Abstract: Shelf stable packaging films and packages which are microwaveable yet are substantially impermeable to gases and ultraviolet energy and selectively permeable to microwave energy are described. The films include a water vapor and oxygen barrier substrate having a first side upon which is deposited a metallic coating capable of selectively transmitting a portion of a microwave energy field through the substrate. The coating is formed in a plurality of discrete, microwave reflective areas separated by non-reflective gaps. The shape and spacing of the areas is varied so that the microwave energy transmission through non-coated areas of the barrier is sufficient to avoid arcing and heat the object but not cook the object. A food packaging system for storing and heating food by microwave energy, which includes the microwave barrier film of this invention, is also described.

Abstract: A selectively permeable membrane microwave susceptor for use in food packaging is disclosed. The susceptor comprises a substrate having at least one absorbing coating and at least one reflecting coating deposited thereon. Either one or both of the absorbing coating or the reflecting coating can be varied to control the amount of microwave energy reaching the absorbing coating, thereby controlling the overall amount of susceptor heating.

Abstract: A susceptor composite and related packaging devices employing the susceptor composite comprising a plurality of heat sealable layers is disclosed. The susceptor composite is adhesiveless and is used in food packages for heating and cooking food products in a microwave oven. In one preferred embodiment, a first substrate of amorphous polyester has a metallic microwave absorptive layer deposited on one of its surfaces. A dimensionally stable layer that includes a heat sealable material is heat sealed to at least one of the first substrate and microwave absorptive layer. The heat sealable film can be applied in a pattern and can also be applied using different heat-sealing temperatures to provide selective microwave absorption to the susceptor composite of the invention.

Abstract: A selectively permeable membrane microwave susceptor for use in food packaging is disclosed. The susceptor comprises a substrate having at least one absorbing coating and at least one reflecting coating deposited thereon. Either one or both of the absorbing coating or the reflecting coating can be varied to control the amount of microwave energy reaching the absorbing coating, thereby controlling the overall amount of susceptor heating.

Abstract: An etchless patterning method for depositing material patterns upon substrates. The method involves providing substrate to be patterned, immobilizing a patterned physical mask upon a mask carrier, transferring the mask from the carrier to contact the substrate, immobilizing the mask upon the substrate while removing the mask carrier, exposing the masked substrate to vapor phase pattern material in a vacuum, reimmobilizing the mask upon the mask carrier and removing the mask from the substrate in a manner that allows the mask to remain immobilized on the mask carrier. The process is particularly well suited for the production of circuit boards or electronic applications.