Abstract: Cathodes comprised of an asbestos-free microporous electroconductive substrate containing (a) carbon/graphite fibers, (b) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers and (c) inert mineral fibers, and (d) optionally, at least one thickening agent, consolidated together in a matrix of (e) at least one fluoropolymer binder, are well suited for the electrolysis of solutions of, e.g., alkali metal halides.

Abstract: An electrically conducting filter medium (20) is cleaned in situ by applying, at intervals, a brief voltage pulse between the medium (20) and a counter electrode (18) so the process liquid undergoes electrolysis. The cleaning process is significantly improved by occasionally applying a voltage of reverse polarity. For example a 5 second cleaning pulse making the filter medium (20) cathodic might be applied every quarter of an hour, and a reverse polarity pulse of similar duration applied every two hours. This process can significantly increase permeation rates.

Abstract: An impressed current corrosion protection system comprises a distributed anode in the form of a conductive core (4) covered with a conductive polymeric coating (6) and surrounded by packed coke (8) contained within a polymeric jacket (18). This outer jacket is typically a fabric having a specified resistance to acid conditions and chlorine conditions.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus for dialysis of a liquid during electrodeposition processes includes an elongated body submergible in the liquid and having a generally open interior for receiving an elongated electrode therein. An ion exchange membrane forms a portion of the body and permits a filtrate to flow from the liquid through the membrane and enter the open interior of the body. An anolyte enters the body through an anolyte inlet, and an anolyte outlet removes anolyte and filtrate from the body. An electrical cable or conductor is joined to the electrode at a connection within the body to provide an electrical charge to the apparatus. A liquid-tight chamber formed within the body contains the electrical cable and electrode connection and retains them in liquid isolation from the anolyte and filtrate within the body as well as from the liquid within the electrodeposition container. Access is provided to the chamber to permit servicing of the connection.

Abstract: A carbon electrode is dipped in a solution containing a reactive substance, and the carbon electrode impregnated with the solution is covered with an insulating tubular member; or a solution containing a reactant is poured into an insulating tube, and a carbon electrode is inserted into the tube; whereby the reactant is made coexistent in the periphery of the carbon electrode. Alternatively, a reactive substance such as an active enzyme and graphite particles or activated carbon particles are mixed with a liquid and dispersed therein to prepare a thoroughly wetted paste. The paste is introduced by means of an extruding mechanism such as a syringe into an insulating tubular member in which a bundle of many thin carbon rods as a lead is inserted. Thus, a carbon sensor electrode is produced. Alternatively, a first carbon electrode that has been dipped in an active enzyme or an enzyme-like reactive substance solution is disposed in a wet condition in a cylindrical ion permeable membrane.

Abstract: There is now disclosed a method of restoring a used article utilized in electrolysis, such as in a chlor-alkali cell. The used article is usually the cell diaphragm, but may be a cell electrode, particularly when it is in assembly with the cell diaphragm. The restoration method involves treating the article, typically in place in the cell, but which may be removed from the cell, by soaking in a treating composition containing most always hydrochloric acid and corrosion inhibitor. The article after treatment may be baked at elevated temperature. When baking is utilized, it can come before soaking. With or without baking, the article may or may not be involved in a wetting step. Where the restoration involves an article utilized in a chlor-alkali cell, the restoration can readily reduce the problem of hydrogen in the chlorine product produced. Such treatment can also lead to reduced cell voltage as well as reduced cell anolyte level.

Abstract: Microporous diaphragms adapted for wet-consolidation with composite cathodes for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlorine/soda electrolysis cells, comprise a sintered, fluoropolymer microconsolidated asbestos-free microporous fibrous sheet material, such sheet material including from 3% to 35% by weight of fluoropolymer binder, from 0% to 50% by weight of a uniformly distributed gel of an oxohydroxide of at least one metal of Groups IVA, IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table or of the lanthanide or actinide series thereof, and from 20% to 95% by weight of a mixture of poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers and inorganic fibers, such inorganic fibers constituting from 1% to 80% by weight of the mixture and such inorganic fibers including carbon, graphite or titanate fibers, or admixture thereof.

Abstract: A guard for a membrane electrode cell in an electrocoat paint system that separates the counter-electrode, the object being painted, from the membrane shell housing that surrounds the electrode, which is located inside the membrane. The guard is of a grid-like structure with openings that have rounded edges and allows for the flow of electricity between the electrode and the counter-electrode and for a substantially continuous flow of paint particles around the membrane electrode cell. The guard is made from a durable, flexible, non-conducting material that is impervious to the temperature conditions and acids, solvents and other compounds often found in electrocoating paint baths. Embodiments of the present invention include an externally affixed guard, an integral guard and a rigid membrane guard.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for supporting and cleaning a mesh anode bag of the type having one open end, one closed end, and being sealed along its lateral sides, the bag containing particles of discharged active zinc therein along its inner surfaces after the separation thereof from a discharged zinc anode, the process comprising placing the bag over a device comprising a hollow body having a liquid inlet at a first end and a plurality of liquid outlets at a second opposite end, the device being contoured and sized to be overridden by the bag, with the inner surfaces of the bag being in proximity to the outer surfaces of the body, and the plurality of outlets adjacent to the closed end of the bag, causing a flow of liquid via the inlet and through the body to the outlets, whereby liquid passing through the outlets flows around the outer surface of the body and along the inner surfaces of the bag, to entrain and remove therefrom the particles of zinc, and separating the bag from the device, as well as p

Abstract: Due to the limited structural integrity of the ion exchange membrane, operation at pressure gradients exceeding about 200 psi can cause electrolyzer failure due to the ion exchange membrane being physically forced into the holes of the screen set forming the chamber on the lower pressure side of the ion exchange membrane. Utilizing a porous sheet between the anode electrode and the screen set provides additional structural integrity to the ion exchange membrane and allows simultaneous dual-directional flow of water to the anode electrode while oxygen flows from the anode electrode, thereby allowing high pressure gradient operation.

Abstract: An electrode (14) is joined to ridges (12) or ribs of a partition (11) by means of spring members (13), each being in comb form and bent at the toothed portions (16) thereof, so that, while the electrode surface is kept flat, the toothed portions (16) can be held with any desired distance with respect to electrode-supporting portions such as the partition or its ribs, but without causing damage to an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: Microporous diaphragms adapted for wet-consolidation with composite cathodes for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlorine/soda electrolysis cells, comprise a sintered, fluoropolymer microconsolidated asbestos-based microporous fibrous sheet material, such sheet material including from 3% to 35% by weight of fluoropolymer binder, from 1% to 50% by weight of a uniformly distributed gel of an oxohydroxide of at least one metal of Groups IVA, IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table or of the lanthanide or actinide series thereof, and from 20% to 95% by weight of fibers, at least 1% by weight of such fibers being asbestos fibers.

Abstract: In order to prevent mechanical damage to electrode surfaces and to facilitate easy swapping out of immersible electrodes for inspection or replacement, an electrode element for an electrolysis cell for electrolytic precipitation of metals from a liquid containing metal ions has a frame (1) provided with parallel side sections (2, 3) of electrically insulating plastic. Each element includes at least one conduit (13) for supplying a liquid ion conductor and at least one conduit (16) for the removal of this liquid ion conductor. There is at least one planar active part is disposed between the conduits to serve as an electrode (7), along which the ion conductor flows. The active surface of the electrode (7) is covered by an ion exchange diaphragm (20). The electrode element is adapted for partial dipping, up to a predetermined immersion line (17), in the liquid. The electrode (7) is removably supported in the side sections (2, 3) of the frame (1).

Abstract: Single-component bodies useful in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices are provided. In preferred embodiments, the single-component bodies comprise an anodic region at a first side, a cathodic region at a second, non-adjacent side, and an oxygen ion-conducting region substantially free from anodic or cathodic character disposed between said anodic and cathodic regions. The single-component bodies comprise either transition metal perovskites or oxide electrolytes such as yttria-stabilized zirconia doped with multivalent cations.

Abstract: An electrodeposition coating system widely used in an automatic coating process of a motor vehicle and the like. This system comprises: an article to be coated as being a first electrode, which is disposed in an electrodeposition bath; and at least two second electrodes provided in association with the article; and current is passed between the both sets of electrodes through an aqueous solution of a substance for forming a coating film contained in the bath to thereby electrodeposit the substance onto the article.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is provided for electrolyzing water into its constituent elements, namely oxygen and hydrogen gas. The electrolyzer includes a vessel in which a sulfonated solid polymer electrolyte is situated. The sulfonated solid polymer electrolyte is selected from a group including sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK), sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES), sulfonated polybenzimidazole (SPBI), sulfonated polyphenylquinoxaline (SPPQ) and sulfonated fluorinated polyimide (SFPI). The electrolyzer also includes anode and cathode electrodes situated on the electrolyte. A direct current (DC) power supply is coupled to said anode and cathode electrodes to drive the reaction. A heater heats the electrolyte and a water supply is connected to one of said cathode and anode electrodes. The resultant oxygen and hydrogen are collected at the respective electrodes. The solid polymer electrolyte desirably operates with relatively high ionic conductivity at high temperatures without loss of structural integrity.

Abstract: An actuator element comprises an ion exchange membrane and a pair of electrodes attached to opposite surfaces of the ion exchange membrane; the ion exchange membrane in a water-containing state being caused to bend and/or deform by application of an electric potential difference thereacross.

Abstract: An electrode for use in electrochemical ion exchange comprises an electrically conducting element covered by at least two layers of ion exchange material. The material in one layer differs in its electrical, chemical, or ion exchange properties from that in an adjacent layer. For example a thin layer of cation exchange material underneath a thicker layer of anion exchange material may be used to inhibit the oxidation of chloride ions; a thin layer of cation exchange material covering a thicker layer of anion exchange material provides an anion-responsive electrode with enhanced selectivity for particular ions. An ion-selective anion-responsive electrode can also comprise a thin outer layer of a very weak base anion-responsive material, covering a thicker layer of a strong base material of lower electrical resistivity.

Abstract: A guard for a membrane electrode cell in an electrocoat paint system that separates the counter-electrode, the object being painted, from the membrane shell housing that surrounds the electrode, which is located inside the membrane. The guard is of a grid-like structure with openings that have rounded edges and allows for the flow of electricity between the electrode and the counter-electrode and for a substantially continuous flow of paint particles around the membrane electrode cell. The guard is made from a durable, flexible, non-conducting material that is impervious to the temperature conditions and acids, solvents and other compounds often found in electrocoating paint baths. Embodiments of the present invention include an externally affixed guard, an integral guard and a rigid membrane guard.

Abstract: Chlor-alkali electrolytic cells can have separators used with metal cathodes. These cells may often be subject to frequent current interruptions. Particularly where the cathode and separator exhibit extended life, these interruptions may be numerous. There has now been developed a method for providing successful and desirable cathode operation even for such extended cell life. During cell shutdown, the cathode and separator are subjected to an elevated temperature heat treatment. After heating, and optionally following any rewetting of the diaphragm, the cathode is ready in the cell for continued, rejuvenated performance.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode structure for use in an electrochemical cell comprising an ion exchange membrane with a cathode layer and an intermediate layer between the cathode and the membrane. The intermediate layer comprises about 5 to 80% by weight of inorganic solid particles and about 95 to 20% by weight of an ionic conductive polymeric binder.

Abstract: A method for the electrolytic pin plating of a steel plate using an insoluble anode, said anode being an insoluble electrode comprising a corrosion-resistant metal substrate having provided thereon a coating containing a platinum group metal or an oxide thereof, said anode being enclosed with a diaphragm.

Abstract: In an electrolyzer having bipolar cells, which are arranged in a row and consist each of two metallic partitions, spring-elastic electrodes bearing on the partitions, and a diaphragm which is disposed between the electrodes and is spaced from the electrodes by spacers, contact between the spring-elastic electrodes and the diaphragm is prevented by disposing the spacers of each cell directly opposite to each other and aligned with the spacers of the other cells.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane or ion exchange membrane/electrode assembly having increased efficiency in proton exchange processes as the result of membrane hydration processing comprising heating a hermetically sealed membrane or membrane/electrode assembly at elevated temperature and pressure so as to provide increased hydration levels of the membrane.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ozone decomposing reactor which comprises:a catalyst structure composed of a carrier having at least one passage extending therethrough for allowing an ozone containing fluid to pass through the catalyst structure and a catalyst and an electroconductive material carried in or on the carrier; andelectrodes attached to the catalyst structure to electrify the structure, whereby to decompose ozone at elevated temperatures.The carrier is either a ceramic honeycomb mold or a fiber board.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ozone decomposing reactor which comprises:an air permeable carrier containing a catalyst and an electroconductive material therein or thereon; andelectrodes attached to the sheet to electrify and heat the sheet, whereby to decompose ozone at elevated temperatures.A fibrous sheet or a foamed material is used as the air permeable carrier.

Abstract: Microporous diaphragms adapted for wet-consolidation with composite cathodes for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlorine/soda electrolysis cells, comprise a sintered, fluoropolymer microconsolidated asbestos-based microporous fibrous sheet material, such sheet material including from 3% to 35% by weight of fluoropolymer binder, from 1% to 50% by weight of a uniformly distributed gel of an oxohydroxide of at least one metal of Groups IVA, IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table or of the lanthanide or actinide series thereof, and from 20% to 95% by weight of fibers, at least 1% by weight of such fibers being asbestos fibers.

Abstract: An electrodeposition coating system widely used for automatic coating process, etc. of motor vehicles. This system includes an article to be coated, which is a first electrode, and provided in an electrodeposition bath and a second electrode or electrodes constituted by one or more electrodes and provided in association with the article. In this system, current is passed between the both electrodes through an aqueous solution of a substance for forming a coating a film, which is contained in the electrodeposition bath, to thereby electrodeposit the substance for forming a coating material onto the article. The aqueous solution and the second electrodes or electrodes are separated from each other by a membrane portion having a first function of precluding the flow of ionized neutralizing agent in the aqueous solution attracted by the second electrode or electrodes and a second function of precluding the flow of ions flowing out of the side of the second electrode or electrodes attracted by the first electrode.

Abstract: An electrolytic filter press membrane cell and a method of operating the cell are disclosed to produce concentrated chloric acid. The cell employs concentrated hypochlorous acid as the anolyte and operates at high current density. The anode structure employs a high surface area to volume ratio structure that is thin and minimizes anolyte residence time in the cell.

Abstract: An electrocatalytic process for the partial oxidation of methane employs an electrocatalyst in the form of a deposit catalyst comprising an electrode having a conducting catalyst layer deposited thereon. The catalyst comprises an element selected from the group consisting of Group IB metals, Group VIB metals, Group VIII metals and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A novel plenum-free gas diffusion electrode assembly, and cells utilizing the same, embodying a catalyzed preferably carbon cloth or paper sheet contacting on one side a solid metal supporting current collector sheet, as with the aid of a conductive adhesive layer, and preferably though not always essentially carrying an electrolyte-permeable aqueous polymeric hydrogel coating on the other side, with the current collector sheet provided with gas (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen or air) inlet openings occupying a very minor portion of the surface of the current collector sheet.

Abstract: The invention is a membrane/electrode combination comprising: an ion exchange membrane having a plurality of interconnected roadways of catalytically active particles bonded to at least one face of the membrane.

Abstract: An electrode, preferably of a conductive polymer, has on its surface, preferably over all of its surface, an ion exchange material, preferably of significant thickness. Such a coated electrode may be used for sensing the presence or measuring the concentration of an ionic species, or for removal from or release of an ionic species into an electrode.

Abstract: A bipolar-electrode electrolytic cell is disclosed, which is to be used in electrolysis of an electrolytic solution having a high electric resistance and including at least two diaphragms positioned to form a plurality of electrode compartments comprising two outer compartments defined between the side walls of the electrolytic cell and the diaphragms positioned closest to the cell walls having a single electrode and at least one electrode compartment having two same-polar electrodes on both sides thereof, each of said electrodes being placed on a diaphragm such that different-polar electrodes are positioned at opposing sides of the diaphragm, wherein the distance between same-polar electrodes within the same compartment is sufficiently large such that electrolysis therebetween does not substantially occur and wherein two of said electrodes at the terminal ends of the series connected electrolytic cell, an anode and a cathode, being further electrically connected to an anode collector and a cathode collector,

Abstract: An electrode, preferably of a conductive polymer, has on its surface, preferably over all of its surface, an ion exchange material, preferably of significant thickness. Such a coated electrode may be used for sensing the presence or measuring the concentration of an ionic species, or for removal from or release of an ionic species into an electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for fabricating a thin, porous, electronically conductive, high-surface area film proximate the surface of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The film has highly desirable characteristics as a surface electrode. Films may be formed on both sides of the membrane to form a bi-polar structure useful in various processes, including chloralkali processes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for gas phase electrochemical reduction of CO.sub.2 and/or CO to hydrocarbons at ambient temperatures. The process is carried out by passing an electrical current between a cathode in contact with one side of a hydrogen ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte and an anode in ionic communication with the opposite side of the solid polymer electrolyte. In one embodiment, the anode material may be in contact with the opposite side of the hydrogen ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte, and in another embodiment, an anode may be separated from the opposite side of the solid polymer electrolyte by an aqueous inorganic salt solution. At least one of CO.sub.2 and CO are passed in contact with the cathode and hydrogen ions passing through the solid polymer electrolyte reduce at least a portion of the CO.sub.2 and CO to gaseous hydrocarbon products such as CH.sub.4 and C.sub.2 H.sub.4 at the solid polymer electrolyte/cathode interface.

Abstract: An elastomeric electrode having an electrically conductive base, a protective layer enclosing the base formed of an elastomeric material having electrically conductive material selected from the group consisting of highly conductive carbon black, graphite, and glassy carbon distributed therein and present in the amount of 10 to 30 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric material. A terminal extends from the base to exteriorly of the protective layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are electroactivated shaped articles, well adapted as cathode elements and composites, especially for electrolytic cells for the electrolysis of sodium chloride. The articles include a mass of fibrous material consolidated in a matrix of fluoropolymer binder wherein at least a portion of the fibers are electrically conductive. The shaped articles have a resistivity of less than 0.4 ohm cm, and have at least one electrocatalytically active agent uniformly dispersed therethrough. The electrocatalytically active agent(s) is (are) selected from Raney metals or Raney alloys depleted in fugitive metal values.

Abstract: The membrane electrolyzer comprises parts which have been provided for or used in a diaphragm electrolyzer. within a single frame of the membrane electrolyzer are contained from one to three anodes, which have been provided for or used in a diaphragm electrolyzer. Each anode has electrochemically active anode surfaces having a grid structure and a current conductor, which is disposed between the anode surfaces and connected to the frame. The current conductors of the anodes preferably extend through the frame and are connected to a current-carrying bar or plate.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst comprising a lead dioxide electrically deposited layer, the layer having particles containing .beta.-lead dioxide powder dispersed therein, and a method for producing the electrode catalyst are disclosed. The particles contain .beta.-lead dioxide powder and optionally an electrolytic cocatalyst selected from PTFE, agar, gelatin, a perfluoro ion exchange resin and the like. The present electrode catalyst is useful for production of ozone by electrolysis of water and for production of peroxides by electrolysis of aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A composite hydrogen purification membrane comprises an anode for hydrogen oxidation, a cathode for hydrogen reduction, with a proton conductor disposed between and in contact with the anode and the cathode. Electrons are conducted between the anode and cathode through an external connection, with the electron flow generated by the difference in hydrogen partial pressure between the anode and cathode sides of the membrane. Thus the composite hydrogen purification membrane provides high hydrogen permeability and selectivity relative to the impurities in a feed gas, producing pure hydrogen without requiring an external voltage source.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane cell comprises an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning by an ion exchange membrane. A gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded at least one of surface of said ion exchange membrane.An ion exchange membrane comprises a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer which is bonded to at least one surface of said membrane.An aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning with an ion exchange membrane wherein a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded to at least one of surfaces of said ion exchange membrane and an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is fed into said anode compartment to form chlorine on said anode and to form an alkali metal hydroxide in said cathode compartment.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of sodium hydroxide in a sustained manner, tolerant of upsets in sodium hydroxide concentration, by electrolysis of sodium chloride at about 70.degree.-110.degree. C. in an electrolysis cell separated into a cathode compartment and an anode compartment by a cation exchange membrane, wherein the membrane is made of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with a perfluoro monomer Z having a defined structure and a carboxyl end group, the mole ratio of tetrafluoroethylene to the monomer Z in the copolymer being about 7.6 to 8.2, the membrane material on the side exposed to the catholyte being nonporous but having a porous catholyte diffusion layer in direct contact therewith or in close proximity thereof. The sodium chloride feed solution is about equal to the concentration of saturated brine at the operating temperature, and the concentration of sodium chloride solution leaving the anode compartment is about 18-24%, no water being added to the catholyte during steady state operation.

Abstract: The invention is a membrane/electrode combination having an electrically conductive screen which has a first and a second face. At least the first face of the screen is substantially flat. The screen has a plurality of openings passing therethrough and connecting the first and the second faces of the screen. The openings occupying up to about 75% of the surface area of each face of the electrically conductive screen. The first face of an ion exchange membrane film, which has a first and a second face, is attached to the first face of the electrically conductive screen, thereby leaving portions of the first face of the membrane film exposed through the openings in the electrically conductive screen. A plurality of catalytically active particles are disposed on the exposed portions of the first face of the membrane film in electrical and physical contact with the membrane and with the electrically conductive screen.

Abstract: An electrode, preferably of a conductive polymer, has on its surface, preferably over all of its surface, an ion exchange material, preferably of significant thickness. Such a coated electrode may be used for sensing the presence or measuring the concentration of an ionic species, or for removal from or release of an ionic species into an electrode.

Abstract: A cathode/membrane assembly for an electrolysis cell capable of producing hydrogen in a cathode compartment, utilizes as the cathode material on a proton-permeable solid-electrolite ion-exchange membrane, a layer of porous graphite in the form of carbonaceous fibers coated with tungsten carbide. The graphite felt can be impregnated with an aqueous solution of para-ammoniumtungstate or with an alcoholic solution of tungsten hexachloride and the tungsten compounds are then converted to the tungsten oxides. The tungsten oxide coated graphite felt is then subjected to carburization at a temperature of 620.degree. to 950.degree. C. in a carburizing atmosphere, preferably a flowing CO/CO.sub.2 mixture.

Abstract: The invention is a method for preparing electrocatalytic oxides and applying them to substrates that cannot be heated to temperatures sufficiently high to convert electrocatalytic salts into electrocatalytic oxide comprising:(a) dissolving Ru salt(s) and Ni salt(s) in a solvent to form an electrocatalytic salt solution;(b) evaporating the solvent from the electrocatalytic salt solution, leaving a electrocatalytic salt residue;(c) heating the electrocatalytic salt residue in the presence of oxygen to a temperature and for a time sufficient to convert substantially all of the electrocatalytic salt into a electrocatalytic oxide; and(d) bonding the so-formed electrocatalytic oxide to a substrate that would be detrimentally affected if it were to be heated to 480.degree.-500.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for refining elemental sulphur and hydrogen gas from H.sub.2 S is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for vapor phase electrolysis of H.sub.2 S gas using a molten polysulfide electrolyte disposed in a matrix.

Abstract: Bonded, coherent fibrous web substrates well adopted as cathodic elements for electrolytic cells and advantageously incorporating an electrocatalytic agent, include a web matrix which comprises a plurality of fibers, at least a portion of which comprising electrically conductive fibers, e.g., carbon fibers, said plurality of fibers being coherently bonded together with a fluorine-containing polymer, and said web substrate having a resistivity of up to about .[.0.4.]. .Iadd.4.0 .Iaddend..OMEGA..cm.