Abstract: The present invention relates to a pourable or blowable loose-fill insulation, and in particular to a loose-fill insulation comprising glass fibers which are compressed and packaged in relatively small containers for easier installation by consumers. Agents capable of chemically interacting with the glass fibers are used in order to increase recoverability of the compressed glass fibers when they are removed from their packaging.

Abstract: A multicomponent monofilament cutting line includes a first component material and a second component material, the same or different in chemical structure from the first component material and extruded separately from the first component material. The second component material provides the cutting line with cutting edges and has increased wear resistance properties and increased abrasion resistance properties compared to those same properties of the first component material. The monofilament cutting line for a rotary trimmer for cutting vegetation preferably includes a first component material having a specific gravity of about 1.15 g/cc or less; and a second component material having a specific gravity greater than 1.15 g/cc. Notably, the multi-component, monofilament cutting line itself has increased wear resistance and increased abrasion resistance as compared to a single component monofilament cutting line employing one of either the first or second component materials.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for coating a conventional wafer or a spherical shaped semiconductor substrate with liquid material such as photoresist by utilizing a “drop on demand” piezo driven dispense nozzle, a bubble-jet dispense nozzle, or a continuous piezo jet with charging electrodes. The proposed system and method will greatly reduce, and in some cases virtually eliminate, the waste of photoresist in the process.

Abstract: The invention disclosed includes a coating composition for siliceous surfaces. The coating includes at least one component from the group consisting of poly(alkoxy)silane, poly(halo)silane, alkoxysilane, halosilane, and mixtures thereof and a catalyst compound which generates a proton to hydrolyze the component when exposed to radiation. Preferably, the catalyst is a photo-acid. The invention also includes a method of coating the optical fiber. The aforementioned coating is applied to an exterior surface of the fiber. A proton is generated to promote the hydrolysis of the component. The invention further includes a method of accelerating adhesion between the exterior surface of the article and the coating. The inventive coating is applied to the surface of the fiber and the coating is exposed to a radiation source.

Abstract: A reinforced polypropylene mirror assembly, and process for making the same, are described. The mirror assembly, especially the components thereof, includes a long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene material. Additionally, various additives may also be included in the reinforced polypropylene material, such as a UV stabilizer. Because of the physical properties of the reinforced polypropylene material, it is possible to combined several individual components of a conventional automobile side view mirror assembly into single, integral components, thus reducing part content, vehicle weight, and construction costs.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of one or more of a high viscosity poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, and poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n triblock and branched copolymers and high levels of a plasticizing oil.

Abstract: A 2-cyanoacrylate composition useful as an adhesive contains a Lewis acid metal salt which comprises a specific metal such as aluminum, gallium, indium or thallium, and the conjugate base of an acid having oxygen such as a monohalo-, dihalo or trihaloacetate, wherein the metal is bonded to the conjugate base through an oxygen atom, and a compound having clathrating ability such as a crown ether.

Abstract: A thermal pad for use in facilitating heat flow between a heat source surface and a heat sink surface includes a carbon fiber fabric that is impregnated with a thermal substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preparing optical fiber coatings, the composition including a polymerizable base composition, containing at least one monomer and optionally at least one oligomer, wherein the polymerizable base composition is substantially free of unsaturated epoxidized diene polymers, and a tackifier present in an amount effective to modify a time-sensitive rheological property of a polymerization product of the composition. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of modifying a time-sensitive rheological property of an optical fiber coating by introducing into a polymerizable composition a tackifier in an amount effective to modify a time-sensitive rheological property of the polymerization product of the polymerizable composition. Also disclosed are an optical fiber, a fiber optic ribbon, and a fiber bundle that contain coating(s) prepared from a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A soil-resistant spin finish composition based on select derivitized polyethers is provided that can be applied to a fiber at the earliest stages of spinning, can remain on the fiber through the entire manufacturing process, and can be left on the fiber in the final article of commerce. The spin finish composition provides excellent fiber lubrication during high-speed spin processing, yet is sufficiently soil resistant to negate the need for scouring the final fiber construction, even absent the presence of additional coatings or agents.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described. Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another, and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: A halogen-free dielectric resin mixture is described for use in microvia and other similar applications. The resin mixture contains a cyanate ester monomer or prepolymer a bismaleimide, an epoxy and a flame inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of a phosphinic acid anhydride, a phosphonic acid andydride and a phosphonic acid half-ester. The flame inhibitor is present in an amount wherein the elemental phosphorus content is between about 2% and about 20% by weight, based on the weight of the resin mixture. The resin mixture can also include one or more coloring, fluorescent and UV absorbing agents. Prepregs based on the resin mixture with inorganic or organic reinforcing agents, as well as circuit boards and chip carriers made from the prepregs are also described. A resin coated article for use in microvia laser applications is likewise included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating for an optical fiber. The coating includes a monomer. The monomer includes an oxyglycidyl (meth)acrylate component. A coating with the monomeric component has exhibited an excellent polymerization rate. The present invention also relates to methods of making such optical fibers coated in accordance with the invention and the coated glass article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curable composition, comprising: a (meth)acrylate urethane compound derived from a polypropylene glycol or a propyleneoxide ethyleneoxide copolymer glycol having a molecular weight between 1,000 and 13,000 and an amount of unsaturation less than 0.01 meq/g. The liquid curable resin composition of the present invention has improved liquid stability and can produce cured products having superior mechanical characteristics by polymerization. The composition further comprises preferably a primary or secondary amine. The liquid curable resin composition can be used as a coating material for optical fibers, adhesives, and the like. The composition is particularly suitable as a coating material for optical fibers for which long-term stability is required.

Abstract: A spin finish applied to industrial yarn. It enhances yarn processability as evidenced by low fuming, improved mechanical quality at lower amounts of spin finish per yarn, improved mechanical quality at higher draw ratios, and minimal depositing. It improves yarn performance as evidenced by improved strength and wicking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic fiber to be used for pile products having an appearance and texture near to natural fur, to which a softening agent is adhered, the fiber being obtainable by controlling the adhered amount of an emulsifier to 8 parts by weight or less relative to 100 parts by weight of a softening compound in the softening agent adhered to the synthetic fiber, and the fiber overcoming an insufficient slimy feeling and having a further lowered &mgr;s (F/F) and an improved sliminess. The invention also provides a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A binder is applied to particles which are then combined with fibers to bind the particles to the fibers. The particles have functional sites for forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond. The fibers have hydrogen bonding functional sites. The binder comprises binder molecules, the binder molecules having at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers may be adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder in turn may be adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: A member for brakes that has a light weight, shock resistance characteristics, excellent corrosion resistance characteristics etc., high abrasive wear resistance characteristics and is made from fiber-composite material is comprised of an assemblage of yarns in which yarns, containing at least a bundle of carbon fibers and a carbon component other then carbon fiber are three-dimensionally combined and integrally formed so as to avoid separation there between; and matrices made of Si—SiC-based material filling the spaces between said yarns adjacent to each other within said assemblage of yarns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition for a glass yarn, consisting of a solution whose solvent content is less than 5% by weight, this solution comprising at least 60% by weight of polymerizable components, at least 60% by weight of these polymerizable components being components with a molecular mass of less than 750 and these polymerizable components comprising at least one mixture capable of polymerizing: of component(s) containing at least one reactive acrylic function and/or at least one reactive methacrylic function, and of component(s) containing at least one reactive primary amine function and/or at least one reactive secondary amine function, at least 20% of the polymerizable components containing at least two reactive functions chosen from acrylic, methacrylic, primary amine and secondary amine functions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyimide coated shape memory material suitable for thermomechanical treatment to shape-set the material into the desired configuration and activate shape memory properties. The polyimide coating is subjected to a curing regime that imparts higher heat resistance in the polyimide coating to withstand the elevated temperatures required during the shape-setting treatment.

Abstract: The subject of this invention is to provide a rubber reinforcing cord that can be suitably used as a reinforcing material of rubber materials such as tires, belts and hoses and is excellent in fatigue resistance. This invention is a rubber reinforcing cord, characterized in that a carbon fiber bundle having a breaking extension of 1.7% or more is impregnated with a resin composition containing a rubber latex, and that the initial gradient (dM/dy) at y=0 of the bending load M—deflection y curve of the cord is 1000 N/m or less. This invention is a substantially twist-less rubber reinforcing cord, characterized in that a carbon fiber bundle having a breaking extension of 1.7% or more is impregnated with a resin composition containing a rubber latex, and that the number of twist of the cord is 10 per meter or less.

Abstract: A cable, in particular for power transmission, for telecommunications or for data transmission, or also combined power/telecommunications cables, wherein at least one coating layer consists of a recyclable material which is halogen-free and has superior mechanical, electrical, and flame-retardant properties. This material consists of a polymer mixture comprising: (a) a crystalline propylene homopolymer or copolymer; and (b) a copolymer of ethylene with at least one alpha-olefin having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and optionally with a diene; the said copolymer (b) being characterized by a density of between 0.90 and 0.86 g/cm3 and by a Composition Distribution Index, defined as the weight percentage of copolymer molecules having an alpha-olefin content within 50% of the average total molar content of alpha-olefin, of greater than 45%. This material may also include a flame-retardant inorganic filler.

Abstract: A combination of a semi-soluble methacrylic polymer and a sulfonated naphthalene condensation product, optionally with a semi-soluble or insoluble ethyl methacrylate polymer of high molecular weight, provides improved resistance to staining by acid colorants of fibrous polyamide substrate.

Abstract: A colored long-fiber-reinforced polyolefin structure with a length ≧3 mm, which comprises from 0.1 to 90% by weight of at least one polyolefin, from 0.1 to 50% by weight of at least one polyamide, from 0.1 to 15% by weight of at least one modified polyolefin, from 5.0 to 75% by weight of at least one reinforcing fiber, and from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of at least one dye and/or pigment. The present invention further relates to a process for producing a colored long-fiber-reinforced polyolefin structure, wherein fiber bundles are passed throught a flat die which has been charged with a melt made from polyolefin, polyamide, modified polyolefin and dye and/or pigment, the immersed fiber bundles are passed through a shaping die, the fiber bundles are cooled, and the fiber bundles are cut perpendicular to their running direction to give the length of the structure.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation-curable, glass optical fiber coating composition which when suitably cured exhibits resistance to attack from hydrocarbon gel cable filing material. The composition contains about 10 to about 90% by weight of a first radiation-curable oligomer; from 0 to about 40% by weight of a reactive diluent; from 0 to about 40% by weight of a photoinitiator; from 0 to about 10% by weight of a pigment; and about 10 to about 90% by weight of a second radiation-curable oligomer according to the following formula: R1-L1-C1-L2-R2  (1) where: R1 and R2, independently, each represent a radiation-curable functional group; L1 and L2, independently, each represent an an alkyleneoxy chain having from about 2 to about 40 carbon atoms, wherein L1 and L2 are linked to C1 through an oxygen atom C1 comprises a hydrocarbon having from about 5 to about 40 carbon atoms and containing at least one cyclic group.

Abstract: A UV-curable coating composition including an acrylate oligomer and a vinyl acrylate compound, the latter of which can act as both a reactive diluent and an adhesion promoter. The vinyl acrylate compounds have good miscibility and low viscosity, and impart to the cured primary coating a high adhesion to glass. With the use of a free radical photoinitiator, the vinyl acrylate compound increases the speed of cure of the uncured primary coating.

Abstract: A treating agent comprises a nitrile group-containing highly saturated polymer rubber latex (A) having an iodine value of 120 or less, a rubber latex (B) other than the highly saturated polymer rubber latex, and a water-soluble resorcinol/formaldehyde condensate in amounts of 15 to 80%, 5 to 70% and 2 to 15%, all by weight in terms of solids, respectively. A rubber-reinforcing fiber product is coated with the treating agent. A rubber article such as a toothed belt, a tire and the like is made using this rubber-reinforcing fiber product. The glass fiber product coated with the treating agent may be further coated with a halogen-containing polymer-based adhesive as a secondary treating agent. Thus, the treating agent exhibits a large bonding force between the reinforcing fiber product and a matrix. Even if the rubber article is repeatedly subjected to a flexing stress, the strength thereof cannot be reduced. A peel-off cannot occurs between the reinforcing fiber product and the rubber matrix.

Abstract: A radiation-curable coating composition for an optical fiber comprising a reactive functionality-terminated urethane oligomer, wherein said oligomer comprises the reaction product of (i) a semi-crystalline polyol, and (ii) a non-crystalline polyol in the mole ratio of semi-crystalline polyol to non-crystalline polyol of at least about 1:1, (iii) at least one isocyanate, and (iv) an endcapping compound capable of supplying the functionality terminus.

Abstract: Mineral fiber products, in particular rigid bonded mineral fiber products, are provided which comprise composite mineral fibers having a coating-core configuration wherein the core provides at least 90% by weight of the fibers and is formed of mineral melt and the coating is coated onto the core. The mineral melt is chosen so that the fibers without coating have adequate biological solubility and the coating comprises a phosphate or hydrogen phosphate of alkali metal, quaternary ammonium or ammonium in an amount of at least 0.3% or by weight of the core. The coated fibers retain their biological solubility while improving resistance to ageing in use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stain resist composition comprising: (a) a component selected from the group consisting of (1) an anionically modified phenol formaldehyde polymer comprising a phenol moiety and a formaldehyde moiety, (2) a naphthalene condensate, (3) a lignin sulfonate, (4) a phenol sulfonate derivative, a mixture thereof and (5) a (meth)acrylic polymer comprising residues of acrylic or methacrylic acid; and (b) a polyester.

Abstract: Articles coated with a water-resistant coating that absorbs water to provide the water-resistant effect, and desorbs water when the coating is dried, and a method of providing water resistance and corrosion resistance to articles prepared with such coatings. The coating is formed by applying a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer precursor, optionally a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant onto the surfaces of the article, and curing to form a coating comprising the superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: Semi-bleached to bleached sulfonated aromatic condensation resin alone or in combination with a semi-soluble methacrylic polymer of high molecular weight provides improved resistance to staining by acid colorants in a fibrous polyamide or wool substrate.

Abstract: (1) A flame retardant resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of thermoplastic resin, 100 to 250 parts by weight of metal hydroxide, and either 5 to 50 parts by weight of acetate or 5 to 80 parts by weight of calcium carbonate. (2) An insulated wire provided with an insulating layer made of the flame retardant resin composition. (3) A thin-wall high-strength insulated wire obtained by having a conductor with an outer diameter 1.0 mm or less covered with the flame retardant resin composition with a thickness from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. (4) An insulating tube and a heat-shrinkable tube obtained by molding the flame retardant resin composition into a tubular form. (5) A flat cable obtained by enclosing a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in an insulating layer and the flat cable obtained by further laminating at least one face of the insulating layer with a film made of polymeric material.

Abstract: A process for making a composite article comprising providing a coating composition comprising a silane, optional pH modifying agent, and optional lubricant, wherein the silane is compatible with one or more ROMP catalysts used to initiate ring opening metathesis polymerization of the cycloolefin resins; coating fibers with the coating composition; contacting the coated fiber with an uncured cycloolefin resin catalyzed using one or more ROMP catalysts used to form a resin and reinforcing fiber material mixture; and curing the resin and reinforcing fiber material mixture to form the composite article.

Abstract: A hydrophilic fiber comprising a thermoplastic resin, wherein 0.1-1.5% by weight of a fiber-finishing agent adheres to the fiber, the fiber-finishing agent containing 50-80% by weight of component A consisting of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by the following general formula (1), 10-40% by weight of component B consisting of at least one quaternary ammonium phosphate salt selected from a group of salts represented by following general formulas (2) and (3), and 3-20% by weight of component C consisting of polyorganosiloxane represented by the following general formula (4).

Abstract: A fiber or fabric having durable hydrophilicity and excellent anti-staticity is produced by adhering specific amount of a fiber treating agent comprising the following components (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) each at the following ratio onto the surface of thermoplastic resin fiber or fabric (A). 20 to 40% by weight polyglycerin fatty acid ester of specific structure, based on the total of (A) to (E); (B). 5 to 20% by weight of polyoxyalkylene modified silicone of specific structure, based on the total of (A) to (E); (C). 10 to 25% by weight of alkyl imidazolium alkyl sulfate of specific structure, based on the total of (A) to (E); (D). 5 to 20% by weight of alkylene oxide adduct of alkanoylamide, based on the total of (A) to (E); (E). 25 to 40% by weight of polyetherester of specific structure, based on the total (A) to (E).

Abstract: A polymer matrix composite is provided including graphitized vapor grown carbon fiber mats. A mat comprises semi-continuous vapor grown carbon fiber. The preferred method of producing the composite includes the steps of providing at least one mat of vapor grown carbon fiber and infiltrating liquidized polymeric material into the interstices of the mat by a hot press process. The resulting polymer matrix composite has a thermal conductivity between 400 W/m-K and 700 W/m-K, a density between 1.10-1.40/cc, and an insulating surface, and is useful as a component it electronic devices, aircraft, spacecraft, portable electronics, and other thermal management applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to single-wall carbon nanotube/polymer composites, a process for the production of such, and their use as fibers, films and articles.

Abstract: A shaped plastic part and a flexible film with a protected conductor track, in particular made from copper, are described, as is a process for their production. The shaped plastic part or the flexible film is composed at least of a plastic film (1) as backing layer, and of a metalizable primer layer (2) applied thereto, and of a structured, metallic electrically conducting layer (3), in particular electrical conductor tracks, applied to the primer layer (2), where an additional outer film (4) or a plastic article (6) has been firmly connected to the composite made from backing layer (1), primer layer (2) and from conducting layer (3) in such a way that the outer film (4) or the plastic article (6) covers at least part of the conducting layer (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the high-speed false twist texturing of yarns of synthetic filaments, in which a finish containing at least one water-soluble lubricant (A) and one water-insoluble liquid (B) with a viscosity of 2 to 50 mPas at 20° C. is applied to the yarns in the form of an aqueous emulsion, after which the filaments are textured on the false twist principle in texturing machines with a short high-temperature heater.

Abstract: Yarns having a spin finish composition thereon comprising at least about 10 percent by weight based on the spin finish composition of components (a) and (b) having the formula R1(CO)x—O—(CH(R2)—CH2—O)y—(CO)zR3, wherein each of R1 and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or an allyl group having from one to 22 carbon atoms or an alkylene hydroxy group having from one to 22 carbon atoms, x is zero or one, R2 may vary within component (a) or component (b) and is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or an alkyl group having from one to four carbon atoms, y is zero, or fiom one to 25, and z is zero or one, in component (a), x and z are equal to zero and the average molecular weight of component (a) is less than or equal to 1,900 and if R2 varies, component (a) is a random copolymer; and in component (b), at least x or z is equal to one or component (b) is a complex polyoxyethylene glyceride-containing compound having greater than 10 polyoxyethylene units; (c)

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiation-curable compositions that after cure release fully from a matrix material while maintaining other desirable qualities of radiation-cured compositions. These radiation-curable compositions include at least one radiation-curable oligomer and at least one oligomeric photoinitiator. These compositions can be formulated, for example, to serve as protective coatings for substrates manufactured from a wide variety of including glass, plastic, ceramic, metal and wood. The compositions of the present invention are preferably designed for use as an optical fiber coating (including inner primary and, colored or uncolored, secondary coatings as well as other coatings which include inks, matrix materials and the like) or related optical fiber protective materials.

Abstract: Biodegradable terephthalate polymers are described comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: 1

Abstract: Metal cord for use in reinforcing fabric for articles made from rubber, such as pneumatic tires, conveyor belts, flexible tubes, and similar, comprising a plurality of such metal cords orientated parallel to each other in a single direction and in which each cord comprises metal wires wound spirally around each other, wherein at least one of the wires of the cord consists of a shape memory material. During the phase of incorporation of the cords into the elastomeric material, the shape memory wire tends to recover the shape memorized initially and, by means of the force generated during this recovery, transmits by friction to the surrounding wires forces tending to shorten the pitch of the cord with spacing of each wire from the next, resulting in good penetration of elastomeric material between the wires. The closure of the cord is maintained in the subsequent heat cycles, owing to the memory degradation characteristics imparted to the wire.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a monofilament which has sufficient mechanical strength to be practically used also as a string for rackets and which is excellent in workability. Disclosed is a monofilament which is formed by extruding a material prepared by blending mainly a polylactic acid type polymer (A) and an aliphatic polyester (B) other than polylactic acid, and drawing the extruded material. This could be used as a racket string which has a tenacity-elongation curve similar to that of natural gut and is excellent in water resistance and heat resistance.

Abstract: A nonaqueous sizing for glass fibers useful for reinforcement of polymers. The sizing composition comprises one or more film formers miscible with the polymer to be reinforced, one or more coupling agents and one or more powders. The sizing composition of the invention provides a glass fiber which has improved processability and notched izod without any loss in dispersability characteristics of the glass pellets.

Abstract: Polymer derivatives based upon polyalkyleneimine backbones having a color stabilizing-effective amount of their reactive amino functionalities substituted by either a carboxylic acid or an amino-protecting group such as urea, are disclosed. Methods for preparing said derivatives are also disclosed. Fiber lubricant compositions comprising said polymer derivatives, and the resistance to yellowing associated with such lubricants are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating fibers using the polymer derivatives.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical fiber core wire binder, comprising (A) a radical-polymerizable oligomer, (B) a radical-polymerizable monomer, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (D) modified silicone compounds and (E) nitrogen/sulfur atom-containing compounds, with the content of the compound selected from the group consisting of the components (D) and (E) being 0.01 to 20% by weight of the total of the components (A) to (E), and with the surface tension being 30 &mgr;N/m or less at 23° C. The optical fiber core wire binder can restrain bubbles from being involved or remaining when optical fiber core wires are being twisted while it is filled and applied around them, and it can form a cured product (solid material) that is excellent in workability and adhesion to a tension member.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation-curable, glass optical fiber coating composition which when suitably cured exhibits resistance to attack from hydrocarbon gel cable filing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides coated fiber strand comprising at least one fiber having a residue of an aqueous forming size composition applied to at least a portion of a surface of the at least one fiber, the aqueous forming size composition comprising: (a) at least one starch; (b) at least one film-forming material; (c) at least one lubricant; and (d) a plurality of discrete particles that provide interstitial space between the at least one fiber and at least one adjacent fiber sufficient to allow wet out of the fiber strand. In one embodiment of the invention, the fibers are glass fibers, the at least one starch comprises an oleophobic starch, the at least one film-forming material comprises a N-vinyl amide polymer, the at least one lubricant comprises an ester, and the particles are dimensionally stable particles selected from polymeric organic materials, non-polymeric organic materials, polymeric inorganic materials, non-polymeric inorganic materials, composite materials and mixtures thereof.