Abstract: A plurality of granules comprising particulate silicate material bonded together with an inorganic binder, the inorganic binder comprising reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein the hardener is at least one of aluminum phosphate, amorphous aluminosilicate, fluorosilicate, Portland cement, or a calcium silicate, wherein the particulate silicate material is present as at least 50 percent by weight of each granule, based on the total weight of the respective granule, wherein each granule has a total porosity in a range from greater than 0 to 50 percent by volume, based on the total volume of the respective granule, and wherein the granules have Tumble Toughness Value of at least 70 before immersion in water and at least 40 after immersion in water at 20° C.±2° C. for two months. The granules are useful, for example, as roofing granules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an anti-slip floor tile including a base layer, a decorative layer on the base layer, and a wear resistant layer on the decorative layer. The wear resistant layer includes a non-rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic resin, and a plurality of first mineral particles uniformly distributed inside the thermoplastic resin. The present disclosure can improve the wear resistance of the anti-slip floor tile by dispersing the first mineral particles in the wear resistant layer.

Abstract: Embodiments may include a coated granule for roofing systems. The coated granule may include an aluminum silicate granule and a coating disposed on the aluminum silicate granule. The coating may include a copolymer and a siloxane-based or a silane-based compound. The copolymer may be a cationic fluorinated (meth)acrylic copolymer. The aluminum silicate granule may have a particle size in a range from 0.2 mm to 2.4 mm. The aluminum silicate granule may have a 65% or greater reflectivity. The coated granule may repel oil and maintain its reflectivity better than with other techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a bright white refractory roofing granule, comprising a ceramic material formed from a substantially homogenous mixture of a ceramic-forming clay, sintering material, and optionally comprising silica particles, and other potential additives, said bright white refractory roofing granule having a total solar reflectance of at least 0.80 and a Hunter Color Lvalue of at least 85.0, together with processes for making and using the same.

Abstract: A coated glass pane comprising at least the following layers: a glass substrate; and at least one absorbing layer based on at least one metal silicide and/or metal silicide nitride wherein the at least one absorbing layer is embedded between and contacts two layers based on an (oxi) nitride of Si and/or an (oxi) nitride of Al and/or alloys thereof.

Abstract: Methods for preparing durable hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-icing coatings by applying a composition that comprises a lacquer binder, one or more types of particles having a size of about 30 microns to about 225 micron, and one or more types of particles modified with hexamethyldisilazane, polydimethylsiloxane or silanizing agents are set forth, along with the resulting coatings and methods of their use.

Abstract: Roofing granule mixtures include multiple classes of algae-resistant granules, with each class of algae-resistant granules including at least one algaecide. One class of granules provides immediate algae resistance, while release of algaecide from other granules is delayed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing durable hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-icing coatings on a substrate comprising the application of a binder containing particles to the substrate and the application of hydrophobic and oleophobic particles to the binder. In the resulting coating, the particles applied with the binder are primarily distributed within and coated by the binder and the hydrophobic/oleophobic particles are distributed on or at the exposed surface where they can interact with liquids.

Abstract: A roofing shingle having fire resistance material added to the shingle in a localized area includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion, a first asphalt-based coating impregnating the first portion, the first asphalt coating including a fire retardant material, and a second asphalt-based coating impregnating the second portion, the second asphalt coating containing less of the fire retardant material than the first asphalt coating.

Abstract: Time-release algae-resistant roofing granules have a base particle including an algaecide and an outer coating layer including another algaecide. The at least two algaecides are released over different predetermined periods. The outer layer protects the base particle from exposure to the environment for a predetermined period, then fails catastrophically so that the interior algaecide can be released.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for spectrally selective coatings for optical surfaces having high solar absorptivity, low infrared emissivity, and strong durability at elevated temperatures. In one aspect, a spectrally selective coating includes a substrate formed of a light absorbing material, and a composite material formed over the substrate and including nanoparticles dispersed in a dielectric material, in which the composite material forms a coating capable of absorbing solar energy in a selected spectrum and reflecting the solar energy in another selected spectrum.

Abstract: A fluororesin film on which no bubble streaks are formed even when it contains a sufficient amount of titanium oxide, in which deterioration of the fluororesin is suppressed, and which has a low transmittance of ultraviolet light at a wavelength of at most 360 nm and has excellent weather resistance and heat resistance, a method of its use, a backsheet for a solar cell module, and a solar cell module. The fluororesin film may be used for an outermost layer of a backsheet of a solar cell module. The fluororesin film contains an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer as the main component, and also contains specific titanium oxide composite particles. An arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the film surface to be in contact with the air is at most 3 ?m. Further, a backsheet comprising a laminate having a fluororesin film, and a solar cell module comprising the backsheet.

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: Variations of this invention provide durable, impact-resistant structural coatings that have both dewetting and anti-icing properties. The coatings in some embodiments possess a self-similar structure that combines a low-cost matrix with two feature sizes that are tuned to affect the wetting of water and freezing of water on the surface. Dewetting and anti-icing performance is simultaneously achieved in a structural coating comprising multiple layers, wherein each layer includes (a) a continuous matrix; (b) discrete templates dispersed that promote surface roughness to inhibit wetting of water; and (c) nanoparticles that inhibit heterogeneous nucleation of water. These structural coatings utilize low-cost, lightweight, and environmentally benign materials that can be rapidly sprayed over large areas using convenient coating processes.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a decorative surface element, which element comprises a base layer and a decorative upper surface. A radiation curing lacquer is printed in a predetermined pattern as an uppermost layer on the decorative upper surface. The radiation curing lacquer covers only parts of the decorative upper surface whereby the lacquer is exposed to radiation whereby it cures. A surface structure is hereby achieved.

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 a colored infrared pigment, a light-interference platelet pigment, or a metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external wall panel which is excellent in ornamental design and weather resistance and a coating method for the external wall panel. An external wall panel of the invention comprises a base panel having a three-dimensional ornamental design surface, a lower coating layer formed on the surface of the base panel, a mid-coating layer formed on the lower coating layer, a first clear layer containing beads formed on the mid-coating layer, and a second clear layer made of a transparent layer or semi-transparent layer formed on the first clear layer wherein the second clear layer has a thick film layer portion in the vicinity of a corner edge of a convex portion of the three-dimensional ornamental design surface.

Abstract: A roofing product has a substrate having a binder layer and roofing granules on a majority of the binder layer, such that an exposed portion of the binder layer does not have the roofing granules. In addition, particles may be located on the exposed portion of the binder layer. The particles are smaller in size than the roofing granules, and the reflective particles have a solar reflectance of greater than 10%.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic composite coating film comprising an inorganic material as a matrix and an organic material combined therewith. The coating film has a regular hollow structure therein, and the coating film surface has a rugged pattern with semispherical protrusions. Also provided is a large-area structural color film obtained by burning the composite coating film. The organic/inorganic composite coating film is obtained by applying an aqueous coating composition comprising a metal alkoxide, an aqueous dispersion of monodisperse polymer particles, and an acid catalyst to a substrate and curing the coating composition. Burning the organic/inorganic composite coating film gives the structural color film.

Abstract: A medical device or analytical device comprising a fluid-impervious surface comprising a base surface, at least one distinct region of the base surface covered by a mixed monolayer film, the mixed monolayer film 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 wherein at least one of the species used to form the monolayer on the surface comprises a biopolymer-resistant domain.

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: 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 a colored infrared pigment, a light-interference platelet pigment, or a metal oxide.

Abstract: A roof covering includes a roofing mat formed from fibers of a fiber material. The fibers are coated with a sizing. The roof covering also includes a coating material that coats the mat. The coating material is based on an organic material. The sizing includes a sulfur-containing material that bonds to the fiber material. The sulfur-containing material has sulfur groups that form cross-links with the organic material. In another embodiment, the coating material contains sulfur added to the organic material. The sizing includes a bonding material that bonds to the fiber material and that bonds to the sulfur. The sulfur forms cross-links with the organic material.

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: Forming a perforated sheet which comprises a foil component and at least one flexible non-stick coating applied onto a surface of the foil component, wherein a plurality of apertures are then punched through the foil component and the at least one flexible non-stick coating to create a set of colored sequins and confetti with different colors on opposite surfaces.

Abstract: Zinc oxide particles having high transparency in visible light and high shielding properties in a ultraviolet region, with surface treatment of inactivating photocatalytic activity applied thereto, and a dispersion thereof. A manufacturing method of surface treated zinc oxide particles, including: a first step of mixing a dispersion liquid with zinc oxide particles dispersed in a solvent, and silicone resin having polysiloxane bond with at least one or more silicon atoms having a silanol group (Si—OH) and/or alkoxy silyl group (Si—OR, wherein R is alkyl group); obtaining a mixed solution containing a surface treated zinc oxide particles precursor, with the silicone resin adsorbed on the surface of each zinc oxide particle and the solvent, and drying and solidifying the mixed solution by applying heat treatment thereto, to thereby manufacture a dried body; and a second step of pulverizing the dried body, to thereby manufacture the surface treated zinc oxide particles.

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 invention relates to a metal substrate comprising an ultra-hard composite layer consisting of an inorganic, vitreous matrix containing one or more abrasive fillers. According to the invention, the diameter of the filler particles or, if the filler particles have a platelet-type form, the thickness of the filler particles is less than the layer thickness of the composite layer.

Abstract: A silicon-nitrogen compound film according to the first aspect of the present invention is made of a material expressed by a compositional formula Si3NxOyHz, where 10?(3x+2y)?12, 3.4?x?4.0, 0?y, 0?z<2.0, the peak-area ratio of a first area of a first peak appearing near a wave number of 2150 cm?1 in a Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectrum of the material and corresponding to a Si—H stretching vibration to a second area of a second peak appearing near a wave number of 810 cm?1 in the Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectrum and corresponding to a Si—N stretching vibration is smaller than 0.2, and the silicon-nitrogen compound film has a thickness t (in nanometers) and a density d (g/cm3) which satisfy the inequalities, 1.9?d?2.5, and ?700d+1930?6t??700d+2530.

Abstract: A composition with non-Newtonian behaviour which comprises a matrix former and nanoscale solid particles whose surface charge has been increased by reaction with an acid or base, and a process for the preparation thereof. The process is suitable for adjusting the rheology of materials.

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: An antireflection hard coating film of the invention comprises: a transparent plastic film substrate; and at least one hard coating layer of a cured coating layer and at least one antireflection layer that are formed in this order on at least one side of the transparent plastic film substrate, wherein a hard coating layer-forming material contains 100 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylate group-containing curable compound (A) and 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylate group-containing reactive silicone (B), and an antireflection layer-forming material contains a siloxane component-containing compound, at the interface between the hard coating layer and the antireflection layer being in direct contact with each other. The antireflection hard coating film has good adhesion between the hard coating layer and the antireflection layer, high hardness, and good scratch resistance without a reduction in antireflection properties.

Abstract: Roofing granules, methods for their preparation, having a Total Solar Reflectance of at least 25% on a substrate or carrier.

Abstract: Provided is: a resin composition capable of reducing the surface roughness of the surface of a cured body obtained by having a roughening treatment performed thereon, and increasing the adhesive strength between the cured body and a metal layer; and a cured body formed by using the resin composition. The resin composition according to the present invention includes an epoxy resin (A), a curing agent (B), and a silica component (C) in which silica particles are surface treated with a silane coupling agent. The silica component (C) includes a silica component (C1) having a particle diameter of 0.2 to 1.0 ?m. A contained amount of the silica component (C1) is within a range from 30 to 100 vol % in 100 vol % of the silica component (C). A contained amount of the silica component (C) is within a range from 11 to 68 vol % in 100 vol % of the resin composition. A cured body 1 is formed by having a roughening treatment performed on a reactant obtained through a reaction of the resin composition.

Abstract: A sizing composition for reinforcement fibers that includes a cationic modified polyurethane dispersion, one or more silane coupling agents, and at least one lubricant is provided. The cationic modified polyurethane dispersion includes a dual end-capped polyurethane selected from a silane-terminated polyurethane, a ketoxime-terminated polyurethane, or a hybrid silane/ketoxime-terminated polyurethane where one end of the polyurethane is terminated with a silane group and the opposing end is terminated with a ketoxime group. The size composition is applied to reinforcement fibers and formed into chopped strand, wet-laid mats that can be used for a variety of purposes, including roofing products. Chopped strand mats formed from fibers sized with the inventive sizing composition maintains or improves the dry tear strengths and wet strengths compared to chopped strand mats made from fibers sized with a commercial sizing composition that does not contain a modified cationic polyurethane dispersion (e.g., SPUD).

Abstract: To provide a fluororesin film on which no bubble streaks are formed even when it contains a sufficient amount of titanium oxide, in which deterioration of the fluororesin is suppressed, and which has a low transmittance of ultraviolet light at a wavelength of at most 360 nm and has excellent weather resistance and heat resistance, a method of its use, a backsheet for a solar cell module, and a solar cell module. A fluororesin film containing an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer as the main component, to be used for an outermost layer of a backsheet of a solar cell module, which contains specific titanium oxide composite particles and has an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the film surface to be in contact with the air of at most 3 ?m, and a method of its use. Further, a backsheet 1 comprising a laminate having a fluororesin film 11, and a solar cell module comprising the backsheet.

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 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 composite is provided, comprising a substrate and a film on the substrate. The film has an RMS surface roughness of 25 nm to 500 nm, a film coverage of 25% to 60%, a surface energy of less than 70 dyne/cm; and a durability of 10 to 5000 microNewtons. Depending on the particular environment in which the film is to be used, a durability of 10 to 500 microNewtons may be preferred. A film thickness 3 to 100 times the RMS surface roughness of the film is preferred.

Abstract: Provides a non-white construction surface comprising a substrate, a first reflective coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the substrate, the coated substrate exhibiting a minimum direct solar reflectance value of at least about 25%, and a second reflective coating on at least a portion of the first reflective coating, wherein the combination of the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating provide the substrate with a CIELAB L* lightness value of less than about 69, and at least one of (i) a reflectivity of at least about 20% at substantially all points in the wavelength range between 770 and 2500 nm; and (ii) a summed reflectance value of at least 7000 as measured in the range between 770 and 2500 nm inclusive. Also provided are various substrates having the coatings described as well as methods of providing the described construction surfaces.

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: 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: 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 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: The invention relates to a substrate having at least one décor layer or overlay being applied to at least one surface of the substrate, wherein hard particles are distributed over the décor layer or overlay for improving the abrasion resistance of the décor layer or overlay, wherein the hard particles have a coating containing a silane, preferably an aminosilane, providing a chargeable or electrically conductive surface for the coated particles.

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 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: Provides a non-white construction surface comprising a substrate, a first reflective coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the substrate, the coated substrate exhibiting a minimum direct solar reflectance value of at least about 25%, and a second reflective coating on at least a portion of the first reflective coating, wherein the combination of the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating provide the substrate with at least one of (i) a reflectivity of at least about 20% at substantially all points in the wavelength range between 770 and 2500 nm, and (ii) a summed reflectance value of at least 7000 as measured in the range between 770 and 2500 nm inclusive. Also provided are various substrates having the coatings described as well as methods of providing the described construction surfaces.

Abstract: Roofing granules, methods for their preparation, having a Total Solar Reflectance of at least 25% on a substrate or carrier.