Abstract: A cement form assembly includes cement and a cement form. The cement form can include a ground facing surface extending horizontally on a ground support surface and a cement facing surface extending vertically and contacting the cement. An extension member extends outward from the cement form and includes a surface that extends the ground facing surface or the cement facing surface. The cement form and the extension member are each made, at least partially, of a foam material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a physically crosslinked, closed cell continuous multilayer foam structure comprising at least one foam polypropylene/polyethylene layer with a KEE cap layer. The multilayer foam structure can be obtained by coextruding a multilayer structure comprising at least one foam layer composition layer with at least one cap layer composition layer, irradiating the coextruded structure with ionizing radiation, and continuously foaming the irradiated structure.

Abstract: A laminated article includes a thermoplastic resin expanded beads molded layer A having a volume Va and a tensile modulus TMa which is 2 to 100 MPa, and a thermoplastic elastomer expanded beads molded layer B having a volume Vb and a tensile modulus TMb which is 0.05 MPa or more and less than 2 MPa, the layers A and B being laminated and bonded to each other. Va:Vb is 90:10 to 50:50 and TMb/TMa is 0.025 or less.

Abstract: Energy distribution structures provide architectural flexibility in various configurations, materials, and scalability, which enables a vast number of applications. An energy distribution structure or array thereof may include a three-dimensional outer component and a three-dimensional inner component within the outer component. The outer component absorbs and redirects initial energy from an applied energy event, and the inner component absorbs and redirects residual energy from the applied energy event. Such an applied energy event may be caused by a ballistic or non-ballistic impact, an instantaneous or prolonged impact such as atmospheric pressure or decompression, explosive overpressure (shockwave), low-velocity contact, and blunt force trauma. Energy distribution structures can increase the strength, resilience or survivability of such events, and reduce the injury or damage to target objects such as people, vehicles, structures, vessels and surfaces by shielding same from such events.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly for securing a first sheet to a second sheet includes a first projection having a first sidewall and a first top wall. The first sidewall extends from the first top wall at a first acute angle. The first sidewall includes a first top end and a first bottom end. A first discontinuity is defined in the first sidewall between the first top end and the first bottom end. A first base wall extends from the first bottom end. The first base wall extends generally parallel to the first top wall.

Abstract: An expansion device, including: an installation unit in which a thermally expandable sheet is disposed; an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the thermally expandable sheet placed on the installation unit with light; and a control unit configured to perform processes described below, wherein after an expansion process to expand the thermally expandable sheet by irradiating the thermally expandable sheet placed on the installation unit with light by the irradiation unit, a cooling process to cool the thermally expandable sheet by a predetermined cooling unit while maintaining the state in which the thermally expandable sheet is placed on the installation unit.

Abstract: A method of producing a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade has at least an inner blade portion and an outer blade portion, as well as a connecting element. The inner blade portion is wound on a winding form having a first and a second winding portion. The first and second winding portions are releasably fixed to each other by way of a screw connection. The second winding portion is of a conical configuration so that after winding of the inner blade portion a sleeve is produced at an end of the inner blade portion.

Abstract: A copper-palladium-loaded mesoporous silicon carbide-based catalyst, a preparation method, and an application thereof are provided. First, a mesoporous silicon carbide material is prepared by using mesoporous silica as a hard template; subsequently, the mesoporous silicon carbide material is mixed with a copper-palladium precursor mixed solution, and dried after the solvent is completely volatilized. The dried powder is successively subjected to calcination with N2 and reduction with H2 to finally obtain the copper-palladium-loaded mesoporous silicon carbide-based catalyst. The catalyst is made into an electrode, and the nitrate in water body is catalytically reduced by electrochemical method. The preparation method of the catalyst of the present invention is simple. The catalyst can realize high-efficiency catalytic denitrification at a low metal loading amount, with high selectivity of nitrogen. Moreover, the catalyst has the advantages of high activity, good stability, wide application range and low cost.

Abstract: Heat-insulation materials that can be placed along the lines of heat sources, heat-insulation structures using the same, and processes for producing the same. A heat-insulation material, that includes: fiber sheets that each have fibers and an aerogel and that have different sizes; and at least one covering material that covers the fiber sheets, or at least one elastic material that includes the fiber sheets. The at least one covering material may include a first covering material and a second covering material.

Abstract: A multilayer damping material for damping a vibrating surface comprising: at least one constraining layer; at least one dissipating layer; and at least one kinetic spacer layer comprising multiple spacer elements. The kinetic spacer layer is arranged between the constraining layer and the vibrating surface, when used for damping the vibrating surface. Each spacer element has opposite ends. At least one end of each of the multiple spacer elements is embedded in, bonded to, in contact with, or in close proximity to the dissipating layer, such that energy is dissipated within the multilayer damping material, through movement of the at least one end of each of the multiple spacer elements.

Abstract: A sealing tape roll comprises a sealing tape of flexible, compressible foam with a plurality of interior barrier layers, wherein the sealing tape is wound up into the sealing tape roll around an axis extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of the sealing tape in such a way that side surfaces of the sealing tape form end surfaces of the sealing tape roll. The sealing tape comprises a plurality of sealing tape sections, which, in an unwound state of the sealing tape, are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction, wherein a barrier layer of the plurality of barrier layers is arranged between each pair of adjacent sealing tape sections of the plurality of sealing tape sections. The plurality of barrier layers extend over at least 50% of a width of the sealing tape roll between the opposite end surfaces of the sealing tape roll.

Abstract: A reinforced insulation assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes insulation, a reinforcement layer, and an adhesive for attaching the reinforcement layer to a surface of the insulation. The reinforced layer is fully immersed within the adhesive and penetrates the surface of the insulation.

Abstract: Panel suitable for assembling a waterproof floor or wall covering from a plurality of said panels, wherein the panel has a substantially planar top surface, and a substantially planar bottom surface, the panel having a laminated structure of layers which comprises: a flexible core layer which basically is composed of a material which is relatively low in density and is provided with voids in the form of air pockets, and a rigid top layer which comprises a support layer that is basically composed of a material that is relatively high in density and which is virtually devoid of air pockets, wherein the thickness of the core layer is smaller than the thickness of the support layer, preferably in a ratio of 0.5 or less, more preferably in a ratio between 0.5 and 0.10.

Abstract: In a decorative sheet, a concavo-convex pattern is provided on a surface of a base material. The concavo-convex pattern includes a first concave, a convex and a second concave. The first concave is a bottomed concave. The convex is adjacent to the first concave. The second concave opens at the bottom surface of the first concave. The second concave is a bottomed concave. The second concave is provided in a first region of the bottom surface of the first concave which is a region spaced apart from a boundary between the first concave and the convex not less than a maximum dimension which is a dimension in an opening direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of an opening end of the second concave which is a side of the bottom surface of the first concave in the thickness direction of the base material.

Abstract: A progressive stage load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material which is exposed to percussive forces. The progressive stage load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation. The system has a barrier layer that lies below the superstructure material and an underlayment infrastructure positioned below the barrier layer. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members that have a relatively compliant stage subsystem and one or more relatively stiff stage subsystems.

Abstract: A body structure reinforcement includes a reinforcement body and a connecting flange integral with the reinforcement body. Body structures incorporating one or more shell structures and the body structure reinforcement are disclosed along with methods for making the body structure reinforcement and the body structures.

Abstract: A method of forming a textured effect on a substrate, the method comprising steps of: (a) creating a data file of an image having a thickness to be formed as the textured effect on the substrate, the data file comprising print image(s) and a number of times specified for printing of the print image(s); (b) preparing the data file for surface deposition by a printer; (c) providing the substrate on the printer; (d) the printer printing the print image(s) in the data file on the substrate using a layer of clear ink; (e) the printer UV curing the layer of ink; (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) for every print image of the print image(s) for the number of times specified in the data file such that the image formed as the textured effect on the substrate comprises a plurality of layers of printed and UV cured clear ink.

Abstract: Provided are an artificial leather and a method of manufacturing the same. The artificial leather includes: a base fabric; a polyvinyl chloride film bonded to a surface of the base fabric; bonding layer formed on a surface of the film; a first foam layer formed on the bonding layer in a patterned shape; a first color layer formed on a surface of the foam layer and having the same pattern as the first foam layer; and a surface treatment layer formed on a surface of the first color layer with the same pattern as the first color layer or formed on a surface of the bonding layer without the first foam layer and the surface of the first color layer. to the artificial leather of the present invention may have a light weight and implement various three-dimensional patterns and colors as compared with a conventional PVC foam artificial leather.

Abstract: A sealing tape roll includes a sealing tape wound up into the sealing tape roll. The sealing tape has at least one first barrier layer, which extends in a longitudinal direction of the sealing tape parallel to side surfaces of the sealing tape. The sealing tape also includes a plurality of second barrier layers, which extend over at least 50% of a width of the sealing tape roll between opposite end surfaces of the sealing tape roll. In addition, the sealing tape has a plurality of sealing tape sections, which, in an unwound state of the sealing tape, are arranged behind each other in a row in the longitudinal direction, and a second barrier layer is arranged between each pair of adjacent sealing tape sections.

Abstract: A method for producing a photo-luminescent material, including the following steps: (1) producing, according to a sol-gel method, a sol and then a gel of first precursors of a first substance from the sol; (2) crushing the gel; (3) optionally, annealing the gel in order to form first particles of the first substance of which the average size is between 1 pm and 20 um; (4) producing a colloidal dispersion of second particles of a second substance, different from the first substance or identical to the first substance, of which the average size is between 5 nm and 400 nm; (5) mixing the colloidal dispersion with the sol in step (1) before forming the gel or with the first particles after step (3); and (6) annealing the mixture obtained in step (5), resulting in an increase in the compactness of the mixture, the average size of the second particles after annealing being between 100 nm and 900 nm.

Abstract: A hinged component includes first and second portions of material coupled together by a composite live hinge. The live hinge includes a layer of tensile fabric and a layer of elastomer interposed between the tensile fabric and the material of one or both of the coupled first and second portions. The composite live hinge is capable of joining structural composite materials without the need for scoring, and thereby weakening, the structural composite material along the desired hinge line. The live hinge can be embedded in the materials it joins in a method that is compatible with traditional structural composite layup processes and in a manner which prevents resin from the structural composite materials from infiltrating the tensile fabric and compromising its flexibility.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly may include an interior door panel having an armrest, the armrest having a handle defining an opening therein and a receptacle arranged below the armrest and configured to be selectively arranged under the handle to create a repository within the opening to receive objects.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring, includes a wear-resistant layer, a decorative layer and a substrate layer from top to bottom in order, wherein the substrate layer comprises a flexible layer, a strength layer and a correction layer from top to bottom in order and the hardness of the strength layer is 1.05-1.10 times that of the flexible layer and the correction layer.

Abstract: A prosthetic device, adapted to be implanted in the human body and adapted to prevent and/or treat an infection that can arise and/or which has arisen at a bone site or at an articular site, wherein the prosthetic device has a prosthetic body provided with at least one surface for coupling, during use, with the bone or articular site and with at least one cavity placed along the coupling surface, wherein the at least one cavity is adapted to include, contain or house at least one pharmaceutical or medical substance.

Abstract: A muffler shell (1) for use in an exhaust system of a vehicle comprises an inner metal sheet (13) and an outer metal sheet (10). The outer metal sheet (10) is arranged to enclose the inner metal sheet (13). The muffler shell further comprises a vibro-acoustical dampening material (14) sandwiched between the inner metal sheet (13) and the outer metal sheet (10). Both the inner metal sheet (13) and the outer metal sheet (10) are corrugated sheets made of stainless steel having a thickness in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.30 mm. The vibro-acoustical dampening material has a thickness (T) in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm and a density in the range of 130 kg/m3 to 160 kg/m3.

Abstract: A trim element that includes a support element having an inner face and an outer face. The support element has at least one central area covered on the outer face thereof by a layer of foam. The support element includes at least one tab protruding from the inner face thereof near the central area, the tab forming a positioning element for positioning the support element in a production tool of the trim element.

Abstract: An acoustic metamaterial layered composite for noise control may include a plurality of micro-perforated plates alternately and periodically arranged with a plurality of absorbent layers and optional air gaps. The plurality of micro-perforated plates may be in a form of a periodically arranged stack and include perforations extending therethrough. Each of the plurality of absorbent layers is formed of a poroelastic material. The metamaterial layered composite noise control device is designed using the metamaterial acoustics transformation approach for optimized noise control.

Abstract: There is disclosed a separable toilet pad for housebreaking animal companions including a protection layer covering an exterior surface; an absorbent layer absorbing and storing urine; and a waterproof layer preventing the absorbed urine from leaking, wherein the waterproof layer includes a waterproof layer cut unit configured to divide or cut the waterproof layer into a plurality of areas, when an external force is applied, and the absorbent layer is arranged in a surface of the waterproof layer and includes a gap with both sides with respect to the waterproof layer cut unit and includes a gap having a distance from both sides of the waterproof cut unit, and a filling part is arranged in the gap and includes a filling part cut unit corresponding to the waterproof layer.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.

Abstract: A formed core comprising a first and second plurality of pyramidal frustum bases, the first plurality of pyramidal frustum bases extending in a first direction and the second plurality of pyramidal frustum bases extending in a second direction, and wherein each pyramidal frustum base comprises: a node comprising a convex regular polygon, the convex regular polygon comprising a plurality of sides oriented in a first plane and wherein each side of the polygon of the node of each of the first plurality of pyramidal frustum bases is parallel to a side of the polygon of the node of at least one of the second plurality of pyramidal frustum bases; a plurality of faces extending from each of the sides of the polygon of each node of the first plurality of frustum bases to a side of the polygon of each of the second plurality of frustum bases.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an engine body and an acoustic and thermal cover assembly are provided. The engine body includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipe extending therefrom and the acoustic and thermal cover assembly is positioned adjacent to the engine body. The acoustic and thermal cover assembly includes a first section and a second section extending along the engine body. The assembly further includes an acoustic and thermal shield extending along the first section, a plastic shell extending along the second section, the acoustic and thermal shield and plastic shell forming a cover, and an insulating layer positioned between the cover and the engine body.

Abstract: A cultured periodontal membrane cell sheet, produced through a process comprising culturing cells on a cell culture support composed of a base material having its surface coated with a temperature-responsive polymer of 0˚C to 80˚C upper limit or lower limit critical dissolution temperature in water under specified conditions, (1) regulating the temperature of culture fluid to temperature?the upper limit critical dissolution temperature or?the lower limit critical dissolution temperature, (2) causing a cultured periodontal membrane cell sheet resulting from the culturing to adhere to a carrier, and (3) detaching the sheet together with the carrier. This cultured periodontal membrane cell sheet has a syndesmotic microstructure, exhibiting extremely high bioadherence to the surface of dental root, and realizes high-density transplant of target cells and positive reconstruction of periodontal tissue.

Abstract: A floor panel includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate. The top layer is composed of a print and a transparent thermoplastic layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm or less and being situated above said print. The floor panel, at least on two opposite edges, is provided with a straight or curved chamfer extending to below the global level of the print.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing wall covering with relief, such as for example wallpaper, in a continuous process in a less expensive way (in the case of limited print runs) and with fewer limitations with regard to the size of the repeat of the pattern, comprising: step a providing a base; step b applying a heat-expandable material to this base in a continuous process using an analogue printing technique; step c applying one or more liquids, which influence the expansion of the expandable material, in a desired pattern in a continuous process using a digital printing technique; step d heating the base with the expandable material which has been applied thereto and the one or more liquids applied thereto to a temperature at which the expandable material expands.

Abstract: A layered structure for an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device, the layered structure including a light-transmissive substrate and an internal extraction layer formed on one side of the light-transmissive substrate, in which the internal extraction layer includes (1) a scattering area containing scattering elements composed of solid particles and pores, the solid particles having a density that decreases as it goes away from the interface with the light-transmissive substrate, and the pores having a density that increases as it goes away from the interface with the light-transmissive substrate, and (2) a free area where no scattering elements are present, formed from the surface of the internal extraction layer, which is opposite to the interface, to a predetermined depth.

Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foam having Poisson's ratio which varies across a region of the foam in a gradient distribution from a negative value to a positive value includes the steps of: a) providing an open-cell foam; b) applying a compressive force to a localised region of the foam to collapse the foam in the localised region, whilst leaving other regions of the foam un-collapsed; c) heating the foam to a predetermined temperature whilst continuing to apply the compressive force; and d) subsequently cooling the foam whilst continuing to apply the compressive force. A foam having a first region which exhibits a negative Poisson's ratio, a second region which exhibits a positive Poisson's ratio, and an intermediate region located between the first and second regions and across which the Poisson's ratio of the foam varies in a gradient distribution from a negative value to a positive value.

Abstract: There is provided a molded body including a main portion and a bank portion each of which is formed by foaming and molding a foam material. The main portion is made of urethane material which is softer than the material for the bank portion. At a boundary portion between the main and bank portions, the main portion is formed in a continuous interlocking profile and the bank portion is also formed in another continuous interlocking profile. The interlocking profile and the another interlocking profile are mated to each other so as to prevent separation between the main portion and the bank portion in a direction of an arrow (vehicle width direction). The boundary portion is provided by partitioning the cavity in a single mold with a weir, introducing different foam materials into both sides of the weir and foaming the introduced materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a film and method for engraving objects. The film includes an adhesive layer configured to allow the film to be easily repositionable on the surface of an object. For example, the film can be shifted, rotated, or moved prior to pressure being applied and before the engraving. Additionally, the photoresist layer includes microspheres comprising small pockets of air which strengthen the photoresist layer by bouncing the engraving blast away and allow the photoresist layer to advantageously be designed thinner.

Abstract: A sandwich structure is provided that includes a corrugated layer with at least one core layer (structure) made of a periodic array of adjacent truncated upward facing peaks and truncated downward facing valleys. Each truncated peak has a bonding land of an area A1. Each truncated valley has a bonding land of an area A2. A ratio of A1/A2 is less than 2. A distance D is between neighboring peaks, and a distance D is also between neighboring valleys. The corrugated layer is made from an initially flat sheet thickness of t. A first sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated peaks. A second sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated valleys.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a patterned aerogel-based layer that serves as a mold for at least part of a microelectromechanical feature. The density of an aerogel is less than that of typical materials used in MEMS fabrication, such as poly-silicon, silicon oxide, single-crystal silicon, metals, metal alloys, and the like. Therefore, one may form structural features in an aerogel-based layer at rates significantly higher than the rates at which structural features can be formed in denser materials. The invention further includes a method of patterning an aerogel-based layer to produce such an aerogel-based mold. The invention further includes a method of fabricating a microelectromechanical feature using an aerogel-based mold. This method includes depositing a dense material layer directly onto the outline of at least part of a microelectromechanical feature that has been formed in the aerogel-based layer.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The first and second film segments are joined at an interface, wherein at the interface a tip of the second segment overlaps the first segment in the cross-direction of the film. The film has a thickness “T” at the tip of the second segment, and the second segment has a thickness “t” at a distance T in the cross direction from the tip of the second segment. The ratio T/t is suitably greater than about 3. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal and/or sound insulation system with resistance to elevated as well as low temperatures comprising at least one inner layer (A) obtained from temperature invariant and/or temperature resistant material as decoupling layer, at least one layer (B) as intermediate temperature gradient layer comprising temperature invariant and/or temperature resistant material, and at least one outer layer (C) as insulation layer comprising an expanded polymer blend, the process for manufacturing of such a system and the use of such system.

Abstract: A scratch-off document includes a substrate and a toner covering; the toner covering including: a first layer of first toner particles on the substrate having a first and second thickness, wherein the first and second thicknesses are different; a second layer of second toner particles on the first layer of toner particles; and at least one additive in either the first or second layer for creating a thermal conductivity difference between the first and second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer having a greater thickness and a portion of the second toner layer in registration with the first layer of greater thickness is manually removable by a scratching action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered structural component (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, preferably a floor component for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two fibre layers (14) which each include a fibre material and a thermoplastic binder and are arranged one above the other in a stacking direction (S), and at least one metal layer (12) having a thickness (d) of at most 1 mm which is arranged between the two fibre layers (14), wherein the fibre layers (14) each have, at least in certain regions, a porosity of at least 75%, and wherein the structural component (10) comprises at least three metal layers (12) which are arranged one above the other in a stacking direction (S) and each have a thickness (d) of at most 1 mm, with each of the two fibre layers (14) being arranged between two metal layers (12) that are adjacent to one another in the stacking direction (S).

Abstract: An air cushion pad includes at least two sheet members, which are made of resilient materials. Each sheet member forms a plurality of hollow tubes projecting therefrom and the tubes are connected to each other by a substantially flat plate. The tubes of one sheet member and the tubes of the other sheet member are alternately fit to each other in an opposing manner to form the air cushion pad. When an external impact force is applied in a top down manner, the air cushion pad absorbs the impact force and undergoes sideways deformation so as to convert the impact force into a transverse to thereby realize shock absorption and eliminate damage caused by downward action of the impact force to provide the function of protection.

Abstract: A structured material includes a base member, and a mesostructured member disposed on the surface of the base member. The mesostructured member includes a wall defining cylindrically shaped portions. The base member has a plurality of grooves periodically formed in the surface thereof. The grooves each have a bottom surface and side surfaces in a shape in which a plane including the bottom surface is perpendicular to planes including the side surfaces. The cylindrically shaped portions in a region opposite to the base member with respect to an imaginary surface of the base member defined by imaginarily filling grooves to form an even surface are oriented at angles within a range of ±10° with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grooves.

Abstract: The invention provides novel aerated composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics of aerated concretes, and methods of production and uses thereof. These composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption, desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.

Abstract: Provided are methods for imprinting a porous material, the methods including applying a first stamp to a porous material having an average pore size of less than about 100 ?m, the first stamp having at least a first portion having a first height, a second portion having a second height and a third portion having a third height, wherein the first height, second height and third height are different.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method of fabrication of free standing open pore membranes with uniform pore size and shape and ordered pore distribution, and its use for synthesis of nanoparticle patterns. The method includes applying a photoresist layer to the top surface of a substrate, heating the photoresist layer for a period of time, and exposing the photoresist layer to a dose of ultraviolet radiation through a mask having a predetermined pattern. The dose of ultraviolet radiation is controlled in intensity and time and the photoresist layer is exposed such that a top portion of the photoresist layer through which the dose of ultraviolet radiation enters the photoresist layer undergoes greater cross linking than a bottom portion of the photoresist layer immediately adjacent to the top surface of the substrate such that a cross linking gradient develops through a thickness of the photoresist layer.