Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for uniformly depositing a coating material from a vaporization source onto a powdered substrate material to form a thin coalescence film of the coating material that smoothly replicates the surface microstructure of the substrate material. The coating material is uniformly deposited on the substrate material to form optical interference pigment particles. The thin film enhances the hiding power and color gamut of the substrate material. Physical vapor deposition processes are used for depositing the film on the substrate material. The apparatus and systems employed in forming the coated particles utilize vibrating bed coaters, vibrating conveyor coaters, or coating towers. These allow the powdered substrate material to be uniformly exposed to the coating material vapor during the coating process.

Abstract: The decorative vitreous beads of the present invention have a hard, solid, substantially vitreous, unitary body comprised primarily of silica and having a generally spherical form, with the largest dimension being in the range between ⅛ inch to 2 inches. The body by weight comprising 35% to 70% of silica and the remaining ingredients by weight are from 65% to 30% for a total of 100% taken from the group comprising potash, soda, calcia, strontia, alumina, zinc oxide, boric oxide, zirconia, magnesia and potassium. Methods are further disclosed for making the decorative beads comprising mixing together a batch of minerals in powder state comprising by weight 35% to 70% of silica and the remaining oxides by weight from 65% to 30% for a total of 100% taken from a group comprising the oxides mentioned previously. The mixed batch is placed in the container which is inserted into a kiln.

Abstract: A silver/gold coated laminar substrate pearlescent product is improved by incorporating rhodium in an amount of up to about 2% into the coating and/or by overcoating with a silane in an amount of up to about 5%.

Abstract: An artificial marble having appearance remarkably resembling that of a natural stone in which particles (X) containing a vinyl polymer (A) and mica flake (B) and/or a glass flake (C) are dispersed in a matrix (Y) containing a vinyl polymer (E); a mica flake- and/or glass flake-containing cured resin article which is useful as this particle (X); and a mica flake- and/or glass flake-containing polymerizable composition useful for production of the cured resin article.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial stone molded product in which protrusions or embedded grooves for a figure or a pattern are provided integrally on or in a flat surface of a substrate, and a main composition comprises an aggregate of an inorganic material and a resin, characterized in that at least a part of the above-mentioned protrusions or embedded grooves are luminous or fluorescent, light-emitting portions which contain a luminous or fluorescent material having a luminescence or a luminousness accompanied by ultraviolet absorption and an aggregate of a transparent inorganic material, or an aggregate of a transparent inorganic material having a surface baked with the above-mentioned luminous or fluorescent material as at least a part of the aggregate of the inorganic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to powder-coated substrates bearing on a powder-coated surface a scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant topcoat of a coating material which comprises: a) condensates based on hydrolyzable silanes containing at least one non-hydrolyzable substituent, the hydrolyzable silanes having an epoxide group on at least one non-hydrolyzable substituent; b) a curing catalyst selected from Lewis bases and alkoxides of titanium, zirconium or aluminium; c) nanoscale particulate inorganic solids having a particle size in the range from 1 to 100 nm; and d) at least one organic monomer, oligomer or polymer containing at least one epoxide group.

Abstract: A conductive powder having an organic silicon polymer layer on the surface of each particle and a metal layer enclosing the silicon polymer layer possesses a stronger bond between the particle base and the metal even at elevated temperature and exhibits a high and stable conductivity and heat resistance.

Abstract: A composite material is described which comprises at least two layers of different plastics materials which are directly bonded to each other, wherein A) one layer of the composite comprises polyurethane, and B) a layer of the composite which is directly bonded to layer A) comprises a thermoplastic plastics material which is different from the material which layer A) comprises, wherein layer A) contains homogeneously distributed particles, which are at least coated with a thermoplastic plastics material which is different from the material comprising layer A), and which have a particle size of ≦50 nm, wherein the total surface area of the particles corresponds at least to the extent of the total interface between layers A) and B). A process for the production of these composites is also described, as is the use of these composites in motor vehicle construction.

Abstract: In material for ceramic ball that has a spherical portion of approximate sphere at both ends thereof and a belt-like portion at a center thereof over an entire circumferential direction, a difference between a diagonal diameter of the belt-like portion and a polar diameter of the spherical portion is 100 &mgr;m or less. A height of the belt-like portion from the spherical portion is preferable to be 1 mm or less. A width of the belt-like portion is preferable to be 5 mm or less. The material for ceramic ball can be used for material for bearing balls for instance. When applying in such a usage, the material for ceramic ball essentially consists of silicon nitride, Vickers hardness thereof being preferable to be 1400 or more. In the material for ceramic ball of the present invention, a difference between a diagonal diameter of a belt-like portion and a polar diameter of a spherical portion is set at 100 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: Method for producing novel microparticles, such as 1&mgr; to 20&mgr; diameter glass beads, by coating them to improve their flowability and to enable them to be distributed in predetermined depths of novel plastic coatings, extrusions, molded bodies, etc. The thin microparticle coatings are repellent to each other and to the plastic binder material, to predetermined degrees, to cause the particles to distribute adjacent the surface of the plastic body, or at a predetermined depth therebelow, to produce desired color-enhanced properties.

Abstract: A water repellent coating composition includes fine particles having functional groups on their surfaces and having a particle diameter ranging from 10 nm to 1 mm; a coupling agent containing (a) a functional group which is capable of reacting with the functional group of the fine particles and (b) a water repellent fluorinated group; a binder resin for binding the fine particles; and a solvent for the binder.

Abstract: Electrically conductive, thermoplastic and heat-activatable adhesive sheet comprising i) a thermoplastic polymer in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, ii) one or more tackifying resins in a proportion of from 5 to 50% by weight and/or iii) epoxy resins with hardeners, with or without accelerators, in a proportion of from 5 to 40% by weight, iv) metallized particles in a proportion of from 0.1 to 40% by weight, v) non-deformable or virtually non-deformable spacer particles, in a proportion of from 1 to 10% by weight, which do not melt at the bonding temperature of the adhesive sheet.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a labelling reagent in which the label is bound via an amide bond and a linker to a residue of the molecule which is essentially characterized in that the N atom of the amide bond and the label are linked together directly by a covalent bond. In particular these are phosphoramidites or reactive supports suitable for nucleic acid synthesis. The invention also concerns processes for the production of such supports from suitable precursors.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in he probe, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate with an oriented film. A target is ablated to create a plume. The substrate is manipulated, which may be by vibration, in the plume to coat the substrate with a film. The film is heated in a synthesis gel of the target to form the oriented film.

Abstract: The invention describes an article and method comprising a refractory article having an outer surface covered by an insulating coating over which a protective glaze is applied. The method includes applying a suspension of an insulating coating to a refractory piece, drying the suspension, applying a glaze slip over the coating, and drying the slip to form a protective glaze. In one embodiment, the article comprises a carbon-bonded alumina-graphite nozzle, an insulating coating containing hollow microspheres, and a protective glaze formed from a fusible frit. The invention is described as improving wetting to the refractory piece, reducing delamination of the glaze and insulating coating from the piece, and reducing oxidation of the piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The fluorochemical surface treatment is substantially free of perfluoroalkyl groups having more than four carbon atoms. Preferably, the surface treatment is a polyfluoropolyether-based compound comprising at least one polar group or polar group-containing organic radical.

Abstract: A composite material is described which comprises at least two layers of different plastics materials which are directly bonded to each other, wherein

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions and systems comprising pre-expanded or non-expandable microspheres that provide effective insulation for the target airbag fabric during exothermic inflation. The inventive airbag fabrics are either pre-calendered prior to application of this composition or are coated through a gap (floating) knife method with such heat-expandable microsphere-containing compositions. The coated airbag fabrics and cushions may then be heated to evaporate the solvent within the coating composition. The resultant fabric thus exhibits the presence of the microsphere constituents of the coating compositions both within the interstices between the individual yarns of the fabric and over the raised yarns of the fabric.

Abstract: A high emittance glass coating material which is applied to a surface of a specific structural body and fired on the surface, for providing on the surface a glass coating having a glass structure in which pigment particles having a predetermined degree of emissivity are dispersed, the high emittance glass coating material being characterized by including: a pigment covering film having a predetermined thickness, which is provided to cover each of the pigment particles, and which includes silicon dioxide (SiO2) such that a content of the silicon dioxide in the pigment covering film is higher than a content of the silicon dioxide in each portion of the glass structure which is adjacent to a corresponding one of the pigment particles.

Abstract: A process for the production of insulating coatings containing polyurethane groups and/or polyisocyanurate groups for hollow bodies by reaction of a) a polyisocyanate component with b) compounds which contain at least two hydrogen atoms which are active towards isocyanates and c) catalysts, optionally in the presence of d) further auxiliary substances and additives, characterised in that organic or mineral hollow microbeads having an average particle size in the range from 5 to 200 &mgr;m and a density in the range from 0.1 to 0.8 g/cm3 are added to at least one of components a) to d), is described. The use of these insulating coatings for pipes employed in the offshore sector is furthermore described.

Abstract: Generally, this invention provides a toughened ceramic composite and a method of enhancing the mechanical strength of ceramic matrix composites through use of a transformation weakened interphase material. The ceramic composite provided in this invention includes a ceramic matrix, a second material as a second phase, and a metastable interphase material. The metastable interphase material is positioned between the ceramic matrix and the second phase material. The ceramic composite can include reinforcing elements such as fibers, whisker-shapes, platelets and particulates or have laminated or fibrous monolithic geometries. The metastable interphase material is capable of undergoing a shear or stress induced zero volume or negative volume, martensitic phase transformation, which may or may not be accompanied by a crystallographic unit cell shape change. In one embodiment, the metastable interphase material includes &bgr;-cristobalite.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber connector for electrically connecting two arrays of electrode terminals on electronic circuit boards, liquid crystal display panels and the like with improved stability and reliability of electrical conduction therebetween. The connector is a silicone rubber sheet of a striped appearance prepared by slicing an alternate stratification of layers of an insulating silicone rubber and layers of an conductive silicone rubber. The most characteristic feature of the inventive connector consists in the use of a conductive silicone rubber composition comprising, instead of conventional silver particles, a specified weight or volume fraction of conductive particles of which each particle has a composite structure consisting of a core particles of an electrically non-conductive material such as silica and a metallic plating layer thereon having, preferably, a bilayered structure formed from an underplating layer of nickel and a top plating layer of gold.

Abstract: Size-enlarged sludge particles 12 having nuclei of objective particles and having a particle size in a range of from 1 &mgr;m inclusive to 2000 &mgr;m exclusive are mixed with slurry containing fine alumina powder so that a mixture is prepared. Then, the mixture is dried by removal of the water content in the mixture. Then, the mixture is baked at a temperature in a range of from 1200° C. to 1500° C. so that alumina on surfaces of the size-enlarged sludge particles 12 are sintered. By the aforementioned method, light-weight alumina particles can be produced with the particle size controlled well to a uniform value.

Abstract: A conductive filler is provided in the form of non-conductive particles which are surface coated with a plating layer of copper, copper alloy, nickel or nickel alloy, which is, in turn, coated with an electroplating layer of gold, gold alloy, silver or silver alloy. The conductive powder has a high conductivity, durability, especially oxidation resistance, and a relatively low specific gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal oxide particles capable of being highly dispersed in organic materials to form transparent colloids and ceramers. The metal oxide particles of the present invention have surfaces attached to a dispersing aid and a degree of crystallinity of greater than 55 percent. The crystallite diameter of the metal oxide particles is greater than about 4 nanometers and less than about 20 nanometers. The present invention also relates to the colloids and ceramers prepared using these metal oxide particles and the methods associated with the preparation of the particles, colloids, and ceramers.

Abstract: Thin multilayer signature control films having a large differential between the indices of refraction of adjoining layers are characterized by the use as the low index layer or layers of a material having a high coefficient of extinction and a very low index of refraction. The enhanced differential between the indices of refraction results in signature control materials which, in one embodiment, may be comprised of just a substrate and a coating and, in another embodiment, may be a supported or unsupported multilayer film comprised of as few as three layers that have performance characteristics equal to or exceeding prior art films comprised of 15-30 layers. Both continuous films and pigmented liquid coating compositions for signature control are provided. Improved pigments for liquid coating compositions are comprised of appropriately coated microspheres and microballoons.

Abstract: To provide a substrate enclosed in a uniform nucleation layer, a substrate is nucleated with a noble metal salt where the noble metal salt is chemically bound to the substrate, and a method is described for binding a noble metal salt chemically to a substrate. To provide a metal plated powder, a powder is nucleated with a noble metal salt and the nucleation is coated with a metal layer. A method is also provided for nucleating the powder surface with a noble metal salt in such a manner that it is chemically bound to the substrate and then metal plated by a conventional electroless method.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic capacitor comprises dielectric ceramic layers and conductive layers, the dielectric ceramic layers including core-shell structured ceramic particles. The ceramic particles disposed nearer to the conductive layers have shell portions having thickness larger than those of the ceramic particles disposed farther from the conductive layers.

Abstract: Magnetic glass particles are prepared containing a magnetic core coated with a glass layer having a substantially pore-free glass surface. The particles are used for separating biological material such as nucleic acids. A preferred process of preparing the particles is by forming a mixture of magnetic cores with a sol formed from an alcohol and a metal alkoxide, spray-drying the mixture to coat the cores with a layer of gelled sol, and heating the coated cores to obtain the magnetic glass particles. Preferably, the particles have an average particle size of less than 100 &mgr;m and any pores of the glass surface have a diameter of less than 10 nm. The magnetic core may be a composite material containing a mica core and magnetite particles immobilized on the mica core, and the glass layer may contain boron oxide. Magnetic core materials include magnetite (Fe3O4) and Fe2O3.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for producing bulk, particulate material that includes solid, generally ellipsoidal particles. Irregularly shaped feed particles with average particle sizes of up to 25 microns on a volume basis are dispersed in at least a portion of a combustible gas mixture by application of force and/or fluidizing agents. The combustible mixture with particles in suspension is then delivered, while controlling agglomeration or re-agglomeration of the particles, to at least one flame front. There, the mixture and suspended particles are uniformly distributed across the surface(s) of and passed through the flame front(s) with a high concentration of particles in the mixture. This flame front and the resultant flame(s) with suspended particles are located in at least one “wall free” zone. In such zone(s) the flame(s) may expand while the particles are maintained in dispersion and heated, with controlled and highly efficient application of heating energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for uniformly depositing a coating material from a vaporization source onto a powdered substrate material to form a thin coalescence film of the coating material that smoothly replicates the surface microstructure of the substrate material. The coating material is uniformly deposited on the substrate material to form optical interference pigment particles. The thin film enhances the hiding power and color gamut of the substrate material. Physical vapor deposition processes are used for depositing the film on the substrate material. The apparatus and systems employed in forming the coated particles utilize vibrating bed coaters, vibrating conveyor coaters, or coating towers. These allow the powdered substrate material to be uniformly exposed to the coating material vapor during the coating process.

Abstract: A display comprised of a first component containing spheres encapsulated within a wax, and thereover and thereunder said component substrates.

Abstract: The invention provides expanded hollow micro sphere composite beads and a process for producing the beads. According to the invention, finely divided calcium carbonate can be uniformly deposited on expanded hollow thermoplastic polymer micro spheres by a simple procedure without incurring breakage of the expanded micro spheres so that the scattering of beads can be effectively inhibited. The preferred production process comprises admixing expanded hollow thermoplastic polymer micro spheres (A), with colloidal calcium carbonate (B) which has been surface-activated with a surface-treating agent or dispersing agent, e.g. a fatty acid series or polymer acid series compound. The admixing can be typically effected by dry-blending, preferably at a temperature of about 50-100° C.

Abstract: A pale electrically conductive pigment consisting of a substrate and an electrically conductive layer formed of phosphorus- and/or fluorine-doped tin oxide. There may be an interlayer disposed between the substrate and the conductive layer.

Abstract: A water based coating composition which does not require a primer for application over wood, masonry, metal, vinyl siding and previously painted surfaces and can be applied over these surfaces in a single coat to provide the tannin blocking, hiding, corrosion resistance and durability of a conventional primer plus two coats of latex paint.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite article consisting essentially of a main body composed of a polytetrafluoroethylene material and a plurality of electrically conductive particles, wherein an elastomer material is disposed within the main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin additive obtained by subjecting inorganic particles of silica or alumina to surface treatment with tannic acid and further subjecting them to surface treatment with a coupling agent, or subjecting inorganic particles to surface treatment with tannic acid and then subjecting them to surface treatment with a phenone compound or saccharides, followed by further subjecting them to surface treatment with a coupling agent. The above resin additive has an effect to provide a thermoplastic resin with heat stability in heating and melting the resin and prevent a reduction in the IZOT impact strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive foam with a percentage of theoretical density less than 90, wherein the foam has a peel adhesion of greater than about 1 N/cm and a compression set under constant deflection of less than about 60%. The present invention further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive foam comprising a thermoplastic block copolymer, a tackifying resin; an isocyanate terminated monomer or oligomer; a polymer comprising a backbone selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene, polyester and polyether, wherein the polymer contains at least 2 active hydrogens capable of reacting with the isocyanate terminated monomer; and expandable particulate materials. The present invention further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive foam comprising a thermoplastic olefin polymer or copolymer, having a density less than 0.

Abstract: A mica tape formed by a paper-making process from a mixture of the mica particles and at least one selected from the group consisting of a short fiber made of a nitrogen-free organic material and a short fiber made of an inorganic material, and an insulated coil by winding the mica tape around a conductive coil and impregnating the mica tape with a solventless thermo-setting resin. The short fiber has an average diameter of 0.1 to 20 .mu.m and an average length of 0.5 to 10 mm.

Abstract: An anti-graffiti cover stock for vinyl face stocks which comprises a film selected from the group consisting of polyolefins and polyvinyl fluoride and a polyester based polyurethane adhesive coated on one surface of the film to form a cover stock. The cover stock is characterized in that when it is adhered to a vinyl substrate to form a laminate, the laminate meets the flex characteristics of ASTM D 2907-95.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a spacer for a liquid crystal display, which is difficult to aggregate when dispersed onto a substrate in a dry manner; a production process for the spacer; and a liquid crystal display including the spacer. The spacer has a mean particle diameter of 0.5 to 25 .mu.m, a coefficient of variation of 10% or less in particle diameter, and a fluidity of 30% or more, and preferably further has an electrification retention ratio of 40% or more at 5 minutes after corona electrification.

Abstract: Black ultrafine magnetite particles of this invention have an FeO content of 31 to 35% and a particle size of 0.1 .mu.m or less. A process for producing the black ultrafine magnetite particles comprises dispersing ultrafine magnetite particles with a particle size of 0.1 .mu.m or less in water containing ferrous hydroxide, aging the dispersion of 90 to 200.degree. C. at a free alkali concentration of 1 mol/liter (M/l) or more, then adding 0.2 to 5%, based on the magnetite particles, of sodium oleate or potassium oleate, and adjusting the pH to 5 to 6 to adhere oleic acid to magnetite.

Abstract: The invention relates to pigments consisting of substantially spherical particles with a mean particle diameter of less than 10 .mu.m, on the basis of an oxidic or silicate substrate material with noble metal distributed extremely finely on and/or in the particles. Preferred pigments are purple-colored and are based on an oxide from the series SiO.sub.2, SnO.sub.2 and ZrO.sub.2 and gold as noble metal. The pigments are suitable for the production of ceramic decorations and for the dyeing of plastics, synthetic films and fibers as well as lacquers. Exceptional application properties are obtained by virtue of the spherical shape. The pigments are obtainable by a spray-pyrolysis process in which an aerosol consisting of a solution of at least one noble metal compound and an oxide- or silicate-forming precursor is subjected to pyrolysis; the pigment is separated from the pyrolysis gas.

Abstract: Microporous fluorinated silica agglomerates are disclosed and their method of preparation from a reaction of colloidal silica of small particle sizes with an alkylamine (or a hindered amine) and hydrofluoric acid or with alkylammonium fluoride, under convenient laboratory conditions at an atmospheric pressure. The agglomerate is useful to interact with dispersants surrounding inkjet ink pigment particles.

Abstract: A pearlescent pigment comprises C glass flakes having a first layer comprising rutile titanium dioxide or iron oxide thereon and a second layer comprising hydrous oxide or hydroxide of a polyvalent cation, precipitate of said polyvalent cation, and an anionic polymeric compound. A hydrous layer of the rutile forming titanium dioxide or iron oxide is first formed on the glass flakes and the resulting coated flakes are calcined prior to the application of the second layer.

Abstract: Compositions containing p-dinitrosobenzene deposited onto a support of a chemically inert material which is solid at room temperature are provided. The composition is preferably formed by depositing p-dinitrosobenzene from a solution or by sublimation or in the course of its synthesis in the presence of one or more supports. Hydrophilic or hydrophobic silica, hydrophobicized zeolites, carbon blacks and layer silicates are examples of supports. The composition is useful in the production of adhesives, more particularly for bonding elastomers, e.g. in the polymerization or crosslinking of elastomers, and even more particularly in the bonding of rubber to metal.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses novel coated particles that are well suited for use as absorption media in chromatographic processes. The coated particles comprise a substrate, such as aluminum, silicon, titanium or zirconium oxide particles, containing polymerized silane moieties on a surface of the substrate. The silane moieties include two or three olefinic groups as well as at least on useful ligand. Methods of preparing these coated particles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides propylene-bridged bidentate silane reagents for modifying the surface of liquid chromatography supports, these supports and methods of making and using the same. When bonded to the surface of a support material, the resulting modified support material provides improved properties, such as better separations and more stable support materials, especially when used in liquid chromatography. These bidentate silanes have the general structure: RSiMe(NMe.sub.2)--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --SiMeR--NMe.sub.2. R is an n-octadecyl group or an n-tetradecyl group, and Me is a methyl group. When reacted with a silica surface, the resulting modified surface has a structure: PSiO--?RSiMe--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --SiMeR!--OSiP. PSiO is surface-reacted silica.

Abstract: A thermally conductive composite article is provided having a PTFE material or a PTFE matrix material which has disposed therein thermally conductive particles, and a phase change material.