Abstract: A method for producing biodegradable plastic from natural materials containing polysaccharides by treating the polysaccharide-containing materials with a basic aqueous solution, subsequently treating the mixture with a modifying material that converts pendant hydroxyl groups at any carbon atom of the anhydroglucose units of the saccharide to create polysaccharide carboxylate, and then reacting the product with proteins to produce a biodegradable copolymer with electrostatic chemical bonds between protein and polysaccharide carboxylate molecules. The process provides relatively inexpensive methods for preparing biodegradable plastics that are useful for manufacturing various articles.

Abstract: Polymeric systems are disclosed that exhibit the Johnsen-Rahbeck effect and an electrostatic clutch for using films of these polymeric systems. The films may be pressed from the polymeric reaction product of either a polymer having an anionic functionality reacted with cations, or a polymer having cationic functionality reacted with anions. The dielectric film may be interposed between nesting, or otherwise contacting, conductive surfaces to increase the frictional force between the surfaces by the Johnsen-Rahbeck effect when a voltage differential is applied across the surfaces.

Abstract: Polymeric systems are disclosed that exhibit the Johnsen-Rahbeck effect and an electrostatic clutch for using films of these polymeric systems. The films may be pressed from the polymeric reaction product of either a polymer having an anionic functionality reacted with cations, or a polymer having cationic functionality reacted with anions. The dielectric film may be interposed between nesting, or otherwise contacting, conductive surfaces to increase the frictional force between the surfaces by the Johnsen-Rahbeck effect when a voltage differential is applied across the surfaces.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coated substrate is disclosed. The substrate is coated with a plasma generated polymer containing Si, O, C and H in specific atom ratio wherein the polymer also contains certain functional groups. A power density of about 10.sup.6 to about 10.sup.8 J/Kg is employed in the plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in preparing a coated substrate is disclosed. The substrate is coated with a plasma generated polymer containing Si, O, C and H in specific atom ratio wherein the polymer also contains certain functional groups. A power density of about 106 to about 108 J/Kg is employed in the plasma polymerization process. The apparatus comprises a plasma generating vacuum reaction vessel utilizing parallel plate electrodes. One of the electrodes comprises a magnetically enhanced shower head. A magnet is positioned in the interior of the shower head in contact with both the inner surfaces of the upper and lower portion thereof to concentrate the magnetic field above the upper surface of the shower head.

Abstract: Optical storage media based on ablative metals give improved stability and offer improved write-read characteristics when they are overcoated with inorganic oxide, nitride, carbide, hydride, oxynitride or carbohydride to a reflectivity of 40-80% at the media write/read wavelength. Preferably the metal and overcoat are applied by sputter-depositing.

Abstract: An optical memory storage medium based on a partially oxidized deposited layer of soft metal alloy is described. A method of preparing the medium by vacuum depositing the soft metal alloy layer in the presence of controlled amounts of gaseous oxidant to thereby form the layer in a uniform partially oxidized form.

Abstract: Optical storage media based on ablative metals give improved stability and offer improved write-read characteristics when they are overcoated with inorganic oxide, nitride, carbide, hydride, oxynitride or carbohydride to a reflectivity of 40-80% at the media write/read wavelength. Preferably the metal and overcoat are applied by sputter-depositing.

Abstract: Optical storage media based on ablative metals give improved stability and offer improved write-read characteristics when they are overcoated with inorganic oxide, nitride, carbide, hydride, oxynitride or carbohydride to a reflectivity of 40-80% at the media write/read wavelength. Preferably the metal and overcoat are applied by sputter-depositing.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coated substrate is disclosed. The substrate is coated with a plasma generated polymer containing Si, Or C and H in specific atom ratio wherein the polymer also contains certain functional groups, A power density of about 10.sup.6 to about 10.sup.8 J/Kg is employed in the plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: An optical memory storage medium based on a partially oxidized deposited layer of soft metal alloy is described. A method of preparing the medium by vacuum depositing the soft metal alloy layer in the presence of controlled amounts of gaseous oxidant to thereby form the layer in a uniform partially oxidized form.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coated substrate is disclosed. The substrate is coated with a plasma generated polymer containing Si, O, C and H in specific atom ratio wherein the polymer also contains certain functional groups. A power density of about 10.sup.6 to about 10.sup.8 J/Kg is employed in the plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: An in-mold sulfonation system for sulfonating the surface of plastic articles such as plastic containers during molding. Sulfur trioxide is introduced into a pre-mold chamber, converted to a relatively high pressure gaseous sulfur trioxide, and then injected into a mold such as a blow mold immediately before or immediately following full expansion of the formed plastic article in the mold cavity. Neutralization with a gaseous neutralizing agent follows. By controlling the timing and temperature of the in-mold sulfonation step it is possible to produce a plastic article having an effective barrier layer but containing a minimum of undesirable rinseable salts.

Abstract: An optical memory storage media is described, e.g. a compact disc. A method of preparing the media (e.g. discs) is also taught. The storage media is formed from a substrate material having tightly bonded to the surface a highly reflective soft metal alloy formed of, for example, an alloy including at least five percent by weight of each of at least two metals selected from the group consisting of cadmium, indium, tin, antimony, lead, bismuth, magnesium, copper, aluminum, zinc and silver.

Abstract: An optical memory storage media is described, e.g. a compact disc. A method of preparing the media (e.g. discs) is also taught. The storage media is formed from a substrate material having tightly bonded to the surface a highly reflective soft metal alloy formed of, for example, an alloy including at least five percent by weight of each of at least two metals selected from the group consisting of cadmium, indium, tin, antimony, lead, bismuth, magnesium, copper, aluminum, zinc and silver.

Abstract: An article and method for its perparation is disclosed wherein the article comprises a substrate having at least one planar surface on which is disposed a thermally decomposable metallo-organic compound in active association with a photosensitive dye. The article can be easily processed with, for example, a source of energy such as a laser beam to encode information or produce electroconductive lines.

Abstract: A composition useful as a pavement material comprising a mixture of asphalt and a polymer of an .alpha.-olefin, or an interpolymer of an .alpha.-olefin, and at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, a monomer of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, a vinyl ester of alkanoic acid, and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A composition useful as a pavement material comprising a mixture of asphalt and a polymer of an .alpha.-olefin, or an interpolymer of an .alpha.-olefin, and at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, a monomer of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, a vinyl ester of alkanoic acid, and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for generating a reagent of sulfur trioxide in a carrier which includes a reagent generator. The reagent generator has associated therewith means for introducing a source of sulfur trioxide into the reagent generator, means for introducing a carrier such as a liquid halocarbon or an inert gas into the reagent generator, and means for introducing oleum into the reagent generator. The reagent generator also includes means for contacting the sulfur trioxide, carrier, and oleum to provide a reagent of sulfur trioxide in the carrier. Additionally, the system includes means for removing oleum from the reagent generator, as well as means for removing the reagent from the reagent generator. In a preferred embodiment, the system for generating the reagent also includes, in conjunction with the reagent generator, a treatment chamber for the surface treatment of polymer resins including medical products which have polymeric resin material on exposed surfaces thereof.

Abstract: There is an evacuated insulation panel having a corestock of a polymer foam having an open cell content of 70 percent or more. There is a getter material in the interior of the panel to adsorb gases and vapors which may permeate into the panel over an extended period of time.