A method of forming a coating layer on a fibrous mat to make a coated article includes depositing a coating composition on a carrier material and at least partially embedding a first major surface of a fibrous mat in the coating composition, the fibrous mat including a plurality of mat fibers. The coating composition is at least partially hardened to form a coating layer at the first major surface of the fibrous mat. A second major surface of the fibrous mat opposite the first major surface includes an uncoated portion of the plurality of mat fibers.

A method of forming a coating layer on a fibrous mat to make a coated article includes depositing a coating composition on a carrier material and at least partially embedding a first major surface of a fibrous mat in the coating composition, the fibrous mat including a plurality of mat fibers. The coating composition is at least partially hardened to form a coating layer at the first major surface of the fibrous mat. A second major surface of the fibrous mat opposite the first major surface includes an uncoated portion of the plurality of mat fibers.

A membrane covered panel and a membrane covered panel production method are provided wherein an elastomeric membrane, and preferably, an aqueous elastomeric resin-based membrane, is applied to a finished panel construct, prior to pressing of the membrane covered panel. The method is used to produce panels which can be used in the production of flooring materials, wall panels, furniture, countertops, and the like. The membrane is applied to a transfer film, which transfer film can be removed at any time prior to, or after the pressing operation. The panels produced have a durable but elastic surface which can protect the surfaces of the panel construct. The elastomeric covering on the panel construct also preferably provides a surface which is abrasion resistant, and provides better acoustical properties while providing a soft touch haptic surface.

A membrane covered panel and a membrane covered panel production method are provided wherein an elastomeric membrane, and preferably, an aqueous elastomeric resin-based membrane, is applied to a finished panel construct, prior to pressing of the membrane covered panel. The method is used to produce panels which can be used in the production of flooring materials, wall panels, furniture, countertops, and the like. The membrane is applied to a transfer film, which transfer film can be removed at any time prior to, or after the pressing operation. The panels produced have a durable but elastic surface which can protect the surfaces of the panel construct. The elastomeric covering on the panel construct also preferably provides a surface which is abrasion resistant, and provides better acoustical properties while providing a soft touch haptic surface.

Disclosed are methods relating to an extruded pregelatinized, partially hydrolyzed starch prepared by mixing at least water, non-pregelatinized starch, and acid to form a starch precursor. The acid can be a weak acid that substantially avoids chelating calcium ions or a strong acid in a small amount. In the method, pregelatinization and acid-modification of the starch precursor occurs in one step in an extruder. Also disclosed are methods of preparing board using the starch prepared according to the methods, as well as starches and boards prepared by various methods of the invention.

Disclosed are methods relating to an extruded pregelatinized, partially hydrolyzed starch prepared by mixing at least water, non-pregelatinized starch, and acid to form a starch precursor. The acid can be a weak acid that substantially avoids chelating calcium ions or a strong acid in a small amount. In the method, pregelatinization and acid-modification of the starch precursor occurs in one step in an extruder. Also disclosed are methods of preparing board using the starch prepared according to the methods, as well as starches and boards prepared by various methods of the invention.

A corrugated sheet metal wall sheathing for resisting external excitations such as wind or earthquake of light-framed wall structures. The sheathing has sheet profile proportioned to insure the top flutes deform laterally and yield at the end of the flute before the onset of any failure mode. A transverse slot in included in each top flute and adjacent web of the sheathing and spaced at intervals along the length of the sheathing.

A corrugated sheet metal wall sheathing for resisting external excitations such as wind or earthquake of light-framed wall structures. The sheathing has sheet profile proportioned to insure the top flutes deform laterally and yield at the end of the flute before the onset of any failure mode. A transverse slot in included in each top flute and adjacent web of the sheathing and spaced at intervals along the length of the sheathing.

A decorative concrete with a very uniform finish surface and a method of fabricating the same is disclosed. A concrete mixture is poured over a subgrade which defines an exposed surface. The exposed surface is finished with any of several techniques, and the surface is then worked with an abrasive material, and additional techniques are used to color and seal the concrete.

A method for coating a building panel, including applying a first coating fluid including an organic binder on a surface of the building panel to obtain at least one coating layer, and applying barrier components and photocatalytic particles, preferably TiO.sub.2, on the at least one coating layer. Also, a building panel formed by the method.