Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for improving the quality of images printed on a substrate. The novel image-enhancing compositions contain as an image-enhancing agent (a) an azetidinium polymer, (b) a guanidine polymer, (c) a mixture of an azetidinium polymer and a guanidine polymer, or (d) a copolymer of an azetidinium monomer and a guanidine monomer. When applied to a substrate, the compositions provide for high quality printed images when the treated substrate is printed on with an ink containing a reactive dye capable of reacting with the image-enhancing agent. Images printed on a substrate treated with the image-enhancing compositions of the invention are water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), bleed-resistant, rub-resistant, and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition containing a copolymer of a vinyl ester and ethylene, formed by emulsion polymerization. The ethylene level of the copolymer is from 40 to 75 weight percent. The copolymer is free of carboxyl-functional monomer units. The copolymer preferably also contains a non-carboxyl functional monomer. The PSA is useful for labels, decals, repositionable notes, and different types of tape. Labels containing the PSA adhere especially well to non-polar substrates.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer blend compositions and the process for preparing the same. In particular, the invention relates to novel blends of cationic polymers and anionic polymers which exhibit properties that make them useful as coatings for various substrates.

Abstract: A paper-plastic laminate sheeting capable of being converted by conventional equipment into envelopes, grocery bags and other dilatable container products that initially are in a flat state and are normally made of paper. The sheeting is composed of a paper facing sheet cold-laminated by means of a water-based adhesive to a reinforcing film of synthetic plastic material, such as polypropylene. The film is oriented to impart exceptional tear and burst strength characteristics to the resultant waterproof product. The product, whose exterior surface is formed by the paper facing sheet, is readily printable. For some applications, a second paper facing sheet is cold-laminated to the other side of the film to produce a three-ply laminate sheeting whose exposed surfaces are readily printable and can accept conventional adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood-polymer composite, particularly wood which has been impregnated with a mixture containing polymerizable organic compounds, and more particularly to a method for preparing a wood-polymer-composite by impregnating wood material and/or wood-based material with a mixture containing polymerizable organic compounds, and most particularly uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition for fibrous substances containing 25 to 75 percent by weight of pigment, and 0.5 to 25 weight percent of a polymer comprising 1 to 15 percent by weight of one or more monomers having sterically hindered secondary amine groups and 10 to 40 weight percent of a carboxylic acid monomer. The coating is useful on fibrous and non-fibrous substrates on which liquid inks will be fixed. The non-ionic polymer becomes cationic when contacted by anionic inks, and the cationic nature of the coating provides the substrate with an excellent point of attachment for inks and dyes, resulting in bright, crisp printed images. The coating is especially useful for ink-jet printing on paper, paperboard, textiles, non-wovens, wood, and films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin film packaging pack having a paper substrate with a thickness from about 0.018 to about 0.032 inches and a porosity of about 22 to about 28 seconds, coated on a front side with a clay coating, and a covering film comprising an ionomer resin overlaying the front side of the paper substrate. The present invention further relates to a process of producing a skin film packaging pack in which one or more products are positioned on a front side of a backing support having a thickness from about 0.018 to about 0.032 inches and a porosity of about 22 to about 28 seconds, coated on the front side with a clay coating, and adhering a covering film to a front side of a backing support.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a latently dispersible barrier composite material including an exposed low strength barrier component, an internal water sensitive layer, and a water permeable, inextensible, water dispersible support layer. When exposed to aqueous conditions on the barrier side, the composite prevents it from passing through to the other layers. When exposed to aqueous conditions on the opposite side, the composite readily disperses and may be disposed of by flushing in a toilet, for example. Uses are many and include numerous containment applications such as commode liners, containers for bodily and animal wastes, components of personal care products and the like. Examples of barrier layers include polylactic acid. Examples of water sensitive layers include polyvinyl alcohol. Examples of support layers include low stretch grades of toilet tissue.

Abstract: Articles produced from hydrophobic polymers (e.g., polyethylene) are surface-coated with thin films of starch in order to render the surfaces hydrophilic. The thin coatings form on the surfaces of plastic objects when the objects are placed in contact with hot, aqueous solutions of starch. These starch coatings are extremely adherent to the hydrophobic plastic surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, and they permit the surfaces to be uniformly wet with water. Resultant products have improved biocompatibility, improved compatibility with hydrophilic reagents, reduced build-up of electrostatic charge, reduced blocking, reduced friction, improved absorption of water-based dyes, and improved adhesion properties. The starch coatings are non-toxic, inexpensive and biodegradable.

Abstract: A self-closing package formed from a unitary two-ply or three-ply laminate sheeting having an inner surface which is entirely coated with cohesive material, which has the property of sticking only to itself, and having a first portion and second portion. An article may be placed on the first portion of the laminate sheeting before folding and forming he laminate sheeting into a self-closing package. To form the package, the second portion of the laminate sheeting is pulled upward around the article and folded over both the article and the first portion of the laminate sheeting so that the inner surface of both the first portion and second portion are opposed to each other. The package is closed and sealed by the cohesive coated inner surfaces of the first and second portions coming into contact with each other and thereby sticking to each other.

Abstract: Sandwich type board, for application in the construction field, of the type comprised of side and counterside, which has the following successive layers, from the center to the outside: a cellulose core impregnated in phenolic resin, a cellulose film impregnated in melamine, a laminated wood panel treated with phenolic resin, a tone package of one to three translucent and/or transparent films of cellulose, each of them impregnated in a resin to be chosen between melamine, melamine-acrylic, phenolic, melamine-phenolic, a multi-layer transparent/translucent acrylic film and a surface finish obtained by means of a demoulding film in the board press process.

Abstract: Method for producing a flexible protection layer which can be incorporated in different body protecting products in order to prevent injuries caused by penetrating objects, such as nails, pointed weapons and the like. According to the method polymer fibres having a high breaking point are embedded in a hardenable binding material so that the binding material surrounds the fibres and upon hardening fixes the fibres in their positions. The method is characterized in that the fibres are embedded in the binding material in a mutually unarranged order, preferably felted together. The invention also relates to a flexible protection layer produced in accordance with the method and which can be incorporated in different body protecting products.

Abstract: A self-closing resealable packaging material formed from at least one sheet of a package forming material, which encloses and seals and article therein. A cohesive material is applied to surface portions of the packaging material so that when wrapped around an article cohesive portions stick together and seal the package. To make the package resealable a liner is placed upon at least a part of the cohesive material containing surface so that a non-adhering margin is formed and the unused cohesive can be utilized reseal the package after its initial opening.

Abstract: A process for producing a veneer is disclosed wherein a layer made from a polyolefin, a copolymeric polyolefin or both is applied to a veneer sheet using heat and/or pressure. A veneer produced using this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the sizing of paper, to enhance the quality of images printed thereon. The novel sizing compositions contain as a sizing agent: (a) an azetidinium polymer, (b) a guanidine polymer, (c) a mixture of an azetidinium polymer and a guanidine polymer, or (d) a copolymer of an azetidinium monomer and a guanidine monomer. When applied to a paper substrate, such as in an internal or external sizing process, the sizing compositions result in a sized paper substrate that provides high quality printed images when printed with an ink containing a reactive dye having ionizable and/or nucleophilic groups capable of reacting with the sizing agent. Images printed on a paper substrate coated with the sizing compositions of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: A siding assembly and method of manufacture are disclosed. Each siding unit is a profile of a composite material which includes a thermoplastic polymer and a cellulosic fiber. The preferred siding unit has a tapered thickness and a convex face. Each siding unit is interconnected to adjacent siding units with a tongue and groove mechanism. The preferred siding profile has a plurality of webs, and the exposed portion of the siding has a capstock layer to improve weatherability. The exposed width of the siding's face may be adjustable. The siding units are interconnected end-to-end by inserts which are positioned by means of an adhesive or thermal welding.

Abstract: A thin-film component and a method for manufacturing it are proposed, an insulation layer (20) and a resistance layer (30) being applied on a substrate (10), the insulation layer (20) being applied in liquid form on the membrane (10).

Abstract: Biocompatible, lubricious, highly durable coatings for medical devices are formed from a highly adherent base coat and a hydrophilic top-coat which is chemically grafted to the base coat. The base coat includes an aqueous acrylic emulsion polymer, having one or more monomers having alkyl groups of varying number. The monomers are combined such that the “Equivalent Alkyl Number”, essentially a weighted average number of carbon atoms, for the resulting polymer or copolymer, is in a range of about 3.5-4.5. The coating is prepared without using any organic solvents, and thus the final product contains no residue of such solvents. The coated products display an unmatched combination of adhesion, abrasion resistance, water resistance, biocompatibility, and lubricity.

Abstract: Printable packaging paper for flexible packaging. A flexible overall print coating makes a first surface suitable for conventional printing. The print coating comprises clay, binder comprising acrylic and optionally PVOH, and microsphere shells, some optionally deformed. A barrier coating comprising PVOH, optionally acrylic, can be on the second surface. A multiple layer packaging structure can comprise such coated substrate and second and third strength layers of paper, and a flexible polyolefin barrier layer, all on the barrier coating side of the substrate, joined to the barrier coating. The flexible print coating can include titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are adhesive formulations as creping process aids for producing an absorbent creped cellulosic sheet having a high level of surface-perceived softness that comprises continuously forming a web of cellulosic papermaking fibers, adhering said web to a thermal drying means by means of adhesive compositions comprising polymers having at least one primary or secondary amine group in the backbone such as chitosan, plolyvinylamine, polyvinyl alcohol-vinyl amine and polyaminoamide in combination with crosslinking agents such as zirconium compounds having a valence of plus four including ammonium zirconium carbonate, zirconium acetylacetonate, zirconium acetate, zirconium carbonate, zirconium sulfate, zirconium phosphate, potassium zirconium carbonate, zirconium sodium phosphate and sodium zirconium tartrate and creping said treated web from said thermal drying means.

Abstract: A water borne binder composition comprising (a) an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic copolymer comprising carboxylic acid and ethylene-urea functionality, having a weight average molecular weight below 200,000 and a Tg<−15° C., as calculated from the monomer composition using the Fox equation; and (b) a water soluble complex of a transition metal, preferably zinc.

Abstract: Excellent fade resistance and a substantial reduction in whitening can unexpectedly be achieved by adding colorant pigments to polymer-cellulose materials which form the polymer-wood composites, prior to formation of the composites. Then, the outer surface of the polymer-wood composites including the colorant pigments are distressed. The addition of the colorant pigments to the polymer-cellulose materials, combined with the distressing of the surface of the composites formed therefrom, results in an unexpected reduction in the unacceptable level of whitening and/or fading mentioned above which has not taken place in polymer-wood composites which include either a per se colorant pigment addition or which have been subject to a per se surface distressing operation.

Abstract: A laminate wall structure which can be used as an exterior wall in manufactured housing and site built construction is made up of a low density layer having a density of from about one-half pound to three pounds per cubic foot, a second, reinforcing layer laminated to the low density layer and, optionally, a cellulosic layer laminated to the second, reinforcing layer. The low density layer is preferably a foamed polymer layer, the second, reinforcing layer is a polymer fabric, a biaxially oriented polymeric film or a fiberglass reinforced material and the cellulosic layer can be impregnated with an adhesive and/or resin in order to strengthen the laminate structure. This laminate wall structure has a low weight and yet is strong enough to meet wind zone wall diaphragm requirements for housing construction.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording material having a high ozone resistance comprises at least one ink-absorbing and at least one dye-fixing layer wherein on the top and/or bottom side of the dye-fixing layer, at least one water-soluble compound exhibiting ionic charge centres is arranged, which compound exhibits a dissociation constant in the region of 1×10−3 to 1×10−14 with a conductivity range &lgr; of 6 to 25 ms at a temperature of 25° C.±1° C. in a 0,1 molar aqueous solution.

Abstract: An ink-receptive coating composition is disclosed comprising at least 5 weight percent of a polymerized vinyl-forming compound; at least 10 weight percent of a pigment-forming compound; at least 10 weight percent of a binder derived from at least one carboxyl group; and at least 0.5 weight percent of an additive selected from the group consisting of surfactants, thickeners, and pH adjusters.

Abstract: A paper-plastic laminate sheeting capable of being converted by conventional equipment into envelopes, grocery bags and other dilatable container products that initially are in a flat state and are normally made of paper. The sheeting is composed of a paper facing sheet cold-laminated by means of a water-based adhesive to a reinforcing film of synthetic plastic material, such as polypropylene. The film is oriented to impart exceptional tear and burst strength characteristics to the resultant waterproof product. The product, whose exterior surface is formed by the paper facing sheet, is readily printable. For some applications, a second paper facing sheet is cold-laminated to the other side of the film to produce a three-ply laminate sheeting whose exposed surfaces are readily printable and can accept conventional adhesives.

Abstract: A composition veneer that is extremely flexible, foldable and moldable, is provided by impregnating a wood veneer with a plastic film. The veneer has a smooth protective polymer surface without separate and distinguishable layers. As a result, the composition veneers of this invention exhibit moldability and shapeability properties similar to plastic sheeting, but contain natural wood and have the appearance of natural wood.

Abstract: An acrylic resin glove is made of a film having a crosslinked structure, formed of an acrylic resin emulsion, and an internal surface treating agent for an acrylic resin glove, is composed of an acrylic resin emulsion, and at least one organic filler selected from the group consisting of methacrylic resin micro-particles, polyolefinic resin micro-particles and cellulose beads, each having an average particle diameter within a range from 3 to 10 &mgr;m, the content of said organic filler being within a range from 2 to 8% by weight based on the total weight. The acrylic resin glove is superior in fitting and detaching properties and in washing resistance while maintaining required mechanical characteristics. The internal surface treating agent is used to obtain an acrylic resin glove having the above-described characteristics by forming a film of this treating agent on the internal surface of the acrylic resin glove, thereby to improve the lubricity of the internal surface of the glove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door panel insert having an integral cover skin material. The door panel insert comprises a first layer or the decorating layer, a second layer, a recylate layer and a fourth layer. The recylate layer is sandwiched between the second layer and the fourth layer. The first layer is tacked on to the second layer before the molding process such that during compression and heating of the trim panel the first layer is chemically bonded to the second layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a photocatalytic sheet comprising a support, a photocatalytic 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: A cleansing article having a substrate capable of absorbing and retaining a fluid therein, the substrate being impregnated with a cleaning composition containing a mixed ether.

Abstract: A polypropylene resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin (A) having a die swell ratio of less than about 1.70 and about 0.01 to about 45 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin (B) having a die swell ratio of about 1.80 or more. A T die film is also provided, composing polypropylene wherein the film has a molecular weight distribution of about 4.2 or less and a die swell ratio of 1.28 or more. A method of producing a T die film is also provided, comprising the steps of melt-kneading polypropylene by an extruder, extruding the melted product through a die lip, and cool-solidifying the extruded material by a cooling roll to form a film. The film resulting by this method has a molecular weight distribution about of 4.2 or less and a die swell ratio of about 1.28 or more. Further, the present invention provides a laminated molded body comprising a heat molded body composed of a polypropylene resin composition containing 100 parts by weight of polypropylene resin (A), about 0.

Abstract: A composite wrap material is provided for use in wrapping reams of paper and other materials. The wrap material is composed of a paper layer and a polymer film layer that are integrally bonded together by an adhesive layer interposed between the two layers. Also provided is a method of making and using the wrap material.

Abstract: A cover slip material and a method of making and using the same are provided. The material comprises (a) a light transmissible polymeric backing having first and second surfaces; (b) a tack free bonding layer disposed on the first surface of the backing, the bonding layer comprising polymers selected from the group consisting of acrylate, methacrylate, and combinations thereof; and (c) a protective coating disposed on the second surface of the backing. Upon exposure to an environmentally friendly activating solvent such as terpene, d-limonene, esters of coconut oil and aliphatic hydrocarbon blends, the bonding layer acquires tacky properties causing the cover slip to adhere to a specimen previously mounted on a microscope slide.

Abstract: A new high strength poly one-side ream wrapper made by utilizing copolymer and/or terpolymer resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging laminate having one or more gas barrier layers of starch or starch derivative providing an oxygen gas barrier property of 50, preferably 30 cm3/m2 at 24 h, 1 atm (23° C., 50% RH) or better, said gas barrier layer having a dry coating weight no more than 7 g/m2. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a packaging laminate and to packaging containers manufactured from the packaging laminate.

Abstract: A composite of a substrate having an application of superabsorbent polymer. The composite is made by applying, directly onto the substrate, an application of a polymer that will, upon being subjected to radiation, convert to a superabsorbent polymer. The substrate with applied polymer is subjected to radiation, such as being heated at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time, to obtain the composite of substrate with superabsorbent polymer adhered to it.

Abstract: Optical brighteners are widely used for decreasing the apparent yellowness of polymeric materials. Polyethylene, as a coating film for photographic paper has presented unique problems because of its general lack of compatibility with conventional, large, fluorescent brightener molecules. The present invention provides a solution to this problem by incorporating into the polyethylene an optical brightener compatibilizing amount of a second polyolefin having alkyl groups pendant from the polymer backbone which serves to reduce the exudation of the optical brightener in articles or substrates comprised of or coated with such compositions.

Abstract: An electrophotographic transfer sheet having a coating layer on at least one surface of a base material made of pulp fibers as a main body is provided. The elongation of the sheet in the cross direction when the humidity is changed from 25% RH to 90% RH at 20° C. is not higher than about 0.65% and the water content of the sheet at opening its package as measured according to JIS P8127 is approximately in the range from 3.5 to 6.5%. A method of forming a color image using color toners each containing a polyester binder resin having Mn in the range of from about 1,000 to 9,000 and using the above-described electrophotographic transfer sheet is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated board grade structure used for low cost, enhanced graphics packaging. The product contains an unbleached or bleached substrate board and pigmented opaque polymer film applied to the unbleached board substrate to produce a product with a smooth coated, glossy surface for quality graphics printing.

Abstract: The present invention provides: an ink jet recording material which displays sufficient water resistance and further, excellent definition of initial images; and a coating agent therefor to give such an ink jet recording material. A first coating agent for ink jet recording materials, according to the present invention, comprises: an aqueous polymer having a carboxyl group; and a water-soluble polymer having an oxazoline group as a crosslinking agent. A second coating agent for ink jet recording materials, according to the present invention, comprises a polymer and a crosslinking agent, wherein the polymer has both a structural unit, as formed by ring-opening polymerization of an oxazoline compound, and a carboxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of forming a transparent and gas-permeability decreasing coating by virtue of applying a coating containing at least one polymer dispersion on a sheet of paper, board or similar cellulosic fiber based web in at least one coating step. The method according to the invention is based on the use of a polymer dispersion containing extremely pure talc particles having a degree of purity of 90-100% and a particle size of 90% smaller than 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film formed from a solution of cellulose acylate contains a solvent of the solution at 0.1-0.6 wt. %, and acids at less than 500 ppm. The solvent is composed of at least one of esters and ketones, and further a recycled solvent recycled from the solution. In order to produce the cellulose acylate film, the solution is applied on a dope band moving in a direction, and dried to contain the solvent between 10-80 wt. % to the cellulose acylate. Thus a film-like material is formed from the solution, and peeled from the dope band. Thereafter the film-like material is further dried to form the cellulose acylate film containing the solvent at between 0.1 and 0.6 wt. %.

Abstract: An electrophotographic transfer sheet having a coating layer on at least one surface base material made of pulp fibers as a main body provided. The elongation of the sheet in the cross direction when the humidity is changed from 25% RN to 90% RH at 20° C. is not higher than about 0.65% and the water content of the sheet at opening its package as measured according to JIS P8127 is approximately in the range from 3.5 to 6.5%. A method of forming a color image using color toners each containing a polyester resin having Mn in the range of from about 1,000 to 9,000 and using the above-described electrophotographic transfer sheet is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous coating composition for a plastic film which comprises: (a) from 10 to 60% (by dry weight) of a water-dispersible copolymer comprising: (a1) from 1 to 30% by weight, preferably from 3 to 10% by weight, of monomers selected from the group consisting of N-alkyl(meth)acrylamide and N-hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylamide; and (a2) from 70 to 99% by weight, preferably 90 to 97% by weight, of monomers selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl(meth)acrylate, wherein the alkyl group contains straight or branched chains having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; (b) from 3 to 40% (by dry weight) preferably more than 5% of a crosslinker for the functional groups of the monomers of groups (a1); (c) from 13 to 85% (by dry weight) of ink receptive particles. This composition imparts computer imprintable characteristics to a plastic film.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover having a cloth-appearing finish on a surface thereof, the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover formed from a flexible, substantially non-shape sustaining laminated material having at least one surface with a cloth-like texture or appearance. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover has a closed lower end, an open upper end with an opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end thereof. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover has a plurality of overlapping folds of which at least a portion are permanently connected so that the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides copolymer-based compositions which are used to produce point for roof tiles, in order to prevent algal vegetation, crack formation, increased water absorption, as well as chipping off of the paint, more particularly on concrete roof tiles.

Abstract: An water based adhesive useful for bottle labeling applications. The adhesive contains styrene maleic anhydride and rosin, and provides a formulation with alkali sensitivity at moderate temperature together with cold water resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising from about 95 to about 5 parts by weight of an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive; from about 5 to about 95 parts by weight of an at least partially soluble (in a solvent) polymer, and a compatibilizer present in the composite pressure-sensitive adhesive in an amount greater than 0 to about 10 parts by weight of the composite pressure-sensitive adhesive. The polymer is selected from the group consisting of a butadiene-containing polymer, an isoprene-containing polymer, a saturated olefin-containing polymer, and a styrene-containing polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to adhesive compositions comprising selected ratios of crystalline and amorphous polymers. In some versions of the invention, polymers capable of existing in different configurations (e.g., a polymer such as polypropylene which can exist in an atactic, syndiotactic, or isotactic configuration) is used to prepare adhesives of the present invention. As an example, a selected amount of isotactic polypropylene is blended with a selected amount of atactic polypropylene to prepare an adhesive composition having one or more performance properties (e.g., bond strength) that are superior to the performance properties of a conventional hot-melt adhesive.