Abstract: A process for producing an easily-slidable polyarylene thioether film having an arithmetic average surface roughness, Ra, in a range of 2-200 nm and a dynamic friction coefficient, .mu.k, within a range of 0.1-0.6 at least on one surface of the film, which comprises:a) contacting at least one surface of an amorphous film, containing the polyarylene thioether, consisting essentially of repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## with at least one organic solvent having a solubility parameter within a range of 8.5-11.

Abstract: A generally hydrophobic polyester article is provided with a generally hydrophilic surface by contacting said general hydrophobic polyester with a copolymeric material while said polyester is at a temperature above its melting point. The copolymeric composition comprises a generally hydrophobic moiety and a generally hydrophilic moiety. Also disclosed is a method for imparting the hydrophilic surface to a generally hydrophobic polyester which method comprises contacting a generally hydrophobic polyester with a copolymeric material while said generally hydrophobic polyester is at a temperature above its melting point. In one preferred embodiment the generally hydrophobic polyester is contacted with said copolymeric composition immediately after said polyester has been extruded and while said polyester is undergoing die swell.

Abstract: A process for continuously and progressively forming components from fiber-containing composite material workpieces having a deformable matrix introduces transverse bends into a workpiece that moves through the apparatus in a longitudinal or travel direction. Transverse bending of the composite material is accomplished in a kinematically admissible manner to avoid misalignment or failure of the composite material. A net bending deformation is introduced at a free transverse edge as the composite workpiece moves in a longitudinal direction, by pairs of compound roller elements between which the workpiece passes as it moves through the apparatus. The net deformation introduced at the free transverse edge is moved and distributed through the composite material workpiece during successive passes through the forming machinery, to form the final shaped component.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a composite in the form of a network of microfibrils which includes interpenetrating the microfibrils with a matrix material to form a composite which includes two continuous interpenetrating phases, a matrix-material phase and a microfibrillar-reinforcing-network phase.

Abstract: A process for the production of carbon-containing electrodes for electricity (current)-producing and/or electricity-storing cells includes mixing carbon-containing material with vinylpolymer-containing material and then heating the thus created mixture to such a temperature and a chemical change of the vinylpoloymer occurs, so that the resultant composition becomes conductive.

Abstract: A film, preferably used as a tubular artificial sausage casing, having a base layer of a material which may be fiber-reinforced, wherein the material includes a mixture of cellulose hydrate and alginic acid and/or alginate. The alginate may be the calcium salt of alginic acid. In addition, a process for producing the film by the viscose process is also described, wherein a mixture of alkaline viscose solution and a soluble salt of alginic acid is coagulated by means of an acidic precipitating fluid.

Abstract: An improved stereolithography system and method for curing a stereolithographically-produced part, including at least some material that is no more than partially transformed, by exposing the part to off-peak-absorptive wavelengths of synergistic stimulation to achieve a more uniform cure.

Abstract: Flame retardance of polymers prepared by metathesis polymerization of cycloolefins is improved by treatment of molded articles with a halogenated hydrocarbon capable of entering into radical chain transfer reactions with the carbon-carbon unsaturation present in the polymer recurring unit.

Abstract: A method for improving the properties of a metathesis polymerized cycloolefin article by treating with molecular halogen in an organic solvent. Degree of treatment can be regulated according to the swelling power of the solvent for the polymer. Improved properties include improved flame retardance, oxidation resistance and surface properties.

Abstract: A process for producing a modified ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin composition, which comprises mixing a powder of an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A) having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, a flowability improver (B) having a melting point lower than the melting point of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A), a monomer (C) having an olefinically unsaturated bond and a radical initiator (D) with stirring at the melting point of the flowability improver (B) or a higher temperature but below the melting point of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A), and then melt-kneading them at the melting point of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A) or a higher temperature to react the monomer (C) with the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyolefin (A).

Abstract: A device for continuously measuring and correcting a tackiness of a sheet of rubber material including a feeding unit for continuously feeding an unvulcanized rubber sheet along a flat support surface and a rotatable roller in contact with the unvulcanized rubber sheet, whereby the roller is rotated by the movement of the unvulcanized rubber sheet, and entrained in the sheet feed direction due to a tackiness of the unvulcanized rubber sheet. A load cell is connected to the roller via a linkage, for measuring a resistance to the rolling of the roller, i.e., a change of a position of the roller entrained in the sheet feed direction.

Abstract: A metathesis polymerized cycloolefin article may be improved by treating with halogen halide in an organic solvent. Degree of treatment can be regulated according to the swelling power of the solvent for the polymer. Improved properties include improved flame retardance, oxidation resistance and surface properties.

Abstract: A flexible member capable of withstanding a high temperature environment and/or a corrosive atmosphere or media is formed of a component in a desired shape and of a ceramic material having a modulus of elasticity of 150,000 to 200,000 MPa and a flexural strength of more than 400 MPa. The component is provided with at least one reduced thickness portion to impart to the component a desired degree of flexibility and/or elasticity.

Abstract: A process for producing zero pilling polyester filaments, staple, yarn and fabrics is disclosed. The process steps include: providing a polyester polymer containing a structure opener and a monomer containing a sulfonate group; forming the polymer into fibers; hydrolyzing those fabrics; and arresting the hydrolysis by the addition of a metal ion source.

Abstract: A method for the production of a hydrophilic porous membrane of polyvinylidene fluoride excelling in perviousness to water and other various properties and enjoying high commercial value, having uniform hydrohilicity imparted to the surface of pores therein, which porous membrane is characterized by the fact that the reflection spectrum thereof in the visible zone is substantially unchanged from that which existed before the treatment for impartation of hydrophilcity. The method for the production of the hydrophilic porous membrane is characterized by chemically treating the porous membrane is a strong alkali solution containing an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte tube for sodium sulfur cells, having an outer surface of a roughness defined by an arithmetical mean deviation of the profile (R.sub.a) of not exceeding 2.0 .mu.m and a maximum height of the profile (R.sub.max) of not exceeding 15 .mu.m, is produced by leveling the outer surface of the solid electrolyte tube in a state of green body, bisque fired and calcined body, or fired body, by means of a finishing apparatus such as a centerless grinding machine, external cylindrical grinding machine, lathe, or the like. The solid electrolyte tube having a smooth and even surface can be prevented from crack formation due to local concentration of Na ion, S, sodium polysulfide and thermal stress thereon, so that it can improve durability and reliability.

Abstract: A process for preparing an asymmetrical macroporous membrane from a polymer solution comprised as the dissolved portion fraction a polymeric mixture comprised of about 5-70% by weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone having a molecular weight of .gtoreq.100,000 Dalton and about 95-30% by weight of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polysulfone, a polyether sulfone, and an aromatic or araliphatic polyamide, said weight being relative to the total weight of the dissolved polymeric fraction, by action of a coagulating liquid, wherein the coagulation is effected under conditions such that skin formation, asymmetrical port formation and retention of the polyvinylpyrrolidone are achieved, recovering the asymmetrical macroporous membrane comprising the polymeric mixture.

Abstract: A method or process for treating materials for making materials electrically conductive that are not naturally electrically conductive or for increasing and enhancing the electrical conductivity of materials that are naturally electrically conductive. The invention is carried out in processing apparatus or equipment. The apparatus includes a vessel containing a solution that is electrically conductive. The solution or bath contains salts including acid surfactant, acid and silver nitrate crystals. The apparatus includes electrical equipment which includes electrodes exposed to the solution in the vessel so that an alternating electrical current is caused to traverse the solution and the material being processed. Additionally, the apparatus includes an array of ultrasonic generators provided to cause ultrasonic sound vibrations to traverse through the solution and the material being processed simultaneously with the flow of current.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a copolymerized polyester produced by copolymerizing a dicarboxylic acid component (A) comprising(a) 10 to 90 mol % of isophthalic acid or an ester forming derivative thereof,(b) 10 to 60 mol % of a phenylenedi(oxyacetic acid) represented by the formula [I]: ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atom, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atom, a phenyl group, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or a fluorine atom), or an ester forming derivative thereof, and(c) 0 to 45 mol % of a naphthalenedicarboxylic acid or an ester forming derivative thereof, anda diol component (B); and a polyester composition containing the copolymerized polyester.

Abstract: Methods of solution processing of rigid chain and ladder polymers to films, coatings, or fibers from isotropic or anisotropic solutions in aprotic organic solvents containing Lewis acids are disclosed.

Abstract: An antistatic fiber obtained by melt spinning of a fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer containing at least one of polyoxyalkylene glycol and its derivatives in an amount of not less than 0.5% by weight, characterized in that said fiber has a half life time of electric charge leakage of not more than 150 seconds before and after treatment with a weight decreasing agent and, when treated with a weight decreasing agent, provides a number of streaks arranged in parallel in the lengthwise direction at the surface.

Abstract: The wettable silicone elastomer is obtained by crosslinking of a composition of epoxidized silicones. The elastomer thus obtained is made wettable by grafting saccharide compounds on epoxy groups of the elastomer.The invention is applied in particular to the manufacture of contact lenses.

Abstract: Improved, stronger poly(arylene sulfide) fibers can be produced by treatment of a crystallizable poly(arylene sulfide) fiber with an organic halide, either before or after annealing. Physical properties, such as density and abrasion resistance, can be increased after said treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making porous carbon membranes and membranes which can made by this process. As starting material, a porous membrane from an acrylonitril-polymer is used. The starting material is pretreated with a hydrazine solution, followed by preoxidation and carbonization. The process enables carbon membranes to be made with selectively adjusted pore sizes and tight pore size distribution. The pore sizes can lie in the ultrafiltration or microfiltration range. The membranes are suitable for separation processes, in which chemically aggressive media are used and for high-temperature processes. They can be used wherever electrical conductivity of the membranes is required.

Abstract: A cylindrical product, such as a hollow tube or solid rod, is subjected to a series of manufacturing processes. The cylindrical product is moved longitudinally through a sequence of stages, each stage having an opening through which the cylindrical product passes. The plurality of stages are arranged in a series to perform a specific rheological process. Each stage includes means for applying a preselected temperature, pressure, and vibration to the cylindrical product.

Abstract: A method for producing a purified polycarbonate resin is disclosed, comprising contacting a solid polycarbonate resin with a fluid comprising at least 70% by weight of carbon dioxide and having a temperature of 30.degree. to 120.degree. C. and a pressure of at least 10 kg/cm.sup.2. The method can effectively remove almost all the impurities contained in the polycarbonate resin within a very short period of time, thereby providing highly purified polycarbonate resin materials which are suitably used in the fields of information, electronic and medical industries.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly supports an umbilical cord during the shaping and curing of the cord for use as a vascular graft. The mandrel assembly has a pair of mandrel members adapted to be releasably connected in end-to-end relation. Adjacent end sections of the mandrel members have reduced cross sectional shapes to provide the graft with a throat to restrict the flow of blood through the vascular graft. Each mandrel member has a low friction outer surface to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the mandrel member from the lumen of the umbilical cord. In one embodiment, the adjacent ends and neck portions of the mandrel members have small holes. A vacuum pump draws air from within the mandrel members to withdraw moisture from the tissue of the umbilical cord and hold the umbilical cord in conforming relationship with the joined mandrel members during the forming and curing of the umbilical cord.

Abstract: If ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity (.beta.) of at least 5 dl/g is grafted with a silane compound in the presence of a radical initiator and extrusion-molded and the extrudate is impregnated with a silanol condensation catalyst after or during drawing and is then exposed to water to effect crosslinking, there is obtained a novel molecularly oriented molded article in which increase of the melting temperature, which is not observed in conventional drawmolded or crosslinked molded articles of polyethylene, can be attained, and even if this molecularly oriented molded article is exposed to a temperature of 180.degree. C. for 10 minutes, the molded article is not fused but the shape is retained and even after this heat history, a high strength retention ratio can be maintained.

Abstract: A method of treating of the surface of a body of a crystalline metal oxide ceramic material, comprising the operation of subjecting the said surface to bombardment with ions having an energy surfficient to disrupt the crystal lattice of the body, and continuing the ion bombardment until an amorphous layer formed in the body as a result of the ion bombardment extends to the surface of the body.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for adhering aramid polymers by treating them with strong base to create anionic sites on the polymer surface. Subsequent reprotonation adheres contacting aramid surfaces.

Abstract: A process for forming high free volume, asymmetric gas separation membranes having graded density skins and macrovoid-free morphology from a solvent system comprising a Lewis acid, Lewis base, and a Lewis acid:base complex which dissolve hydrophobic polymers. The dopes have high total solids, high viscosity and low coagulation (g) values which enhance rapid gelation without the formation of macrovoids and which minimize densification. The dope solvent system complexes are readily disassociated by the coagulation medium and the component molecules are miscible in the medium which provides for rapid desolvation of the formed membrane thus providing a membrane having low residual solvent retention.

Abstract: For producing solution/diffusion membranes, homogeneous dense films prepared by melt extrusion or casting from synthetic polymers, having a melting temperature above 140.degree. C., a glass transition temperature above 0.degree. C. and long time stability against boiling ethanol are irradiated with accelerated electrons and submitted to a subsequent radical graft copolymerization. After graft polymerzation, the functional groups are converted into the dissociated salts.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for re-alkalizing carbonized reinforced concrete. An electric current is impressed between adjacent areas of concrete, one of which has become carbonized with consequent loss of pH, and the other of which is adequately alkaline in pH. The impressed voltage causes a migration of hydroxyl ions from the higher pH region to the lower pH region, to effect an increase in pH of the carbonized region to a satisfactory level. The region of high pH concrete may be either non-carbonized areas of the original concrete or a temporarily applied layer of an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: Poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide) yarn of improved fatigue resistance is prepared by spinning the polymer in sulfuric acid through an air gap into an aqueous coagulating bath to produce a coagulated yarn, maintaining the coagulating bath at a temperature of at least 20.degree. C., washing and neutralizing the yarn while it is under a tension of from 0.2 to 0.4 grams per denier, and drying the yarn at a temperature below 200.degree. C. while it is maintained under a tension of 0.05 to 0.2 grams per denier.

Abstract: A method of preventing the spontaneous discharge of charged dielectric objects such that the surface of the objects are polished smooth to remove down to microscopic surface faults thereon. A maximum charge is storable therein having only loss by corona leakage from edges of the object. This method allows for a controlled discharge to create Lichtenberg figures therein. Artistic objects are also made by a method of coloration of the figure in the objects.

Abstract: A method of producing a plastic sheet with a porous surface layer suitable for use as, for example, a recording medium on which characters and images are printed by ink jet or thermal-transfer printing method. The method comprises preparing a solution by dissolving two or more kinds of plastics having low levels of miscibility to each other in a solvent, applying said solution to a substrate, passing said substrate with said solution applied thereto through a liquid which dissolves said solvent but does not dissolve said plastics thereby solidifying said plastics, and drying said substrate with the solidified plastic layer. Preferably, two or more kinds of plastics having low levels of miscibility to each other include mainly a material A which is vinyl chloride or its compolymer and a material B which is acrylonitrile or its copolymer.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating low dimensionally electroconductive articles comprising cofacially stacking organomacrocycles and as cofacially stacking phthalocyanines, in which a composition comprising a cofacially stacking phthalocyanine in strong Bronsted acid is formed into a desired shape such as a fiber or film, solidified by removal of the solvent, and provided in fractional valence state.

Abstract: A process is described for making a composite article without shrinkage, particularly of ceramic and metal wherein the article includes complex internal surfaces or cavities. The process requires forming an insert body that includes an external surface that corresponds to an internal cavity of the article. The insert body consists of a material having a melting temperature less than that of the article. The process further requires forming a porous compact about the insert body wherein the compact is formed into the substantially the net shape of the article. The compact is made of a material that is wetted by liquid insert material and has a sintering temperature greater than the wetting temperature of the insert material. The process further requires heating the article to a temperature such that the inserts substantially melts and infiltrates the porous compact forming the finished composite article.

Abstract: A vapor permeable and liquid impermeable microporous film suitable for diaper back sheets and other disposable applications is produced by first abrading a filled, unoriented film by passing it through at least one set of at least two cooperating nip rollers, each having an abrasive grit surface and then subjecting the unoriented abraded film to a corona treatment.

Abstract: A process for preparing collagen tubes includes extruding an aqueous gel containing about 1.5% native collagen through a cylindrical spinneret equipped with a central concentric tube designed to receive a part of a coagulation bath, followed by coagulation of the internal and external walls of the tube, leaving the spinneret in a coagulation bath constituted by about 70% acetone and 30% ammonia, followed by drying. Following drying, the collagen tube may be subjected to reticulation by dehydration carried out at about 80.degree. C. under a pressure of about 0.1 mm of Hg (vacuum) for about 24 hours. The reticulated collagen tube may eventually be subjected to a treatment which permits the introduction of azide groups onto the molecule without requiring that the collagen be coupled to any external molecule.

Abstract: Ultraviolet laser treatment of molded articles effectively removes surface coatings, such as layers of mold-release agents, in a one-step dry process. Subsequent processing, as by bonding or painting, provides improved and superior quality molded articles in an economic manner.

Abstract: A method of producing stiff polymeric plastic slats incorporates the steps of (a) feeding a reel of planar polymeric plastic film into a roller system which includes at least one pair of rotatable entrance guide rollers; (b) guiding the polymeric plastic film through at least one pair of rotatable line marker rollers; (c) passing the film through at least one pair of truncated rollers to produce a bend in said film of 100 degrees or more; (d) passing the film through a pair of nipping rollers to convert said bend to a fold of between 120 and 180 degrees to thereby produce tension and compression in a ridge region; and, (e) flattening said film out to its final, fixed shape by drawing through a pair of soft, rotatable wheels.

Abstract: A process for preparing shaped articles and shaped hydrogel articles including ophthalmic devices comprises the steps of preparing a polymer or copolymer comprising units derived from an ethylenically-unsaturated monomer bearing at least one trihaloacetoxy-substituent group, thermoforming said polymer by heating in a mold or in sheet-form at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 400.degree. C. for about 5 seconds to 15 minutes, and then cooling said polymer, to provide a shaped article, solvolyzing the resulting shaped article to provide a hydroxy-substituted polymeric shaped article, and optionally hydrating said hydroxy-substituted polymeric shaped article to provide a shaped hydrogel article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallurgical addition agent, especially an agent comprising silicon carbide fines, comprises a first step of forming a mix of at least 30% fines, cement and at least 20% water. The next step comprises pressing the wet mix in a mold while squeezing out excess water but leaving sufficient water for hydration of the cement. The pressed shapes are cured at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A vapor and liquid permeable porous film suitable for disposable sanitary apparel structures is produced by first abrading an unoriented film by passing it through at least one set of at least two cooperating nip rollers, each having an abrasive grit surface and then subjecting the unoriented abraded film to a corona treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously and progressively forming components from fiber-containing composite material workpieces having a deformable matrix, wherein bending of the composite material is accomplished by pairs of roller elements between which the composite passes as it moves through the apparatus, and wherein the workpiece may be locally heated within the extent of the roller elements. Rotation of each roller is individually and independently controllable to drive the workpiece forward, retard motion of the workpiece, or freewheel. Retarding motion of selected rollers induces tensile stresses in the workpiece, which counteract the compressive stresses induced during bending so as to maintain the alignment of the fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing rubber sheeting having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein an area of at least one of said surfaces is protected against surface contamination, comprised of:(a) applying to said area of uncured rubber sheeting a releasable strip of material prior to the uncured rubber sheeting being exposed to surface contamination, and(b) curing said uncured rubber sheeting with the releasable strip attached. There is also provided a rubber sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein an area of at least one of said surfaces has been protected against surface contamination by the method above.

Abstract: A skinless hollow fiber of a cellulose ester material is formed by providing an aqueous coagulation bath having a tube-in-ring jet immersed therein and extruding a spinning solution comprising at least one cellulose ester material and a solvent therefor directly into the bath through an annulus surrounding the tube of said tube-in-ring jet while simultaneously allowing a portion of the liquid in the bath to be autogenously aspirated through an opening in the tube, located below the surface of the liquid in the bath, and through the tube thereby forming a lumen in the extruded fiber and then drying the extruded fiber.

Abstract: An on-line film fluorination apparatus cooperative with a continuous polymer film extruding apparatus is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a continuous feed film is introduced into a closed cabinet or housing having alignment and guide rollers for directing the film into the housing. The film passes around a first roller having a portion thereof formed of sintered nickel to enable gaseous impregnation of the surface of the film with a gas flow including fluorine. The gas acts on the exposed face of the film, changing the surface of the polymer film, thereby providing a relatively thick surface upgrading of the film. After exposure to the fluorine, the film passes a closed vacuum container having an open face adjacent to the film surface for drawing off unreacted fluorine for recapture and recycling.

Abstract: The preformed covering of polymeric material, for motorvehicle gear shift levers, comprises a sleeve portion for covering at least the upper part of a rod of the shift lever and a bellows-like portion, for covering at least the zone of an articulation joint of the lever. The sleeve portion has a top portion of knob-like shape defining internally a hollow space with engagement formations. The top portion of knob-like shape is an integral single piece body portion made integral with said sleeve portion of substantially soft polymeric material and made at least in a central part thereof of a substantially tough polymeric material.