(ZA9204049-A)      Composite article comprises layer having dense array of discrete microstructures partially encapsulated in the layer. Distal end of each microstructure is exposed at surface of the layer; pref. the ends and the surface are coplanar. The microstructures are pref. oriented parallel and have an aspect ratio of 3-100:1.    Specifically, the micro-structures include conformed coating between them and the encapsulant. The microstructures have areal density of 0.04-10 power 6 per sq. micron. The microstructures comprises planar mols. and chains or rings over which pi-electron density is extensively delocalised. Very wide range of inorganic materials, including ceramics, metals etc. and organic materials may be used.    USE -   Esp. in visible radiation absorbing devices. e.g. selective solar absorbers, flat plate solar collectors, solar absorption panels and solar cells    (US5336558-A)      The composite article comprises a layer with a dense array of encapsulated discrete microstructures, where one distal end of each microstructure is exposed. The exposed ends and the surface of the layer are on a common side of the article. The microstructures are organic or inorganic, monocrystalline or polycrystalline, randomly oriented or oriented such that their major axes are parallel to each other, are uniform in size and shape, have a mean dia. of 1-5000 nm, and have an aspect ratio of 3:1 to 100:1. The microstructures are formed on a substrate, and the exposed ends which have been delaminated from the substrate have a surface topography that is the inverse of the topography of the substrate.    USE -   Used for visible radiation absorbing devices, such as solar absorbers, flat plate solar collectors, solar cells, etc.    (JP6508678-W)      Composite article comprises a layer having a dense array of discrete microstructures (11) partially encapsulated in the layer (13). A distal end (17) of each microstructure is exposed at a surface (14) of the layer; pref. the ends and the surface are coplanar. The microstructures are pref. oriented parallel and have an aspect ratio of 3-100:1.    Specifically, the microstructures include a conformed coating between them and the encapsulant. The microstructures have an areal density of 0.04-10 power 6 per sq. micron. The microstructures comprises planar mols. and chains or rings over which pi-electron density is extensively delocalised. A very wide range of inorganic materials, including ceramics, metals etc. and organic materials may be used.    USE -   Esp. in visible radiation absorbing devices, e.g. selective solar absorbers, flat plate solar collectors, solar absorption panels and solar cells.    (US5418007-A)      Composite article comprises a number of microstructures (11), optional conformal coating material (12), and encapsulating material (13). A substrate (16) is provided with an encapsulated microstructured layer comprising a dense array of discrete microstructures consisting of organic microstructures, or inorganic semiconductor microstructures with a mean dia. of 1-5000 nanometres. the layer surface (14) is delaminated from the substrate surface (16), exposing the ends of the microstructure (17). Conformal coating is interposed between microstructures and encapsulant to surround a number of microstructures.    USE -   Visible radiation absorbing devices, e.g. solar cells.    (US35692-E)      Composite article comprises a layer having a dense array of discrete microstructures (11) partially encapsulated in the layer (13). A distal end (17) of each microstructure is exposed at a surface (14) of the layer; pref. the ends and the surface are coplanar. The microstructures are pref. oriented parallel and have an aspect ratio of 3-100:1.    Specifically, the microstructures include a conformed coating between them and the encapsulant. The microstructures have an areal density of 0.04-10 power 6 per sq. micron. The microstructures comprises planar mols. and chains or rings over which pi-electron density is extensively delocalised. A very wide range of inorganic materials, including ceramics, metals etc. and organic materials may be used.    USE -   Esp. in visible radiation absorbing devices, e.g. selective solar absorbers, flat plate solar collectors, solar absorption panels and solar cells.