An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

A packaging sheet is described. The sheet comprises a first rigid component, a second rigid component, and a multilayer film. Each of the first rigid component and the second rigid component comprises styrenic polymer, aromatic polyester, aliphatic polyester, polypropylene homopolymer, or blends thereof. The multilayer film is a blown, coextruded film positioned between the first rigid component and the second rigid component and comprises (a) an outer layer, (b) a barrier component, and (c) an inner layer, where the barrier component is positioned between the outer layer and the inner layer. The first rigid component is coated on or laminated to a first surface of the multilayer film and the second rigid component is coated on or laminated to an opposing second surface of the multilayer film such that the sheet is not a fully coextruded sheet. Various embodiments of the sheet are also described.

A multi-layer decorating element includes a base and a plurality of plates forming decorative elements. The base has a length between the first and second ends thereof and an increased width from the first end to the second end. The first end of the base is curved. The second end of the base is divided by a gap into two segments. The gap has a closed end and an open end. The open end is disposed at the second end of the base. The closed end has a smaller width than the open end. The plurality of plates includes a side with a hot melt glue layer and is hot pressed on a side of the base. The plurality of plates is disposed within peripheral edges of the base and includes a plurality of overlapped sections. The plurality of plates has different shapes.

A display unit that includes an image display part and a light-transmitting protective part arranged on the image display part. A cured resin layer is arranged between the display part and the protective part. The cured resin layer can have a transmittance of 90% or higher in the visible range and a storage modulus at 25° C. of 1×10.sup.7 Pa or less. The cured resin layer can be formed from a resin composition that has a cure shrinkage of 5% or less.

A method for manufacturing an electrostatic chuck with multiple chucking electrodes made of ceramic pieces using metallic aluminum as the joining. The aluminum may be placed between two pieces and the assembly may be heated in the range of 770 C to 1200 C. The joining atmosphere may be non-oxygenated. After joining the exclusions in the electrode pattern may be machined by also machining through one of the plate layers. The machined exclusion slots may then be filled with epoxy or other material. An electrostatic chuck or other structure manufactured according to such methods.

An injection molded product formed from an inner layer, or substrate, to which an aesthetic IMD layer is bonded during a first injection molding process, leaving a portion of the substrate exposed about the perimeter(s) of the substrate. A transparent outer layer, or overmold, is then injection molded over the top of the IMD layer and substrate, bonding substantially to the IMD layer and to the substrate where it remains exposed following the first injection molding. The process of forming a product through the disclosed two-step injection molding process creates a customizable, aesthetic product with an aesthetic IMD layer completely encapsulated between the substrate and a clear overmold in such a way to protect the IMD layer from the environment in which the product is used.

Provided is a hard coating film in which a hard coating layer having a water contact angle of 90° or less, a high refractive index layer, and a low refractive index layer are laminated on a substrate, the film having suppressed curling, and excellent hardness and antireflection performance.

Provided is a hard coating film in which a hard coating layer having a water contact angle of 90° or less, a conductive layer, and a low refractive index layer are laminated on a substrate, the film having excellent hardness, anti-curling property, antireflection performance, antifouling performance, and antistatic performance.

With applications such as soft robotics being severely hindered by the lack of strong soft actuators, the invention provides a new soft-actuator material—Electrically Actuated Hydraulic Solid (EAHS) material—with a stress-density that outperforms any known electrically-actuatable material. One type of actuator is fabricated by making a closed cell that acts as highly paralyzed version of a standard paraffin actuator. Each cell exhibits microscopic expansion, which is summed to produce macroscopic motion. The closed cellular nature of the material allows the system to be cut and punctured and still operate. It can be produced in a lab or industrial scale, and can be formed using molding, 3D printing or cutting.

A problem to be solved by the present invention is that there is no method for forming a dense structure on a porous structure at low cost. In addition, another object is to provide a high quality and inexpensive structure of a brittle material and a laminate thereof as an intermediate layer for facilitating formation of a dense structure on a porous structure. A structure is provided having a brittle particle assembly having a plurality of brittle particles, wherein the brittle particle assemblies are arranged adjacently to each other, and the brittle particles having a brittle material region in the periphery are crosslinked (connected) by the brittle material region to bond the brittle particles to each other, and thereby form a brittle material crosslinked structure region preventing the mobility of the brittle particles.