An apparatus for applying a thermoplastic powder to internal threads of a fastener includes a vacuum nozzle having an end adapted to engage a first surface of the fastener. A spray tube is sized to be inserted within the bore of the fastener and communicates with a source or sources of thermoplastic powder and pressurized air. A bushing is mounted on the spray tube so that the spray tube is able to slide with respect to the bushing. The bushing is adapted to engage a second surface of the fastener. The spray tube and bushing are movable between clamping positions, where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener, and release positions where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing do not engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener. A fastener holder holds the fastener between the vacuum nozzle and the bushing so that when the vacuum nozzle and the bushing are in the clamping positions, the spray tube enters the bore of the fastener and sprays thermoplastic powder on the internal threads of the fastener with excess thermoplastic powder collected by the vacuum nozzle. The vacuum nozzle and bushing may be machined and to permit either, both or neither of first and second chamfers of the fasteners to also be coated.

An apparatus for applying a thermoplastic powder to internal threads of a fastener includes a vacuum nozzle having an end adapted to engage a first surface of the fastener. A spray tube is sized to be inserted within the bore of the fastener and communicates with a source or sources of thermoplastic powder and pressurized air. A bushing is mounted on the spray tube so that the spray tube is able to slide with respect to the bushing. The bushing is adapted to engage a second surface of the fastener. The spray tube and bushing are movable between clamping positions, where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener, and release positions where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing do not engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener. A fastener holder holds the fastener between the vacuum nozzle and the bushing so that when the vacuum nozzle and the bushing are in the clamping positions, the spray tube enters the bore of the fastener and sprays thermoplastic powder on the internal threads of the fastener with excess thermoplastic powder collected by the vacuum nozzle. The vacuum nozzle and bushing may be machined and to permit either, both or neither of first and second chamfers of the fasteners to also be coated.

Functionalized Group IVA particles, methods of preparing the Group IVA particles, and methods of using the Group IVA particles are provided. The Group IVA particles may be passivated with at least one layer of material covering at least a portion of the particle. The layer of material may be a covalently bonded non-dielectric layer of material. The Group IVA particles may be used in various technologies, including lithium ion batteries and photovoltaic cells.

Functionalized Group IVA particles, methods of preparing the Group IVA particles, and methods of using the Group IVA particles are provided. The Group IVA particles may be passivated with at least one layer of material covering at least a portion of the particle. The layer of material may be a covalently bonded non-dielectric layer of material. The Group IVA particles may be used in various technologies, including lithium ion batteries and photovoltaic cells.

To provide a powder coating material capable of forming a film excellent in metallic hue, concealing property and weather resistance. The powder coating material comprises the following fluororesin (A), the following resin (B) and the following pigment (C) as constituents thereof, wherein the content of the pigment (C) is from 0.7 to 23 mass %; Fluororesin (A): a fluororesin having a fluorine content of at least 10 mass %; Resin (B): a resin having a SP value larger than that of the fluororesin (A), and the difference between the SP value thereof and the SP value of the fluororesin (A) is at least 0.4 (J/cm.sup.3).sup.1/2; Pigment (C): a pigment which is a metallic pigment covered with a covering material, and the SP value of the covering material exceeds the SP value of the fluororesin (A) and less than the SP value of the resin (B).

To provide a powder coating material capable of forming a film excellent in metallic hue, concealing property and weather resistance. The powder coating material comprises the following fluororesin (A), the following resin (B) and the following pigment (C) as constituents thereof, wherein the content of the pigment (C) is from 0.7 to 23 mass %; Fluororesin (A): a fluororesin having a fluorine content of at least 10 mass %; Resin (B): a resin having a SP value larger than that of the fluororesin (A), and the difference between the SP value thereof and the SP value of the fluororesin (A) is at least 0.4 (J/cm.sup.3).sup.1/2; Pigment (C): a pigment which is a metallic pigment covered with a covering material, and the SP value of the covering material exceeds the SP value of the fluororesin (A) and less than the SP value of the resin (B).

A method of forming a dirt repellant panel coated with a powder coating composition that includes a polymeric binder and an anionic fluorosurfactant present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %.

A method of forming a dirt repellant panel coated with a powder coating composition that includes a polymeric binder and an anionic fluorosurfactant present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %.

A system and method for delivering materials for deposition is described. The system includes reservoirs for holding materials, heating elements for liquefying the materials (unless they are to be delivered as solids). Once in a desired state, pressure and material delivery systems to move the materials to a deposition nozzle. In the deposition nozzle, or thereabouts, the materials combine and are prepared to be deposited. An agitation element is used to break up the material and push it out of the nozzle tip in an atomized or droplet form. Changes in the material composition/concentration result in adjustment in heat, pressure or deposition agitation.

A system and method for delivering materials for deposition is described. The system includes reservoirs for holding materials, heating elements for liquefying the materials (unless they are to be delivered as solids). Once in a desired state, pressure and material delivery systems to move the materials to a deposition nozzle. In the deposition nozzle, or thereabouts, the materials combine and are prepared to be deposited. An agitation element is used to break up the material and push it out of the nozzle tip in an atomized or droplet form. Changes in the material composition/concentration result in adjustment in heat, pressure or deposition agitation.