Abstract: The invention provides polyurethane elastomers (PU elastomers), a process for their production using special catalyst mixtures and their use in particular for the manufacture of shoe soles.

Abstract: A paint composition for automotive weather strips and glass runs which comprises a curable urethane-based emulsion paint having added thereto either at least two silane coupling agents selected from the group consisting of a silane coupling agent having an amino group, a silane coupling agent having an epoxy group, a silane coupling agent having a methacryloxy group and a silane coupling agent having an acryloxy group, or a reaction product obtained by previously mixing said at least two silane coupling agents. Also discloses are processes for producing automotive weather strips.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use as surface-active agent of a glucoside alkyl urethane (I) which is composed of units of the general formula (II): A(O—CO—NH—R)s wherein A represents a glucosyl unit of a starch hydrolysate molecule, the starch hydrolysate having a Dextrose Equivalent (D.E.) ranging from 1 to 47, (O—CO—NH—R) represents an N-alkyl aminocarbonyloxy group replacing a hydroxyl group of the glucosyl unit A, and wherein R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing from 3 to 22 carbon atoms, and s represents the number of alkyl carbamate groups per glucosyl unit which number is expressed as degree of substitution (DS) with said DS value ranging from about 0.01 to about 2.0. The invention further relates to novel glucoside alkyl urethanes (I), and a method for their manufacture and to compositions containing one or more of glucoside alkyl urethanes (I).

Abstract: A composition comprises a curable epoxy-containing material, a first thermoplastic polyurethane component, a curative for the epoxy-containing material, and optionally, a second thermoplastic polyurethane component that is different than the first thermoplastic polyurethane component. The compositions are useful for sealing discontinuities in a substrate surface, especially those found in motor vehicles. Sealant articles and methods of sealing discontinuities are also disclosed.

Abstract: A molded polyurethane body is obtainable by reacting: a) one or more aliphatic polyols having a molecular weight of 450 to 6000 g/mol and a hydroxyl value of 10 to 235; b) with aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates in an equivalent ratio of diisocyanate to polyol of 1.2:1.0 to 16.0:1.0; c) with diols as chain lengthening agents having a molecular weight of 60 to 450 g/mol, the NCO index formed from the quotient, which is multiplied by 100, of the equivalent ratio of isocyanate groups to the sum of the hydroxyl groups of polyol and chain lengthening agents lying within a range of 90 to 105; and d) with an at least bifunctional reaction component, which is suitable for subsequent cross-linking.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a solid golf ball with a polyurethane cover having satisfactory formability and ball properties. The solid golf ball of the invention comprises a solid core, and a polyurethane cover for covering the solid core, wherein the difference in Shore D hardness between a center portion and a surface portion of the solid core is at least 15; the polyurethane cover has a thickness (t) of not more than 1.0 mm, and is formed from a cured urethane composition having Shore D hardness (D) of from 35 to 60; a product of the thickness(t) and the Shore D Hardness (D) of the cured urethane composition is ranging from 10 to 45(10≦D×t≦45); and the urethane composition comprises an isocyanate group-terminated urethane prepolymer having the residual polyisocyanate monomer content of not more than 0.1 mass %, and an aromatic polyamine compound.

Abstract: Porous polymers having a plurality of openings or chambers that are highly convoluted, with each chamber being defined by multiple, thin, flat partitions are produced by a new gel enhanced phase separation technique. In a preferred embodiment, a second solvent is added to a polymer solution, the second solvent causing the solution to gel. The gel can then be shaped as needed. Subsequent solvent extraction leaves the porous polymeric body of defined shape. The porous polymers have utility as medical prostheses, the porosity permitting ingrowth of neighboring tissue. The present technique also enhances shape-making capability, for example, of bifurcated vascular grafts, which feature a common entrance region but two or more exit regions.

Abstract: A method of treating reaction injection molded polyurethane, polyurethane/urea and polyurea polymers comprising exposing a reaction injection molded polyurethane, polyurethane/urea or polyurea polymer to an amount of infrared energy sufficient to increase the temperature of the polymer to at least 175° C., and then maintaining the temperature of the polymer at or above that temperature, for a time sufficient to increase the Gardner impact property, as measured using ASTMD-3029, when compared to the same polymer which has been heated to the same temperature and maintained thereat for the same time in a convection oven. The invention produces marked improvements in impact, heat sag and heat distortion temperature properties, and thus is particularly suited to rapid preparation of parts using a mass production conveyor and is particularly well-suited to preparation of parts which are to be subjected to later high temperature processes, such as the “E-coat” process.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane prepolymers which comprise alkoxysilane terminal groups and which are based on special, very high molecular weight polyurethane prepolymers, to a method of producing them and to their use as binders for low-modulus sealing materials.

Abstract: Multi-component composite coating compositions are provided which comprise a base coat deposited from a pigmented film-forming composition and a transparent top coat applied over the base coat in which the transparent top coat is deposited from a film-forming composition comprising one ore more ungelled chain-extended organic polysiloxanes having reactive functional groups, and one or more curing agents having functional groups reactive with the functional groups of the polysiloxane. Additionally provided is a process for applying the multi-component composite coatings described above to a substrate. Substrates coated with the above-described multi-component composite coating compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Multi-component composite coating compositions are provided which comprise a base coat deposited from a pigmented film-forming composition and a transparent top coat applied over the base coat in which the transparent top coat is deposited from a film-forming composition comprising one ore more ungelled chain-extended organic polysiloxanes having reactive functional groups, and one or more curing agents having functional groups reactive with the functional groups of the polysiloxane. Additionally provided is a process for applying the multi-component composite coatings described above to a substrate. Substrates coated with the above-described multi-component composite coating compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A high performance thermoplastic hose useful as a power steering hose, the high performance thermoplastic hose comprising a high performance engineering thermoplastic such as polyurethane and a chlorine-containing polyolefin such as chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, chlorinated copolymers containing ethylene and propylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polypropylene, chlorosulfonated copolymers of ethylene and propylene or mixture thereof, is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method for manufacturing the high performance thermoplastic hose, and a thermoplastic vulcanizate capable of resisting chemical attack and withstanding temperatures up to about 300° F.

Abstract: A method for making a bloom-free thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. The method entails blending a chain terminator such as monofunctional alkylene alcohol having at least 14 carbon atoms, mono-isocyanate and mono-amine, in a thermoplastic polyurethane that would, but for the blending of the chain terminator of the invention, feature a blooming defect. The polyurethane suitable for the use in the inventive process is the product of a reaction wherein reactants comprise (i) at least one hydroxy functional polyol such as polyester polyol, polyether polyol and polycarbonate polyol, having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 5000 and a hydroxyl functionality of at least 2, (ii) a chain extending compound, and (iii) an organic diisocyanate. The ratio NCO/H characterizing the relative amounts of named reactants is 0.95 to 1.05. The addition of the chain terminator renders the product bloom-free.

Abstract: A reshapable hair styling composition comprising at least one silicon-containing polycondensate chosen from polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane-ureas, such as a polycondensate that is functionalized with at least one hydrolyzed or hydrolyzable silyl group, wherein said composition provides a reshapable effect.

Abstract: Safety clothing is produced by molding polyether-based plastic-forming compositions. Particularly preferred articles of safety clothing produced by this process are safety shoe soles.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising; i) a polymer having uretdione groups, and ii) a polyamine crosslinker.

Abstract: The present invention includes a co-polymer film which can be applied over a surface of an article to form a continuous surface that is more biocompatible and has a smoother surface morphology than an untreated article. In general the co-polymer film of the invention can be formed by providing a hydrophobic polymer block, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with functional —OH end groups and reacting the —OH ends with a conventional monomer or prepolymer of a film-forming polymer capable of reacting with —OH groups. Such reactions are exemplified, using as reactive PDMS a triblock copolymer of the polylactone-polysiloxane-polylactone (PL-PDMS-PL) type, or silicone polyesters. The —OH groups of the polylactone blocks can react with any of a variety of isocyanates in a suitable solvent to form a polymer having PDMS incorporated with its structure.

Abstract: An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) comprises a first phase which is continuous and comprises a flexible polymer and a second phase which is a fluorescent or nonfluorescent durable dispersed or continuous phase and comprises a dye and a polymer, wherein the polymer enhances durability of the dye. Such networks are particularly useful in fluorescent traffic signs or safety devices or in pavement marking tape or paint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating compositions comprising a mixture of at least two aqueous, anionic polyurethane polyurea dispersions A and B, wherein dispersion A as a dry film has a TG in the range from −30° C., to −45° and dispersion B as a dry film has a first TG in the range from −30° C. to −45° C. and a second TG in the range from +45° C. to +60° C., and the mixture of A and B as a dry film has only one TG in the range from −30° C. to −45° C.

Abstract: Melt spun thermoplastic polyurethane polymers useful as textile fibers and having good tenacity and recovery and substantially no gelation are disclosed. The polymers are prepared by a three-step polymerization process including: preparation of “hard” segment oligomer, preparation of “soft” segment oligomer and final reaction of “hard” segment with “soft” segment in a twin-screw reaction extruder to obtain a final polyurethane product having relatively uniform distances between the “hard” segments. The “soft” segment oligomer comprises blocks of polymeric glycol (poly) urethanes end capped with isocyanate groups. The “hard” segment oligomer comprises blocks of low molecular weight C2-C6 glycol (poly) urethanes.

Abstract: Compounds active as accelerators for curable epoxy and polyurethane systems, those compounds having been prepared by means of a transamination reaction by reacting (a) a substituted phenolic compound (Mannich base) having at least one substituent of formula R1(R2)N—CH(R3)—  (A), wherein R1 and R2 are each independently of the other linear or branched C1-4alkyl and R3 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or phenyl, with (b) a compound of formula R4(R5)N—CnH2n—(NH—CnH2n)q—NH2  (B), wherein R4 and R5 are each independently of the other C1-C6alkyl or together form a radical of formula —(CH2)5— or —(CH2)2—O—(CH2)2—, n is an integer from 2 to 5 and q is zero, 1, 2 or 3, and the compound obtained or the compounds present in the mixture obtained has/have on average, per molecule, at least one substituent of formula (R4)(R5)N—CnH2n—(NH—CnH2n)q—NH—CH(R3)—, and the use of those compounds as acceler

Abstract: The invention relates to a primer containing a solvent-containing two-component polyurethane binder comprising I) a curing component (A), comprising an addition product of at least one organic polyisocyanate (B) with an average NCO functionality of 2.5 to 5.0 and an isocyanate content of 8 to 27 wt.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polyurethane elastomer containing structural units of type (a), in which: the group —O—R1—O—is a macrodiol group with a molecular weight of approximately 500 to 10000, R2 is a bivalent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aliphatic-cycloaliphatic group; and X is a short-chain olefinically unsaturated group, Y is NH or O, n is an integer from 1 to 10 and m is an integer of at least 4. The invention also concerns a method of preparing this polyurethane elastomer which can be melt-spun to form fibres or melt-extruded to form foils. The fibres or foils can be exposed to energy-rich radiation such that crosslinking of the polyurethane occurs. Fibres according to the invention display superior properties in terms of textile-mechanical properties, in particular good tensile strength, elongation at tear, residual elongation and heat distortion temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating compositions which can be used as the clear coat for automotive finishing or refinishing, the coating composition containing a film-forming binder which contains (A) hydroxyl-containing acrylic polymer and polyhydroxyl-tertiary amine, (B) organic polyisocyanate, and (C) catalyst, to provide a coating film which is quick to cure at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A film-forming composition, typically a topcoat, having improved adhesion to certain commercially available adhesives. The composition includes a curable film-forming polymer, typically an acrylic and/or a polyester polymer, with carbamate and/or urea groups. The composition further includes a material containing one or more hydrolyzable silyl groups. The hydrolyzable silyl group-containing material optionally can be a polymeric or oligomeric. Also disclosed are a method of applying the above-described film-forming composition to a substrate and the coated article prepared by such a method.

Abstract: Secondary amine-functional silanes comprising at least one ester group and at least one amide group are disclosed. The secondary amine-functional silanes are preparable from relatively inexpensive, commercially available raw ingredients, are stable at room temperature and are reactive toward electrophiles. Also disclosed are silane-terminated polymers, silane-terminated polyurethane dispersions, and moisture-cured polymers derived therefrom.

Abstract: A suspension containing crosslinked silicone particles with a lower mean particle diameter and a better dispersion in certain organic resins is prepared by emulsifying a condensation crosslinkable silicone composition containing (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silanol groups per molecule and (B) a crosslinker, but no (C) condensation catalyst, in water using a surfactant. A tin (II) salt of an organic acid with no more than ten carbon atoms is then emulsified in water with a surfactant, and added as the component (C) to the emulsion of condensation crosslinkable silicone composition. This crosslinks the emulsion of condensation crosslinkable silicone composition.

Abstract: An efficient method is provided for producing water based coating compositions that are capable of forming highly scratch and abrasion resistant matte coatings in which crosslinked silicone particles are well dispersed. The method involves addition to a water based coating composition of a waterborne suspension of crosslinked silicone particles having an average diameter of 0.1-200 &mgr;m. The method is characterized in that the suspension is a waterborne crosslinked silicone particle suspension provided by effecting crosslinking of a condensation reaction crosslinkable silicone composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane containing at least two silanol groups in each molecule, (B) a crosslinker, and (C) a condensation reaction catalyst. The crosslinking is effected in the emulsified composition in an aqueous solution of an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A method of preventing fouling organisms in marine environments comprises the step of introducing into the marine environment in a predetermined form and in a sufficient amount an antifouling composition having as its effective ingredient a nitric oxide-releasing functional group of the diazeniumdiolate structure: whereupon nitric oxide is controllably released into the marine environment to prevent at least one of the fouling organisms' propagation, ability to attach, and ability to function. An antifouling composition consists essentially of an antifouling-acceptable carrier and a coprecipitation product of polylactide/glycolide and diethylenetriamine having the formula H3N+CH2CH2N(N2O2)−1CH2CH2NH2, wherein diethylenetriamine contains a nitric oxide-releasing functional group.

Abstract: Monofunctional polyfluorooxetane oligomers and polymers are prepared by the cationic polymerization of fluorooxetane monomers with a monoalcohol. The fluorooxetane oligomers or polymers can be copolymerized with generally cyclic ethers. Alternatively, the polyfluorooxetane oligomer or polymer having a single hydroxyl end group can be functionalized with a variety of compounds so as to yield a functional end group such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, an allylic, an amine, etc., with the functionalized oligomer or polymer being suitable for use in radiation curable or thermal curable coating compositions. These functionalized polymers can be copolymerized and cured to provide improvements in wetting and surface properties that have previously been provided by migratory chemicals such as waxes and oils.

Abstract: A nonaqueous sizing for glass fibers useful for reinforcement of polymers. The sizing composition comprises one or more film formers miscible with the polymer to be reinforced, one or more coupling agents and one or more powders. The sizing composition of the invention provides a glass fiber which has improved processability and notched izod without any loss in dispersability characteristics of the glass pellets.

Abstract: Low density microcellular polyurethane foams suitable for athletic shoe midsoles and other applications are prepared by diol chain extension of 12 to 16% free NCO isocyanate-terminated prepolymers prepared by reacting an excess of di- or polyisocyanate with one or more high molecular weight, high functionality polyoxypropylene diols preferably employing water as a reactive blowing agent. The microcellular elastomers exhibit increased hardness despite the higher molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene diol and further exhibit greater tear resistance, lower compression set, and markedly lower shrinkage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite made by the process of melt mixing (a) a polymer having at least one isocyanate reactive group, wherein the polymer is from 30 to 90% by weight of the composite; (b) a thermoplastic polyurethane at from 0.1 to less than 10% by weight of the composite; and (c) a reinforcing fiber at from 9.9 to 60% by weight of the composite, wherein the sum of the weight percentages of components (a)-(c) is equal to 100%, wherein the polymer (a) is not a polyamide. The invention further relates to a composite prepared by the process of melt mixing (a) a polymer having at least one isocyanate reactive group, wherein the polymer is from 25 to 90% by weight of the composite; (b) a thermoplastic polyurethane at from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the composite; (c) a reinforcing fiber at from 9.8 to 60% by weight of the composite, and (d) an epoxy compound at from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composite, wherein the sum of the weight percentages of components (a)-(d) is equal to 100%.

Abstract: An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) or semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) comprises a first phase which is continuous and comprises a flexible polymer and a second phase which is a fluorescent or nonfluorescent durable dispersed or continuous phase and comprises a dye and a polymer, wherein the polymer enhances durability of the dye. Such networks are particularly useful in fluorescent traffic signs or safety devices or in pavement marking tape or paint.

Abstract: An aqueous crosslinkable coating composition suitable for the provision of thick coatings without incurring carbon dioxide bubble formation comprising: (A) an aqueous dispersion of at least one hydroxyl- and acid-functional vinyl polymer having a hydroxyl value of 8 to 250 mg KOH/g of polymer and an acid value of 2 to 55 mg KOH/g of polymer, where the contribution of at least 30% of the acid value results from a monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula: CH2—CR1—Q—CO2H  (1) where R1 is H or lower alkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and Q is a spacer group of formula: [—C(═O)—X—(CH2)m—]k  (2) where X is —O— or —NH—, m is at least 1, preferably 2 or 3, and k is at least 1, preferably 2, 3, 4 or 5; and (B) at least one organic polyisocyanate. The acid of formula (1) preferably comprises &bgr;-carboxyethyl acrylate.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center, a cover, and optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover, wherein at least one of the center, the cover, and the at least one intermediate layer is formed with a polyurethane composition comprising a reaction product of a prepolymer of at least one polyol and at least one polyisocyanate, and at least one curing agent. A polyurethane composition, suitable for forming golf equipment, said composition comprising a reaction product of a prepolymer of at least one polyol and at least one polyisocyanate, and at least one curing agent.

Abstract: A binder comprising a block polymer of blocks A and B and at least one of the blocks of C and D or E and F. The blocks are formed from: A monocarboxylic acids having 15 to 50 carbon atoms, B polyisocyanates having at least two isocyanate groups, C polycarboxylic acids having at least two carboxyl and/or anhydride groups, D polyisocyanates having at least two isocyanate groups, E polyalcohols having at least two hydroxyl groups, and F polyisocyanates having at least two isocyanate groups. The composition of the block polymer has the following composition: (f+g)/h=0.5 to 1.0, i/(h−f−g)=2.0 to 25 and a/(c+e)=0.1 to 1.0, where a, c and e=total moles of A, C and E; f=total equivalents of hydroxyl groups, g=total equivalents of carboxyl and anhydride groups, h=total equivalents of isocyanate groups and I=total moles of A to F.

Abstract: Compositions containing polyurethane dispersions and water reducible resins particularly suited for use as basecoats in low VOC basecoat/clearcoat vehicle coatings.

Abstract: A matt polyurethane powder coating material comprises:

Abstract: A polymer, possibly fabricated as part of a medical device or as part of a medical prostheses (such as a contact lens) is functionalized to facilitate the introduction of functional groups, such as biomedical species including heparin. The polymer is reacted in an aqueous medium with a water soluble azo compound (such as cyanovaleric acid or 2-methylpropionamidine) to produce oxygen centered radicals responsible for introducing functional groups into the polymer.

Abstract: Low VOC automotive paint compositions containing reactive urea/urethanes are disclosed. Clearcoat and single stage topcoat formulations are found to be especially useful according to this invention.

Abstract: Ink-imprintable compositions comprise a reaction product of a mixed emulsion containing a carboxylic acid terminated polydimethylsiloxane, or an isocyanate terminated polydimethylsiloxane, a hydrophilic isocyanate reactive agent, a polyisocyanate, and at least one dihydroxy terminated oligomer. Ink-imprintable stamp constructions also comprise a plurality of contiguous stamps in a roll or stacked sheet configuration without an independent release liner wherein the stamps have a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back surface of the stamps and the above ink-imprintable release coating on the face surface of the stamps.

Abstract: A curable resin composition including a homogeneous mixture or blend of: (a) an epoxy vinyl ester resin, and (b) a urethane vinyl ester resin having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 8000 and forming a dispersed second phase in the epoxy vinyl ester resin upon curing of the curable resin composition prepared by reacting: (i) an alkylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) compound; (ii) a plurality of polyalkylene glycols having at least a bimodal distribution of molecular weights, wherein a short-chain molecular weight peak is centered at from about 1,500 to about 10,000 and a long-chain molecular weight peak is centered at from about 200 to about 800 and, optionally, a branched polyalkylene polyol with a hydroxy functionality of greater than 2 and an average molecular weight of from about 450 to about 4600; and (iii) a hydroxyalkyl acrylate or hydroxyalkyl methacrylate.

Abstract: A medical material composed of a poly(alkyl aryl ether)sulfone copolymer (A) and a thermoplastic polymer (B), such as cellulose triacetate, and being used in contact with the blood, wherein the concentration of the copolymer (A) is at least 40% by weight at least near the surface of a part having a surface to be used in contact with the blood and the copolymer (A) is a specified polysulfone bearing fluorine atoms and polyalkyl ether units and which is suitable for a hollow fiber membrane for artificial kidneys, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing storage-stable, latent-reactive layers and powders of surface-deactivated, solid polyisocyanates and dispersions or aqueous solutions of isocyanate reactive polymers, which can be used as adhesives and coverings. Said dispersions, suspensions or aqueous solutions can applied to a substrate in an appropriate form. Water can then be eliminated at a temperature inferior to the reaction temperature of the isocyanates and this operation can take place at a temperature above the softening temperature of the polymers. This process produces, at ambient temperature, dry and substantially water free layers which are storage stable and can react with the polymers at the polyisocyanate reaction temperature.

Abstract: A urethanized &bgr;-hydroxyalkylamide compound, a process for its preparation, and powder coating materials containing them.

Abstract: A method of coating a game ball with a rapidly curing polyurethane coating system is described herein. The coating system comprises a mixture of a polyol, an isocyanate, a solvent and a high level of catalyst which accelerates the curing process. The coating is a two-part polyurethane system which is preferably applied by spraying. The coating is particularly well-suited for use on golf balls, and also can be applied to other game balls such as softballs, baseballs, cricket balls.

Abstract: A heat curable thermosetting epoxy resin formulation useful for making prepregs and electrical laminates containing a viscosity modifier, wherein the viscosity modifier is: (a) an optionally substituted polymer of a monovinylidene aromatic monomer, optionally having one or more further unsaturated monomers copolymerized therewith; (b) an optionally substituted polyphenylene oxide; or (c) an oxazolidone ring-containing compound.

Abstract: Amino resin mixture for producing foils and edgings with reduced formaldehyde elimination Aqueous amino resin compositions comprising amino resins A, formaldehyde-binding additives (auxiliaries) B, which may include hydroxyl-containing polyurethanes B13, acrylic resins C, if desired, in the form of aqueous dispersions, and water, and their use as impregnating compositions for paper for the purpose of producing finished foils and edgings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder coating for application to packaging containers, 1) the powder coating comprising A) at least one thermoplastic, B) if desired, at least one thermoset, preferably an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent weight of from 400 to 3000, C) if desired, pigments, fillers, catalysts, typical powder coating additives such as degassing agents, levelling agents, free-radical scavengers and antioxidants, and 2) the powder coating having a particle-size distribution such that a) at least 90 percent by mass of the powder-coating particles have a size of between 1 and 120 &mgr;m, b) the maximum size of the powder-coating particles is ≦150 &mgr;m for at least 99 percent by mass of the particles, and c) the mean size of the powder-coating particles is between 1 and 60 &mgr;m, preferably from 1 to 30 &mgr;m.