for a time that enables the non-solvent to permeate the rod and out-diffuse a portion of the additive material, thereby producing the gradient-index polymer rod. The rod produced by the method can be drawn into a graded index polymer fiber. The invention also features a gradient-index polymer rod (or fiber) of condensation-type polymer that is doped with an additive material.

Abstract: Compression molded pigmented door skins fabricated by compression molding a pigmented, curable, unsaturated polyester sheet molding compound containing a co-curable unsaturated monomer, a low profile additive, and a microvoid-reducing thermoplastic polymer, exhibit uniform stainability while maintaining a low linear thermal coefficient of expansion. Such door skins are suitable for preparing wood grain textured exterior insulated doors which exhibit minimal thermal deflection when exposed to interior/exterior temperature differentials, even at eight foot door heights. The doors may be stained without first applying a seal coat.

Abstract: An optical cable has tensile elements and supporting elements embedded in an extruded outside cladding. The tensile elements are hauled-off from a supply reel and introduced into an extruder head serving to manufacture the outside cladding. The supporting elements are manufactured in a coextrusion with the outside cladding by appropriate channels formed in the extruder head.

Abstract: Acrylic light pipe as described in Bigley et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,406,641 and 5,485,541, has adequate thermal stability for many purposes. It has been found that improved thermal stability, as reflected in color formation, can be imparted by adjusting the polymerization conditions to produce the uncured core polymer of the core/clad construction with a much reduced terminal vinyl content, preferably below 0.5 vinyl groups/1000 monomer units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a gas bag of an occupant restraining system in vehicles which is provided with an emblem, obtainable by direct printing of a predetermined surface of the cover made of plastic with one or more printing inks and/or by stamping an embossing foil on the predetermined surface of the cover.

Abstract: A material and product excellent in stability in the yarn forming process, small in the color shade contrast due to dyeing, to provide natural irregularity, having microscopic unevenness on the surface of a fabric, to provide dry touch to the eyes and by touch, and good in color fastness are disclosed.The polyamide based fibers of the present invention is a thick and thin yarn in which the unevenness of thickness in the length direction of the polyamide based multifilament is 5 to 20% and in which the standard deviation of the stress at 40% elongation in the stress-strain curve with a sample length of 20 cm is 0.3 g/d or less. The thick and thin yarn can be produced by a process, in which an undrawn polyamide based multifilament of 20.times.10.sup.-3 or less in birefringence .DELTA.n is drawn at a low ratio, comprising the steps of falsely twisting it at a position between a feed roller and a draw roller, drawing from 1.5 to 2.5 times, and thermosetting at 100.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to platelet-shaped interference pigments for effect paints for painting objects of daily use, especially vehicle bodies, with the interference pigments including liquid crystal polymers (LCP) with main and/or side groups--mesogens--which are arranged at least approximately chirally-nematically or the like. In order to be able to paint different colored backgrounds in a covering fashion using the transparent interference pigments, the interference pigments are built up in several layers and also have at least one and preferably two interfering layer(s) of liquid crystal polymers and even of a single, preferably centrally located, light-absorbent layer, with the light-absorbent layer absorbing at least a portion of the visible light spectrum. Advantageously the light-absorbent layer can absorb light in the entire visible light spectrum, in other words appear black.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a plastic optical fiber by drawing while melting an optical fiber preform under heating. The optical fiber preform includes at least a core containing an organic polymer and a cladding layer disposed on the outer circumference of the core and containing an organic polymer. The drawing is conducted under a drawing tension of 10 g or more, and preferably under a drawing tension of 100 g or less, until winding-up of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An uncoated lens, especially for use as the lens of a fog light or a headlight for an automobile, and having particularly good resistance against the environmental effects which are inherent in this environment, is formed of a colorless, transparent copolyamide having a glass transition temperature of at least a 170.degree. C., blended with a homopolyamide, and wherein the copolyamide is formed from at least one cycloaliphatic diamine with two cyclohexane rings, and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid which is predominantly isophthalic acid. The copolyamide may optionally contain up to 20 mol % of a further polyamide forming monomer of at least one lactam or an omega-aminocarboxylic acid. The homopolyamide is preferably one of PA6, PA11, PA12, PA66, PA69, PA610 or PA612. The cycloaliphatic diamine of the copolyamide is preferably bis(3-methyl-4-aminocyclohexyl)-methane.

Abstract: The invention provides in improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.

Abstract: A method of producing artificial rock formations such as rocks and waterfalls by (a) forming a flexible mold of latex, silicone or urethane from a master model; (b) forming a sectional fiberglass cradle to support the flexible mold; and (c) coating the flexible mold with layers of lacquer, non-foaming polyurethanepolyisocyanate, and foaming polyurethane-polyisocyanate; and (d) demolding and coating the final rock formation product with paint or a stain.

Abstract: A novel composite high-nitrile fiber in which the polymers are arranged in a sheath core type configuration. One polymer of the composite filament contains a solventless, waterless, melt-processable acrylonitrile olefinically unsaturated polymer and the other polymer of the composite filament contains an organic polymer. Either polymer can be employed as the sheath or the core component of the composite filament.

Abstract: It is possible to manufacture articles out of thermoplastic materials and to metallize the articles at their surface. In this way one can manufacture reflectors and similar articles. Most thermoplastic materials require processing steps prior to the metallization like application of primers, chemical etching and the like. The invention is based on the discovery that a certain type of materials can be metallized without any extra processing steps. The materials involved are polyestercarbonates or blends of polyestercarbonates and polycarbonate. This is quite surprising since polycarbonates can not be metallized in good quality without extra processing steps prior to the metallization step.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of extruding a plasticized inorganic powder mixture having a plasticizing organic binder carried in an aqueous vehicle, by passing the mixture through an extruder and then through a die to produce an extrudate. The improvement involves homogeneously blending in the extruder as part of the mixture, carbon dioxide in the supercritical and/or liquid form, to lower the viscosity of the mixture and produce an extrudate that is stiffer in a shorter time than it would be, absent the carbon dioxide, without increasing the extrusion pressure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the application of a pattern on a work piece of thermoplastic material, preferably plastic, in which method a material, preferably fabric, carrying a predetermined pattern, is brought into contact against said work piece, that the plastic material is heated to a predetermined temperature, and that said patterned material is allowed to remain in contact with the plastic material for a predetermined time, so that the pattern is completely or partly taken up by the work piece, whereupon said pattern carrying material is removed, a method for the production of an object from the work piece with simultaneous application of the pattern, as well as an object produced according to the method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a first embedding system (10) having a first envelope (12) which is made from a first envelope skin (12A) filled with a first envelope compressionable filling (12B). The first envelope skin (12A) is abrasion resistant and has properties of being permeable on the outside and non-permeable on the inside which allows a user to press an object into the first envelope compressionable filling (12B) forming an impression therein. The user thereafter sprays a catalyst onto the first envelope skin (12A) which reacts with the first envelope compressionable filling (12B) forming a permanent impression of the object within which the object is safely stored.

Abstract: A fiber treating composition and the emulsion of the composition, containing poly-N-vinylalkylamides and/or copolymers thereof, and polyols and/or derivatives thereof; and a synthetic filament production process with melt-spinning at 1,000 m/min or more spinning speed, wherein the above fiber treating composition is applied.

Abstract: A fastener tab for disposable diapers has improved tactile softness provided by surface morphologies of preselected projection and/or relief dimensions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing process of synthetic yarn and the produced yarn which has superior texture and brightness, and excellent color developing, hygroscopicity, and anti-static properties. A plurality of monofilaments is drawn out at an appropriate speed, dried and heated. Then a property enhancing agent containing a metallic salt, alcohol, optional solvent and optional additional functional agent, such as a hygroscopic agent, ultraviolet protecting agent, or resist agent, etc. is applied onto the surface of the filaments which are melted and flame bonded to each other. Multi-filaments are formed with spaces therebetween in which the functional agent remains inserted. The new synthetic yarn is produced after the multi-filaments are subjected to washing, drying and take-up procedures.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method of producing a strong, dimensionally stable object includes providing a three dimensional, rapid free form fabricated object having a hollow internal cavity and flowing a strengthening material such as an epoxy resin into the internal cavity.

Abstract: Conventionally produced edible tubular casing is improved in its mechanical properties by being exposed to ultraviolet spectra in the range of 180 nm to 420 nm. The so treated casing is humidified, collapsed and wound onto a reel. The reel of tubular casing may be transported to a point of use where it is unwound, inflated, shipped and cut into lengths as desired.

Abstract: An optical connector ferrule of this invention includes a holding portion arranged at a position along an inserting direction of optical fibers to constitute a front surface of the ferrule and having a plurality of first through holes for inserting the optical fibers therethrough and two second through holes for inserting guide pins, the holding portion holding portions of the optical fibers near distal ends thereof, the second through holes and the first through holes having central axes that are substantially parallel to each other, and the first through holes being arrayed in two rows in a direction connecting centers of the second through holes; and an optical fiber tape accommodating portion having an insertion opening for inserting therethrough optical fiber tapes having the optical fibers held by the holding portion, an internal space for partially accommodating the optical fiber tapes, and an injection opening for injecting therethrough an adhesive for adhering and fixing the inserted optical fiber ta

Abstract: A process for making a mineral fiber artificial log that can be used in vented and unvented gas fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and free-standing gas fire room heater to simulate the appearance of a real burning log. The process utilizes a screen mold formed from a pattern that can be made to give the desired exterior configuration and size for the formed log. The screen mold is placed in an outer porous jacket and then in a vacuum chamber. A slurry of the formulation containing mineral wool fibers, a suitable high temperature binder, and water is drawn into the mold while contained in the vacuum chamber, so liquid is drawn through the mold and mineral fibers are trapped in the mold. The log is formed to the size and shape of the mold. Once molded, the log is removed from the mold, dried in an oven, treated with a suitable rigidizing exterior coating, and again oven dried. The log is painted suitably, dried again, and packaged for sale.

Abstract: Methods and systems for readily and economically manufacturing hydraulically settable articles, particularly containers, from microstructurally engineered hydraulically settable mixtures. The mixture is pressed between a male die of a desired shape and a female die having a substantially complimentary configuration of the male die shape to immediately fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. To assist in imparting form stability, the dies can be heated or cooled. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the dies and dried under heated air to gain strength. The article can then receive printing or a coating, if desired, prior to packaging, shipping, and use.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and the passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.

Abstract: An integrated optical component is proposed, which has an optical component coupled to a waveguide. A buffer layer is provided for improving the coupling. The integrated optical component is produced with the aid of molding techniques. In the process an optical component is placed on a molding die and is adjustedly arranged on a waveguide by means of adjusting tabs. Following molding and removal of the molding die, the optical component is disposed, adjusted in respect to a waveguide, in a substrate plate. The waveguide is filled with a polymer and covered with a cover plate.

Abstract: A door assembly having a core positioned within a frame. The door assembly further includes a pair of opposed molded skins. There are edge adjacent the skins. The skins a made of a polymer material, a low profile additive and reinforcement fibers. Each of the skins has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface is adjacent the core. The exterior surface includes a textured pattern consisting of level portions and depressions. The depressions have a range in depth from a 0.025 mm to about 1.0 mm from the level portions. The skins further include undercuts adjacent the depressions. The undercuts have a range in extent of undercutting from about 0.025 mm to about 0.10 mm from the depressions.