Abstract: The spreading of liquids, e.g., an epoxy resin, on a surface can be prevented or reduced if an inhibitor is added to the liquid. Inhibitors according to the invention have the generic formula [CX.sub.3 --(CY.sub.2).sub.n ].sub.N --R, where X is H or F, Y is H, F, or Cl, n is a number from about 1 to about 12, R is a carboxylic acid, an amide, a substituted amide, an amine, an alcohol, or an ester functionality, and N is 1, 2, or 3 if R is an alcohol or amine functionality, and 1 otherwise. The inhibitor typically has substantial solubility in at least one of the constituents of the liquid, and the liquid typically contains between about 0.05% and about 5% by weight of the inhibitor. Preferred inhibitors are perfluorooctanoic acid and 1H, 1H-pentadecafluorooctyl amine.

Abstract: Method for preventing spreading of a liquid on a solid surface, e.g., an adhesive placed on a substrate, and for preventing metal migration, in particular silver migration, between conductors deposited on a surface of a substrate, and articles produced by the method. The method comprises application of a layer of polymer having room temperature critical surface tension of wetting less than about 20 dyn/cm, and less than about 0.1 .mu.m thick, to at least a part of the surface. The polymer layer can be applied by any convenient method, including dipping, spraying, painting, printing, and plasma deposition. A preferred polymer is poly(1H, 1H-pentadecafluorooctyl methacrylate) (PDFOM), which can be advantageously applied in the form of a solution, typically in a fluorinated hydrocarbon such as Freon.RTM. TF, with PDFOM concentration typically between about 0.001% and about 2% by weight.

Abstract: Long term protection against oxidation is provided to fine particles of oxidizable metals and metallic alloys by treating the essentially oxide-free particles with a solution of certain organic materials in a nonreactive organic solvent. These organic materials are ureas, thioureas, isocyanates or isothiocyanates with at least one organic substituent each containing at least two carbons. Particles of both hard and soft magnetic metals and alloys have been protected by this treatment.

Abstract: A technique for the fabrication of thin film electrets designed for use in electroacoustic transducers involves depositing a thin film of aluminum or titanium upon a perfluorinated foil and etching away the film prior to deposition of gold. The resultant structure evidences superior adhesion characteristics and electrical characteristics comparable to those previously described.