Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions related to polymer concrete comprising conventional resins with novel additives to prevent shrinking and cracking of the resin, to accelerate curing and to treat fillers. These compositions and methods can be employed to form large objects and objects of irregular shapes.

Abstract: An electroconductive polymer composite for use in secondary batteries as positive electrode active materials is disclosed. It includes 10-99 weight percent of a conjugated electroconductive polymer, such as polyaniline, and 90-1 weight percent of polymeric electrolyte. The latter is composed of 10-90 weight percent of an ionic salt, such as LiClO.sub.4, and 90-10 weight percent of a polymer which can form an electrolyte material with the ionic salt. The polymer, for example, can be polyvinyl alcohol or polyalkylene oxide. A method of using the electroconductive polymer composite to prepare the positive electrode of secondary batteries is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin composition having a high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss tangent under high frequency conditions and articles obtained therefrom. The resin composition comprises 100 parts by weight of thermoplastic resin and 50-900 parts by weight of ferroelectric material. The formed articles can be used as substrates for a miniaturized antenna or circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal pigment, comprising a particle, preferably a flake, of iron or an alloy thereof, having on its surface a colored coating, formed by exposing the said particle to an elevated temperature in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The product finds use in surface coatings and in the mass coloration of plastics, especially where a colored "glitter" effect is required.

Abstract: New compounds including bis-.beta.-hydroxy ethyl bibenzoate containing less than 2.5%, and preferably less than 1%, diethylene glycol and a process for the production of the bis-.beta.-hydroxy ethyl bibenzoate by the condensation of 4,4'-biphenyl dicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol at low temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst are disclosed. Use of the compounds to produce polyesters is also disclosed.

Abstract: Magnetic paint or ink additives are formulated from ferromagnetic particles, preferably iron powder, having a mixed particle range of from about 0.01.mu. to about 297.mu., and preferably to about 250M and more, preferably from about 0.01.mu. to about 37 to 44.mu.; 6 to 20.mu. particles are used in one latex-based embodiment. Preferred additives are formulated by blending the particles with a surfactant, a surfactant mixture, or a surfactant and alcohol mixture in amounts sufficient to suspend the particles; a polyvinyl acetate polyer is used in one embodiment. The additives may be blended with any oil-, latex-, or lacquer-based paint, ink, or coating to form a magnetic paint or coating having a viscosity substantially similar to the paint or ink containing no particles and/or additive. Surfaces such as paper, cloth, wood, wallboard, sheet rock, foam, foam board, plywood, plastic, fiberboard, and the like so coated may be cut with conventional woodworking tools, scissors or knives.

Abstract: A tooth-surface treatment agent for use with dental glass ionomer cement comprises (a) a polymer of an .alpha.-.beta. unsaturated carboxylic acid having a specific molecular weight, (b) a compound containing one or more of the elements selected from the group of aluminum, iron, tin, and calcium, and (c) water. This agent ensures the dissolution and removal of the smear layer, and improves and stabilizes the bonding strength of the glass ionomer cement to tooth structure. Also, the agent has a milder effect than the effects had by phosphoric acid, and has an action on reducing irritation to the dental pulp and is harmless thereto because it enables the smear plugs to remain in dentinal tubules.

Abstract: A curable, polymer-based composite material consists essentially of a first volume of a curable polymeric component such as a styrene butadiene copolymer and a second volume of iron ferrite particles. The composite material may be a sports article formed in a body with a shape that is rollable, generally spherical, with a specific gravity in the range of about 1.5-2.0, and with a size that accommodates use as a puck-like object for playing hockey. The body includes a central substantially uncured section and an outer substantially cured section. The composite material may also be used as a fishing weight or as a lead substitute, and is magnetizable. The composite material may also be used in a sound-dampening system that includes a first layer of less than one inch thick of the composite material, and a second layer of an expanded polymeric material bonded to the first layer. A method of forming said iron ferrite-filled rubber composite material is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an anisotropic conductive film, ultraresilient alloy particles, playing the role of conductive particles, are dispersed in a resin. With this configuration, the ACF reduces line defects to occur on a liquid crystal display panel and attributable thereto to one-tenth.

Abstract: A composite metal hydroxide is produced by reacting magnesium-containing aqueous solution (X) including water soluble zinc compound wherein magnesium ion concentration is 0.01 to 1 mol/liter with alkaline material (Y) at a specific reaction equivalent ratio. Further, a composite metal hydroxide represented by the following general formula (1) is produced by hydrothermally treating thus obtained composite metal hydroxide within a temperature range of 100.degree. to 200.degree. C. for aging in chlorine-containing aqueous solution having a specific chlorine ion concentration:Mg.sub.1-x Zn.sub.x (OH).sub.2 (1)wherein x indicates a positive number within a range of 0.003.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.1. A uniform metallic solid solution can be obtained as a composite metal hydroxide by the above series of processes. Further, its crystal shape can be controlled thereby so as to restrain occurrence of secondary aggregation.

Abstract: The present invention is hydrophobic organosilicate-modified silica gels and a method for their preparation. The method comprises two steps, where in the first step an organosilicate-modified silica hydrosol is heat treated in the presence of a strong mineral acid at a pH less than about pH 1 to form an organosilicate-modified silica hydrogel. In the second step the organosilicate-modified silica hydrogel is contacted with an organosilicon compound in the presence of a catalytic amount of a strong acid to effect hydrophobing of the organosilicate-modified silica hydrogel thereby forming a hydrophobic organosilicate-modified silica hydrogel having a surface area within a range of about 100 m.sup.2 /g to 750 m.sup.2 /g as measured in the dry state.

Abstract: A stabilized electrocoagulation printing ink comprises a liquid colloidal dispersion containing an electrolytically coagulable colloid, a dispersing medium, a soluble electrolyte, a coloring agent and a sequestering agent for completing metal ions generated during electrocoagulation printing. The sequestering agent is present in an amount to prevent the metal ions from causing the colloid to undergo undesirable cross-linking, without adversely affecting electrocoagulation of the colloid.

Abstract: Disclosed are ultraviolet light protective agents having the general formula:(Zn.sub.y M.sup.2+.sub.z).sub.1-x M.sup.3+.sub.x O.sub.1+x/2wherein M.sup.2+ is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ni and Cu; and M.sup.3+ is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Al and Fe; as well as a sterilizer and a deodorizer which contain the compound of the above formula (I) as an effective component. They are additives to plastics, rubber, cosmetic materials, and paint and also useful as sterilizer or deodorizer, composition components.

Abstract: An organic solvent-based paint is provided which has, among other things, a perlitic component. The paint resists thermal loading and loss. A series addition of components provides the paint efficiently. The paint is useful for many substrates, including metals.

Abstract: To ensure the thermal protection of a structure or person exposed to a transient thermal stress, it is proposed that a material be produced by polymerizing a homogeneous mixture of 50 to 80 parts by weight of an elastomeric binder, 10 to 25 parts by weight of a silica charge and 18 to 45 parts by weight of a solubility agent containing 3 to 20 parts by weight of at least one structural water-saturated mineral charge and 15 to 25 parts by weight of structural water in excess.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions which can be used to form tamper-proof coatings on electronic devices. These compositions contain a silica precursor resin and a filler which reacts in an oxidizing atmosphere to liberate heat. Such compositions form coatings which, when oxidized by techniques such as plasma etching, wet etching, or cross-sectioning, liberate heat which causes destruction of the underlying substrate and, thus, inhibits further examination.

Abstract: The present invention is hydrophobic silica gels and a method for their preparation under neutral conditions. The method comprises two steps, where in the first step the pH of a silica hydrosol is adjusted with a base to within a range of about pH 3 to pH 7 to facilitate formation of a silica hydrogel. In the second step the silica hydrogel is contacted with an organosilicon compound in the presence of a catalytic amount of a strong acid to effect hydrophobing of the silica hydrogel. In a preferred method, in a third step the hydrophobic silica gel is contacted with a sufficient quantity of a water-immiscible organic solvent to convert the hydrophobic silica hydrogel into a hydrophobic silica organogel.

Abstract: An aqueous composition or a resin composition is disclosed which can capture bad odor substances such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, mercaptan and acetic acid.These compositions are characterized by containing an iron (II) compount, a chelating agent and a porous substance. The resin compositions include a paint composition, an ink composition and a resin composition for molding.

Abstract: A coating composition for shielding plastic against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). The composition includes an aqueous dispersion thermoplastic emulsion, an aqueous urethane dispersion, a glycol-based coalescing solvent, silver-plated copper flakes, conductive clay and one or more defoamers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming tamper-proof coatings on electronic devices. The method comprises applying a coating of a silica precursor resin and an inorganic salt onto the electronic device, wherein the inorganic salt is one which reacts with a wet etch to yield an acid or base that damages the electronic device. The coated electronic device is then heated at a temperature sufficient to convert the silica precursor resin to a silica containing ceramic matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is iron oxide particles comprising:100 parts by weight of material iron oxide particles having a specific surface area represented by the following formula (1):6/(.rho..multidot.d.sub.3).times..phi..sub.S (1)wherein .rho. represents a specific gravity of said iron oxide particles, d.sub.3 represents an area-average particle diameter (0.1 .mu.m.ltoreq.d.sub.3 .ltoreq.1.0 .mu.m) and .phi..sub.S represents an area shape factor) (1.0.ltoreq..phi..sub.S .ltoreq.2.0); and0.25 to 10 parts by weight (calculated as an oxide) of the fine particles of the oxygen compound, the fine particles of the hydrate or mixed fine particles thereof of one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Zr and Ti, which are adhered to the surfaces of said iron oxide particles;the increment of said specific surface area of said iron oxide particles being 1 to 6 m.sup.2 /g, and the increment of said specific surface area with respect to the amount of said fine particles being not less than 0.35.

Abstract: A rare earth-iron-nitrogen based magnetic material has superior magnetic properties. A method of manufacturing the rare earth-iron-nitrogen based magnetic material controls the decline in the magnetic properties of the material during pulverizing processes, and pulverizes the material to a critical particle dimension for single-domain behavior. The fragility of the material is increased since the material includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and W at 0.05-5% atomic percentage. The material is pulverized by a gas current type jet mill. Sample powder injected from a hopper is introduced from a supply mouth to a pulverizing chamber by nitrogen gas spouting from a pressure nozzle, and the powder is then accelerated to acoustic velocity by high pressure nitrogen gas spouting from gliding nozzles. As a result, the powder particles collide with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyamide resin composition which has low water absorption and simultaneously has satisfactory combustion properties. Illustrative compositions contain 20-80 parts by weight of polyamide resin and 80-20 parts by weight of polyphenylene ether resin or a mixture of this resin and polystyrene resin, as well as 0.01-10 parts by weight of a compatibilizer, 1-50 parts by weight of an uncured phenol novolak resin, and 0-80 parts by weight of a rubber component wherein the weights of the compatibilizer, uncured phenol novolak resin and rubber component is based on a total of 100 parts by weight of polyamide and polyphenylene ether resins.

Abstract: A primer composition for the treatment of a tooth surface, which comprises a) at least one metal compound selected from the group consisting of an iron compound, a copper compound and a cobalt compound, b) a polymerizable monomer having an acidic group, and c) water or water and an organic solvent miscible with water; and a method of forming an adhesive layer on a tooth surface, which comprises applying this primer composition to the tooth surface and then applying a curable composition containing trialkylborane or partial oxide thereof and a polymerizable monomer. According to the present invention, both the enamel and the dentin of a tooth can be simultaneously surface-treated without acid treatment or washing with water, and adhesion dental treatment can be reliably carried out by a simple operation without causing pains on a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a developer for electrophotography comprising:a domain resin phase containing specified additives,a matrix resin phase containing specified additives anda dispersion assistant,the matrix resin having a low compatibility with the domain resin, and the dispersion assistant having a compatibility with both of the domain resin and matrix resin and an Izod impact value higher than the matrix resin.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyurethanes which can be used in magnetic media binders applications. The polyurethanes comprise multidentate chelating functional groups pendant from the polymer backbone, which groups are produced by esterification of backbone hydroxyl moieties with cyclic dicarboxylic acid anhydrides which also bear an additional polar functional group such as those selected from the group consisting of --H, --OH, --COOM, --SO.sub.3 M, --SH, --CH.sub.2 COOM, --SCH.sub.2 COOM, --P(.dbd.O)(OM).sub.2, --OP(.dbd.O)(OM).sub.2, and the like. Examples of anhydrides useful in preparation of the polyurethanes include anhydrides of citric acid, mercaptosuccinic acid, dimercaptosuccinic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid. The polyurethanes, which are optionally radiation curable, show high affinity for magnetic pigments, and blends of the polyurethanes with vinyl resins afford excellent binders for magnetic recording media.

Abstract: A poly(arylene sulfide) resin composition comprising in admixture a poly(arylene sulfide) resin and at least one nickel compound selected from the group consisting of (a) nickel carbonates, (b) nickel hydroxide, (c) organic carboxylates of nickel and (d) nickel oxide is provided. According to the resin composition of the invention, the metal corrosiveness of the poly(arylene sulfide) resin upon and after its molding or forming is sufficiently inhibited without deteriorating the excellent heat resistance, mechanical properties, processability and the like inherent in the resin.

Abstract: Compositions comprise (a) a curable resin sol comprising a colloidal dispersion of substantially spherical, substantially inorganic microparticles (e.g., surface-modified silica) in curable resin (e.g., epoxy resin); and (b) reinforcing fibers (e.g., carbon fibers). The compositions can be cured to provide fiber-reinforced composites which exhibit improved resin-dominated mechanical properties.

Abstract: An aqueous autodeposition coating composition that is essentially free of chromium compounds and which produces a film with a much better adherence and corrosion resistance than heretofore obtained, but which does so without a rinse treatment with a chromium-containing solution prior to film curing. The aqueous autodeposition coating composition has a pH of about 1.6 to about 5 and contains(i) water-dispersible or water-soluble organic film-forming resin;(ii) at least one of fluoride ions and flouride ions and complex fluoride ions;(iii) ions of at least one metal selected from zinc, cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron, and aluminum; and(iv) tungstate ion and/or molybdate ion.

Abstract: A tracking and erosion resistant composition includes (a) 100 parts by weight of organopolysiloxane; (b) between 1 and 15 parts by weight of magnesium oxide; (c) between 15 and 45 parts by weight of zinc oxide and (d) between 5 and 40 parts by weight of iron oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wall for a package, which wall comprises, or includes a layer comprising, a composition comprising a polymer and capable of scavenging oxygen through the metal-catalysed oxidation of an oxidisable organic component thereof. The oxidisable organic component is preferably itself a polymer, and may be the only polymer in the composition. Preferred compositions include a blend of 96% polyethylene terephthalate and 4% poly (m-xylyleneadipamide) containing 200 ppm cobalt as catalyst, with good permeance-versus-time performance (3) when formed into a bottle.

Abstract: A semiconductor device obtained by encapsulating a semiconductor element with a thermosetting resin composition comprising a thermosetting resin (Component I) and a hardener (Component II) having the following components III and IV incorporated therein. The semiconductor device is thus provided with a high heat resistance at infrared reflow step and a high flame retardance, showing a drastically enhanced reliability.(III) A metal hydroxide represented by the following general formula (1):n(M.sub.a O.sub.b).cH.sub.2 O (1)wherein M represents a metallic element; a, b and c each represents a positive number; and n represents a positive number of 1 or more, with the proviso that when M.sub.a O.sub.b is repeated, the plurality of M's may be the same or different and that a and b may be the same or different; and(IV) a metal oxide represented by the following general formula (2):n'(Q.sub.d O.sub.

Abstract: A Xonotlite-reinforced organic polymer composition obtained by mixing (A) an organic polymer and (B) fibrous Xonotlite, in which the fibrous Xonotlite (1) satisfies conditions (a), (b), and (c):(a) 0.1 .mu.m.ltoreq.D.ltoreq.0.4 .mu.m(b) 1 .mu.m.ltoreq.L <5 .mu.m(c) 10.ltoreq.L/D .ltoreq.15wherein D and L represent an average fiber diameter and an average fiber length, respectively, of fibrous Xonotlite (B);(2) has a BET specific surface area of not less than 21 m.sup.2 /g as measured by nitrogen adsorption; (3) has had its surface treated with a surface active agent and/or a coupling agent; and (4) has been formed into granules. The composition exhibits improved mechanical characteristics and improved balance between heat resistance and impact resistance.

Abstract: The action of thermoplastic polymers to whose polymer backbone aliphatic or cycloaliphatic groups are bonded via a group --O--, --O--CO--, --CO--OR.sup.22 --OCO-- or --CO--O--, said aliphatic or cycloaliphatic groups being substituted by Cl, Br and/or iodine in the .alpha.-, .beta.-, .gamma.- or .omega.-position, on an unsubstituted or substituted tetrathio-, tetraseleno- or tetratelluro-naphthalene or -tetracene contained in this polymer gives electrically conducting compositions by the formation of charge transfer complexes. These compositions are suitable for the production of antistatic or electrically conducting mouldings, sheets, filaments, fibres, coatings and composites.

Abstract: An antibacterial resin composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a styrene resin, (B) 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of an antibacterial agent and (C) 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of a compound having a specific functional group, and said antibacterial resin composition is excellent in antibacterial property and surface appearance of molded article and can give a molded article which can be applied to many fields.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprising an uncrosslinked blend of (A) from 1 to 80 weight percent of at least one partially crystalline polymer or copolymer of ethylene, having a density lying between 0.870 and 0.945, and (B) from 20 to 99 weight percent of at least one hydrophobic, non-elastomeric, random or graft copolymer.

Abstract: A composition comprising an inorganic filler and binder component containing a glassy polymer and a rubbery polymer is provided. The glassy polymer contacts and encapsulates the filler. The compositions are especially useful in the fabrication of flexible magnetic recording media and abrasive articles.

Abstract: A pintle wire comprises a polymer material containing a lubricant material of schistose nature. The polymer material comprises polyamide, polyester, copolyester, polyetheretherketone or polyphenylene sulphide. The schistose lubricant comprise graphite, molybdenum sulphide, cobalt sulphide, clay or silicate.

Abstract: A flame retardant aid which serves to provide synthetic resins with sufficient flame retardancy when used together with a decreased amount of aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, and serves to give resin compositions which have color stability against heat and can be almost freely colored. The flame retardant aid is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of:a composite metal compound of the formula (A),Mg.sub.1-(x+y) Ni.sub.x Co.sub.y (OH).sub.2 (A)ora composite metal compound of the formula (B),Mg.sub.1-(x+y) Ni.sub.x Co.sub.y O (B)wherein x and y are defined in the specification,nickel halides,ammonium-containing salts of nickel,inorganic acid salts of nickel, andfatty acid salts of nickel.

Abstract: A magnetic powder for bonded magnets is obtained by subjecting starting magnetic particles to agitation in a high speed air stream whereby individual particles are mechanically impacted with one another by the action of the stream. A magnetic composition comprising the magnetic powder and a resin binder is also described wherein the magnetic powder can be highly packed in the resin binder to ensure good fluidity of the composition. The magnetic composition can be prepared by mixing magnetic particles and a resin binder powder, subjecting the mixture to agitation in a high speed air stream for impactness of the particles and heading the mixture or by subjecting magnetic particles to agitation in a high speed air stream, mixing the agitated particles with a powder of a resin binder and heading the resultant mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-fusion type damping material formed from hard ferrite powder as a filler with a binder, in which the binder comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a petroleum resin and 100 parts by weight of the combined binder and 150 to 600 parts by weight of the filler are mixed, or a self-fusion type damping material formed from hard ferrite powder and an auxiliary filler as a filler, if necessary, with a binder, in which the binder comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a petroleum resin and 100 parts by weight of the combined binder and 100 to 600 parts by weight of said combined filler, in which the amount of said hard ferrite powder is in the range of 50 to 400 parts by weight and that of said auxiliary filler is in the range of 1 to 200 parts by weight, are mixed.

Abstract: Magnetic or magnetizable composites contain ferrite or rare earth particles in a lightweight flexible binder blend of a semicrystalline polyolefin dispersed within a rubbery matrix. Small but effective amounts of lubricating agents are utilized to improve the processability of the composite which generally lacks any halogen and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: An air curing polymer composition is disclosed which contains acetoacetate functional polymer and an autoxidizable material. The composition cures on exposure to oxygen. One pack stable ambient curing compositions and a method of stabilizing acetoacetate functional groups to prevent hydrolysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polysilane having an aromatic amino group is doped with an oxidative dopant, typically iodine and ferric chloride, to produce a highly conductive polysilane composition having improved shapability. The composition is easily applicable to form a highly conductive film or coating.

Abstract: A hydrophilic surface-treating aqueous solution and a hydrophilic surface-treating method are provided to form a film which can maintain its hydrophilicity. The hydrophilic surface-treating aqueous solution contains as main components polyglutamic acid, basic compound, and aqueous resin if necessary. This surface-treating solution and method enable the forming of a film on the surface of aluminum series metals which are used for aluminum fins of heat exchangers, and confer the film's anticorrosion properties, superior hydrophilicity and high hydrophilic permanency, while remarkably suppressing an offensive odor.

Abstract: A curable material comprising a particulate filler and a blend of a fluorine-containing cyanate and a fluorine-containing arylene ether polymer. The cyanate is a monomer having the structureN.tbd.C--O--R--[R.sup.1 ].sub.n --O--C.tbd.Nand the fluorine containing arylene ether polymer has the structureX--R--[R.sup.1 ].sub.m --Xwherein X is any group capable of reacting with a --C.tbd.N group;R is an aliphatic or aromatic group which may or may not be fluorosubstituted;R.sup.1 is an aliphatic or aromatic group which may or may not be fluoro substituted or R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of ether, carbonyl, sulfone, phosphine oxide and sulfide, and at least one of R or R.sup.1 must be fluoro substituted;n is 0-10; andm is 0-100;The material in the cured state comprises a fluorine-containing polycyanurate network having a plurality of discrete phases of said fluorine-containing thermoplastic polymer dispersed therein wherein said thermoplastic polymer phases are of submicron size.

Abstract: This invention discloses an antifouling paint which can retain antifouling properties over a long period of time comprising:(A) 100 parts by weight of a film forming resin, and(B) 1-50 parts by weight of a chain organopolysiloxane containing oxyalkylene groups and having an HLB of 3-12.

Abstract: A resinous soft magnetic composition is constituted by (a) 80-95 wt. % of a powdery soft magnetic material, and (b) 5-20 wt. % of a resin component comprising (1) 70-99.5 wt. % of a polyarylene sulfide resin, and (2) 0.5-30 wt. % of an ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of from about 4.times.10.sup.5 to about 7.times.10.sup.6. Because of the inclusion of the ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene, the magnetic composition is provided with an improved melt-flowability suitable for injection molding while retaining a sufficient soldering heat-resistance as represented by a freeness of a molded product thereof from cracking after dipping in a solder bath at about 260.degree. C. for 10 sec.

Abstract: Crosslinkable aqueous-based coating compositions are described which are covalently bonded to a wooden surface to which they are applied. The compositions contain a crosslinkable polymer, a mono and/or polyethylenically unsaturated monomer which can be graft polymerized onto cellulose molecules present in said wooden surface, a water soluble peroxy free radical polymerization catalyst, a source of cations capable of creating free radical sites in said cellulose molecules and, optionally, a crosslinking agent for said crosslinkable polymer. The coating may be air dried under ambient conditions to provide a crosslinked coating which is chemically bonded to the underlying wooden surface.

Abstract: Proposed is a novel face coat composition having improved stability used in the preparation of a shell-like casting mold for a high melting point metal or alloy by the lost-wax mold method by forming a face coat layer on a wax model using the composition and further forming a backup coat layer thereon followed by removal of the wax by melting and calcination of the shell-like mold formed from the layers. The face coat composition comprises a rare earth oxide powder as the refractory constituent and a binder which is a synthetic resin in the form of an aqueous emulsion, a water-soluble organic polymer in the form of an aqueous solution, a sol of an inorganic oxide such as aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide and zirconium oxide or a combination thereof. A small amount of a powder of rare earth glass can be admixed to the composition so that the face coat layer formed from the face coat composition may have still improved properties.