Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of photoresist polymers via living free radical polymerization techniques. Sterically bulky ester monomers are utilized as the polymerization components. Use of chain transfer agents is included in polymerization processing conditions. Cleavage of polymer terminal end groups that include a heteroatom are described.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for designing a process to be performed at regions of an experiment library, the process involving the application of components at the library regions. Components are associated with regions of the experiment library. Each of the components represents a material or process parameter to be applied at the regions. A plurality of experiment stages are defined, each having one or more associated event types that are selected from predetermined event types and define a start condition for the corresponding stage. For each of the library regions, the components are associated with one or more of the experiment stages. A plurality of component profiles are generated, which represent processes to be performed at the various regions, and which describe the application over time of one or more of the components associated with a corresponding region or regions according to the associated experiment stages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of photoresist polymers via living free radical polymerization techniques. Sterically bulky ester monomers are utilized as the polymerization components. Use of chain transfer agents is included in polymerization processing conditions. Cleavage of polymer terminal end groups that include a heteroatom are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting a plurality of different mixtures in parallel in a semi-batch or continuous mode is provided. Each reaction is contained within a reactor vessel, the reactor vessels combined into a reactor block. Reactant(s) to be added during the reaction are kept in a header barrel, which has a plunger to feed reactant(s) from the header barrel through a transfer line into the reactor vessel. The plunger is moved using a drive system. The header barrels are optionally combined in a header block. The header block is sealed to a plate containing the transfer lines, which in turn is sealed to the reactor block. A latch mechanism is provided for easy sealing of the reactor and header blocks to the plate. The entire apparatus may be placed on a rocker or rotating plate for mixture as the reaction is proceeding.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of photoresist polymers via living free radical polymerization techniques. Sterically bulky ester monomers are utilized as the polymerization components. Use of chain transfer agents is included in polymerization processing conditions. Cleavage of polymer terminal end groups that include a heteroatom are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of photoresist polymers via living free radical polymerization techniques. Sterically bulky ester monomers are utilized as the polymerization components. Use of chain transfer agents is included in polymerization processing conditions. Cleavage of polymer terminal end groups that include a heteroatom are described.

Abstract: Parallel semi-continuous or continuous reactors are disclosed. The parallel reactors preferably comprise four or more reaction vessels. The reaction vessels are preferably small volume reaction vessels, preferably pressure reaction vessels, and/or preferably integral with a common reactor block. The reaction vessels can comprise shaft-driven stirrers. At least two, preferably at least three or at least four liquid feed lines can provide selective fluid communication between each of the reaction vessels and one or more liquid reagent sources. Additional features, suitable in connection with parallel reactors or with single reaction vessels are also disclosed.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening combinatorial libraries of materials by measuring the response of individual library members to mechanical perturbations is described. The apparatus generally includes a sample holder for containing the library members, an array of probes for mechanically perturbing individual library members, and an array of sensors for measuring the response of each of the library members to the mechanical perturbations. Library members undergoing screening make up a sample array, and individual library members constitute elements of the sample array that are confined to specific locations on the sample holder. During screening, the apparatus mechanically perturbs individual library members by displacing the sample array (sample holder) and the array of probes. Typically, all of the elements of the sample array are perturbed simultaneously, but the apparatus also can also perturb individual or groups of sample array elements sequentially.

Abstract: A rapid throughput method for the preparation, analysis or both of libraries of material samples is provided. According to the method, a plurality of samples is provided. Providing the plurality of samples can include a variety of sample formation techniques including, but not limited to, extruding, milling, compression preparation, rotary mixing, microcentrifugation, molding and casting. Preferably, the samples are solidified into a near net shape configuration appropriate for testing of properties or characteristics of the samples.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a phase transitional surface whitening composition. The phase transitional surface whitening composition includes a polymeric composition and an oxidizing agent. The polymeric composition of the whitening composition includes a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component, and an oxidizing agent harboring component. In particular, the phase transitional surface whitening composition is physiotropic.

Abstract: A rapid throughput method for the preparation, analysis or both of libraries of material samples is provided. According to the method, a plurality of samples is provided. Providing the plurality of samples can include a variety of sample formation techniques including, but not limited to, extruding, milling, compression preparation, rotary mixing, microcentrifugation, molding and casting. Preferably, the samples are solidified into a near net shape configuration appropriate for testing of properties or characteristics of the samples.

Abstract: A method for controlling the size of the blocks in a bock copolymer having an olefinic block and a hydrophilic block is disclosed. The method results in block copolymers having novel properties, including the ability to increase the wetability of an olefinic substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of photoresist polymers via living free radical polymerization techniques. Sterically bulky ester monomers are utilized as the polymerization components. Use of chain transfer agents is included in polymerization processing conditions. Cleavage of polymer terminal end groups that include a heteroatom are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property testing of materials libraries using capacitance. The method monitors the responses of a plurality of samples on a substrate to a force induced by a capacitor.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property and bulge testing of materials libraries. A plurality of samples on a substrate are monitored for their response to a force from a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides instruments and methods for screening combinatorial libraries that addresses many of the problems encountered when using conventional instruments. For example, the disclosed instruments can measure mechanical properties of library members in rapid serial or parallel test format, and can perform tests on small amounts of material, which are easily prepared or dispensed using art-disclosed liquid or solid handling techniques. Compared to conventional instruments, the disclosed instruments afford faster sample loading and unloading, for example, through the use of disposable libraries of material samples.

Abstract: A method and system for researching and developing and/or optimizing new catalysts and products in a combinatorial manner is disclosed. The method begins with starting components or a ligand library and provides methods of creating catalyst or product libraries, which are then tested in a reaction of interest. The system uses methods of robotic handling for moving libraries from station to station. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial catalyst libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental methods as well.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.