Abstract: Articles having a complex geometric configuration have hydrophilicity imparted to at least a portion of surfaces of the articles while substantially retaining the complex geometric configuration. The hydrophilicity is imparted by an extremely thin, self-interlocking shell of tactic, hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) enveloping the surfaces. A tactic poly(vinyl alcohol) precursor applied to surfaces of the supporting structure is reacted in situ on the surfaces with a hydrolysis reagent to prepare the tactic, hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) shell. The article having the hydrophilic shell is highly resistant to solvent washout. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be reversibly provided on regio-specific surfaces of the article. Articles in the form of membranes useful as residue barriers for electroplating devices, and separators for electrochemical cells are also described.

Abstract: A method for adhesively bonding an at least partially hollow first member to a second member received interiorly of the first member. Adhesive is applied to the second member and allowed to attain a substantially nonflowable condition. The first and second members are positioned such that the first member at least partially overlies the nonflowable adhesive on the second member. The adhesive is reactivated and then cooled to adhesively bond the first and second members together. An adhesive dispenser for applying the adhesive to the second member is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disposable diapers can be manufactured at high production speeds by using for the waistband a heat-shrinkable plastic film that is dimensionally stable at ordinary room temperature and shrinks in one direction at least 25% within 5 seconds at 54.degree. C. Such a heat-shrinkable plastic film can be made by uniaxially cold-stretching a thin extrudate of a blend of an EVA copolymer and an (A-B) block copolymer of polystyrene and polyisoprene.