Abstract: An electromagnetic energy spot curing system is provided which utilizes a template which moves relative to a source of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum, such as an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. A channel is formed through the template of varying widths so that during the course of relative movement, different intensities of radiation emanating from the source is continuously passed through the channel and applied to a desired location, typically a curable material.

Abstract: A cleanling apparatus for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate includes two parts: one which produces an aerosol including frozen particles and directs the aerosol onto the surface of the substrate to remove contaminants from the surface by physical force, and another part in which a fluid including a gaseous reactant is directed onto the surface of the substrate while the surface is irradiated to cause a chemical reaction between the reactant and organic contaminants on the surface, to chemically removing the organic contaminants. In the method of cleaning the substrate, the physical and chemical cleaning processes are carried out in a separate manner from one another so that the frozen particles of the aerosol are not exposed to the effects of the light used in irradiating the surface of the substrate. Therefore, the effectiveness of the aerosol in cleaning the substrate is maximized.

Abstract: A printing press with an infrared dryer unit is provided with a safety system for detecting overheating and sheet jamming conditions. The safety system has a temperature sensor disposed to directly detect the temperature of a passing printed sheet and to generate an output signal proportional to the detected temperature. As the printed sheets pass by the sensor, the sensor output signal contains a pulse for each passing sheet. A controller monitors temperature readings derived from the output signal of the temperature sensor for identifying a sign of overheating. The controller also determines whether there is an interruption in the flow of sheets by monitoring the pulses in the sensor output signal. In the case the sensor fails to provide pulses for a predetermined time, the controller generates a control signal indicating the detection of an interruption in the sheet flow.

Abstract: A method for vacuum drying of a substrate which can eliminate not only the moisture adhered to the substrate surface but also the moisture impregnated inside of the films which form the devices in a shot time without deforming nor deteriorating the devices formed on the substrate in the drying. The method for vacuum drying of a substrate, concerning a method for drying a substrate by processing the substrate surface in a desired condition, cleaning the processed substrate with cleaning liquid, and drying the cleaned substrate, comprises the steps of heating the substrate surface to a predetermined temperature to vaporize the moisture of the surface as vapor and thereby detach the moisture from the substrate to outside, and vacuuming the detached vapor at a predetermined vacuum pressure to eliminate the moisture from the wafer.

Abstract: A hair treatment promoting apparatus in which a reflector provided with a heater for radiating infrared rays is rotated by a motor so that the infrared rays are radiated to the top, back and both sides of a head of a subject. The heater and reflecting plate form a heating device rotated by the motor and a disk is provided which rotates with the motor. The disk is provided with a slit for a home position and slits for stopping arranged on both sides thereof, and energization of the motor is interrupted when the slit for the home position is detected within a prescribed time elapsed from when the slit for stopping is detected in the direction of rotating the heating device, thereby stopping the heating device at the home position.

Abstract: A drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and directing member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and directing member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and directing member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.

Abstract: Known gas-heated infrared radiators for infrared drying units have a radiator housing (1) that is subdivided by a gas-permeable burner plate (5) in a distribution chamber (6) for the gas-air mixture and a combustion chamber (7), the front side of which emits the radiation. The radiator is held by mixing tube (9) that is affixed to the rear side. A gas-air mixture is supplied to the distribution chamber (6) via said mixing tube (9). The mixing tube (9) has a gas nozzle (11) with a gas inlet (12) and an air inlet (17) on the end opposite the radiator housing (1). The mixing tube is affixed to a holding frame of the drying unit. In order to disassemble the infrared radiator from the infrared drying unit and to mount said radiator on said unit as rapidly as possible, the rear side of the radiator housing (1) is connected to the holding frame by releasable fixing means (20, 33-36) that can be released manually from the front side.

Abstract: A combination ultraviolet curing and infrared dryer system which allows both an ultraviolet curing unit to be used at the same time an infrared dryer is used. The infrared dryer and ultraviolet curing unit are placed in an enclosure having a cooling system which cools both the ultraviolet curing unit and the infrared dryer. The cooling system may comprise an air supply system, or may comprise an air supply system and a water cooling system.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing moisture containing cleaning implements is provided and includes a first and second heatable plate, a hinge for moving the first heatable plate relative to the second heatable plate, and heating elements positioned with respect to the first and second heatable plates to provide heat to the first and second heatable plates respectively. During operation of the device the heatable plates are heated and steam is generated by the cleaning implement which acts to sanitize the heating implement.

Abstract: A drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and discharging member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and discharging member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and discharging member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly drying rice and other types of comestible material, preferably herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables and more preferably rosemary. The method generally comprises heating said rice or comestible material by application of infrared energy in order to dry the rice or comestible material to a predetermined moisture content, about 7-13% by weight for rice, and about 6-10% by weight for other comestible material. The heating step is carried out so that the maximum temperature of the rice or comestible material does not exceed a predetermined level, about 110° F. for rice and about 180° F. for other comestible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a process chamber comprises a lower process chamber wall, a quartz dome over the lower process chamber wall, a pumping mean for making an interior of the process chamber vacuous, a bell-jar over the quartz dome, a bell-jar heater built in a side of the bell-jar, a susceptor on which a wafer is loaded, a susceptor heater built in the susceptor, and a wafer temperature compensator having a reflector plate and supporting elements, the reflector plate being spaced apart a certain distance from the wafer and having a larger area than that of the wafer, the supporting elements being connected to the wafer and supporting edges of a bottom surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A combination ultraviolet curing and infrared dryer system which allows both an ultraviolet curing unit to be used at the same time an infrared dryer is used. The infrared dryer and ultraviolet curing unit are placed in an enclosure having a cooling system which cools both the ultraviolet curing unit and the infrared dryer. The cooling system may comprise an air supply system, or may comprise an air supply system and a water cooling system.

Abstract: A method for vacuum drying of a substrate which can eliminate not only the moisture adhered to the substrate surface but also the moisture impregnated inside of the films which form the devices in a shot time without deforming nor deteriorating the devices formed on the substrate in the drying. The method for vacuum drying of a substrate, concerning a method for drying a substrate by processing the substrate surface in a desired condition, cleaning the processed substrate with cleaning liquid, and drying the cleaned substrate, comprises the steps of heating the substrate surface to a predetermined temperature to vaporize the moisture of the surface as vapor and thereby detach the moisture from the substrate to outside, and vacuuming the detached vapor at a predetermined vacuum pressure to eliminate the moisture from the wafer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer device for drying printing ink, lacquers or similar coatings. The aim of the invention is to improve a system comprising an electric emitter unit (1) mounted in a printing machine or the like for radiating sheets (2) or web material, with a high drying capacity while at the same time making sure that the surrounding machine parts are heated up as little as possible. To this end, the emitter unit (1) is provided with one or more rapidly starting IR medium-wave emitters (12), preferably IR carbon emitters (12) with a wavelength of radiation substantially in the range of from 2 &mgr;m to 3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying wet or moist coatings on substrates for lamps, in which at least 25%, advantageously more than 50%, of the electromagnetic energy from a thermal radiator which is supplied for drying the coatings lies in the wavelength range between 0.7 and 1.5 &mgr;m. Tubular radiators (5) are used as thermal radiators for generating the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: A drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and discharging member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and discharging member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and discharging member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.

Abstract: A drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and discharging member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and discharging member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and discharging member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying or heat-treating substances or products at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to banana chips dried by means of this method and banana powder produced therefrom. For drying or heat-treating, the products to be treated are loaded in transport receptacles which are subsequently charged via charging lock chambers into a treatment chamber and discharged therefrom via discharging lock chambers. For drying or heat treating, at least one microwave source is provided in the treatment chamber. Furthermore, an infrared heating source may be provided. After heat-treating or drying, a resting period may be scheduled. More particularly for this purpose, a vertically-oriented conveying system is provided in the treatment chamber when a longish resting period is involved. The transport receptacle is configured dished and my comprise nets on which the products are applied.

Abstract: A hair processing accelerator which can uniformly irradiate heat to a hairline of the whole circumference of hair includes first and second heater units having first and second heaters of a generally semicircular shape connected to a top portion of a head top unit supporting part 3 which is positioned in the head top of hair. While moving through multiple positions and by swinging and rotating around hair so as to separate from each other to right and left or approach each other from right and left by a heater unit driving part 50 contained in a body supporting part 5, the first and second heater units irradiate heat to all the areas of hair from the head top of hair to each of right and left sides.

Abstract: High energy flux infrared heaters are used to treat an object having a surface section and a base section such that a desired characteristic of the surface section is physically, chemically, or phasically changed while the base section remains unchanged.

Abstract: A hair processing accelerator having a first heater unit with a semicircular shape for irradiating hair upon the top of a person's head and second and third heater units each having a semicircular shape for irradiating a hairline on the person's head. The top portion of the second and third units being connected to the first unit by a body supporting part having rotating shafts so that the second and third heater units can rotate within a given range. The hair processing accelerator is mounted in a mobile floor stand.

Abstract: This invention resides in an apparatus and related method for rapidly curing thin film sol-gel coatings, particularly such coatings adhered to low melting temperature plastic substrates, whether rigid or flexible, without deforming the substrate. The curing is achieved using IR heating lamps and dry or humid hot gas flow. This curing densities the sol-gel coating and provides desired optical and mechanical properties. The use of IR lamps and hot-gas nozzles, either singularly or in combination, produces a rapid cure by effectively heating the thin film coating layer. In this manner, a sufficiently high temperature can be attained in the film layer, to densify the sol-gel coating, but for a sufficiently short time duration to avoid melting or otherwise deforming the substrate. The sol-gel coatings can be cured two to three orders of magnitude faster than with conventional oven curing, leading to significant cost reductions and manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: A combined infrared and hot air dryer includes a pressurized hood which is fed with combustion air through an air delivery duct. Each cross-direction zone of the hood includes a mixer. The air enters the mixer without any direct connection between the delivery duct and the mixer. Gas is supplied to each mixer from a gas manifold having a gas supply tube for each mixer. Excess air from the hood is fed through thin-walled tubes into the IR exhaust duct in a counter flow fashion to provide pre-heated clean air for air bars trailing the infrared zone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying a substance that is being rapidly conveyed in a conveyor apparatus, in particular for drying layers of printing ink on rapidly transported paper, wherein in a drying zone by means of incident electromagnetic radiation a moisture component, in particular a solvent, is separated from the substance to be dried. The separated moisture component is transported away from the drying zone by means of a transport gas current. Efficient and rapid drying of in particular printed newsprint or thermal printing paper is attained at high conveyor velocities.

Abstract: Apparatus for curing ink, paint and coatings on containers and articles which includes a rotatably mounted assembly that includes a plurality of workstations disposed about the periphery thereof, an emitter disposed next to the periphery of the rotatably mounted assembly, and apparatus sequentially positioning respective workstations in front of the emitter. In some forms of the invention the emitter is an ultraviolet radiation emitter and the apparatus for sequentially positioning includes apparatus for causing the workstations to dwell next to the emitter. Some forms of the invention include apparatus for selectively rotating at least some of the workstations when that workstation is in front of the emitter. Some forms of the invention include an apparatus for holding an associated work piece on at least some of the workstations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying or heat-treating substances or products at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to banana chips dried by means of this method and banana powder produced therefrom. For drying or heat-treating, the products to be treated are loaded in transport receptacles which are subsequently charged via charging lock chambers into a treatment chamber and discharged therefrom via discharging lock chambers. For drying or heat-treating, at least one microwave source is provided in the treatment chamber. Furthermore an infrared heating source may be provided. After heat-treating or drying a resting period may be scheduled. More particularly for this purpose a vertically oriented conveying system is provided in the treatment chamber when a longish resting period is involved. The transport receptacle is configured dished and may comprise nets on which the products are applied.

Abstract: A hair dryer having both a fan-forced convection heater and radiant heater which emits energy having wavelengths in both the infrared and visible spectrum. The housing of the dryer is translucent to visible light but absorbent of infrared radiation and arranged to facilitate the transfer of heat generated by the absorption of the infrared radiation into the fan-forced airflow. The visible light emanating from the dryer provides an indicator of the dryer's operation and a warning of the presence of the otherwise invisible and otherwise dangerous infrared radiation.

Abstract: A method employed to dry a copper foil having been subjected to various surface treatments, which method comprises irradiating at least one surface-treated side of the copper foil with near infrared rays to dry the copper foil, and an apparatus suitable to the method. The drying of the copper foil having undergone surface treatments can be accomplished by a simple apparatus with low electric power while controlling the heating of the surface of the copper foil so that the drying temperature can be held at 100° C. or higher at which a eutectic alloying of rust preventive metal and copper foil, for example, alloying (brass formation) of zinc and copper on the surface of the copper foil is effected.

Abstract: A turning device (8) for sludge and deposits (3) is proposed which moves along differing paths spread out on a floor (6), through the sludge or deposit (3). The turning device (8) can be used in a solar drier for sewage sludge or other deposits.

Abstract: A gas distribution showerhead for uniformly distributing gas and undistorted radiant heat in an RTP chamber. A gas passageway exists within the showerhead and is suitable for connection to a source of gas. The gas passageway terminates in a plurality of gas ports on a surface of the showerhead. A plurality of energy passageways exist in the showerhead. The energy passageways are exclusive of both the gas passageway and the gas ports, and terminate on the surface of the showerhead. The energy passageways are preferably openings in the showerhead lined with reflectors, although any material which aids in the transmission of the energy may be used. Preferably a plurality of light sources are provided as the energy sources, and they are positioned to transmit light through the energy passageways and out of the surface of the showerhead.

Abstract: A device that utilizes a method to heat dyes to color plastic lenses. The device is an electrically heated outer tank containing a heat transfer medium. An inner tank containing a dye solution is placed in side the outer tank. Lenses are placed in the dye solution along with sensor probes and microprocessor control to maximize dye diffusion into the lenses and minimize boil over of the tanks. Spill containment and agitation stirring are also features which enhance diffusion of dye into the lenses while minimizing boil over.

Abstract: A hair dryer is provided which dries hair by convection and infrared radiation heating. The dryer includes a hand grip extending downward, an intake opening and an exhaust opening, and a halogen heater comprising a U-shaped quartz tube with a tungsten filament. Infrared radiation is emitted by the quartz tube and a fan is rotated by a motor which causes air from the air intake opening to flow past the halogen heater to heats an air stream that is discharged from the exhaust opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from a surface of an article, such as a semiconductor wafer in a clean room. The particles are supplied with an electric charge. Subsequently, an ultrasonic wave or a gas stream is applied onto the surface of the article while an electric field is applied for driving away the electrically charged particles from the surface, thereby removing particles having a dimension smaller than 1 micrometer from the surface. The presence of a collecting member allows the removal of resulting, floating particles.

Abstract: Device for the thermal treatment of bulk material with a screw conveyor transporting the bulk material which is equipped with infrared heat radiators in a tempering zone, characterized in that the infrared heat radiators are arranged in the screw conveyors in the central area of the rotation diameter. The device is also characterized in that the infrared heat radiators are mounted in a radiation-permeable screw shaft. The walls of a screw trough of the screw conveyor have an infrared-reflecting coating or are made of an infrared-reflecting material.

Abstract: To dry semiconductor substrates, especially silicon wafers subsequent to rinsing after etching, the substrate is exposed to the action of radiation which contains an IR portion and a UV portion, the IR portion being greater than the UV portion. The IR-UV radiation quickly dries the substrate and prevents contamination of the substrate with undesirable particles or limits it to a nondisruptive degree. To execute drying with IR-UV radiation, an arrangement is proposed in which the substrate is moved through directly from the treatment liquid (rinsing medium) between two rod-shaped radiators which emit IR-UV radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sterilizing and dewatering food in a shortened length of time, still permitting the processed food to remain an elongated length of time in good taste. The inner pressure of an insulated dryer is raised by feeding nitrogen gas after evacuating the insulating dryer, and at the same time, pieces of food are exposed to an ethanol spray, so that the oxygen gas remaining in the tissue of the food may be replaced by nitrogen gas to prevent oxidization of the food. At the same time, ethanol penetrates the food well for sterilization. Next, the inner pressure of the insulating dryer is reduced by removing nitrogen gas therefrom, and the pieces of food are exposed to the far-infrared radiation to be heated, thus preventing evaporation of water from the pieces of food to prevent their temperature from being lowered, and expediting removal of water in the surrounding low-pressure atmosphere to provide semi-dried products.

Abstract: An agitated bed drying apparatus (20) for particulate material (152) is provided which includes a housing (22) having an elongated, essentially imperforate, flexible bed (24) therein adapted to receive the material (152). An agitator assembly (26) made up of a series of rotatable beater bar units (70) is located below the bed (24) and oriented for repeatedly impacting the bed (24) to establish an undulating bed movement for elevation and tumbling of the particulate material (152). An infrared heating unit array (28) is located above the bed (24) so as to expose the particulate material (152) to IR radiation for most effective drying thereof. Alternately, the bed (24) may be in the form of a length of material (58) mounted in tension and against translation within housing (24), or as a continuous belt (136).

Abstract: A Si/SiC-based sintered material containing Si and SiC as constituents, which has a SiO.sub.2 content of 0.5% by weight or less and an oxygen content of 0.25% by weight or less and which is corrosion-resistant in a high-temperature atmosphere containing an element having a high ionic-bond formability. A kiln furniture made of the sintered material. The sintered material and the kiln furniture have high corrosion resistance in a high-temperature environment containing, as a corrosion source, an element having a high ionic-bond formability and can withstand long-term use.

Abstract: In a device for filtering, washing and drying a solid material-liquid mixture, using a liquid permeable filter cloth the mixture is first subjected to a pressure difference above and below the filter cloth, whereafter liquid is supplied to the mixture. The mixture present above the filter cloth is then dried according to the invention using radiation sources, the radiation from which has differing, preferably increasing, wavelengths in the processing direction. The wavelength lies in the infrared range. The applied wavelength is chosen subject to the product for filtering.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for offset presses, and includes an air-IR drying box, through which ready printed sheets are caused to be conveyed with the aid of a sheet gripping shaft, for the purpose of drying pigment deposited on the sheets. The box has top and bottom sections separated at each lateral side by a gap between the sections. Brushes along the gaps delimit the box laterally. The brush at each lateral side comprises brush material covering the respective gap and extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction for preventing the spread of heat radiation and hot air from the IR lamps in the box to different machine parts of the press. The gripping shaft is of a length to extend through the gaps and to deflect the brush material as the shaft passes along the gap.

Abstract: A module for use in a heating appliance has a frame with first, second, third, and fourth sides. A first heating lamp is mounted substantially along the first side of the frame, a second heating lamp is mounted substantially along the second side of the frame, a third heating lamp mounted substantially along the third side of the frame, and an fourth heating lamp is mounted substantially along the fourth side of the frame. Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth heating lamps are mounted substantially diagonally to the frame. A first reflector reflects radiant energy from the first heating lamp, a second reflector reflects radiant energy from the second heating lamp, a third reflector reflects radiant energy from the third heating lamp, and a fourth reflector reflects radiant energy from the fourth heating lamp. A fifth reflector reflects radiant energy from the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth heating lamps.

Abstract: This invention comprises a radiant heater for use in thermally processing granular polymers and powders. The heater comprises an enclosed air-tight case for housing the reflector, the electrical and structural elements, and the lamps and lamp chamber. These comonents are all enclosed behind a quartz window, and the components and lamp chamber are forced air cooled. A plurality of air passages are provided for the case at the junctures of the window edges and surrounding wall portions of the case. These passages form air venting openings or nozzles which serve to discharge the gaseous coolant in the form of high velocity jet streams which are directed along the outside surface of the window.

Abstract: A method and drying apparatus for drying a quantity of sludge.

Abstract: A system for applying heat to wet coatings applied to selected areas on a front surface of a continuous substrate includes an energy emitter for applying energy to the substrate to heat the substrate, a metallic roll contacting a back surface of the substrate opposite the front surface being heated, a mechanism for advancing the continuous substrate over and around the metallic roll and a contact member having a surface engaging the surface of the substrate. The metallic roll conducts heat away from non-selected areas on the substrate while the substrate is heated to prevent overheating of the non-selected areas. The contact member engages a surface of the substrate so that the substrate is in contact with greater than 180.degree. of the metallic roll.

Abstract: A system for the solid phase polymerization of polymers comprising a crystallizer, and wherein cold amorphous polymer is introduced to the crystallizer. A source of infrared radiation is associated with the crystallizer, and the polymer is heated by applying infrared radiation thereto. The degree of heating is controlled so that the polymer reaches the crystallization or polymerization temperature without exceeding the polymer melting point.

Abstract: A body for radiating far-infrared radiation possesses high emissivity in the wide range corresponding to all the wave lengths which far-infrared radiation possesses, excellent anticorrosivity and intensity properties. The body includes a ceramic containing SiC, preferably a Si--SiC ceramic. A drying apparatus uses the body for radiating far-infrared radiation, the body including a ceramic containing SiC. A firing apparatus uses the body for radiating far-infrared radiation, the body including a ceramic containing SiC.

Abstract: A system for the solid phase polymerization of polymers comprising a crystallizer, and wherein cold amorphous polymer is introduced to the crystallizer. A source of infrared radiation is associated with the crystallizer, and the polymer is heated by applying infrared radiation thereto. The degree of heating is controlled so that the polymer reaches the crystallization or polymerization temperature without exceeding the polymer melting point.