Abstract: Curable adhesive films, primers for adhesion of curable adhesive films, and adhesive systems comprising adhesive films and primers are provided. In some embodiments, an adhesive system comprises: I) a curable adhesive free-standing film comprising a blend of: a) a first film-forming polymer or oligomer; b) a first species comprising first unsaturated free-radically polymerizable groups, which may be a) or a species other than a); and c) a first transition metal cation; and II) a primer for adhesion of a curable adhesive free-standing film to a first substrate comprising an oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, an adhesive system comprises: I) a curable adhesive free-standing film comprising an outer surface bearing embossed air bleed channels capable of aiding in escape of air during application of the outer surface to a primed substrate; and II) a primer comprising components that initiate cure of the curable adhesive free-standing film.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a wall that is formed of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) that has ceramic fiber plies disposed in a ceramic matrix. The component has a sensor section in which a bracket is bonded on the wall for holding a sensor. The bracket is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of the CMC, graphite, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A first oriented film comprising a first polyethylene composition which comprises: from 20 to 50 wt % of a first linear low density polyethylene polymer having a density greater than 0.925 g/cc and an I2 lower than 2 g/10 min; and from 80 to 50 wt % of a second linear low density polyethylene polymer having a density lower than or equal to 0.925 g/cc and an I2 greater than or equal to 2 g/10 min; wherein the first polyethylene composition has an I2 from 0.5 to 10 g/10 min and a density from 0.910 to 0.940 g/cc is provided.

Abstract: An article having a laser-formed marking is disclosed. The article includes a coating defining an exterior surface of the article and the marking extends through the coating. The marking comprises a recessed marking feature which provides a color or other visual attribute to the marking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microarray structure that may include a substrate material layer, a continuous three-dimensional (3D) surface layer on the substrate material layer that is capable of functionalisation for use as an array, and an inert material. The structure may include accurately defined and functionalisable isolated areas which are millimeter to nanometer in size. The functionalisable areas may be part of the continuous 3D surface layer and may be isolated by the inert material but interconnected within the structure by the continuous 3D surface layer.

Abstract: A method of forming source/drain features in a FinFET device includes providing a fin formed over a substrate and a gate structure formed over a fin, forming a recess in the fin adjacent to the gate structure, forming a first epitaxial layer in the recess, forming a second epitaxial layer over the first epitaxial layer, and forming a third epitaxial layer over the second epitaxial layer. The second epitaxial layer may be doped with a first element, while one or both of the first and the third epitaxial layer includes a second element different from the first element. One or both of the first and the third epitaxial layer may be formed by a plasma deposition process.

Abstract: A color filter substrate, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device are disclosed. The color filter substrate includes a base substrate and a plurality of filter units located on the base substrate. Each filter unit includes a photonic crystal layer configured to transmit light of one color, and includes a first photonic crystal sub-layer and a second photonic crystal sub-layer that are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the base substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow structure in an additively manufactured object involves creating a pattern on a surface of a base material of the object with a sacrificial metal filler having a melting point of 350° C. or less, the pattern defining a shape of the hollow structure on the base material. A metal layering material is cold sprayed over the sacrificial metal filler and at least a portion of the base material. The sacrificial metal filler is removed from the pattern by melting the sacrificial metal filler without melting or deforming the base material or the metal layering material to leave the hollow structure in the object formed from the pattern. Non-standard cold spray conditions are used with the metal layering material to prevent damage and or displacement of the filler while still forming a coating of the metal layering material on the filler and base material.

Abstract: A display device includes an optical fingerprint sensor; a display panel; a patterned film disposed below the display panel and having an opening portion that exposes the optical fingerprint sensor; a heat dissipating layer disposed below the patterned film, and that dissipates heat; and a cushion layer disposed between the patterned film and the heat dissipating layer, and that absorbs an impact. The optical fingerprint sensor is disposed below the cushion layer, and the heat dissipating layer has an opening portion that has a size larger than a size of the opening portion of the patterned film.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method to form a digital print on a substrate including a polymer material by bonding particles in powder form to the surface of the substrate. A method of forming a decorative wear resistant layer, the method including: providing a substrate comprising a thermoplastic material and a transparent layer comprising a thermoplastic material, providing a continuous print layer comprising particles on the substrate or on the transparent layer, printing a digital image comprising colour pigments on the print layer, and bonding the print layer with the colour pigments to the transparent layer and to the substrate with heat and pressure such that the digital image is located between the transparent layer and the substrate.

Abstract: An article having a laser-formed marking is disclosed. The article includes a coating defining an exterior surface of the article and the marking extends through the coating. The marking comprises a recessed marking feature which provides a color or other visual attribute to the marking.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive film or other filler-containing film 10A of the present invention includes a filler dispersed-layer 3 including a resin layer 2, a first filler layer with a filler 1A dispersed in a single layer in the resin layer 2, and a second filler layer with a filler 1B dispersed in a single layer in the resin layer 2 at a depth different from the depth of the first filler layer. The filler 1A of the first filler layer is exposed from one surface 2a of the resin layer 2, or is in close proximity to the surface 2a, and the filler 1B of the second filler layer is exposed from the other surface 2b of the resin layer 2, or is in close proximity to the surface 2b.

Abstract: A method includes providing an electrically conductive mandrel having an outer surface layer comprising a preformed pattern. The metallic article is electroformed. The metallic article includes a plurality of electroformed elements formed in the preformed pattern on the outer surface layer of the mandrel. The plurality of electroformed elements have a first side adjacent to the outer surface layer of the mandrel and a second side. A solder is plated on the second side of the plurality of electroformed elements while on the mandrel. The metallic article is separated from the mandrel. The plurality of electroformed elements are interconnected such that the metallic article forms a unitary, free-standing piece. A solution is applied to create a blackening of the first side of the plurality of electroformed elements. The solder on the second side of the plurality of electroformed elements is not blackened.

Abstract: A method to form a digital print on a substrate including a polymer material by bonding particles in powder form to the surface of the substrate. The method may include: providing a substrate including a thermoplastic material and a transparent layer including a thermoplastic material, providing a continuous print layer including particles on the substrate or on the transparent layer, printing a digital image including color pigments on the print layer, and bonding the print layer with the color pigments to the transparent layer and to the substrate with heat and pressure such that the digital image is located between the transparent layer and the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a hyperbranched polymer having such a backbone that is readily decomposable by an acid. The hyperbranched polymer is derived from, via reaction, monomers including a monomer (X) and a monomer (Y). The monomer (X) contains three or more hydroxy groups per molecule. The monomer (Y) contains two or more groups represented by General Formula (y) per molecule. The monomer (X) includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cyclodextrins, compounds represented by General Formula (I), pillararenes, compounds represented by General Formula (II), compounds represented by General Formula (III), and compounds represented by General Formula (IV). The monomer (Y) includes a compound represented by General Formula (1).

Abstract: A method for high rate assembly of nanoelements into two-dimensional void patterns on a non-conductive substrate surface utilizes an applied electric field to stabilize against forces resulting from pulling the substrate through the surface of a nanoelement suspension. The electric field contours emanating from a conductive layer in the substrate, covered by an insulating layer, are modified by a patterned photoresist layer, resulting in an increased driving force for nanoelements to migrate from a liquid suspension to voids on a patterned substrate having a non-conductive surface. The method can be used for the production of microscale and nanoscale circuits, sensors, and other electronic devices.

Abstract: Damascene templates have two-dimensionally patterned raised metal features disposed on an underlying conductive layer extending across a substrate. The templates are topographically flat overall, and the patterned conductive features establish micron-scale and nanometer-scale patterns for the assembly of nanoelements into nanoscale circuits and sensors. The templates are made using microfabrication techniques together with chemical mechanical polishing. These templates are compatible with various directed assembly techniques, including electrophoresis, and offer essentially 100% efficient assembly and transfer of nanoelements in a continuous operation cycle. The templates can be repeatedly used for transfer of patterned nanoelements thousands of times with minimal or no damage, and the transfer process involves no intermediate processes between cycles. The assembly and transfer processes employed are carried out at room temperature and pressure and are thus amenable to low cost, high-rate device production.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device comprises providing a substrate with a shallow trench isolation (STI) within the substrate and a gate stack. A cavity is formed between the gate stack and the STI. The cavity comprises one sidewall formed by the STI, one sidewall formed by the substrate, and a bottom surface formed by the substrate. A film is grown in the cavity and thereafter an opening formed by removing a first portion of the strained film until exposing the bottom surface of the substrate while a second portion of the strained film adjoins the STI sidewall. Another epitaxial layer is then grown in the opening.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive film has a first connection layer and a second connection layer formed on surface of the first connection layer. The first connection layer is a photopolymerized resin layer, and the second connection layer is a thermo- or photo-cationically, anionically, or radically polymerizable resin layer. On the surface of first connection layer on the side of second connection layer, conductive particles for anisotropic conductive connection are arranged in a single layer. A region in which the curing ratio is lower than that of the surface of the first connection layer exists in a direction oblique to the thickness direction of the first connection layer. Alternatively, the curing ratio of a region relatively near another surface of the first connection layer among regions of the first connection layer in the vicinity of the conductive particles is lower than that of the surface of the first connection layer.

Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to a method of fabrication of a microfluidic chip (1), comprising: providing (S10-S20) a wafer (10, 12) of semiconductor material having a diamond cubic crystal structure, exhibiting two opposite main surfaces (S1, S2), one on each side of the wafer, and having, each, a normal in the <100> or <110> direction; and performing (S30) self-limited, anisotropic wet etching steps on each of the two main surfaces on each side of the wafer, to create a via (20, 20a) extending transversely through the thickness of the wafer, at a location such that the resulting via connects an in-plane microchannel (31) on a first one (S1) of the two main surfaces to a second one (S2) of the two main surfaces, the via exhibiting slanted sidewalls (20s) as a result of the self-limited wet etching. The invention further concerns microfluidic chips accordingly obtained.

Abstract: A method for patterning topography is provided. A substrate is provided with a plurality of lines. The method includes aligning and preparing a first directed self-assembly (DSA) pattern overlying the lines, transferring the first pattern to form first line cuts, aligning and preparing a second DSA pattern overlying the lines, and transferring the second pattern to form second line cuts. The DSA patterns include trenches and holes of diameter d, and each comprise a block copolymer having HCP morphology, a characteristic dimension Lo approximately equal to the line pitch, and a minority phase of the diameter d. The trenches are wet by a majority phase of the block copolymer and guide formation of the holes. The aligning and preparation of the DSA patterns include overlapping the two sets of trenches such that areas between holes of one pattern and adjacent holes of the other pattern are shared by adjacent trenches.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure including a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer includes a gate structure, a first trench in the semiconductor wafer adjacent to a first side of the gate structure and a second trench adjacent to a second side of the gate structure, the first and second trenches filled with a doped epitaxial silicon to form a source in the filled first trench and a drain in the filled second trench such that each of the source and drain are recessed and have an inverted facet. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the epitaxial silicon is doped with boron.

Abstract: The invention provides a fast, scalable, room temperature process for fabricating metallic nanorods from nanoparticles or fabricating metallic or semiconducting nanorods from carbon nanotubes suspended in an aqueous solution. The assembled nanorods are suitable for use as nanoscale interconnects in CMOS-based devices and sensors. Metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes are assembled into lithographically patterned vias by applying an external electric field. Since the dimensions of nanorods are controlled by the dimensions of vias, the nanorod dimensions can be scaled down to the low nanometer range. The aqueous assembly process is environmentally friendly and can be used to make nanorods using different types of metallic particles as well as semiconducting and metallic nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductive feature. The method includes providing a substrate and providing a conductive composition. The conductive composition includes metal particles, a non-acid protic solvent, and a high polarity solvent. The non-acid protic solvent and high polarity solvent are present in concentrations sufficient to ionize the non-acid protic solvent and remove oxides when heated. The method further includes heating the composition to a temperature less than about 250° C. to form a conductive feature having less than about ten times the resistivity of bulk copper.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in line arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. Semiconductor structures may include self-assembled block copolymer materials in the form of lines of half-cylinders of a minority block matrix of a majority block of the block copolymer. The lines of half-cylinders may be within trenches in the semiconductor structures.

Abstract: There are provided a cover window including: a first glass panel; a printed portion formed in a concave part of one surface of the first glass panel; and a second glass panel bonded to one surface of the first glass panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a touchscreen including the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides materials exhibiting improved properties arising from a surface treatment thereof. In particular, thin films can be provided with a patterned surface, the patterned thin films exhibiting improved properties such as in relation to coercivity, mechanical coupling, and magnetic coupling. The disclosure further provides layered composites comprising one or more patterned thin films. The disclosure also provides methods of forming patterned thin films.

Abstract: Imprint lithography templates having alignment marks with highly absorptive material. The alignment marks are insensitive to the effects of liquid spreading and can provide stability and increase contrast to alignment system during liquid imprint filling of template features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a molded article from a first rubber polymer, which molded article comprises an insert from a second rubber polymer. The method comprises the steps of (A) providing an at least partially vulcanized article from the first rubber polymer, the article having a recess that extends in a depth direction and in transverse directions perpendicular to the depth direction, for accommodating the insert; (B) providing an at least partially vulcanized insert from the second rubber polymer, the insert having a shape such that it can be accommodated in the recess; (C) arranging an unvulcanized object from a third rubber polymer in the recess to partly fill the recess; (C) arranging the at least partly vulcanized insert in the recess to obtain an assembly; and (D) vulcanizing the assembly under pressure. The method yields a molded article having an optically sharp interface between the first rubber polymer and the insert.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first grid groove, defined in the first surface of the substrate, the bottom of the first grid groove being of non-planar structure; and a first conductive layer, including a first conductive grid made of a conductive material filled in the first grid groove. Since the bottom of the first grid groove is not planar, it is beneficial to releasing tension as the liquid conductive material contacts the bottom of the first grid groove, so as to avoid the liquid conductive material shrinking into a plurality of spherical or near-spherical structures due to large tension, thereby reducing probability of the conductive material being formed as a plurality of spaced spherical or near-spherical structures after sintered, improving connectivity inside the conductive material, and guaranteeing conductivity of the transparent conductive film.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising: a substrate having a microfluidic channel, an electrically conductive feature comprising an electrically conductive layer arranged on a primer layer and positioned with reference to the microfluidic channel, wherein the primer layer comprises: (i) an organic polymer selected from the group consisting of. (a) a homopolymer or copolymer including a vinyl lactam repeating unit, (b) a cellulose ether; (c) polyvinyl alcohol; and (d) unmodified or modified gelatin; and (ii) a porous particulate material, the organic polymer being dispersed in the porous particulate material, is provided. Methods for manufacturing the microfluidic devices and their use in a number of applications are also provided.

Abstract: A method of making an embossed micro-structure includes providing a transfer substrate, an emboss substrate, and an embossing stamp having one or more stamp structures. Transfer material is coated on the transfer substrate. The transfer material on the transfer substrate is contacted with the stamp structures to adhere transfer material to the stamp structures. A curable emboss layer is coated on the emboss substrate. The stamp structures and adhered transfer material are contacted to the curable emboss layer on the emboss substrate to emboss a micro-structure in the curable emboss layer and transfer the transfer material to the embossed micro-structure. The curable emboss layer is cured to form a cured emboss layer having embossed micro-structures corresponding to the stamp structures and having transfer material in the embossed micro-structures. The stamp structures is removed from the cured emboss layer, substantially leaving the transfer material in the micro-structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an article and a method of forming a microstructure. The method includes providing a substrate having a structured surface region comprising one or more recessed features with recessed surfaces. The structured surface region is substantially free of plateaus. The method includes disposing a fluid composition comprising a functional material and a liquid onto the structured surface region. The method includes evaporating liquid from the fluid composition. The functional material collects on the recessed surfaces such that a remainder of the structured surface region is substantially free of the functional material.

Abstract: A bit patterned magnetic recording medium, comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a surface; a plurality of spaced apart magnetic elements on the surface, each of the elements constituting a discrete magnetic domain or bit; and a layer of a ferromagnetic material for regulating magnetic exchange coupling between said magnetic elements. The layer has a saturation magnetization Ms ranging from about 1 to about 2,000 emu/cm3, preferably below about 400 emu/cm3, more preferably below about 200 emu/cm3, and may overlie, underlie, or at least partially fill spaces between adjacent magnetic elements.

Abstract: The sheet structure includes a plurality of linear structure bundles 12 each of which comprises a plurality of linear structures of carbon atoms arranged, spaced from each other at a first gap and which are arranged at a second gap which is larger than the first gap; and a filling layer 14 filled in the first gap and the second gap and supporting the plurality of linear structure bundles 12.

Abstract: A component is disclosed. The component comprises a substrate comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, where the inner surface defines at least one hollow, interior space, where the outer surface defines one or more grooves, and where each of the one or more grooves extends at least partially along the surface of the substrate and has a base. One or more access holes extend through the base of a respective groove to place the groove in fluid communication with respective ones of the at least one hollow interior space. The component further comprises a coating disposed over at least a portion of the substrate surface, where the coating comprises one or more layers. At least one of the layers defines one or more permeable slots, such that the respective layer does not completely bridge each of the one or more grooves. The grooves and the coating together define one or more channels for cooling the component.

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: Compositions, structures and methods that relate to films having switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity depending on ambient conditions, such as temperature. A film with switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity includes a nanostructured first layer having nanopillars associated with nanowells. A hydrogel occupies at least a portion of the nanowells. As the hydrogel moves from a dehydrated state to a hydrated state, the surface of the film switches from being reflective to being anti-reflective in a repeatable and reversible process.

Abstract: A sandwich-type, structural, composite panel having a pattern of depressions formed at a lower outer surface thereof and stiffening supports received and retained therein is provided. The panel includes a first outer layer having a first outer surface, a second outer layer having a second outer surface and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. Crushed portions of the panel having a reduced thickness form the pattern of depressions at the second outer surface of the second outer layer. The stiffening supports are bonded or joined to the second outer layer within the pattern of depressions. The stiffening supports are sized, shaped and arranged within the pattern of depressions to provide the panel with strength to resist deflection from a load at various positions and orientations at the first outer surface.

Abstract: A high strength, low friction engineered material includes a low friction material filling interstices of a metal microlattice. The metal typically comprises 5 volume % to 25 volume % and the interstices typically comprise 75 volume % to 95 volume %, based on the total volume of the metal microlattice and the interstices. The low friction material preferably fills 100 volume % of the interstices. The metal microlattice can be formed of a single layer, or multiple layers, for example layers of nickel, copper, and tin. The low friction material is typically a polymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PAI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), or polyoxymethylene (POM). The low friction material can also include additive particles to modify the material properties. The engineered material can be used in various automotive applications, for example as a bearing, or non-automotive applications.

Abstract: A novel reinforcement system for maximizing tensile strength and modulus of elasticity per ply for composite systems has one or more pockets with a first pocket edge, a second pocket edge, a pocket front surface, and a pocket rear surface. The pocket front surface and the pocket rear surface each have a pocket cross-stitch that perpendicularly traverses the pocket. The pocket traverses the fabric parallel and adjacent to the first fabric edge and the second fabric edge in a warp, or 0 degree, or x-axis direction. The pockets contain one or more fiber tows with a plurality of filaments in a stack.

Abstract: A metal/ceramic bonding substrate includes: a ceramic substrate; a metal plate bonded directly to one side of the ceramic substrate; a metal base plate bonded directly to the other side of the ceramic substrate; and a reinforcing member having a higher strength than that of the metal base plate, the reinforcing member being arranged so as to extend from one of both end faces of the metal base plate to the other end face thereof without interrupting that the metal base plate extends between a bonded surface of the metal base plate to the ceramic substrate and the opposite surface thereof.

Abstract: Building panels, especially floor panels, and a method of forming embossed in register surfaces with a digital ink head that applies a curable ink on the panel surface or on an upper side of a foil as a coating and forms an ink matrix that is used to create a cavity in the surface by applying a pressure on the ink matrix.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating coated components using multiple types of fillers are provided. One method comprises forming one or more grooves in an outer surface of a substrate. Each groove has a base and extends at least partially along the outer surface of the substrate. The method further includes disposing a sacrificial filler within the groove(s), disposing a permanent filler over the sacrificial filler, disposing a coating over at least a portion of the substrate and over the permanent filler, and removing the first sacrificial filler from the groove(s), to define one or more channels for cooling the component. A component with a permanent filler is also provided.

Abstract: A method for growing elongated nanostructures (7) only on the bottom (3) of a recessed structure (4), the method comprising: a. providing a substrate (5) comprising said recessed structure (4), said recessed structure (4) comprising: said bottom (3), and at least one sidewall (6), b. modifying the chemical nature of the surface of said at least one sidewall (6) so that said at least one sidewall (6) has a lower affinity than said bottom (3) for a catalyst film (2), c. providing said catalyst film (2) onto said bottom (3), d. thermally and/or plasma treating said film (2) so as to form said catalyst nanoparticles (1), and e. growing elongated nanostructures (7) in said recessed structure (4) using the catalyst nanoparticles (1).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in line arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. Semiconductor structures may include self-assembled block copolymer materials in the form of lines of half-cylinders of a minority block matrix of a majority block of the block copolymer. The lines of half-cylinders may be within trenches in the semiconductor structures.

Abstract: A method for high resolution ink-jet print using a pre-patterned substrate employs an ink-jet printing device including an ink-jet head for discharging conductive ink droplets and a driving stage for supporting a substrate to which the conductive ink droplets are hit, to draw a fine line width pattern on the substrate. The method includes (A) forming a stripe pattern with repeated stripes on a substrate surface on which a fine line width pattern will be formed, thereby preparing a pre-patterned substrate; (B) loading the substrate to the ink-jet printing device; and (C) injecting conductive ink droplets to a substrate region where the stripe pattern is formed. An equivalent interval (d) of the stripe pattern and a fine line width (D) of the drawn fine line width pattern satisfy a relation of d<<D, and the hit ink droplets are flowed in an anisotropic form within the region.

Abstract: An article has a metallic substrate. The substrate has a first surface region and a plurality of blind recesses along the first surface region. The substrate has perimeter lips at the openings of the plurality of recesses and extending partially over the respective associated recesses. A ceramic coating is along the first surface region.

Abstract: Device, especially a piece of sporting equipment for use in surfing or similar activities, includes a base made of foamed plastic, which has at least one laminate coating made of a fabric laminate and an underlay compound. The device includes an intermediate layer between the base and the laminate coating. Likewise provided are a number of processes for producing fiber composites in connection with foamed plastics.