Abstract: A rapid analysis method for the determination of Fries rearrangement products in aromatic polycarbonate resins utilizes in-line determination of polymer concentration and in-line fluorescence detection of Fries rearrangement products. The method avoids time consuming sample preparation required by previous methods, allows for separation of interfering low molecular weight components, and is suitable for automation.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate and an adhesion layer overlying the substrate. The adhesion layer includes a first phase including particles, and a second phase including braze alloy that bonds the particles to the substrate. The article further includes a ceramic layer overlying the adhesion layer. In one embodiment, the ceramic layer is a thermal barrier coating (TBC), formed of stabilized zirconia (ZrO2).

Abstract: System and method for generating a time-to-break prediction for a paper web in a paper machine. This invention uses principal components analysis, neuro-fuzzy systems and trending analysis to form a model for predicting the time-to-break of the paper web from paper mill measurements of paper machine process variables. The model is used to isolate the root cause of the predicted web break.

Abstract: A current limiting device comprises at least two electrodes; an electrically conducting composite material between the electrodes; interfaces between the electrodes and electrically conducting composite material; an inhomogeneous distribution of resistance at the interfaces whereby, during a high current event, adiabatic resistive heating at the interfaces causes rapid thermal expansion and vaporization and at least a partial physical separation at the interfaces; and a structure for exerting compressive pressure on the electrically conducting composite material, wherein the electrically conducting composite material comprises at least one polymer matrix and at least one conductive filler.

Abstract: A metal-infiltrated polycrystalline diamond composite tool comprising a plurality of diamond grains forming a continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, a metallic phase being substantially palladium-free and contiguous to the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, wherein the metallic phase interpenetrates the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix and substantially wets an outer surface of the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix; and a working surface. The metallic phase is formed from an infiltrant and a wetting-enhancement layer disposed on the outer surfaces of the diamond particles, with both the infiltrant and wetting-enhancement layer being substantially palladium-free and comprising at least one metal from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, and nickel.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of at least one acid or base in a complex solution is described. Multiple physical property values are first measured for the solution. The physical properties can be defined in the form of a set of solution property equations. The measured physical property values are then inserted into the solution property equations. When the equations are simultaneously solved, the desired concentration of the acid or basic component can be determined.

Abstract: In a rapid and non-invasive method for characterizing aromatic polycarbonates, fluorescence intensities are determined at least two wavelength ranges and used to calculate a compositional or physical property of the sample. The method is suitable for determining the relative amounts of linear and branched polycarbonates, and it is fast enough to monitor the progress of polymerization reactions.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a metal article. The system is used to employ a method that comprises placing the article in a means defining a chamber; subjecting the article to a gaseous atmosphere in the means defining a chamber, where the gaseous atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine; and subjecting the article to the gaseous atmosphere at a temperature in a range from about 815° C. to about 1100° C. to clean the article.

Abstract: In a method for characterizing the angiogenesis status of a tumor in a living subject, timed magnetic resonance images of the subject into whom a reptating polymer contrast agent containing chelating diethylentriaminepentacetic acid dosed with gadolinum has been introduced are obtained. At least two images taken at different times are compared in order to determine the percentage image enhancement in a tumor region of interest. A contrast agent including a reptating polymer containing technetium-99 is used with a nuclear medicine version of this technique.

Abstract: Block copolyestercarbonates substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain may be prepared by a method which comprises the steps of: (A) preparing a hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate in a molten reaction mixture comprising at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid diarylester under transesterification conditions, said polyester intermediate having a degree of polymerization of at least 4; and (B) conducting a reaction of said polyester intermediate with a carbonate precursor in a two-phase system comprising an aqueous phase and a water-immiscible organic solvent. Articles comprising the copolyestercarbonates are another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) fiber light source is provided. The OLED contains a fiber core, a cathode, at least one organic radiation emitting layer and a transparent anode. The fiber light source may be used as a flexible novelty lighting article or coiled inside a large area lighting source.

Abstract: Polymer blends suitable for use in optical article. The polymer blends comprise a first and second polycarbonate and have properties particularly suited for use in high density optical data storage media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantifying structural defects of a coating composition on a given substrate, where certain structural defect-inducing tests are performed. In this method, a coating formulation is doped with a colorimetric or luminescent material. Concentration of the material depends on the quantum efficiency, excitation and emission wavelengths, and employed detection techniques, and can range from about 1 fM to about 1 mM. Before, during and/or after such tests, the coating is illuminated with a wavelength of radiation at which the reflected or transmitted color or emitted luminescence of the material in the coating is detectable with an optical detector or by visual inspection. In this fashion, the percentage of failure of the coating can be quantified as well as the level of interdiffusion of coating into substrate or substrate into coating. The method of the invention is thus particularly well-suited for the combinatorial analysis of an array of coating samples.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for producing and using catalysts in the production of bisphenols, and in particular to a method for producing catalysts which contain attached mercaptan promoters, and using these catalysts in the production of bisphenol-A and its derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation system for disinfecting water comprising a conduit which is transparent to ultraviolet radiation, a chamber having an annular cross section, disposed around the conduit, the chamber containing an ionizable gas, and a coil disposed around the chamber for ionizing the ionizable gas to produce an ultraviolet emission which propagates into the conduit to disinfect the water flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: A current limiting arrangement comprises at least two electrodes and at least two electrically conductive composite materials. The current limiting arrangement has predetermined operational bounds. The at least two composite materials each comprising a low pyrolysis temperature binder and an electrically conductive filler. The at least two conductive composite materials are in parallel with one another. Each conductive composite material has electrical and physical characteristics that define operational bounds, and at least two conductive composite materials having at least one different characteristic. A total of the electrical and physical characteristics of the at least two conductive composite materials being substantially similar to the operational bounds of the current limiting arrangement.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing zinc. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: An article, such as a turbine engine component, formed from a nickel-base superalloy, the nickel-base superalloy containing a &ggr;″ tetragonal phase and comprising aluminum, titanium, tantalum, niobium, chromium, molybdenum, and the balance nickel, wherein the article has a time dependent crack propagation resistance of at least about 20 hours to failure at about 1100° F. in the presence of steam. The invention also includes a nickel-base superalloy for forming such and article and methods of forming the article and making the nickel-base superalloy.

Abstract: A method for making an alkylhalosilane is provided wherein the method comprises heat treating silicon and a form of copper at a temperature greater than about 500° C. to produce a contact mass and effecting reaction between an alkyl halide and silicon in the presence of the contact mass to produce alkylhalosilane.

Abstract: An environmentally resistant coating for improving the oxidation resistance of a niobium-based refractory metal intermetallic composite (Nb-based RMIC) at high temperatures, the environmentally resistant coating comprising silicon, titanium, chromium, and niobium. The invention includes a turbine system having turbine components comprising at least one Nb-based RMIC, the environmentally resistant coating disposed on a surface of the Nb-based RMIC, and a thermal barrier coating disposed on an outer surface of the environmentally resistant coating. Methods of making a turbine component having the environmentally resistant coating and coating a Nb-based RMIC substrate with the environmentally resistant coating are also disclosed.