Abstract: A sol-gel catalyst composition for electroless plating includes a metal alkoxide in a polar organic solvent, an acid, a chloride salt or acid chloride, and a catalytic metallic salt. The sol-gel catalyst adheres to smooth surfaces without the preconditioning normally associated with other sol-gel smooth surface catalyst, as well as a method for coating a substrate with the sol-gel catalyst composition, and then a metallic platting solution.

Abstract: Pattern transfer process for manufacturing a patterned resistive sheet with reduced process steps, and the resulting article of manufacture.

Abstract: Extremely thin polymer film substrates are conditioned for subsequent electroless plating by contact with a mild caustic solution. Aqueous solutions of about 1/2 wt % NaOH or KOH can successfully condition polyimide films with contact times of less than an hour. The more robust PET polymer films benefit from the addition of a permanganate salt to the solution to accelerate the conditioning process. Since these films are so thin, less than 1 mil, significant loss of polymer is not necessarily desirable. This process is designed to roughen the surface of the polymer film and render it hydrophilic to enhance the effectiveness of the subsequent electroless metal film deposition.

Abstract: A more resistive, low loss magnetic alloy containing at least 80% cobalt, at least 10 wt % iron, about 2.5 wt % nickel, and about 0.3-2 wt % impurities including boron and manganese. The alloy is well suited for deposition upon dielectric substrates such as polyimide or polyester tape by electroless deposition processes and allows for greater film thickness in a single layer and that has lower loss than other alloys presently available for such uses.

Abstract: Process for making wireless twist ties including extruding and quenching molten polymeric materials to form ribbon or perforated sheets. Wireless twist ties include polymeric material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer and polystyrene and particulate rubber impact modifier. Wireless twist ties, when elongated, exhibit deformation before failure of at least 50%.

Abstract: Essentially organic, non-metallic ribbon useful as a twist tie comprising polymeric material exhibiting glass/rubber transitional behavior. Polymeric ribbons deformed under tensile stress at 25.degree. exhibit yield stress between about 500 and 9,000 psi. Discrete lengths of ribbon are capable of being disengagedly formed into fastly held twist ties by rotationally deforming terminal ends of said lengths about each other. Ribbons can comprise polymers, such as polyalkylene terephthalates, polyvinylchlorides, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers and polystyrenes. Optional polymeric materials include elastomeric impact modifiers and plasticizers. Process for the production of such ribbon. Methods for using such ribbon.

Abstract: A hot air balloon silhouette shaped kite is disclosed herein. Means for decorating the kite, allowing a convex configuration for high wind conditions, and for progressively venting wind through the kite are shown in preferred embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of polyethylene terephthalate and certain N-substituted phthalimide plasticizers, particularly polyethylene terephthalate molding compositions additionally containing a reinforcing agent and a nucleating agent.