Abstract: A solvent-containing multicomponent system curable thermally and with actinic radiation (dual cure) and comprising (A) at least one component comprising (A1) at least one constituent containing at least 1.8 meq/g of isocyanate-reactive functional groups, (A2) at least one constituent containing at least 1.8 meq/g of isocyanate-reactive functional groups and at least one functional group having at least one bond which can be activated with actinic radiation, and (B) at least one component comprising at least one polyisocyanate (B1); and its use as a coating material, adhesive or sealing compound.

Abstract: An ultraviolet-curable white ink composition for ink jet recording is provided which has good dispersibility and good redispersibility and has excellent ejection stability, and provides excellent visibility of printed matter having a base material which forms a black or dark background. In an ultraviolet-curable ink composition for ink jet recording comprising titanium oxide, a polymeric dispersant having a basic functional group, a photopolymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator, the titanium oxide is surface-treated with silica and alumina and the weight of the silica, which coexists with the titanium oxide, is larger than that of the alumina.

Abstract: The invention provides a decomposable resin composition, which is stable at the time of use and which quickly decomposes when discarded. According to the present invention, there is provided a resin composition comprising an agent generating an acid or a base upon response to light or heat together with a hydrolyzable and biodegradable resin. The decomposable resin composition can promote decomposition of the polymer by generating an acid or a base in the resin by carrying out light irradiation and/or a heat treatment at a desired time and can control the decomposition speed of the polymer by controlling the generation amount of an acid or a base.

Abstract: A light-curable resin composition includes an acrylate oligomer, an acrylate monomer having 4 or less functional groups, a photopolymerization initiator, a hardness enhancing agent represented by the formula(1), m-terphenyl represented by the formula(2) and a colloidal antistatic agent. The light-curable resin composition has a high antistatic property and a light transmittance, as well as a high hardness and a low shrinkage rate.

Abstract: A photoimageable composition comprising finely divided particles of inorganic material comprising coated silver particles that are at least partially coated with at least one surfactant and inorganic binder dispersed in organic medium comprising an aqueous developable polymer, photo-initiation system and organic solvent.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I (I), in which Ar is a group or unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, naphthyl, biphenylyl or an O-, S- or N-containing 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring; R1 and R2 are C1-C20alkyl, OR11, CF3 or halogen; R3, R4 and R5 are hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, OR11 or halogen; R6 is unsubstituted or substituted C1-C24alkyl, C2-C24alkyl, which is interrupted by O, S or NR14 and is unsubstituted or substituted; C2-C24alkenyl, uninterrupted or interrupted by O, S or NR14 and unsubstituted or substituted; unsubstituted or substituted C7-C24arylalkyl; C4-C24cycloalkyl, uninterrupted or interrupted by O, S and/or NR14; or C8-C24arylcycloalkyl; R11 is C1-C20alkyl, C3-C8cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C2-C20alkyl, interrupted by O or S and unsubstituted or substituted; R12 and R13 are hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C8cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or C2-C20alkyl, interrupted by O atoms and unsubstituted or substituted; or R12 and R13 together are C3-C5alkylene, uninterrupted or interrupted by

Abstract: A coating composition comprising (1) an anionic surfactant comprising a sulfonic acid salt, (2) a sol of fine inorganic oxide particles, (3) a silicon compound having one acryl or methacryl group and a hydrolyzable group or a product of hydrolysis of the compound, (4) a compound having at least two photopolymerizable unsaturated groups, and (5) a photopolymerization initiator; and a coated article obtained by applying the coating composition to a base and then photocuring the coating. The coated article combines antifogging properties with abrasion resistance sufficient for practical use.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition of the present invention comprises (A) urethaneacrylate oligomer, (B) acrylate based monomer, (C) photoinitiator, (D) silicon additive, and (E) silica matting agent. The present invention provides a surface treatment composition in which imparts abrasion and scratch resistance to the surface of a soft type urethaneacrylate oligomer decorative floor covering, and ameliorates the problem of low stain resistance caused a low density of elaborate crosslinks by using a small amount of single functional group monomer. The present invention also provides a surface treatment composition in which employs only hard type urethaneacrylate without single functional group monomer so that cross linking density is increased and the effects of oxygen that prohibits the surface curing are minimized, resulting in improved stain resistance.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition of the present invention comprises (A) urethaneacrylate oligomer, (B) asrylate based monomer, (C) photoinitiator, (D) silicon additive, and (E) silica matting agent. The present invention provides a surface treatment composition in which imparts abrasion and scratch resistance to the surface of a soft type urethaneacrylate oligomer decorative floor covering, and ameliorates the problem of low stain resistance caused a low density of elaborate crosslinks by using a small amount of single functional group monomer. The present invention also provides a surface treatment composition in which employs only hard type urethaneacrylate without single functional group monomer so that cross linking density is increased and the effects of oxygen that prohibits the surface curing are minimized, resulting in improved stain resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocurable resin composition which contains a photocurable component and forms on a substrate a photocurable resin layer having a viscosity of 1000-500,000 Pa·s at 23° C. and 65% RH. This resin composition is formed into a photocurable resin layer, which is laminated onto a metal sheet to give a metal sheet with a photocurable resin layer laminated thereon. This metal sheet can be worked and converted into a metal part with a high-hardness protective coating laminated thereon upon irradiation with light or electron beams after working.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for fabricating an electroluminescent lamp that includes a step in which an electroluminescent active layer is formed by curing a UV curable electroluminescent composition. Embodiments of the method of the present invention in which each layer of a multilayer electroluminescent device are fabricated from UV curable compositions are also disclosed. A UV curable dielectric composition suitable for utilization in an electroluminescent lamp is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymerizable dental compositions containing (a) 3 to 80 wt. % of cycloaliphatic epoxides; b) 0 to 80 wt. % of an epoxide or a mixture of epoxides which are different from a); c) 3 to 85 wt. % of a filler material; d) 0.01 to 25 wt. % of initiators, inhibitors and/or accelerators; e) 0 to 25 wt. % of auxiliary agents, the individual percentages of which are in relation to the total weight. The new polymerizable agents are particularly suited as dental material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition containing a polymer and, as an additive for making a dark laser marking, at least 0.1 wt. % antimony trioxide having an average particle size above 0.5 micrometer. The invention also relates to articles wholly or partly made of the polymer composition and to a process for applying a dark laser mark onto a light background of such article. The polymer composition according to the invention can be marked with laser light of wavelength 1064 nm.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a decorative floor covering is provided in which the floor covering includes a backing layer, a substrate layer and a surface layer. The backing layer includes at least one of a foaming sub-layer, a mechanical foaming sub-layer and a sizing sub-layer. The surface layer includes at least one of a foaming sub-layer, a non-foaming sub-layer, a printing sub-layer and a skin sub-layer. The method for manufacture includes: (i) air-knife coating a surface treatment composition to a thickness of 10 to 40 ?m on the surface layer wherein the surface treatment composition includes an urethaneacrylate oligomer, an acrylate based monomer, acetophenone photoinitiator, a silicon additive and a matting agent, and (ii) curing the surface treatment composition at a line speed of 5 to 30 m/min using 4 to 8 lamps having an output of 200 to 300 watt/in2 with the strongest wavelength at 365 nm.

Abstract: Acrylic ester phosphonic acids of general formula (I), stereoisomers thereof and mixtures of these, wherein n is 1 or 2, on the condition that for n=1 R1 has the meaning and for n=2 R1 has the meaning R2 is a C1 to C12 alkylene radical, C4-C8 cycloalkylene radical or C7 to C15 alkylene phenylene radical; R3 is hydrogen, a C1 to C5 alkyl radical or a C1 to C5 O-alkyl radical; and R4, R5, independently of each other, each stand for a C1 to C5 alkyl radical or a C1 to C5 O-alkyl radical.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultraviolet light curable ferromagnetic composition and method for making such a composition that may be used to produce a ferromagnetic coating on a suitable substrate. These coatings may be used to produce printed capacitors and inductors. The disclosed composition does not contain any significant amount of volatile organic solvents that do not become incorporated in the active layer after curing.

Abstract: Radiation-curable ink compositions and methods of printing including the compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a radiation-curable hot melt ink composition includes a colorant, a polymerizable monomer, and a photoinitiating system. The photoinitiating system can include 0.5-1.5% by weight of an aromatic ketone photoinitiator, 2-10% by weight of an amine synergist, 3-8% by weight of an alpha-cleavage type photoinitiator, and 0.5-1.5% by weight of a photosensitizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides radiation curable resin compositions that contain no or essentially no volatile organic components (VOCs), and to methods of using these compositions. The radiation curable resin compositions find particular use as coating compositions. In particular, the radiation curable resin compositions of this invention comprise a vinyl dioxolane end-capped oligomer blended with a photoinitiator.

Abstract: A latent material having various controlled shrinkage tensions and patterns and a method of making the same. The materials include polymer materials that are capable of absorbing microwave energy. Different degrees of shrinkage of the material may be controlled to create different tensions in the material. Additionally, various stereo and three-dimensional patterns may be generated on the material. These materials may be used in the formation of personal care articles. The materials are made by incorporating a polymer material onto the film, wherein the polymer material is capable of turning microwave energy into heat. Upon exposure to microwave radiation, the heat will cause the latent material to shrink. The use of different types and amounts of polymer materials will result in a latent material having different tensions and patterns.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions that make it possible to form high resolution, pressure sensitive adhesive patterns or films on a wide range of substrates. The compositions generally incorporate a curable, fluid composition (i.e., pressure sensitive adhesive precursor). When cured, a pressure sensitive adhesive is formed. Ink jet printing and subsequent curing allows pressure sensitive adhesive features to be formed with high resolution and tremendous flexibility in the patterns by which adhesive features may be formed. Preferred embodiments of the invention incorporate rheology modifying agents that can be used to promote favorable dot gain and other printing characteristics, the ability to build print thickness, and mechanical properties of resultant cured adhesives.

Abstract: Irradiated, oxidized olefin polymer coupling agents for use in the manufacture of non-halogenated flame retardant-containing and filler-containing olefin polymer compositions and coupling agent-containing olefin polymer concentrates.

Abstract: Photoactivatable coating composition comprising at least one photoinitiator and a base-catalysed polymerisable or curable organic material comprising at least one polyisocyanate and at least one compound containing isocyanate reactive groups, wherein the isocyanate reactive groups comprise at least one thiol group and the photoinitiator is a photolatent base. Preference is given to a coating composition wherein the photolatent base is selected from the group of N-substituted 4-(ortho-nitrophenyl)dihydropyridine, a quaternary organo-boron photoinitiator, and an ?-amino acetophenone. The composition additionally may comprise an organic acid, a metal complex and/or a metal salt as a cocatalyst and/or a sensitiser selected from the group of thioxanthones, oxazines, rhodamines, and preferably from the group of benzophenone and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A composition for a bulkhead of a thin display panel which is a mixed composition comprising a powder of glass or ceramic for molding a bulkhead of a thin display panel or a part thereof and a binder being an organic additive, wherein the above organic additive contains 15 to 50% by weight of a resin composition which generates heat energy by irradiation with an energy ray and which can be cured by energy coming from an energy ray source or the resulting heat energy. To provide a composition for a bulkhead which is used for molding a bulkhead constituting a discharge display cell of a thin display panel or mending a broken part thereof and which is improved in curability.

Abstract: A radiation curable, flexible, paintable composition produced from epoxy compounds and one or more polyol(s) has enhanced durability, thick and thin film adhesion, resistance to mold growth and dimensional changes while reducing solvent emissions. The composition can reduce, if not eliminate, runs and drips during the thermal bake cycles which are associated with using conventional compositions in automotive applications.

Abstract: A photo-curing ink composition comprises a photocation-polymerizable substance, a photocation polymerization initiator, and a surfactant having a functional group. The surfactant is selected and the amount thereof is adjusted so that the acid value per 100 g of the ink composition is not more than 150 mg KOH. The surfactant is selected and the amount thereof is adjusted so that the amine value per 100 g of the ink composition is not more than 23 mg KOH. The ink composition is excellent in dispersion performance, storage stability, and curing performance.

Abstract: The invention provides curable organic coatings with improved scratch resistance. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination of inorganic filler having a 50th percentile particle diameter of from about 3 to about 9 micrometers comprised of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, ceramic spheres or mixtures thereof, and particles having a 50th percentile particle diameter of from about 10 to about 150 micrometers. The liquid coatings have a viscosity before curing of from about 100 cps (mPa-s) to about 70,000 cps (mPa-s) at a shear rate of 0.15 s?1. The use of inorganic filler materials of the defined type and particle size are combined with the curable organic coating to improve the scratch resistance of the coating without a negative impact on the physical and performance properties or application parameters of the original coating material.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition of the present invention comprises (A) urethaneacrylate oligomer, (B) acrylate based monomer, (C) photoinitiator; (D) silicon additive, and (E) silica matting agent. The present invention provides a surface treatment composition in which imparts abrasion and scratch resistance to the surface of a soft type urethaneacrylate oligomer decorative floor covering, and ameliorates the problem of low stain resistance caused a low density of elaborate crosslinks by using a small amount of single functional group monomer. The present invention also provides a surface treatment composition in which employs only hard type urethaneacrylate without single functional group monomer so that cross linking density is increased and the effects of oxygen that prohibits the surface curing are minimized, resulting in improved stain resistance.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions, which can be crosslinked by radiation to give elastomeric coatings, which comprises: (a) high-molecular weight siloxanes with multiple (meth)acrylate functional groups; and (b) reinforcing fillers selected from the group consisting of silicone resins and silicone dioxide fillers, wherein the siloxanes (a) have the general structure: [R3SiO1/2]a[(Z)nG—Ym—R2SiO1/2]a?[R2SiO2/2]b[(Z)nG—Ym—RSiO2/2]b?[RSiO3/2]c[SiO4/2]d.

Abstract: A photocurable primer composition containing (A) an acrylic resin having through an urethane linkage a polymerizable unsaturated group on its side chain and containing the polymerizable unsaturated group in an amount of 0.2 to 2.0 mol/kg in a solid content of the resin (A), (B) an urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer containing at least one polymerizable unsaturated group in one molecule, and (E) a photopolymerization initiator, and a coating method.

Abstract: Blends of oligomeric urethane multi(meth)acrylate; optionally at least one other monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic monomers, styrenic monomers and ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen heterocycles, preferably a polyol multi(meth)acrylate; and nanoparticles of an ethylenically unsaturated, preferably (meth)acrylic-functionalized, titanium or zirconium compound can be cured by ultraviolet radiation in contact with a photoinitiator to produce optical resinous articles having high refractive indices, haze ratings of at most 5% and other properties which may be tailored according to the desired use.

Abstract: The invention provides organic coatings with improved scratch resistance. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of inorganic filler materials of a defined type and particle size which can be added to curable organic coatings to improve the scratch resistance of the coating without a negative impact on the physical and performance properties or application parameters of the original coating material.

Abstract: A substantially reactive and gel-free composition which comprises: a. particles capable of reaction with a radiation curable resin; b. a coupling agent for modification of the surface of said particles; c. a radiation curable resin; d. a radiation curable salt capable of inhibiting gel formation in said composition.

Abstract: A composition and a method of use as a dental restorative. A series of highly alkoxylated tri-functional monomers are used as a low viscosity monomer in a photo- or self-curable dental composition that resulted in low polymerization shrinkage. The mechanical strength of the restorative material was not compromised. The restorative composition may be used as a dental filling material, a cement, a liner/base, or an adhesive.

Abstract: A polymer composite comprising a polymer matrix having, dispersed therein, a nano clay in combination with a crosslinking promotor. In method form, the invention relates to a process for enhancing the mechanical properties of a polymer composite, comprising supplying a polymer matrix, combining the matrix with a nano clay and crosslinking promotor and crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention provides an excellent radiation curable aqueous coating composition, which is highly safe and can make the adhesion to a metal surface and the corrosion resistance compatible which have been considered to conflict with each other, particularly adhesion after severe working and solvent resistance, and particularly durability to alcohols having high polarity. The composition of the present invention contains (1) a phosphoric acid ester compound having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, (2) an aqueous polyurethane resin having both an ethylenically unsaturated double bond and a group capable of forming a salt, and (3) colloidal silica.

Abstract: A photocurable and thermosetting composition which is useful in forming a matte film and can be developed with an aqueous alkaline solution is provided. The composition comprises (A) a photosensitive prepolymer obtained by causing a saturated or unsaturated polybasic acid anhydride to react with a hydroxyl group of an esterification product of a novolak type epoxy compound and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, (B) a carboxyl group-containing copolymer resin, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a diluent, (E) a polyfunctional epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups in its molecule, and, when necessary, (F) an inorganic filler. The composition may further comprise (G) an epoxy resin curing agent. This composition can be advantageously used for the formation of a solder resist on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: Fluid silico-acrylic compositions, stable in the long term, polymerizable thermally and by radiatiion, by mechanism giving rise to free radicals, with a very low water (less than 1%) and volatile solvent content, containing silica, a silane, and a multifunctional acrylic monomer, in which the silica is in the form of indivualized particles with an average diameter with the range 9 amd 100 nm, not interconnected by siloxane bonds, the silane is a vinyl silane with the formula (I) H2C═CH—Si(OR)3  (I) in which R represents a methyl or ethyl radical, and the multifunctional (meth)acrylic monomer is an alkoxylated (meth)acrylate, method for preparation and use for the development of anti-scratch transparent and uncoloured varnishes, obtained by polymerization giving rise to free radicals by radiation (UV, electron bundles) or thermally.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel thermosetting resin compositions which do not require solvent to provide a system having suitable viscosity for convenient handling. Invention compositions have the benefit of undergoing rapid cure. The resulting thermosets are stable to elevated temperatures, are highly flexible, have low moisture uptake and are consequently useful in a variety of applications, e.g., in adhesive applications since they display good adhesion to both the substrate and the device attached thereto.

Abstract: A radiation curable powder coating composition, comprising I.) a binder comprising A) 60-90% by weight of at least one amorphous urethane acrylate; and B) 10-40% by weight of at least one crystalline urethane acrylate; wherein a Tg of a mixture of A) and B) is at least 35° C.; and II.) an auxiliary and an additive, excluding an UV initiator, crosslinks to yield a lightfast and weather-stable film.

Abstract: Process for preparing a UV-transparent pressure sensitive adhesive which has a UV transparency at 300 nm of more than 95% comprising:

Abstract: To provide a photopolymerizable dental coating composition that, when applied to the surface of a dental resin material such as crown restoratives, dental fillers, and denture or denture base resins, is thoroughly cured upon irradiation with a visible light and produces a smooth, colorless and transparent cured surface after curing so that a film having superior durability, abrasion resistance and resistance to discoloration can be formed, the photopolymerizable dental coating composition includes a volatile (meth)acrylate compound, a polyfunctional acrylate as a cross-linking agent, a fluoroalkyl group constituted of at least one fluorocarbon-containing (meth)acrylate compound for improving the durability, abrasion resistance and resistance to discoloration after curing, and an acyl phosphine oxide-based polymerization initiator having a high polymerization promoting effect for monomers, which does not make the polymerized composition remain yellowish.

Abstract: A radiation-curable composition for use as a base coat in printing on plastic substrates such as polycarbonate. The radiation-curable composition comprises: (i) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer that is capable of being photopolymerized; (ii) a photoinitiator that is capable of initiating the polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer (i) when irradiated with ultra-voilet light; (iii) an inorganic transfer agent; (iv) an adhesion promoter; and (v) optionally, a pigment. The base coat is suitable for use in printing plastics substrates using electrostatic offset printing.

Abstract: A light-curable resin composition includes an acrylate oligomer, an acrylate monomer having 4 or less functional groups, a photopolymerization initiator, a hardness enhancing agent represented by the formula(1), m-terphenyl represented by the formula(2) and a colloidal antistatic agent. The light-curable resin composition has a high antistatic property and a light transmittance, as well as a high hardness and a low shrinkage rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluororubber molded article obtained by a process comprising subjecting a fluororubber composition to crosslinking by irradiation of ionizing radiation, wherein the fluororubber composition comprises: (i) a raw rubber which comprises a tetrafluoroethylene-propylene copolymer and which has a metal element content of 1.5% by weight or less; and (ii) silica which has a primary particle size of 0.5 &mgr;m or less and which has been treated to have a hydrophobic surface. Also disclosed is a method for producing the fluororubber molded article.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition of the present invention comprises (A) urethaneacrylate oligomer, (B) acrylate based monomer, (C) photoinitiator; (D) silicon additive, and (E) silica matting agent. The present invention provides a surface treatment composition in which imparts abrasion and scratch resistance to the surface of a soft type urethaneacrylate oligomer decorative floor covering, and ameliorates the problem of low stain resistance caused a low density of elaborate crosslinks by using a small amount of single functional group monomer. The present invention also provides a surface treatment composition in which employs only hard type urethaneacrylate without single functional group monomer so that cross linking density is increased and the effects of oxygen that prohibits the surface curing are minimized, resulting in improved stain resistance.

Abstract: A jobsite-applied radiation curable floor finish containing inorganic particles can be applied to a multipiece flooring material whose pieces have a top surface, a side surface or surfaces and gaps between pieces. The top surface is coated and at least the uppermost portion of the gaps are filled with a layer or layers of cured finish composition comprising radiation cured polymer and sufficient inorganic filler particles to impart increased scratch resistance to the cured finish. The finish can also be applied as a strip agent-permeable coating atop a strippable intermediate coating atop a substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a decorative floor covering is provided in which the floor covering includes a backing layer, a substrate layer and a surface layer. The backing layer includes at least one of a foaming sub-layer, a mechanical foaming sub-layer and a sizing sub-layer. The surface layer includes at least one of a foaming sub-layer, a non-foaming sub-layer, a printing sub-layer and a skin sub-layer. The method for manufacture includes: (i) air-knife coating a surface treatment composition to a thickness of 10 to 40 &mgr;m on the surface layer wherein the surface treatment composition includes an urethaneacrylate oligomer, an acrylate based monomer, acetophenone photoinitiator, a silicon additive and a matting agent, and (ii) curing the surface treatment composition at a line speed of 5 to 30 m/min using 4 to 8 lamps having an output of 200 to 300 watt/in2 with the strongest wavelength at 365 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: A photoreactive resin composition having high sensitivity and causing less gelation, and methods of manufacturing a circuit board and a ceramic multilayer substrate having a high-resolution wiring pattern and via holes by a photolithography process using the photoreactive resin composition are described. The photoreactive resin composition contains an inorganic powder containing a polyvalent metal powder and/or a polyvalent metal oxide powder, an alkali-soluble first polymer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, a photoreaction initiator, an organic solvent, and a second polymer having a pyrrolidone ring in a side chain.

Abstract: An electronic package assembly where a low profile integrated circuit chip package is soldered to an organic (e.g., epoxy resin) substrate, e.g., a printed circuit board or card, the projecting conductive leads of the integrated circuit chip package and the solder which substantially covers these leads (and respective conductors on the substrate) having been substantially covered with ultraviolet photocured encapsulant material (e.g., polymer resin) to provide reinforcement for the solder-lead connections. The encapsulant material is dispensed about the solder and lead joints following solder reflow and solidification so as to substantially surround the solder and any portions of the leads not covered with solder.