| abstract |
A decorative composite article which may be longitudinally slit to form a yarn product is disclosed which has a combined a phosphorescent and fluorescent decorative appearance. The composite article includes paired outer layers of a thermoplastic resin between which is disposed a decorative layer comprising a composition including a colorant component having a phosphorescent colorant and a fluorescent colorant, and a resin binder material. The fluorescent colorant is present in an amount by weight that is up to an amount equal to that of the phosphorescent colorant. The present binder material may be selected from polyester, polyurethane and acrylic polymers and copolymers, with a mixture of a butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber and polyurethane composition being preferred. n The composite article is prepared by the coating of two resin films with the above described composition, followed by contacting the films with each other on their coated surfaces and applying heat and pressure to bond them together to form the decorative composite article. The resulting composite article may be slit longitudinally to a variety of widths to form a yarn product useful in a variety of decorative and security applications. The product of the present invention offers improved flexural strength in combination with unique decorative appearance, and may be easily and inexpensively manufactured. |