A marking system includes a composition having at least one color precursor, a moldable substrate having a color developer, and a marking instrument for applying the composition to the moldable substrate to form at least one mark on the moldable substrate. A method of producing a colored three-dimensional molded object includes the steps of manipulating a moldable substrate having a color developer into a molded shape having an outer surface; and applying, on the outer surface of the molded shape, a first composition having at least one color precursor to a first portion of the molded shape.

An apparatus, kit, and methods for forming a bead between bead-forming blocks having internal bead-forming channels are provided. The bead-forming channels of adjacent bead-forming blocks are slidably engaged to manipulate a measured amount of modeling compound between the bead-forming blocks and within an internal space between the opposing channels. In one embodiment, the bead-forming blocks maintain orientation with respect to an axis of travel based on a block guide. Further, the measured amount of modeling compound is determined using an integrated measuring feature coupled to at least one of the pair of bead-forming blocks. The internal volume of an integrated measuring feature corresponds to a threshold amount of modeling compound for manipulating between the pair of blocks and forming a bead while contacting at least a portion of the mated bead-forming channels. In further aspects, a molded bead may be coated with a multicomponent bead-coating mixture. Multi-component bead-coating mixtures and methods of using thereof are provided.

The present invention relates to a macroscopic, two or three-dimensional support medium that facilitates artistic expression and the creation and display of macroscopic art, design that is applied art and architecture. The invention also relates to various methods of making such novel support mediums and the works of art, design and architecture they are made as or into. Examples are works of art, design and architecture made with new and extraordinary aesthetic and/or functional properties from the use of nanomaterials.

The present invention relates to modelling doughs comprising; a) at least one starch-containing material; b) at least on low vapour pressure polar solvent; and c) an aqueous component. Typically the doughs will also contain optional ingredients such as softeners, preservatives and/or additives. The invention further relates to filled doughs comprising the modelling doughs incorporating an inert filler and to methods for the production of both the modelling dough and the filled dough.

The present invention relates to modelling doughs comprising; a) at least one starch-containing material; b) at least on low vapour pressure polar solvent; and c) an aqueous component. Typically the doughs will also contain optional ingredients such as softeners, preservatives and/or additives. The invention further relates to filled doughs comprising the modelling doughs incorporating an inert filler and to methods for the production of both the modelling dough and the filled dough.

There is provided a novel a non-toxic self-adhesive shear thickening dilatant fluid and process for the formation thereof comprising the sequential steps of forming a gel comprising a first portion of starch and water and adding a sufficient second portion of dry non-toxic solid material to said gel to form a kneadable solid which is dry to the touch. In particular it is directed to a material whose base is corn starch.

The present invention provides a laminated film for molded decoration including a transparent polymer substrate, a hard coat layer having a thickness of 2 to 10 μm, and a protective layer having a thickness of 50 to 200 nm laminated in that order, in which the hard coat layer is a cured layer of a hard coating composition, the protective layer is a cured layer of a coating composition for forming a protective layer, the laminated film for molded decoration has an extension rate within a range of 15 to 80%, and after a scratch test involving 200 reciprocations under a load of 2 N per 4 cm.sup.2 of a surface of the laminated film for molded decoration, the laminated film for molded decoration has no scratches and no deterioration in visibility due to change in appearance.

The present invention provides a laminated film for molded decoration including a transparent polymer substrate, a hard coat layer having a thickness of 2 to 10 μm, and a protective layer having a thickness of 50 to 200 nm laminated in that order, in which the hard coat layer is a cured layer of a hard coating composition, the protective layer is a cured layer of a coating composition for forming a protective layer, the laminated film for molded decoration has an extension rate within a range of 15 to 80%, and after a scratch test involving 200 reciprocations under a load of 2 N per 4 cm.sup.2 of a surface of the laminated film for molded decoration, the laminated film for molded decoration has no scratches and no deterioration in visibility due to change in appearance.

Panels having a decorative surface may include a plate shaped substrate and a top layer, and the top layer may include a paper layer having a printed pattern. A method for manufacturing such panels may involve providing the paper layer with a treatment, including providing the paper layer with an ink receiving substance. The treated paper layer may be provided with at least a portion of the printed pattern by depositing pigment containing inks using a digital inkjet printer of a single pass type. The printed pattern may have a definition of at least 200 dpi. The pigment containing inks may be water-based. The printed pattern may be a wood pattern. The pigment containing inks may include colored pigments and may comprise up to 8 different colors, including brownish and/or reddish colors. The digital inkjet printer may include print heads with nozzles for firing droplets of pigment containing inks onto the treated paper layer. The paper layer may be fed from a roll, printed upon, and rolled back up again. The paper layer, while printing, may be flexible and may be attached to the plate shaped substrate after printing. A layer of thermosetting resin may be applied above the paper layer and the printed pattern. Providing the layer of thermosetting resin may involve a press treatment.

A marking system includes a composition having at least one color precursor, a moldable substrate having a color developer, and a marking instrument for applying the composition to the moldable substrate to form at least one mark on the moldable substrate. A method of producing a colored three-dimensional molded object includes the steps of manipulating a moldable substrate having a color developer into a molded shape having an outer surface; and applying, on the outer surface of the molded shape, a first composition having at least one color precursor to a first portion of the molded shape.