Abstract:
A process for preparing a hardcoated polycarbonate sheet involves (i) ultraviolet radiation curing an acrylic coating onto one surface of a flexible polycarbonate film via a drum casting technique to yield a flexible, abrasion and chemical resistant hardcoated film; and (ii) laminating the hardcoated film onto a thick rigid polycarbonate substrate by an on-line ultraviolet radiation lamination method. The process is fast, requires minimal labor and provides high optical quality hardcoats for polycarbonate sheet.
Abstract:
A printing substrate is formed in a single operation by a method of forming and finishing a fabric web. The forming step creates a continuous fabric web. That fabric is sent to an accumulator, then downstream for finishing. The finishing step includes applying a printable coating via a knurled applicator, controlling the level of liquid in the applicator and compensating for knurled roller deflection. The finishing step further includes curing the coated fabric and selectively employing VOC hoods where needed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for forming and finishing a continuous fabric web in a single operation. The apparatus includes a fabric web forming station for forming a continuous fabric web and a finishing station downstream from the fabric web forming station for receiving the continuous fabric web from the fabric web forming station and for providing a finishing treatment to the continuous fabric web. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a substantially excess-free applicator which helps to prevent thick spots in the coated fabric web which may occur when a coating applicator is stopped and restarted. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a curing station downstream from the applicator. The curing station may include both a drying station and a heat set station downstream from the drying station. The operating temperatures of the drying and heat set stations are controlled to minimize the amount of air having VOCs to be treated before being discharged into the atmosphere. Also in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is an accumulator located between the fabric web forming station and the finishing station for providing a fabric web reserve between the fabric web forming station and the finishing station. The accumulator includes a control system for varying the speed of the finishing station in response to the amount of the fabric reserve.
Abstract:
An apparatus for forming and finishing a continuous fabric web in a single operation. The apparatus includes a fabric web forming station for forming a continuous fabric web and a finishing station downstream from the fabric web forming station for receiving the continuous fabric web from the fabric web forming station and for providing a finishing treatment to the continuous fabric web. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a substantially excess-free applicator which helps to prevent thick spots in the coated fabric web which may occur when a coating applicator is stopped and restarted. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a curing station downstream from the applicator. The curing station may include both a drying station and a heat set station downstream from the drying station. The operating temperatures of the drying and heat set stations are controlled to minimize the amount of air having VOCs to be treated before being discharged into the atmosphere. Also in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is an accumulator located between the fabric web forming station and the finishing station for providing a fabric web reserve between the fabric web forming station and the finishing station. The accumulator includes a control system for varying the speed of the finishing station in response to the amount of the fabric reserve.
Abstract:
A method for reinforcing fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of a release liner fabric during cutting and subsequent use. The method is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerized resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The fabric is cut in those areas where the cured coating is applied, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the fabric edge. The method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of release liners used for the protection of rubber sheeting for manufacturing automobile tires.
Abstract:
An awning fabric for use with a backlit sign of the type having a light source disposed on one side of the awning fabric. The awning fabric includes a scrim and a translucent coating on at least one side of the scrim. The scrim is treated with an optical brightener. When the awning fabric is viewed by an observer from the side opposite the light source, the visibility of the scrim to the observer is minimized. The translucent coating may be plastisol. The optical brightener is preferably a fluorescent whitening agent comprising a stilbene derivative. Also disclosed is a method for producing an awning fabric. The method includes applying an optical brightener to a scrim and applying a translucent coating onto at least one side of the scrim. The method may further include applying an opaque coating onto the translucent coating. Thereafter, a solvent is selectively applied to the opaque coating thereby forming a selected pattern on the awning fabric.
Abstract:
A process of reinforcing airbag fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of the fabric during the cutting process. The process is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerizable resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The airbag fabric is cut in those areas where the coating has been applied and cured, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the airbag fabric edge. The process is particularly suitable for the fabrication of airbags used for the protection of vehicle occupants as in automobiles. Airbags constructed of a breathable, edge-coated fabric are also described.
Abstract:
A meshed for producing an abrasion-resistant, ultraviolet radiation cured coating on a surface of a polymeric substrate is disclosed, as well as the article produced from the method. The uncured coating material which is substantially free of non-reactive volatile components is (i) applied to the substrate (ii) heated along with the substrate to a temperature sufficient to drive a portion of the coating material into a region beneath the surface of the substrate, (iii) and cured onto the substrate by exposing the coating material under anaerobic conditions to sufficient ultraviolet radiation to cure the coating material. Heating of the solvent-free coating prior to ultraviolet radiation cure and while in contact with the substrate results in improved adhesion of the coating to the substrate.
Abstract:
A method for producing an abrasion-resistant, ultraviolet radiation cured coating on a surface of a polymeric substrate is disclosed, as well as the article produced from the method. The uncured coating material which is substantially free of non-reactive volatile components is (i) applied to the substrate (ii) heated along with the substrate to a temperature sufficient to drive a portion of the coating material into a region beneath the surface of the substrate, (iii) and cured onto the substrate by exposing the coating material under anaerobic conditions to sufficient ultraviolet radiation to cure the coating material. Heating of the solvent-free coating prior to ultraviolet radiation cure and while in contact with the substrate results in improved adhesion of the coating to the substrate.
Abstract:
A method for reinforcing fabric edges to prevent raveling or fraying of a release liner fabric during cutting and subsequent use. The method is carried out by coating the yarn crossovers with a flexible, thin film of a radiation polymerized resin and then curing the coating system at high production speeds. The fabric is cut in those areas where the cured coating is applied, thereby providing a band or border of cured resin of sufficient width to prevent raveling of the fabric edge. The method is particularly suitable for the fabrication of release liners used for the protection of rubber sheeting for manufacturing automobile tires.