Abstract: Environmental indicators for monitoring a predetermined environmental exposure, for example, an historical heat exposure such as a cumulative ambient heat exposure and/or a peak ambient heat exposure, may include an environmental indicator material. The environmental indicator may be configured to attach to a host product for monitoring the predetermined environmental exposure of the host product.

Abstract: Provided is a PSA sheet having a PSA layer. The PSA layer includes a layer A forming at least one surface thereof. The PSA sheet has an adhesive strength N0 of 2.0 N/10 mm or greater, after one day at room temperature following application of the layer A side to a surface of an alkaline float glass plate as an adherend having a contact angle of 5°-10° with distilled water; has an N1 to N0 reduction rate of 30% or lower, wherein N1 is a water-resistant adhesive strength measured after stored at room temperature for one day, immersed in water for 30 minutes, taken out from the water and then residual water is wiped off, and has an N2 to NO reduction rate of 40% or higher, wherein N2 is a water-peel strength measured after stored at room temperature for one day, 20 ?L distilled water is dropped onto the adherend and is allowed to enter a PSA layer/adherend interfacial edge. N2 is measured at a tensile speed of 300 mm/min at a peel angle of 180°.

Abstract: The present description provides esterified fatty acid and/or tall oil compositions and their use as alternative plasticizers in adhesives formulations. These esters demonstrate similar or improved performance over adhesives industry standard plasticizers. The description also provides methods of manufacturing and using the same, for example, to improve or modify the performance of adhesive materials, such as, hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives and hygienic adhesives.

Abstract: Coating composition providing gloss and opacity on application, having a pigment volume concentration of from 5% up to the critical pigment volume concentration and characterised in that comprises at least one ground natural calcium carbonate having a volume median diameter of between 0.05 and 0.3 ?m, and at least one pigment having a refractive index of greater than or equal to 2.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modifier useful for modifying a polymer, a method for preparing a modified and conjugated diene-based polymer using the same, and a modified and conjugated diene-based polymer prepared thereby. In the modified and conjugated diene-based polymer, a hydroxyl group and a silyl group are combined, and the affinity thereof with a silica-based filler may be excellent. Accordingly, a rubber composition including the modified and conjugated diene-based polymer may have excellent processability, and as a result, molded articles (for example, tires) manufactured from the rubber composition may have excellent tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and viscoelasticity properties.

Abstract: Process for treating a fibrous material, to make said material hydrophobic and/or water-repellent, comprising the operation of impregnating said material with a suspension comprising nanoparticles of a hydrophobic material and a cyanoacrylate in an organic solvent and causing the crosslinking of said cyanoacrylate; the process uses an amount of cyanoacrylate and a weight ratio with the nanoparticles such as to produce complete or partial coating of the fibrous material with a matrix of crosslinked cyanoacrylate in which said nanoparticles are dispersed.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a combustible or fuel, respectively, by thermally cracking a heavy oil in the presence of a wet, hydrocarbonaceous biomass by heating the heavy oil until the pyrolysis of the hydrocarbonaceous biomass, whereby the combustibles and fuels, respectively, are formed, removed from the heated heavy oil and subsequently condensed, characterized in that a hydrocarbonaceous biomass is used the moisture content of which amounts to, at most, 1.0% by weight, based on the biomass.

Abstract: A method for coating a solid substrate, which comprises coating the substrate with a coating slip comprising PVA and particles coupled to the PVA, followed by grafting of fatty acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions formulated to provide water resistance and fire resistance when applied as a coating to a surface (e.g., the surface of a wood product). The compositions include a latex binder and a halogenated phosphate ester. Wood products treated with the composition, as well as methods for applying the composition to a surface, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of reducing waste in the production of wood products, particularly a fenestration unit, and methods of coating a solid softwood component, as well as coated wood products are provided.

Abstract: Waterproof engineered floor and wall planks have a wear layer, an underlayer about an extruded dust and plastic composite core and a click-lock edge fastening system.

Abstract: An adhesive binder composition for adhering a paper sheet to a gypsum article with a gypsum layer having at least one paper sheet on a major surface thereof. The adhesive binder composition includes a polymeric adhesive and at least one surfactant. The adhesive binder composition resides at a boundary between the gypsum layer and the paper sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic acrylic resin composition comprising a methacrylic resin (A) and a polyvinyl acetal resin (B) obtained by acetalizing a polyvinyl alcohol resin with an aldehyde having 4 or more carbon atoms and an aldehyde having 3 or less carbon atoms in which the total amount of the vinyl alcohol units acetalized with the aldehyde having 4 or more carbon atoms and the aldehyde having 3 or less carbon atoms is 65 to 85 mol % of all repeating units, and the molar ratio of the vinyl alcohol unit acetalized with the aldehyde having 4 or more carbon atoms to the vinyl alcohol unit acetalized with the aldehyde having 3 or less carbon atoms is from 90/10 to 0/100. Furthermore, provided are an article molded from the thermoplastic acrylic resin composition and a method of producing the thermoplastic acrylic resin composition comprising the steps of mixing a methacrylic resin (A) and a polyvinyl acetal resin (B), increasing the resin temperature to 160° C.

Abstract: Described is an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a chain growth addition polymer obtainable via free-radically initiated emulsion polymerization from ethylenically unsaturated, free-radically polymerizable monomers, wherein the chain growth addition polymer is formed to an extent of not less than 60 wt % from primary monomers selected from vinylaromatic compounds, conjugated aliphatic dienes, vinyl esters of saturated C1- to C20-carboxylic acids, esters of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid with monohydric C1- to C20-alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons having 2 to 8 carbon atoms and one or two double bonds, or mixtures thereof, wherein the monomers are polymerized in the presence of lignosulfonate and wherein the chain growth addition polymer is branched or crosslinked. Also described is a process for preparing the aqueous polymer dispersion. The polymer dispersion is useful for preparing paper coating compositions.

Abstract: A paper coating slip additive obtainable by free-radical polymerization, its preparation and its use in paper coating compositions are described. The additive is formed from (a) acid monomers selected from ethylenically unsaturated C3 to C8 carboxylic acids, (b) associative monomers of the general formula H2C?CR1—COO-(EO)n—(PO)m—R2 where R1 is hydrogen or methyl, n is at least two, m is from zero to 50, EO is an ethylene oxide group, PO is a propylene oxide group and R 2 is a C8-C30 alkyl group or a C8-C30 alkaryl group, and (c) nonionic copolymerizable monomers other than a) and b), wherein said additive has a weight average molecular weight of below 200 000 and wherein tert-dodecyl mercaptan is used as chain transfer agent.

Abstract: A backer sheet comprising a natural fiber and impregnated with a water-based acrylate resin is thermofused with a wood cellulose sheet impregnated with the same or different water-based acrylate resin to provide a continuous laminate. The acrylate resin diffuses into the pores of the natural fiber backer sheet and the wood cellulose sheet during impregnation. Heat and pressure are used to thermofuse the backer sheet and the wood cellulose sheet to form the laminate, and the sheets are permanently bonded after thermofusion. Advantageously, the thermofused laminate is free of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde emissions. A topcoat or an iron oxide layer can be applied to the wood cellulose sheet after impregnating the wood cellulose sheet with the acrylate resin. A design can be transferred to the surface of the laminate or sheets using techniques such as dye sublimation or direct printing.

Abstract: The present invention provides increased stain resistance, tannin blocking, adhesion, and various other properties. A composition in accordance with the principles of the present invention comprises at least three binders, nanoparticle pigment, and pigmentary titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a coating on a substrate wherein the coating has three binders, nanoparticle metal oxide pigment, and pigmentary titanium dioxide. Various additives may be included to formulate paint as known in the art.

Abstract: A stain resistant, oil and water repellent copolymer comprising a copolymer prepared from fluorinated (meth)acrylate and amine salts of (meth)acrylic acid, and a method of providing stain resistance, oil and water repellency to substrates and a treated substrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coated white sheet having a fluorescence intensity of more than 55, measured in accordance with international standard ISO 11475: 2004, by the difference between the value for the CIE whiteness under D65 illuminant and the value for this same CIE whiteness after interposing a filter that eliminates wavelengths shorter than 420 nm, and being offset-printable with no mottling, said coated sheet comprising at least one base sheet and a printable white surface coat having a pigmented composition which comprises: —at least some white coating pigments and at least one coating binder; —at least one fluorescent whitening agent in a total quantity of 1% dry weight or more with respect to the dry weight of said pigments; —at least one support substance for said whitening agent in a total quantity of dry weight of more than 2% with respect to the dry weight of said pigments. The invention also concerns a method for producing said coated sheet by curtain coating said pigmented composition.

Abstract: A weatherable, low heat build-up, UV-cured vacuum coating for PVC or other extruded plastic profiles comprising a dark-colored pigment system that is substantially IR transparent, an IR reflective substrate, and a vacuum coating system for same.

Abstract: A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymeric formulations which contain aqueous dispersions of acrylic monomers and copolymers and modified polyethylene terephthalate resin are disclosed which are useful as a coating system or treatment for imparting water, oil and grease resistance to underlying cellulosic substrates. The formulations do not contain any fluorochemicals, polyethylene or wax. Moreover, the formulations provide water, oil and grease resistance properties that are an improvement in the art to known coatings and treatments which contain polyethylene and or wax for water, oil and grease resistance. These coatings can also impart improved anti-wicking properties over the existing art. These formulations have interest as they contain components that are permitted to come into direct contact with food products. Therefore, the formulations of the present invention are ideal for use as coatings for paper and paperboard, including paper packaging such as that utilized in food wrappers, food containers, food receptacles, etc.

Abstract: A stain blocking water borne coating composition is disclosed, said composition comprising (a) a styrene acrylic resin and, (b) a substituted styrene acrylate copolymer, wherein, by weight, said styrene acrylic resin is provided in excess of said substituted styrene acrylate copolymer. A method is also disclosed whereby this water-borne coating composition is applied to a substrate comprising water extractable staining agents, such as a tannin-containing open grain natural wood.

Abstract: A plywood flooring including a plywood as a substrate, where the plywood is heat-compressive treated in a density of 0.6 to 1.0 g/cm3 and is impregnated with a synthetic resin having a viscosity of 100 to 20,000 cp, which has both of the advantages of reinforced floorboards and the advantages of plywood floorboards.

Abstract: A building exterior material is made of a curable composition which has excellent water vapor permeability. The building exterior material comprises a building exterior substrate coated with a curable composition comprising an organic polymer (A) containing a silicon-containing group capable of being cross-linked by forming a siloxane bond, wherein the organic polymer (A) is a polyoxyalkylene polymer (A1) containing an oxyethylene repeating unit in a backbone skeleton, a weight of the oxyethylene repeating unit in the component (A1) being 1 to 80% by weight of the total weight of the component (A1), and/or a (meth)acrylate polymer (A2) containing an oxyethylene repeating unit at a side chain, a weight of the oxyethylene repeating unit in the component (A2) being 1 to 50% by weight of the total weight of the component (A2), and the curable composition is cured into a cured product having a thickness of 0.1 to 3.0 mm.

Abstract: Articles containing a cellulosic material and at least one polymer containing at least one antimicrobial disaccharide are described, as well as methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cationic surface sizing agent, and contains a first step of obtaining a copolymer (A) by solution-polymerizing a monomer mixture containing a monomer having a tertiary amino group (a), a specific (meth)acrylic acid ester (b) and styrenes (c) in the specific proportion in the presence of a chain transfer agent; a second step of obtaining a copolymer (B) by polymerizing the copolymer (A) and a hydrophobic monomer (d), in order to have a specific proportion of the copolymer (A), in an oxidation-reduction system using a water-soluble free-radical initiator and a heavy metal salt in the absence of a surfactant; and a third step of obtaining a quaternary ammonium salt of the copolymer (B) by quaternizing a tertiary amino group present in the copolymer (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cationic surface sizing agent, and contains a first step of obtaining a copolymer (A) by solution-polymerizing a monomer mixture which contains a monomer having a tertiary amino group (a) in the amount of 15 to 45% by weight, a (meth)acrylic acid ester (b) in the amount of 15 to 85% by weight, and styrenes (c) in the amount of 0 to 70% by weight in the presence of a chain transfer agent; a second step of obtaining a copolymer (B) by polymerizing the copolymer (A) and a nonionic hydrophilic monomer (d); a third step of obtaining a copolymer (C) by polymerizing the copolymer (B) and a hydrophobic monomer (e) in the absence of a surfactant; and a fourth step of obtaining a quaternary ammonium salt of the copolymer (C) by quaternizing a tertiary amino group present in the copolymer (C).

Abstract: The invention provides paper coating slips comprising, as a binder, an aqueous dispersion of a styrene-butadiene copolymer or of a styrene-acrylic ester copolymer, or a mixture of these aqueous dispersions, characterized in that an aqueous dispersion of a polyvinyl alcohol-stabilized vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer is additionally present in each case.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aqueous polymer dispersions is described, a vinylaromatic compound, such as, for example, styrene, a conjugated aliphatic diene, such as, for example, butadiene, and an ethylenically unsaturated carbonitrile, such as, for example, acrylonitrile, being copolymerized in an aqueous medium. The copolymerization is effected in the presence of a degraded starch and of free radical initiators. At least part of the monomers differing from ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are polymerized before the ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are added to the polymerization mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blend composition comprising a combination of (a) about 99 to about 1 weight %, based on the combination of (a) and (b), of a sub-partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) characterized by a hydrolysis level of from about 72 to about 84 mole %; and (b) about 1 to about 99 weight % of an ionomer comprising a parent acid copolymer that comprises ethylene and about 18 to about 30 weight % of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, the acid copolymer having a melt flow rate from about 200 to about 1000 g/10 min., wherein about 50% to about 70% of the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer are neutralized to carboxylic acid salts comprising potassium and/or sodium cations. Also disclosed are aqueous dispersions and methods to prepare the aqueous dispersions. Articles and multilayer structures comprising the blend composition on a substrate and methods for their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laminating a plastic film with a wood-base substrate, in particular for producing a high-gloss surface on a wood-base substrate, in which a plastic film is laminated by means of a laminating agent, preferably an adhesive, with a wood-base substrate and permanently bonded to the wood-base substrate, the plastic film being formed so as to be transparent on its top, and the products obtainable in this manner and their use, in particular in the area of the wood and furniture industry, for example for the production of pieces of furniture and fitments of all kinds.

Abstract: A composition is provided comprising a) cellulose fibres having a number average length of from 0.001 to 0.5 mm and a specific surface area of from 1 to 100 m2/g; b) an at least partially hydrolysed vinyl acetate polymer; and c) at least one anionic polymer. The composition is useful in providing self-supporting films or coating layers for providing barriers to permeable substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for surface coloration of paper web comprising a) from 0.1 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a coloring pigment, b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of a starch/latex copolymer, characterized in that, in addition to starch, the monomeric components that are copolymerized comprise i) styrene or a substituted styrene, ii) an acrylate and/or methacrylate and, optionally, iii) one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers, c) from 0 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of starch or a starch derivative, d) from 0 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of one or more auxiliaries and e) water to complete to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A floor coating material of the present invention contains (a) 20 to 40% by mass of a vinyl ester resin or an unsaturated polyester resin; (b) 50 to 70% by mass of a vinyl monomer and/or a (meth)acrylate monomer; (c) 1 to 20% by mass of a modifying agent (provided that the total amount of the components (a) to (c) is 100% by mass); and (d) 0.1 to 15 parts by mass of at least one radical polymerization initiator selected from the group consisting of organic peroxides, UV initiators and electron-beam initiators, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the components (a) to (c).

Abstract: The present invention discloses films, papers, and fabrics (both woven and non-woven) that are more receptive to inks or dyes. These ink/dye receptive products are made by coating the surface of the film, paper, or fabric with certain acrylate polymers. These ink/dye receptive films, papers and fabrics have the ability to then be used in making laminated and coated products. The subject invention more specifically discloses an ink/dye receptive film which is comprised of a base film which is coated with an acrylate polymer, comprised of 1 weight percent to 20 weight percent repeat units of at least one unsaturated aliphatic olefin monomer containing from 4 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: To provide a copolymer latex having a small particle size, which has a sufficient adhesion strength as a binder and a low viscosity and excellent handling properties in a composition containing a filler and the like, a composition for coating paper using the copolymer latex, and a coated paper having a coating layer formed by the composition. A copolymer latex contains a copolymer comprising: (A) 20 to 80% by mass of a structural unit derived from an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer, (B) 4 to 15% by mass of a structural unit derived from an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, and (C) 5 to 76% by mass of a structural unit derived from other copolymerizable monomer, wherein the total of (A), (B) and (C) being 100% by mass, and has a number average particle size of 30 to 80 nm by measurement with a transmission electron microscope, and has a viscosity of 50 to 400 mPa·s at a solid content of 48% by mass.

Abstract: A prepreg can be obtained by impregnating a decorative base paper with an impregnating resin solution which contains at least one polymer latex and at least one modified starch with a specific molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: An optical film material suitable for use in low curl or curl free optical film-to-paper laminates is provided. The inventive optical film material includes a light-transmitting polymeric optical spacer or carrier film that has a linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of less than about 25×10?6 mm/mm-° C. over the temperature range of from about 70 to about 160° C., or that is hygroscopic (e.g., has an ambient moisture absorption, measured as a percentage moisture content, similar to paper), or both. Also provided is an optical film-to-paper laminate (e.g., a micro-optic film-to-passport paper laminate) that demonstrates a reduction in (or elimination of) curl. The inventive laminate exhibits a maximum out-of-plane deformation of less than about 10%.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include a film-forming resin, a colorant, and a plurality of organic solvents. The organic solvents have a weight average relative evaporation rate, relative to n-butyl acetate, of from 3.0 to 5.0. The compositions have a low level of volatile organic compounds (VOC) according to the definition set forth in 40 CFR Part 51.100(s) (as amended through Jan. 21, 2009). Also provided are methods for coloring a wood substrate with such compositions and multi-layer composite coating systems comprising at least one coating layer deposited from such compositions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aqueous polymer dispersions is described, a vinylaromatic compound, such as, for example, styrene, a conjugated aliphatic diene, such as, for example, butadiene, and an ethylenically unsaturated carbonitrile, such as, for example, acrylonitrile, being copolymerized in an aqueous medium. The copolymerization is effected in the presence of a degraded starch and of free radical initiators. At least part of the monomers differing from ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are polymerized before the ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are added to the polymerization mixture.

Abstract: A stain blocking water borne coating composition is disclosed, said composition comprising (a) a styrene acrylic resin and, (b) a substituted styrene acrylate copolymer, wherein, by weight, said styrene acrylic resin is provided in excess of said substituted styrene acrylate copolymer. A method is also disclosed whereby this water-borne coating composition is applied to a substrate comprising water extractable staining agents, such as a tannin-containing open grain natural wood.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a coated print medium, a method of preparing a print medium, and a printing system. The coated print medium can comprise a substrate and a coating applied to the substrate. The coating can include, by solids, 20 wt % to 90 wt % of non-film forming polymer particulates having a particle size from 50 nm to 300 nm and a glass transition temperature greater than 85° C.; 1 wt % to 25 wt % water soluble polymer binder; 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % fixing agent; and 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % slip aid.

Abstract: A composition for coating paper includes at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of polymeric pigments, aluminosilicates, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, talc, barium sulfate, zinc oxide, aluminum trihydrate, amorphous silica and silicates; wherein the pigment is dispersed in an aqueous dispersion of a polymeric binder that is a copolymer of vinyl acetate, ethylene, at least one ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid or salt thereof and optionally one or more other monomers, wherein vinyl acetate units constitute in a range of 70-90 wt % of the polymeric binder and ethylene units constitute in a range of 10-30 wt % of the polymeric binder; and wherein the polymeric binder has a mean particle size in a range from 0.1 ?m to 0.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to coalescing agent for waterborne coatings. The coalescing agent comprises low molecular weight polytrimethylene ether glycol having a Mn (number average molecular weight) in a range of from 100 to 490. This disclosure is further directed to a waterborne coating composition comprising the coalescing agent. The waterborne coating compositions can be used as interior and exterior top coats, basecoats, primers, primer surfacers and primer fillers. The waterborne coating compositions can be used as architecture coatings, automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coatings, automotive refinish coatings, sports equipment coatings or any other coatings. The disclosure is particularly directed to a coating composition comprising components derived from renewable resources.

Abstract: A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.

Abstract: A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.

Abstract: An article comprises a first polylactic acid layer and a second layer directly adjacent the first layer. The second layer comprises any of ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymer, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate/glycidyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, and styrenic block copolymer. The article may be a shrink sleeve.

Abstract: A stain resistant, oil and water repellent copolymer comprising a copolymer prepared from fluorinated (meth)acrylate and amine salts of (meth)acrylic acid, and a method of providing stain resistance, oil and water repellency to substrates and a treated substrate.

Abstract: An article in the form of a packaging material having a water vapor transportation rate of about 500 g/m2/day or less. The packaging material has a paper substrate and a print-receptive layer which is positioned over the outer surface of the paper substrate. The packaging material also has a moisture barrier layer positioned over the print-receptive layer. The moisture barrier layer is formed from one or more energy-cured polymers. Also, methods for preparing these packaging materials, including printed packaging materials.