Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation curing of inks on game balls, golf balls and the like is disclosed. Production inks, logo inks and methods for forming production prints and logos on golf balls, game balls and the like are disclosed. To form an ultraviolet radiation curable water-insoluble production ink, at least an adhesion promoting component is added to an ink base.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of a polymer substrate which comprises (1) pretreating the polymer substrate with a photoinitiator or thermoinitiator and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and (2) subjecting said pretreated polymer substrate to graft polymerization by said at least one monomer, optionally in the added presence of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer that is the same or different from the monomer of step (1), and products produced thereby.

Abstract: An anti-glare hard coat film having a hard coat layer which has a thickness of 0.5 to 20 .mu.m and comprises a cured product of an ultraviolet-curing resin and agglomerates of colloidal silica particles formed with an amine compound can be obtained by coating a plastic film with a hard coat material which comprises 100 parts by weight of the ultraviolet-curing resin, 1 to 30 parts by weight as silica particles of a dispersion of colloidal silica particles, and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of the amine compound, drying the hard coat material, and curing the dried hard coat material by irradiation of ultraviolet light. The anti-glare hard coat film has excellent surface hardness and anti-glare property and provides excellent visibility when the film is used for various types of displays.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel photopolymers for use in liquid crystal display. The photopolymers are cinnamate-containing photopolymers wherein a mesogen, preferably containing a benzene ring, is introduced between a polyvinyl main chain and a cinnamate group, and also wherein the cinnamate group can be substituted with a cyanide group, an alkyl group, a halogen atom or a fluorocarbonyl group. The cinnamate-containing photopolymers have improved stability and photoelectric properties, and improved pre-tilt angle. The photopolymers can be used to form an orientation film for an LCD in a non-rubbing process, and can be used alone or with a cross linking agent.

Abstract: A water absorptive material comprising a fibrous substrate impregnated with a water absorptive, water insoluble polymer, wherein the polymer is intertwined and interlocked with fibers of the fibrous substrate, and the use of such water absorptive material to form a water control zone to prevent water egress from the water control zone into adjacent ground or water ingress into the water control zone from adjacent ground.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a pattern on a substrate. A first solution is formed of an organic solvent and monomers of diamine and dianhydride. The monomers are polymerized to form a polyamic acid soluble in the organic solvent. About 20 to about 95% of the amic acid groups in the polyamic acid are imidized to form a partially imidized polyamic acid. A more concentrated solution of the partially imidized polyamic acid is formed. This can be accomplished by precipitating the partially imidized polyamic acid from the first solution and dissolving it in a second organic solvent to form a second solution. The second solution is applied to the substrate and the solvent is evaporated to form a coating of the partially imidized polyamic acid on the substrate. A portion of the coating is removed to form a pattern on the substrate and the remaining partially imidized polyamic acid is fully imidized on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These formulations can be used to manufacture multichip modules on typical multichip module substrates, such as alumina, fiberglass epoxy, silicon and polyimide. The formulations and methods of the invention enable the formation of passive electronic circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors in multichip modules or printed wiring boards.

Abstract: Amorphously crosslinked aromatic polymeric low .kappa. materials and methods for their fabrication are provided. The subject materials are prepared by a modified transport polymerization process, in which aromatic precursors are pyrolyzed to produce radical comprising aromatic monomeric precursors which are then allowed to polymerize by deposition onto a substrate surface, where during and/or after deposition the growing polymer chain is exposed to a high energy crosslinking agent, such as high energy photons or plasma. The subject crosslinked materials find use in a variety of applications, particularly as low .kappa. dielectrics in the manufacture of integrated circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a thin fluorosilicone elastomer coating as a cost effective solution to the oil weepage problem while retaining the sealing advantages of silicone rubber.

Abstract: A time and labour saving multiple coating system for porous substrates which involves the application of a mono or poly isocyanate catalysed UV curable acrylate composition in such circumstances as to penetrate at least part of the surface of the substrate, at least a partial surface curing of the applied composition prior to any substantial degree of self curing, and thereafter applying (whether subsequent to any sanding or not) a further surfacing composition which preferably also is an acrylate composition that is both self curing and UV curable.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from photosensitive formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor that have been selectively exposed to UV light, laser light, or electron beams. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These formulations can be used to manufacture multichip modules on typical multichip module substrates, such as alumina, fiberglass epoxy, silicon and polyimide. The formulations and methods of the invention enable the formation of passive electronic circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors in multichip modules or printed wiring boards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition which comprises (a) a polymer containing at least some monomer repeat units with photosensitivity-imparting substituents which enable crosslinking or chain extension of the polymer upon exposure to actinic radiation, said polymer being of the formula ##STR1## wherein x is an integer of 0 or 1, A is one of several specified groups, such as ##STR2## B is one of several specified groups, such as ##STR3## or mixtures thereof, and n is an integer representing the number of repeating monomer units, wherein said photosensitivity-imparting substituents are hydroxyalkyl groups; (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of photoinitiators and sensitizers; and (c) an optional solvent. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the above polymers and methods of preparing thermal ink jet printheads containing the above polymers.

Abstract: Powder coatings are described which are curable by means of exposure to radiation, typically ultraviolet radiation, and the electrostatic deposition thereof onto substrates of wood or similar materials. Free radical curing coatings are described using specific chemical formulations of acrylourethane resins, unsaturated polyester resins and mixtures thereof in combination with morpholino, phenol, phosphine and ketal photoinitiators. Electrostatic application onto wooden substrates involves grounding of the substrate, electrostatic deposition and, typically, heating the substrate to flow the coating into a smooth finish prior to radiation curing. Moisture and humidity controls may also be used to improve the electrostatic coating process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel composition of matter comprising a polyacid and a polymer containing repeating units which contain one or more basic atoms. The complex is water-soluble and electrically conductive. The complex is useful in providing organic discharge layers for use in electronic applications and fabrications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a thin fluorosilicone elastomer coating as a cost effective solution to the oil weepage problem while retaining the sealing advantages of silicone rubber.

Abstract: Method for the quality-controlled treatment of surfaces with a radiation-cured surface treatment, in which a finishing formulation is applied to the surface and is polymerically crosslinked under the effect of radiation. To enable the quality control to be conducted non-destructively and at reduced cost, it is proposed that the finishing formulation contains a proton-affinitive indicator substance analyzable by ion mobility spectroscopy and that the indicator substance escaping from the printed or coated surface after the radiation curing is analyzed by means of ion mobility spectroscopy.

Abstract: Cathodic electrocoat compositions containing self-crosslinking polymers are described. The polymers of the invention are formed from an epoxide-functional prepolymer having polyepoxide and extender segments. Each extender segment has at least one pendant hydroxyalkyl carbamate group. The prepolymer is reacted with an amine compound having at least one blocked primary amine group and at least one epoxide-reactive group. The primary amine group is unblocked and the resultant polymer is dispersed in water with the aid of a neutralizing acid.

Abstract: Binders for powder coatings comprising A) a solid unsaturated polyester and B) a polyurethane comprising (meth)acryloyl groups. These polyester-containing mixtures are distinguished by an improved blocking stability compared with polyurethane alone.

Abstract: A gel-free silica acrylate curable coating composition made from one or more of soluble salts, soaps, amines, nonionic and anion surfactants, acids or mixtures thereof, and a method for producing these compositions.

Abstract: Method for coating polycarbonate moulded parts whereby, to the surface of a moulded body composed of a polycarbonate based on a cycloaliphatic diphenol, a coating material which possesses as cross-linkable components agents having acrylate, allyl, epoxide, silanol, isocyanate, anhydride, melamine functional groups or combinations thereof, is applied in a thickness of from 0.5 to 200 .mu.m and is cured thermally and/or by irradiation, with the addition of thermally or photochemically curing catalysts being possible.

Abstract: A polymerizable curable molding composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of an unsaturated epoxyester resin with an acid value below 3.0, (B) 10 to 40 parts by weight of a polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of phenoxyethyl acrylate, 2-acroyloxyethyl-2-hydroxypropyl phthalate and mixtures thereof and (C) 1 to 5 parts by weight of a mixture of hydroxyketone oligomer and 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one. The molding composition also preferably comprises 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of polystyrene microbeads. Also provided are a molding process using the polymerizable curable molding composition and a coating process using the polymerizable curing molding composition, each process being characterized by combined exposure of the composition to UV radiation and heating.

Abstract: A process for preparing coating compositions of a commingled hydrogel of a polyurethane-polyurea polymer hydrogel and at least one other polymer hydrogel of a polymer different from polyurethane-polyurea; a process for making materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metallic substrate, with a coating of the commingled hydrogel thereon; and a process for making medical devices with a coating of the commingled hydrogel thereon, are disclosed. The coating compositions tenaciously adhere to the substrate materials and medical devices to which they are applied due to bonding of a tie coat to a reactive substrate surface and due to the commingling of the two hydrogel components. The coating compositions and coated materials and medical devices are non-toxic and biocompatible, making them ideally suited for use in applications such as for catheters, catheter balloons and stents.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curable blend composition comprising (exclusive of any solvent present): (a) about 35% to about 65% by weight of a first acrylated aliphatic urethane having a molecular weight of between about 500 and 2000 and formed by the reaction of (i) a first multifunctional acrylate with a molecular weight of between about 190 and 500 and containing at least three polymerizable unsaturated groups per molecule, with (ii) an aliphatic urethane based on a polymer of allyl carbomonocycle diisocyanate with alkanepolyol polyacrylates; (b) about 5% to about 25% by weight of a second acrylated aliphatic urethane having a molecular weight of about 1200 to about 2600 and formed by the reaction of a second multifunctional acrylate with a molecular weight of about 110 to about 500 with an aliphatic urethane based on a polyether and having a molecular weight of about 800 to about 2200; (c) about 10% to about 55% by weight of a third multifunctional acrylate having a molecular weight of between about 170 and about 1000

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coating articles with powder coatings which contain polymers and are applied to the surface of the substrate to be coated, are melted and are crosslinked by UV radiation, the polymers employed being copolymers of(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(R.sup.1)--CO--OR.sup.2 (I)whereR.sup.1 =H or CH.sub.3 andR.sup.2 =H, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 where n=from 1 to 30, or is an alicyclic, araliphatic or heterocyclic radical, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, glycidyl or aminoalkyl,or of the general formula IICH.sub.2 .dbd.C(R.sup.1)--CO--NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 (II)where R.sup.3 =H or CH.sub.3 andwhere R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be identical to or different from one another and are H, CH.sub.2 OH, C.sub.n H.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a laminate having utility in an electrical inductive apparatus, which first comprises coating at least one side of a metal substrate with a solventless liquid resin system comprising an ultraviolet radiation curable acrylic or vinyl monomer and a heat reactive thermoset adhesive resin. The resin system on the coated metal substrate is then exposed to ultraviolet radiation to cure the ultraviolet radiation curable monomer. The resin system is now a tacky solid layer. The laminates so formed can be assembled into components for use in applications such as electric power transformers, ignition coils, generators, chokes, reactors, solenoids ballasts, motors and electronics, in which prior art laminates have been utilized. The assembled laminates are then exposed to sufficient heat to cure the heat reactive thermoset resin and adhere the laminate layers together.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a pair of opposed electrodes disposed on an insulating substrate and defining a gap therebetween and a humidity sensitive thin film covering the gap. This thin film is formed by coating a polymer of specific structure having an ethylenically unsaturated reactive group and exposing the coating to ultraviolet radiation for crosslinking. The sensor is fully water resistant and produces accurate outputs over a wide humidity range and thus can detect and determine moisture in the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A latex binder suitable for producing high gloss coating on weathered substrates and a method for producing such coatings. The binder includes a low molecular weight and low acid number latex polymer having an acid functional and an enamine functional moiety that results from the reaction of ammonia or amine with an acetoacetyl functional pendant moiety on the latex polymer. A film containing the latex binder is applied on a substrate and then exposed to ambient light and air to produce a high gloss highly adherent film on difficult to adhere surfaces, such as weathered chalky substrates.

Abstract: Method for forming paint films by the 2-coats/1-bake method, using a clearcoat paint in which the resin component comprises (a) a copolymer of a vinyl monomer mixture containing at least 20 wt % (meth)acrylic acid cycloalkyl esters 40-90 wt %, (b) alkyl-etherified melamine resin 5-50 wt %, and (c) blocked polyisocyanate 5-50 wt %, and a basecoat paint in which the resin component comprises (d) a copolymer of a vinyl monomer mixture containing at least 10% of monomers represented by the general formula ##STR1## (X.sup.1 -X.sup.5 are H or a methyl group, i is 0-2, j is 0 or 1, k is 0-3, m is 0-3, and n is 1-10), 40-80 wt %, (e) alkyl-etherified melamine resin 10-50 wt %, (f) blocked polyisocyanate 0-40 wt %, (g) cellulose type resin 0-20 wt %, and (h) organic crosslinked fine particles 0-30 wt %, and coatings obtained by the said method.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the manufacture of a phosphor intensifying screen which eliminates the use of solvents and high processing temperatures. The method comprises blending a phosphor in a hardenable system (i.e., that is, as defined herein, a polymerizable or curable system) comprising phosphor in a radiation curable binder composition, coating the phosphor in a radiation curable binder composition onto a substrate, and polymerizing (i.e., hardening) the system by exposure to actinic radiation. The radiation curable binder composition comprises an organopolysiloxane or a mixture of organopolysiloxanes.

Abstract: Radiation-curable binders which are obtained by reactingA) an amine/formaldehyde condensate having a molar ratio of formaldehyde to amino groups of from 1:1 to 2:1 withB) one or more esters, having a free hydroxyl group, of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid with polyalcohols which contain from two to four alcoholic hydroxyl groups, from 0.1 to 0.3 hydroxyl equivalent of component B) being used per methylol equivalent of component A),in the presence of a strong acid are suitable for use in coating materials.

Abstract: A polymer has at least one photoactive site and more than one perfluorocyclobutane group. New monomers containing photoactive sites or photoactive precursors and at least one perfluorovinyl group are useful for making such polymers. Processes of making such polymers and the monomers from which they are made are disclosed. The polymers are useful in coatings, photoresists, and the like.

Abstract: A radiation curable functionalized polymer is disclosed. The functionalized polymer is a copolymer of an isoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene, wherein the para-alkylstyrene is functionalized with an acrylate or a mixture of acrylates and/or a photosensitizer and/or other functional groups at the para-alkyl groups of the para-alkylstyrene.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions containA) from 20 to 90% by weight of a dispersed polymer having a glass transition temperature above 30.degree. C. andB) from 10 to 80% by weight of a tri-, tetra-, penta-or hexa(meth)acrylate of an alkoxylated, trivalent to hexavalent alcohol having a mean degree of alkoxylation of the hydroxyl groups of the alcohol, defined as the quotient of the number of alkoxy groups to the number of hydroxyl groups, ie. the functionality of the alcohol prior to the alkoxylation, of at least 0.5,the stated weights being based on the sum of A) and B).

Abstract: A composite laminated structure is provided which includes a thin copper or other conducting material laminated to a polyimide having a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion which in turn is bonded to a polyimide which has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). This polyimide is in turn bonded to a relatively thick base such as stainless steel. The thicknesses of the polyimide and copper and the specific coefficients of thermal expansion of all of the material are so selected that in the absence of support from the stainless steel the stresses between the various layers are balanced in such a way that the two layers of polyimide and the copper remain essentially flat. This allows for a stainless steel substrate to have a portion etched away or otherwise removed so as to form a hinge region; and when the stainless steel is removed, the remaining structure will remain essentially flat and not curl either toward the stainless steel or toward the copper.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hydrophilic polymer film comprising coating a photopolymerization solution which comprises a hydrophilic monomer of lower water swelling ability and a UV stabilizer, on the film surface pre-treated with high frequency, and photopolymerizing the solution so as to improve the hydrophilic property, climate-resistability, and blocking property of the polymer film.

Abstract: There is provided a plastisol for use in a electrically conductive molded article comprising non-conductive high polymer particles having surfaces coated with an electrically conductive high polymer or non-conductive high polymer particles having surfaces coated with filler of electrically conductive fine particles, and a plastisizer compatible with the said non-conductive high polymer. The plastisol is excellent in fluidity and good in processability. Said plastisol can provide a molded article having excellent electrical conductivity and is suited for, e.g., production of floor materials or sealing materials having low static properties and formation of an electrically conductive path.

Abstract: This invention is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive formed by copolymerizing acrylic, or a combination of acrylic and vinyl, monomers, at least one of which is a photoinitiator, with the functional monomer, 1-(1-isocyanato-1methyl ethyl)-3-(1-methyl ethenyl)benzene (m-TMI), to give a saturated polymer with pendant vinyl groups that are crosslinked by UV radiation.

Abstract: A water-soluble coating or other deposit is produced from a formulation that is comprised of a curable liquid substance and a dispersed, particulate effervescing agent. The formulation is particularly useful as a solder resist in the manufacture of PCBs, and the preferred composition contains n-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A coating composition having photopolymerizability and heat curability, which comprises, as main components,(A) a vinyl copolymer having polymerizable double bonds and crosslinkable hydroxyl groups,(B) a condensation polymerizable compound of the following formula (i) or a condensation polymer thereof, and(C) a photopolymerization initiator: ##STR1## wherein each of the plurality of R which may be the same or different, is --H, --CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 OC.sub.4 H.sub.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for the production of coatings by radiation crosslinking of compositions containing a resin which can be cured by the polymerization of the double bonds >C.dbd.CH.sub.2 and a reactive diluent system containing at least one reactive diluent corresponding to the general formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 =H, CH.sub.3,R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 =H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl chain or form an alkylene ring containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms,R.sub.4 =H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl chain, phenyl,R.sub.5 =C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 aliphatic chain, C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 alicyclic chain, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl chain substituted with an aryl or aromatic heterocyclic group,or R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 form a 5- or 6-membered ring.One preferred compound (I) is to the acrylate of isopropyl beta-hydroxyethylcarbamate.

Abstract: A process for cationically polymerizing 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene to produce a polymer which is predominantly a polyindane is disclosed. The resulting polyindanes are novel compounds useful as low dielectric constant coatings. Compositions containing 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene and cationic photoinitiators, and optionally containing a polyindane useful for preparing coatings, are disclosed as are processes for coating substrates using the compositions.

Abstract: A composite films which exhibit low oxygen transmission rates. The film comprises a silane resin coated on a plastic substrate then cured by ultraviolet radiation. For the silane coating, this invention relies on a class of organosilicon compounds derived from 1) organohydrogensilanes or organohydrogensiloxanes and 2) propargyl esters of carboxylic acids containing a terminal aromatic hydrocarbon radical, where the carbopropynoxy group of the ester and the aromatic hydrocarbon radical are separated by at least two adjacent ethylenically unsaturated carbon atoms. If more than two of these carbon atoms are present they form a sequence of conjugated ethylenic double bonds which allows the polymer to cross-link upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A method for coating a polypropylene resin molding is disclosed, comprising irradiating the surface of a molding of a polypropylene resin selected from a polypropylene and a propylene-ethylene block copolymer with an ultraviolet light having an irradiating wavelength in the region of 300 nm or less, coating the irradiated surface with a primer, and further coating the coated surface with a coating material. A method for coating a polypropylene resin molding is also disclosed, comprising coating the surface of a molding of a polypropylene resin selected from a polypropylene and a propylene-ethylene block copolymer with a primer, irradiating the coated surface with an ultraviolet light having an irradiating wavelength in the region of 300 nm or less, and further coating the irradiated surface with a coating material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming a pattern coating, the method including the steps of:applying to a substrate a radiation curable composition containing a resin (a) which contains, per kilogram of said resin (a) about 1.5 to about 4.5 moles of a polyermizable unsaturated group, about 0.4 to about 2.5 moles of a carboxyl group and 0.2 to about 3.5 moles of a thioether group, the resin having a number average molecular weight of about 500 to about 50,000; selectively irradiating a portion of the applied coating with actinic rays; and subjecting the coating to development with an alkali aqueous solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a hydrophilic film which includes a light reaction chamber having UV lamps on either side of the film, two cooling fans and a solvent deflation fan. There are also an air drying plates and coating nozzles.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the coating weight, uniformity, defects or markings present in a coating of a composition applied to a substrate comprises the steps:a) providing a substrate with a functional coating of a composition comprising an effective amount of uvescer that absorbs radiant energy, i.e., has an excitation energy, of wavelength .lambda..sub.1 and emits radiant energy of wavelength .lambda..sub.2 ;b) scanning the coating with radiant energy having a wavelength within wavelength .lambda..sub.1 ;c) detecting the radiant energy of wavelength .lambda..sub.2 emitted by the coating; andd) optionally, correlating the emitted radiant energy to independently measured standard coating weights or thicknesses, of the coating so as to measure coating weight, thickness, uniformity, defects, or markings.

Abstract: A method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon comprises covalently grafting a biocompatible polymeric material to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material. In addition, a method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material comprises subjecting the substrate surface to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate material to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material. Further, a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, comprises a polymeric material core and a biocompatible polymeric material covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma induction.

Abstract: Polyphosphazene derivatives containing carbonyl groups and variously alkylated tertiary aminic groups, suited to undergo rapid and efficient photo-crosslinking processes and having general formula: ##STR1## wherein: X represents substituents linked to the polyphosphazene chain by means of hydroxylic or aminic functions and containing carbonyl groups;X' represents additional substituents linked to the polyphosphazene chain by means of hydroxylic or aminic functions and containing one or more variously alkylated tertiary aminic groups;(w+y+z) is an integer ranging from 20 to 15,000;w and z are integers having a value higher than or equal to zero and at any rate lower than 15,000;y is an integer having a value of from 20 to 15,000.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for conducting a physical process and a chemical reaction by exposing a material containing a volatile substance to microwave radiation where the morphology of said material will change when exposed to such radiation. The power of said radiation is adjusted over time as the morphology of the material changes to maximize the effect of the radiation in order to produce a product in a minimum amount of time that is substantially free of said volatile substance.The method and apparatus can also be used to conduct such a process or reaction with materials that do not contain a volatile material.In one embodiment a method and apparatus are disclosed for manufacturing a polyimide from a precursor in a solvent by exposing the precursor to microwave radiation in a tuneable microwave resonant cavity that is tuned during imidization to achieve critical coupling of the system. Microwave power is controlled to remove the solvent and obtain the desired level of reaction.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of a material such as plastics, metals, glasses and ceramics which comprises the steps of (1) coating a compound having at least one azido group on the surface of the material to be modified, (2) making a modifier substance to be fixed for the modification exist on or in the coated surface, and (3) irradiating ultraviolet rays to the coated surface to fix the modifier substance to the coated surface, wherein various compounds can be used as the modifier for converting the characteristics of the material surface to the desired characteristics without previously treating them, and various materials can be easily modified with a firm fixing of the modifier.