Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to, the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.

Abstract: Fin material for a heat exchanger, which comprises: a fin material; a water-based resin paint coated on said fin material surface; a hydrophilic coated on said paint coating; and, antibacterial and antifungal powders fixed by said hydrophilic coating and paint coating, wherein the half or less portion of respective powders are exposed to the outside of the hydrophilic coated film so that the properties of said powders can be retained for a sustained period of time and heat exchanger for air conditioner provided therewith.

Abstract: A films composite useful for various printing methods, and particularly UV ray flexographic printing, includes a top layer formed on a substrate film made from a synthetic polymer, particularly polypropylene, containing a binder resin and having an arithmetical mean roughness Ra of 0.2 to 3.5 determined in accordance with JIS B 0601 and, optionally, an anchor layer formed between the substrate film and the top layer and containing an adhesive resin and an adhesive undercoat layer formed between the substrate film and the anchor layer and containing an adhesive resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing liquid from a surface of a semiconductor wafer that comprises the steps of providing a plurality of capillary channels, each said capillary channel having a first opening and a second opening, and then placing said first openings in contact with the liquid in a manner effective in drawing away the liquid by capillary action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to roofing materials for roofs, sidewalls and other exterior surfaces exposed to the weather such as, but not limited to, asphaltic and non-asphaltic roofing materials, wherein metal flakes cover up to 100% of the weathering surface of the roofing materials. The metal flakes may be applied to the surface in striations or bands separated by conventional roofing granules or may be blended with conventional roofing granules. The metal flakes may have antimicrobial potential and may provide resistance to microbial growth to roofing materials when dispersed in or applied thereto. The present invention also relates to methods of making the roofing materials.

Abstract: A calendered film or sheet of a polyester resin composition has a haze value of less than 5 percent. The polyester resin composition comprises a polyester having a crystallization half-time from a molten state of at least 5 minutes and an additive comprising (i) a fatty acid or a salt of a fatty acid containing more than 18 carbon atoms and (ii) an ester wax comprising a fatty acid containing more than 18 carbon atoms with an alcohol containing from 2 to 28 carbon atoms, wherein the ratio of the fatty acid or salt of the fatty acid to the ester wax is 1:1 or greater. Also, the present invention is a process for producing such calendered film or sheet having a haze value of less than 5 percent.

Abstract: Colored roofing granules and methods for their preparations, having decorative metallic appearance and enhanced stability against discoloration of color containing a silica-encapsulated metallic flake or colored lamellar effect pigment distributed in an insolubilized alkali silicate coating.

Abstract: Rare earth oxide particles having an average particle diameter of 3-20 &mgr;m, a dispersion index of up to 0.4, and an aspect ratio of up to 2 are suitable for thermal spraying. Despite their high melting point, the rare earth oxide particles of high purity can form an adherent coating by thermal spraying.

Abstract: A calendered film or sheet of a polyester resin composition has a haze value of less than 5 percent. The polyester resin composition comprises a polyester having a crystallization half-time from a molten state of at least 5 minutes and an additive comprising (i) a fatty acid or a salt of a fatty acid containing more than 18 carbon atoms and (ii) an ester wax comprising a fatty acid containing more than 18 carbon atoms with an alcohol containing from 2 to 28 carbon atoms, wherein the ratio of the fatty acid or salt of the fatty acid to the ester wax is 1:1 or greater. Also, the present invention is a process for producing such calendered film or sheet having a haze value of less than 5 percent.

Abstract: A self-adhesive laminate for sealing window frames includes an aluminum layer having a first side and a second side, a polyester layer adhered to the first side of the aluminum layer, an adhesive layer adhered to the second side of the aluminum layer, and a release paper overlying the adhesive remote from the aluminum layer. This laminate reduces or eliminates the overheating problems common in prior art tapes.

Abstract: A multi-layered protective finish for use on hardwood surfaces includes ceramic additives in selected layers. The finish is comprised of multiple sealant layers (preferably epoxy) and top coat layers (preferably polyurethane), some of which contain ceramic components, namely, aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide. The multi-layered, ceramic-based finish exhibits enhanced abrasion and stain resistance. The required concentrations of zirconium oxide provide enhanced hardness without sufficiently compromising flexibility which is important to maintain integrity of the finish.

Abstract: The circumferential edge portion of a ductile rotating body containing abrasive grains is used to polish the surface of a ceramic substrate. The angle &thgr; formed between the polished direction D0 of the ceramic substrate and the rotating direction D1 of the rotating body is set in the range from 10° to 80° for the polishing step. Alternatively, the polishing process is divided into at least two steps, and the average grain size of abrasive grains is reduced stepwise in the successive steps of the polishing process. According to this method, the surface of a large-area and thin ceramic substrate can be polished without damage, and a smooth polished ceramic surface can be provided. This method is particularly suitable for polishing a ceramic substrate having a thickness of at most 2.0 mm, and the resulting polished ceramic substrate is suitable for a ceramic heater in a thermal fixation device for fixing a toner image.

Abstract: A protection layer for use in a waterproofing or roofing system and a method for making the protection layer in a rollable form is disclosed. The protection layer includes a core matrix of felt and asphalt saturant typical in many roofing products. The protection layer also includes a unique coating applied to the matrix. The coating comprises a mixture of asphaltic waste, a relatively soft asphalt, and a filler. The addition of the coating to the matrix results in a product that is flexible enough to allow the product to be rolled without cracking, yet is sufficiently puncture and scuff resistant to adequately protect an underlying membrane.

Abstract: Lids, for example, lids for machine-lidding of, e.g., beakers, dishes, menu dishes, goblets, small packages, etc., containing a substrate material featuring, with respect to a container on which the lids are used, a smooth outward facing surface bearing printing. On the inward facing side of the lid is a sealing layer deposited by extrusion laminate coating. The sealing layer exhibits on the free surface embossing with a depth of roughness of up to 50 &mgr;m. The embossing is transferred to the sealing layer in the form of a roughness pattern on the cooling roll on depositing the laminate coating of the substrate material and extruded sealing layer. The free side of the substrate material is smooth and exhibits no embossing. Printing on the free surface is therefore of higher quality. The extruded sealing layer on the substrate material exhibits embossing on the free side. If the lids are drawn from a stack of lids, for example, in a filing machine, the embossing allows them to be separated individually.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant laminate includes a substrate and a durable wear-resistant top layer assembly laminated over a top side of the substrate. The layer assembly includes a wear-resistant upper layer and an underlying decorative layer which together include a first paper sheet impregnated with a first resin. The top layer assembly further includes a core layer underlying the decorative layer. The core layer includes second and third paper sheets impregnated with a second resin. A fourth paper sheet is interposed between the second and third paper sheets in the core layer. The fourth paper sheet is impregnated with the first resin, whereby the fourth paper sheet functions as a balance sheet to equalize expansion and contraction of the layers under the influence of environmental factors.

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 single ply membrane roofing system includes a roofing insulation board which, preferably, is at least 45% by dry weight expanded perlite. One major surface of the insulation board is coated with a latex coating comprising, by dry weight, between 48.3% and 96% clay; between 3.1% and 33.3% latex; and between 0% and 34% sodium silicate. A single ply roofing membrane is adhered to the coated major surface of the insulation board with a roofing contact adhesive.

Abstract: A curable slurry for forming ceramic microstructures on a substrate using a mold. The slurry is a mixture of a ceramic powder, a fugitive binder, and a diluent. The ceramic powder has a low softening temperature in a range of about 400° C. to 600° C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion closely matched to that of the substrate. The fugitive binder is capable of radiation curing, electron beam curing, or thermal curing. The diluent promotes release properties with the mold after curing the binder or quick and complete burn out of the binder during debinding.

Abstract: The circumferential edge portion of a ductile rotating body containing abrasive grains is used to polish the surface of a ceramic substrate. The angle &thgr; formed between the polishing direction D0 of the ceramic substrate and the rotating direction D1 of the rotating body is set in the range from 10° to 80° for the polishing step. Alternatively, the polishing process is divided into at least two steps, and the average grain size of abrasive grains is reduced stepwise in the successive steps of the polishing process. According to this method, the surface of a large-area and thin ceramic substrate can be polished without damage, and a smooth polished ceramic surface can be provided. This method is particularly suitable for polishing a ceramic substrate having a thickness of at most 2.0 mm, and the resulting polished ceramic substrate is suitable for a ceramic heater in a thermal fixation device for fixing a toner image.

Abstract: An optical memory device comprising a luminous material capable of increasing and/or memorizing a photoluminescence intensity (hereinafter referred to as a “luminous intensity”) as a function of irradiation energy of excitation light. And the luminous material comprises nanoparticles, diameters of which are smaller than Bohr radius of the luminous material so that excitons generated in the nanoparticles undergo quantum containment state in which the electrons and holes are individually contained as a result of irradiation with excitation light.

Abstract: Transparent solid, fused microspheres are provided. In one embodiment, the microspheres contain alumina, zirconia, and silica in a total content of at least about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid, fused microspheres, wherein the total content of alumina and zirconia is greater than the content of silica, and further wherein the microspheres have an index of refraction of at least about 1.6 and are useful as lens elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-layer, biaxially oriented polyester film which has very good electromagnetic properties compared with films of the prior art in combination with improved abrasion properties. The film is composed of at least one base layer B and outer layers A and C applied to both sides of this base layer, these outer layers having a defined number of protuberances with a defined height and having a defined gas flow in the roughness profile. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of the film and its use as magnetic tape film in which no backing coating is applied.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multiple-layer composite sheet and a method of manufacturing such a sheet. The composite sheet comprises a supporting sheet bonded to a “hetero sheet”. The hetero sheet consists of a heterogeneous blend of an elastic thermoplastic fundamental substance that cures semicrystalline or amorphous subsequent to processing and particles of added material distributed therein. The particles can be mixed and extruded along with the fundamental substance although they are heterogeneously bound therein. In the hetero sheet the particles of added material heterogeneously distributed therein are detached, by stretching for example, from the surrounding fundamental substance (2) and the material of the hetero sheet stands up at the many areas of detachment to create a fleecy surface. At least one hetero sheet (20) is enclosed in at least one supporting sheet (10 & 30).

Abstract: An EMI countermeasure component is provided relative to an active element, which does not deteriorate a circuit function of the active element, but has a sufficient shielding effect against permeation of electromagnetic waves radiated to the exterior, and further suppresses a malfunction or the like due to mutual interferences between peripheral components or an electromagnetic induction to a signal line. The EMI countermeasure component is made of a composite magnetic body including soft magnetic powder having oxide films on the surfaces thereof and an organic binding agent, and extinguishes undesired high frequency electromagnetic radiation as heat due to its complex permeability.

Abstract: Substrate, at least part of at least one of the faces of which has a geometry which is optionally obtained by means of a coating and which differs from that of an ideal uniform, perfectly plane or even slightly curved, sheet, in that it has a bumps-and-hollows relief which can be defined by submicron sizes which, almost in their entirety, fall into at least two different classes, the respective representative values of which vary by a factor of at least 5 or of at most 1/5; applications of this substrate to anti-stain and anti-mist or anti-rain glazing; processes for preparing the substrate.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces and top surfaces, the recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. The recessed faces have a high specular reflectivity, while the top surfaces have a low specular reflectivity. In some embodiments a substantially continuous film of reflective material covers the structured surface, and a masking substance is provided over the reflective material at the top surfaces. Alternatively, the top surfaces are given a non-smooth surface finish so that the film of reflective material on those portions has a diffuse reflectivity. In other embodiments the film of reflective material is discontinuous, disposed selectively on the recessed faces and not on the top surfaces. A cover layer is also provided, and can bond at least to the top surfaces. Keeping the top surfaces substantially free of reflective material inhibits corrosion and can enhance the bond integrity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anisotropic conductive adhesive having an adhesive layer and conductive particles individually adhered to the adhesive layer, the conductive particles being arranged in an ordered array. The size of the conductive particles is at least somewhat smaller than the thickness of the adhesive layer. Also disclosed is an anisotropic conductive adhesive having an adhesive layer, conductive particles individually adhered to the adhesive layer, and a release liner having an ordered array of dimples. The conductive particles reside in a single layer in the dimples. The anisotropic conductive adhesive is made by placing the conductive particles in an ordered array of dimples on a low adhesion surface. An adhesive layer is then laminated on top such that the conductive particles individually adhere to the adhesive layer. The anisotropic conductive adhesive may be used to electrically connect fine pitch electrodes on opposing circuit layers.

Abstract: A protection layer for use in a waterproofing or roofing system and a method for making the protection layer in a rollable form is disclosed. The protection layer includes a core matrix of felt and asphalt saturant typical in many roofing products. The protection layer also includes a unique coating applied to the matrix. The coating comprises a mixture of asphaltic waste, a relatively soft asphalt, and a filler. The addition of the coating to the matrix results in a product that is flexible enough to allow the product to be rolled without cracking, yet is sufficiently puncture and scuff resistant to adequately protect an underlying membrane.

Abstract: A flexible lustered product used in automobiles. The flexible lustered product includes a base material made of resin. A base coat layer is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the base material. The base coat layer has a glass transition point that is at least minus 30° C. and at most 0° C. The base coat layer includes a silane coupling agent having an epoxy group. A metal film layer is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the base coat layer. The metal film layer is anticorrosive and has a thickness that is at least 150 Å and at most 800 Å. The metal film layer is formed by a plurality of metal particles disposed in contact with one another so as to define a grain boundary between adjacent metal particles. A top coat layer is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the metal film layer. The top coat layer includes an ultraviolet ray absorbent and a silane coupling agent having an epoxy group.

Abstract: A metallic article includes a bond coating and a ceramic thermal barrier coating on the bond coating. The ceramic thermal barrier coating includes a plurality of columnar grains, which extend perpendicularly to the surface of the metallic article. Each columnar grain includes a plurality of layers. Some of the layers include sub-grains extending at an acute angle to the surface of the metallic article to form voids between adjacent sub-grains. The voids are arranged at an acute angle to the surface of the metallic article and reduce the thermal conductivity of the ceramic thermal barrier coating. Some of the layers include sub-grains extending perpendicularly to the surface of the metallic article to provide erosion resistance.

Abstract: A film of the present invention is an oriented film having a light-scattering property varying with an incident angle and is useful e.g. as a viewing angle improvement film effective for improving the picture quality of a liquid crystal display device, especially for expanding the viewing angle. This oriented film is composed of a thermoplastic polymer and contains a number of micro voids participating in the above scattering property in the film. It can be produced by uniaxially drawing a film composed of a thermoplastic polymer under temperature and draw-ratio conditions to form grooves on the surface of the film perpendicular to the drawing direction.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating an improved electronic enclosure. The electronic enclosure is made of graphite fibers dispersed directionally (non-homogeneous) in an absolac/polycarbonate (ABS/PC) resin mix, of which the composition is molded to form the the plastic enclosure. The graphite concentration is highest along the interior surface of the enclosure to provide improved heat transfer, as well as adequate EMI/RFI shielding. However, the graphite concentration decrease along the thickness, wherein at the outer surface, the graphite concentration level is zero. The directional variation in the graphite loading allows high graphite loading at the interior surface of the enclosure, but retains lower loading at other regions along the thickness so that rigidity and impact resistance are retained for the enclosure.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising an ion conducting membrane and one or more electrode layers that comprise nanostructured elements, wherein the nanostructured elements are in incomplete contact with the ion conducting membrane. This invention also provides methods to make the membrane electrode assembly of the invention. The membrane electrode assembly of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.

Abstract: An energy sensitive composition comprising a monomeric organometallic complex essentially free of nucleophilic groups and which, upon exposure to energy, bonds to basic reactive sites on a substrate via the metal center, leaving the polymerizable group of the complex unreacted and unrestricted; an energy sensitive composition at least one energy sensitive organometallic group is incorporated in or appended to the backbone of a polymer, such that the resulting coordinatively unsaturated organometallic group or groups bond to basic reactive sites on a substrate, thus forming permanent bonds, and further, the adherent compositions are useful in applications such as adhesion of polymers to substrates, protective coatings, printing plates, durable release coatings, primers, binders, and paints.

Abstract: An archival medium, such as a compact disc, is made of a metal such as aluminum which is mechanically gained with particulate material under conditions that embed particulate material into the surface of the medium and visibly imageable by selective exposure to infrared laser radiation. A mechanically grained aluminum medium can also be anodically oxidized under conditions that do not impair the ability of the substrate to be laser imaged. The archival medium can be coated with opaque and transparent polymer coatings before or after imaging for security and/or protection. The coating can be a laser ablatable coating to provide a tamper-proof medium.

Abstract: Abrasive articles are provided having at least one of a backing material saturated with a saturant, a barrier coat, a make coat, a size coat layer or combinations thereof wherein the saturant and layers consisting essentially of 100% solids radiation-cured resin of one or more vinyl ether monomers and/or oligomers.

Abstract: Process for the manufacturing of a decorative thermosetting laminate with a wear-resistant and a scratch resistant surface layer, wherein a continuous paper web is impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin, that one side of the web is coated with hard particles with a size of 30-90 .mu.m. After drying, the other side is coated with a melamine-formaldehyde resin containing hard particles with an average particle size of 1-15 .mu.m. The paper is, after drying, placed as the uppermost sheet in a laminate with the side coated with the smallest particles directed upwards towards a continuous pressure surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing a highly-textured surface on a copper substrate with only extremely small amounts of texture-inducing seeding or masking material. The texture-inducing seeding material is delivered to the copper substrate electrically switching the seeding material in and out of a circuit loop.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition is calendered to produce a film or a sheet. The polyester resin composition is a polyester having a crystallization half time from a molten state of at least 5 minutes combined with an additive for preventing sticking of the polyester to calendering rolls.

Abstract: Disclosed is soft magnetic alloy powder for electromagnetic and magnetic shield, which can be easily flattened and exhibits good performance over a high frequency band, and a shielding member of good shield effect prepared by dispersing the powder in a matrix of rubber or plastics. Powder of a soft magnetic alloy, which consists essentially of, by weight %, Cr: 0.5.0-20%, Si: 0.01-0.5%, Al: 0.01-20% and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, is flattened in an attritor, and is added to the matrix material at a content of 30 wt. % or higher, preferably, as high as possible, and processed to form sheets or molded articles. The shielding member of particularly high flame resistance is prepared by adding soft magnetic alloy powder of alloy composition consisting essentially of, by weight %, Cr: 5-14%, Si: 0.01-0.5%, Al: 0.5-20%, and preferably, REM: up to 0.

Abstract: In a magnetoresistance multilayer film comprising at least two magnetic layers on a substrate, with a nonmagnetic layer intervening between the magnetic layers, each interface between the magnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer is corrugated in both X and Y directions of a substrate major surface. The corrugations of the interface are formed by providing the substrate surface with a multiplicity of asperities distributed in both X and Y directions and depositing magnetic layers and nonmagnetic layers thereon. The film shows a linear rise of MR change in an applied magnetic field within a very low range of 0 to about 40 Oe.

Abstract: A direct drawing type lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a water-resistant support and an image receiving layer provided thereon, wherein a surface of the water-resistant support has the Bekk smoothness in the range of from 900 to 3,000 (second/10 cc) and the image receiving layer contains zinc oxide, a binder resin and a water-soluble organic compound having at least one acidic group selected from --CO.sub.2 H, --SO.sub.3 H and --PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, which is capable of forming a chelate compound with zinc oxide or a zinc ion. The direct drawing type lithographic printing plate precursor provides a lithographic printing plate which produces prints having a clear image without stains even when it is subjected to electrostatic transfer of a toner image formed by an electrophotographic copying machine.

Abstract: A direct drawing type lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a water-resistant support having provided thereon an image-receiving layer, wherein the image-receiving layer is formed by film coating a dispersion prepared by wet dispersion processing, with a dispersion medium of a nonaqueous solvent, a mixture comprising at least dry zinc oxide, a binder resin and an organic compound which is soluble in the dispersion medium and contains at least one acid group selected from the group consisting of --CO.sub.2 H, --SO.sub.3 H and --PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, adding a water-soluble low molecular weight organic compound containing at least two or more --PO.sub.3 H.sub.2 groups, which can form a chelate compound with a zinc ion, and further effecting wet dispersion processing.

Abstract: Abrasive articles and a method for the manufacture of the articles are described. The articles comprise a backing having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first resin layer comprising a first hardened resin, the first resin layer extending over the first major surface of the backing; abrasive particles adhered within the first resin layer; a second resin layer applied over the first resin layer, the second resin layer comprising a second hardened resin; and a lofty, three dimensional, nonwoven web of fibers bonded to one another at their mutual contact points and extending through the first and second resin layers. The dry coating weights of the first and second hardened resins are about 400 g/m.sup.2 or greater and preferably greater than about 600 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: Atomized metal particles distributed within a resin matrix form a composite that can be selectively heated by exposure to microwave radiations. The composites can also be formed into non-electrically conductive but thermally conductive dielectric and magnetic structures by appropriate selection of metal particles and matrix materials.

Abstract: Metal oxide nanorods and composite materials containing such nanorods. The metal oxide nanorods have diameters between 1 and 200 nm and aspect ratios between 5 and 2000.

Abstract: A sanitary article, particularly a sanitary fitting or plumbing fitting, having a coated surface, in which on a coating face and/or below a coating face is provided at least one print image which color-contrasts with the coating.

Abstract: Using a combination of relatively coarse filler and latex binder, a very high solids coating (about 85% or higher) can be produced with a relatively low working viscosity. These very high solids coatings can be applied in thick single layers and oven cured without cracking. They maintain more than 80% of their original wet thickness. The resulting coating provides an extremely hard and durable surface, even on relatively soft mineral fiber board ceiling tiles or wall panels.

Abstract: A lubricant film coated steel sheet having excellent phosphatability, in accordance with the present invention, is a lubricant film coated steel sheet produced by forming a coating containing silicic acid or silicate on a steel sheet or a plated steel sheet, wherein the surface roughness of the steel sheet or the plated steel sheet is 0.5 to 1.5 .mu.m as the centerline-average roughness RA and the PPI (cut-off value of 1.25 .mu.m) thereof is 75 to 300; and the content of silicic acid or silicate in the coating is 1 to 200 mg/m.sup.2 as corrected into dried SiO.sub.2 weight or the coating ratio of the coating is 1 to 60%.

Abstract: A belt for conveying articles, which belt has a body having a surface against which articles are placed to be frictionally held and thereby conveyed as the belt is advanced in operation. The belt body surface is defined by rubber and a porous filler in the rubber. The porous filler is present in the rubber in an amount of at least 5 parts by weight of porous filler per 100 parts by weight of rubber.