Abstract: A process for forming a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) component is disclosed. The PPS is molded at a temperature of about 110° C. to about 150° C. After molding, the PPS has a morphology that is at least fifty percent polycrystalline. The component is then annealed to further increase the polycrystalline portion of the PPS morphology. To effect this increase, the component is annealed at a temperature that is at least above the glass transition temperature of the molded PPS component but below its melting temperature. The component is used in optical applications and other applications in which alignment tolerances are small.

Abstract: A process for forming a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) component is disclosed. The PPS is molded at a temperature of about 110° C. to about 150° C. After molding, the PPS has a morphology that is at least fifty percent polycrystalline. The component is then annealed to further increase the polycrystalline portion of the PPS morphology. To effect this increase, the component is annealed at a temperature that is at least above the glass transition temperature of the molded PPS component but below its melting temperature. The component is used in optical applications and other applications in which alignment tolerances are small.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a liquid sample for thermal analysis is disposed within a receptacle having a bottom surface and side walls. The top edges of the side walls are bent towards the center of the receptacle. A sheet of flexible, transparent material substantially impermeable to the sample is disposed across the top edges of the side walls, and an open lid compresses an o-ring onto the sheet material, sealing it against the bent top edges of the receptacle. The bottom surface of the receptacle is advantageously coated with a a material not wetted by the sample such as a fluorcarbon.

Abstract: A method for determining a volume change of a viscous liquid during a physical or chemical process is disclosed. The volume change of the viscous liquid is determined by confining a layer of a viscous liquid on a portion of a rigid body and then measuring the linear (one dimensional) displacement of a planar surface formed thereon, as the viscous liquid undergoes the physical or chemical process. The surface of the layer of the viscous liquid is planar relative to the rigid body.