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 printed packaging material and a method for making the same is described. On a primary surface of a thermoplastic flexible packaging material is disposed a printed image. That image includes two primary components. The first is at least one marking containing a pigment. The second is a pigment-free coating which overlies the outermost marking. The coating is made from materials which can polymerize and/or crosslink when exposed to ionizing radiation. After the film is exposed to such radiation, the coating hardens to form a protective layer over the printed markings.

Abstract: Described are chiral liquid crystalline polymer materials and polymerizable compounds used for preparing them. The polymer materials can serve as a carrier material or are coated onto a carrier material. Also described are methods of making such material and using them to make pigment flakes used in paints, printing inks, spray paints, cosmetic products, colored plastics, optical elements and security applications.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for forming an inked image on game balls, golf balls, and the like, through the use of novel curable inks that are low energy curable and require minimal curing through multiple source radiation curing processes, such as UV radiation, visible radiation, and electron beam radiation. Production inks, logo inks, and methods for forming production prints and logos on golf balls, game balls, and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: In a strip-shaped mould for producing surface materials, in particular surfaces of melamine resin in the production of laminate panels, with a structured surface, a flexible strip (10) of paper or foil is provided with a layer (12) having a separating action in relation to the surface material, with the formation of slightly cross-linked regions, and a three dimensional shaped structure consisting of UV-hardening printing inks is applied thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indicator for determining when curable coatings have crosslinked or cured thereby permitting the applier to know what part of the floor may be used without affecting the surface and what part of the floor is still in the curing process and may not be disturbed. The invention involves the incorporation in the liquid materials applied to the floor, of a dye or pigment which is visible to the naked eye when the coating is in the liquid state and significantly less visible after the coating has cured. Almost any dye or pigment may be used which is compatible with the various coatings which may be employed in the present invention; provided however, the amount of dye or pigment added is sufficient to be visible when the material is liquid but not so much to prevent the color intensity from being greatly diminished upon curing.

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: Radiation-curable formulations comprising i) at least one aliphatic, urethane-functional prepolymer which on average has at least two ethylenically unsaturated double bonds, ii) at least one monofunctional ester of an &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid with a monofunctional alkanol which has a saturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic structural element, and iii) if desired, a di- or polyfunctional ester of an &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid with an aliphatic di- or polyol are used to coat substrates.

Abstract: A curable composition is disclosed that is useful for securing color coded optical fibers in a matrix of an optical fiber cable. The matrix material can be stripped from the individual fibers without removing the color coding associated with the individual fibers. The matrix material is also resistant to solvents used in the stripping process.

Abstract: A substantially water-free, water-washable, energy-curable composition includes an epoxy oligomer and/or urethane oligomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated moieties, at least one alkoxylated polyol monomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated moieties and capable of being copolymerized with the oligomer, and a surface active agent capable of being integrated into the molecular structure of the cured polymer and further capable of rendering the uncured composition dispersible in water. Optionally, the composition can contain a photoinitiator. The composition is self-dispersible in water and is especially suitable for use as a coating material for a printing screen.

Abstract: Provided is an improved optical glass fiber, ribbon unit having the capability of providing mid-span access to individual color-coated optical glass fibers contained therein by application of finger pressure from a human hand. The ribbon unit is made of a plurality of coated optical glass fibers each further coated with a cured color-composition; and a matrix material which binds the plurality of color-coated optical glass fibers together, wherein a bonding force between the cured color-composition and the coated optical glass fibers is greater than a bonding force between said cured color-composition and said matrix material, and wherein the matrix material has been selected or formulated to provide a modulus and Tg sufficiently high such that when opposing pressure is applied to the ribbon unit using the fingers of a human hand, the matrix material buckles and separates from said color-coated optical glass optical fibers instead of compressing and absorbing the opposing pressure.

Abstract: This invention teaches that the use of electron beam equipment and modified acrylic unsaturated coating compositions for free radical curing will reduce energy consumption for coating the exterior surface of tubing. The faster rate of polymerization of this coating composition allows for the replacement of a conventional oven or induction heater unit with an electron beam unit requiring much less floor space and generating much less heat. Pigmented coatings formulated according to this invention can be cured with an electron beam more efficiently than light radiation equipment and will meet the commercial coating requirements established by tube coaters. The application of the above specified type liquid coatings involves reduced maintenance costs and labor to operate as compared to powder coating systems and light radiation curing equipment.

Abstract: A coated cement board article capable of receiving a sublimatable ink and a process for making same includes coating a cement board substrate with a radiation curable top coat. The radiation curable top coat is subjected to a curing step which includes curing with either an electron beam, ultraviolet radiation or a combination thereof. A sublimatable ink may be transferred into the top coat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing scratch-resistant coatings which comprises applying a coating composition which in the cured state has a storage modulus E′ in the rubber-elastic range of at least 107.6 Pa and a loss factor tan &dgr; at 20° C. of not more than 0.10, the storage modulus E′0 and the loss factor having been measured by dynamic mechanical thermoanalysis on homogeneous free films having a film thickness of 40±10 &mgr;m. The present invention additionally relates to the use of the process for producing multicoat finishes and also to coating compositions suitable for this process.

Abstract: The invention provides a mobile coating and curing apparatus for applying and curing an ultraviolet or an electron beam curable material. The apparatus includes a housing containing a first compartment containing a coater, a second compartment containing an ultraviolet or electron beam curing energy source, a partition wall between the first and second compartments and a means for moving the housing across a surface to be coated. The apparatus provides a means for coating surfaces which are generally too large to be coated by stationary coating and curing devices.

Abstract: A radiation-curable formulation employs an electrically conductive primary filler, comprised of elements of elongate form and having surfaces that reflect the actinic radiation to which the photoinitiator employed is responsive, and a secondary filler that is electrically semiconducting and is substantially transparent to the actinic radiation; silver-coated cylindrical fibers or rods will typically constitute the primary conductive filler. Solid deposits cured from the formulation may function, for example, as sealing elements, gaskets, solder joints, and coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to an economical coating composition for porous substrates that provides extremely glossy surfaces, is capable of supporting holographic images, provides good oxygen barrier properties as well as good oil, grease, solvent and water resistance. Said coatings on paper substrates are printable, biodegradable, recyclable, and repulpable. They are also suitable for use in conjunction with food products. This invention also relates to a process for applying said coatings onto porous substrates as well as a process for the economical production of inexpensive holographic images on substrates such as paper and cardboard containers.

Abstract: A process for applying marks, letterings and/or structures on the surface of a card, comprising the steps of applying varnish that includes a photo-initiator and/or color printing ink that includes a photo-initiator on the surface of the card; and before the entire hardening of the varnish and/or the color printing ink, exposing the varnish and/or color printing ink in selected areas that define shapes of the marks, letterings and/or structures to ultraviolet light so that the degree of shine in the selected areas changes relative to surrounding areas.

Abstract: A curable composition is disclosed that is useful for securing color coded optical fibers in a matrix of an optical fiber cable. The matrix material can be stripped from the individual fibers without removing the color coding associated with the individual fibers. The matrix material is also resistant to solvents used in the stripping process.

Abstract: When enveloping an electrical or an optical conductor, the method applies a radiation-reactive resin having photoinitiators with an absorption maximum onto the conductor and then the resin is cured by subjecting it to a radiation of a wavelength preferably in the wavelength range for the absorption maximum of the photoinitiators. The apparatus for enveloping includes an arrangement for applying the resin followed by a radiation source for applying the radiation of the desired wavelength that falls into the range of the absorption maximum of the photoinitiators of the resin.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy, is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip, creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: Electron beam radiation curing of inks on game balls, golf balls and the like is disclosed. Production inks, logo inks and methods for forming production prints and logos on golf balls, game balls and the like are disclosed. To form an electron beam radiation curable water-insoluble production ink, at least an adhesion promoting component is added to an ink base.

Abstract: A non-slip mat, pad or coaster which is considerably thinner than present known and available pads, the mat or pad being formed from a thin plastic sheet having a lower surface with a tacky characteristic to provide a non-slip coefficient of friction; the mat or pad being formed from a suitable plastic material, such as polyvinyl, polyproplylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene or polyester, etc., and the lower surface is formed by coating the surface with a suitable ink, such as an ultra-violet ink, water-based ink or solvent-based ink containing a tackiness agent in the form of an acrylated polymer. The ink may be applied as a very thin firm of the ink adhesively joined to the underside of the plastic, or the ink is coated onto the undersurface of the pad or mat by silk screening, or in a multimaterial coating operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a substrate surface. The substrate surface is coated with a thin film of a treating agent, which is capable of enhancing or reducing its affinity towards a metal precursor by exposure to an arbitrary kind of radiation beam. In a subsequent metal deposition step utilizing the metal precursor, the metal is selectively deposited on the exposed or unexposed areas, depending on the kind of treating agent. (FIG.

Abstract: Opaquely pigmented or thick filmed powder coatings for heat sensitive substrates, such as wood, wood composites, for example, medium density fiber board, and plastics, that can be fully cured, especially near the substrate, through the incorporation of a dual cure system in the powder comprising a thermal initiator, such as a peroxide, along with a UV initiator. The UV initiator cures the surface, while the thermal initiator cures at the substrate. Surprisingly, virtually no pregelation occurs during the heated melt and flow out step prior to UV curing. Consequently, the hardened film finish formed on the surface exhibits exceptional smoothness which is comparable to that of traditional UV curable powders. The hardened film finish is also fully cured throughout and exhibits exceptional adhesion to the substrate which cannot be achieved with traditional UV curable powders that have been pigmented.

Abstract: A radiation-curable matrix material for affixing coated and inked optical fibers in a ribbon configuration is disclosed. The material comprises an aliphatic polyether-based urethane acrylate; a monomer having a plurality of acrylate or methacrylate moieties; an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate; and an optional photoinitiator. Also disclosed are an optical fiber ribbon prepared therefrom; a process for preparing such ribbon; and a radiation-curable coating composition generally applicable for coating a substrate.

Abstract: A method and related compositions for preparing a substrate for printing are described. The invention comprises coating a non-paper substrate with an adherent base coat and a hydrophilic top coat. The base coat adheres to the substrate and the top coat, which is applied to the base coat and adheres to it, provides an ink receptive surface on which ink pigment can be deposited. A base coating composition comprises a type-A gelatin and an acrylic polymer. A top coating composition comprises a type-A or type-B gelatin and a hydrophilic organic polymer. A base- and top-coated substrate of the invention is particularly suited for use with ink-jet printers that employ aqueous-based inks. Printing substrates include such materials as canvas, leather, polymeric films and sheets, and the like.

Abstract: Anti-falsification paper characterized in that thin fragments having brightness, which are obtained by fragmenting nacreous pigment coated paper coated with a nacreous pigment coating solution mainly comprising a nacreous pigment and a binder insoluble in cold water but soluble in hot water, are allowed to exist near the surface of a substrate sheet. Even when falsification is attempted by reproduction using a color copying machine, the colors of the thin fragments having brightness, which are mixed in paper, cannot be reproduced. Therefore, a genuine (original) can be easily distinguished from a forgery (copy). The thin fragments are firmly bonded to paper by the action of the binder, and fall-off of the thin fragments does not occur at the time of printing. Even when anti-falsification paper becomes spoilage or waste paper, thin fragment with brightness does not adversely affect recovery of the pulp.

Abstract: A method for decorating an article with a plurality of separate and distinct radiation curable compositions, without the need for completely curing each composition prior to application of the next composition, comprising separately applying each single composition to the article in a pre-determined design and subjecting said applied composition to the radiation by which it is curable for a period of time sufficient to effect a partial cure of said applied composition, and repeating the application of each single composition followed by partial radiation curing thereof until the last of the desired number of compositions has been applied, after which all of said applied compositions are subjected to the radiation by which they are curable for a period of time sufficient to effect a complete cure of all of said applied compositions.

Abstract: A thin-film heterostructure bilayer is formed on a substrate by a molecular self-assembly process based on the alternating deposition of a p-type doped electrically conductive polycationic polymer and a conjugated or nonconjugated polyanion or water soluble, non-ionic polymer has been developed. In this process, monolayers of electrically conductive polymers are spontaneously adsorbed onto a substrate from dilute solutions and subsequently built-up into multilayer thin films by alternating deposition with a soluble polyanion or water soluble, non-ionic polymer. In contrast to a deposition process involving the alternate self-assembly of polycations and polyanions, this process is driven by non-covalent bonded attractions (for example, ionic and hydrogen bonds) developed between a p-type doped conducting polymer and a polymer capable of forming strong secondary bonds. The net positive charge of the conducting polymer can be systematically adjusted by simply varying its doping level.

Abstract: Process for producing a multi-layer lacquer coating by the application of a coat of clear lacquer including coating agents which are curable exclusively by polymerization in radicalic and/or cationic manner to a dried or crosslinked colored and/or effect-producing basecoat film process is performed in light having a wavelength of over 550 nm or subject to the exclusion of light. The application step is followed by initiation or implementation of curing of the clear-lacquer film by high-energy radiation. The process is particularly suitable for producing multi-layer lacquer coatings in the automobile industry.

Abstract: The support sheet for photographic printing paper of the present invention includes a substrate paper sheet, a front surface composite resin coating layer formed on the front surface of the substrate paper sheet and including an inside cured resin layer and outermost cured resin layer including, as a main component, an electron beam-curing product of electron beam-curable unsaturated organic compound, and a back surface resin coating layer formed on the back surface of the substrate paper sheet and including a film-forming synthetic resin, and is produced by a process including the steps of forming at least one inside coating liquid layer including an electron beam-curable unsaturated organic compound on the front surface of the substrate paper sheet;separately forming an outermost coating liquid layer containing an electron beam-curable unsaturated organic compound on a shaping surface and applying thereto a first electron beam irradiation to provide an outermost cured resin layer;superimposing the outermost

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing dull surfaces, in which initially a first paint layer is applied in a first layer thickness and at least one second paint layer is then applied on top of the first paint layer, at least the paint layer applied last being provided with dulling agents and having a dry film layer thickness which is less than the average particle size of the dulling agent. The method is characterized in that the paint layers applied are cured by ionizing radiation.

Abstract: Coating composition suitable for use in the production of coatings with a rapidly curable surface containingA) 10-80 wt. % of one or more compounds with on average at least two CH-acid hydrogen atoms,B) 10-80 wt. % of one or more .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated compounds with at least two identical or different groups of the general formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2 C.dbd.CR.sub.3 --CO-- which are linked together by the residue of a di-or polyhydric alcohol, a di- or polyamine or aminoalcohol, in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are mutually independently a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched alkyl residue with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, which residue may be olefinically mono- or polyunsaturated and/or may have one or more hydroxyl groups,C) 0-50 wt. % of one or more radically or ionically polymerisable compounds,D) 5-50 wt.

Abstract: Non-slip laminatable materials are provided by coating a polymer sheet backing with mineral particles adhered to the backing by a radiation curable adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution for catalytic treatment, which is effective for applying a catalyst-metal onto the surface of a substrate, which can provide a film having excellent properties such as adhesion, precision and selectivity through electroless plating or the like, and which does not cause a premature and undesirable decomposition in a bath. The solution for catalytic treatment comprises a catalyst-metal in the form of ions, which permits the deposition of the metal serving as a catalyst on a substrate by applying the solution onto the surface of the substrate and then irradiating the substrate with light rays. The present invention also relates to a method of applying a catalyst onto a substrate and a method of forming an electrical conductor in which such a solution for catalytic treatment is employed.

Abstract: A process for the production of flexible impregnated protective, auxiliary and insulating materials on a fibre basis for electrical purposes by the application of an impregnating agent to the material to be impregnated, followed by curing, characterised in that a solvent-free impregnating mass containing one or more olefinically unsaturated, radically polymerisable polyesters, which contain one or more radically polymerisable monomers as reactive diluents, one or more plasticizing agents and optionally one or more peroxide-free radical initiators is applied to the material to be impregnated and curing is then carried out with high energy radiation and optionally by further heating.

Abstract: Color filter arrays containing one or more colors for liquid crystal displays and other optoelectronic devices are made by using a laser to ablate portions of a coating on either a colored or transparent substrate. Color filter materials are placed into the ablated openings and cured. The number of laser ablated openings in the coated substrate varies, depending on the quantity and types of colors desired.

Abstract: Urethane oligomers having the formula:H.sub.2 C:CHCOORO[[COHNR'NHCO[O[CH.sub.2 ].sub.t CCH.sub.3 X].sub.m O].sub.n [CONHR'NHCOYR"Y].sub.p ].sub.q CONHR'NHCOOROCOCH:CH.sub.2(I)as well as process therefor are described. These oligomers are photocurable and useful as coatings and ink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sliding member having a backing metal and a sliding layer consisting of lead-containing copper alloy and being bonded to the backing metal, and to the method of producing the same. The present invention resides in more superior sliding performance exhibited due to uniform and fine distribution of lead particles in the copper alloy matrix. The method of the present invention to produce composite sliding members comprises using the atomized powder in which lead particles are finely and uniformly distributed in the alloy matrix and forming a cladding layer as the sliding layer through a plasma arc welding apparatus.

Abstract: Materials coated with plate-like pigments and characterized in that the coating shows structuring in defined areas due to a difference in the orientation of the pigment particles are highly suitable in the area of general security printing.