Abstract: A photon-alignment optical film includes a film substrate on which at least one layer of core/shell nanoparticles is coated. The core/shell nanoparticle layer includes a plastic substance, which is photo curable or heat curable, and a plurality of core/shell nanoparticles, which is uniformly distributed in the plastic substance. Light energy is used as a driving force to induce electrical potential of the same polarity on the surfaces of the core/shell nanoparticles to make the core/shell nanoparticles rearranged in the form of a matrix due to repulsion induced between like electrical polarity. Spacing between the particles, which is relatively constant, allows light to pass therethrough. The plastic substance is cured by light or heat to have the core/shell nanoparticles set in position to thereby form the optical film. Such an optical film features both diffusion and brightness enhancement.

Abstract: A shingle has a color changing outer surface. The color changing outer surface can have a first color under a first environmental condition and a second color under a second environmental condition. The color changing outer surface is capable of both changing from the first color to the second color and from the second color to the first color. Methods using the shingles for reducing energy absorption and for producing an image or pattern are also disclosed.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] Provided is a coating composition excellent in antifouling properties, transparency and hydrophilicity and capable of maintaining surface hydrophilicity even at high temperature. [Solution] A coating composition containing (A) a metal oxide particle having a number average particle size of 1 nm to 400 nm, and (B) a polymer particle, in which the content of an aqueous-phase component in the component (B), represented by the following expression (I), is 20 mass % or less. The content of the aqueous-phase component (%)=(dry mass of a filtrate obtained by filtering the component (B) at a molecular cutoff of 50,000)×(100?total mass of solid content)/(mass of the filtrate?dry mass of the filtrate)×100/the total mass of solid content??(I).

Abstract: A coating composition for granular roofing has a liquid phase, such as a water, vinyl copolymer or a modified acrylic, and a material with high reflectance, such as CaCO3, TiO2, ceramic microspheres, nano-particles, talc dispersed therein to yield a low-viscosity coating. The coating is applied to a granular surface in a thin layer that does not significantly disturb the granular aesthetics, but covers the base material, e.g., modified bitumen, at least partially, to increase the overall reflectivity of the material. In some embodiments, the coating improves the physical integrity of the granular surface and increases resistance to environmental effects and may perform a pigment function. In one embodiment, the coating is applied as a powder followed by the application of a liquid. In another embodiment, the coating includes a water repellant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with coagulated aqueous polymer dispersions to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with one or more aqueous polymer dispersion of a suspension polymer to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and, optionally, subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading and/or compression molding the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.

Abstract: A component for use in an engine in which the component is subjected to at least one of a high temperature, a corrosive atmosphere, an oxidizing atmosphere, a high mechanical load, a cyclic thermal load and transient conditions such that the component is prone to crack formation and propagation. At least one base material includes a self healing system in a form of an added active phase, the self healing system including at least one of a melting point depressant and a substance having a softening or a melting point below or within a range of an operating temperature of the component.

Abstract: A hard coat film excellent in abrasion resistance and saponification resistance. A hard coat layer includes a cured product of a curable resin composition containing a reactive inorganic fine particle having an average particle diameter of 5 nm to 30 nm, and has a skin layer, wherein the reactive inorganic fine particles are localized, in its surface region being an interface and its vicinity on a side opposite to a transparent substrate film side of the hard coat layer. Alternatively, the reactive inorganic fine particle has an average particle diameter of 30 nm to 100 nm, and has density distribution in a thickness direction of the hard coat layer lowest at an interface on a side opposite to a transparent substrate film side of the hard coat layer while the density is highest at an interface and its vicinity on the transparent substrate film side of the hard coat layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning device comprising a cleaning composition and a substrate. The cleaning composition comprises an absorbent particulate, a binding agent, and optionally, a thickening agent. The cleaning composition may be applied to a substrate, such as a textile substrate, by applying the composition to at least one portion of the surface of the substrate or by incorporating the composition throughout the substrate. The absorbent particulate generally exhibits a high affinity for particles, color, grease, oil, and other staining materials and is a soft material which allows for gentle cleaning of most surfaces without detrimentally abrading and scratching soiled surfaces. The absorbent particulate also serves as an indicator providing a visual cue of its cleaning efficacy and may be used in either a wet or dry state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a functionalized particle includes a n inorganic particle with diazonium functional group attached. In some embodiments, the largest dimension of the inorganic particle ranges between about 10 nm and 1000 ?m. In another embodiment, a substrate with a hydrophobic surface includes a substrate, and a first plurality of inorganic particles with at least one diazonium functional group attached to the substrate. The largest dimension of the first plurality of inorganic particles ranges between about 10 nm and 1000 ?m. One embodiment includes a second plurality of particles with at least one phenol functional group attached to the inorganic particle. In a further embodiment, a fluorinated functional group is attached to the second plurality of particles. In some embodiments, the material has a hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle greater than about 150°.

Abstract: The present invention provides shaped articles comprising one or more composite layer of (i) a vulcanizate encapsulated in a colored or uncolored thermoplastic polymer matrix containing one or more passivating agent, and (ii) a reflective material chosen from colored fluidizable particles of a thermoplastic reflective colorant encapsulated vulcanizate, roofing granules, thermoplastic encapsulated roofing granules, the colored thermoplastic polymer matrix, and combinations thereof. The articles can be laminates of colored or reflective layers on uncolored or other layers, or one or more colored layer having colored fluidizable particles are dispersed within the surface of the uppermost composite layer or having either the colored fluidizable particles or the granules are dispersed on the surface of the composite layer or are adhered thereto with a thermoplastic resin. Roofing shingles are provided.

Abstract: Solar-reflective roofing granules having deep-tone colors are formed by coating base mineral particles with a coating composition including an infrared-reflective pigment. Color is provided by colored infrared pigment, light-interference platelet pigment, or a metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides fine particles for an optical function layer which can provide both high anti-glare properties and high black color reproducibility and give an optical function layer suitably applicable to a high definition display device. The fine particles for being added to a transparent base used in formation of an optical function layer each comprise a core, and a shell covering the core, wherein the fine particles have a mean particle size R that is larger than a wavelength of light entering the optical function layer, a ratio (r/R) of a mean core size r to the mean particle size R is 0.50 or higher, and the shell has a refractive index different from the transparent base and has light-absorbing properties.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing shingles are prepared with granules are formed by coating mineral particles with a clay-silicate binder including a metal oxide algaecide and small organic particles. When the particles are heated to cure the binder, the organic particles pyrolyse to form pores in the coating. Release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules.

Abstract: A cooling system comprising a plurality of coolant channels comprising a fluid-impervious surface comprising a base surface, at least one distinct region of the base surface covered by a mixed monolayer, the mixed monolayer comprising a species having a functional group M1 and a species having a functional group M2 where M1 and M2 have different surface energies, the mixed monolayer forming a surface energy gradient within the region and wherein any portions of the surface that border the at least one distinct region have substantially equal surface energies.

Abstract: Colored metal particles comprising a) metallic base particles; and b) an insolubilized coating material at least partially covering said particles comprising: an IR-reflective pigment; and a silicate-clay matrix formed from the high-temperature interaction between an alkali metal silicate and kaolin clay; and a method for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Pedestrian trafficable skid-resistant flexible articles (24) are described. These articles (24) include a flexible substrate (17) having a non-skid coating that may be either a pressure-sensitive adhesive (13) or a highly- filled, textured binder. These articles may be applied to trafficable surfaces such as roof and floors. Articles in the form of roof underlayments having a skid-resistant surface are described in particular.

Abstract: A solar heat-reflective roofing product includes a base sheet, and solar heat-reflective roofing granules on top of the base sheet. The granules have a base particle with a flake-like geometry covered by a uniform coating layer. The coating layer has a thickness of at least one mil and includes a coating binder and at least one solar heat-reflective pigment. The solar heat-reflective pigment provides a solar heat reflectance of greater than 70 percent to the granules and the roofing product. Roofing products including roofing shingles and roofing membranes are described.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing granules are formed by extruding a mixture of mineral particles and a binder to form porous granule bodies, and algaecide is distributed in the pores. Release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate having a surface and a dielectric layer comprising a distribution of particles. The layer is located over the surface and has a dielectric constant of seven or more. Each particle has a particle core and a polymer shell that is chemically bonded thereto and located around the associated particle core. Each particle core includes a material having a dielectric constant of about fifteen or more. Aggregates of the particle cores having diameters of about 0.5 microns or more are substantially absent from the layer.

Abstract: Roofing material with an irregular surface and tailored radiation properties and tailored aesthetic properties in separate directions, simultaneously. This provides enhanced thermal performance in the sun direction and aesthetically pleasing visual appearance from viewing directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to touch screen articles comprising an antiglare layer. The antiglare layer comprises aggregate inorganic oxide particles in a cured inorganic polymer matrix.

Abstract: Pavement markings having a substrate with a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of retroreflective elements (100) disposed along the first major surface of the substrate, the retroreflective elements each having a solid spherical core (110) and at least a first complete concentric optical interference layer (120) overlying core. In some embodiments, the retroreflective elements of the pavement marking further include a second complete concentric optical interference layer overlying the first complete concentric optical interference layer. In still other embodiments, the retroreflective elements of the pavement markings further include a third complete concentric optical interference layer overlying the second complete concentric optical interference layer.

Abstract: A roofing material comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface includes reduced-particle size granules and may further include a reduced-thickness face coating. The thickness of the upper surface is related to the particle size of the granules deposed on the face coating. A smaller particle size granule than those used in traditional roofing shingles is utilized in the upper surface which may allow for a reduced-thickness face coating while not sacrificing the retention of the granules on the surface of the roofing material or desired physical characteristics. The face coating may include a reduced amount of filler material, such as mineral fillers, than face coatings of traditional roofing materials.

Abstract: A method of predicting photostability of coatings with various dopants on titanium dioxide pigment particles is disclosed. Calculations of the density of states show that a doped coating which reduces the density of states near the band edge or increases the density of states within the band gap of the pigment particles increases the photostability of the doped pigment.

Abstract: A photon-alignment optical film includes a film substrate on which at least one layer of core/shell nanoparticles is coated. The core/shell nanoparticle layer includes a plastic substance, which is photo curable or heat curable, and a plurality of core/shell nanoparticles, which is uniformly distributed in the plastic substance. Light energy is used as a driving force to induce electrical potential of the same polarity on the surfaces of the core/shell nanoparticles to make the core/shell nanoparticles rearranged in the form of a matrix due to repulsion induced between like electrical polarity. Spacing between the particles, which is relatively constant, allows light to pass therethrough. The plastic substance is cured by light or heat to have the core/shell nanoparticles set in position to thereby form the optical film. Such an optical film features both diffusion and brightness enhancement.

Abstract: Roofing granules are prepared by coating granule cores with a coating material including composite nanoparticles and curing the coating layer to dissolve the aggregate binder and disperse the nanoparticles in the coating.

Abstract: Flexible, sheet-like substrates having an abrasive surface, which are obtainable by applying an aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin to the top and/or bottom of a flexible, sheet-like substrate in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 90% by weight, based on the uncoated, dry substrate, crosslinking the precondensate and drying the treated substrate, wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one precondensate of a heat-curable resin comprises (i) a polymeric thickener selected from the group consisting of biopolymers, associative thickeners and wholly synthetic thickeners in an amount ranging from 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight and optionally (ii) a curative that catalyzes further condensation of the heat-curable resin at from about 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microencapsulated compositions of isothiazolone derivatives and other water insoluble biocides or antifouling agents. In particular, the present invention relates to microencapsulated 4,5 dichloro 2 n-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone (DCOIT), useful in marine antifouling coatings and paints.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component made from a substrate with a coating, whereby that coating forms a surface of the component with reduced wettability. The invention further relates to production of said component. The coating which forms a surface with projections and recesses, brings about a reduction in wettability, in particular, by means of an effect based on the properties of lotus blossom. According to the invention, a metal with antimicrobial properties, in particular silver is provided under the coating, which is not fully covered, in other words, regions remain free of the coating in which the surface of the component is formed by the antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides the photocatalyst sheet and the methods of welding and manufacturing the same, by which the substrate and resin of the photocatalyst-containing layer are not decomposed by photocatalyst particles, mutual welding of sheets is easy, and the photo-redox effect of a photocatalyst can be obtained. A photocatalyst sheet (1b) comprises a substrate (2) such as fiber and coated layers (3) on both sides of the substrate (2), and the coated layer (3) constitutes the photocatalyst-containing layer in which apatite-coated photocatalyst particles (4) are dispersed and fixed with resin. Here, the coated photocatalyst particles (4) on the surface of the photocatalyst-containing layer are so fixed as to have the parts exposed from the surface of the photocatalyst-containing layer.

Abstract: A method of predicting photostability of coatings with various dopants on titanium dioxide pigment particles is disclosed. Calculations of the density of states show that a doped coating which reduces the density of states near the band edge or increases the density of states within the band gap of the pigment particles increases the photostability of the doped pigment.

Abstract: An original sheet of a retroreflective sheet includes plural glass beads with a metal reflective layer provided on lower hemisphere surfaces thereof, a resin support sheet for supporting the glass beads, and a transparent cover film disposed on a surface side of the resin support sheet, wherein the resin support sheet and the cover film are connected to each other by heat press emboss forming from a rear face of the resin support sheet so as to form the original sheet of the retroreflective sheet, and a retroreflective sheet laminate includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a resin release film for covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a rear side of the original sheet of the retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocidal granules composed of a mineral core coated with at least one porous inorganic layer including at least one organic compound capable of limiting or preventing the growth of microorganisms, in particular of algae. The invention also relates to a sol-gel process for the preparation of said biocidal granules and to the use of these biocidal granules in building materials, in particular shingles and siding coatings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rutile titanium dioxide pigment for use in decorative laminating papers that yields higher opacity of the papers compared to the prior art, as well as a method for its manufacture. The pigment displays a surface coating that contains aluminum phosphate, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide and titanium oxide. The silicon oxide is precipitated in fluffy form. The coated particles display a BET value of at least 15 m2/g. The manufacturing method is characterized in that an aluminum and a phosphorus component are first added to a TiO2 suspension. Thereafter, an alkaline silicon component, an acid-reacting titanium component and, optionally, a further pH-regulating component are added, the pH value being set in the range from 4 to 9 in this context.

Abstract: Spinulose metal surfaces are produced by a modified nanoplasma cyclic deposition process. The unique spinulose surfaces are highly adherent toward polymer and bioactive molecules and cells, including osteoblast, fibroblast and endothelial cells. The nanostructured spinulose surfaces can be coated with a wide range of polymers to form polymer surface coatings that are particularly useful on implants, catheters, guidewires, stents and other medical devices intended for in vivo applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slip-resistant plastics floor covering having a first layer of plastics material which first layer of plastics material has on its upper surface a particulate layer of one or more transparent coated inorganic particles which particulate layer imparts slip-resistance to the floor covering which has an improved appearance; and a method for preparing a slip-resistant plastics floor covering.

Abstract: A composition comprised of asphalt and filler, wherein said filler is comprised of particles that comprise an inorganic core and a coating disposed on said core, and wherein at least about 60 weight percent of said particles are smaller than about 212 microns.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a fluorinated leveling agent and a film-forming organic polymer is described.

Abstract: A roofing shingle has low density granules adhered to at least a headlap region on a front surface of the roof shingle.

Abstract: A surface energy gradient on a fluid-impervious surface and method of its creation comprising the steps of a) Exposing a base surface having a proximal and a distal portion to a first solution comprising at least one molecule of the formula X-J-M1 wherein X and M1 represent separate functional groups and J represents a spacer moiety that, together, are able to promote formation from solution of a self-assembled monolayer for sufficient time to form a monolayer surface having a uniform surface energy on the base surface. b) Removing a portion of the monolayer of (a) such that a portion of the base surface is again fully or partially exposed. (c) Exposing the portion of the base surface from (b) to at least one other molecule including a functional group having a different surface energy from that of the functional group removed in(b) such that a surface energy gradient from a proximal location to a distal location is formed.

Abstract: A roofing shingle that contains a roofing granules. The roofing granules contain at least about 95 weight percent of calcium carbonate with a hardgrove grindability index of less than about 70, and from about 0.1 to about 1.0 weight percent of a pigmented material; the pigmented material contains from about 10 to about 35 weight percent of pigment and from about 90 to about 65 weight percent of a resin; and the roofing granules are coated with an amine antistrip agent.

Abstract: A method of predicting photostability of coatings with various dopants on titanium dioxide pigment particles is disclosed. Calculations of the density of states show that a doped coating which reduces the density of states near the band edge or increases the density of states within the band gap of the pigment particles increases the photostability of the doped pigment.

Abstract: A roofing material and process for making same has a granular surface formed from coated granules embedded in an upper layer of modified asphalt. The granules are coated with a coloring composition and with a hydrophobic material. To assure adequate color intensity and a physically strong attachment of the coating on the granule, multiple layers of coloring composition are applied to the granules and are fired at a high temperature for a significant period of time. High reflectivity can be achieved using the coated granules, as well as a high degree of hydrophobicity to aid in shedding water, in particular acidic rainwater to increase roofing membrane performance and useful life.

Abstract: Roofing granules include a core having an average ultraviolet transmission of greater than sixty percent and an average near infrared reflectance of greater than sixty percent and a UV coating layer on the exterior surface. The coating provides UV opacity, while the core provides near infrared reflectance.

Abstract: A method for forming channels within a dried chromonic layer is described. A coating composition is applied to a substrate, dried, and exposed to a hydrophilic organic solvent forming a channel pattern having a first set of channels, and a second set of channels that are substantially perpendicular to the first set of channels. A deposition material may be disposed within the channels to form a nanostructured pattern. An article having a channel pattern is further described.

Abstract: Hydrophobic composites, as well as methods for making a hydrophobic composite, are provided. A hydrophobic composite may include a plurality of nanostructures elongated from one or more supports and having a configuration characterized by a first hydrophobicity, and at least one substance characterized by a second hydrophobicity and configured to at least partially cover one or more portions of the plurality of nanostructures such that the overall hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic composite is greater than the first hydrophobicity.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing granules are formed by coating mineral particles with a clay-silicate binder including a metal oxide algaecide and small organic particles. When the particles are heated to cure the binder, the organic particles pyrolyse to form pores in the coating. Release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules.

Abstract: An article has a surface, at least a portion of which has a local radius of curvature of about 1000 nm or less. For example, the article may be a nanoparticle or a surface, a portion of which has a roughness characterized by a radius of curvature of about 1000 nm or less. A monolayer coating disposed on the surface includes a plurality of ligands organized into ordered domains having a characteristic size of less than or about equal to 10 nm.

Abstract: A method of applying a ceramic coating to a substrate comprises laminating one or more layers of a green ceramic tape to a rigid substrate using a tackifying resin to adhere the tape to the substrate. Upon firing, the tackifying resin ensures near zero shrinkage of the tape in the XY plane without usage of elevated pressures or temperatures during lamination of green tape to the substrate. The thermal degradation completion temperature of the tackifying resin is lower than that of the resin binder used in the green tape.