Abstract: An improved process for fabricating a refractory dielectric article, in particular silica optical fiber, is provided. The fabrication process involves joining of two elongated bodies—typically silica preforms—end-to-end by use of an isothermal plasma torch technique. A long preform made in this manner allows drawing of optical fiber with less down-time and waste than current processes. The plasma torch technique also produces low perturbations within the resultant preform, thereby increasing the amount of usable fiber.

Abstract: Film of dielectric material, which film contains gas bubbles preferably of a flat shape. To achieve improved electrical properties, the film is given a large internal unipolar charge, which is created by charging the film by means of an electric field intensive enough to produce partial discharges in the gas bubbles and to cause the charges to move into the dielectric material of the film.

Abstract: A blank (2) is molded for the manufacture of a multi-layer preform (1). The blank possesses protrusions (5). After the protrusions (5) have been brought to a plasticized state under the action of heat, those surfaces that contain protrusions (5) are covered by a layer of plasticized material. The blank (2) becomes connected to the layer (6) in the area of the protrusions (5). After cooling of the preform created from the blank (2) and the layer (6), the blank (2) will be connected with the layer (6) by means of microweld positions (7) in the area of the said protrusions (5). With that, delamination of the preform (1) during further processing or use-will be effectively prevented.

Abstract: An integrated circuit coated with a layer of plasma deposited polymer which is ablatable by visible light laser radiation. The plasma layer is deposited on the circuit in a plasma chamber and the layer is ablated at selected locations.

Abstract: A process for treating a surface of a thermoplastic resin film (i) which includes subjecting the surface of the thermoplastic resin film (i) to a first oxidation treatment, coating the oxidized surface with a surface modifier, subsequently stretching the film, subjecting that surface of the thermoplastic resin film (i) which has been coated with the surface modifier to a second oxidation treatment, and then coating the oxidized surface with a surface modifier.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional reinforcement shape. The process comprises the steps of (1) operating a multiple-channel material deposition device for dispensing a liquid adhesive composition and selected reinforcement materials at predetermined proportions onto a work surface; (2) during the material deposition process, moving the deposition device and the work surface relative to each other in an X-Y plane defined by first and second directions and in a Z direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane so that the materials are deposited to form a first layer of the shape; (3) repeating these steps to deposit multiple layers for forming a three-dimensional preform shape; and (4) periodically hardening the adhesive to rigidize individual layers of the preform.

Abstract: In this process for dry surface treatment of at least one surface portion of an object, a gas is passed through an instrument for forming excited or unstable gas species, and said surface portion is brought in front of the outlet of said device with a view to treating it with said excited or unstable gas species, the secondary gas delivered as outlet from the instrument being subsequently taken in again by the Venturi effect and reinjected into the instrument.

Abstract: The formation of dust particle agglomerates within a plasma reactor is controlled through adjustment of the ratio of the temperatures of two particle species within the plasma. Adjustment of the ratio of temperatures is achieved by means of one or more temperature control devices which alter the temperature of one particle species with respect to the temperature of a second particle species. The temperature of a neutral particle species may be adjusted with respect to the temperature of dust particles present within the plasma by heating or cooling the neutral gas supplied to the plasma chamber. Alternatively, the temperature of the dust particles may be raised or lowered with respect to the neutral gas particles by heating or cooling the substrate from which the dust particles emerge.

Abstract: An embossed sheet which is excellent in embossing properties, whitening resistance and transparency, can be prepared by using a resin composition containing specific ratios of (A) polypropylene having a specific melting point of 125.degree. C. or higher, (B) ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer having specific properties and (C) random copolymer of aromatic vinyl compound and conjugated diene compound having specific properties. Further, the present invention provides the laminates which is made using the above embossed sheet and the method for producing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the chemical modification of solids containing alkyl groups. It is provided that the solids containing alkyl groups are heated to temperatures above their melting point and subjected to a plasma treatment in a frequency range from 10 kHz to 10 GHz.

Abstract: A technique for forming self-supporting structures with thermoplastic material incorporates a plasma-heated spray of thermoplastic material with glass fiber reinforcement, such as glass fibers. The material is sprayed into a mold which is shaped to create the desired form and configuration of the self-supporting structure. A mixture of thermoplastic powder and reinforcing fibers is carried by a stream of inert gas through a plasma region. The thermoplastic material is melted as it passes through the plasma region and the resulting plasma is sprayed against the surface of a form mold. The thickness of the resulting structure can be varied from region to region by changing the speed of movement of a spray nozzle relative to the form, using a plurality of spray nozzles that can be selectively activated and deactivated, or by providing a plurality of coats of sprayed thermoplastic material, one after another.

Abstract: A process for surface treatment of a vulcanized rubber is disclosed, said process comprising: generating a nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma under atmospheric pressure between a cathode and an insulating dielectric which is interposed between the cathode and an anode while introducing a gas for generating plasma to a plasma-generating region between the cathode and the insulating dielectric, placing the vulcanized rubber in air and outside the plasma-generating region so that a surface of the vulcanized rubber faces the plasma-generating region, and directing the gas from the plasma-generating region toward the surface of the vulcanized rubber so that the gas impinges against the rubber surface for effecting surface treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the chemical modification of solids containing alkyl groups. It is provided that the solids containing alkyl groups are heated to temperatures above their melting point and subjected to a plasma treatment in a frequency range from 10 kHz to 10 GHz.

Abstract: A refractory dielectric body is heated with a plasma fireball at conditions which do not result in substantial removal of a surface portion of the body, yet which are sufficient to reduce both surface and bulk impurities. Typically, the body is treated with the plasma in the absence of simultaneous deposition of material onto the body. Advantageously, an isothermal, oxygen or oxygen-containing plasma is utilized. The invention is useful for reducing chlorine impurities by at least about 30% to a depth of at least about 10 .mu.m, with accompanying reduction of hydroxyl impurities. The invention thus provides a useful method for reducing the concentration of impurities that contribute to imperfections during the process of drawing fiber from an optical fiber preform, without requiring substantial removal of the surface of the preform.

Abstract: An improved food package comprises a cook-in film encasing an in situ aqueous medium cooked meat product. The film has a polymeric olefin containing inner surface in adhering relation to the cooked meat product. The film inner surface is treated by a cold plasma in a confined region which has been evacuated to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure and to which a selected process gas other than air and containing less than 30% nitrogen has been added which results in a gas plasma that reacts with a film surface during cold plasma treatment to increase the surface energy of the film to more than 44 dynes/cm and provide a film that is both heat sealable to the package with an acceptable bond strength for sealing the package, and capable of adhering in a uniform and well controlled manner to the cooked meat product during cook-in without purge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the drying performance of a dishwasher and the resulting products thereof. The method involves chemically treating a dishwasher component to alter or modify the chemical properties of the surface, rendering such surface hydrophilic. The hydrophilic surface sufficiently attracts water molecules within the dishwasher to enhance the drying capabilities of the dishwasher.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented polymeric films consisting of a core layer of pigmented, non-voided propylene homopolymer with a layer of voided propylene homopolymer on one surface of the core layer and a printable layer, for example of a polymer containing units derived from at least two of propylene, ethylene and but-1-ene, on the other surface of the core layer. Films of the present invention have been successfully used for in-mold labelling without the production of a leathery effect as has been observed with prior art films for in-mold labelling.

Abstract: A process for producing an article with improved ceramic surface properties including providing an article having a ceramic surface, and placing the article onto a conductive substrate holder in a hermetic enclosure. Thereafter a low pressure ambient is provided in the hermetic enclosure. A plasma including ions of solid materials is produced the ceramic surface of the article being at least partially immersed in a macroparticle free region of the plasma. While the article is immersed in the macroparticle free region, a bias of the substrate holder is biased between a low voltage at which material from the plasma condenses on the surface of the article and a high negative voltage at which ions from the plasma are implanted into the article.

Abstract: A plasma sterilizable fabric which is subjected to charging, for example electrostatic charging, is provided. Plasma sterilizable fabrics may include nonwovens and laminate nonwovens. The plasma sterilizable fabrics may also be treated with an antistatic material before or after subjecting the same to charging.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a vulcanizing mold including the steps of providing, independently from a vacuum processing bath, a furnace for generating a plasma flow mainly containing neutral active species by a microwave discharge applied for a reactive gas; introducing the plasma flow in the processing bath and jetting it to the entire residue adhering surface of the mold positioned in the processing bath; and ashing residues by the jetted plasma gas. With this method, uniform ashing can be performed for residues adhering on the surface of a vulcanizing mold, without any adverse effect exerted on the mold.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for producing extrusion-coated laminates, which comprises subjecting the surface of an extruded film to a corona discharge treatment while the film is in a partially molten state in order to improve the adhesion of the film to a substrate.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer which can be used as a powder coating material or a hot-melt adhesive in which at least one polyolefin is subjected to a low-temperature plasma treatment with frequencies changing during the treatment in a frequency range of from 30 kHz to 10 GHz.

Abstract: A seal for movable structural components, like piston rods or shafts, includes a carrier body made of thermoplastic material and a sealing member locked to said carrier body and made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material. A form-lock connection is achieved by an undercut which is formed permanently in the sealing member and filled with plastic material of the carrier body.

Abstract: An oriented multilayer polyolefin film which includes a base layer containing polypropylene, and at least one heat-sealable outer layer. In one embodiment, the base layer contains a tertiary aliphatic amine and an amide of a water-insoluble carboxylic acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms and the heat-sealable outer layer contains SiO.sub.2. The multilayer film is essentially free from silicone oil and is useful, for example, as a packaging film.

Abstract: The graphite fiber-reinforced fluororesin composite including 99 to 40 parts by weight of a fluororesin, e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene, and 1 to 60 parts by weight of a graphite fiber. The graphite fiber has a specific surface area of 0.6 to 25 m.sup.2 /g and, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, (1) a surface atomic oxygen/atomic carbon ratio of 0.10 to 0.20, (2) a surface atomic halogen/atomic carbon ratio of 0.05 to 1.8 or (3) a surface atomic oxygen/atomic carbon ratio of 0.10 to 0.20 and a surface atomic halogen/atomic carbon ratio of 0.05 to 1.8. Such fiber may, for example, be obtained by subjecting a graphite fiber to oxidizing treatment, halogenating treatment, or oxidizing and halogenating treatments. The graphite fiber imparts high mechanical strength characteristics and wear resistance to the composite.

Abstract: A method of preventing localized arcing to ground during treatment of a sheet material in a corona discharge field generated by a corona discharge apparatus having at least two electrodes, which method involves passing the sheet material to be treated through the corona discharge field, in which the sheet material to be treated is electrically isolated from the electrodes. When the corona discharge apparatus has a bare metal electrode and a dielectric-covered electrode, the sheet material to be treated is passed through the corona discharge field as a layer of a multilayered composite having at least three layers, in which at least one of the layers is a nonconductive sheet material situated between the sheet material to be treated and the bare metal electrode.

Abstract: A method of forming a fine ceramics structure having columns with a fine pattern of width and a high aspect ratio includes steps of charging a plastic mold with a ceramics slurry, solidifying the ceramics slurry, and thereafter removing the plastic mold. The plastic mold is removed by heating the plastic mold in a vacuum, employing laser ablation, employing plasma etching, or employing a solvent of low viscosity dissolving plastic mold. Especially, the plastic mold is made of acrylic, the ceramics structure is made of lead zirconate titanate, and the mold is removed by plasma etching in a gas environment of oxygen and freon. The resulting fine pattern ceramics structure may have columns with an aspect ratio of at least 10, and particularly a height of 100 .mu.m and a diameter of 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention is a plastic container coated with a multi-layer barrier coating. The multi-layer barrier coating is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas permeability in containers and for extending shelf-life of containers, especially plastic evacuated blood collection devices.

Abstract: An oriented multilayer film comprises a barrier layer of polymerized ethylene vinyl alcohol, and an orientation-compatible polymeric layer having a modulus of at least about 4.times.10.sup.4 psi. The a barrier layer occupies from about 2 to 15 volume percent of the oriented multilayer film, and has a thickness of from about 0.01 to 0.75 mils. The polymerized ethylene vinyl alcohol has an ethylene content of from about 38 to 48 weight percent. The orientation compatible layer has a thickness of from about 0.49 to 4.5 mils. The multilayer film is oriented at a temperature of from about 165.degree. F. to 212.degree. F., has an orientation ratio greater than 9, an oxygen permeability at 0% relative humidity of from about 1 and 6 cm.sup.3 -mil/day-m.sup.2 -atm, and a total thickness of from about 0.5 to 5 mils.

Abstract: A process for the production of a transparent, printable, biaxially oriented polyolefin multilayer film which can be sealed on both sides including (i) coextruding through a flat die melts corresponding to the individual layers of the film, (ii) taking off and cooling to consolidate the resulting film, via a take-off roll, (iii) biaxially stretching the consolidated film, (iv) thermofixing the biaxially stretched film, and (v) covering top layer C with a non-cohesive layer of polydialkylsiloxane.

Abstract: Two-stage process for plasma treatment of antiballistically effective materials such as aromatic polyamides. The first stage includes a plasma treatment with at least 50% inorganic gas or a mixture of inorganic gases, and the second phase includes a plasma treatment with a hydrophobically acting organic gas or mixtures of such gases from the group of saturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, saturated fluorocarbons, unsaturated fluorocarbons, siloxanes, or vinyl compounds. In the second stage, a mixture of one or more inorganic gases with one or more hydrophobically acting organic gases can also be used. The process improves antiballistic effectiveness.

Abstract: The plasma spray method produces a material deposit on a substrate to form either a protective coating of a near net shape body, or produces a powder of a given material. The material is supplied to a plasma discharge in the form of a suspension comprising small solid particles of that material dispersed into a liquid or semi-liquid carrier substance. The suspension is brought into the plasma discharge by an atomizing probe using a pressurized gas to shear the suspension and thus atomize it into a stream of fine droplets. The plasma discharge vaporizes the carrier substance and agglomerate the small solid particles into partially or totally melted drops which are accelerated to hit the substrate and form thereon the coating or near net shape body. Alternatively, the molten drops can be solidified in-flight and collected into a vessel to produce a powder of that material.

Abstract: A method for depositing synthetic diamond includes the following steps: (a) providing a deposition chamber; (b) providing a deposition surface in the deposition chamber, the deposition surface having a concave contour; (c) directing a plasma toward the concave deposition surface, the plasma including hydrogen and a hydrocarbon, such that synthetic diamond is formed on the concave deposition surface; and (d) releasing the synthetic diamond from the concave deposition surface to obtain free standing diamond, wherein the released diamond generally flattens.

Abstract: A nitrogen-containing compound of the following general formula (1) is kneaded into a resin molding material, the kneaded mixture is molded, and the surface of the resulting article is subjected to corona discharge treatment. Then, an electrostatically charged coating is sprayed on the article. ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group of 6-22 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms; n represents 2-3. In accordance with this invention, a shaped resin article with remarkably improved electrical conductivity can be obtained from a resin of low electrical conductivity substantially without affecting the physical properties and color of the resin and with high productivity. Furthermore, a resin article with high surface resistivity can be electrostatically coated with high coating efficiency and improved results in appearance and productivity substantially without affecting the physical properties of the resin.

Abstract: A method of producing a plasma treated article in a tool having electrically isolated conductive members, wherein at least one of the members has a surface closely conforming to the surface of the article which is to be treated. The method includes the steps of placing the article between the members so as to create a relatively small bounded space between the article surface and the closely conforming member surface, drawing a vacuum in the bounded space, introducing a polymerizable gas into the bounded space and applying an electric field between the members to create a plasma in the bounded space to react with the article surface.

Abstract: A process for the production of a biaxially-oriented multilayer polypropylene film having a silk-matt finish includes coextruding melts corresponding to the individual layers of the film through a flat-film die; taking off the coextruded film over a take-off roll having a temperature between about 40 and about 100.degree. C.; biaxially stretching the film; thermofixing, and optionally corona-treating, the biaxially-stretched film; and winding up the thermofixed and optionally corona-treated film.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the deposition of plasma films in which the optical index of refraction of the deposited film can be varied continuously or discontinuously as the material is deposited. The change in refractive index is accomplished by changing the input power applied to the plasma chamber. The method can be used to create optical wave guides from material of a single input monomer vapor.

Abstract: A method of charging a nonwoven web of thermoplastic microfibers to provide electret filter media is provided. The method includes impinging on a nonwoven web of thermoplastic nonconductive microfibers capable of having a high quantity of trapped charge jets of water or a stream of water droplets at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge and drying said web.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for glow discharge treatment of opposite surfaces of a moving web such as a plastic film or metallic sheet. The web moves in a vacuum housing between two rows of elongated electrodes arranged in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the web. Coolant flows through an elongated hollow space in each electrode. The electrodes are fitted into a single common socket which is removably attached to the vacuum housing. A shielding member made of metallic material covers only the part of each electrode which is laterally offset to a side of the web. Each shielding member is connected to ground via a conductor and is spaced away from the outer peripheral surface of each electrode by a gap which is sufficiently small to prevent discharging of electricity from occurring in the gap when the web is subjected to glow discharging treatment.

Abstract: A method which includes enhancing effects upon treating the surface of a thermoplastic resin article by a surface-activating treatment such as corona discharge and the like or by a primer treatment and, thereby, improving coating performance, printability, adhesiveness and so forth of the thermoplastic resin article. The resin article is subjected to a surface-heating treatment which comprises heating only surface layer of the resin article up to a melting point of the thermoplastic resin or a higher temperature followed by cooling the surface layer, and then, subjected to the surface-activating treatment or primer coating.

Abstract: Microtextured elastomeric laminates comprising at least one elastomeric layer and at least one thin skin layer is preferably prepared by coextrusion of the layers followed by stretching the laminate past the elastic limit of the skin layers in predetermined regions of the laminate and then allowing the laminate to recover in these regions.

Abstract: Polymer materials such as film and fabrics, woven, non-woven and meltblown, may be non-destructively surface treated to improve water wettability by exposure to a glow discharge plasma sustained at substantially atmospheric pressure in a modified gas atmosphere comprising helium or argon.