Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheet with a discernable image. The retroreflective sheet comprises a transparent polymeric spacing layer having a first surface and a second surface; a layer of transparent microsphere lenses embedded into the first surface of the spacing layer at varying depths forming an image, wherein the spacing layer adheres to and conforms to the microspheres; and a reflective layer adhered to the second surface of the spacing layer. The present invention also provides methods for preparing such retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and article to simultaneously thermally treat at least two thermoplastics when one of the thermoplastics is an oxygen inert material and the other is an oxygen sensitive material, and the article also contains a promoter that converts the oxygen sensitive material to an oxygen reactive material when brought in contact with the oxygen sensitive material. The process utilizes the compartmentalized pellet, also known as a zoned pellet, construction wherein the major amount of each component is located within individual compartments or zones of the pellet such that the reactions with compounds in the atmosphere such as oxygen are less than the reaction if the thermoplastics were homogeneously dispersed in the pellet. This is of particular use to oxygen scavenging systems.

Abstract: A process, method and/or system for preparing polymer-coated nanoparticles and/or other ultrafine particles utilizing a supercritical fluid, e.g., supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2), as an antisolvent that may be added to a solution of a polymer and an organic solvent in which insoluble nanoparticles or the like are suspended. The coating process occurs when the supercritical fluid (e.g., SC CO2) and the nanoparticle-containing suspension are combined to cause the suspended nanoparticles to precipitate as coated nanoparticles. Processing parameters for optimizing and/or enhancing the efficacy and/or efficiency of the coating process, method and/or system and for controlling the coating and/or agglomeration of coated particles are also described. The process, method and/or system has wide ranging applicability, e.g., for coating and/or encapsulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, chemicals, agrochemicals, pesticides, polymers, coatings, catalysts and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing nuclear fuel including the step of depositing at least two adjacent series of layers (16, 18) around a kernel (12) of fissile material, each series comprising a layer of pyrolytic carbon (16) contiguous with a layer of silicon carbide (18) and each layer (16, 18) having a thickness of at most (10) ricrometres, such that alternate layers of (16, 18) of pyrolytic carbon and silicon carbide are deposited around the kernel (12). The invention extends to a nuclear fuel element (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to an antistatic layered panel (1) including a substrate (2) and one or more layers (3, 4) on top of said substrate, said one or more layers comprising a decorative covering layer (3). At least one of the layers on top of said substrate comprises a synthetic resin and is consolidated by pressure with one or more of the other layers. The panel contains at least one antistatic agent evenly distributed in said synthetic resin over the surface of the panel. The invention relates also to methods of its manufacture and in particular to such antistatic laminated floor panels.

Abstract: A method of forming a film is provided. Nanoparticles are deposited on a surface of a substrate using a liquid deposition process. The nanoparticles are linked to each other and to the surface using linker molecules. A coating having a surface energy of less than 70 dyne/cm is deposited over the film to form a coated film. The coated film has an RMS surface roughness of 25 nm to 500 nm, a film coverage of 25% to 60%, a surface energy of less than 70 dyne/cm; and a durability of 10 to 5000 microNewtons. Depending on the particular environment in which the film is to be used, a durability of 10 to 500 microNewtons may be preferred. A film thickness 3 to 100 times the RMS surface roughness of the film is preferred.

Abstract: The invention discloses multilayer allochroic pigments having angle dependence of the interference colors and the production processes thereof, in which a synthetic flake of silicate is used as the substrate, and a metal oxide coating with refractive index of more than 1.8 and an oxide coating with refractive index of less than 1.8 are deposited alternately on a surface of the flake of silicate, the number of the coatings is at least three, and said oxide coating with refractive index of less than 1.8 always lies between two metal oxide coatings with refractive index of more than 1.8. The processes involve a wet chemical hydrolysis step to alternately deposit said oxide coating with high refractive index and said oxide coating with high refractive index on the surface of the flake of silicate. The present pigments, which exhibit different strong interference colors as observed at different view angles, could be produced at a low cost and by a simple process.

Abstract: A method of preparing coated titanium dioxide particles is provided wherein a zirconium oxide coating and an aluminum oxide coating are formed on the surface of titanium dioxide particles. The zirconium oxide-forming and aluminum oxide-forming coating materials can be used to control the pH of the surface treatment process without the need for adding pH controlling agents.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting pigment includes nanoscale reservoirs (nanoreservoirs) of corrosion inhibitor for active corrosion protection of metallic products and structures, wherein the nanoreservoirs include a polymer or polyelectrolyte shell which is sensitive to a specific trigger and capable of releasing the inhibitor after action of the trigger. An anti-corrosive coating with self-healing properties includes the pigment, methods for preparing the pigment, in particular by layer-by-layer deposition, as well as methods of use of the pigment.

Abstract: A method for preparing composite nanoparticles comprised of a nickel ferrite core having a photocatalytic shell comprised of titania. The method is a combined reverse micelle plus chemical precipitation method that can be controlled to produce nanoparticles having a substantially uniform size and spherical shape.

Abstract: Process for improving the insulating capacity of expanded vinyl aromatic which comprises: 1) preparing beads of expandable vinyl aromatic polymers containing 1-10% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer, of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix and 0.001-25% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an athermanous additive comprising carbon black homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix; 2) treating the surface of the beads, before deposition of the coating, with a liquid lubricating agent; and 3) thermally treating the beads with hot air at a temperature ranging from 30 to 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles comprising at least carbon particles, platinum and ruthenium oxide, wherein the carbon particles support platinum and ruthenium oxide having an average particle diameter of 1 nm or less, and a method for producing the same, and to a power generating element for a fuel cell in which the particles are used as a catalyst for an electrode.

Abstract: Provides a non-white construction surface comprising a substrate, a first reflective coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the substrate, the coated substrate exhibiting a minimum direct solar reflectance value of at least about 25%, and a second reflective coating on at least a portion of the first reflective coating, wherein the combination of the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating provide the substrate with at least one of (i) a reflectivity of at least about 20% at substantially all points in the wavelength range between 770 and 2500 nm, and (ii) a summed reflectance value of at least 7000 as measured in the range between 770 and 2500 nm inclusive. Also provided are various substrates having the coatings described as well as methods of providing the described construction surfaces.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide a conductive particle which has excellent adhesion between a base particle and a conductive layer, a conductive layer being resistant to breaking, impact resistance being improved, and an anisotropic conductive material using the conductive particle. The prevent invention is a conductive particle, which comprises a base particle and a conductive layer formed on a surface of said base particle, said conductive layer having a non-crystal nickel plating layer in contact with the surface of said base particle and a crystal nickel plating layer, and a proportion of a nickel crystal grain aggregate oriented in a nickel (111) plane derived from an integrated intensity ratio in X-ray diffraction measurement being 80% or more.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a product including a friction material including a mat including a plurality of fibers including carbon fibers, and a silicon component including at least one of silicon carbide, silica, silicon or other silicon-based compounds.

Abstract: A method of providing a comestible plant material taken orally by coating a micronized plant material with a first layer of polysaccharides or proteins, then a second layer of polysaccharides or proteins is disclosed. A bi-encapsulated plant material produced by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Duloxetine pellets having an enteric coating containing a polymethacrylate polymer can be formed with desirable release rates/profile and stability.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid coating to a deicer composition, methods of applying a liquid coating to a deicer composition, and solid deicer compositions that have been coated using the apparatus or method of the invention are disclosed. The apparatus includes a screw conveyor that has a housing, at least one screw with a plurality of flights, an inlet for uncoated deicer, an inlet for a liquid coating composition, and an outlet for deicer coated with the liquid coating composition. The screws contain protrusions or tabs that extend from the surrounding surface of the screw. These protrusions or tabs aid in the mixing of the solid deicer and the liquid coating composition in order to provide a well-mixed deicer that resists caking while avoiding losing the coating composition to leaching.

Abstract: A film contains a first polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond donating moieties, and a second polymer having a plurality of hydrogen bond accepting moieties. The second polymer is hydrogen bonded to the first polymer.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide highly anti-corrosive thin platelet-like metal pigments which have high corrosion resistance and good dispersibility even in a strong alkaline atmosphere thereby maintaining the inherent metallic luster of thin platelet-like metal substrates. [Solution] The highly anti-corrosive thin platelet-like metal pigments in which the surface of thin platelet-like metal substrates are treated with phosphoric acid compounds and/or boric acid compounds, and further coated with a layer containing hydrated tin oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a platelike color effect pigment having the following structure: a) a metallic reflective core; b) a spacer layer made of a dielectric material, and; c) an, all in all, semitransparent absorber layer comprising, in essence, discrete metal particles that have an average diameter of 1 to 100 nm and optionally at least one other protective layer.

Abstract: The spray powder can be used for the manufacture of a thermally insulating layer which is resistant to high temperatures. A coating of this kind, a so-called TBC, can be produced on a substrate by means of a thermal spraying process. The substrate can already be coated with a single- or multi-layered part coating, in particular a primer. At least one thermally insulating functional material is used, which on the one hand has a lower thermal conductivity than the substrate and on the other hand forms a chemically and thermally stable phase at high temperatures. The spray powder comprises particles (1) which respectively have an agglomerate-like micro-structure (2) which is formed by a plurality of granules (3) adhering to each other. These granules are made up of the functional material or the functional materials. At least one further component is present made of an additive (4) or a plurality of additives.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of organic material comprising an organic substrate and at least one dielectric layer consisting of one or more oxides of a metal selected from groups 3 to 15 of the periodic table, which comprises the steps of: (a) suspending the organic material in an aqueous solution of fluorine scavenger; (b) adding an aqueous solution of one or more fluorine containing metal complexes which are the precursors of the desired metal oxide coating; and (c) subjecting said suspension to microwave radiation to deposit the metal oxide onto said organic material, wherein steps (b) and (c) can optionally be repeated using different fluorine containing metal complexes to produce one or more metal oxide layers. The substrate can be optionally dissolved with solvent to yield free metal oxide or mixed metal oxides that have a plane-parallel structure.

Abstract: Provides a non-white construction surface comprising a substrate, a first reflective coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the substrate, the coated substrate exhibiting a minimum direct solar reflectance value of at least about 25%, and a second reflective coating on at least a portion of the first reflective coating, wherein the combination of the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating provide the substrate with at least one of (i) a reflectivity of at least about 20% at substantially all points in the wavelength range between 770 and 2500 nm, and (ii) a summed reflectance value of at least 7000 as measured in the range between 770 and 2500 nm inclusive. Also provided are various substrates having the coatings described as well as methods of providing the described construction surfaces.

Abstract: Roofing granules having a color coating layer are covered with a clear, transparent or translucent outer coating composition including a functional material, such nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free flowing coated particles and low temperature methods of making same. Each particle has a curable coating disposed upon a substrate. The substrate is a particulate substrate including an inorganic material, a particulate substrate including an organic material, a composite substantially homogeneous formed particle including a first portion of an at least partly cured binder and filler particles, or a hybrid particle having an inorganic particle as a core and a composite coating including at least partially cured resin and filler. The curable coating includes a continuous phase including resole resin and reactive powder particles embedded or adhered to the continuous phase. The reactive powder particles typically include resole resin, novolak resin, polyester, acrylic and/or urethane. A method including applying a coating including the continuous phase including resole resin and reactive or non-reactive powder particles embedded or adhered to the continuous phase.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an asymmetrical orientable flake for use in a carrier. The flake includes a metal reflector layer and a coating of a carrier-repellent material coated on a single side of the flake, for orienting the flake in the carrier so that the flake rests upon the carrier having a first side at least partially out of the carrier and a second side immersed in the carrier. The flake has an asymmetrical feature, such as a color shifting coating on a single surface of the reflector layer. Alternatively, the asymmetrical feature is either a relief symbol or an asymmetrical profile of the flake.

Abstract: Plastic conductive particles having an outer diameter of 2.5 ?m˜1 mm obtained by sequentially plating a 0.1˜10 ?m thick metal plating layer and a 1˜100 ?m thick Pb solder layer or a Pb-free solder layer on plastic core beads having a high elastic modulus of compression, and a method of manufacturing thereof.

Abstract: A new, facile, general one-phase method of generating thiol-functionalized transition metal nanoparticles and surface modified by (co)polymers synthesized by the RAFT method is described. The method includes the steps of forming a (co)polymer in aqueous solution using the RAFT methodology, forming a collidal transition metal precursor solution from an appropriate transition metal; adding the metal precursor solution or surface to the (co)polymer solution, adding a reducing agent into the solution to reduce the metal colloid in situ to produce the stabilized nanoparticles or surface, and isolating the stabilized nanoparticles or surface in a manner such that aggregation is minimized. The functionalized surfaces generated using these methods can further undergo planar surface modifications, such as fuctionalization with a variety of different chemical groups, expanding their utility and application.

Abstract: Metallic particles for electrokinetic or electrostatic deposition, and a method for making such particles, comprising metallic particle bodies, an organic acid film on the particle bodies, and a charge director adhered to the organic acid film.

Abstract: Methods of producing stabilized composite nanoparticles comprising a nanoparticle and a multiple polyelectrolyte stabilizing moiety layer, a method of producing a multilayer stabilized composite nanoparticle, and such nanoparticles.

Abstract: A hollow microsphere particle generator comprising at least one inlet for receiving at least one shell fluid; an inlet for receiving a core fluid, an inlet for receiving a sheath fluid; a fluid outlet, from which the at least one shell fluid and the core fluid exit in a continuous stream arranged such that the core fluid coaxially covered by the at least one shell fluid to form a continuous casting stream; and a discretizer capable of discretizing the continuous casting stream into discrete units to form the hollow spherical particles. The at least one shell fluid and the core fluid form the continuous coaxial casting fluid stream that exits at the fluid outlet. The casting fluid stream is discretized upon exiting the outlet, and dispensed into a sheathing fluid stream formed from the sheathing fluid such that exposure to air is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyfunctional polymer networks comprising an assembly of cross-linked polymer subchains attached to a surface, with each polymer subchain comprising a multitude of identical or different repeating units carrying one or more functional groups which allows an interaction with a sample or probe molecule.

Abstract: This invention releases the preparation method and equipment of graphite and catalyst composite for a kind of synthetic diamond. Firstly the clean graphite particle shall be placed into the heating chamber for pre-heating, the lower limit of the heating temperature shall be higher than the boiling point of the coated carbonyl metal complex and the upper limit of the heating temperature shall be set according to the thickness of the coating needed; secondly, the heated graphite particle will be fed into the coating room with vibrator or agitator and the steam of carbonyl metal complex shall be input for coating; finally the coated graphite particle shall be fed into the cooling and passivation room for cooling and passivation of the discharging materials or enter the next round circle of heating and coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powdered lithium transition metal oxide useful as a major component for cathode active material of rechargeable lithium batteries, comprising a lithium transition metal oxide particle, a doped interface layer formed near the surface of the particle, and a thermodynamically and mechanically stable outer layer, and a method of preparing the same.

Abstract: The first subject of this invention is a column packing material comprising: a silica gel having a silanol group; a first chemical modification group which is bound to said silanol group; a silicone polymer for coating the surface of said silica gel; and, a trimethylsilyl group which is bound to the silanol group on said silicone polymer and/or the silanol group on said silica gel.

Abstract: A particle for use in an electrophoretic display comprises a light-scattering inorganic core and a light-transmissive colored shell of an organic pigment. The core may be titania and the shell may be formed of particles having an average particle size less than 700 nm. The particles are produced by treating a light-scattering inorganic pigment with a polymer which adsorbs on both the inorganic pigment and an organic pigment; and adding the organic pigment and allowing the organic pigment to mix with the polymer-coated inorganic pigment. The particles may have a polymer coating.

Abstract: A stabilized solid controlled release dosage form having a coating derived from an aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose is obtained by overcoating a substrate including a therapeutically active with an aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose and then curing the coated substrate at a temperature and relative humidity elevated to a suitable level above ambient conditions until the coated dosage form attains a stabilized dissolution profile substantially unaffected by exposure to storage conditions of elevated temperature and/or elevated relative humidity.

Abstract: Method of electrostatically applying powder material to a substrate, wherein the substrate is a pharmaceutical substrate and the powder material is pharmaceutically acceptable. At least some of the particles of the material comprise a core and a shell surrounding the core, and the material of the core and the shell have different physical and/or chemical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particle comprising a particulate substrate; and a thermoplastic elastomer present on or in the substrate as an amount sufficient to improve the dust suppression of the particle above that which would occur if the thermoplastic elastomer was absent. Disclosed herein is a particle comprising a particulate substrate; and a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the particle has a compressive strength retention of greater than about 50% as measured by a UCS test and a turbidity of about 10 to 200 NTU after a one hour ball mill test.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silica substrate treated with a polysiloxane, and an organosilane, wherein the organosilane is described by the formula: RSi(R?)x(OR?)3-x; wherein R is a long-chain hydrocarbon group having between about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, which may also contain organofunctional groups such as vinyl, methacryl, amino, sulfur, and epoxy groups; R? and R? are independently selected from a methyl and ethyl group; and X is either 0 or 1. The optimal use for the treated silica substrate is as a rheology modifier in epoxy polymer materials, however, the silica substrate could also be used in other chemical compositions such as polyurethanes, polyesters, silicones, and hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has an inorganic aluminum oxyhydroxide core, or part aluminum oxyhydroxide core and a surface-bonded organic shell. Organic carboxylic acids of this invention contain at least one carboxylic acid group and one carbon-hydrogen bond. One embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with two or more acids one of which additional carries at least one reactive functional group.

Abstract: A target for use in photogrammetric analysis that does not distort the object to be analyzed has been developed. The target is formed by mixing a diffuse material with a solvent and then applying the mixture to the surface of the object to be analyzed. The object is then coated with a reflective material so that the diffuse material forms a reflective target suitable for use in photogrammetric analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of preparing a nanocomposite: (a) providing a first solution having a first organic solvent comprising a non-alkali metal salt, a carboxylic acid comprising at least one aryl group, and a polymer dissolved therein; (b) providing a sulfide material; (c) combining the first solution and the sulfide material; and (d) isolating the nanocomposite, wherein the nanocomposite comprises the polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein each nanoparticle comprises at least one metal sulfide nanocrystal having a surface modified with the carboxylic acid comprising at least one aryl group. The present disclosure also provides the nanocomposites and articles prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the post-treatment of titanium dioxide, in order to produce particularly weather-resistant titanium dioxide pigments with good optical properties. The method is characterized in that, together with the hydrous oxides of tin and zirconium, at least one other from the group comprising aluminium, silicon and titanium is additionally precipitated onto the particle surface. The post-treatment components are added to the aqueous TiO2 suspension either in the acidic range (pH value of 3 at most) or in the alkaline range (pH value of 10 at least). The pH value is subsequently set to between 6 and 8. Final tempering of the pigment at elevated temperatures from over 125° C. to up to 500° C. can improve the tone b. The pigment is particularly suitable for use in paints, coatings and plastics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silica substrate treated with a polysiloxane, and an organosilane, wherein the organosilane is described by the formula: RSi(R?)x(OR?)3-x; wherein R is a long-chain hydrocarbon group having between about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, which may also contain organofunctional groups such as vinyl, methacryl, amino, sulfur, and epoxy groups; R? and R? are independently selected from a methyl and ethyl group; and X is either 0 or 1. The optimal use for the treated silica substrate is as a rheology modifier in epoxy polymer materials, however, the silica substrate could also be used in other chemical compositions such as polyurethanes, polyesters, silicones, and hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of surface modified particles and to a multi-step surface modification process for the preparation of the same. The multi-step surface functionalization process involves two or more reactions to produce particles that are compatible with various host systems and/or to provide the particles with particular chemical reactivities. The initial step comprises the attachment of a small organic compound to the surface of the inorganic particle. The subsequent steps attach additional compounds to the previously attached organic compounds through organic linking groups.

Abstract: Metal oxide coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three dimensional substrate having a coating of metal oxide on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof and having a polymeric inner core, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of tin oxide coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as flakes, spheres and porous substrates are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymers, catalysis, heating and shielding applications.

Abstract: Particles have an ultrathin, conformal coating are made using atomic layer deposition methods. The base particles include ceramic and metallic materials. The coatings can also be ceramic or metal materials that can be deposited in a binary reaction sequence. The coated particles are useful as fillers for electronic packaging applications, for making ceramic or cermet parts, as supported catalysts, as well as other applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a film-forming titanium dioxide dispersion for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces exposed to light, by depositing a film of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on said surfaces, the continuous phase of said dispersion comprising water and/or at least an alcohol with boiling point at less than 120° C., said dispersion having, when it comprises water, a pH different by at least 1 unit of the value of the titanium dioxide isoelectric pH in said dispersion. The invention also concerns a film-forming titanium dioxide dispersion further comprises a film-forming polymer. The invention further concerns a method for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces exposed to light which consists in depositing and then drying on said surfaces a titanium oxide film-forming dispersion.