Abstract: A substrate has an abrasion-resistant diffusion barrier layer system having: a hard base layer including a coating composition based on a polymer containing reactive surface groups; and a nanostructured topcoat obtained by applying a nanoscale composition comprising sol particles and/or particulate solids to the basecoat and then curing it. The system features good abrasion resistance and diffusion barrier effect, and is particularly suitable as a protective coat for plastic substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent substrate coated on at least one of its faces with a polymer layer deposited under vacuum. This polymer layer is provided with an adhesion prelayer of organic or organoinorganic nature. The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing such a coated substrate and to its applications.

Abstract: A slidably movable member such as an adjusting shim used in a valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The slidably movable member is used in contact with lubricating oil and comprises a substrate. A hard carbon-based film is coated on a surface of the substrate. The hard carbon-based film has a surface section which contains at least one of nitrogen and oxygen in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 30 at % and/or hydrogen in an amount of not more than 10 at %.

Abstract: A molded sheet has a core which is composed of a number of core layers and, located on both sides of the core, substrate layers, decorative layers, and clear layers. Flame retardants have been added to the various layers of the molding, and specifically in a manner such that the distribution of the flame retardants is non-uniform across the thickness of the molding, and the distribution here may be selected to be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the center of the thickness of the molding.

Abstract: A composite on the surface of a substrate, and a method for producing the composite are disclosed. The composite includes a first coating, reflective beads, and a clear coating. The method for preparing the composite includes the stepwise application of coating compositions and reflective beads. The composite, which is wear-resistant and retroreflective, is useful as a traffic marking.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and composition for providing a three dimensional welding rod. The welding rod essentially comprises a first layer which is substantially formed from a consolidated layer having pigmented particles and a second layer which is substantially formed from a consolidated layer of clear particle. The three dimensional welding rod includes three dimensional pigmented particles which appear to be dispersed about the clear particles and having an excess of clear upon forming the seam.

Abstract: A method of making a polymer coating on a microstructured substrate. The method may be performed by vaporizing a liquid monomer or other pre-polymer composition and condensing the vaporized material onto a microstructured substrate, followed by curing. The resulting article may possess a coating that preserves the underlying microstructural feature profile. Such a profile-preserving polymer coating can be used to change or enhance the surface properties of the microstructured substrate while maintaining the function of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The fluorochemical surface treatment is substantially free of perfluoroalkyl groups having more than four carbon atoms. Preferably, the surface treatment is a polyfluoropolyether-based compound comprising at least one polar group or polar group-containing organic radical.

Abstract: A color compensational layer's structure and manufacturing method, wherein the major structure includes: a dye carrier, a first transparent substrate, and a second transparent substrate, and wherein the dye carrier is a plate structure having a first face and a second face, and the dye carrier is particularly inset with dye, and the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate are respectively pasted upon the first face and the second face of the dye carrier, and since polarization plate is applied in the color compensational layer, so by the special characteristics of the polarization plate, the dye may first be solved in the water and then be inset into the polarization plate, such that a harmful solvent may be avoided and the cost of dye will be lowered down as well.

Abstract: A method of making a decorative item comprises providing a transparent glass substrate, providing a portion of decorative material large enough to cover one side of the glass substrate, applying an adhesive sealant to one side of the material, adhering the side of the material with the adhesive to a bottom side of the transparent glass substrate, so as to be visible therethrough, trimming the material around an edge of the substrate, smoothing the edge of the substrate where the material was trimmed, applying a transparent, glossy, resilient coating material over the bottom of the substrate with the decorative material adhered in place, allowing the coating material to cure, and executing a finishing operation to smooth the edge after the resilient coating has been applied. A product made with the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate of glass, ceramic, plastic and metal, or a glazed or enamelled substrate, with a self-cleaning and/or hydrophobic surface. The substrate having disposed thereon a coating that includes a plurality of particles affixed to the surface of the substrate by a binder. The particles are preferably of nanoscale size and extend outwardly from a surface of the coating to form a nano-rough surface. The nano-rough surface causes a hydrophobic or water repellent effect. The binder can be formed from an organic or an inorganic material and operates to fix the plurality of particles to substrate surface.

Abstract: A synthetic resin leather comprising a substrate at least one surface of which is arranged with a synthetic resin layer, wherein said synthetic resin layer contains 1 to 70 weight parts of bridged polyalkylene oxide to 100 weight parts of synthetic resin. As the synthetic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic soft resin, mixed resin composed of 50-95 wt. % of thermoplastic polyurethane and 50-5 wt. % of acrylic soft resin, copolymer of polyester resin or polyolefin resin can be used. A surface coating layer containing powder of natural organic substance can be arranged over the surface of synthetic resin layer of said synthetic resin leather. As the powder of natural organic substance, collagen can be desirably used. Further, on the surface of the synthetic resin leather, it is desirable to mark a pattern and to make the height of convex part of the pattern higher than 0.05 mm.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a coated substrate comprising a substrate, a radiation-cured coating or a thermally-cured on at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the coating comprises an inherent macroscopic texture. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pre-cured coating mixture comprising a radiation-curable resin and an initiator, or a thermally-curable resin and thermal initiator, wherein the radiation- or thermally-curable resin and the respective initiator form a pre-cured coating mixture capable of forming a macroscopic texture upon application of the mixture on a substrate. In another embodiment the present invention provides a pre-cured coating mixture comprising a radiation- or thermally-curable resin, an initiator, and texture-producing particles having an effective size to provide a macroscopic texture upon application of the mixture on a substrate.

Abstract: A waterproofed fabric and a sealing tape for a waterproofed fabric each include a waterproof layer, a resin composition containing spherical particles with a specified particle size laminated to the waterproof layer. A waterproof article of clothing uses the fabric and the sealing tape. The article has a waterproof property, is very comfortable to wear, inexpensive, and light in weight.

Abstract: An antireflection film having a hard coat layer prepared on one side of a transparent substrate directly or through other layers, and further an antireflection layer laminated on a surface of the hard coat layer, wherein the antireflection layer is formed by a dry cured film obtained from a solution comprising a siloxane oligomer (A) obtained by condensation polymerization after partial hydrolysis of a hydrolyzable alkoxy silane that contains a tetra alkoxy silane represented by a general formula (1): Si(OR)4 (where R represents methyl group or ethyl group) as a principal component and a compound (B) having a fluoro alkyl structure and a polysiloxane structure, is excellent scratch-proof property, stain resistance, and cured in a short period of time at comparatively low temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film provided with a hardcoat which has high surface hardness and improved apparent scratch resistance. This film provided with a hardcoat comprises: a transparent substrate film; and, stacked on the transparent substrate film in the following order, a hardcoat and a slip layer. The hardcoat is formed of a cured product of a material comprising an ultraviolet-curable resin and a photopolymerization initiator which initiates the photopolymerization of the ultraviolet-curable resin upon exposure to ultraviolet light in its wavelength region other than the wavelength region absorbable by the transparent substrate film. The slip layer contains a slip agent.

Abstract: A structural member in which a super water-repellent function and high durability and scratch assistance can be obtained; and a method of manufacturing such a structural member. A water-repellent structure (100) consisting of appropriate irregularities comprising protrusion portions (18) uniform in height is formed on an external surface. The irregularities (17 and 18) have such dimensions that any droplet should not fall in a recess portion and the droplet is in contact with an air layer (20) in the recess portion (17).

Abstract: A coated hard metal which has high resistance against wear, chipping, welding, and flaking is offered. The coated hard metal is provided with an inner layer, intermediate layer, and outer layer on the surface of the hard metal. The inner layer includes a layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of (a) the carbides, nitrides, borides, and oxides of the elements belonging to the IVa, Va, and VIa groups in the periodic table and (b) the solid solutions of these. The intermediate layer includes a layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and their solid solution. The outer layer includes a layer of titanium carbonitride having a columnar structure.

Abstract: In carving a decorative groove (7) formed in V-shape cross section extending from inside to outside on a dial plate (2) of a timepiece as a decorative plate, the slant angle of an inner slanted side (7A) forming the V-shape of the decorative groove (7) is made gentler than an outer slanted side (7B) at an inner part of the spiral, so that action of light reflected on the flat surface of the dial plate (2) macroscopically becomes similar to the light reflected on a bulging surface to give the central portion of the dial plate (2) a bulging appearance, whereby a three-dimensional effect is provided by the decorative groove (7) even when the dial plate (2) is made of a thin plate, thereby adding depth and a luxurious touch or aspect.

Abstract: A decorative abrasion resistant flooring laminate having a distinct surface decor and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: A coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating is provided. The coated mat is a cured, non-woven mat including a mixture of fibers having different fiber lengths. The fibers contain a polysiloxane compound and are fixedly distributed in a binder.

Abstract: A coated sintered body can be used for a cutting tool for precision machining of hardened steel. The coated PCBN cutting tool includes a substrate which contains not less than 35 volume % and not more than 85 volume % of CBN, and a hard coated layer formed on the substrate. The hard coated layer comprises at least one compound layer consisting of at least one element selected from the group 4a, 5a, and 6a elements of the periodic table and Al, and at least one element selected from C, N and O. The thickness of the layer is not less than 0.3 &mgr;m and not more than 10 &mgr;m. The center-line mean roughness of the hard coated layer is not more than 0.1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire-protection and safety glazing laminate having a haze value less than 4 percent comprising (A) a plurality of high modulus layers laminated with (B) at least one fluoropolymer resin layer wherein (B) resides between (A). The high modulus layers comprise glass, polycarbonate or polyurethane. The fluoropolymer resin layer has a matte finish surface, an embossed finish surface or a combination thereof and is exposed to a corona treatment in an organic gas atmosphere. The high modulus layers are adhered to the fluoropolymer resin layer through a pressure and heat lamination.

Abstract: A sound absorbing structure comprising at least one porous member including a plurality of holes, and the holes are at least one kind of through holes and non-through holes. It is preferable that a plurality of porous members are stacked. It is also preferable that the holes of porous members are formed as diameter-varied holes, and an area of opening of each diameter-varied hole formed in the surface opposite to a sound source is largest and the area of opening of each the diameter-varied hole is reduced in a direction of the thickness of the porous member. Moreover, it is also preferable that the sound absorbing structure further comprises a coating film formed on at least a surface of the porous member which is opposite to a sound source wherein the holes penetrates the coating film and the porous member.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, a layer of granules adhered to the protective coating, and a web bonded to the lower region of the asphalt coating. A method of manufacturing a roofing material includes coating a substrate with an asphalt coating, applying a protective coating to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, applying a layer of granules to the protective coating, and applying a web to the lower region of the asphalt coating.

Abstract: A roofing material includes a thermoplastic substrate coated with an asphalt coating, a protective coating adhered to the upper surface of the asphalt coating, and a surface layer of granules adhered to the protective coating. The asphalt coating includes an upper surface that is positioned above the substrate when the roofing material is installed on a roof. The substrate comprises materials having an ultimate tensile elongation of greater than about six percent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a wafer employing a device for determining, in-situ, during the CMP process, an endpoint where the process is to be terminated. This device includes a laser interferometer capable of generating a laser beam directed towards the wafer and detecting light reflected from the wafer, and a window disposed adjacent to a hole formed through a platen. The window provides a pathway for the laser beam during at least part of the time the wafer overlies the window.

Abstract: An injected plastic product, such as a security seal, individualised by means of a strip of paper printed with an identification and integrated with an identification surface of the product. According to the invention, delamination of the strip of paper, so as to remove the outer layer or layers with the individualized identification, is not possible without tearing the paper. This may be done by forming the identification surface with one or more small protuberances which are covered by the paper strip or by at least part of the outer surface of the paper strip covered by the plastic injected when making the product. Injection molds suitable for making the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved deflection members are disclosed for imparting texture to a web through the use of pressing, imprinting, or related technologies, In one embodiment, such deflection members include fabrics having raised elements that contact the web and deflection conduits, wherein the deflection member comprises geometries and/or materials capable of creating asymmetrical domes, either through contact in a compression nip or by imprinting the web onto the Yankee dryer. Deflection members of the present invention can include those with elastomeric components in the raised elements, those comprising asymmetrical geometries in the raised elements, those comprising two or more subsets of raised elements having different material properties or geometries, and other fabrics with novel construction and materials.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet comprises a film substrate layer, a channel breathing layer and a breathing adhesive layer. The channel breathing layer has a plurality of convex parts and a concave part interposed between the convex parts that forms a channel communicating with the outside. When the adhesive sheet is applied to an adherend, gas generated from the adherend passes through the channel and swelling of the adhesive sheet is avoided.

Abstract: A moisture-adaptive vapour-barrier film consisting of polyethylene and acrylic ester is proposed for the full insulation of buildings, which adapts its diffusion resistance to environmental conditions in such a way that it blocks its pores in the winter and opens its pores in the summer and the vapour-diffusion resistance of which can be changed and adjusted as a function of the proportion of the acrylic ester so as to correspond to a diffusion equivalence from 0.5 m to 100 m air-layer thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The fluorochemical surface treatment is substantially free of perfluoroalkyl groups having more than four carbon atoms. Preferably, the surface treatment is a polyfluoropolyether-based compound comprising at least one polar group or polar group-containing organic radical.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming abrasion-resistant, high clarity coatings is described. It has been found that a macrocrystalline or single crystal mineral abrasive can be added at high levels, about 5 to about 80 percent by weight, to art-recognized film-forming resin compositions for producing coatings exhibiting exceptional abrasion resistance and clarity. Such a coating composition is useful for application to surfaces including wood, vinyl, tile, rubber modified cement, marble, metal, plastic, and laminated surfaces.

Abstract: A hardcoat for a plastic substrate film is provided which has good suitability for printing and satisfactory hardness, can prevent influence of the deformation of a plastic substrate film from extending to the hardcoat, and is resistant to cracking and peeling. The hardcoat is produced from a coating component containing one or more organic components having a polymerizable functional group and an inorganic filler, at least one of the organic components being free from a hydrogen bond-forming group. In the hard coat, the content of the inorganic filler in the surface of the hardcoat is higher than that in the interior of the hardcoat. The hardcoat can be applied to antireflection films and hologram labels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The fluorochemical surface treatment is substantially free of perfluoroalkyl groups having more than four carbon atoms. Preferably, the surface treatment is a polyfluoropolyether-based compound comprising at least one polar group or polar group-containing organic radical.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermally transferable image protective sheet and a method for protective layer formation that can provide a protective layer which can protect an image of a record produced by a nonsilver photographic color hard copy recording method, can impart lightfastness and other properties to the record, and can realize a record having a glossy impression comparable to silver salt photographs. The thermally transferable image protective sheet comprises a support and a thermally transferable resin layer having a single-layer or multilayer structure stacked on the support so as to be separable from the support.

Abstract: A protective layer which prevents marine fouling when attached to a boat hull or other structure intended to be submerged underwater. The protective layer achieves its anti-fouling characteristic by incorporating anti-fouling compounds uniformly dispersed throughout either a plastic film or an adhesive used to bond the film to a surface to be protected which slowly leach into the surrounding marine environment. The film is removably adhered to a boat hull or other structure by a thermally sensitive thermoplastic adhesive. The film may be removed by simply reheating until the adhesive softens to thereby allow the film and any undesired marine organisms attached thereon to be peeled away from the boat hull.

Abstract: Decorative grass having an optical effect constructed of a first sheet of material aligned with and bonded to a substantially iridescent second sheet of material to form an optical effect material. The optical effect material is shredded to produce a plurality of strips of decorative grass having an optical effect. A third sheet of material can be aligned with and bonded to the iridescent second sheet, wherein the first or third sheet of material is light transmitting. The first sheet of material can be constructed from paper, polymeric film, metallized film, foil, fabric, burlap or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent medium comprising pearl lustre pigments having angle-selective reflection and/or transmission properties and to the use thereof, especially in transparent thermal insulation systems (TIMs).

Abstract: There is provided a light diffusion sheet comprising a light diffusion layer formed on a transparent substrate and containing a binder resin and resin particles that impart an uneven surface, wherein the uneven surface of the light diffusion layer exhibits an arithmetical mean deviation of 2.0 &mgr;m or more in three-dimensional surface roughness measurement and/or ten point height of irregularities of 10.0 &mgr;m or more in three-dimensional surface roughness measurement. This light diffusion sheet is high luminance in the front direction, is excellent in light-diffusing property, and is resistant to damage.

Abstract: Encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting is described which contains an improved binder layer. The binder layer is obtained from a film-forming mixture which comprises: (A) a vinyl chloride copolymer, (B) a thermoplastic polyurethane, and (C) an aminoplast resin. Such binder layer exhibits improved adhesion to metallized beads and to a variety of cover films such as acrylic films.

Abstract: A polarizing plate with which a drop in polarization efficiency, hue shift, and light leakage do not substantially arise, under a high humidity/high temperature environment is provided. The polarizing plate of the present invention comprises a polyvinyl-alcohol-based polarizing film, a protective film having thereon two anchor coat agent layers, mainly composed of a cyclic-olefin-based resin, laminated on at least one side of the polarizing film, with an adhesive. The amount of change in optical in-plane retardation of the protective film is 5 nm or less after 24 hours in an atmosphere of 80° C., and the wetting tension of the anchor coated surface of the protective film is 500 &mgr;N/cm (23° C.) or more. The anchor coat agent layers include a first layer made of polyisocyanate and polyester polyol and/or polyether polyol, and a second layer made of polyvinyl alcohol. The adhesive is made of polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to articles such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The surface treatment comprises at least one fluoropolymer selected from a) fluoropolymers comprising a fluorinated hydrocarbon backbone and side chains comprising at least one of fluoroalkyl, fluoroether alkyl, fluoroalkoxy and mixtures thereof; and b) fluoropolymers comprising a hydrocarbon backbone and side chains comprising at least one of fluoroether alkyl, fluoroalkoxy and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A coated cloth includes a fabric layer having a three-dimensional pattern printed thereon. A clear coating layer is secured to the fabric layer and disposed over at least a portion of the three-dimensional pattern. Also, the cloth may include a clear adhesive layer forming a bond between the coating layer and the fabric layer. The present invention also includes a method of forming a coated cloth. The method includes applying a coating material to a substrate, thereby forming a coating layer on the substrate. The coating layer is allowed to partially cure, and a three-dimensionally patterned fabric layer is applied to the coating layer. The method may also include applying an adhesive material to the coating layer, thereby forming an adhesive layer that bonds the fabric layer to the coating layer.

Abstract: A matrix is formed into a desired shape by pouring transparent liquid material into a mold. The material progresses from the liquid to the gelatinous state. Laser sculpting steps are performed when the material is still in a gelatinous condition to form small spots in the matrix. Because the material is non-solid gel when the laser beam applies its focused energy, there is no cracking or destruction. Intensity and duration of the laser pulse determine the size of the spots as does the timing in relation to the matrix material finally changing from gel to solid. Particular visual effects are produced at different degrees of solidity when sculpting. The liquid in the mold may be pressurized for removal of air bubbles after initial pouring of the matrix material and application of pressure after the laser sculpting controls the size of the spots in the finished product.

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: A roofing system (10) adapted to be supported on a support surface (18), the system including a plurality of panels (14) arranged in partially overlapping relation to form a roof, the panels each having first (42) and second (44) side edges, an upper (26) and lower (30) surfaces providing a series of barrels (46) and pans (50), a first side region (83) defining a portion of a barrel and a first cylindrical mating surface (82), and a second-side region (66) defining a portion of a pan and a second cylindrical mating surface, the panels being arranged in overlapping relation so that the first and second mating surfaces are sealingly engaged.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar control film that blocks the sunlight, when applied to various windows of automobiles, buildings or exhibition places and that prevent any second accident caused by broken glasses at an accident. From the solar control film, a surface protective layer, a plastic film substrate, a hologram-engraved layer, a metal deposition layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a release film are laminated in due order. The solar control film of this. Hence the above-described solar film has a basic function such as an excellent blocking rate of visible and infrared rays, while demonstrating an additional antifog action and an elegant look due to the hologram effect.

Abstract: A granule covered roofing shingle has a lower, tab portion, an upper, headlap portion, a first end and a second end, the shingle being suitable for installing on roof decks end-to-end with similar shingles in overlapping longitudinal courses, the tab portion having tabs and cutouts. The shingle has a fractional tab at each end of the shingle, and one or more whole tabs positioned between the ends of the shingle. The whole tabs and fractional tabs include a layer of granules to form a color blend, wherein both the fractional tabs of the shingle have the same color blend. When the shingle is installed on a roof deck with other substantially identically shaped shingles in overlapping longitudinal courses, adjacent shingles in the same course of shingles have fractional tabs that adjoin each other and that are of the same generally uniform color blend so that the two adjoining fractional tabs have the appearance of a single tab.

Abstract: For obtaining a substrate on the surface of which a water repellent film is firmly bonded through an undercoating film, and which shows a low critical inclination angle, superior durability, and high density, a water repellent and/or oil repellent film layer is formed by using a liquid for undercoating treatment. The liquid for undercoating treatment is obtained by dissolving and reacting a material having chlorosilyl radicle radicle in molecular form therein and is dissolved into an alcohol group solvent, so that a surface roughness (Ra) of less than 0.5 nm is obtained, thereby achieving high durability and a low critical inclination angle.