Abstract: Hydrophobic casting moulds are treated with electrical discharge, such as corona discharge, to provide enhanced compatibility with hydrophilic objects introduced into the mould, without interfering with the release properties of the mould. A preferred embodiment involves treatment of contact lens casting moulds with corona discharge to provide improvements in the lens manufacturing procedure, as well as enhancement in the quality of the contact lenses themselves. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of contact lenses having a colored iris pattern imprinted thereon.

Abstract: Self-supporting helical heat-recoverable material provides easily installed insulating covering for wires and cables. The helical arrangement may be made by differential recovery of a two-layered tape of the heat-recoverable material around a cooled mandrel such that the inner tape layer recovers more than the outer. The inner layer may also serve as an adhesive layer or may carry an adhesive coating.

Abstract: A water stabilizer polymeric composition incorporating a hydrated alumina filler, which is characterized by the presence of an effective amount of an antimony V compound. The compositions have a reduced tendency to absorb water and specific compositions find applicaiton as electrical insulation and in the production of dimensionally recoverable article.

Abstract: A recoverable fabric for example a weave having a conductive metal warp and a recoverable polymeric weft may be provided with solder to provide an article for screening electrical components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel cladded elongate substrate such as a jacketed cable, the cladding being flame retarded and comprising a vinyl acetate/alkene copolymer composition incorporating a halogen-free inorganic flame retardant. The composition is characterized by a high content of vinyl acetate and/or the presence of a polyalkene or alkene/alkene copolymer blended with the vinyl acetate/alkene copolymer.