Abstract: A curable nitrocellulose based coating composition having four essential components: nitrocellulose, polymerizable reactive diluents whose homopolymers have glass transition temperatures both above and below 25° C. and acrylated urethane. The composition may also contain an initiator whereby thermal or light curing of the composition can be achieved.

Abstract: Described are articles having an aminoplast resin photochromic coating prepared from an aminoplast resin, components(s) having hydroxyl functional groups and photochromic substances. The coatings exhibit a Fischer microhardness of from 45 to 180 Newtons per mm2 and desirable photochromic properties, i.e., the formation of darker activated colors and faster rates of photochromic activation and fade when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Also described are photochromic aminoplast resin articles.

Abstract: The permanent shaping method avoids overcurling of hair tips. Prior to performing the permanent shaping of the hair, the hair tips are protected by wrapping the hair tips with an impregnated foil and then performing the permanent shaping of the hair. The foil is an impregnated hair-tip paper that has been treated with an aqueous preparation that provides superior permanent shaping results. This aqueous preparation contains water, from 20 to 70 percent by weight of at least one lipophilic substance; from 1 to 25 percent by weight of at least one emulsifier and from 0.5 to 15 percent by weight of at least one organic acid. An impregnated foil made from silk or rice paper is also described.

Abstract: A fluorescent color conversion film has an organic fluorescent dye, which absorbs light obtained from a light-emitting element in the near ultraviolet to the visible range and emits a visible light of a different wavelength, and a matrix resin, which bears the organic fluorescent dye. The organic dye is an immobilized organic fluorescent dye enclosed by a cyclodextrin derivative represented by general formula (I), wherein n is an integer from 4 to 10, each of R1-R5 are selected independently from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, and a C1-C6 alkyl group. An organic light-emitting device equipped with this fluorescent color conversion film suppresses the decomposition and quenching of the fluorescent dye from attacks by radicals generated from the polymerization initiators in photolithography and/or growth radicals of reactive multifunctional monomers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a kind degradable material and its disposable products, and their manufacturing process. The primary raw material used in the process consists of powdered shell or stalk of crops, urea-formaldehyde resin, and melamine resin. The materials are mixed thoroughly and hot pressed in a single step forming of the products. Oven drying or spray coating is not needed in the process. The products have the following characteristics: simple formula, simple process, low price; and the following properties: with natural color, dense; tough and tensile; and easy for coloring. In addition, they are water, heat and freezing resistant, anti-corrosion, non-poisonous, anti-pollution and biodegradable. They are entirely new environmental protection green products.

Abstract: A gypsum wall board is disclosed in which at least one of the paper cover sheets is made with neutral size and a small amount of a cationic polyamide resin is added to the stock used to make the cover sheet. The paper cover sheets provide improved resistance to post-manufacturing problems that involve delamination, such as “Roll-up”.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing composite materials from renewable raw materials wherein natural raw materials, especially in fiber form, comprising starch as binder are molded by adding water in accordance with a predetermined temperature and time profile to form boards and molded articles. The advantages of this method reside in said materials being fully biodegradable and free from harmful substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to naphthopyrans, particularly 3,3-[substituted]-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans and 2,2-[substituted]-naphtho[1,2-b]pyrans and particularly to novel substitution on the 3-position and 2-position, respectively, of these naphthopyrans. It has been found that there are classes and types of substitution on the 3-position and 2-position (especially combinations of 3,3-substitution and 2,2-substitution) which are novel. Some of these substitutions provide particularly desirable properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic molding such as a contact lens or any kind of ocular prostheses comprising an organic bulk material having covalently bonded to its surface an acceptor saccharide to which is enzymatically attached one or more further carbohydrates. The ophthalmic moldings of the invention have desirable characteristics regarding, for example, adherence to the substrate, durability, hydrophilicity, wettability or biocompatibility.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesives can be formed using gamma irradiation. One embodiment is a pressure sensitive adhesive which is a polymeric reaction product formed by gamma ray irradiation of an emulsion composition. The emulsion composition includes water; (meth)acrylate monomer material; polar, free-radically polymerizable material that is copolymerizable with the (meth)acrylate monomer material; and at least one emulsifier.

Abstract: A thermal stencil sheet for use in a laser stencil printing system comprising a stencil sheet comprising a base layer, a radiation absorbing layer, and a thermal film overlying the radiation absorbing layer. The base layer comprises a porous fibrous material which is saturatable with liquid.

Abstract: A photographic element comprising a polyester support; an antistatic layer; and a transparent magnetic layer comprising a cellulose binder, ferromagnetic particles and a blocked isocyanate.

Abstract: A recording sheet is disclosed comprising a substrate, having on at least one side thereon, an ink absorbent layer, said ink absorbent layer comprising alumina sol, at least one gelling agent, at least one cyclodextrin compound, and optionally, at least one binder. The ink absorbent layer may further comprise at least one viscosity, modifying compound and at least one gloss enhancing compound. The recording sheet of the present invention provides enhanced lightfastness properties.

Abstract: Pressure impregnation methods for preserving wood. The impregnant combines a wood preservative with a wax-surfactant-water emulsion. A cationic surfactant component made up of two different surfactants is preferred.

Abstract: There are disclosed electronic or microelectronic components having on at least a portion of a surface thereof a coating containing hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof wherein said coating has the ability to inhibit adhesion of microorganisms and formation of biofilms. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting corrosion and changes in electrical conductivity by inhibiting biofilm formation on electronic or microelectronic components by applying a coating containing hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof directly onto the surface of said components.

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

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

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: A degradable container is disclosed as containing 60 wt % to 70 wt % of a plant fiber, from 10 wt % to 30 wt % of an adhesive and from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of a demoulding agent, in which the adhesive is a modified urea-formaldehyde resin. A method of forming a degradable container is also disclosed as including the steps of (a) grinding a plant fiber to a size smaller than a pre-determined size; (b) nixing grounded plant fiber obtained under step (a) with a demoulding agent to form a premixed material; (c) mixing said premixed material with an adhesive into a powder form; (d) press-moulding said powder obtained under step (c) a first time under a pressure of 5-80 MPa; and (e) press-moulding said powder a second time under a pressure of 1.5-16 MPa into said container.

Abstract: A coated paper product having high gloss and brightness is prepared by a process wherein a paper substrate is coated on at least one side with an aqueous coating formulation comprising an effective amount of a plastic pigment, and finished in a supercalender device containing heated rolls to produce a surface which is comparable to a cast coated surface.

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 recording medium comprises one or more of the compounds represented by General Formula (1) and/or General Formula (2): wherein R is any of a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkokyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; wherein R1 is an alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbons, and R2, R3, R4, and R5 are respectively independently an alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbons.

Abstract: A method of preparing an object containing DNA, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a sample including DNA from a donor; extracting DNA from the sample; amplifying the extracted DNA; introducing a solution of the amplified DNA into a cavity within the object through an opening of the cavity, and closing the opening of the cavity, wherein the object is with a defined shape, or mixing a solution of the amplified DNA with the object where the object is amorphous, and a method for producing an object containing DNA, comprising the steps of: image-scanning a polyacrylamide gel film containing electrophoresed DNA bands; offset-printing on an object having a fixed shape using the scanned image data; and applying a DNA solution onto the DNA band image which has been offset-printed.

Abstract: An absorbent composition of matter includes a non-crosslinked gel forming polymer and at least one clay and preferably including a trivalent cation. The absorbency of the composition exceeds the sum of absorbencies of the components of the blend. The gel formed as a result of absorbency of fluid is non-slimy and has a high gel strength. The composition can be used with food products when made with all food safe ingredients. An absorbent article incorporating the absorbent material can be used for storage of food products.

Abstract: Fire retardant cellulosic material comprises from 0.4 to 2.0% by weight of tin and from 0.4 to 8.0% by weight of boron based on the weight of the cellulosic material. The fire retardant material is prepared in a two-stage or a one-stage process. The two-stage process comprises impregnation of the material with an alkaline solution of an alkali metal stannate or stannite, followed by impregnation with an aqueous solution of boric acid and drying. The one-stage process comprises impregnation of the material with a stable aqueous colloidal suspension of hydrous tin oxide stabilized with an alkali metal salt of boric acid having a pH in the range of from 4 to 8, followed by drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic materials based on polysaccharide ethers which are simultaneously substituted by carboxylic acid ester groups and carbamate groups, together with mixtures of such derivatives with low molecular weight aliphatic urea derivatives.

Abstract: Multilayer articles (including imaging elements) have improved adhesion between a polymeric support and film-forming polymer-containing layers disposed thereon. This improved adhesion is provided by including in the adhesion-promoting layer next to the support two or more polymers specific properties. At least one of the polymers adheres the layer to the support, and at least one other polymer is compatible or of the same class as the film-forming polymer in the upper layer. This adhesion-promoting layer can be provided as a very thin “carrier” layer during coating operations so that desired sensitometric effects and functional properties are obtained. Preferred imaging elements having such adhesion-promoting layers are photothermographic films.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fire-resistant cellulosic material which comprises contacting cellulosic material with an aqueous solution of aluminum phosphate wherein the molar ratio of aluminum to phosphorous is less than 1:1, optionally containing a metal oxide, to form an initially treated cellulosic material containing aluminum phosphate and an increased amount of water, removing water from and curing said initially treated cellulosic material to form a fire-resistant cellulosic material. The cellulosic material is preferably wood and the wood is preferably a shingle or plywood.

Abstract: A recording sheet is disclosed comprising a substrate, having on at least one side thereon, and an ink absorbent layer, said ink absorbent layer comprising alumina sol, at least one gelling agent, at least one cyclodextrin compound, and optionally, at least one binder. The ink absorbent layer may further comprise at least one viscosity modifying compound and at least one gloss enhancing compound. The recording sheet of the present invention provides enhanced lightfastness properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manifesting the time-temperature history of a perishable object includes the providing the object with a substrate having layer that is comprised of a volatile component and at least one other component, where the volatile component has an evaporation rate related to time and temperature. The teachings herein include allowing the volatile component to evaporate, causing a color change with the remaining component that reflects a time-temperature history of the object. The other component may include a lactone dye or crystal violet lactone, The layer may include poly-p-(hydroxystyrene), ethanol, crystal violet lactone and N-methyl pyrrolidinone, or may include poly-p-(hydroxystyrene), ethanol, crystal violet lactone, ammonia, N-methyl pyrrolidinone, and formaldehyde. A barrier may be provided to control the removal of the volatile component, and at least one chromophore may be provided to bias the layer so as to reduce an amount of time required before the color change is detectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ink jet recording materials and method for making the same. The material has a gel layer formed on a base material to improve the optical density of the material and improve the printing quality of ink of pigment type. The method for forming the gel layer is to coat a first ink-receptive layer composed of high valance metallic halide, such as calcium chloride (CaCl2) or magnesium chloride (MgCl2), on the base layer, then a second ink-receptive layer composed of alginate, such as sodium alginate, potassium alginate or other compounds of alginic acid, on the first ink-receptive layer. The second and the first ink-receptive layers will react to form a gel layer during coating for absorbing ink dots and improving print quality.

Abstract: A densifying agent is applied to fibers in order to improve the densification properties of the fibers. The fibers have hydrogen bonding functional groups. The densifying agent are denser than the fibers to which the densifying agent is applied. The densifying agent can be organic or inorganic. The improved densification properties are observed without the presence of particles bound to the fibers or in the presence of particles that are not bound to the fibers. Softening agents can also be applied to the fibers in order to soften the fibers and articles including such fibers. Softening agents may be selected from the group of densifying agents.

Abstract: A multi-layer, water-soluble film, a method of producing such film, and a method of packaging a chemical in such film are provided. The multi-layer film comprises a continuous layer of water-soluble material suitable for forming an outer layer of a bag, and a barrier coating affixed to discrete areas of the continuous layer, leaving a plurality of uncoated intervals occurring at repeating distances on the continuous layer. The continuous layer is of sufficient thickness and strength to provide sufficient structural integrity for use as a bag. The barrier coating, suitable for forming the inner surface of a bag, lacks sufficient structural integrity to contain the contents of the bag once the outer layer is substantially dissolved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying a multicoat finish to a substrate surface, comprising the following steps: (1): applying an aqueous basecoat A to the substrate surface, (2): forming a polymer film from the aqueous basecoat A applied in stage (1), (3): applying an aqueous transparent topcoat B to the basecoat film obtained in stage (2), and finally (4); baking the basecoat film and the topcoat film together, wherein the basecoat A comprises at least one hydroxyl-containing binder in aqueous solution or dispersion and a stable aqueous dispersion, prepared with a hydroxyl-containing emulsifier, of a hydrophobicized amino resin, and to substrates coated in accordance with the process of the invention.

Abstract: A plastic laminate with two or more plastic layers, at least one of which is polyhydroxyalkanoate, such as hydroxybutyrate/hydroxyvalerate copolymer. Next to the polyhydroxyalkanoate layer and attached to it is a layer of biodegradable polyester amide.

Abstract: A cellulose triacetate film characterized in being comprised of cellulose triacetate which is prepared by employing cotton liter as the raw material, having a value of weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn of 3.5 to 4.5, or being comprised of cellulose triacetate which is prepared by employing wood pulp as the raw material, having a value of weight average molecular weight Mw/number average molecular weight Mn of 4.0 to 5.0.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: The separation of enantiomeric pairs of compounds by capillary electrophoresis using highly sulfated &agr;-, &bgr;-, and &ggr;-cyclodextrins as chiral selectors is described herein. These charged cyclodextrins have a higher degree of sulfation and narrower heterogeneity than previous cyclodextrin derivatives. CE analyses using highly sulfated cyclodextrins produce improved resolution of a wide variety of chiral drugs, particulaly neutral compounds and amines. The highly sulfated &agr;-,&bgr;-, and &ggr;-cyclodextrins produce separations which complement each other to further expand the number of neutral and basic drugs that can be resolved by capillary electrophorsis.

Abstract: A photographic element comprising a polyester support; an antistatic layer; and a transparent magnetic layer comprising a cellulose binder, ferromagnetic particles and a blocked isocyanate.

Abstract: The invention provides a recording sheet including an additive, referred to herein as a compatibilizer, to improve the quality of images formed by toner powder development of electrostatic charge patterns. Recording sheets, carrying images produced by toner powder transfer and fusion on a receptor surface, according to the present invention, exhibit improved light transmission and reduced light scattering. Specifically, a transparent sheet is provided having a toner-receptive coating containing about 4 wt. % to about 25 wt % of a compatibilizer on at least one surface, wherein the coating has a low density yellow Q factor value at least 2 less than an identical coating without the compatibilizer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously forming composites comprising filler materials and thermoactive materials, particularly waste cellulosic materials and waste thermoplastics, are described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes either a batchwise or continuous mixer, such as a cyclone, for forming mixtures comprising filler and thermoactive material. The mixtures are conveyed to a continuous consolidation apparatus. Alternatively, the mixtures may be densified in a densifying apparatus before entering the consolidation apparatus. The consolidation apparatus includes a hot-gas distribution system having plural paired gas cells, such as rollers or hoods, for applying hot air to the charge. A first cell of each pair applies gas to the mixture. The second cell of each pair operates at a pressure less than that of the first cell, thereby creating a pressure differential across the charge.

Abstract: Extrusion coating structure in which at least one layer is made of a polymer composition comprising a multimodal ethylene polymer, which contains from 80 to 100% by weight of ethylene repeating u nits and from 0 to 20% by weight of C3-C10 alpha-olefin repeating units, has a density of between 0.920 and 0.960 kg/m3, and which is a blend of at least two different ethylene polymers.

Abstract: A biodegradable, water dispersible shaped core product useful in winding or rolling and storage of paper goods is provided by extruding starch which has a particle size of 800 to 1200 microns into an expanded, closed cell starch product.

Abstract: An ink jet recording material having substantially no tackiness and capable of receiving thereon ink images having high resistance to cracking and blotting has an ink receiving layer formed on a support and including (A) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose having a 2% aqueous solution viscosity of 200 cP at 20° C., and optionally (B) a N-vinyl pyrrolidon polymer and (C) a cationic resin.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium incorporating a backcoat layer which exhibits excellent movement characteristics, the magnetic recording medium having a non-magnetic support member; a magnetic layer formed on either surface of the non-magnetic support member and mainly composed of magnetic powder and a binder; and a backcoat layer formed on another surface of the non-magnetic support member and structured such that non-magnetic powder is dispersed in a binder, wherein the backcoat layer contains the non-magnetic powder composed of carbon black and inorganic powder having Moh's hardness of 6 to 9 at a ratio of 90:10 to 85:15, the contained binder is made of phenoxy resin, polyurethane resin and nitrocellulose, the contained carbon black consists of carbon black having an average primary particle size of 25 nm to 55 nm and carbon black having an average primary particle size of 280 nm to 350 nm and the contained inorganic powder consists of inorganic powder having an average primary particle size of 260 nm to

Abstract: A high strength, low density fiber board panel for use in the furniture industry is provided, including mineral wool, a lightweight aggregate material, cellulosic fiber, a binding agent and gypsum. The mineral wool makes up approximately 0% to 33%, the lightweight aggregate material approximately 25% to 41%, the cellulosic fiber approximately 20% to 35%, the binding agent approximately 5% to 9%, and the gypsum approximately 0% to 23%, of the dry solids weight of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ink jet recording medium, and more particularly to an ink jet recording medium prepared with an ink absorbent coating that is used to receive aqueous dye-based ink. The ink absorbent coating comprises a blend of at least one cellulose ether and stilbene optical brightener. The medium has a &Dgr;E value of no greater than about 5, as measured according to CIE 1976 (L*a*b*) uniform color scale method, after the medium has been imaged with a magenta color-image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable foil made from a low salt content hydroxypropylether solution of a starch containing at least 70% amylose having a median molecular weight from between about 105 to about 2×107, a polydispersity from about 2 to about 8, a degree of substitution from about 0.1 to about 0.5, and a substantially equal substituent distribution between C2/C3 and C6 bond sites in a glucose molecule and a density of about 1.3 g/cm3. The foil is of a thickness between about 20 &mgr;m and 200 &mgr;m and has a light transmissivity, at light of a wavelength of about 560 nm of in excess of 80%. The foil is especially suitable for printing, writing and deep drawing as well as for projection slides.

Abstract: An inkable sheet comprises a substrate having on at least one surface thereof an ink absorbent layer comprising a cellulose material and an acid functional resin which is insoluble in water of neutral or acidic pH at room temperature. The acid functional resin may comprise an acid functional polyurethane resin or an acid functional acrylic resin such as a polyacrylate/acrylic acid copolymer. The ink absorbent layer preferably further comprises a weak organic acid or salt thereof and/or at least one crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A biologically degradable polymer mixture is proposed which consists essentially of starch and at least one hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophobic polymer is in this connection at least substantially biologically degradable and thermoplastically processable and the mixture with the starch comprising a polymer phase mediator or a macromolecular dispersing agent so that the starch is present in the mixture as disperse phase with the hydrophobic polymer as continuous phase, and the phase mediator or the dispersing agent is responsible for the molecular coupling of the two phases. As starch there is preferably used thermoplastic starch which has been prepared substantially with the exclusion of water by means of sorbitol or glycerol. The production of the biologically degradable polymer mixture is also carried out substantially with the exclusion of water.