Abstract: Methods of forming patterned coatings are disclosed. The methods include the steps of disposing a composition onto a substrate to form a liquid coating on the substrate and removing or providing energy through a first pattern of areas on the liquid coating to form a topographically patterned coating, the topographical pattern corresponding to the first pattern of areas.

Abstract: An active ray curable composition, including an epoxy compound which is represented by Formula (A) and an oxetane compound, The active ray curable compound exhibiting a viscosity of 1 to 500 mPa·s at 25° C.

Abstract: An improved method for curing coatings on optical fibers, without creating additional heat and compromising the manufacturing speed of optical fibers. The method of curing a coating on an optical fiber includes the steps of passing an optical fiber through a coating die, applying a coating to the optical fiber, curing the coating on the optical fiber and exposing the optical fiber to ultrasound to facilitate curing of the coating.

Abstract: A UV curing apparatus and method is provided for enhancing the distribution and application of UV light to UV photo initiators in a UV curable ink, coating or adhesive. The UV curing apparatus and method comprises UV LED assemblies in a first row with the UV LED assemblies spaced from adjacent UV LED assemblies. At least one second row of a plurality of UV LED assemblies are provided next to the first row but with the UV LED assemblies of the second row positioned adjacent the spaces between adjacent UV LED assemblies in the first row thereby to stagger the second row of UV LED assemblies from the UV LED assemblies in the first row. Desirably, the rows of staggered UV LED assemblies are mounted on a panel. UV curable products, articles or other objects containing UV photo initiators that are in or on a web can be conveyed or otherwise moved past the rows of UV LED assemblies for effective UV curing.

Abstract: A method for making three-dimensional structures of nanometric or micrometric dimensions comprises the following steps: obtaining of a photopolymeric or UV mixture including nanoparticles orientable in space; deposition of a layer of the mixture on a respective substrate; exposure of the layer to UV-radiation and control of the polymerization of the mixture by means of variation of its index of refraction; application of a magnetic and/or electrical field for producing a desired positioning of the nanoparticles, in order to induce the growth of surface projections from the layer of mixture; and polymerization of the mixture.

Abstract: In the condition that an acrylic transparent vessel is filled with a curable resin solution capable of being cured by a light, a plastic optical fiber is immersed in the curable resin solution. A laser beam is applied on the curable resin solution through the plastic optical fiber. The curable resin solution is cured gradually by the laser beam applied on the curable resin solution, so that an axial core is formed. Then, the transparent vessel is left at rest for predetermined time, or uncured part of the curable resin solution is removed from the transparent vessel and the transparent vessel is then filled with another curable resin solution. Then, ultraviolet rays are applied on the transparent vessel from the outside of the transparent vessel to cure the residual uncured part of the curable resin solution.

Abstract: The invention is used in the field of chemistry and relates to coatings which can be used, for example, for the production of paint films, and a method for production thereof. The object of the invention is to describe permanent coatings with hydrophobic to ultrahydrophobic properties. The object is attained by hydrophobic permanent coatings of a crosslinked layer of a hardener component (A) and resin component (B), whereby (A) and/or (B) comprise chemically coupled lateral and/or terminal perfluoroalkyl groups with at least one trifluoromethyl end group, with a coupling between the layer and the surface region of the substrate.

Abstract: This invention solves the technical problem of compensating for the angular dependence of the contrast in optical devices comprising liquid crystal displays (LC optical light shutters, which operate on the principle of electrically controlled optical birefringence), with the aid of a compensation layer exhibiting optically negative birefringence, which enables the angular compensation of the LC layer birefringence in the state in which the LC molecules are homeotropically aligned (typical optically positive birefringence). The process for the manufacture of the optically negatively birefringent compensation layer is devised on the controlled spontaneous deformation of the polymer molecules during the polymerization procedure. The manufacturing process is feasible by the employment of known and well-controllable technical procedures, and enables the mass production of compensation layers.

Abstract: A method for limiting exposure of a substrate to potentially damaging radiation from a radiating apparatus. A database of information associated with the substrate is compiled, and the substrate is identified prior to processing the substrate on the radiating apparatus. The database of information associated with the substrate is accessed, including its past irradiation history of dosage and type of irradiation, based on the substrate identification, and the operation of the radiating apparatus is selectively modified based at least in part on the information associated with the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method efficiently focuses laser light to a target fiber to rapidly and evenly cure a coating on the fiber and to increase a draw rate for the fiber. The laser light is expanded and refocused to a strip of light having a diameter that is a multiple of the fiber diameter. The strip of light is applied to one side of the fiber and a reflection of the strip of light is focused to a second side of the fiber to provide uniform radiation of the fiber.

Abstract: A process for coating a substrate is provided which includes the following steps: (a) applying a waterborne base coat composition to a surface of the substrate; (b) applying infrared radiation at a power density of 1.5–30.0 kW/m2 and a first air stream simultaneously to the base coat composition such that a pre-dried base coat is formed upon the surface of the substrate; and (c) applying a second air stream in the absence of infrared radiation to the base coat composition such that a dried base coat is formed upon the surface of the substrate. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed including continuous, batch, and semi-batch processes, which may include additional process steps, such as subsequent application of a topcoat. The process may be used to coat a variety of metal and polymeric substrates, for example, those associated with the body of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for improving the thermal barrier properties of silicone resin/glass fiber composites. Composites comprising a layer of polysiloxane (silicone resin) matrix with a glass or quartz fiber reinforcement embedded in such matrix and an organic polymeric layer were subjected to multi-cycle heat treatment, preferably with quartz lamps. The polysiloxane layer was pre-coated with graphite dispersion in order to ensure acceptable optical receptivity of the polysiloxane layer. As a result, the silicone resin was converted into a thick porous layer of silicone dioxide, the latter having the improved thermal barrier properties.

Abstract: A photocurable primer composition containing (A) an acrylic resin having through an urethane linkage a polymerizable unsaturated group on its side chain and containing the polymerizable unsaturated group in an amount of 0.2 to 2.0 mol/kg in a solid content of the resin (A), (B) an urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer containing at least one polymerizable unsaturated group in one molecule, and (E) a photopolymerization initiator, and a coating method.

Abstract: A UV cured floor finish can be removed from a floor by applying to the cured finish an inhomogeneous stripper composition containing at least one polar solvent, allowing the stripper composition to contact the finish for sufficient time to soften the finish, and removing the softened finish from the floor by mopping, vacuuming, mild abrasion or other measures that do not remove substantial portions of the floor. Preferably the polar solvent is denser than water and preferably the stripper composition has a diffusion rate through the cured finish greater than about 7×10−7 g/cm2/sec. Strippable floor finish kits can be manufactured by combining a UV curable floor finish composition and an inhomogeneous stripper composition containing at least one polar solvent.

Abstract: A repair coating method which comprises coating a photocurable processing composition (I) onto a damaged area of a substrate to form a processed layer, followed by coating a colored base coating composition (II) onto the processed layer to form a colored base layer, and coating a photocurable clear composition (III) onto the colored base layer to form a clear layer.

Abstract: An device for depositing a transfer material onto a receiving substrate includes a source of pulsed laser energy, a receiving substrate, and a target substrate. The target substrate comprises a laser transparent support having a back surface and a front surface. The front surface has a coating that comprises a mixture of the transfer material to be deposited and a matrix material. The matrix material is a material that has the property that, when it is exposed to pulsed laser energy, it is more volatile than the transfer material. The source of pulsed laser energy is be positioned in relation to the target substrate so that pulsed laser energy is directed through the back surface of the target substrate and through the laser-transparent support to strike the coating at a defined location with sufficient energy to volatilize the matrix material at the location, causing the coating to desorb from the location and be lifted from the surface of the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating substrates, including the following steps: a. applying a flowable coating composition to the target substrate and b. curing the resulting wet coating by exposure to high energy radiation, wherein said coating composition comprises as binder a polymer A containing less than 1 mol/(kg of polymer A) of reactive groups, selected from ethylenically unsaturated double bonds and epoxy groups, and at least 2 mol/(kg of polymer A) of functional groups of the formula where Y is N—H or oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing at least one coating film on at least one area of a substrate surface, which comprises at least the following steps in the following order: a) initiating at least one crosslinking reaction in at least one reactive coating formulation; b) applying said at least one reactive coating formulation before the onset of said at least one crosslinking reaction on said at least one area of said substrate surface.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates including the steps of: providing a substrate; exposing said substrate to a plasma glow discharge in the presence of a fluorocarbon gas; maintaining said gas at a pressure between about 50 mTorr and about 400 mTorr; generating said plasma as a modulated glow discharge; pulsing said discharge at an on time of 1-500 milliseconds; pulsing said glow at an off time of 1-1000 milliseconds; maintaining said plasma glow discharge at a power density of 0.02-10 watts/cm2; and applying a hydrophobic coating to said substrate.

Abstract: A method of modifying surfaces of a device, for example, a medical device, is disclosed. The method includes modifying a surface of a device by providing a device, exposing the device to a reactive gas and plasma energy to create a plasma deposited surface on the device, and quenching the device with the reactive gas. The device exhibits changes in its surface properties thereby making it more desirable for an intended use.

Abstract: A method of marking a plastics surface comprises at least the following steps: a) applying a composition comprising at least one coloring component to a plastics surface, b) irradiating the plastics surface with light from a light source.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing a metal oxide, which comprises the steps of: dissolving a metal organic compound (e.g. a metal organic acid salt, a metal acetylacetonato complex, and a metal alkoxide having an organic group with 6 or more carbon atoms) in a solvent to provide a state of solution, applying the solution onto a substrate, drying the solution, and subjecting the resultant substrate to irradiation with a laser light of a 400 nm or less wavelength, to form a metal oxide on the substrate. According to that method, a metal oxide can be produced without applying a heat treatment at a high temperature of the degree adopted in the conventionally known application thermal decomposition method.

Abstract: A method using irradiation with optical light having a wavelength of 160 to 500 nanometers without higher wavelengths with cooling of the surface during the irradiation to modify the surface (12A, 104A, 202A, 304A, 402A, 502A) of a substrate (12, 104, 202, 304, 402, 502) is described. The light is filtered or the lamp (24, 106, 212, 306, 510) is restricted to the limited range to avoid the affects of the higher spectra. The light can be pulsed or continuous. The method is significantly enhanced by the presence of water (14, 124, 204, 306, 410, 508) on the surface, preferably also in the presence of ozone in the water. The treated surfaces are more paintable and bondable.

Abstract: A system for applying a polyurethane coating to a polyolefin floor tile, comprising a conveyor for moving the floor tile past a plurality of treatment devices, including a heater, a plasma generator, an applicator, and an ultraviolet light system. The heater and plasma generator increase the energy of the top surface of the floor tile, and the applicator applies a liquid polyurethane to the top surface while in the energized state. The ultraviolet light system then exposes the polyurethane to ultraviolet light to at least partially cure it.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface with a polymer layer, which method comprises exposing said surface to a plasma comprising a monomeric unsaturated organic compound which comprises a chain of carbon atoms, which are optionally substituted by halogen; provided that where the compound is a perhalogenated alkene, it has a chain of at least 5 carbon atoms; so as to form an oil or water repellent coating on said substrate.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a multi-layer coating wherein a colour- and/or special effect-imparting base lacquer coating compound is applied to a substrate optionally precoated with a primer and/or primer surfacer coating compound and/or further coating compounds and a clear lacquer layer is then applied to the colour- and/or special effect-imparting base lacquer layer, wherein the colour- and/or special effect-imparting base lacquer coating compound used is one which contains binders which can be cured by free-radical and/or cationic polymerisation under the action of high-energy radiation.

Abstract: Process for producing a multi-layer lacquer finish, in which a surfacer coating compound is applied to a substrate optionally pre-coated with a priming layer and/or further coating layers, and a top coating comprising a color-imparting and/or special-effect-imparting base lacquer layer and a transparent clear lacquer layer, or a top coating comprising a pigmented one-layer top lacquer, is then applied, in which the surfacer coating compound which is used is one which either contains binders which are curable exclusively by free radical and/or cationic polymerization, wherein the said binders are cured by means of high-energy radiation, or is one which contains binders which are curable by free radical and/or cationic polymerization, wherein the said binders are cured by means of high-energy radiation, and additionally contains chemically cross-linking binders.

Abstract: A process for multi-coat lacquering by applying a coat of filler and/or other coating compounds on to a substrate and then a top coat consisting of a base coat/clear lacquer construction or of a pigmented one-coat finish, at least one of the coats in the multi-coat construction being prepared from a coating compound which is at least partially curable by high-energy radiation, and irradiating this (these) coat(s) with UV radiation and IR radiation, a UV source having a proportion of IR radiation in its emission spectrum being, used for the irradiation with UV and IR radiation and, by alternately adding a UV filter and an IR filter and/or alternately adding and removing a UV filter or an IR filter in front of the radiation source, at least two irradiation intervals being formed, during which irradiation is variously carried out with UV radiation, IR radiation or UV radiation and IR radiation simultaneously.

Abstract: A UV cured floor finish can be removed from a floor by applying to the cured finish an inhomogeneous stripper composition containing at least one polar solvent, allowing the stripper composition to contact the finish for sufficient time to soften the finish, and removing the softened finish from the floor by mopping, vacuuming, mild abrasion or other measures that do not remove substantial portions of the floor. Preferably the polar solvent is denser than water and preferably the stripper composition has a diffusion rate through the cured finish greater than about 7×10−7 g/cm2/sec. Strippable floor finish kits can be manufactured by combining a UV curable floor finish composition and an inhomogeneous stripper composition containing at least one polar solvent.

Abstract: A method for producing an ink jet recording head comprising the following steps, a step which forms the photosensitive water-repellent processing layer in the ink discharge port face, a step which irradiates light onto the water-repellent forming region and hydrophilic forming region in the water-repellent processing layer, to cure the layer, a step which irradiates light selectively onto the hydrophilic forming region to reduce water repellency of the water-repellent processing layer and to impart hydrophilicity to the hydrophilic forming region, and a step which forms an opening, which constitutes part of the ink discharge port, in the water-repellent processing layer.

Abstract: A UV cured floor finish can be removed from a floor by applying to the cured finish an inhomogeneous stripper composition containing at least one polar solvent, allowing the stripper composition to contact the finish for sufficient time to soften the finish, and removing the softened finish from the floor by mopping, vacuuming, mild abrasion or other measures that do not remove substantial portions of the floor. Preferably the polar solvent is denser than water and preferably the stripper composition has a diffusion rate through the cured finish greater than about 7×10−7 g/cm2/sec. Strippable-floor finish kits can be manufactured by combining a UV curable floor finish composition and an inhomogeneous stripper composition containing at least one polar solvent.

Abstract: Process for producing a multi-layer lacquer finish, in which a surfacer coating compound is applied to a substrate optionally pre-coated with a priming layer and/or further coating layers, and a top coating comprising a colour-imparting and/or special-effect-imparting base lacquer layer and a transparent clear lacquer layer, or a top coating comprising a pigmented one-layer top lacquer, is then applied, in which coating compounds which contain binders which are curable by free radical and/or cationic polymerisation are employed as the surfacer, the base lacquer and the clear lacquer as well as the one-layer top lacquer, and wherein the said binders are cured by means of high-energy radiation.

Abstract: A hydrogen-containing chemical species is included in the reactant gas mixture in a plasma-enhanced CVD process for forming a carbon-containing dielectric film. The CVD reactant gas mixture contains silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon atoms for forming a novel carbon-containing silicon oxide film in which both Si—C and Si—H bonds are present. Because dielectric material deposited in accordance with the invention has a significant number of Si—H bonds, which are more robust than Si—C bonds, it is more resistant to undesired etching and other physical changes during fabrication than dielectric material formed by conventional methods. A method in accordance with the invention allows a faster deposition rate. A dielectric film formed in accordance with the invention has enhanced uniformity characteristics and a dielectric constant less than 3.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface of a material adapted for contact with tissue of a human or non-human animal to impart biofunctional, bioactive or biomimetic properties to the surface comprising: (a) exposing the surface to a solution comprising (1) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or mixture thereof capable, via the ethylenic unsaturation, of gamma irradiation or electron beam induced polymerization, and (2) at least one biofunctional agent; and (b) irradiating the surface with gamma or electron beam irradiation in the presence of the solution to thereby form on the surface a graft polymerized coating, the coating having physically entrapped therein or chemically bonded thereto molecules of the at least one biofunctional agent which imparts biofunctional or biomimetic properties to the surface; wherein the gamma or electron beam irradiation induced polymerization is conducted under one of the following conditions: A. (i) monomer concentration in the solution in the range of from about 0.

Abstract: A transparent coated molded product comprising a transparent synthetic resin substrate and two or more transparent cured material layers provided on at least one part of the surface of the transparent synthetic resin substrate, wherein an inner layer in contact with the outermost layer of the two or more transparent cured material layers is an abrasion-resistant layer which is a cured material of an active energy ray-curable coating agent (A) containing a polyfunctional compounds (a) having at least 2 active energy ray-curable polymerizable functional groups and the outermost layer is a silica layer which is a cured material of a curable coating agent (B) of polysilazane or a curable coating agent (B) containing polysilazane.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for curing polymeric materials including dental composites. Preferably, modulated light is used to control the formation of polymer chains in the polymeric material so that a cured polymeric material that has the desired physical characteristics for its intended function is formed. Formation of short chain and long chain polymers from monomers in the polymeric material is initiated and controlled by using a light source with a wavelength suitable for one or more initiators found in the polymeric material.

Abstract: A combination wear protection film for components made of substrates susceptible to wear is described. The film has a wear-resistant surface film that contains one or more of the elements carbon, nitrogen, or boron, the proportion of this element—or, if more than one of these elements is present, the sum of the proportions of the elements present—is at least 30% by atomic weight, preferably at least 40% by atomic weight; and a support film, located between a substrate and the surface film and made of a plasma polymer, that exhibits a quasi-continuous transition in modulus of elasticity and optionally in hardness from a value of a base film to a value of the surface film. A method for producing a wear protection film of this kind, and objects equipped with the wear protection film is also described.

Abstract: A method of applying a thin film to a body comprising exposing the body to pulsed-gas cold-plasma polymerization of an unsaturated-carboxylic acid monomer thereby forming a polymer film on a surface of the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to provide a method for producing an ink jet recording head, which is free from the problems produced by an inexpensive system, and excellent in discharge stability.

Abstract: Devices, and their method of production, having coatings deposited by pulsed plasma polymerization of a macrocycle containing a heteroatom, wherein the heteroatom is oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or a mixture thereof. The coatings on contact lens are preferably deposited by gas phase polymerization of a cyclic ether, such as crown ether, which coatings are non-fouling and wettable, and the gas phase polymerization utilizes a pulsed discharge.

Abstract: Powerful nanosecond-range lasers using low repetition rate pulsed laser deposition produce numerous macroscopic size particles and droplets, which embed in thin film coatings. This problem has been addressed by lowering the pulse energy, keeping the laser intensity optional for evaporation, so that significant numbers of the macroscopic particles and droplets are no longer present in the evaporated plume. The result is deposition of evaporated plume on a substrate to form thin film of very high surface quality. Preferably, the laser pulses have a repetition rate to produce a continuous flow of evaporated material at the substrate. Pulse-range is typically picosecond and femtosecond and repetition rate kilohertz to hundreds of megahertz.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a modulated-bias plasma are described. In particular, a radio frequency (RF) source or collector includes one or more sources to provide differing driving frequencies or bias frequencies, respectively. These frequencies, over time, interfere with one another to produce beating at one or more controllable, infinitely variable beat frequencies. As a beat frequency has significantly fewer cycles per second than a driving or bias frequency, a modulated-bias plasma may be provided without turning power on and off as in conventional “pulsed” plasma systems. Beat frequencies facilitate modulation of the driving or bias frequencies, which may lie within a relatively narrow frequency band. Also, the use of a plurality of driving or bias frequencies facilitates use of more conventional RF sources or collectors owing to lower power requirements at each frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a low dielectric constant film by reaction of an organosilicon compound and an oxidizing gas at a constant RF power level from about 10 W to about 200 W or a pulsed RF power level from about 20 W to about 500 W. Dissociation of the oxidizing gas can be increased prior to mixing with the organosilicon compound, preferably within a separate microwave chamber, to assist in controlling the carbon content of the deposited film. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film has good barrier properties for use as a liner or cap layer adjacent other dielectric layers. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film may also be used as an etch stop and an intermetal dielectric layer for fabricating dual damascene structures. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane films also provide excellent adhesion between different dielectric layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a low dielectric constant film by reaction of an organosilane or organosiloxane compound and an oxidizing gas at a low RF power level from 10-250 W. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film has good barrier properties for use as a liner or cap layer adjacent other dielectric layers. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film may also be used as an etch stop or an intermetal dielectric layer for fabricating dual damascene structures. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane films also provide excellent adhesion between different dielectric layers. A preferred oxidized organosilane film is produced by reaction of methylsilane, CH3SiH3, or dimethylsilane, (CH3)2SiH2, and nitrous oxide, N2O, at an RF power level from about 10 to 200 W or a pulsed RF power level from about 20 to 250 W during 10-30% of the duty cycle.

Abstract: In the process for coating the elastomeric rubber wiper a vaporous coating material is generated and activated by a plasma and/or laser; a protective coating is formed on a rubber wiper surface by exposing it to the vaporous coating material by CVD and/or PVD methods and process parameters for the coating process are controlled so that the protective coating includes at least three coating layers and has a total thickness of from 200 nm to 2 &mgr;m. The coating layers include at least one thicker softer elastic coating layer with elastomeric properties similar to those of the rubber wiper and other thinner harder coating layers having wear-resistant properties. The other thinner harder coating layers have respective hardness increasing from an inner most one to an outermost one of the other thinner harder coating layers.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for curing polymeric materials including dental composites. Preferably, modulated light is used to control the formation of polymer chains in the polymeric material so that a cured polymeric material that has the desired physical characteristics for its intended function. Formation of short chain and long chain polymers from monomers in the polymeric material is initiated and controlled by using a light source with a wavelength suitable for one or more initiators found in the polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods for preventing corrosion.

Abstract: A polymer film with a helically twisted molecular structure exhibiting at least two maxima of the selective reflection wavelength. A process of preparing such a polymer film and processes for using such polymer film in optical data storage devices, photomasks, decorative pigments, cosmetics, security devices or active and passive optical elements such as polarizers, optical retarders or color filters.

Abstract: Pulsed plasma deposition of polymers as dielectrics for integrated circuit interconnects fills minimal gaps and yields a porous polymer with thermal stability by plasma off times sufficiently long to dissipate plasma on time energy input plus an anneal of the deposited polymer to drive off occluded monomers and small oligomers.

Abstract: A hybrid film, comprising a first polymer film having a plasma-treated surface and a second polymer film having first and second surfaces, with the first surface of the second polymer film being disposed along the first plasma-treated surface of the first polymer film, has superior thermal and mechanical properties that improve performance in a number of applications, including food packaging, thin film metallized and foil capacitors, metal evaporated magnetic tapes, flexible electrical cables, and decorative and optically variable films. One or more metal layers may be deposited on either the plasma-treated surface of the substrate and/or the radiation-cured acrylate polymer A ceramic layer may be deposited on the radiation-cured acrylate polymer to provide an oxygen and moisture barrier film. The hybrid film is produced using a high speed, vacuum polymer deposition process that is capable of forming thin, uniform, high temperature, cross-liked acrylate polymers on specific thermoplastic or thermoset films.