Abstract: A functionally graded shape memory polymer (SMP) that has a range of transition temperatures that are spatially distributed in a gradient fashion within one single article. The SMP is formed by post-curing a pre-cured glassy SMP in a linear temperature gradient that imposes different vitrification temperature limits at different positions along the gradient. Utilizing indentation-based surface shape memory coupled with optical measurements of photoelastic response, the capability of this material to respond over a wide range of thermal triggers is correlated with the graded glass transition behavior. This new class of SMP offers great potential for such applications as passive temperature sensing and precise control of shape evolution during a thermally triggered shape recovery.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a functional sheet, comprising a polarizing or photochromic functional layer and protective layers provided on both surfaces of the functional layer can be provided. The protective layers include an aromatic polycarbonate resin sheet or film. At least one of the protective layers is a co-extruded sheet or film including an aromatic polycarbonate resin layer and an acrylic-based resin layer provided on one surface or both surfaces of the aromatic polycarbonate resin layer. At least one surface of the functional sheet is of the acrylic-based resin layer. Also according to the present invention, a lens using such a functional sheet can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cushion having damping properties for use in bicycle pants. The cushion comprises an outer shell (2) and a core (3) and at least one layer (4) arranged between the outer shell (2) and the core (3). The core (3) and the layers (4) are formed by at least one filler material having different degrees of firmness. The damping properties of the core (3) and/or the layers (4) can be changed by means of inflation.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member which holds a toner image transferred from a first toner image carrier and secondarily transfers the toner image to a surface of an image forming material, wherein the intermediate transfer member comprises a substrate having thereon at least a hard carbon-containing layer.

Abstract: An energy absorbing panel containing a pair of generally parallel spaced apart rigid end plates having a stiffness of at least about 200 N-m and a plurality of fabric layers extending between the rigid end plates oriented in a z-axis direction defined as being perpendicular to the rigid end plates. Each fabric layer contains a plurality of monoaxially drawn, thermoplastic fibers. The plurality of fabric layers are fused together forming a bonded structure. Methods of making the energy absorbing panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: An impact resistant bumper device that is elongated along a longitudinal axis and mountable on a mounting member, the device having a cross-section having an open undersurface configuration comprising: a first layer of a first polymer material; a second layer of a second polymer material; a third layer of a third polymer material; wherein the first polymer material has been melted at least once prior to the extrusion cycle, the second polymer material is first melted during the extrusion cycle and the third polymer material is first melted during the extrusion cycle.

Abstract: A transparent film whose back-face has excellent resistance to scratch, and a surface protection film having the transparent film are provided. A transparent film has a substrate layer formed of a transparent resin material, and a back-face layer with a thickness of 1 ?m or less provided on a first face thereof. In a scratch test of the transparent film, the failure initiation load of the back-face layer is 50 mN or greater and the friction coefficient of the back-face layer is 0.4 or less.

Abstract: A piston of an internal combustion engine, having a crown section. A wear-resistant ring is formed in the crown section to be used for forming a piston ring groove. The wear-resistant ring includes a porous formed body formed of a first material higher in hardness and larger in specific gravity than a base material of the piston, and a second material infiltrated in pores of the porous formed body and containing 20 weight % or more of magnesium.

Abstract: A structure may comprise a first outer layer and a polymer fiber composite layer mounted on one side of the first outer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a nitrogen-containing amorphous carbon film exhibiting excellent durability even when formed on the surface of a sliding member used under high surface pressure or under a lubricating oil environment. The nitrogen-containing amorphous carbon film is formed by physical evaporation onto the sliding surface of a sliding member and contains 8.0 to 12.0 atomic % of hydrogen and 3.0 to 14.0 atomic % of nitrogen. The nitrogen-containing amorphous carbon film is effective when, for instance, formed on at least one sliding surface of a sliding member, such as a sliding part of an automobile engine.

Abstract: A reinforced extrusion for attachment to a motor vehicle component edge or flange. The reinforced extrusion includes a reinforcement core having at least one flexible wire and at least one threaded cord. A thermoplastic overmold is formed on at least one side of the reinforcement core and at least partly fills any gaps formed in the reinforcement core. An extruded layer is selectively formed around the thermoplastic overmold and reinforcement core and has a flange extending flange portion extending from a channel portion for engaging a motor vehicle component. The thermoplastic overmold helps prevent the reinforcement core from showing through to any visible show surface of the reinforced extrusion.

Abstract: An optical sheet including a body portion, unit optical elements arranged on one surface of the body portion, and an uneven coating having an uneven surface with micro-protrusions, provided on the other surface of the body portion. When the hardness He of the optical element surface Pe and the hardness Hm of the uneven coating surface Pm are evaluated in terms of the pencil hardness measured in accordance with JIS K5600-5-4 (1999) (load: 1000 g; speed: 1 mm/s), the hardness Hm is not less than the hardness He (hardness Hm?hardness He) and the hardness Hm is preferably not less than F. Further, the hardness He and the hardness Hm preferably satisfy the following relation: hardness He+3?hardness Hm?hardness He+2 wherein the expression “He+1” indicates a hardness harder than He by one unit on the pencil hardness scale.

Abstract: A film for semiconductor includes a support film, a second adhesive layer, a first adhesive layer and a bonding layer which are laminated together in this order. This film for semiconductor is configured so that it supports a semiconductor wafer laminated on the bonding layer thereof when the semiconductor wafer is diced and the bonding layer is selectively peeled off from the first adhesive layer when a chip is picked up. This film for semiconductor is characterized in that in the case where peel strength at 23° C. of the chip is defined as “F23 (cN/25 mm)” and peel strength at 60° C. of the chip is defined as “F60 (cN/25 mm)”, F23 is in the range of 10 to 80 and F60/F23 is in the range of 0.3 to 5.5. This makes it possible to improve a pickup property of the chip, to thereby prevent generation of defects in a semiconductor element.

Abstract: A film for semiconductor includes a support film, a second adhesive layer, a first adhesive layer and a bonding layer which are laminated together in this order. This film for semiconductor is configured so that it supports a semiconductor wafer laminated on the bonding layer thereof when the semiconductor wafer is diced and the bonding layer is selectively peeled off from the first adhesive layer when the semiconductor elements obtained by the dicing are picked up. This film for semiconductor is characterized in that an average thickness of the second adhesive layer is in the range of 20 to 100 ?m. This makes it possible to control cutting lines formed during the dicing so as to locate distal ends thereof within the first adhesive layer easily and reliably and to prevent defects which would be generated when the cutting lines come down to the support film.

Abstract: A component (10) including a substrate material (12) and a wear alloy coating (14) applied to the substrate by a cold spray process. Particles of the wear alloy coating material (16) are directed toward a target surface (18) of the substrate at a velocity sufficiently high for the particles to deform and to adhere to the target surface. The size and/or composition of the particles may be varied during the cold spray process to produce a coating with a varying property across the depth of the coating. Particles of the wear alloy material may be applied by cold spraying along with particles of a second material such as a lubricant or a ceramic material. For Group 5 hard facing materials, the size and distribution of the embedded carbide nodules may be controlled by controlling the selection of the carbide particles being sprayed.

Abstract: A film for semiconductor includes a support film, a second adhesive layer, a first adhesive layer and a bonding layer which are laminated together in this order. This film for semiconductor is configured so that it supports a semiconductor wafer laminated on the bonding layer thereof when the semiconductor wafer is diced and the bonding layer is selectively peeled off from the first adhesive layer when the diced semiconductor wafer (semiconductor element) is picked up. This film for semiconductor is characterized in that when the semiconductor wafer is laminated thereon and diced, and then adhesive strength of the obtained semiconductor element is measured, a ratio of “a (N/cm)” which is adhesive strength of an edge portion of the semiconductor element to “b (N/cm)” which is adhesive strength of a portion of the semiconductor element other than the edge portion thereof (that is, a/b) is in the range of 1 to 4.

Abstract: An impact resistant bumper device that is elongated along a longitudinal axis and mountable on a mounting member, the device having a cross-section having an open undersurface configuration comprising: a first layer of a first polymer material having a first hardness or durometer; a second layer of a second polymer material having a second hardness or durometer; wherein the first layer is formed into an inner core body having an outer surface and an open undersurface; wherein the second layer is formed into a layer bonded to the outer surface of the first layer; a third layer of a third polymer material formed into an elongated strip bonded to the undersurface of the first layer; and wherein the hardness or durometer of the first polymer is selected to be readily manually bendable and compressible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multilayered part which comprises a moulded core (5) and a flexible polyurethane skin layer (4). The core itself comprises a moulded substrate layer (1) which is made of a substrate material, in particular a thermoplastic material, having a Shore A hardness higher than 60. The flexible polyurethane skin (4) is produced by a reaction overmoulding (ROM) process wherein a polyurethane reaction mixture is moulded in a closed mould (11, 12) over at least a first area of the core surface. The moulded core (5) comprises in addition to said substrate layer (1) a softer material which is moulded onto the substrate layer (1) and/or onto which the substrate layer (1) is moulded. This moulded softer material has a Shore A hardness lower than 60 and forms a softer layer (2) between the flexible polyurethane layer (4) and the substrate layer (1) and/or a seal (3) engaging the internal wall of the mould (11, 12) during the ROM process.

Abstract: An article comprising an article having a first surface and a second surface adapted to come into contact with the first surface and a first protective coating on at least a portion of the first surface. The first protective coating comprises a first coating layer. The first coating layer comprises a first component comprising boron, titanium or chromium and a second component comprising nitrogen or carbon. At least a portion of the first protective coating comes into contact with the second surface when the second surface comes into contact with the first surface. A method for reducing the wear and galling of a first surface of an article comprising applying a coating to the first surface of the article.

Abstract: A golf ball includes four layers. The first, third, and fourth layers are made from thermoplastic materials and the second is made of a thermoset material. The third layer is the hardest and is at least 10 Shore D harder than the fourth layer. The flexural modulus of the third layer is greater than that of the first layer, and the flexural modulus of the first layer is greater than that of the fourth layer.

Abstract: An energy absorbing termination post padding for hockey rinks includes a corner shaped foam pad configured to absorb impacts from sports play such as hockey. Energy absorbing foam panels may include a rigid foam alone or in combination with a relatively softer foam or impact layer.

Abstract: A high-temperature heat resistant elastic composite comprising a porous high molecular-weight silicon polymer and a reinforcing material wherein the silicon polymer comprises a silicon resin, silica and boron oxide catalyzed by the boron oxide to form a reaction mass that is polymerized in acetone and to which the silica and boron nitride are added and wherein pores of silicone polymer are filled with a densification resin blend.

Abstract: A refractory ceramic composite for an armor shell, comprising a ceramic core that is formable to replicate a portion of a three dimensional surface, e.g., of an aircraft, to provide ballistic protection. A method of making a shell of refractory ceramic armor capable of conforming to the geometry is provided. The shell is formed by forming a mold to replicate the surface area; arranging a ceramic core on the mold; and removing the mold to leave said ceramic core, and heat treating the ceramic core to a desired hardness. The ceramic core is in the shape of the surface area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyurethane composite material and a method for forming the same. The method for forming a polyurethane composite material includes the steps of providing a mold; forming a thin layer in the mold, wherein the thin layer has a hardness of shore D 40 to 70; and forming a foaming body covering an additive in the mold, wherein the foaming body is a foamed polyurethane, and the hardness of the thin layer is more than a hardness of the foaming body. There is a thin layer formed on the surface of the polyurethane composite material to avoid formation of pores, decrease the subsequent processing and increase the strength of the product.

Abstract: Biolaminate composite assemblies are provided. Generally, the biolaminate composite assemblies may comprise one or more biolaminate layers and at least one biolaminate layer may comprise polylactic acid. In one embodiment, a biolaminate composite assembly is provided comprising one or more biolaminate layers wherein the biolaminate composite assembly is three-dimensionally formable over a rigid non-plastic substrate. At least one of the biolaminate layers comprises polylactic acid and a natural wax. In another embodiment, a method for forming a biolaminate composite assembly is provided.

Abstract: An engineered stone slab has coated lumps of composite stone material, wherein at least a portion of the coated lumps comprise an inner core having a first property and an outer layer having a second property. The property may include color, texture, density, chemical composition, hardness, porosity or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A reinforced polymer composite that includes a Class A surface and method of making are disclosed. A reinforced polymer composite comprises a polymeric barrier layer that comprises a barrier layer first surface, a barrier layer second surface, and a plurality of hard segment domains. A reinforced polymer composite also comprises a reinforced polymeric layer covering at least a portion of the barrier layer first surface, wherein the barrier layer second surface exhibits a Class A quality, and wherein the plurality of hard segment domains substantially suppress deformation of the polymeric barrier layer at a molding temperature of the reinforced polymer composite. Optionally, an in-mold coating that has a Class A surface covers at least a portion of the barrier layer second surface.

Abstract: Embodiments herein may provide multi-layer structures for straps or utility packs. Embodiments include a multi-layer structure for support elements of a utility pack, such as straps (e.g., backpack straps, duffle bag straps, etc.) and/or panels (e.g., the back panel of a backpack). The multi-layer structure may have improved breathability while still retaining other desired properties, such as resilience, strength, comfort, padding/cushioning, and/or durability. Some embodiments of the multi-layer structure also may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional padded support structures. Various embodiments may provide utility pack straps including a reinforcing layer coupled to at least one of an inner structural layer and an outer structural layer. In some embodiments, the straps may include both the inner structural layer and the outer structural layer. The inner structural layer may contact the body of the user when the strap is in use, and may be designed to provide cushioning to the user.

Abstract: An erosion resistant coating for a substrate includes two or more coating layers affixed to the substrate having an increasing modulus of elasticity and hardness from an innermost layer of the coating adjacent to the substrate to an outermost layer of the coating furthest from the substrate. A method of applying a coating system to a substrate includes applying a first layer of a high hardness and high modulus of elasticity material combined with an added metal to the substrate. A second layer of the high hardness and high modulus of elasticity material combined with the added metal is applied to the first layer, resulting in a coating system wherein the second layer has a modulus of elasticity and hardness greater than the modulus of elasticity and hardness of the first layer.

Abstract: A sliding element in an internal combustion engine has a coating which has the following layers from the outside inwards: a first carbon-based layer, a second carbon-based layer which is harder and/or has a smaller proportion of hydrogen than the first carbon-based layer, a PVD layer and a bonding layer.

Abstract: A coating machine component, e.g., a bell plate for a rotary atomizer, and corresponding production methods are disclosed. An exemplary coating machine component includes a molded base body and a functional element for providing at least one of mechanical stiffening, chemical and/or electrical functionalizing of the coating machine component. The functional element may be made from a material having a greater mass density than the base body. An exemplary functional element may be a coating that is at least partially applied to the base body.

Abstract: A method of moulding a composite member and a composite member are provided in which a convex part can be formed at one member by moulding the other member integrally to the one member. A concave part 10a is provided at least at a part inside a metal mould 10 located on the side opposite the second member fusion bonding surface side of the above-mentioned first member 6b, the above-mentioned second thermoplastic material is melted and ejected to the second member fusion bonding surface side of the first member 6b, the first member 6b is changed in shape by injection pressure of the melted second thermoplastic material, and a convex part 6a is formed at the first member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer acrylic composition having at least two impact modified layers. The outer layer is an acrylic layer containing impact modifiers having a particle size of less than 225 nm, and the impact modifiers in the inner thermoplastic layer have a particle size of greater than or equal to 225 nm. The invention also relates to multi-layer composites having the multi-layer acrylic composition on one or both sides. The multi-layer acrylic composition can also include blends of acrylic and fluoropolymers.

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief comprising multiple foam layers. The combinations of layers can comprise one or more layers of visco-elastic foam, highly resilient polyurethane foam, reticulated filter polyurethane foam, and the like.

Abstract: A method for coating a component of a track roller frame track tensioning and recoil system is disclosed. The method includes irradiating a surface of the component with a continuous laser to heat the component's surface. The method also includes coating the surface of the component with a thermal spray coating after irradiating.

Abstract: Impact absorbing padding includes a unitary piece including a polymeric material comingled with a structural element. The polymeric material includes a material having a first temperature-responsive stiffness, and the structural element includes an element fabricated from a shape memory alloy formulated to have a second temperature-responsive stiffness that is converse to the first temperature-responsive stiffness.

Abstract: There is provided an electro-luminescence device in which a display base substrate including a display body layer having a switching element disposed in the shape of a matrix and a light emitting element having a light emitting state controlled by the switching element and a sealing layer having a gas barrier layer that is formed on the display body layer and has at least a function for blocking water vapor and a protection substrate made of a translucent material and having a surface on which at least two types of gap control layers made of different materials are stacked are bonded such that a gap control layer, disposed on the uppermost layer, of the gap control layers and the gas barrier layer are brought into contact with each other, wherein the gap control layer disposed on the uppermost layer has a Young's modulus lower than the gas barrier layer.

Abstract: An optical component includes a multilayered optical thin film formed on a substrate. A critical load value of the optical thin film that includes at least one layer that is formed by a vacuum deposition method is greater than or equal to 30 mN. The critical load value is a value evaluated by a measurement method complying with JIS R3255 “Testing methods for adhesion of thin films on a glass substrate”.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a structural reinforcement system. The system reinforces hollow cavities within various products to increase the structural rigidity of the product. The system generally includes a rigid carrier, a bonding material, and an insert. The rigid carrier provides the primary structural reinforcement within the cavity, and also serves as a substrate to carry the bonding material. The insert is provided to increase the structural rigidity of the reinforcement system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hard multilayer film formed body which has an intermediate layer excellent in its adhesion to a base material and a DLC film which is a surface layer excellent in its wear resistance, prevents peeling from occurring between the DLC film and the intermediate layer, and is excellent in its wear resistance and a method for producing the same. A hard multilayer film formed body 1 consists of a multilayer film formed on a surface of a base material 2 consisting of a cemented carbide material or a ferrous material. The multilayer film has (1) a film, composed mainly of DLC, which is formed as a surface layer 5 of the multilayer film; (2) an intermediate layer 3, composed mainly of a metallic material, which is formed between the surface layer 5 and the base material 2; and (3) a stress relaxation layer 4, composed mainly of carbon, which is formed between the intermediate layer 3 and the surface layer 5.

Abstract: A multilayer lubrication coating film is formed on the outer surface of an object to be coated. The multilayer lubrication coating film comprises a lower-layer coating film formed on an outer surface of the object to be coated, and an upper-layer coating film formed on a surface of the lower-layer coating film. The lower-layer coating film has a higher Vickers hardness than the Vickers hardness of the object to be coated.

Abstract: A hard-faced cutting blade and hard-facing method is provided. A hard-facing material is applied to a cutting edge of a cutting blade such that a heat-affected transition zone may be created between the base metal and the hard-facing material. The heat-affected transition zone may create a sufficient bond to help resist delamination and flaking of the hard-facing material from the base metal.

Abstract: A hard water-repellent structure and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The method adopts an atmospheric pressure plasma deposition (APPD) technique to form a hard coating having a rough surface on a substrate, and form a water-repellent coating on the rough surface. Because the hard water-repellent structure includes the hard coating and the water-repellent coating, hardness, abrasion-resistance, transparency and hydrophobicity of the hard water-repellent structure are improved. The hard water-repellent structure protects the substrate from friction. Moreover, because the disclosure adopts the APPD technique to form the hard water-repellent structure, the cost of production is reduced dramatically. Thus, the disclosure can solve drawbacks of prior art.

Abstract: A fatigue load resistant structure includes a fatigue loaded portion and a weldable fatigue loading resistant feature. The fatigue loaded portion includes a first elongation material. The weldable fatigue loading resistant feature includes a second elongation material secured to the fatigue loaded portion of the fatigue loaded structure. The first elongation material is less ductile than the second elongation material, and the weldable fatigue loading resistant feature can reduce, retard, or eliminate formation of cracks due to tensile and compressive forces.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer compositions having a desirable soft touch feel to skin, and in particular grip, especially during wet, soapy and humid conditions. In one embodiment, the composition is part of a composite system, wherein the composition is connected, for example molded, overmolded or co-extruded to a substrate, such as a thermoplastic, glass or metal. The compositions and composites are suitable for use wherever desirable feel and grip are needed, such as handles or grips of household or industrial items.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element that includes a carrier body and a multiple layer. The multiple layer includes a running layer and a protective layer, in which the protective layer has a hardness HUplast of greater than 5 GPa, and the hardness of the running layer is less than 400 HV.

Abstract: The invention relates according to a first aspect to a sealing strip (11) for vehicle windows and according to a second aspect to a use of thermoplastics for producing such multilayered sealing strips (11), which comprise at least a first, elastic layer (12) made of a thermoplastic elastomer and a second, harder layer (13), the first layer (12) being implemented to exert a sealing function between a construction element (14) of the vehicle and a surface (15,15?) of a windowpane (16) movable in relation to the sealing strip (11), and the second layer (13) being implemented as a visible cover for at least the largest, otherwise visible part of the first layer (12), and the first layer (12) and the second layer (13) being bonded to one another over essentially the entire length of the sealing strip (11). The sealing strips (11) as well as the use according to the invention are characterized in that the second layer (13) is made of a transparent or translucent polyamide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimized hard coating and a workpiece, especially a cutting tool coated with a hard coating to increase tooling performance with difficult to machine materials such as high speed steels, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, austenitic steels and especially hard materials like hardened tool steel having a hardness of higher 50, preferably of higher 55 HRC. This is achieved by a workpiece coated with a wear resistant multilayered comprising at least a first supporting layer and a second nanocrystalline layer, whereas the first layer comprises a coating material of the following composition (TiaAl1-a)N1-x-yCxOy with 0.4<a<0.6, and 0?x and y<0.3, or (AlbCr1-b)N1-x-yCxOy with 0.5<b<0.7, and 0?x and y<0.3. The second layer comprises a coating material of the following composition (Al1-c-d-eCrcSidMe)N1-x-yCxOy whereas M stands for at least one element of the transition metals of group 4, 5, 6 of the periodic system except Chromium and 0.2<c?0.35, 0<d?0.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimized hard coating and a workpiece, especially a cutting tool coated with a hard coating to increase tooling performance with difficult to machine materials such as high speed steels, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, austenitic steels and especially hard materials like hardened tool steel having a hardness of higher 50, preferably of higher 55 HRC. This is achieved by a workpiece coated with a wear resistant multilayered comprising at least a first supporting layer and a second nanocrystalline layer, whereas the first layer comprises a coating material of the following composition (TiaAl1-a)N1-x-yCxOy with 0.4<a<0.6, and 0?x and y<0.3, or (AlbCr1-b)N1-x-yCxOy with 0.5<b<0.7, and 0?x and y<0.3. The second layer comprises a coating material of the following composition (Al1-c-d-eCrcSidMe)N1-x-yCxOy whereas M stands for at least one element of the transition metals of group 4, 5, 6 of the periodic system except Chromium and 0.2<c?0.35, 0<d?0.

Abstract: A PCD structure comprising a first region, in a state of residual compressive stress, and a second region in a state of residual tensile stress adjacent the first region; the first and second regions each formed of respective PCD grades and directly bonded to each other by intergrowth of diamond grains, the PCD grades having transverse rupture strength (TRS) of at least 1,200 MPa. A third region in a state of residual compressive stress may also be provided such that the second region is disposed between the first and third regions and is bonded to the first and third regions by intergrowth of diamond grains.