Abstract: A composition and method for encapsulating a photovoltaic device which minimizes discoloration of the encapsulant. The composition includes an ethylene-vinyl acetate encapsulant, a curing agent, an optional ultraviolet light stabilizer, and/or an optional antioxidant. The curing agent is preferably 1,1-di-(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane; the ultraviolet light stabilizer is bis-(N-octyloxy-tetramethyl) piperidinyl sebacate and the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, tetrakis methylene (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate) methane, octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, and 2,2'-ethylidene bis(4,6-di-t-butylphenyl) fluorophosponite. The composition is applied to a solar cell then cured. The cured product contains a minimal concentration of curing-generated chromophores and resists UV-induced degradation.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating mineral hydraulically or non-hydraulically setting coating agent and binder compositions using water-redispersible powders wherein one or more organopolymer powders and one or more organosilicon powders are added to the dry coating agent and binder composition.

Abstract: Abrasive articles comprising a cured thermosetting binder and abrasive grains. The binder is prepared with a poly-functional molecule which contains at least two functional groups selected from the group consisting of carboxyl, anhydride and amine, and a (hydroxyalkyl)urea crosslinking agent containing a single urea group, at least two hydroxyl groups, and have at least two carbon atoms disposed between the urea group and each of the hydroxyl groups. The abrasive articles comprise bonded, nonwoven or coated abrasive articles.

Abstract: A composition comprising:(i) a mixture of about 40 to about 80 percent by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin having a melt index in the range of about 0.1 to about 10 grams per 10 minutes and a density in the range of 0.870 to 0.930 gram per cubic centimeter and about 20 to about 60 percent by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and ethyl acrylate having a melt index in the range of about 0.1 to about 50 grams per 10 minutes and an ethyl acrylate content in the range of about 10 to about 40 percent by weight, and for each 100 parts by weight of said mixture,(ii) about 30 to about 150 parts by weight of a mixture of talc and calcium carbonate wherein the weight ratio of talc to calcium carbonate is in the range of about 0.3:1 to about 1.2:1; and(iii) about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having a kinematic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 to about 2 meters per second as measured at 23 degrees C.

Abstract: An adhesive composition obtainable by blending a component (C) to components (A) and (B), wherein the weight ratio of (A)/(B) is from 95/5 to 40/60, and the amount of the component (C) is from 5 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the components (A) and (B):(A): a condensate of resorcinol and formaldehyde or a condensate of resorcinol, phenol and formaldehyde,(B): an aqueous emulsion containing an ethylene-vinyl acetate-based copolymer and the weight ratio of ethylene/vinyl acetate is from 3/97 to 40/60,(C): a formaldehyde-based hardening agent or a hexamethylenetetramine-based hardening agent.

Abstract: Composite pressure sensitive hydrophilic adhesive, permeable for water vapor and losing its adhesivness in contact with liquid water, is particularly suitable for temporary glueing to the body surface for medical purposes. The composite is a gelled mixture of: (a) a water swellable, water insoluble polymer, soluble in polar water-miscible solvents boiling at atmospheric pressure at temperatures higher than 100.degree. C. as well as in their mixtures with minor amounts of water, (b) a hydrophilic water swellable polymer, insoluble in water as well as in polar water-miscible solvents boiling at atmospheric pressure at temperatures higher than 100.degree. C., and (c) a polar water-miscible innocuous solvent boiling at atmospheric pressure at temperatures higher than 100.degree. C., if desired mixed with a minor amount of water.

Abstract: One-component hot-curing structural adhesives based on liquid rubbers, which may optionally contain functional groups, solid rubbers, thermoplastic polymer powders and sulfur and also vulcanization accelerators are suitable for bonding metal parts. Tensile shear strengths of more than 15 MPa and high breaking elongations of more than 15% can be obtained. These adhesives are substantially free from low molecular weight epoxy resins and are particularly suitable for use in white-shell assembly in the car industry.

Abstract: A process for preparing aqueous polymer dispersions by emulsion polymerization of free-radically polymerizable compounds (monomers) comprises adding, during the polymerization of the monomers, a miniemulsion which is an aqueous, surfactant-stabilized emulsion of monomers whose emulsified droplets have a size of from 10 to 500 nm and which comprises a compound (stabilizer) which is dissolved in the monomers of the droplets and whose solubility in the monomers is at least twice its solubility in water.

Abstract: A rubber composition suitable for use in grips of articles such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, bicycles and tools, comprising (1) a rubber component containing an ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), and (2) 5 to 100 parts by weight of a polyisobutylene having a viscosity average molecular weight of 6,000 to 50,000, which provides grips having good feeling of touch, good non-slipping properties in both fine and rainy weather, and giving a small feeling of impact to mis-shot of golf balls as compared with conventional grips.

Abstract: An aqueous gloss emulsion paint comprises a dispersion of structured composite particles, said structured particles comprising an association of particles of inorganic pigment and polymeric particles. The polymeric particles are formed from a polymer or copolymer having a minimum film forming temperature not greater than 50.degree. C. The component particles of the composite particles are held in association as a result of surface charges on the particles said surface charges on the polymeric particles being of opposite sign to the surface charge on the particles of inorganic pigment. The ratio of polymeric particles to particles of inorganic pigment in the composite particles is from 0.5:1 to 6:1 by volume.

Abstract: The composition comprises a polymer emulsion containing, for example, polyvinylidene chloride having a particle size distribution finer than 10.mu., and an additive with generally the same size distribution, for example aluminum silicte, calcium carbonate, polyvinyl acetate polystyrene, polyacrylates, in emulsion or powder form which is capable of interstitial combination with the polymer particles. The composition has a critical pH between about 2 and 7. The method of repulping coated packaging is also disclosed.

Abstract: An additive for, a method of adding thereof to uncured mixes for and resulting cured cement-type concreations such as cured embodiments of concrete, marcadam, and roof-top shingles each exhibiting improved heat and freeze-thaw durability resulting from reduced efflorescence and stability against sun ultraviolet light exposure.

Abstract: Heterogeneous, solvent- and plasticizer-free polyvinyl ester dispersions which are stabilized by protective colloids and which have a minimum filming temperature of below 10.degree. C. are disclosed. These dispersions are made of a mixture of(a) a homopolymer or copolymer A having a glass transition temperature of above 20.degree. C., whereby homopolymer or copolymer A includes(i) from 85 to 100% by weight of at least one vinyl ester of carboxylic acids having 1 to 18 carbon atoms;(ii) from 0 to 5% by weight of at least one .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid;(iii) from 0 to 5% by weight of at least one mono-olefinically unsaturated compound (a3) having at least one amino or amido group, and(iv) from 0 to 5% by weight of at least one polyethylenically unsaturated monomer, and(b) a copolymer B having a glass transition temperature of below 20.degree. C.

Abstract: An aqueous fluororesin coating composition and a process for producing the same, the coating composition comprising a core/shell fluorine-containing copolymer dispersed in an aqueous medium, the core/shell fluorine-containing copolymer comprising a core comprising a fluorine-containing copolymer comprising a repeating unit derived from a fluoroolefin monomer and a repeating unit derived from a vinyl carboxylate monomer and having a glass transition point Tg of 40.degree. C. or more, and a shell comprising a fluorine-containing copolymer comprising a repeating unit derived from a fluoroolefin monomer and a repeating unit derived from a vinyl carboxylate monomer and having a glass transition point Tg of from -10 to 30.degree. C., the weight ratio of the core to the shell being from 20/1 to 1/2.

Abstract: A moldable composition and method of making the same, the composition including a binding mixture and filler in the form of crystalline, irregular, approximately polygonally shaped particles. The binding mixture preferably includes polyvinyl-based binders such as polyvinyl alcohol, water, a cross-linking agent such as borax, and a humectant such as propylene glycol. Furthermore, a cellulose-based thickener may be added to the binding mixture, as may a pH-adjusting compound such as sodium carbonate. The crystalline particles preferably are ground styrene having a maximum dimension ranging from one-half to three millimeters.

Abstract: An emulsion ink for stencil printing is disclosed which enlarges the selection region of a body to be printed on, improves the handling property and adds a building-up feeling and a brilliance to the printed letters and others by developing the drying property, sticking tendency and preservation stability of the ink. The emulsion ink for stencil printing is characterized by using an oil-in-water type resin emulsion as a water phase in the water-in-oil type emulsion ink consisting of an oil phase and a water phase, and it is further characterized in that the minimum film-making temperature for the oil-in-water type resin emulsion described above is 40.degree. C. or less and its compound ratio is 2-45 wt.% as a reduced solid basis of the total amount of the avaiable emulsion ink.

Abstract: A fluorescent marking composition containing particles of an organic material which has a glass transition temperature of at least 30.degree. C. and an average particle size of at least 30 nm, and emitting fluorescence in a visible light range, or absorbing infrared light having a wavelength of at least 700 nm and emitting a light in an infrared wavelength range, which composition is excellent in dispersion stability, light resistance, and heat and light resistance, and provides a mark which does not bleed.

Abstract: Using a combination of relatively coarse filler and latex binder, a very high solids coating (about 85% or higher) can be produced with a relatively low working viscosity. These very high solids coatings can be applied in thick single layers and oven cured without cracking. They maintain more than 80% of their original wet thickness. The resulting coating provides an extremely hard and durable surface, even on relatively soft mineral fiber board ceiling tiles or wall panels.

Abstract: The present invention are dielectric black particles for use in electrophoretic images displays, electrostatic toner or the like, and the corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The present invention black particles are latex particles formed by a polymerization technique, wherein the latex particles are stained to a high degree of blackness with a metal oxide.

Abstract: Improved polyvinylchloride-free compositions useful for wall and floor coverings comprise an optionally functionalized, ethylenically unsaturated block copolymer of monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon and conjugated alkadiene, or selectively hydrogenated derivative thereof, an ethylene polymer, functionalized polyalkylene, polyisobutylene and particulate filler.

Abstract: A novel aqueous sheet-impregnating composition including a composition of a styrene-ethyl acrylate-butyl acrylate copolymer and a binder. The binder is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, gelatin and starch, and the composition includes 5-90 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol solution and 10-95 parts by weight of a styrene-ethyl acrylate-butyl acrylate copolymer dispersion. A decorative sheet for laminates may thereby be obtained.

Abstract: An ink composition according to the present invention comprises a pigment, a pigment dispersion resin, an non-aqueous ambient temperature non-volatile liquid removal agent and an non-aqueous ambient temperature volatile organic solvent, wherein the amount of the pigment dispersion resin relative to that of the pigment is within the range of from about 2 to about 10%. Methods of making the ink composition and methods of applying the ink composition to a writing board also are disclosed. The ink composition is superior in time-erasion performance independent of the object and/or surface of the writing board.

Abstract: A polyolefin resin composition of the present invention comprising 0.01 to 2.0 parts by weight of an anti-blocking agent per 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin, wherein said anti-blocking agent has substantially two or more maximum values in a weight-based particle size distribution and a difference between a particle diameter giving the largest maximum value and a particle diameter giving the smallest maximum value is not less than 3.0 .mu.m.

Abstract: A process for producing a flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition which has an excellent flame retardancy while maintaining sufficiently high levels of mechanical properties including tensile property, flexural property and impact resistance which process comprises the following first step and second step:the first step: the step of melt-kneading the following components (A) and (B) to obtain a melt-kneaded composition (AB),the second step: the step of melt-kneading the melt-kneaded composition (AB) and the following component (C) to obtain the flame retardant thermoplastic polyester resin composition:component (A): an impact resistance improver,component (B): a flame retarder,component (C): a thermoplastic polyester resin.

Abstract: This invention is a method of using a heat activatable adhesive for laminating vinyl sheet to wood. The organic solvent-free adhesive combines a reactive styrene-acrylic latex emulsion, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion, and a wax. After application to the vinyl substrate the adhesive is heat activated at temperatures as low as 160.degree. F. (71.degree. C.) and the laminate resists delamination at 190.degree. F. (88.degree. C.).

Abstract: A composite pressure-sensitive hydrophilic adhesive such as for holding a medical or cosmetic treatment against the skin of a person is composed of a crosslinked polymer and a non-crosslinked polymer and a polar water-miscible solvent having a boiling point above 100.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure. The adhesive has little or no cold flow and can be applied in sheets. An alternate combination of polymers and a method of making both compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising an ethylene containing polymer, a crosslinking agent and a treated filler material. The treated filler material comprises a treating agent which is a polymer comprising acrylonitrile and at least one other monomer. A preferred treated filler material is a treated carbon black and a preferred ethylene containing polymer is an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer. A semiconductive composition of the present invention may be advantageously utilized in electrical wire and cable application.

Abstract: An electrically insulating cross-linked polyethylene composition for use in high voltage electrical cables, said cross-linked polyethylene being obtained by cross-linking a composition consisting essentially of 98% w/w of a low density, peroxide cross-linkable polyethylene, 1-2% w/w of a terpolymer of ethylene, vinyl acetate and vinyl alcohol and at least 0.15% w/w of a sterically hindered amine stabiliser of said composition; said terpolymer being obtained from about 40-45% hydrolysis of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a 20-30% w/w vinyl acetate content; and wherein said polyethylene and said terpolymer have substantially the same melt index. The cross-linked polyethylene compositions have improved resistance to moisture induced degradation.

Abstract: A flame retardant composition is provided which is less expensive to produce than prior compositions and yet which exhibits desirable insulation properties, flame and fire resistance, and which, when ignited, does not emit noxious smoke or corrosive gases. The crosslinkable flame retardant composition includes a copolymer of ethylene and a vinyl ester of a C.sub.2-6 aliphatic carboxylic acid, a hydrated inorganic filler, and a coupling agent.

Abstract: A coating composition for use as an overcoat or heat resistant coating having improved heat resistance comprised of an aqueous latex polymer emulsion and a water soluble or water-dispersible resin which containing a sufficient number of either (a) carboxyl groups or (b) carboxyl and amide groups which will form at least one anhydride ring or imide, in the presence of sufficient heat, and release water molecules, with the latex polymer having a particle size of less than about 1600 Angstroms and containing an effective amount of a nitrogen containing volatile base to achieve a pH of greater than about 7.5 to keep the resin solubilized or dispersed.

Abstract: A sizing composition for glass is provided. The sizing composition comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion, a polyvinyl acetate copolymer latex, and a vinyl acrylic copolymer emulsion.

Abstract: An essentially stable monomer miniemulsion characterized by small monomer droplet size is prepared and is then polymerized to a polymer latex under free radical polymerization conditions. The monomer miniemulsions herein include, in addition to water, a surfactant, and a monomer or mixture thereof, one or more polymers which function as a polymeric co-surfactant. The monomer miniemulsions are characterized by average monomer droplet size of 10 to 500 nanometers, preferably 80 to 150 nanometers. The amount of polymer added as a co-surfactant is about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight based on monomer weight. The monomer emulsion may contain either a single monomer or a monomer mixture. The monomer emulsion is polymerized under conventional emulsion polymerization conditions yielding a polymer latex having an average polymer particle size of 10 to 500 nanometers, preferably 80 to 150 nanometers, and a narrow particle size distribution, i.e., a polydispersity index of about 1.05 to about 1.40.

Abstract: A low density, antimigratory cement composition includes cement, water and between about 0.5 to about 2.5 gallons per sack of cement of an additive wherein the additive is a copolymer of an impermeability agent and a gelling agent wherein said impermeability agent is a vinyl acetate-containing material and wherein said gelling agent is a vinyl ester which is compatible with said impermeability agent, whereby said cement composition in slurry form is thixotropic and resistant to gas migration.

Abstract: An ink jet ink especially for printing on to plain paper comprises a suspension in (a) non aqueous solvent of (b) a disperse phase comprising: (i)) a water-insoluble dyestuff which is insoluble in said solvent at the ink jet operating temperature and below; (ii) a water insoluble resinous dispersant for the dyestuff which in the amount used is capable of forming a solution in the said solvent at the ink jet operating temperature, (iii) a polymer binder to hold the dyestuff on the surface of the paper.

Abstract: A laminate comprising a substrate, a continuous layer of a release coating on one surface thereof, and a layer of a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive on the surface of said release coating, said release coating being a mixture of a resin having perfluoro side chains and a film forming resin which binds said resin having said perfluoro side chains to said substrate, wherein said film forming resin is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamides, functionalized polyolefins, and nitrile polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion of polymer particles comprising at least one first polymer and at least one second polymer which are mutually incompatible. The first polymer is non-crosslinked, has a glass transition temperature of from -25.degree. to 0.degree. C. and represents from 40 to 65% by weight of the particles; the second polymer is not alkali-soluble and is non-crosslinked, has a glass transition temperature of from 5.degree. to 40.degree. C. and represents from 60% to 35% by weight of the particles; the glass transition temperature of the second polymer exceeds that of the first polymer by less than 40.degree. C. and the average particle size is between 100 and 300 nm.Application to the production of environmentally compatible paints.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for preparing peroxide modified polypropylene/polyethylene blends that have superior extrusion coating properties. More specifically, the peroxide modified PP/PE blends produced by the instant invention exhibit a pronounced viscosity upturn at low frequencies (about <1.0 rad/sec) in the dynamic rheological data. Specifically, the blends show an increase in their dynamic complex viscosity, .eta.*, and dynamic storage modulus, G' values at frequencies of less than about 1.0 rad/sec. The present invention also relates to peroxide modified PP/PE blends that are produced from the process of the instant invention. Such polymeric blends that are produced from the inventive method exhibit superior dynamic theological properties, especially melt strength, compared with prior art blends. Moreover, the peroxide modified PP/PE blends of the present invention show markedly reduced draw resonance behavior.

Abstract: Vinyl heat welding rod for seam sealing vinyl resilient flooring, whether in sheet or tile form, are used to obtain a homogeneous, monolithic appearing surface. This rod is specifically made to duplicate the appearance of the flooring material. For a chip-image flooring structure, a sheet of multicolored chips having a similar, but different formulation from that of the flooring material is prepared and the sheet is cut into suitable strips, heat pressed in a rod mold, end adhered or further molded to form the desired length, and used as a vinyl heat welding rod for sealing seams in flooring. Thus, the chip pattern is evident in the seam area and does not appear different when compared to the adjacent surface.

Abstract: The novel adhesives of this invention contain a blend of components that result in the adhesive having a physical property that changes at a controlled rate as a function of time after application until it reaches a final equilibrium value.The adhesives can contain a thermoplastic polymer base, a tackifying resin, and an aromatic plasticizer optionally in combination with other ingredients. The plasticizer tackifier combination is chosen such that the tackifier/plasticizer interaction causes the initial value of the physical property after application to change, at a controlled rate, to a final equilibrium level.

Abstract: A textile sizing composition comprising one or more aqueous-based dispersions containing between about 15 and about 50 percent by weight solids wherein said solids comprise one or more polymers derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, said solids having an average particle size of less than 100 nanometers is disclosed.

Abstract: Novel pressure-sensitive adhesives are described which show significant resistance to solvents and working fluids such as jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, de-icing fluid and the like. Adhesive compositions comprise nonaqueous dispersions of copolymers of acrylic monomers prepared in the presence of a vinyl-substituted fluoroalkyl siloxane having the general formula I and a macromonomeric stabilizer. The adhesives prepared from the adhesive compositions exhibit excellent adhesion to glass, aluminum, and low surface-energy materials such as fluoroalkyl siloxane elastomers.

Abstract: Water-based contact adhesives comprising:(1) a carboxylated polychloroprene latex which provides elastomeric properties;(2) a carboxylated poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) aqueous emulsion which provides toughness to the adhesive;(3) a tackifier resin dispersion;(4) an organic or water soluble crosslinking agent for the carboxyl functionality of the polychloroprene and poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene); and(5) optionally an adhesion promoter.

Abstract: The method of producing plasticized polyvinyl alcohol by mixing polyvinyl alcohol in the presence of an organic plasticizer and water in a quantity which is insufficient to dissolve the polyvinyl alcohol under normal conditions, includes the steps of:i) pre-plasticizing the polyvinyl alcohol at a maximum temperature no higher than its softening point so as to produce a pre-plasticized polyvinyl alcohol having a melting point below the softening point of the polyvinyl alcohol used, andii) further processing the pre-plasticized polyvinyl alcohol thus produced at a temperature above its melting point, under shear-stress conditions and for a period of time to produce a substantially homogeneous melt.

Abstract: This invention is a process for producing stable polymer emulsions and latexes with an average particle size of less than one micron. The polymers are block copolymers of conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons which may or may not contain polar functionality. The process comprises making a polymer cement of the polymer and a blend of a solvent for the polymer, emulsifying the polymer cement by combining adding it with an aqueous phase containing an emulsifier which is a nonionic surfactant having a number average molecular weight of less than 1600 and an HLB of 9.5 to 16 and a stabilizer which is a nonionic surfactant having a molecular weight greater than 1600.

Abstract: Heat-sealable thermoplastic elastomeric films comprise from approximately 35% to about 65% of an A-B-A block copolymer wherein "A" blocks are derived from polystrene or a polystrene homolog and said "B" blocks being derived from lower alkenes and from about 25% to about 55% of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer comprising approximately 28% vinyl acetate. The films are heat-sealable to various substrates including polyvinyl chloride. Once sealed to the substrate, the film may be readily peeled from the substrate by the application of a low and relatively constant peel force. A method for measuring the peel strengths of the film is disclosed. The films are especially adapted to being heat-sealed to a substrate which forms, together with the substrate a package, or multiple serially connected packages.

Abstract: A racetrack surface composition including a synthetic polymer component, a hydrocarbon oil fluid between 25.degree.-90.degree. F., and a particulate material such as sand. The synthetic polymer component is preferably either an elastomer, or an elastomer in combination with non-elastomeric polymer; or generally a mixture of oil soluble and oil dispersible polymer which together with the oil form a binder for the particulates. The racetrack composition readily forms a pad and the cushion portion does not clump or compact but maintains its granular, rakeable quality even at track temperatures above about 130.degree. F. The composition is not adversely affected by wet weather. The invention further includes the addition of carbon black to the racetrack composition in order to improve weatherability. In the event that the racetrack composition is not readily rakeable, the invention teaches the post addition of a rakeability promoter to improve rakeability.

Abstract: A laminate comprising a substrate, a continuous layer of a release coating on one surface thereof, and a layer of a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive on the surface of said release coating, said release coating being a mixture of a resin having perfluoro side chains and a film forming resin which binds said resin having said perfluoro side chains to said substrate, wherein said film forming resin is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamides, functionalized polyolefins, and nitrile polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: A sealing composition for a container closure comprises a polymeric matrix material and its oxygen permeability is reduced by incorporating ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer into the composition. The composition can be in fluid or meltable form ready for application to a closure or it can be present as a deposit on the closure, for instance a gasket around the closure.

Abstract: Heat shrinkable thermoplastic compositions are prepared by blending an ethylene copolymer resin with an EPDM rubber and dynamically vulcanizing the rubber. The ethylene copolymer resin is a copolymer of ethylene with an alkyl ester of an alpha, beta monoethylenically unsaturanated monocarboxylic acid as well as copolymers of ethylene with the acid per se. The preferred copolymer is ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer. Uncured rubber can be included in the composition.

Abstract: Vinyl heat welding rod for seam sealing vinyl resilient flooring, whether in sheet or tile form, are used to obtain a homogeneous, monolithic appearing surface. This rod is specifically made to duplicate the appearance of the flooring material. For a chip-image flooring structure, a sheet of multicolored chips having a similar, but different formulation from that of the flooring material is prepared and the sheet is cut into suitable strips, heat pressed in a rod mold, end adhered or further molded to form the desired length, and used as a vinyl heat welding rod for sealing seams in flooring. Thus, the chip pattern is evident in the seam area and does not appear different when compared to the adjacent surface.