Curable film-forming sol-gel compositions that are essentially free of inorganic oxide particles are provided. The compositions contain: a tetraalkoxysilane; a solvent component; and non-oxide particles, and further contain either i) a mineral acid or ii) an epoxy functional trialkoxysilane and a metal-containing catalyst. Coated articles demonstrating antiglare properties are also provided, comprising: (a) a substrate having at least one surface; and (b) a cured film-forming composition applied thereon, formed from a curable sol-gel composition comprising a silane and non-oxide particles. A method of forming an antiglare coating on a substrate is also provided. The method comprises: (a) applying a curable film-forming sol-gel composition on at least one surface of the substrate to form a coated substrate; and (b) subjecting the coated substrate to thermal conditions for a time sufficient to effect cure of the sol-gel composition and form a coated substrate with a sol-gel network layer having anti-glare properties.

A thin-film coating applicator assembly is disclosed for coating substrates in outdoor applications. The innovative thin-film coating applicator assembly is adapted to apply performance enhancement coatings on installed photovoltaic panels and glass windows in outdoor environments. The coating applicator is adapted to move along a solar panel or glass pane while applicator mechanisms deposit a uniform layer of liquid coating solution to the substrate's surface. The applicator assembly comprises a conveyance means disposed on a frame. Further disclosed are innovative applicator heads that comprise a deformable sponge-like core surrounded by a microporous layer. The structure, when in contact with a substrate surface, deposits a uniform layer of coating solution over a large surface.

A thin-film coating applicator assembly is disclosed for coating substrates in outdoor applications. The innovative thin-film coating applicator assembly is adapted to apply performance enhancement coatings on installed photovoltaic panels and glass windows in outdoor environments. The coating applicator is adapted to move along a solar panel or glass pane while applicator mechanisms deposit a uniform layer of liquid coating solution to the substrate's surface. The applicator assembly comprises a conveyance means disposed on a frame. Further disclosed are innovative applicator heads that comprise a deformable sponge-like core surrounded by a microporous layer. The structure, when in contact with a substrate surface, deposits a uniform layer of coating solution over a large surface.

A laminate packaging material has a first film; a first print layer on the first film; a second print layer on the first print layer; an adhesive layer on the second print layer and a second film on the adhesive layer, wherein the second print layer comprises (a) an uncrosslinked polyurethane comprising a member selected from the group consisting of polyester segments and polyether segments; (b) a pigment; and (c) an aminosilane compound comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of primary amino groups and secondary amino groups.

A coating film-forming composition includes a hydrolysis-condensation product of a hydrolyzable silane and fine inorganic particles subjected to a special dispersion treatment, that can be formed into a highly heat-resistant, highly transparent coating film capable of exhibiting a high refractive index and having a large thickness and excellent storage stability as a coating composition; and a process for producing the coating film-forming composition.

A coating film-forming composition includes a hydrolysis-condensation product of a hydrolyzable silane and fine inorganic particles subjected to a special dispersion treatment, that can be formed into a highly heat-resistant, highly transparent coating film capable of exhibiting a high refractive index and having a large thickness and excellent storage stability as a coating composition; and a process for producing the coating film-forming composition.

Provided are a film-forming composition containing a hydrolysate of a siloxane compound represented by Formula (1), silica particles, a ketone-based solvent, and water, and a manufacturing method of a laminate. In Formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 each independently represent a monovalent organic group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. n represents an integer of 2 to 20. ##STR00001##

Provided are a film-forming composition containing a hydrolysate of a siloxane compound represented by Formula (1), silica particles, a ketone-based solvent, and water, and a manufacturing method of a laminate. In Formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 each independently represent a monovalent organic group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. n represents an integer of 2 to 20. ##STR00001##

Provided are a film-forming composition containing a hydrolysate of a siloxane compound represented by Formula (1), silica particles, a ketone-based solvent, and water, and a manufacturing method of a laminate. In Formula (1), R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 each independently represent a monovalent organic group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. n represents an integer of 2 to 20. ##STR00001##

A composition based on a certain chromium-free silicate-based binder is described. The composition is an aqueous solution of lithium-doped potassium silicate in combination with an aluminum or aluminum alloy powder, zinc powder or a combination thereof. The coatings of the present invention are capable of achieving a full cure at temperatures as low as 350-450 degrees F. by the inclusion of a colloidal solution of a nano-sized ceria, thus making the coatings especially suitable for application on temperature sensitive base materials.