Abstract: Very low glide height magneto-optical (LGMO) information storage and retrieval media of near field recording (NFR) and mahnetic super-resolution (MSR) types having improved tribological properties when used in ultra-high density storage/retrieval devices employing very small head flying heights on the order of less than about 2 microinches are formed in a front surface magneto-optical (FSMO) configuration utilizing a substrate having at least one deposition surface subjected to a two-step, synergistic treatment comprising tape burnishing/wiping and photolytic treatment in an ozone-containing atmosphere, followed by deposition thereon of the MO layer stack. Enhanced wear and abrasion resistance at very low flying head heights is provided by an ultra-thin, protective flash layer overcoat (FLO)/lubricant topcoat layer system on the media surface. Embodiments of the present invention include single- and dual-sided MO media.

Abstract: Method for preventing the formation of coating defects in polymeric coated surfaces in a coating process comprising a plurality of steps that occur prior to the polymeric coating of said surfaces and that contact organic and metal surfaces with a plurality of aqueous compositions in which accumulate in suspension resin particles released from said metal surfaces. Suspended resin particles are prevented from redepositing on the organic surfaces by converting said surfaces to hydrophilic character by means of oxidizing said surfaces prior to contacting the oxidized surfaces with said suspensions.

Abstract: Application of radiation curable coatings to a flexible vinyl web, which is usually printed with a decorative pattern. This printed vinyl may be laminated to a backing for support and is often embossed. The actinically irradiated coated vinyl surface has improved stain resistance and is resistant to chemical attack by common as well as aggressive household cleaning solvents such as pine oil cleaners and nail polish remover. The coating is essentially free of hazardous volatile organic compounds and does not pose a toxicological threat to humans nor does it contaminate the atmosphere. These surface coated, actinically crosslinked vinyl laminates can be used in the manufacture of wallcoverings, automotive interiors, upholstery, tablecloths and other such applications especially where heat sensitive plastics are employed.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing, drying, applying a curable coating, and effecting the cure of such coating on a variety of substrates, such as metal, for example steel, plastic and wood. A particularly effective drying procedure based on the generation of a dehumidified and filtered air stream directed substantially parallel to the wet substrate allows for a significant decrease in drying time while maintaining coating effectiveness.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel polymeric coating materials for direct digital imaging by laser. More specifically the novel coating materials are thermally reactive near infrared absorption polymers designed for use with near infrared laser imaging devices. This invention further extends to the preparation and methods of use of the novel materials. The invention is particularly useful in the preparation of lithographic printing plates for computer-to-plate and digital-offset-press technologies. The invention extends to photoresist applications, to rapid prototyping of printed circuit boards and to chemical sensor development.

Abstract: A method for installing an electroconductive flooring and an electroconductive welding rod for use in this method are disclosed. The electroconductive welding rod is composed of a joint material including as the main component a thermoplastic resin composition of a ribbon-shape or a rod-shape, with the peripheral surface thereof being coated with an electroconductive coating material. The method for installing the electroconductive flooring is composed of the steps of laying flooring sheets in mutual contact and cutting joint-forming grooves, or laying the flooring sheets with spaces therebetween for the formation of the joints of the adjacent flooring sheets, softening the electroconductive welding rod, filling the softened electroconductive welding rod into the grooves or the spaces between the flooring sheets, and welding the adjacent flooring sheets to form joints, whereby the flooring sheets are electrically integrated.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel polymeric coating materials for direct digital imaging by laser. More specifically the novel coating materials are thermally reactive near infrared absorption polymers designed for use with near infrared laser imaging devices. This invention further extends to the preparation and methods of use of the novel materials. The invention is particularly useful in the preparation of lithographic printing plates for computer-to-plate and digital-offset-press technologies. The invention extends to photoresist applications, to rapid prototyping of printed circuit boards and to chemical sensor development.

Abstract: A method for coating paperboard comprising heating paperboard to a temperature sufficient to remove at least some moisture from the paperboard; applying an aqueous dispersion of at least one water-dispersible polymer to the paperboard product; heating the paperboard to at least partially cure the water-dispersible polymer; and cooling the paperboard to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the tackiness of the cured water-dispersible polymer.

Abstract: A method for forming an indium oxide film on an electrically conductive substrate by immersing the substrate and a counter electrode in an aqueous solution containing at least nitrate and indium ions and flowing an electric current between the substrate and the couter electrode, thereby causing indium oxide film formation on the substrate, is provided. A substrate for a semiconductor element and a photovoltaic element produced using the film forming method are also provided. An aqueous solution for the formation of an indium oxide film by an electroless deposition process, containing at least nitrate and indium ions and tartrate, is also disclosed. A film-forming method for the formation of an indium oxide film on a substrate by an electroless deposition process, using the aqueous solution, and a substrate for a semiconductor element and a photovoltaic element produced using the film-forming method are further provided.

Abstract: A process for forming a zinc oxide film including immersing an electroconductive substrate having a surface including a plurality of linear projections in an aqueous solution containing at least nitrate ions and zinc ions to form a zinc oxide film on the electroconductive substrate by a liquid-phase deposition. The plurality of linear projections may preferably provide an uneven surface which has a center-line average surface roughness Ra(X) of 15-300 nm when scanned in a direction parallel to the linear projections, a center line average surface roughness Ra(Y) of 20-600 nm when scanned in a direction perpendicular to the linear projections, and an Ra(X)/Ra(Y) ratio of at most 0.8. The thus formed zinc oxide film is provided with an uneven surface suitable for an optical-confinement layer of a photo-electricity generating device excellent in photoelectric performances.

Abstract: The density of hydroxyl groups present on the surface of glass, such as E-glass fibers, is increased by subjecting the surface to a radio frequency induced gas plasma containing water vapor. Surfaces so treated exhibit enhanced adsorption of hydrolyzed organo silane coupling agents applied to improve adhesion between glass fibers and resin matrices in the manufacture of reinforced composites.

Abstract: A barrier-coated polyester film comprises a polyethylene terphthalate substrate, a primer composition containing a vinyl polymer wherein at least 75% of the polymer repeat units contain side groups having hydroxyl moieties, and a waterborne, inorganic barrier coating. The primer coating facilitates the application and binding of the subsequently applied waterborne barrier coating composition to the substrate.

Abstract: Thin thermoplastic foil is applied with the aid of a wide slit nozzle and an electrostatic discharge electrode to a nonwoven mat of thermoplastic fibers and filaments on a bonding roller and the resulting composite is then subjected to biaxial stretching utilizing at least some of the bonding heat carried by the composite. The composite may then be thermally fixed before being cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that aliphatic solvents and secondary plasticizers act to reduce the viscosity of plastisol compositions that contain a crosslinked nitrile rubber. It has been unexpectedly found that plastisol compositions having acceptable viscosities which contain more than 30 or even 40 percent crosslinked nitrile rubber can be made by incorporating an aliphatic solvent or an aliphatic plasticizer therein.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having a layer of thermoplastic resin wherein the substrate is provided with a plurality of perforations through its thickness wherein each perforation is surrounded by a burr which is substantially flattened is provided. One useful example of the film is a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive.There is also provided a process for producing a film comprising the steps of:Step (A): press protrusions provided on a surface of a roller against a substrate comprising a layer of thermoplastic resin to open a plurality of perforations in the substrate; andStep (B): subjecting the substrate, obtained by Step (A), which has a plurality of perforations to a heat treatment while pressing. The process may have a further step of applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive to at least one surface of the substrate obtained in Step (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating and printing methods for the deposition of aqueous compositions. The composition may be adapted to any method without the need to change its chemical content. Viscosity is determined and adjusted by rising and lowering the temperature. High gloss value, increased film integrity and enhanced more resistance result.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a particle packed, highly inorganically filled, cellular matrix are disclosed. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together a starch-based binder, a solvent, inorganic aggregates, and optimal admixtures, e.g., fibers, mold-releasing agents, rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures have a predetermined viscosity and are heated between molds at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce form-stable articles having a desired shape and a selectively controlled cellular, structure matrix. The molded articles may be placed in a high humidity chamber to obtain the necessary flexibility for their intended use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making sheet articles, for example, abrasive articles, retroreflective articles (such as traffic signs), pavement marking articles, or traction or non-skid articles. The method includes passing particles through a thermal sprayer to heat the particles and impinging the heated particles into a polymeric sheet so that the particles are at least partially embedded in the polymeric sheet. Preferably, the polymeric sheet is heated before impingement of the heated particles. One preferred method of softening the sheet is by a thermal sprayer that is used to heat the particles. A preferred thermal sprayer is a flame sprayer having a nozzle for emitting a flame, where the nozzle has a cross-web width and a downweb thickness, the width being substantially greater than the thickness.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing adherent layer(s) on organic polymeric substrates following the steps of (a) treating the surface of the polymeric substrate to provide reactive groups; (b) applying to the surface a polymerizable composition of organic anhydrides, isocyanates and/or a mixture thereof that is substantially free of organosiloxanes; and (c) curing the polymerizable coating. Further steps include applying an additional layer which is substantially free of organosiloxanes and that may or may not contain the polymerizable composition of the present invention. Also described are products produced by the process that may be transparent, tinted, tinted and polarized or photochromic.

Abstract: Alkanolamines intentionally incorporated with aminosilanes into surface films have been discovered to provide exceptional levels of adhesive performance when overcoated with any of a variety of paints and polymers. This invention is widely applicable to paints, including polyurethane coatings. It provides bonding to siliceous, polymeric, and other surface types. Practical methods for depositing the needed film from polar solvents are disclosed. Also disclosed is an evaluated general-purpose formulation. This appealing formulation provides cleaning and wetting on a great variety of surfaces and has balanced volatility, low toxicity, low corrosivity, long shelf life, and water miscibility and rinsability.

Abstract: A method of substantially eliminating shading in a carpet by steaming the pile tufts and positively orientating the pile tufts in a predetermined direction. The positive orientation of the tufts is achieved by engagement with a scroll roll, which is preferably a smooth roller having axially or helically extending ribs or grooves.

Abstract: A surface coating applied on a substrate as well as a method of preparing a surface coated substrate are provided. A mixture comprising about 40% polyvinyl acetate and about 60% polyvinyl alcohol is applied to a porous substrate. Then, the mixture is heated. The polyvinyl alcohol cures by evaporation, and the mixture separates into a hydrophilic layer of polyvinyl alcohol and a hydrophobic layer of polyvinyl acetate, and the hydrophilic layer is between the hydrophobic layer and the substrate. A water-soluble ink is then deposited into the surface coating, and the ink is generally repelled by the hydrophobic layer, and is generally absorbed by the hydrophilic layer. Additionally, the hydrophobic layer protects from fading the ink which is absorbed into the hydrophilic layer, causes the ink to spread less in the hydrophilic layer, allows a charge to be applied to the same side of the substrate on which the ink is deposited, and allows an enhanced surface charge to be applied.

Abstract: Several techniques for forming a colored interference filter coating on a substrate such as polyester film. The interference filter has two metal reflective films, at least one of which is semi-transparent. A layer of transparent acrylate polymer dielectric between the metal layers completes the interference filter, which may be sandwiched between protective layers. The dielectric is formed by evaporating an acrylate monomer having a molecular weight in the range of from 150 to 600. Preferably the acrylate monomer has a molecular weight to acrylate group ratio in the range of from 150 to 400. The acrylate condenses on the substrate and is polymerized in situ for forming a monolithic film with a sufficient thickness to produce an interference color. In several embodiments different areas of the film have different thicknesses for producing different interference colors.

Abstract: A dry end of a paper machine and a method for drying paper in which a paper web to be dried is passed from a press section of the paper machine into a forward dryer section including only single-wire groups with normal single-wire draw. The web is dried from the side of its bottom face in the dryer groups in the forward dryer section. From the forward dryer section, the web is passed into a finishing section in which the web is coated/surface-sized by a coating/surface-sizing device and then dried in an after-dryer by passing through at least one dryer group that applies a normal single-wire draw. Thereafter, the web is calendered and passed to a reeling station. Curling of the web is controlled by the operation or construction of components and/or by assemblies and combinations formed out of these components provided in connection with the forward dryer section and/or the finishing section.

Abstract: A fuser member for fixing toner to a recording medium having a fluoropolymer non-stick topcoat on a compliant silicone rubber baselayer bonded to a metallic insert is provided. The fluoropolymer is adhered to the silicone rubber baselayer using a primer of a blend of silane and a polyamide resin. The primed silicone baselayer is preheated in an infrared oven to remove low molecular weight fractions. A primer is applied to the prebaked rubber and completely dried before applying the fluoroelastomer topcoat by spaying.

Abstract: A liquid thermoset coating is described for application on and near surfaces of molded plastic parts where the resin rich phase has been disturbed or imperfectly formed. The coating has been found to be effective at minimizing paint pops and craters in subsequent finish coatings on said parts. Said paint pops and craters develop during heated cure cycles for the finish coatings. The coating which is applied to the heated part and subsequently cured is preferably an epoxy composition of low viscosity. The molded plastic parts are preferably fiber reinforced thermoset polyester parts with an in-mold coating to improve surface quality.

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: A process of bonding a plastic is provided. The process comprises applying to a plastic surface an aqueous dispersion of a hydroxyl-functional polyurethane prepolymer obtained by:(1) reaction of:a polyol component containing a polyester polyol,a compound selected from the group of compounds containing groups capable of salt formation and at least two isocyanate-reactive groups,an isocyanate component in a stoichiometric excess, at least 20% by weight of said component consisting of tetramethyl xylylene diisocyanate, and(2) subsequent dispersion in water and at least partial reaction of the remaining NCO groups with an aminoalcohol and, optionally, subsequent chain extension. The process further comprises drying said applied aqueous dispersion to form a primer and bonding said plastic surface having said primer to a part to be joined thereto. The process is particularly useful for priming plastics such as polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity is imparted to the surface(s) of an apparatus or article by a method, comprising:copolymerizing tertbutylaminoethyl methacrylate with at least one other aliphatically unsaturated monomer in the presence of said apparatus or article by which adhesion of the copolymer to said surface(s) is achieved. In an embodiment of the invention, adhesion of the polymer coating on the apparatus or article occurs by graft copolymerization.

Abstract: A method for producing an information recording medium is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of (1) applying a surface treatment on a surface of a film support so that the atomic percentage of oxygen at said surface is increased by 1.0 atomic-% to 10 atomic-% compared to the atomic percentage of oxygen at said surface before treatment, (2) providing a subbing layer comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having a 2-oxazoline group represented by Formula A on said treated surface of the film support so that the subbing layer is directly adjoined to said surface, and (3) providing an information recording layer on said subbing layer, ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aralkyl group, a phenyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of reducing the amount of seed deposited on polymeric dielectric surfaces. The method comprises the following steps: providing a work-piece coated with a polymeric dielectric layer; baking the work-piece to modify the surface of the polymeric dielectric layer; then applying the seed to polymeric dielectric layer and electrolessly plating metal to the seed layer. The invention also relates to a circuit board produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A conduit coating which is made by covering a surface thereof with a polymeric material which may include an additive made of bacteriostatic, bacteriocidal, fungicidal, fungistatic or mildew-suppressing material. The coating material may be cross-linked using radiation exposure to improve the high temperature characteristics of the conduit.

Abstract: A PVC pallet or crate is disclosed, wherein the pallet is made from PVC structural products such as hollow, extruded PVC profiles. The profiles are bonded together using an adhesive. The profiles are preferably surface treated before bonding to enhance the strength of the bond. The PVC structural products preferably incorporate an acrylic polymer impact modifier in a certain amount to greatly increase the toughness of the structural product. The adhesive is preferably a hot-melt moisture-cure polyurethane adhesive. The surface treatment is preferably achieved by plasma treating or flame treatment. A method for making PVC pallets or crates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conduit coating which is made by covering a surface thereof with a polymeric material which may include an additive made of bacteriostatic, bacteriocidal, fungicidal, fungistatic or mildew-suppressing material.

Abstract: A decal allowing a fisherman to customize a fishing lure. The decal is printed with a life-like image of a fish on one side and the decal has an adhesive on the other side. Initially, the decal is present on a substrate. When a fisherman peels the decal from the substrate, some or all of an adhesive stays on the decal allowing the fisherman to attach the decal to a fishing lure. The image on the decal is waterproof and the decal may be applied to many different lures including spinner bait lures, blades and crank bait lures. The decal may have a scent or flavor enhancer in the waterproofing overcoat, in the ink used to create the image on the decal, in the adhesive, or in all three. Additionally, rattle eyes may be provided on the fishing lure.

Abstract: Electrically conductive fiber is made from a multicomponent filament having a suffusible component present at some or all of the periphery of the filament, and an impervious component that is substantially impervious to a suffusion coating solution. Finely-divided, electrically conductive particles are suffused into a surface of the suffusible component to render an electrical resistance in the filament of not more than about 10.sup.9 ohms/cm but the particles do not significantly suffuse into the impervious component.

Abstract: A conduit liner which is made by cladding the inner surface thereof with hot melt fluidized deposition thereon while the conduit is heated. Preferably, the fluidized deposition is of polymeric material which may include a low friction additive is deposited with varying thickness along the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

Abstract: A roll of film consists of polyester film having a film thickness of less than 2 .mu.m and having a water content of less than 0.06 weight percent, based on the weight of polyester. The roll of polyester film is suitable for vacuum metallization.

Abstract: A method for producing surface-treated paper, in particular of fine paper, and a dry end of a paper machine that makes use of the method. A paper web that has been dewatered by pressing is dried in the forward dryer section, in which drying energy is applied to the paper web over the entire length of the forward dryer section asymmetrically in the z-direction from the side of the bottom face of the web. This step is carried out by a number of successive groups with single-wire draw that are open downward. In this manner, shrinkage of the web both in the machine direction and in the cross direction is reduced or at least partially prevented, which shrinkage tends to take place when the dry solids content becomes higher. Paper broke is removed from underneath the drying groups that are open downward substantially by the force of gravity onto the broke conveyor placed underneath.

Abstract: A process and retroreflective elements are provided. The process of preparing a retroreflective element includes the steps of (a) combining a bed of optical elements and one or more core elements comprising a thermoplastic material; and (b) agitating the combination of optical elements and core elements for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient temperature to coat the optical elements onto the core elements to form retroreflective elements.

Abstract: Organic substrate surfaces, particularly of industrial polymers, are provided by fluorination or chlorination with corresponding layers so as to obtain certain properties; for the purpose of improving the application of a layer, the surfaces are exposed beforehand at temperatures between 25.degree. C. and 300.degree. C. to hydrogen or a gas containing at least 0.1% by volume of hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating and curing fiberglass sleeving with an ultraviolet light curable acrylic includes the steps of singeing the fiberglass sleeve at a singeing station and thereafter, cooling the sleeve. The fiberglass sleeve is then coated with an ultraviolet light curable acrylic resin. Thereafter, the coated fiberglass sleeve is cured by passing it through a curing station wherein the sleeve is subjected to ultraviolet light radiation about its entire circumference. The process is speed adjustable and further, the intensity of the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source may be varied so that the system is tuned to cure fiberglass sleeves of any diameter up to approximately 1.00 inch.

Abstract: A system for forming a textured surface on a geomembrane including a support surface, a first set of rollers for passing the geomembrane onto the support surface such that a surface of the geomembrane faces upwardly, a heater positioned in proximity to the surface of the geomembrane so as to heat the geomembrane to a desired elevated temperature, a particle distributer positioned above the geomembrane so as to pass solid particles onto the surface of the geomembrane in a desired particle distribution. The particles can have a desired size and geometry as they are passed onto the surface of the geomembrane. A second set of rollers is positioned adjacent to the port surface so as to receive the geomembrane after the particles have been distributed thereon. The heater includes a preheater positioned on one side of the particle distributor and a postheater positioned on an opposite side of the particle distributor.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container or packaging material is given low oxygen permeability by coating with a crosslinked acrylate layer and a layer of oxygen barrier material deposited over the acrylate layer. Another acrylate layer may be deposited over the oxygen barrier. The oxygen barrier is selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, aluminum oxide and metal. The acrylate layer may be formed from a photopolymerizable polyfunctional acrylate that is sufficiently low viscosity to be sprayed on the substrate or applied by dipping. Alternatively, the acrylate layer is a polymerization product of an acrylate monomer which is evaporated in a vacuum, condensed on the substrate and polymerized by irradiation by ultraviolet or an electron beam.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the post-production treatment of a starch-bound article to increase the flexibility of the treated article by softening or plasticizing the article through the application of a polyalcohol, preferably glycerin. The glycerin is preferably mixed with water before application to aid in penetrating the cellular matrix of the article. The glycerin acts as a plasticizer and a humectant, and it stabilizes the starch-bound matrix against warping that otherwise results when water-borne substances are applied to the surface of a starch-bound article. The glycerin treatment can be applied to a hinge to increase the resilience and durability of the hinge, generally by causing the inner hinge surface to be more collapsible, which greatly decreases the radius of bending of the outer surface of the hinge and which thereby reduces the amount of strain or elongation exerted on the outer surface of the hinge.

Abstract: A method for blending fluorine into a polyimide free of fluorine comprises the steps of generating fluorine radicals in a fluorine based gas, removal of any charge particles from the gas to leave the fluorine radicals in the gas, and exposing a polyimide free of fluorine to an irradiation of the fluorine radicals so that the irradiated fluorine radicals penetrate into an inside of the polyimide without showing any reaction to the removed charge particles on a surface of the polyimide.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing long-lasting decorative items from foliage and other natural plant materials by infusion with an aqueous ethylene glycol solution of tartrazine yellow dye, either singly or with co-dye colorants, about 0.1 to 1.6 g/L dissolved CO.sub.2 and optional low concentrations of a soluble potassium salt, followed by removal of excess solution and application of a topical water-based organic sealant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of sealing the porous surfaces that can be generated during the manufacturing and processing of molded plastic parts. Liquid thermoset coatings are applied to preheated parts and cured to create a barrier on the surface to gasses generated during heat curing of subsequently applied surface coatings. The liquid coating may be comprised of polyurethane forming components; those components in combination with unsaturated polyester resins; vinyl ester resin compositions; coatings derived from hydroxyl or carboxyl containing oligomers reacted with alkylated urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, and/or benzoquanamine-formaldehyde resins; and oligomers containing carboxyls reacted with triglycidyl isocyanurate.

Abstract: A vacuum metallized polyimide film comprising an aromatic polyimide layer containing a hydrocarbyl tin compound in oxidation states (II) or (IV) as an additive and a metal plated layer bonded integrally with a high bonding strength or high adhesion through a vacuum deposited metal layer without the use of an adhesive. The metallized polyimide film can be used for flexible printed circuits and multilayer printed wiring boards, as well as for heaters, antennas and antistatic films.

Abstract: A conduit liner which is made by cladding the inner surface thereof with hot melt fluidized deposition thereon while the conduit is heated. Preferably, the fluidized deposition is of polymeric material which may include a low friction additive.