Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“PMIDA”), and more particularly to methods for control of the conversion of PMIDA, for the identification of reaction end points relating to PMIDA conversion and the preparation of glyphosate products having controlled PMIDA content.

Abstract: An article useful as a gemstone or decorative object. A formed substrate is used as a base for an optical interference coating applied on the exterior of the substrate. The optical interference coating is made of alternating layers of materials with relatively high refractive indices and relatively low refractive indices, the refractive indices and thicknesses of the alternating layers being chosen so that at least part of the light of wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers incident on the article is reflected. The optical coating creates an interference filter formed of alternating layers of a material with a low refractive index and a material with a high refractive index. The article provides a visual appearance that is novel and different from other gemstones or decorative objects, either man-made or natural.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive material (10) comprising a substantially spherical refractory particle (12) having an exterior surface (14) and having a diameter of no more than about 5 millimeters. An electrically conducting coating (22) substantially equally covers the entire exterior surface (14), the coating (22) having at least about 70 atomic percent carbon and being from about 10 Angstroms to about 500 Angstroms thick. A plurality of such particles (12) are useful as filler materials. Also, such particles (12) are useful as flowing electrodes. Objects containing the particles (12) have desirable electrical properties.

Abstract: A flexible electrically conducting cloth is described which comprises a plurality of intermingled or interwoven refractory fibers the sheet resistance of which exceeds 1,000 ohms per square inch and a conducting coating encapsulating a majority of the fibers, the coating including at least about 70 atomic percent carbon and being applied in sufficient quantity to render the cloth electrically conducting with a sheet resistance which lies between about 0.1 ohm per square inch and about 1,000 ohms per suqare inch. The cloth is useful as an electrical resistance heater, an electromagnetic shield, an electromagnetic reflector, or as an antenna. It is formulated by contacted substantially the entire surfaces of the intermingled or interwoven fibers with a carbon containing precursor, the fibers being at a temperature between about 700.degree. C. and 1200.degree. C., whereby the fibers are covered with a pyrolyzed coating formed from the precursor in an amount of at least about 0.001 weight percent.

Abstract: A method is set forth of chemically vapor depositing a substantially uniform carbonaceous film on to each of a plurality of small refractory particles. Uncoated small refractory particles are intimately intermixed with an organic precursor in liquid or solid form, the intermixing being at a temperature below the sublimation, boiling or decomposition temperature of the precursor. The resulting intimate intermixture is subjected to a temperature of 700.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. in a deposition zone which is substantially oxygen-free. Residence time in the deposition zone is restricted to be less than that which would deleteriously effect properties of the resulting coated particles. The organic precursor, under the residence time and temperature conditions in the deposition zone, is substantially completely converted by sublimation, boiling and/or decomposition to one or more vaporous species. The organic precursor is selected to either (1) sublime or boil at a temperature in excess of about 400.degree. C.