A diffusion agent composition that, even when a semiconductor substrate which is an object into which an impurity diffusion ingredient is to be diffused has, on a surface thereof, a three-dimensional structure having nano-scale fine voids on a surface thereof, can be evenly coated on the whole area of an inner surface of the fine voids, whereby boron can be diffused into the semiconductor substrate, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate using the composition. The composition includes an impurity diffusion ingredient and a hydrolyzable Si compound to produce a silanol group, the impurity diffusion ingredient containing a complex compound containing boron having a specific structure.

A diffusion agent composition that, even when a semiconductor substrate which is an object into which an impurity diffusion ingredient is to be diffused has, on a surface thereof, a three-dimensional structure having nano-scale fine voids on a surface thereof, can be evenly coated on the whole area of an inner surface of the fine voids, whereby boron can be diffused into the semiconductor substrate, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate using the composition. The composition includes an impurity diffusion ingredient and a hydrolyzable Si compound to produce a silanol group, the impurity diffusion ingredient containing a complex compound containing boron having a specific structure.

Compositions and methods for making biocidal currency are disclosed. The compositions of the within invention contain biocidal silver or silver compounds, which include elemental silver, nanoparticulate silver, colloidal silver, inorganic silver, including silver oxide, silver compounds and silver salts, that exhibit antibacterial and/or antiviral properties. Ink formulations that are used in the printing of currency, such as offset printing and intaglio printing, which incorporate the biocidal silver are also disclosed. In addition, the biocidal silver is formulated within pulp mixtures during the currency paper or linen-making processes. Methods of employing the biocidal silver or silver compounds of this invention include high pressure engravement printing where the silver impregnates the fiber, being cellulosic fiber, cotton or linen, forming a permanent biocidal layer within or on the surface of the currency, and offset printing.

A metallic nanoparticle dispersion includes a dispersion medium characterized in that the dispersion medium includes a solvent according to Formula I, ##STR00001## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent an optionally substituted alkyl group, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may form a ring. When using a solvent according to Formula I as a dispersion medium, no polymeric dispersants are necessary to obtain stable metallic nanoparticle dispersions.

A metallic nanoparticle dispersion includes a dispersion medium characterized in that the dispersion medium includes a solvent according to Formula I, ##STR00001## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent an optionally substituted alkyl group, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may form a ring. When using a solvent according to Formula I as a dispersion medium, no polymeric dispersants are necessary to obtain stable metallic nanoparticle dispersions.

A method of producing an electrostatic ink composition, the method comprising: providing a precursor ink composition comprising a resin and a pigment dispersed in a liquid carrier; wherein the precursor ink composition comprises 30 wt % or more non-volatile solids; and spraying a lubricating liquid onto the surface of the precursor ink composition to form the electrostatic ink composition.

A method of producing an electrostatic ink composition, the method comprising: providing a precursor ink composition comprising a resin and a pigment dispersed in a liquid carrier; wherein the precursor ink composition comprises 30 wt % or more non-volatile solids; and spraying a lubricating liquid onto the surface of the precursor ink composition to form the electrostatic ink composition.

A near infrared absorbing-fine-particle dispersion liquid having absorption in a near infrared region, having clear contrast, and being applicable to offset printing; a method for producing the same; an anti-counterfeit ink composition using the near infrared absorbing-fine-particle dispersion liquid; and anti-counterfeit printed matter using the near infrared absorbing-fine-particles. The near infrared absorbing-fine-particle dispersion liquid contains a solvent of one or more from vegetable oils or vegetable oil-derived compounds; near infrared absorbing-fine-particles of 2 mass % or more and 25 mass % or less, selected from one or more of hexaboride fine-particles expressed by formula XB.sub.a (where X is one or more kinds of specified elements, and 4.0≤a≤6.2); and a dispersant soluble in solvent and having a fatty acid in its structure, where the viscosity is 180 mPa.Math.s or less. The anti-counterfeit printed matter is excellent in anti-counterfeit effect due to the near infrared absorbing-fine-particles.

A near infrared absorbing-fine-particle dispersion liquid having absorption in a near infrared region, having clear contrast, and being applicable to offset printing; a method for producing the same; an anti-counterfeit ink composition using the near infrared absorbing-fine-particle dispersion liquid; and anti-counterfeit printed matter using the near infrared absorbing-fine-particles. The near infrared absorbing-fine-particle dispersion liquid contains a solvent of one or more from vegetable oils or vegetable oil-derived compounds; near infrared absorbing-fine-particles of 2 mass % or more and 25 mass % or less, selected from one or more of hexaboride fine-particles expressed by formula XB.sub.a (where X is one or more kinds of specified elements, and 4.0≤a≤6.2); and a dispersant soluble in solvent and having a fatty acid in its structure, where the viscosity is 180 mPa.Math.s or less. The anti-counterfeit printed matter is excellent in anti-counterfeit effect due to the near infrared absorbing-fine-particles.

Aqueous pigment dispersions having monomers in the polymeric dispersant capable of interacting with cellulose are described. These monomers include the ones having a structure of Formula (I): ##STR00001## wherein W is O or NH; R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl; and R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.5 alkyl.