Abstract: Diffuse reflective materials attached to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.

Abstract: A process for corona treating a polymer is described. The process involves exposing at least one surface of an article comprising a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of fluoropolymers, polycarbonates, and polyimides to a corona discharge in an atmosphere containing nitrogen and about 0.01 to about 10 percent of an additional gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, ammonia and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A microporous shaped article is provided. The article comprises ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer which has an internal structure of a multiplicity of spaced, randomly dispersed, non-uniform shaped particles of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate, e.g., to improve the wettability of the polymer film surface and/or affix silicon-containing structures to the substrate surface, comprising exposing the substrate to a flame. The flame is supported by a fuel and oxidizer mixture that includes at least one silicon-containing compound that functions as a fuel and is in an effective amount for modifying the surface of the polymeric substrate. Also disclosed are substrates with surfaces that are modified by exposing the substrate to a flame that is supported by the process of the invention. Large increases in the ASTM wetting test, e.g., greater than 13 mJ/m.sup.2 over that reported with conventional flame-treating processes, have been observed in polymeric substrates treated according to this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate, e.g., to improve the wettability of the polymer film surface and/or alter the reactivity of the surface of the substrate by further oxidation, comprising exposing the substrate to a flame. The flame is supported by a fuel and oxidizer mixture that includes an effective amount, for modifying the polymeric substrate, of at least one oxygen-containing compound that functions as a fuel substitute. Oxygen comprises between about 10 and 50 atomic percent of the compound. Large increases in the ASTM wetting test over that reported with conventional flame-treating processes, have been observed in films treated according to this invention. In addition, significant increases in polymer film surface oxidation levels have been observed.

Abstract: A method for preparing fluoroalkylsulfonyl imides by reacting a fluoroalkylsulfonamide with a fluoroalkylsulfonyl halide or a fluorosulfonyl halide in the presence of a non-nucleophilic base. One reaction is:Z--R.sub.f --SO.sub.2 NH.sub.2 +Z--R'.sub.f --SO.sub.2 --X+2B(Z--R.sub.f --SO.sub.2)(Z--R'.sub.f --SO.sub.2)N.sup.-.BH.sup.+ +BHX,where each Z is a fluorine atom or a polymerizable organic functional group, R.sub.f and R'.sub.f are fluoroalkylene groups optionally containing catenary oxygen or nitrogen, X is a halogen atom, and B is a non-nucleophilic base.Unsymmetrical imides and polymeric imides can be prepared.

Abstract: A polymerization process produces polymers that are insoluble in a reaction mixture that was homogeneous before the polymer began to form. A dispersing agent in the polymerizing system (i.e., the reaction mixture plus the dispersing agent) allows a kinetically stable dispersion of the polymer to be formed in this polymerizing system. The polymerization process is performed in a fluid held under superatmospheric conditions such that the fluid is a liquid or a supercritical fluid; the fluid being carbon dioxide, a hydroflurocarbon, a perfluorocarbon, or a mixture of any of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses signage articles having a layer of fused dry toner powder which is fused by employing a tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive and low compression. Suitable tacky pressure-sensitive adhesives include alkyl acrylate polymers or copolymers, alkyl vinyl ether polymers or copolymers, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, and butadiene-styrene copolymers. Such signage articles further comprise a transparent cover layer disposed over the fused dry toner powder-bearing surface. Also disclosed are methods of forming signage articles, one method comprising the steps of applying dry toner powder to a first substrate surface, applying a composition including a tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive to a second substrate surface, and laminating the two substrates to admix the dry toner powder and the tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive. Either the first or second substrate may be the transparent cover layer of the resulting signage article.

Abstract: An electrically regenerable diesel particulate filter cartridge and filter comprising an electrically, variably resistive sheet(s) or tube which, when energized, provide sufficient heat to burn off soot particulates entrapped in the filter media.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use are presented suitable for use in priming a first plastic surface, such as an automobile bumper facie, for adhesion of a second plastic material thereto, such as an epoxy resin. The compositions comprise an epoxy resin and a priming solvent, where the epoxy resin is derived from the reaction product of a first organic material having a plurality of epoxy-functional groups and a second organic material, the second organic material being the combination of a material having a plurality of amine-functional groups and a material having a plurality of mercaptan-functional groups. The first and second organic materials are initially dissolved or dispersed in their respective organic solvents, the two solvents making up the priming solvent. The priming solvent is adapted to wet and penetrate but not be substantially retained by the first plastic surface where applied thereto. Kits useful in repairing plastic surfaces using the compositions of the invention are also presented.

Abstract: This invention concerns a reaction system for producing a polyurethane having an isocyanate index value of at least 100, and a catalyzed reaction mixture thereof, having a gel time between 5 and 60 minutes. The reaction system, in one aspect, involves a mixture of first and second parts that are located in separate containers, respectively, which are effective to prevent contact between said first and second parts thereof until coating or sealing application is desired. This two-part reaction system includes:(a) a first part comprising a polyisocyanate component; b) a second part comprising: (i) a polyol component; (ii) a polyurethane catalyst comprising a bismuth/zinc polyurethane catalyst; and (iii) a molar excess of a complexing agent for the polyurethane catalyst, where the complexing agent is a mercaptan compound. This invention also concerns a method of forming a polyurethane sealant on a surface using the two-part reaction system and catalyzed reaction mixture.

Abstract: Direct fluorination of organics such as 1,8-dichlorooctane in tubular reactor. Inert liquid containing organic feed is circulated through tubular reactor with fluorine gas for a time and at a temperature sufficient to yield fluorinated organic. Preferably, liquid and gas phases are separated from reactor product stream containing inert liquid, fluorinated organic, and any unreacted organic is recycled to turbulent mixing zone upstream of reactor in which fresh organic feed is added; and fluorine is added to recycle stream at end of mixing zone. Flow in tubular reactor is turbulent. Rate of organic feed and fluorine addition to process are independent of each other. Among process advantages are: Freon solvents not required; good control of reaction exotherm; and HF scavengers not required. Process useful for partial or complete fluorination.

Abstract: Perfluoroisobutene-MeOH adduct (2H-octafluororisobutyl methyl ether) is converted to hexafluoropropane by reaction with trialkyl amine (eg. triethyl amine) and H.sub.2 O. 1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluoropropene is also produced in lesser amounts. The electrolysis of the reaction product in anhydrous HF (at 10.degree.-50.degree. C., 0-140 kPa, and 50-300 amps/m.sup.2 anode area) yields C.sub.3 F.sub.8 and some CF.sub.3 CFHCF.sub.3 which is condensed out of a gas stream from the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Thermoplastic based pavement marking sheets are disclosed. The marking sheets employ a conformant composite material including: polyolefin and a nonreinforcing mineral particulate; and/or a thermoplastic upper surface. Preferably, the sheet's thermoplastic upper surface is embedded with reflective elements and/or skid-resistant particles. A solventless process of embedding particles in thermoplastic pavement marking sheets is disclosed. Processes for preparing marking sheets are also disclosed. Conformant pavement marking sheets which may be applied in cooler conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Partially fluorinated polymer comprising a backbone and side-chains, in which the backbone and side-chains are each 4 atoms long and are chemically incompatible, one chain being at least predominantly hydrocarbon and the other comprising a C.sub.4+ perfluorocarbon moiety.

Abstract: Method for imparting stain resistance to fibers, especially wool, which is adaptable to current wool processing methods. Steps comprise:A. treating fibers with a mordant;B. treatment with a combination of sulfonated or disulphonated surfactant together with a stain resist (e.g., syntan); andC. providing treatment with a fluorochemical in either step A. or B. in an amount sufficient to improve stain resistant properties. The improved method may be undertaken in the liquor remaining in a dye bath after dyeing fiber (spent bath process). Process pH is acid. Advantage: lowers the proportion of stain resist chemical to wool necessary to impart stain resistance. Tip sealing, using polymethacrylic resin and fluorochemical, may be an added step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water and oil repellency imparting composition which comprises:(a) a fluoroaliphatic radical-containing agent; and(b) a polymer comprising cyclic carboxylic anhydride groups.Additionally, the composition may comprise:(c) a softener and/or a plasticizer. The composition provides water and oil repellent properties to fibrous and other substrates treated therewith and it shows high compatibility with the commonly used softeners.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition that includes a salt disposed in a matrix in which the salt has a formula selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## in which X.sup.- is --O.sup.-, --N.sup.- SO.sub.2 R.sub.f.sup.3, or ##STR2## Z is --CF.sub.2 --, --O--, --NR.sub.f.sup.8 --, or --SF.sub.4 --; R.sub.f.sup.1 and R.sub.f.sup.2, independently, are --CF.sub.3, --C.sub.m F.sub.2m+1, or --(CF.sub.2).sub.q --SO.sub.2 --X.sup.- M.sup.+ ; R.sub.f.sup.3, R.sub.f.sup.4, and R.sub.f.sup.5, independently, are --CF.sub.3, --C.sub.mf.sub.2m+1, --(CF.sub.2).sub.q --X.sup.- M.sup.+, ##STR3## R.sub.f.sup.8 is --CF.sub.3, --C.sub.m F.sub.2m+1, or --(CF.sub.2).sub.q --SO.sub.2 --X.sup.- M.sup.+ ; R.sub.f.sup.6 and R.sub.f.sup.7, independently, are perfluoroalkylene moieties having the formula --C.sub.r F.sub.2r ; n is 1-4; r is 1-4; m is 1-12; q is 1-4; and M.sup.+ is a counterion.

Abstract: Direct fiuorination of organics such as 1,8-dichlorooctane in tubular reactor. Inert liquid containing organic feed is circulated through tubular reactor with fluorine gas for a time and at a temperature sufficient to yield fluorinated organic. Preferably, liquid and gas phases are separated from reactor product stream containing inert liquid, fluorinated organic, and any unreacted organic is recycled to turbulent mixing zone upstream of reactor in which fresh organic feed is added; and fluorine is added to recycle stream at end of mixing zone. Flow in tubular reactor is turbulent. Rate of organic feed and fluorine addition to process are independent of each other. Among process advantages are: Freon solvents not required; good control of reaction exotherm; and HF scavengers not required. Process useful for partial or complete fluorination.