Abstract: In a polymer assay cartridge having wells containing reagents, beads and sample, where the wells are covered (e.g., with Parafilm® or films) and shipped to the point of care, the reagents and well contents can leak out. The reagent solutions are made semi-solid by adding hydrogel reagents and cooling to form a gel. Preferably, the hydrogel is heated before an assay is conducted with the cartridge, and pigmented beads in the wells indicate melting or excessive heating, or congealing of the hydrogel, based on pigment color change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable, suitable for both electrical and data transmission, comprising at least one shield layer, comprising a metal layer directly adhering onto the polymeric layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a data storage device interior components and/or data storage device housing components that include one or more solid-state deposition layers, and related methods of applying solid-state material to said components via solid-state deposition.

Abstract: In a polymer assay cartridge having wells containing reagents, beads and sample, where the wells are covered (e.g., with Parafilm® or films) and shipped to the point of care, the reagents and well contents can leak out. The reagent solutions are made semi-solid by adding hydrogel reagents and cooling to form a gel. Preferably, the hydrogel is heated before an assay is conducted with the cartridge, and pigmented beads in the wells indicate melting or excessive heating, or congealing of the hydrogel, based on pigment color change.

Abstract: In a polymer assay cartridge having wells containing reagents, beads and sample, where the wells are covered (e.g., with Parafilm® or films) and shipped to the point of care, the reagents and well contents can leak out. The reagent solutions are made semi-solid by adding hydrogel reagents and cooling to form a gel. Preferably, the hydrogel is heated before an assay is conducted with the cartridge, and pigmented beads in the wells indicate melting or excessive heating, or congealing of the hydrogel, based on pigment color change.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to processes, apparatuses and custom catalysts designed to depolymerize a polymer. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a de-polymerizing apparatus, catalysts and reaction schemes to obtain useful monomers including fuel products by “in situ” reactions using coupled electromagnetic induction.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric, inorganic, or organic-functionalized substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, an atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma stream is directed at a substrate surface, leading to the formation of surface-bound active sites that function as polymerization initiators. When contacted with a monomer or monomer solution, the active sites facilitate formation of a dense array of graft polymers covalently bound to the substrate surface. In another embodiment, an inorganic substrate is cleaned, conditioned in a humidity chamber, treated with an AP plasma, and contacted with a monomer or monomer solution to facilitate formation and growth of graft polymers on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding arc discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.

Abstract: A non-thermal, repetitively-pulsed gliding discharge reactor includes a high-voltage power source configured to provide a pulsed high-voltage potential; a gas inlet; a liquid sorbent inlet; a product outlet; a plurality of first electrodes connected to the high-voltage power source; a plurality of second electrodes that are grounded; and a trough; the plurality of first electrodes being separated from the plurality of second electrodes by a discharge region.

Abstract: A microplasma array for the production of low-temperature plasmas at or near atmospheric pressures is described. The walls of holes made in a substrate at regular intervals with respect to one another form hollow electrodes and are coated with metal. The hollow electrodes are supplied individually or as a group from one side of the substrate with an electrical excitation in the GHz-region.

Abstract: A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding are discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding are discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.

Abstract: To provide an electret having high stability with time and thermal stability of retained electric charge and having excellent charge retention performance, and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret. This has been done by providing an electret obtained from a composition comprising a compound (A) having a molecular weight of from 50 to 2000 and having at least two polar functional groups, and a polymer (B) having a number average molecular weight of more than 2000 and having reactive functional groups reactive with the above polar functional groups and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include compositions and methods for making them that include a polymeric porous membrane with one or more atmospheric pressure microwave plasma modified surfaces. The modified porous membrane is stable, non-dewetting, and retains its mechanical strength.

Abstract: A plasma etch process for etching a dielectric material employing two primary etchants at low flows and pressures, and a relatively low temperature environment within the etch chamber. The two primary etchant gases are CHF3 and CH2F2, delivered at flow rates on the order of between about 10 sccm and 40 sccm for CHF3 and between about 10 sccm and 40 sccm for CH2F2. Small quantities, on the order of 10 sccm or less, of other gases such as C2HF5 and CF4 may be added.

Abstract: An isocyanate is produced by: (a) reacting chlorine with carbon monoxide to form phosgene, (b) reacting the phosgene with an organic amine to form an isocyanate and hydrogen chloride, (c) separating the isocyanate and hydrogen chloride, (d) optionally, purifying the hydrogen chloride, (e) preparing an aqueous solution of the hydrogen chloride, (f) optionally, purifying the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride, (g) subjecting the aqueous hydrogen chloride solution to electrochemical oxidation to form chlorine, and (h) returning at least a portion of the chlorine produced in (g) to (a).

Abstract: A method of making an exhaust treatment element includes washcoating a substrate with a slurry that includes a catalyst support material. At least some of the catalyst support material from the slurry may be transferred to the substrate, and silver metal (Ag) is dispersed within the catalyst support material.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluorocarbon feedstock includes generating, in a high temperature zone, an electrical arc between at least one cathode and at least one anode, generating in the high temperature zone and by means of the electrical arc and a plasma gas, an upwardly burning thermal plasma having a tail flame, allowing a solid particulate fluorocarbon feedstock comprising at least on fluorocarbon compound to form a reactive thermal mixture with the thermal plasma tail flame, with the fluorocarbon compound dissociating into at least one fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, and cooling the reactive thermal mixture to form, from the fluorocarbon precursor of reactive species, at least one more desirable fluorocarbon compound.

Abstract: A plasma etch process for etching BPSG employing two primary etchants at low flows and pressures, and a relatively low temperature environment within the etch chamber, which includes a fluorine scavenger in the form of silicon. The two primary etchant gases are CHF3 and CH2F2, delivered at flow rates on the order of between about 10 and 40 sccm for CHF3 and between about 10 and 40 sccm for CH2F2. Small quantities, on the order of 10 sccm or less, of other gases such as C2HF5 and CF4 may be added.

Abstract: The application of an electric current to catalysts useful for the vapor phase oxidation of hydrocarbons allows for processes for obtaining enhanced catalytic processing of a given feed material with a given catalyst, processes allowing the ready change-over from one product of a given feed stream to another product of that feed stream without the need to change catalyst, and processes allowing the ready change over from one feed stream to another feed stream with the concomitant change over from one product to another product without the need to change catalyst.

Abstract: The application of an electric current to catalysts useful for the vapor phase oxidation of hydrocarbons allows for processes for obtaining enhanced catalytic processing of a given feed material with a given catalyst, processes allowing the ready change-over from one product of a given feed stream to another product of that feed stream without the need to change catalyst, and processes allowing the ready change over from one feed stream to another feed stream with the concomitant change over from one product to another product without the need to change catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting methane to methanol by partial oxidation comprises a source of methane, a source of oxygen, and a capillary tube having an outflow end and an inflow end communicating with the sources of methane and oxygen. An anode is positioned proximate to but spaced from the capillary tube. A voltage source negatively biases the capillary tube relative to the anode. A plasma jet flows from the outflow end of the capillary tube. The methane partially oxidizes into methanol in a reaction zone in the plasma jet. A collector receives the methanol in the plasma jet for subsequent condensation, separation and purification.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluorocarbon feedstock includes radio frequency induction heating of a zone of a reaction chamber to a temperature not exceeding 950° C. The feedstock heats up in the heating zone, and the reaction chamber pressure and heating zone temperature are chosen so that a fluorocarbon compound present in the feedstock dissociates or depolymerizes into a more desired fluorocarbon compound. A hot product gas, which includes the more desired fluorocarbon compound, is formed and then quenched to stabilize the more desired fluorocarbon compound.

Abstract: A device for purifying an exhaust gas contains at least one first and one second component with a respective shell and core through which the exhaust flows, as well as with two front faces each. At least one of the front faces of the first component and at least one front face of the second component has a predetermined profile with elevations and depressions. The elevations of the front face of the first component extend into the depressions of the front face of the second component and vice versa, thereby configuring a penetration section. The first component is disposed electrically insulated from the second component. The components have a potential difference between them and plasma is generated in the penetration section. The compact plasma reactor reduces the pollutant concentration in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine operated in the lean mode, especially when combined with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing parts from an antiadhesive organic powder includes the step of plasma-treating the antiadhesive organic powder and processing the antiadhesive organic powder for forming the parts. The device for performing the method has a housing with a receiving chamber that has at least one inlet for introducing a process gas. A rotary drum is rotatably mounted in the receiving chamber for supporting the antiadhesive organic powder. At least one electrode is mounted in the receiving chamber and at least one energy source is connected to the electrode for energizing the electrode. The process gas can be exposed to high frequency radiation or microwave radiation in order to produce a plasma.

Abstract: A plasma etch process for etching BPSG employing two primary etchants at low flows and pressures, and a relatively low temperature environment within the etch chamber, which includes a fluorine scavenger in the form of silicon. The two primary etchant gases are CHF3 and CH2F2, delivered at flow rates on the order of between about 10 and 40 sccm for CHF3 and between about 10 and 40 sccm for CH2F2. Small quantities, on the order of 10 sccm or less, of other gases such as C2HF5 and CF4 may be added.

Abstract: A product gas generated through the decomposition reaction of organohalogen compounds and steam is neutralized with an alkali solution and is left to stand for a predetermined period of time, while a neutralization product generated in this neutralization reaction is caused to precipitate in the alkali solution and is then removed. In order to remove the neutralization product completely, a takeout tube 71 is disposed to plunge into a waste gas processing tank 41 and a disk-shaped plate 71a is fastened at the distal end of the takeout tube 71 in parallel to the bottom surface of the waste gas processing tank 41, while the takeout tube 71 opens in the lower surface of the plate 71a at the center thereof. Thus the solid-liquid separation efficiency of the neutralization product and the alkali solution is improved and the quantity of alkali solution remaining in the neutralization product that is disposed of as waste is decreased.

Abstract: A chemical reactor for direct conversion of hydrocarbons includes a dielectric barrier discharge plasma cell and a solid oxide electrochemical cell in fluid communication therewith. The discharge plasma cell comprises a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric material and passageway therebetween. The electrochemical cell comprises a mixed-conducting solid oxide electrolyte membrane tube positioned between a porous cathode and a porous anode, and a gas inlet tube for feeding oxygen containing gas to the porous cathode. An inlet is provided for feeding hydrocarbons to the passageway of the discharge plasma cell, and an outlet is provided for discharging reaction products from the reactor. A packed bed catalyst may optionally be used in the reactor to increase efficiency of conversion. The reactor can be modified to allow use of a light source for directing ultraviolet light into the discharge plasma cell and the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The method includes a step of creating a flow of the mixture, a step of generating an electron discharge at a velocity such as to create a zone in which the mixture is ionised and a step of directing a series of electron beams so as to intercept the flow of the mixture whereby the peripheral electron bonds of the polluting molecules and/or cells are broken by collision with the ions formed in the mixture. The apparatus includes an ionisation cell (10) having an anode (12) and an emitting cathode (13) excited at a negative voltage of the order of 50,000 volts. The cathode (13) has a series of pointed elements for emitting electron beams (30) which intersect in a zone (11) of interception of the mixture.

Abstract: A corona discharge pollutant destruction system has two or more corona discharge reactors in series, with each stage optimized for either oxidation of hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) or reduction of nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x). The reactors may be arranged with initial oxidation stages followed by reduction stages. Alternatively, the oxidation and reduction reactors may be arranged in alternate stages, with each oxidation reactor followed by a reduction reactor. The treatment of different pollutants by different reactors is achieved by supplying the different reactors with different power levels.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a master disc for optical discs, patterns to be displayed on the disc are classified into a main object and a background. The background is commonly assigned as the background pattern for glittering rainbow colors by diffracted light reflected from dummy pits of diffraction gratings or a hologram. The main object is individually assigned as the main object pattern of a diffused reflection portion or mirror surface. The manufacturing method comprises one group of steps for forming the common background pattern and the other group of steps for forming the individual main object pattern in the common background pattern. A development substrate for the master disc is formed by using a mask disc in a first light-exposure of a photoresist layer thereof and by using a displaying-pattern mask in a first light-exposure of the photoresist layer. The individual main object pattern is drawn in the common background pattern of the master disc by using a laser-marking or an etching.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a Volatile Organic Compound environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a reactor-efficient coronal discharge zone, and at least one pair of high-dielectric coated electrodes. In particular embodiments Halogenated volatile organic compounds are reduced and the reaction chamber is chlorine and fluorine resistant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and installation for the production of a desired fluorocarbon compound, which includes the steps of providing a high temperature zone; and feeding at least one input material into the high temperature zone to generate a body of hot gas including fluorine-containing species and carbon-containing species. The molar C:F ratio in the body of hot gas is controlled at a selected value between about 0.4 and 2; and the specific enthalpy of the body of hot gas is controlled between about 1 kWh/kg and about 10 kWh/kg for a time interval, so that a reactive thermal gaseous mixture forms, containing reactive species including reactive fluorine-containing precursors and reactive carbon-containing precursors. Thereafter the reactive thermal mixture is cooled at a cooling rate and to a cooling temperature selected to produce an end product including the desired fluorocarbon compound. The input material is typically a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 perfluorinated carbon compound of the general formula C.

Abstract: A corona source suitable for use in vehicle ignition systems uses a conductive coil that receives an RF input at one end and has a corona discharge site at the other end, with a reference electrode capacitively coupled to the coil. The pitch and the length of the coil are selected to produce a corona discharge in response to an RF input signal at a predetermined frequency and voltage, through quarter wavelength resonation. Either the new resonant coil or other corona discharge devices can be used to remediate fluid-borne wastes by initiating and sustaining RF corona discharges within the fluid. The pulses used to initiate the corona discharge preferably have alternating positive and negative components, with high initial voltages on the positive components to initiate the discharge, followed by lower positive voltage levels to sustain the discharge. Unipolar pulses, preferably with progressively decreasing voltage levels, can also be used.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma treatment method, in which a gaseous mixture comprising argon, argon and helium, or argon and hydrogen, mixed with water vapor or water vapor and ketones at room temperature or a specified temperature, is introduced into a plasma reactor having a dielectric-coated electrode comprising a solid dielectric disposed on the surface of at least one of opposing electrodes, and a high-frequency voltage is applied under atmospheric pressure to generate atmospheric pressure glow discharge and excite a plasma, thereby making surface treatment of plastics or fibers disposed between the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a plasmatron as well as to a process for stable operation of plasmatrons with steam as the plasma gas, in the case of which the operational fluctuations which are typical of steam plasmas as well as the increased degree of electrode erosion are to be avoided. In accordance with the present invention, this is achieved on the basis of a limitation of electrode cooling by using hot water as a coolant having a temperature of at least 80.degree. C. If necessary, it is possible to use, on the one hand, hot water cooling and to exclude, on the other hand, a condensation of the steam on the electrodes by admixing a gas which will lower the condensation temperature of the steam.

Abstract: The improved nonwoven fabric in an electret state is composed of monofilaments with an average fiber diameter of 0.5-100 .mu.m that are formed of a polymer composition containing no more than 1 mol % of polar groups; the fabric has a weight of 5-100 g/m.sup.2, a bulk density of 0.05-0.40 g/cm.sup.3 and an average surface charge density of at least 0.1.times.10.sup.-9 C/cm.sup.2. This nonwoven fabric is capable of efficient dust collection and its trapping ability is retained for a prolonged time even in a hot and humid condition. Also disclosed are a process for producing this nonwoven fabric, as well as a filtering and an air masking material which are composed of that nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a metal-organic polymer combination by contacting the polymer with a plasma followed by an aqueous solution of a metal salt. In one embodiment a water or nitrous oxide plasma is used to treat a polyimide or a fluorinated polymer. The polymer is combined with a metal cation, the metal being a catalyst for a conventional electroless coating after which it is contacted with an electroless metal plating bath for the formation of electrical circuits and especially for plating high aspect ratio vias in microcircuits. Unlike the conventional electroless process, the cationic catalytic metal is not reduced to a zero valent metal catalyst prior to the application of the electroless metal coating solution.The process also improves the wettability of the polymer, especially the fluorinated polymer and is especially useful in improving the wettability of high aspect ratio vias.

Abstract: A vapour and gaseous effluent purification process wherein the gaseous flow is made to proceed between metal plates (1) subjected to oscillating electrical high voltages and then over a porous siliceous mass (2) having adsorbed therein an oxidation catalyst active at room temperature.

Abstract: A self-supporting sheet-like structure comprises a coating, which reduces sliding friction, on at least one surface of the substrate. The slip-improving coating is produced by treating this substrate surface by means of an electric corona discharge between a high voltage electrode and a grounded counter-electrode while simultaneously spraying an aerosol into the corona discharge zone. The aerosol contains a film-forming agent as a slip agent, for example aqueous solutions or emulsions of monoesters of glycerol and long-chain fatty acids.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy structural member for supporting at least one actuator arm in a hard disk drive and a method for making a shaped magnesium part having a fluorocarbon coating is disclosed. The coating is applied by exposing the member to a reactive gas in the presence of a glow discharge plasma to prevent corrosion. The glow discharge is generated by providing a vacuum environment at a pressure of between 250 and 300 millitorr in a reaction chamber and applying power to a pair of electrodes contained within the reaction chamber. Power is supplied at between about 100 and about 200 watts at about 13.6 megahertz, forming a low temperature glow discharge plasma. A reactive gas comprising a fluorinated alkane is introduced to the reaction chamber, and a pressure of between about 100 and about 300 millitorr is maintained. The structural member is exposed to the reactive gas and the plasma for an amount of time sufficient to form a thin and uniform polymeric fluorocarbon coating on the surface of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of "oxo" products or their derivatives consisting of hydrocarbon compounds containing carbonyl and/or hydroxyl groups, characterized in that a hydrocarbon substrate containing an unsaturation, such as an alkene, is reacted with reactants consisting of a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the reaction taking place after bringing the substrate into contact with the neutral activated species of the mixture of reactants activated to the plasma state.In particular, the present invention relates to a process characterized in that an alkene is reacted to obtain a mixture containing the aldehyde and the alcohol resulting from the fixation on the double bond of the alkene of, respectively, a group ##STR1## or its group ##STR2## obtained by reduction, or only one of these two components by separating it from the mixture.

Abstract: Toxic wastes are destroyed by contact thereof with a steam plasma jet and immediately thereafter with an oxidizing medium followed by washing of the resultant gaseous product with an alkaline medium. An apparatus for carrying out this method is in the form of a tubular assembly adapted to be received on a plasmatron in axial alignment therewith.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for increasing the molecular weight of hydrocarbons and/or derivatives thereof by contacting them with an active hydrogen-containing system which comprises generating a hydrogen-containing plasma at a pressure of at least 5 mm and allowing contact of said hydrocarbons and/or derivatives thereof in liquid form with the plasma-generated system and recovering therefrom a product having an increased average molecular weight.

Abstract: Moldings having a thickness of 1 to 60 mm and made of flexible webs or rigid sheet of plastic are passed through a corona discharge treatment system consisting of high-voltage electrodes and a counter-electrode and a high-frequency alternating current voltage of 20 to 25 kHz and 20 to 70 kV is applied to the high-voltage electrodes by a generator. A corona discharge forms in the gap between the high-voltage electrodes and the counter-electrode. An aerosol formed by atomizing a liquid is blown into the corona discharge zone by means of an air or gas stream. The aerosol modifies the surface of the sheet-like molding in the desired manner.

Abstract: Polyolefin coatings and films having release characteristics, also known as release sheets, are disclosed. The release sheets are formed by treating a sheet formed from polyolefin and dimethyl polysiloxane having functional end groups with a corona discharge. In a preferred embodiment, the release sheet is formed from polyolefin, the dimethyl polysiloxane, vinyl silane, an agent to graft the vinyl silane onto the polyolefin and a moisture curing agent by extrusion in the form of sheet, treating the sheet with a corona discharge and then subjecting the sheet to moisture. The release sheets may be used, for instance, as the backing sheet for labels.

Abstract: The energizer of the instant invention includes an electric discharge apparatus for creating an electric discharge and a focusing mechanism for focusing the electric discharge on a fluid to be energized. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the focusing mechanism takes the form of a dielectric core which is constructed and arranged to focus the electric discharge into a passage formed about the periphery of the core thereby enabling the use of energy levels substantially higher than would be possible without the focusing means.A method of energizing a fluid is taught which includes introducing the fluid into a confined region, providing an electric discharge for energizing the fluid and focusing the discharge into the confined region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement of cascade arc plasma torches in a process for plasma polymerization. The arrangement is utilized in low temperature plasma polymerization coating and utilizes a plasma reactor with concentric electroconductive rings separated by insulator rings. The rings are positioned between electrode connectors and form a central passage through the plasma reactor. A voltage supply source provides a voltage across the plasma reactor so as to initiate and continue the polymerization coating process. Downstream of the plasma reactor, an arrangement is provided by which monomeric gas is fed into a passage at a downstream end of the reactor so as to enable plasma polymerization.

Abstract: Pretreating the surface of electrically conducting molded materials, such as metal foil or plastic films in whose polymer matrix electrically conducting particles have been incorporated, by means of electrical corona discharge is provided. A generator subjects the high voltage discharge electrodes of the corona discharge to a high-frequency alternating current of high voltage. The metal core of a roller, over whose metallic circumference a film web or foil is transported, serves as the grounded metallic counter-electrodes. A housing encloses the high voltage electrodes of the corona discharge and is connected via a line to an atomizer apparatus, in which a liquid is atomized to give a suspendible aerosol by means of a piezoelectric ultrasonic vibrator system or by two-material atomizer nozzles operating at the speed of sound.

Abstract: For surface pre-treatment of a plastic article, such as a film sheet or the interior of a plastic molded article, by means of electrical corona-discharge, a device is provided having a generator 5 and a corona discharge device 11. The generator applied a high-frequency, high-voltage alternating current to the discharge electrodes 4 of the corona-discharge device 11. The grounded counterelectrode used is the metal core 2 of a roller 10 over whose peripheral coating 3 a film sheet 1 is transported. A housing 6 encompasses the electrodes 4 of the corona-discharge device 11 and is connected via a line 7 to an atomizer 8 in which a liquid is atomized to form an aerosol by means of a piezoelectrically operating ultrasonic vibration system or by two-component atomizer nozzles which operate at ultrasonic speed. A fan 9, the throughput rate of which can be regulated, is connected to the atomizer 8 and pushes the carrier gas, for example, air, for the aerosol through the atomizer into the corona-discharge device 11.

Abstract: A silicon-modified organic surface is roughened by treatment with an oxygen containing plasma. If necessary the organic surface may be silicon-modified by treatment with a silicon containing material prior to plasma treatment. The roughened organic surface provides improved adhesion to other organic surfaces and to deposited metals. Improvements in methods for laminating organic surfaces and for depositing metals on organic surfaces which achieve improved adhesion are disclosed. Structures comprising laminated organic layers or metal deposited on organic surfaces which provide improved adhesion between the organic layers or between the metal and the organic surface are also disclosed.