Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, compositions and methods are provided in which the mechanical strength and durability of a precursor material having a plurality of pores is increased by a) providing a precursor material; b) treating the precursor material to form a nanoporous aerogel, preferably by using a supercritical drying process; c) providing a blending material having a reinforcing component and a volatile component; d) combining the nanoporous aerogel and the blending material to form an amalgamation layer; and e) treating the amalgamation layer to increase the mechanical strength of the layer by a substantial amount and to ultimately form a low dielectric material that can be utilized in various applications.

Abstract: A paint composition containing a corrosion inhibitor A prepared from porous silica particles, to which Ca ion is bonded by ion-exchange, and a polyphosphate B preferably at an A/B weight ratio of 60/40 to 5/95 and at an A+B ratio of 5-150 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of resinous components. A base metal sheet is preferably one pre-treated with a chemical agent containing at least one fluoroacid. Since the polyphosphate B controls dissolution of Ca ion, an effect of Ca ion on corrosion inhibition is maintained over a long term. The painted metal sheet does not put harmful influences on the environment, since it does not contain chromium compounds.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photocatalytic sheet comprising a support, a photocalalytic layer comprising photocatalyst materials and binder, and at least one functional layer wherein said functional layer is in between said support and said photocatalytic layer, wherein said photocatalytic layer and said functional layer are brought on the support using extrusion coating technology or casting technology, as well as to a photocatalytic film sheet comprising: a photocatalytic layer comprising photocatalyst materials and binder, and at least one functional layer, wherein said film is formed by applying casting technology.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented, co-extruded polyester films comprising a base layer consisting of at least 90 wt. % thermoplastic polyester, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), at least one sealable outer layer and a second non-sealable outer layer and, optionally, other intermediate layers, in addition to at least one flame-retardant agent, preferably organic phosphorous compounds. The inventive films are characterized by low inflammability, no embrittlement when subjected to thermal stress and a surface which is devoid of troublesome opacity, and are suitable for a multiplicity of uses both indoors and outside. The outer layers contain anti-blocking agents such as silicic acid having a particle diameter of preferably less than 50 nm and/or more than 2 ?m. Preferably, the sealable outer layer consists of a copolyester which is made of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene isophthalate units.

Abstract: A stain-adsorbing backing sheet for use with a decorative surface covering; a decorative surface covering comprising a stain-adsorbing backing sheet; and a method for forming a stain-adsorbing backing sheet for a decorative surface covering. The backing sheet comprises an additive which is effective in adsorbing a stainant that comes into contact with the backing sheet and which is present in an amount effective to reduce the degree of staining which tends to be visible in the top surface of the covering. The additive is preferably an adsorbing material that does not affect adversely the visual characteristics of the sheet and surface covering.

Abstract: Coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system employing same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of soft surfaces, and in some cases, hard surfaces, are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to the modified surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that, in some embodiments, may include at least one of the following improved surface properties: cleaning, wettability, liquid strike-through, comfort, stain resistance, soil removal, malodor control, modification of surface friction, reduced damage to abrasion and color enhancement, relative to the surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: In a transparent hard coat film, in which a transparent hard coat layer is formed on at least one surface of a transparent polymer film, the transparent hard coat layer is composed of at least an ionizing radiation curable organic-inorganic hybrid hard-coat agent and inorganic particles having a mean particle diameter of 1-10 ?m. The organic-inorganic hybrid hard-coat agent preferably contains reactive silica. Such a transparent hard coat film of the present invention has well-balanced anti-glare effect and resolution and yet has hardness that is typically expressed as surface hardness.

Abstract: A functional composition, in which an increase in particle size due to secondary flocculation of particles in a mixed system of a plant-originated functional component (A) and a ceramics component (C) is effectively prevented; a functional resin composition made of the functional composition, which can be applied to various utilities; and a functional molding made of the functional composition, which is superior in deodorizing properties, antimicrobial properties, moldability, post-processing properties such as stretching properties, physical properties, are provided. The functional composition contains a mixture of a plant-originated functional component (A), a finely divided tabular mineral (T) having a low hardness and cleavage, and a ceramics component (C) other than the mineral (T). The functional resin composition contains the foregoing components and a resin (R). The functional molding is made of a molding of the resin (R) having the foregoing components formulated thereinto.

Abstract: An antiglare film is described, which comprises a transparent support having thereon an antiglare layer, wherein the surface of the antiglare layer or the surface of a layer positioned above the antiglare layer is subjected to a rubbing treatment. A sheet polarizer and an image display device are also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heat-stable ordered mesoporous or mesostructured material comprising a mineral phase wherein are dispersed particles of nanometric dimension at least partly crystaline, the global crystallinity index of said mesostructured or ordered mesoporous material being less than 10% in volume. The invention also concern a method for obtaining such a material.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented, coextruded polyester films with a base layer at least 90% by weight of which is composed of a thermoplastic polyester, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and with at least one sealable outer layer and a second nonsealable outer layer and, if desired, with other intermediate layers, and comprising at least one UV absorber, preferably hydroxybenzotriazoles and triazines, have high UV resistance, do not embrittle when exposed to high temperatures, have a surface without undesirable haze and are suitable for numerous indoor and outdoor applications. The outer layers comprise antiblocking agents, such as silica with an average particle diameter preferably below 50 nm and/or above 2 ?m, and the sealable outer layer is preferably composed of a copolyester which has been built up from ethylene terephthalate units and ethylene isophthalate units.

Abstract: A non-stick coating formed on a substrate comprising a primer composition and a topcoat composition, wherein the primer composition is between the topcoat composition and substrate. The primer composition comprises at least one heat resistant adhesion promoter. The topcoat composition comprises at least one fluorocarbon resin and at least one heat resistant adhesion promoter other than a fluoropolymer that may be the same or different than the adhesion promoter of the primer composition. There are inorganic inert particles with an average particle size of at least about 10 micrometers contained in the primer composition. The invention includes the method for forming the coating.

Abstract: A coating liquid for forming on a substrate surface a hard coat film which exhibits a high refractive index, being excellent in resistance to hot water, weather resistance, scuffing resistance, attrition resistance and dye affinity, and which does not exhibit photochromism, is provided. A coating liquid for forming a hard coat film, comprises a matrix-forming component and composite metal oxide particles of 1 to 100 nm average particle size, composed either of an iron oxide component and a titanium oxide component used at a specified ratio or an iron oxide component, a titanium oxide component and a silica component used at a specified ratio. A substrate coated with a hard coat film is formed by applying the above coating liquid to the substrate surface and effecting drying.

Abstract: A self-cleaning surface which has an artificial, at least partially hydrophobic, surface structure containing elevations and depressions, which comprises an at least partially hydrophobic surface formed from structure-forming particles of hydrophobic fumed silica having elevations and depressions ranging in dimensions of 1 to 1000 nm and the particles themselves having an average size of less than 50 ?m adhered to the surface by way of a viscous, curable carrier material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyurethane acrylates, silicone acrylates and singly and/or multiply unsaturated (meth)acrylates applied to the surface, which is sufficient to bond the structure forming particles without substantial wetting of the particles by the carrier material while retaining the fissured structure of elevations and depressions of the structure-forming particles in the nanometer range.

Abstract: Size-confined nanocomposite powders and methods for their manufacture are provided by coating fine powders with a nanoscale powder of a different composition. The nanocomposite plastics disclosed offer performance characteristics approaching those of metals and alloys. The nanocomposite powders are alternatively used for dispersion strengthening of metals, alloys, and ceramics. Novel materials based nanotechnology for energy devices and programmable drug delivery are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented, sealable polyester film with at least one base layer (B), with a sealable outer layer (A) and with another, non-sealable outer layer (C). The sealable outer layer (A) has a minimum sealing temperature (fin) of not more than 110° C. and a seal seam strength (fin) of at least 1.3 N/15 mm of film width. The two outer layers (A) and (C) are characterized by particular features. The film of the invention is particularly suitable for use in flexible packaging, and particularly and specifically for use on systems which operate in a vacuum.

Abstract: Provided is a particulate magnetic recording medium for high-density recording having a low error rate and good running durability. The magnetic recording medium comprises a nonmagnetic layer comprising a nonmagnetic powder and a binder and a magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic powder and a binder in this order on at least one surface of a nonmagnetic support. Said nonmagnetic support comprises a clay mineral coated with an organic material, and said ferromagnetic powder is a ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder having an average plate diameter ranging from 5 to 40 nm or a ferromagnetic metal powder having an average major axis length ranging from 20 to 100 nm.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an amorphous silica particle comprising 0.1 to 105 ppm boron atoms, and optionally 0.05 to 15 wt. % aluminum atoms wherein the boron and aluminum atoms are covalently bonded to the oxygen atoms of the silica network. The amorphous silica particles are used as a reinforcing filler for rubber articles, particularly for tires, more particularly for tire treads.

Abstract: A self-cleaning surface which has an artificial, at least partially hydrophobic, surface structure containing elevations and depressions, which comprises a surface having structure-forming particles, which are formed of hydrophobic, fumed silica, adhered thereto by way of fixative particles applied to the surface, whereby the structure-forming particles and the fixative particles have elevations and depressions ranging in dimensions of 1 to 1000 nm and the particles themselves having an average size of less than 50 ?m, the particles providing said surface structure of elevations and depressions, wherein, by incipient melting of the fixative particles, only partial melting of the fixative particles occurs which is sufficient to bond the structure forming particles without substantial wetting of the particles by the fixative particles to said surface while retaining, the fissured structure of the structure-forming particles in the nanometer range.

Abstract: The invention provides curable organic coatings with improved scratch resistance. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination of inorganic filler having a 50th percentile particle diameter of from about 3 to about 9 micrometers comprised of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, ceramic spheres or mixtures thereof, and particles having a 50th percentile particle diameter of from about 10 to about 150 micrometers. The liquid coatings have a viscosity before curing of from about 100 cps (mPa-s) to about 70,000 cps (mPa-s) at a shear rate of 0.15 s?1. The use of inorganic filler materials of the defined type and particle size are combined with the curable organic coating to improve the scratch resistance of the coating without a negative impact on the physical and performance properties or application parameters of the original coating material.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic recording medium having high C/N, low error rate, and excellent running durability. The magnetic recording medium comprises a magnetic layer 1 comprising a ferromagnetic powder and a binder, or comprising a nonmagnetic layer comprising a nonmagnetic powder and a binder and a magnetic layer 2 comprising a ferromagnetic powder and a binder in this order on a nonmagnetic support. An undercoating layer comprising a clay mineral coated with an organic compound and a binder is comprised between the nonmagnetic support and the magnetic layer 1 or between the nonmagnetic support and the nonmagnetic layer, as well as said clay mineral coated with an organic compound has a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 5 nm and an aspect ratio ranging from 50 to 10,000.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising substrate with a surface feature having a roughness average (Ra) of from 1 to 200 micrometers containing a dispersion of minute layered particulates in a polymer binder.

Abstract: An abradable dry powder coating (22) composition for coating onto a surface (12) for subsequent curing to form into an abradable coating, including a powder (16) formed of uncured thermoset resin with at least 15 volume percent filler, wherein the filler does not substantially melt below the cure temperature of the resin. Method for making the coating composition includes melt-mixing the thermoset resin with at least 15 volume percent of filler, cooling the resulting mass composite, and then breaking the cooled mass composite into powder particles (16). Method of coating an article with an abradable coating includes applying the dry composite powder with the filler therein onto a substrate and curing the dry powder composition, preferably by electrostatic coating. An article is also disclosed which is coated with the abradable coating.

Abstract: A flexible insulation blanket having a smoothly surfaced, secondarily bonded, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) outer layer, and a method of producing a flexible insulation blanket having a secondarily bonded CMC layer by forming a CMC prepreg layer comprising a woven ceramic fabric layer impregnated with a pre-ceramic slurry and layering the prepreg layer with a flexible insulation blanket. The blanket and prepreg layer are then compressed such that the prepreg layer abuts a rigid smoothly surfaced plate and the ceramic material is cured by heating while under compression. Pressure is then released and the insulation is fired to center the ceramic material of the CMC layer.

Abstract: The invention provides organic coatings with improved scratch resistance. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of inorganic filler materials of a defined type and particle size which can be added to curable organic coatings to improve the scratch resistance of the coating without a negative impact on the physical and performance properties or application parameters of the original coating material.

Abstract: Composite pavement markings with improved wear resistance and other advantages are disclosed. The composite pavement markings typically include a unitary retroreflective article attached to a base pavement marking. With the composite construction, different portions of the pavement marking are provided at different heights. The taller portions of the pavement marking may preferably offer some protection to the shorter portions from wear caused by vehicle traffic and/or snowplow blades. By combining two different retroreflective pavement markings to form the composite pavement markings of the present invention, a combination of features and properties may be obtained that is provided by neither of the pavement markings alone. Methods of manufacturing composite pavement markings are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising a web wherein said web comprises at least one surface layer comprising polyether polymeric antistat, extrudable polymer, and compatibilizer wherein said surface layer has a roughness of greater than 0.3 Ra.

Abstract: A printing and copying paper capable of printing or copying images distinctly on a large scale, without becoming curled or being blocked up in or sent out of machines as two or more than two of the papers being superposed, by means of high temperature high speed printing or copying machines, in which toners are to be fixed at high temperature, comprising a sheet of paper, a white polyethylene coating layer coating on the surface of the paper, said layer being laminated with a transparent heat resistant resin coating layer, or a transparent heat resistant resin film to form a glossy surface, and a transparent polyethylene coating layer coating on the back surface of the paper, said layer being coated with a transparent heat resistant resin coating liquid which is mixed with matting agents.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing granules consisting of one or two coats of a fired semi-ceramic composition having a metallic copper powder which does not significantly affect the color tint strength of the pigment contained in the coatings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomer-bonded sheet material encompassing vulcanized elastomer content and content composed of at least one filler bonded therein, where the vulcanized elastomer content encompasses, based on the entire elastomer content, from about 25 to 70% by weight, preferably from about 40 to 60% by weight, of at least one vulcanized elastomer which in the unvulcanized state has not more than 10%, preferably not more than 7%, of unsaturated carbon double bonds in the main chain.

Abstract: A thin abrasion resistant decorative thermosetting laminate of positioning quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier. The carrier preferably consists of a fibre board or a particle board with a rectangular cross section and at least two opposite rounded-off edges. One or more floor strips with the same or different cross section is machined from the laminate clad carrier.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant coating composition having excellent wear clarity is disclosed. The coating composition comprises a unique blend of particles, including alumina that has been treated with an organosilane and silica that is either similarly treated or left untreated. The use of these particles in combination allows for a significant reduction in the weight percent of wear resistant particles that can impart a suitable level of abrasion resistance to a coating. The particles can be included, for example, in a urethane acrylate binder that can be cured using UV radiation. Methods for using these coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a composite thin film-holding substrate in which a composite thin film (4) comprising a filler (2) having a refractive index lower than that of a substrate (1) and a binder (3) having a refractive index higher than that of the filler (2) is formed on a surface of the substrate (1). Light is efficiently scattered when passing through the composite thin film (3) which comprises the filler (2) and the binder (3) having different refractive indexes from each other. In addition, the refractive index of a composite thin film (4) comprising a filler (2) having a low refractive index is low. As a result, the discharge efficiency of light which passes through the composite thin film (4) from the substrate (1) to the external is improved.

Abstract: A film for a liquid crystal display. The film is a cellulose ester film with a thickness between 20 and 65 &mgr;m and containing fine particles. The average diameter of fine particles is 0.05 to 3.0 &mgr;m. The number of fine particles per 1,000 &mgr;m2 is 5 to 500 in the cross-section perpendicular to the cellulose ester film in a region of a depth of not more than 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: In ordinary temperature some ceramic materials can absorb the environmental energy and radiate appropriate amount of far infrared ray with wavelength of 4 &mgr;m˜14 &mgr;m. Far infrared ray with wavelength of 4 &mgr;m˜14 &mgr;m can be absorbed by cell molecules of the living beings to cause resonance and activation. By utilizing this property, the slurry of the far infrared ceramic materials is coated with &mgr;m-grade thickness on some flexible base films to form the product of the present invention, and is used as as a wrappage, a protective lining, . . . etc., so as to achieve the freshkeeping for the food, the late-ripen for the picked fruits, as well as the warmkeeping, raising and healthkeeping for the living beings.

Abstract: A film structure for absorbing electromagnetic wave and manufacturing method thereof is provided. The multilayer film structure is composed of a plurality of polymer films and a plurality of permeability films. The polymer films have a multi-film stacking structure and the polymer films are composed of a carbon group compound structure. The permeability films are formed on each surface of the polymer films. Thus, every neighboring permeability films will have magnetic moments in opposite direction, and all the emitted electromagnetic waves will be cancelled by the permeability films, or be reflected in any one of the polymer films until the energies of the electromagnetic waves are consumed, or be absorbed by the carbon group compound structure and be transferred into thermal energy.

Abstract: A process and resulting thermoplastic article (10) is provided suitable for use in constructing furniture. The thermoplastic article (10) contains hardened particulates (20) such as powders of alumina oxide or ceramic microspheres which bring about an improved cut and scratch resistance to the surface of the articles. The hardened particulates (20) may be integrally mixed with the extruded product or applied post-molding to a surface of the shaped article. In addition, spherical additives may be included in the extrusion polymer which reduces shear forces and provides an improved wood grain appearance in the extruded article.

Abstract: A fluid storage material including particles, such as superabsorbent particles and/or microencapsulated fragrance agents, cleansing agents, or skin rejuvenation agents, secured to one another and/or secured to a substrate. The fluid storage material can be made by dispersing particles in a crosslinkable binder solution, applying the combined particles and binder solution to a surface such as a substrate or a release surface, inducing crosslinking of the binder, and removing the solvent from the surface such as, for example, by drying the solvent. The fluid storage material is particularly suitable for use in personal care products.

Abstract: A resin sheet which comprises a base layer containing particles dispersed therein and hence has excellent dimensional stability; a resin sheet which comprises a base layer containing particles dispersed therein and hence has excellent light diffusion properties; resin sheets which comprise either of those resin sheets containing dispersed particles and a reflecting layer, inorganic gas barrier layer, and color filter layer respectively superposed thereon; and a liquid crystal display using any of these resin sheets containing dispersed particles. Some of the resin sheets containing dispersed particles comprise a base layer comprising a thermoplastic resin or thermoset resin and dispersed therein an inorganic oxide having an average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm, the amount of the inorganic oxide being 0.1 to 23% by weight based on the weight of the base layer.

Abstract: Construction materials suitable for use as, or in, a wearing course for children's play areas, games areas and like purposes, comprise an agglomerate of granules of a thermoplastic elastomer. The granules of the agglomerate are conveniently held together by means of a polyurethane or other binding agent or by being melded together. The thermoplastic elastomer is, for example, a block copolymer of the styrene type, for example a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. The granules of the thermoplastic elastomer are preferably angular granules or multi-facet granules.

Abstract: A self-cleaning screen mainly includes a mesh-like substrate containing titanium dioxide material with photocatalytic activity or a mesh-like substrate having a titanium dioxide coating with photocatalytic activity provided thereon. The present invention further provides a screen having nanoparticles provided on the mesh-like substrate thereof such that the surface of the screen has a low surface energy. The present invention further provides methods of manufacturing the aforementioned screens.

Abstract: A self-cleaning surface which has an artificial, at least partially hydrophobic, surface structure made from elevations and depressions, where the elevations and depressions are formed by particles secured to the surface, wherein the particles have a fissured structure with elevations and/or depressions in the nanometer range; a process for making such a surface; and particles having a fissured structure with elevations and/or depressions in the nanometer range.

Abstract: Color-stable, pigmented optical bodies comprising a single or multiple layer core having at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer material. The thermoplastic polymer material has dispersed within it a particulate pigment. The optical bodies generally possess high clarity and low haze and exhibit a transmission of light within a wavelength band of interest within the visible spectrum of from about 10 to about 90 percent.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a ceramic body that can support a required amount of a catalyst component, without lowering the characteristics such as strength, being manufactured without forming a coating layer and providing a high performance ceramic catalyst that is excellent in practical utility and durability. A noble metal catalyst is supported directly on the surface of the ceramic body and the second component, consisting of compound or composite compound of element having d or f orbit in the electron orbits thereof such as W, Co, Ti, Fe, Ga and Nb, is dispersed in the first component made of cordierite or the like that constitutes the substrate ceramic. The noble metal catalyst can be directly supported by bonding strength generated by sharing the d or f orbits of the second component, or through interaction with the dangling bond that is generated in the interface between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A transparent protective film composite 10, particularly useful as a fade protector, for laying over glazing 22 held in a frame 23 and comprising a UV absorbing transparent polymeric film layer 11 coated on at least one side with a transparent coating 13 containing microparticles 35 of a nominal standard size and which protrude out of the coating 13 by at least 0.5 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing plastics mouldings with an electrically conductive coating by conventionally coating a moulding on one side with a varnish system composed of a) a binder, b) if desired, a solvent, c) if desired, further additives customary in varnish systems and d) from 10 to 300 parts by weight (based on component a)) of an electrically conductive metal oxide powder having an average primary particle size of from 5 to 130 nm and before curing the varnish film treating or storing the moulding in such a way that in that half of the varnish film which faces the boundary layer with the air the metal oxide powder particles accumulate in such a way that at least 65% of the particles are located in this half of the varnish film, and then curing the varnish film or allowing it to cure. The invention further relates to the mouldings which are producible in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amorphous porous inorganic substance having small particle sizes and uniform pores, a process for synthesizing the same, and use of the same. The invention provides an amorphous porous inorganic substance having pores of a uniform pore diameter, which has an average particle size DL of 10 to 400 nm as measured by a dynamic light scattering method and a specific surface area difference, SB−SL, between a conversion specific surface area SL calculated from DL and a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area SB obtained by the BET method, of 250 m2/g or more. A process for synthesizing the same and use of the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin abrasion resistant decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier. The carrier preferably consists of a fibre board or a particle board with a rectangular cross section and at least two opposite rounded-off edges. One or more floor strips with the same or different cross section is machined from the laminate clad carrier.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording sheet including a color material receiving layer on a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a film and method for making the same. The film includes a plurality of particles having a desired film property that are entrapped in a matrix of linkage polymer molecules. The linkage polymer molecules ionically bind to the particles. The linkage polymer molecules are electrochemically polymerizable in a solvent. The particles are insoluble in the solvent. The film is prepared by providing an electrode and a solution of the linkage polymer molecules in which the particles are suspended. An electrical potential is provided between the solution and the electrode in temporal sequence that causes the linkage polymer molecules to polymerize in the vicinity of the electrode thereby entrapping the particles.