Importance

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Abstract

There is disclosed a method for permanently and decoratively enhancing a polyethylene surface of a preformed article. In this method, a decorative enhancement composition is created by blending particulate thermoplastic powder, a binder solid, and a colorant into a liquid carrier. The particulate thermoplastic powder bonds to the colorant, the binder solid promotes adhesion of the colored thermoplastic to the polyethylene surface until it can be bonded, and the liquid carrier facilitates the transfer of the colored thermoplastic to the polyethylene surface of the preformed article. The decorative enhancement composition is applied to the polyethylene surface. The deposited decorative enhancement composition and the interfacing polyethylene surface are heated sufficiently to incorporate the decorative enhancement composition into the polyethylene surface. The enhanced polyethylene surface is allowed to cure by removal of the application of heat. Upon curing, the decorative enhancement composition is permanently incorporated into the polyethylene surface enhancing the physical properties and the appearance of the preformed article. This invention also comprises a decorative enhancement composition for the permanent decorative enhancement of polyethylene surfaces of preformed articles consisting essentially of a dry weight ratio of 30 to 70 percent binder solid to 70 to 30 percent particulate thermoplastic powder combined with colorant, wherein colorant comprises 9 to 50 percent of the total dry weight of the binder, powder, and pigment, mixed with liquid carrier, wherein the liquid carrier comprises 20 to 90 weight percent of the overall decorative enhancement composition.

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First Claim