Abstract: Clear lacquer coating media suitable for multi-layer coatings, containing self-crosslinking or externally crosslinkable binder vehicles, organic solvents, and in the case of externally-crosslinkable binder vehicles containing one or more crosslinking agents which are different from aldehyde condensation resins, and optionally also containing one or more reactive thinners and customary additives for clear lacquers, with an additional content of A) 0.1 to 3% by weight one or more urea compounds, and B) 0.05 to 10% by weight one or more substances which supply formaldehyde, with respect in each case to the resin solids content which is formed by the binder vehicles, reactive thinners and crosslinking agents.

Abstract: A method of making permanent drawings and markings on a mosaic tile having a grid frame with a plurality of replaceable plastic tiles or tiles made of polycarbonate material. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of separate and replaceable tiles on a grid frame of the mosaic tile; providing an ink-jet printer having an ultraviolet stable ink; spraying the ultraviolet stable ink out from the ink-jet printer onto the plurality of replaceable tiles of the mosaic tile to form an image, and exposing an ultraviolet light on the image to cure the ultraviolet stable ink onto the plurality of replaceable tiles of the mosaic tile. The method further comprises the step of replacing an old tile with a new tile having the same marking or new markings as the old file. The method causes the ink to be embedded onto the files and remain in a very permanent state.

Abstract: Electrically (and, possibly, mechanically) active patterns are applied using a colloidal suspension of nanoparticles that exhibit a desired electrical characteristic. The nanoparticles are surrounded by an insulative shells that may be removed by therefrom by application of energy (e.g., in the form of electromagnetic radiation or heat). The nanoparticle suspension is applied to a surface, forming a layer that is substantially insulative owing to the nanoparticle shells. The applied suspension is exposed to energy to remove the capping groups and fuse the particles into cohesion. If the nanoparticle suspension was deposited as a uniform film, the energy is applied in a desired pattern so that unexposed areas remain insulative while exposed areas exhibit the electrical behavior associated with the nanoparticles. If the nanoparticle suspension was deposited in a desired pattern, it may be uniformly exposed to energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing at cast 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 of manufacturing a security device, the method comprising providing a radiation curable material on a shrinkable substrate; imparting an optically variable effect structure on or into the radiation curable material; and curing the material so that it retains the optically variable effect structure.

Abstract: A coated plastic or high pressure laminated article and a process for making same includes coating a plastic or high pressure laminated substrate with a radiation curable top coat which may include ultraviolet inhibitors therein. 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. The resulting article is a coated article which is comprised of a substrate coated with a radiation cured coating having an outer surface susceptible for receiving a sublimatable ink diffused therein.

Abstract: A Method for curing a coating applied to an optical fiber. A water-jacketed UV lamp is provided adjacent a first reflector. An optical fiber is drawn between a second reflector opposite the first reflector and at least one quartz plate, while a cross flow of a cooling gas is passed around the optical fiber. Apertures may be formed in the second reflector for passing the cooling gas while the optical fiber is passed between the second reflector and the at least one quartz plate. Alternatively, two or more quartz plates may be provided and the cooling gas and the optical fiber passed between the quartz plates. The cooling gas experiences laminar flow.

Abstract: Master discs and similar devices used in the production of digital data storage and recording discs and the like are produced with a substrate member which is provided with a layer of material which is applied to the substrate member in liquid form of a thickness greater than the surface roughness of the substrate member and of a thickness greater than any particulates present on the substrate member. The material layer is preferably a polymer such as epoxy, acrylic or styrene and is hardenable by exposure to UV light, heat, air circulation or catalytic reaction to provide a substantially smooth flat surface for receiving a data bearing film. The film may be treated to generate bumps or pits representing digital signals, for example, which are free of any defects resulting from surface roughness or contamination of the substrate member.

Abstract: A process for lacquer coating substrates with a colored and/or effect base lacquer and a clear lacquer topcoat, in which a colored and/or effect base lacquer layer of a base lacquer coating composition is applied onto a substrate and is provided in a wet-on-wet process with a clear lacquer coating. Before being jointly stoved or jointly cured with the base lacquer layer, the uncured clear lacquer layer is exposed to high-energy radiation. In the clear lacquer coating composition, the resin solids content contains 50 to 98 wt. % of a system A) thermally curable by addition and/or condensation reactions, which system contains substantially no free-radically polymerisable double bonds and substantially no groups capable of reacting in another way with free-radically polymerisable double bonds of a system B). The resin solids content further contains 2 to 50 wt.

Abstract: A magnetic hard disk drive comprising a magnetic disk and a magnetic head slider, characterized in that said magnetic head slider is coated with a layer having a contact angle of 50° or more when measured by using a lubricant coated on the magnetic disk, is free from start failure due to stiction caused by adhesion of the lubricant to the slider surface.

Abstract: A system and method for finishing a series of golf balls is disclosed herein. The system automatically transfers each of the golf balls from station to station on the system. The system has at least one coating station that has at least one spray gun that moves in relation to a golf ball being conveyed through the coating station. The spray gun moves in a track extending from a position below the golf ball to a position above the golf ball. The system has a transfer means that includes a series of transport pucks. Each transport puck has a plurality of shafts with spindles attached to the top of each of the shafts. Each spindle holds a golf ball for processing through the system. The spindles are rotated at relatively high rates during the coating process. In order to reduce tip marks on the finished golf ball, the golf balls are transferred from each spindle utilizing a high pressure gas. The system may be used to coat each golf ball with a basecoat, an indicia and a topcoat.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity is imparted to the surface(s) of an apparatus or article by polymerizing tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate in the presence of the apparatus or article by which adhesion of the polymer to the surface(s) is achieved. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the antimicrobial monomer is graft polymerized on the surface(s).

Abstract: To provide a method for repairing a coated surface of a vehicle, using an ultraviolet curing resin having excellent quick-drying property, and giving a good finish in a shortened working time, a method for repairing the damage on a coated surface of a vehicle being a depression and/or a depletion of a coating film, which is characterized by comprising the following steps a) to c): a) filling a putty raw material comprising an ultraviolet polymerizing resin composition in an optionally pretreated damage portion and ultraviolet curing the putty raw material to fill the damaged portion with the putty; b) uniformly spray coating, on the coated surface including at least the putty-covered surface after the step a), a primer surfacer raw material comprising an ultraviolet polymerizing resin composition having a viscosity sufficient for spray coating and ultraviolet curing the obtained raw material coating film to form a primer surfacer layer; and c) applying a top coat on the primer surfacer layer obtained in b)

Abstract: The present invention is a process for modifying the properties of a porous freeform fabricated part by increasing its density and reducing its porosity. The porosity and density of a freeform fabricated part are altered by packing the pores in a freeform part with an infiltrant, such as a preceramic polymer. The process includes drawing a vacuum on or pressurizing the freeform part while it is in an infiltrant bath, thereby forcing the infiltrant into the pores of the freeform part. After removing the densified freeform part from the infiltrant bath, the freeform part is subjected to a treating process, such that the infiltrant within the pores transforms to a ceramic or ceramic-containing phase to thereby increasing the density of the freeform part.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing a photocurable coating provided on a fiber, includes an irradiator tube having an upstream end on which an injection assembly is provided, and a downstream end on which an exhaust assembly is provided. The injection assembly receives an inert gas flow. The injection assembly includes a diffuser that splits the inert gas flow into a counter flow and a tube flow. The counter flow is directed counter to the travel direction of the fiber, and the tube flow is directed in a laminar fashion through the irradiator tube. The exhaust assembly has a vent though which the tube flow is drawn, and an air opening provided between a downstream end of the irradiator tube and the exhaust vent.

Abstract: Release liners and processes for making the same are disclosed. The release liners include no more than about 1.5 micrograms/square centimeter of nonreacted silicone materials (extractables). The release liners are prepared using solvent coating of radiation curable silicone release materials.

Abstract: The microcapsule magnetic display sheet is sequentially provided thereon with a transparent front sheet, a microcapsule layer coated on the transparent front sheet and then a ultraviolet ray curable resin layer. The ultraviolet ray curable resin layer is formed by painting liquid ultraviolet raycurable resin on the microcapsule layer first and then hardening it by irradiating it with UV rays. As the liquid ultraviolet ray curable resin can fill fine gaps of the microcapsules, no hollows left between the microcapsules and the UV resin layer. As the UV resin filled in gaps shares wording pressure, the microcapsules are fully protected and hardly be destroyed. After painting the liquid UV ray curable resin on the microcapsule layer and before it IS hardened, a separable film is covered on it. While a film is covered on it, the sheet is hard and if the film is separated, the sheet is soft. So the stiffness of the magnetic display sheet can be regulated by covering or not covering a film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a recording medium includes the steps of: a) providing an underlayer on a substrate; b) providing a magnetic layer on the under layer; c) providing a protection layer of amorphous carbon on the magnetic layer; and d) providing a lubrication layer of fluorine on the protection layer, the lubrication layer including a bonding layer part which is strongly bonded to the protection layer and a mobile layer part which is not strongly bonded to the protection layer. The method further includes the steps of: e) implementing a UV curing process on the surface of the protection layer between the step c) and d), so that a ratio of the bonding layer part in the lubrication layer is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of curing a waterborne coating composition comprising the steps of: a) applying the waterborne coating composition, which comprises polymer solids of which at least 5% by weight thereof is UV curable, to a substrate; b) irradiating the coated substrate with microwave radiation; and c) irradiating the coated substrate with UV radiation.

Abstract: A dental floss having improved abrasion resistance composed of dental fibers coated with a UV-curable resin, and a method for producing a dental floss having improved abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin such as a photosensitive resin, to a substrate such as a papermaker's dewatering felt. The method comprises the steps of providing a curable liquid resin, providing a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the substrate comprising fibers defining voids intermediate the first and second surfaces, and the substrate comprising a second material different from the curable liquid resin, the second material coating at least some of the fibers, wherein the voids adjacent the coated fibers provide fluid communication from the first surface of the substrate to the second surface of the substrate; removing at least some of the second material coating at least some of the fibers; applying the curable liquid resin to the substrate; and curing at least some of the resin to provide a resin layer on the substrate.

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: Process for producing adhesive tapes in which adhesive tapes coated on one side with an adhesive composition are subjected to radiation crosslinking, the irradiation of the adhesive tape taking place through the backing material of the adhesive tape onto the adhesive composition in such a way that the backing material and that side of the adhesive composition facing the backing material receive a dose of from 30 to 200 kGy, in particular 100 kGy, and the acceleration voltage during the irradiation being chosen such that the dose on the open side of the adhesive composition has fallen from 0 to 60 kGy, in particular from 10 to 20 kGy.

Abstract: Metal surfaces which are pre-treated with high-energy NIR-radiation and then coated with a powder or a liquid coating composition, followed by curing or drying the coating composition, show better adhesion to the coating and improved appearance and performance and the process is more cost effective.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing silicone rubber is constructed so as to perform a heating process and a curing process in a very short time without degradation of characteristics in piezoelectric elements so as to improve productivity. A piezoelectric component having uncured silicone rubber coated on the external peripheral surface thereof is held in a jig having a property of reflecting far infrared rays. The uncured silicone rubber coated on the external peripheral surface of the piezoelectric component is irradiated with far infrared rays by a far infrared panel heater so as to cure the silicone rubber.

Abstract: Before forming resin layers and metal thin film layers on a rotating supporting base, a belt-shaped object is run over the supporting base to remove foreign particles adhering to the supporting base. After a resin layer and a metal thin film layer are formed on the belt-shaped object and their formation conditions are optimized, the belt-shaped object is removed, and subsequently a layered product is formed on the supporting base. Thus, foreign objects adhering to the supporting base can be removed, and resin layers and metal thin film layers can be formed as desired.

Abstract: An image is printed onto a substrate having a surface. A coating is applied to the surface which includes a reactive water dispersible species and a solvent. An image is printed onto the coated substrate using an ink jet printer which supplies aqueous ink to thereby form the image on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for curing a UV curing printing ink (14) on a printed material (9), wherein the printing ink (14) is irradiated with UV light from a UV radiation source (8). A low pressure gas discharge lamp (7) is proposed as UV radiation source (8). The device in accordance with the invention is characterized in that it comprises a stationary reflector (5) having, in particular, a special reflecting layer with diffuse reflecting material based on silicone rubber having diffuse reflecting particle imbedded therein.

Abstract: Several techniques may be used 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: 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: A method for producing a sized, coated ceramic fiber decreases mechanical damage to the fiber during weaving, and the sizing can be removed after weaving by heating at a low temperature.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a multicolor display device, comprising a transparent substrate, fluorescent dye deposited in a dye layer onto the substrate by ink jet printing, and a source of radiation for illuminating said fluorescent dye. The present invention also concerns methods for creating such a device.

Abstract: A method for forming coatings from radiation curable compositions comprising an alkenyl ether functional polyisobutylene, a cationic photoinitiator, and optionally a free radical photoinitiator and/or an alkenyl ether compound which is free of isobutylene units on to components such as fiber optics where the component is at a temperature greater than about 50° C. and preferably at a temperature within a range of greater than about 80° C. to 120° C. The coating may be overcoated with an acrylate functional polymer.

Abstract: There is provided an improved resist coating/developing processing method and apparatus for a wafer track system so as to increase its throughput. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by integrating a wafer edge exposure unit with a temperature control plate unit into a single integrated processing unit having the functionality of the two separate processing units.

Abstract: A cured coated article and a process for making same includes coating a substrate, such as wood, plastic, high pressure laminates, ceramic or metal with a radiation curable top coat having UV protectable additives therein. 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: A method of laser marking substrates such as glass, ceramic, metal and plastic is disclosed. A marking material is applied to the surface of the substrate, followed by irradiation of a portion of the marking material to form a permanent marking on the substrate. The non-irradiated portion of the marking material is then removed from the substrate. The marking material may comprise glass frit or precursors thereof, inorganic pigments or precursors thereof, silicates, metal oxides, sulfides, nitrides and carbides, organometallic materials or metal powders. The marking method is highly versatile, can be performed quickly, and produces permanent marks of high resolution and contrast without damage to the substrate.

Abstract: A gas and radiation are used to produce a protective coating that is substantially void-free on the molecular scale, self-terminating, and degradation resistant. The process can be used to deposit very thin (≈5-20 Å) coatings on critical surfaces needing protection from degradative processes including, corrosion and contamination.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for modifying the properties of a porous freeform fabricated part by increasing its density and reducing its porosity. The porosity and density of a freeform fabricated part are altered by packing the pores in a freeform part with an infiltrant, such as a preceramic polymer. The process includes drawing a vacuum on or pressurizing the freeform part while it is in an infiltrant bath, thereby forcing the infiltrant into the pores of the freeform part. After removing the densified freeform part from the infiltrant bath, the freeform part is subjected to a treating process, such that the infiltrant within the pores transforms to a ceramic or ceramic-containing phase to thereby increasing the density of the freeform part.

Abstract: A composite glass article having a chemically modified ceramic surface whose coefficient of thermal expansion is lower than that of the glass substrate is produced by exposing the glass article maintained at a temperature above its annealing point (typically 500° C.) and below its softening point (soda-lime about 725° C.; borosilicate about 800° C.) to an atmosphere containing prescribed metalorganic compounds. The chemically modified ceramic surface in maintained in compression and is a ceramic consisting of members from a specific group of oxides dependent upon the type of glass comprising the substrate. The method for forming the glass composite article includes applying the metalorganic mixture while the glass substrate is maintained at a temperature above its annealing point (typically 500° C.) and below its softening point (soda-lime about 725° C.; borosilicate about 800° C.) to an atmosphere containing prescribed metalorganic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying coating films to three-dimensionally curved substrates, and to a process for producing coating films. In order to apply the coating film, which has at least a coating layer and an adhesive layer, the radiation-curable coating layer of the coating film is partially cured so as to be free from tack before being applied to the substrate. Following application, the coating film is subjected to electromagnetic radiation at below the wavelength of the visible spectrum and is fully cured. To produce a coating film, the coating layer is partially cured so as to be free from tack and in this state is stored until it is applied to a substrate. The coating layer can be attached at least indirectly to a smooth support base in conjunction with an adhesive layer. The coating layer and/or the coating film can be detached from a roller in applying the coating film to a substrate.

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.

Abstract: A process for producing an article having a three-dimensional optical effect comprising a transparent substrate provided with a translucent simulated ice crystal formation having a controlled amount of fern-like patterns along with articles produced by this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining a simulated deep acid etch sign. The steps include creating a custom image on the sign through computer programming and hand applied manipulation. A coating of ink is applied and then cured with ultra violet light, post cured and then providing a conventional mirroring process.

Abstract: An image receptor medium including an image reception layer having two major opposing surfaces. The image reception layer comprises a polymer comprising at least two monoethylenically unsaturated monomeric units, wherein one monomeric unit comprises a substituted alkene where each branch comprises from 0 to about 8 carbon atoms and wherein one other monomeric unit comprises a (meth)acrylic acid ester of a nontertiary alkyl alcohol in which the alkyl group contains from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms and can include heteroatoms in the alkyl chain and in which the alcohol can be linear, branched, or cyclic in nature and an efficacious amount of a free-radical scavenger. Alternatively, the image receptor medium includes a substrate layer comprising a polymer substrate layer having two major opposing surfaces and an image reception layer on a first major surface of the substrate layer. The image reception layer has an outer surface for receiving images, and comprises a polymer identified above.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a poly-crystalline silicon (p-Si) film includes the steps in which an excimer laser anneals an amorphous silicon (a-Si) film deposited on a glass substrate and makes the same into the poly-crystalline silicon while the glass substrate is moved in a moving direction relative to the laser. Prior to carrying out the annealing step, a couple of the laser pulses are applied to different places of the a-Si film, provided that each of the laser pulses has different energy fluence and one pulse at a time is applied to the a-Si film. The pulse applied area is divided into two sections by a reference line perpendicular to the moving direction of the glass substrate. Average grain sizes of the p-Si film in the two sections are compared to each other to determine the moving direction.

Abstract: An injector system for a vertical furnace which has a pedestal and a semiconductor article support within a process container. The injector system includes an injector which is an elongate tube extending into the process chamber. The tube includes a circuitous section in the area of the pedestal to increase residence time for the contents of the tube prior to introduction to the semiconductor articles. A substantially direct section leads from the circuitous section to a discharge end located above the semiconductor article support. The injector system further includes a vertical column heater arranged with the vapor outlet at the upper end of the heater connected via a coupling to the injector in an arrangement to reduce thermal loss.

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: Production of a finished fabric backing for use in the production of a coated abrasive is performed using a dual cure system comprising a radiation curable binder and a thermal initiator in which polymerization is initiated by the use of radiation until the exotherm produced raises the temperature of the formulation to the activation temperature of the thermal initiator. Thereafter the polymerization continues under the influence of the thermal initiator alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of interrelated methods for the production of random and ordered arrays of particles and recesses as well as films containing such arrays and recesses. The present invention also relates to the random and ordered arrays of particles and films prepared therefrom. The ordered arrays are obtained by the use of ferrofluid compositions which may be curable, solidifiable on non-curing/non-solidifiable. The arrays and films may contain electrically-conductive particles useful in electronic applications for effecting contact between leads or pads.

Abstract: A fabrication method in which an object is formed as a plurality of successive laminae, the method comprising the repeated steps of: (i) applying a precursor onto a recipient surface; and (ii) locally heating regions of the deposited precursor by directing a light beam onto those regions of the deposited precursor, so that the locally heated regions transform to a solid material.