Ferro Corporation

Dmc2 Degussa Metals Catalysts Cerdec Ag

Dmc, Inc

Daniel Russell Swiler

Terry J Detrie

Enos Ayres Axtell, Iii

Gary L Nuccetelli

Sean T Weir

George E Sakoske

Ronald M Harris

David C Kapp

Martin Baumann

Robert Michael Sullivan

Kimberly Ann Stewart

Gilbert B Burkhart, Iii

Richard A Pipoly

Michael J Hensel

Bertram Gardner

Lei Wang

David J Matalka

Raymond E Barnes

Jacqueline C Livingston

A pigment additive and resulting pigment are described that when incorporated in paints for example, significantly increases total solar reflectance. Also described are compositions utilizing the noted pigments, and related methods. The pigments are formed from iron oxide and/or chromium oxide and utilize as an additive, one or more phosphate compounds.

Pigment additive for improving solar reflectance

The present invention provides mixed metal oxide based special effect pigments that can be incorporated into optically thin binder systems to produce a 'metal flake' appearance that is superior to the 'metal flake' appearance presently achievable using conventional special effect pigments. Special effect pigments according to the invention comprise at least 10 wt % of mixed metal oxides that exhibit the McConnellite (CuCrO) crystal structure. Other metallic elements can be incorporated into the crystal lattice structure to alter the appearance effect of the pigments.

Special effect pigments

The present invention provides methods of forming and detecting non-visible marks and articles marked in accordance with the methods. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a marking material is applied to a substrate to form a mark that is contrastable from the substrate in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The mark is covered with a film, which can be a bonded coating or a non-bonded covering sheet, that comprises an amount of one or more inorganic pigments such that the film appears opaque in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum but is sufficiently transmissive in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to facilitate the detection of the mark covered by the film. The non-visible marks can be applied to articles such as automobile parts, aircraft parts and other articles of manufacture to deter counterfeiting.

Methods of forming and detecting non-visible marks and articles marked in accordance with the methods

The present invention involves growing diatoms on a surface for the purpose of forming nanoscale-sized siliceous structures on the surface. In accordance with the invention, diatom films are grown on various substrates, which are then fired to remove all organic material from the diatoms and produce a surface coated with intricate, nanoscale-sized structures. The nanoscale-sized structured surface is subsequently treated with a hydrophobic film-forming agent to form a structured self-cleaning surface.

Structured self-cleaning surfaces and method of forming same

The present invention provides inorganic pigments including cobalt and aluminum having the spinel crystalline structure that exhibit improved color and/or weatherability in paint and polymer applications. Inorganic pigments according to the invention are formed by adding small quantities of a phosphate compound such as aluminum phosphate and, optionally, chromium (III) oxide, to a raw batch that includes a mixture of cobalt-containing and aluminum-containing inorganic pigment precursors, and calcining the raw batch to obtain the inorganic pigment.

Inorganic pigments

Rare earth-transition metal oxides are used as pigments. The rare earth-transition metal oxide pigments are preferably of the formula (Re Tm)O , where Re is at least one rare earth element, Tm is at least one transition metal, x ranges from 0.08 to 12, and y ranges from x&plus;1 to 2x&plus;2. The pigments are useful as colorants, and possess good stability.

Rare earth-transition metal oxide pigments

Rare earth manganese oxides are used as pigments. The pigments are preferably of the formula (Re Mn)O , where Re is at least one element selected from Y, La and Lanthanide elements, x is from 0.01 to 99, and y is the number required to maintain electroneutrality. Preferred rare earth elements include Y, La, Pr and Nd. The pigments are useful as colorants, and may possess improved reflectance characteristics in the infrared region, thereby reducing IR-induced heat buildup.

Rare earth manganese oxide pigments

Manganese vanadium oxides are used as pigments. The mnanganese vanadium oxide pigments are of the formula Mn V O . The, pigments are useful as colorants, and also possess improved reflectance characteristics in the infrared region, thereby reducing IR-induced heat buildup.

Manganese vanadium oxide pigments

Alkaline earth-manganese oxides are used as pigments. The alkaline earth-manganese oxide pigments are preferably of the formula Me MnO , where Me is at least one metal selected from Ca, Sr, Ba and Mg, x is from 0.01 to 99, and y is greater than or equal to x&plus;1 and less than or equal to x&plus;2. The pigments are useful as colorants, and also possess improved reflectance characteristics, particularly in the IR region, and may reduce IR-induced heat buildup. These colorants can be used to form colored objects, or coat objects when they are either added into or applied onto materials such as paints, inks, plastics, glasses, ceramics and the like. The patent also covers the production of these pigments.

Growing community of inventors

Washington, PA, United States of America

Daniel Russell Swiler