Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing method of a heat-sealable packaging material, a polymer-coated packaging material manufactured using the method, and a sealed package to be manufactured of the material. The packaging material comprises a fibre base, such as a packaging board (5), and an inner, extruded water vapour barrier layer (2, 9) on both sides, containing high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and an outer heat sealing layer (1, 10), the material of which is, for example, low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Further, polymeric oxygen barrier layers (7) can be incorporated in the packaging material, the material of the oxygen barrier layers being, for example, ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) or polyamide (PA). With the HDPE layer, the permeation of water vapour is prevented to both directions, and the location of the extruded layers on both sides of the fibre base reduces the curling of the material.

Abstract: A multi-layer film with barrier properties having one or more layers made from a bio-based film is disclosed. In one aspect, the print web comprises a bio-based film. The bio-based film can comprises polylactide or polyhydroxy-alkanoate. Unlike prior art petroleum-based films, the bio-based film of the present invention is made from a renewable resource and is biodegradable.

Abstract: A chip board including an intermediary layer (1) and a layer (2) of large chips positioned on both sides of said intermediary layer. An outer layer (3) is provided on the 5 outer surface of each layer of large chips. In addition to the chips, the layers include an adhesive. The intermediary layer (1) includes a mixture of wood chips having chip fractions of a chip size of 0.1 to 20 mm, and the chips of this layer are randomly oriented. The individual chip in the layer (2) of large chips presents the following characteristics: a length of approx. 50 to approx. 130 mm, a width of approx. 4 to approx. 40 mm and a thickness of approx. 0.2 to approx. 2.0 mm. The chips within each layer (2) of large chips are all oriented in one and the same direction. As a result, a chip board is obtained which demonstrates a significantly higher E-module and stiffness in flexure than hitherto known despite a reduced consumption of material.

Abstract: Disclosed are rigid or semi-rigid multilayer structures that provide high oxygen permeability values comprising metallocene polyethylene, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or highly neutralized blends of ethylene acid copolymers, organic acid salts and optionally one or more ethylene-containing polymers or silicon-containing polymers. Such structures have improved oxygen permeability and are useful in packaging food products such as case ready meat, fish, sausage, fresh produce, and the like that require breathable packages.

Abstract: Compositions for coating biological and non-biological surfaces, which minimize or prevent cell-cell contact and tissue adhesion, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. Embodiments include polyethylene glycol/polylysine (PEG/PLL) block or comb-type copolymers with high molecular weight PLL (greater than 1000, more preferably greater than 100,000); PEG/PLL copolymers in which the PLL is a dendrimer which is attached to one end of the PEG; and multilayer compositions including alternating layers of polycationic and polyanionic materials. The multi-layer polymeric material is formed by the ionic interactions of a polycation and a polyanion. The molecular weights of the individual materials are selected such that the PEG portion of the copolymer inhibits cellular interactions, and the PLL portion adheres well to tissues.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose acylate composition, which comprises filtering a solution in which cellulose acylate satisfying the following formulae 1 to 3 and having melt viscosity of 150 to 1000 Pa·s at 230° C. is dissolved in a solvent through a filter having a retention particle size of 0.1 to 40 ?m, and mixing the filtered solution with a poor solvent to reprecipitate cellulose acylate: 1.5?A+B?3Formula 1 0?A?2.0Formula 2 1.0?B?3Formula 3 where A is a substitution degree for an acetyl group of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose, and B is a substitution degree for an acyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose acylate composition, which comprises filtering a solution in which cellulose acylate satisfying the following formulae 1 to 3 and having an M/S defined by following formula 4 of 0.5 to 2 is dissolved in a solvent through a filter having a retention particle size of 0.1 to 40 ?m, and mixing the filtered solution with a poor solvent to reprecipitate cellulose acylate: 1.5?A+B?3 Formula 1 0?A?1.8 Formula 2 1.2?B?3 Formula 3 where A is a substitution degree for an acetyl group of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose, and B is a substitution degree for an acyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose, M/S={(a molar content of alkali metal)/2+(a molar content of alkali earth metal)/2}/(a molar content of sulfur).

Abstract: An enhanced or optimized cast-coated paper for enhancing or improving toner adhesion, and a method for forming an image on the enhanced or optimized cast-coated paper, includes a paper sheet with a coating solution on at least one surface of the paper sheet, the cast-coated paper having at least: a thermal diffusivity of less than approximately 9.0 mm2/s and total surface free energy component of less than 38 erg/cm2. Printing the cast-coated paper in an electrophotographic apparatus includes forming an image with an electrophotographic toner in the electrophotographic apparatus and transferring the image to the cast-coated paper having the thermal diffusivity of less than approximately 9.0 mm2/s and the total surface free energy component of less than 38 erg/cm2. The cast-coated paper may be used in apparatuses utilizing an electrophotographic process, such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a color-copying machine, and the like.

Abstract: A method of forming a gypsum-based panel product including the steps of: mixing calcined gypsum, water, a foaming agent and a core strengthening agent to form a foamed slurry; depositing the slurry; shaping the slurry to form a board having a core and core surfaces, optionally sandwiched between sheets of liner; and allowing the core to set, and drying the board, wherein the strengthening agent is dextrin, used in an amount not less than 0.1% by weight, based on the amount of calcined gypsum, so that, after drying, there is provided a strengthening dispersion of dextrin throughout the core. Less than 5% dextrin in preferred.

Abstract: Methods for esterifying hydroxyl groups in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in wood are described, wherein the wood is chosen from loblolly, slash, shortleaf, longleaf or radiata pines. Methods can include solvent drying techniques and heating provided by electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave, and radiofrequency. Products made from the methods are described that have greater decay resistance and dimensional stability as compared with non-esterified wood products.

Abstract: Wood products, specifically wood commonly used in construction including dimension lumber, pressure treated pine, composite wood materials such as plywood, particle board, and wafer board, and samples of paper and fabric were variously treated with concentrations of sodium silicate (Na2OSiO2) also known as water glass. Cellulosic materials including dimension lumber, plywood, particle board, wafer board, paper, and fabric were treated with sodium silicate (Na2O.SiO2) in concentrations ranging from 400-0.04 g Na2O.SiO2/kg water. To overcome the disadvantages of sodium silicate, sodium silicate treated samples were further treated to convert the water soluble sodium silicate to a water insoluble form, thereby overcoming the disadvantages of water solubility. and rendering the material effective for internal and external uses.

Abstract: A single manufacturing pass for manufacturing a multilayered self-organized coating onto a substrate to provide all of the functions usually provided in multiple-pass coatings for manufacturing an infrared imageable offset lithographic printing plate; and a process whereby two or more polymeric materials that cannot usually co-exist in solution may be dissolved in suitably dilute solvent mixtures which, when coated onto a substrate and the solvents evaporated, deposit a continuous graduation of polymeric mixtures vertical to the substrate, caused by the self-assembly process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of producing a calendered, coated fibrous web, according to which method a fibrous web is coated with a coating colour containing a coating pigment, and the coated fibrous web is calendered. According to the invention, at least 1%, preferably 10 to 100% of the weight of the pigment comprises calcium oxalate, and calendering the coated web by online calendering. The properties of the calcium oxalate pigment are so advantageous for calendering that it is possible to obtain a reasonably high gloss already with a machine calender (online calendering), which will eliminate need for a separate offline calender in the production line of matt surface papers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered packaging for greasy products or part of said packaging, comprising a carrier layer made of a polymer material as main component and at least one layer placed on said carrier layer that does not form the outer side of the packaging, said layer containing a starch derivative as main component. The invention is characterized in the starch derivative is a starch derivative modified with a C2–C6-alkylene oxide. The invention also relates to the use of a C2–C6-alkylene oxide derivatized starch as main component of a layer of a multilayered packaging, which is placed on a carrier layer made of a polymer material in said packaging with the aim of rendering said multilayered packaging grease-tight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-dispersible composition for making a water repellent paper with a low permeability for moisture. The composition comprises components (A) to (H), in the following amounts by dry weight (wt): (A) 5 to 89 wt % of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), (B) 1 to 20 wt % of styrene maleic imide (SMI), (C) 5 to 50 wt % of ethylene acrylate, (D) 0 to 20 wt % of polyvinyl alcohol or starch, (E) 0 to 7 wt % of wax, (F) 0 to 6 wt % of styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA), (G) 0 to 70 wt % of styrene butadiene (SB) latex and (H) 0 to 70 wt % of talc. The invention further relates to an easily macerating moisture-proof paper comprising a base paper having coated on at least one surface thereof a layer of an aqueous emulsion comprising a water-dispersible composition, wherein the solid content in the aqueous emulsion is from 30 to 65 % by weight.

Abstract: Support based on organic and/or inorganic fibres covered at least on one of the faces thereof with a chitosan-based layer, characterized in that the layer is obtained by depositing a chitosan-based aqueous solution, the average molar mass of which has a mass less then 130 000 g/mol, the concentration of which is between 6 and 30% by weight and the viscosity of which is between 100 and 3000 cps.

Abstract: An improved pigment-coated paper is provided which enables the use of a non-acidic basesheet in the manufacture of a fragrance release paper. The non-acidic basesheet, compared to the conventionally used acidic basesheet, is brighter and less brittle, and therefore imparts improved visual effects and reduces the likelihood of cracking. The clay-based coating composition is mildly alkaline when wet (pH between 7.5 and 8.5) and upon drying on the basesheet, becomes mildly acidic (pH between 6.0 and 7.0). A method of making the improved pigment-coated paper using a non-acidic basesheet in the manufacture of a fragrance release paper is provided, comprising the steps of preparing the basesheet, applying the premixed pigment coating composition using rollers and blade leveling devices, and drying the pigment coating composition. A fragrance sample construction, for use in magazines, catalogs, leaflets, etc.

Abstract: A process of forming a nitrocellulose film on a carrier includes the steps of (i) atomizing a nitrocellulose solution to form a plurality of fine nitrocellulose particles and (ii) evenly spraying the nitrocellulose particles on the carrier to form the nitrocellulose film. The film has a predetermined thickness. The nitrocellulose solution is atomized by an ultrasonic spraying nozzle to control a size of each of the nitrocellulose particles to be sprayed on the carrier. The nebulizer can be air-assisted by inert air to control characteristics of the nitrocellulose spray pattern.

Abstract: Laminated board for exterior cladding formed from a core (13) of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin, at least one layer of natural wood (14) and at least one surface covering layer (15) including a coating film (17) and a substrate film (16). The coating film (17) is a single-layer film based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a two-layer film with its lower layer based on polymethyl methacrylate and its upper layer based on polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF), or a PMMA/PVDF single-layer film. The substrate film (16) consists of a paper impregnated with a compound formed from 80-95% by weight of a phenolic resin and 5-20% by weight of a polymer promoting adhesion of the coating film (17), such as an acrylic, melamine or urea polymer or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A wood product is made from treating wood with two solutions, in series, including a penetrating solution and a topcoat composition. The penetrating solution is made up of boric acid, a metallocene catalyst, a free radical initiator, a first film-forming polymer and an adhesion promoter. The topcoat includes a second continuous film-forming polymer. Application of the penetrating solution to the wood gets the solution into the wood to cross-link boric acid with cellulose fibers, then the topcoat forms the continuous film. The topcoat seals in the penetrating solution so that it does not leach out during subsequent exposure to water and weather, allowing soluble salts such as borax to migrate and infiltrate deeper into the wood. Microbiological growth is prevented by several mechanisms.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a paper container from packaging materials, damage of internal layers of packaging materials is promptly inspected, and degradation by light exposure of content can be prevented. A method of manufacturing light barrier paper packaging materials for liquid food formed from a laminate having a paper layer, a thermoplastic resin outside layer, and a thermoplastic resin inside layer include preparing a substantially completely bleached white bleached paper layer, providing a light barrier layer of light barrier material on the inside of the bleached paper layer before or during lamination of the thermoplastic resin inside layer, and inspecting for defects of the obtained laminate by observation of the visible or invisible inside surface of the bleached paper layer from the thermoplastic resin inside layer side of the obtained laminate through the light barrier layer.

Abstract: A prepreg can be obtained by impregnating a base paper with a heat-curing resin free from formaldehyde, the prepreg exhibiting a residual moisture content of 2 to 4% by weight after drying, the resin of the prepreg being non-crosslinked and exhibiting a degree of crosslinking of maximum about 85% in the case of thermal treatment of the prepreg over a period of about 40 seconds at about 132° C.

Abstract: In a multi-layer structure of a cellulose acylate film, the averaged degree of acylation of surface layers is controlled in the range of 0.5 to 2.8 by mixing several sorts of cellulose acylates having different averaged degrees of acyation. One of the surface layers is formed on a substrate by casting a solution containing cellulose acylate made of cotton linter. Lubricant particles are added to a solution for the surface layers, and emission compounds to a solution for the inner layers. The obtained cellulose acylate film is excellent in adhesive property to the hydrophobic material without saponification, and adequately used for the polarizing filter, an optical compensation sheet, and liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A multilayer film has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises an additive, a binder, and a crosslinking agent. The additive is a flavor, fragrance, colorant, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, chelating agent, and/or odor absorbent. The binder is a polysaccharide and/or a protein. The crosslinking agent comprises a compound with at least two carbonyl groups. The second layer comprises a non-water-soluble thermoplastic polymer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene. Each of the additive, binder, and crosslinking agent are present throughout a thickness of the first layer. Preferably, the first layer is coated onto the second layer, which is preferably a non-water-soluble thermoplastic polymer, e.g., polyolefin, polyamide, and/or polyester.

Abstract: Composite coated wood products, and methods to produce such products, are described by embodiments of the invention. Composite layers may comprise polymer and fillers, such as organic fillers and inorganic fillers. The composite layers may also be foamed in some embodiments of the invention. Such composite coated wood products may be structural or non-structural pieces that may provide safe, economical, easy to manufacture construction products that may be utilized with wood composites, and other plastic composites. Such products may also promote uniformity of appearance in objects constructed with the composite coated wood products in a variety of applications.

Abstract: An element comprising a support on which is disposed an organic electroconductive polymeric layer containing a conductive polymer such that when a printing solution containing a conductivity enhancing agent contacts said electroconductive layer, the resistivity of the areas that are contacted with a printing solution decreases by at least a factor of 10. A method for producing an electrode pattern in the substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A film substrate of an electronic displaying element, an electronic optical element, a touch panel, or a solar battery is disclosed which is composed mainly of an organic polymer having water solubility of 0 to 5 g based on 100 g of 25° C. water and having acetone solubility of 25 to 100 g based on 100 g of 25° C. acetone and an inorganic condensation polymer of a reactive metal compound capable of being condensed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a gloss coated paper having specific properties for enhanced toner adhesion. The critical specific properties of the paper include the combination of a thermal diffusivity of less than approximately 8.5 mm2/s, a polar liquid contact angle slope of less than approximately ?12.0 and a non-polar liquid contact angle slope of less than approximately ?5.5. A method of printing gloss coated paper in an electrophotographic apparatus includes forming an image with an electrophotographic toner in the electrophotographic apparatus and transferring the image to the gloss coated paper.

Abstract: The polymer matrix material includes a polymerization product of one or more monomers selected from the group of water-soluble, ethylenically-unsaturated acids and acid derivatives, and a crosslinking agent. A quantity of water is used for polymerization, such that the polymer material is swelled to a defined volume upon curing. Optionally, a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer and/or a chemical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides various apparatus useful in paper manufacturing and recycling. On such apparatus is a paper strap that includes a paper body that is formed of a compound structure. Such a paper strap further includes an adhesive material formed on at least a portion of the paper body. Methods for using the paper strap include methods related to recycling paper products, methods for sealing cartons, and methods for manufacturing paper products.

Abstract: A vapor-deposited film having a substrate consisting essentially of a polymer material and a vapor-deposited layer consisting essentially of a ceramic, the substrate being subjected to plasma pre-treatment using a hollow anode plasma treatment device, prior to vapor deposition of the vapor-deposited layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorinated copolymers resulting from the polymerization of a polyfluorinated monomer, a (meth)acrylate amino alcohol, vinyl acetate and a silane monomer in a distillable organic solvent, aqueous compositions containing them, and their use for treating solid substrates, notably building materials.

Abstract: A composition for a slurry for manufacture of acoustical panels includes one or more fillers, one or more binders, water and zinc pyrithione. At least of the fillers and/or binders includes microbial nutrients in an amount of at least 1% based on the dry weight of the acoustical panel. In another embodiment of the invention, acoustical panels include a core having a plurality of opposing surfaces and being at least ? inches thick. The core comprises the dried product of a slurry of fillers, binders and water. Zinc pyrithione is present in at least one of the core and a coating applied to at least one of the surfaces of the core.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulosic formed materials having high water retention capacity according to the dry-wet extrusion process by producing a solution of 5 to 20 wt.-% of cellulose in a hydrous tertiary amine oxide, extruding the solution, stretching the extrudate in a non-precipitating medium, and precipitating the formed materials in an aqueous or alcoholic precipitating bath, characterized by extruding a solution including 0.01 to 250 wt.-%, relative to cellulose, of at least one superabsorbent polymer having a grain size of ?100 ?m. The fibers, films, and composite materials being formed are remarkable for their high water retention capacity and are suitable in the production of hygiene products, baby or disposable diapers, sanitary towels, tampons, incontinence articles, absorbent patches, wound dressings, strappings, bandages, absorbent cloths, moisture-absorbing clothing, bed mattings, filter materials or filters, packaging materials, or cable sheathings.

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 adherent to the hydrophobic plastic surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, and they permit the surfaces to be uniformly wet with water. The coatings may be rendered even more adherent when wet by graft polymerizing the starch with a synthetic monomer. Resultant products have the potential for 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 puncture and cut resistant surgical glove is provided for protection against injury from sharp surgical instruments and needles. The puncture and cut resistant surgical glove includes overlaid arrays of adjacent substantially spherical macrospheres. Each macrosphere has capture devices for capturing the point of a sharp instrument. An elastomer encapsulates the overlaid arrays of adjacent macrospheres. Each macrosphere is either porous or formed of smaller microspheres that are aggregated together to provide capture devices. A polymer is coated over the aggregated microspheres to give each macrosphere a smooth surface. The polymer and microspheres provide a capture function for capturing the points of sharp instruments. The puncture and cut resistant surgical glove can be fabricated using low cost manufacturing methods.

Abstract: Molded skins and methods of making molded skins are disclosed. An embodiment of a skin includes a sheet having first and second surfaces, a first arcuate portion integral with the sheet, and a second arcuate portion integral with the sheet and adjacent to the first arcuate portion. The sheet includes a cellulosic material. The first arcuate portion includes a first surface and a second surface, each having an arc. The second arcuate portion includes a first surface and a second surface, each having an arc. An angle forming the arc of the first surface of the first arcuate portion is greater than 110 degrees and an angle forming the arc of the first surface of the second arcuate portion is less than 102 degrees.

Abstract: Coatings are provided to give polymeric structures a top coat that improves the gas barrier properties of the structure while enhancing the water resistance of the top coating and while improving the adhesion of the top coat to an underlying layer of the structure. These top coat compositions comprise an organic barrier coating material in combination with an epoxide additive which enhances the water resistance, adhesion, gas barrier, or a combination thereof, of the top coat barrier layer. Multilayer structures having this top coat are also provided, particularly in the form of containers for food and beverage packaging.

Abstract: This invention relates to copper complexes that significantly reduce the decay of wood, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin caused by fungi. A process for treating such materials with these copper-containing anti-fungal agents is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layer paper suitable as a material for preparing heat-sensitive stencil printing masters. The multi-layer paper is produced by combining a plurality of thin paper layers by paper making. The multi-layer paper has a peel strength of 10 N/m or less and may be delaminated into at least two tissue sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is a component such as a siding panel that may be comprised of various formulations of cellulosic/polymer composite materials. One embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that is comprised of a cellulosic/PVC composite material. This composite material may include at least one cellulosic filler in the amount of about 30% to about 60% by weight and a PVC material in the amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight. The PVC material may include about 1 to about 10 parts stabilizer(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, about 2 to about 12 parts lubricant(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin, and about 0.5 to about 8 parts process aid(s) per 100 parts of the PVC resin. Another embodiment of the present invention is a siding panel that may be comprised of a cellulosic/polypropylene composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens, which comprises a lubricious coating including a capping layer of polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or at least one layer of a lubricious coating material and one layer of a polyionic material having charges opposite of the charges of the lubricious coating material. The lubricious coating on the medical device of the invention has increased lubricity, preferably characterized by an averaged CoF of about 3.0 or less, increased hydrophilicity characterized by an averaged contact angle of about 80 degree or less, and increased bacterial adhesion resistance, while maintaining the desired bulk properties such as oxygen permeability and ion permeability of lens material. Such lenses are useful as extended-wear contact lenses. In addition, the invention provides a method for making a medical device, preferably a contact lens, having a lubricious coating thereon.

Abstract: Cavities in a thin natural wood plate material are filled with a polymer compound to provide softness and folding endurance the thin natural wood plate material. The surface of the thin natural wood plate material is not entirely covered by filling the polymer compound.

Abstract: A method of producing boards or panels from cereal straw includes the steps of treating and mechanically refining the straw with steam under elevated pressure which may be in excess of 8 bar (800 kPa). The resulting fiber may then be pressed in to boards or panels without added binder or mixed with a urea formaldehyde or melamine urea formaldehyde binder.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a coating material for recycling a thermoplastic resin mold, wherein said coating material is coated on the surface of said thermoplastic resin mold and said thermoplastic resin mold, discarded, can be recycled without removing the coating film of said coating material. To attain said object, a thermoplastic resin mold is coated with a coating material containing a thermoplastic resin and non-yellowing type cellulose derivative as vehicles, said thermoplastic resin having compatibility with the thermoplastic resin of said thermoplastic resin mold. Said thermoplastic resin mold, surface coated, used, and discarded, can be recycled without removing the coating film of said coating material, and further the resulting recycled thermoplastic resin mold does not degrade.

Abstract: An oxygen barrier coating including polyvinyl alcohol and starch. The coating is applied to polymer film, and shows excellent oxygen barrier properties.

Abstract: A system and a method for coating two sides of a laminate material is disclosed in which one side of the laminate material is coated with one substance and the second side is coated with a different substance. The method described is particularly suited for applying a substance providing balancing characteristics desirable in the end product to one side of the laminate material and applying a substance providing other characteristics desirable in the end product to the other side of the laminate material. For example, a balancing substance may be applied on one side of a kraft paper sheet and a substance providing structural bonding applied to the other side, thereby eliminating the need to use a discrete balancing sheet in a laminate. The kraft sheet thus coated may be used to form a laminate panel.

Abstract: Methods of making articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant thermoplastic film comprising gelatinized starch and a hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Abstract: A system and a method for coating two sides of a laminate material is disclosed in which one side of the laminate material is coated with one substance and the second side is coated with a different substance. The method described is particularly suited for applying a substance providing characteristics desirable in the manufacturing process to one side of the laminate material and applying a substance providing characteristics desirable in the end product to the other side of the laminate material. For example, a release agent may be applied on one side of a kraft paper sheet and phenolic resin on the other side, thereby eliminating the need to use release sheets in the manufacture of laminates. The kraft sheet thus coated may be used in a laminate product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective barrier coating composition including a metal borate compound, a zinc compound, magnesium hydroxide, and a water based binder. The invention is also directed to a method of protecting building construction materials from termites and other insects, mold or mildew, and fire or water damage. The composition can be applied onto construction materials by a paint roller, spraying, or brushing, before, during, or after construction.