As for the gaming machines, we have to say they're pretty conservative-looking, with black lids made from a non-peeling, scratch- and smudge-resistant material, and a handful of chrome accents and blue LEDs thrown in for good measure.

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Stainless steel fittings would be replaced with a more hygienic composite material, ergonomic and vandal-resistant dryers would be installed, as would better lighting, hooks for bags and coats and easy-to-use locks.

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One of Mr. Talbot's favorites is a fine, stiff netlike fabric used by the automobile industry as a support material between upholstery and metal or impact-resistant plastics.

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The Kyocera DuraPro is water, shock, dust, and vibration resistant and is encased in non-slip Dura-Grip material for a strong hold and extra durability.

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Maillechort is more practical in that it is far more resistant to corrosion, but it is also a much more demanding material to work with, as it scratches easily and stains even more so if mishandled during assembly.

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Accordingly, Dr Lin and his colleagues tried to build up covalent bonds between the layers of a water-repellent, or hydrophobic, material called cellulose acetate butyrate, which is used to make water-resistant fabrics.

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