Abstract: Pitch that is obtained from naphthalene derivatives having at least one methyl group and the content of an optically anisotropic phase in which is substantially 100% is disclosed. This mesophase pitch has a H/C atomic ratio of about 0.5-1.0 and an aromatic carbon ratio (fa) of at least about 0.7, contains methylic carbon in an amount of at least about 4% of the total carbon atoms, and has a softening point of 200.degree.-250.degree. C. The pitch contains about 12-20 mole % of molecules having an average molecular weight of less than about 600, about 55-70 mole % of molecules having an average molecular weight of from about 600-1,500 and about 20-30 mole % of molecules having an average molecular weight of higher than about 1,500. Fibers melt spun from this mesophase pitch can be converted to carbon or graphite fibers having high strength and modulus of elasticity by a heat treatment which consists of heating to a temperature of 200.degree.-350.degree. C. in an air atmosphere, then heating to about 1,000.

Abstract: Coating for conferring good friction properties upon a substrate and comprising a non-equilibrium alloy of chromium and nitrogen. The alloy comprises, per one hundred atoms, from 87 to 68 atoms of chromium and from 13 to 32 atoms of nitrogen and two phases, a cubic microcrystalline chromium phase containing included nitrogen and a quadratic chromium nitride phase with a stoichiometric deficient nitrogen content relative to the Cr.sub.2 N nitride. The ratio of the quadratic nitride lattice parameters is between 1.02 and 1.5. This quadratic nitride was previously unknown and probably can exist only in association with chromium. It resists wear up to five times better than known single-phase chromium-nitrogen alloys and is free of the inherent fragility of two-phase alloys containing hexagonal Cr.sub.2 N nitride. The coatings are obtained by magnetron cathode sputtering of chromium with a nitrogen partial presure in a rare gas atmosphere between a maximum and a minimum determined experimentally.

Abstract: A process for reducing asphaltene content of crude oil and oil-containing materials to improve rheological properties of crude oils enhancing the water-extractabilities of sulphur and metals contained in them. The process employs the cold cracking effect of a binary acid solution containing, preferably, hydrochloric acid and oleic acid. The process is particularly applicable to the exploitation of heavy and ultra-heavy oil deposits, to oil recovery from oil-containing tar sand, shale or clay and to the cleaning of oil tanks, garments and clogged oil-pipelines.

Abstract: Marked mineral oils containing basic dyes which have at least two, optionally substituted, amino groups and which, on addition of a protogenic acid and, optionally, a metal halide, experience a bathochromic shift of their absorption maximum and an increase in absorbance, and a method of marking mineral oils with basic dyes.

Abstract: A process for the single-step coal liquefaction is disclosed, which comprises reacting coal in an aqueous suspension with carbon monoxide in the presence of a CO-conversion catalyst selected from the group consisting of an alkaline hydroxide and a carbonate, and in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst selected from the group consisting of transition metals and compounds thereof, by operating at temperatures within the range of from 300.degree. to 450.degree. C. for a reaction time within the range of from 30 to 80 minutes.

Abstract: A detergent resin composition is provided which is, in a small quantity, capable of very effectively deterging the inside of molding machines in a short period of time at the time of change-over of chlorine-containing resins inside the machines, which composition is obtained by blending 50 to 95% by weight of a polystyrene resin, 0.1 to 15% by weight of a polymethyl methacrylate, 2 to 30% by weight of a neutral salt of a sulfonic acid and 0.1 to 10% by weight of basic magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, zinc carbonate or a mixture thereof, the respective proportions being based upon the weight of the composition.

Abstract: Contact lenses are simultaneously cleaned and disinfected by contacting the lenses with an aqueous system containing an antimicrobial agent and a proteolytic enzyme for a period sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses. The aqueous solutions have suitable osmotic values which do not substantially inhibit the activity of the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A homogeneous fluorescent ink has been conceived that has particular use in devices such as inking components of postage meters. The inks are in the form of solutions, and contain a soluble fluorescent toner that is dissolved within a polar organic solvent. Additives can be used to modify the properties of the ink.