A PTSM-coated expandable microsphere comprises a polymer shell enclosing an interior volume containing at least one blowing agent. The polymer shell has an outer surface with photothermal susceptor material disposed on at least a portion thereof. If heated to at least one temperature greater than 25° C., each of the expandable microspheres expands, but does not rupture, the polymer shell by a sufficient amount to at least double the interior volume. A markable comprises a substrate and a viewable layer secured thereto. The viewable layer comprises a binder material retaining the PTSM-coated expandable microspheres. A method of marking a markable article comprises imagewise exposing the PTSM-coated expandable microspheres of the markable article to at least sufficient electromagnetic radiation to cause the PTSM-coated expandable microspheres to expand thereby creating a predetermined image. A marked article preparable according to the method is also disclosed.

A thermally expandable sheet according to the present invention includes a stress buffer layer provided on one surface of a base material and having an elastic property, a thermal expansion layer provided on the stress buffer layer and containing a first thermally expandable material that expands according to heat and a first binder, and a cover layer provided on the thermal expansion layer and having an elastic property.

A paint composition includes a fluid and a coloring agent in the fluid. The fluid maintains the coloring agent in a first protonation state. The coloring agent exhibits a first color characteristic in the first protonation state. The paint composition includes microcapsules in the fluid. The paint composition also includes a chemical compound in the microcapsules. Rupture of at least a portion of the microcapsules is configured to release the chemical compound and expose the coloring agent to the chemical compound. Exposure of the coloring agent to the chemical compound changes the coloring agent from the first protonation state with the first color characteristic to a second protonation state with a second color characteristic. The second color characteristic is visually distinct from the first color characteristic.

An ink composition includes a fluid and a plurality of microcapsules suspended in the fluid. The fluid includes a first chemical compound that exhibits a first color characteristic in a first pH range and exhibits a second color characteristic in a second pH range, where the first color characteristic is visually distinct from the second color characteristic. A second chemical compound is contained within the microcapsules, such that rupturing at least a subset of the plurality of microcapsules releases the second chemical compound. Releasing the second chemical compound shifts a pH of the fluid from a first pH in the first pH range to a second pH in the second pH range.

Provided are thermochromic color-memorizing composition and thermochromic color-memorizing microcapsule pigment encapsulating the same, the thermochromic color-memorizing composition including: (a) an electron-donating color-developing organic compound; (b) an electron-accepting compound; and (c) an ester compound represented by the following formula (1) as a reaction medium which controls color reaction between the components (a) and (b):

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A new leuco dye produces a yellow color while demonstrating also exceptional light and thermal stability under light.

Exercise mats, systems of exercise mats, and related methods of making and/or using the same are provided herein. More specifically, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to exercise mats, such as yoga mats, and systems of exercise mats that provide visual cues and/or different levels of tackiness to provide different levels of grip to optimize a user's connection to the mat and methods related to the exercise mats.

An in-mold transfer film includes a release layer, a scent-emitting hard layer, a color-changing print layer and an adhesive layer formed sequentially in one direction on one side of a base layer, wherein the scent-emitting hard layer includes aromatic microcapsules, and the color-changing print layer changes its color according to the temperature. An method for manufacturing an in-mold transfer film includes the following steps: forming a release layer on one side of a base layer; forming a scent-emitting hard layer on an upper surface of the release layer; forming a print primer layer on an upper surface of the scent-emitting hard layer; forming a color-changing print layer formed on an upper surface of the print primer layer; forming an adhesive primer layer on an upper surface of the color-changing print layer; and forming an adhesive layer on an upper surface of the adhesive primer layer.

Color change compositions that transition from a first to second color state upon application of an applied stimulus are provided. Also provided are substrates having the compositions on a surface thereof, as well as methods of making and using the compositions.

A method for producing a foamed body includes: forming a foamed layer precursor including applying a coating liquid onto a base to form a liquid film and applying an ink onto the liquid film by an inkjet method, where the coating liquid contains a foaming agent and an active energy ray curable material having a radical-polymerizable functional group, the active energy ray curable material contains a multifunctional active energy ray curable material having two or more radical-polymerizable functional groups, and the ink contains a foaming accelerator having a radical-polymerizable functional group; and foaming a desired position of the foamed layer precursor by heating to form a foamed layer. A functional group equivalent of the radical-polymerizable functional group in the foaming accelerator is greater than a functional group equivalent of the radical-polymerizable functional group in the active energy ray curable material.