Abstract: A novel process for preparing sulfonic acid esters and amides of benzo-heterocyclic diazo diketo compounds, such as substituted diazo-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrocoumarins, which are useful synthetic intermediates in a wide variety of applications including photoresists, opto-electronics, agricultural, and pharmaceutical applications is disclosed and claimed. The process comprises the steps of (a) subjecting a substituted benzo-heterocyclic .beta.-keto-enol compound to suitable diazo transfer conditions in the presence of a diazo transfer agent; (b) subjecting the so formed diazo diketo compound to suitable halosulfonation conditions in the presence of a halosulfonation agent; and (c) subjecting the so formed halosulfonyl aromatic compound to suitable substitution reaction in the presence of an alcohol or an amine to form the corresponding sulfonic acid ester or amide of benzo-heterocyclic diazo diketo compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiple fiber connectors for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers. The multiple-fiber connectors facilitate the connection of optical fibers to a star coupler and provide low levels of light loss between input/output ports of a coupler. The invention further relates to a terminator hot plate apparatus for the semiautomatic termination of optical fiber ends, and a new cladding material for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides novel liquid crystalline polymers which comprise, in the repeat units of their main chains, residues of suitable dichroic dyes. The polymers yield polarizer films with superior polarizing efficiency, transmittance, dichroic ratio, and thermal and humidity stability. The invention further discloses suitable processes to prepare such polymers and polarizer films therefrom.

Abstract: This invention discloses laminates comprising a liquid crystal polymer film inside and non-adherent, non-liquid crystalline polymer film on the outside, prepared by a process of coextrusion. Delamination of the outside layers yields a liquid crystal polymer film of superior surface quality. The invention is particularly suitable for preparing liquid crystal polymer-based polarizers with improved surface quality.

Abstract: This invention provides novel liquid crystalline polymers which, when mixed with a suitable dye and extruded, yields polarizer films with superior polarizing efficiency, transmittance, dichroic ratio, and thermal and humidity stability. The invention further provides a process to prepare such polymers and polarizer films therefrom.

Abstract: A polymeric composition having a high dielectric constant which varies little with temperature is made from a thermoplastic polymer, a high dielectric ceramic having a dielectric constant of at least about 50 at 1.0 Ghz and 20.degree. C., and a second ceramic material having a dielectric constant of at least about 5.0 at 1.0 GHz and 20.degree. C., where the high dielectric ceramic and the second ceramic material have temperature coefficients that are opposite in sign from one another.

Abstract: This invention provides laminates useful for display device applications. An illustrative laminate comprises a polarizing film, and a protective layer, bonded by means of an intermediary adhesive layer. A polarizing film useful for such a laminate construction comprises a liquid crystalline polyester and a dichroic dye. The invention further provides a process to prepare such laminates.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel process to resolve a racemic compound into its optically active isomers without need for chemical transformation such as salt formation. The process advantageously utilizes polymers containing chiral moieties in their repeat units as well as exhibiting critical solution temperature behavior in a suitable solvent. An embodiment describes the resolution of tryptophan.

Abstract: A new process is provided for the formation of aromatic polyesters directly from the reaction of dialkyl ester of an aromatic carboxylic acid with dihydric phenols. The polycondensation is carried out in the presence of (a) a condensing agent; (b) a catalyst selected from the group consisting of derivatives of Group I metals, derivatives of Group IV A metals, derivatives of Group IV B metals, and mixtures thereof; and (c) a co-catalyst selected from the group consisting of methanesulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, alkanoic acid having the formula, C.sub.n H.sub.x F.sub.y COOH, where n is an integer from 1 to 4, x and y are integers from 0 to 2n+1, and the sum of x and y is 2n+1, and mixtures thereof; at suitable temperature and pressure conditions and for a sufficient period of time to form the aromatic polyester.

Abstract: Three dimensional fiber networks which are semi-rigid and dimensionally stable are made from textile fabrics that have projections and optional depressions which are compressible and return to their original shape after being compressed. The fiber networks are made by the thermo-mechanical deformation of textile fabrics that are in turn made from thermoplastic fibers. The fiber networks have particular utility as cushioning and impact absorbing materials.

Abstract: Novel processes for the preparation of a new class of coumarin derivatives, which are useful as photoactive compounds in a wide variety of applications including photoresists and other opto-electronic applications, are disclosed and claimed. The process involves a multi-step synthetic method for the preparation of ether, ester, carbonate, or sulfonate derivative of 5-hydroxy, 6-hydroxy, or 7-hydroxy-3-diazo-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrocoumarin starting from the corresponding dihydroxyacetophenone. The compounds formed from the process of the present invention exhibit very high photosensitivity in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) region (ca. 250 nm), and therefore, are useful as photoactive compounds in DUV photoresist formulations.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carbon and/or silicon coated ceramic fibers is disclosed involving contact of a preceramic fiber with a hydrocarbon or a silane which decomposes at a temperature no higher than 500.degree. C. at 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: A new class of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin derivatives which are useful as photoactive compounds in a wide variety of applications including photoresists and other opto-electronic applications are disclosed and claimed. Preferred embodiments include ether, ester, carbonate, and sulfonate derivatives of 5-hydroxy, 6-hydroxy, and 7-hydroxy-3-diazo-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrocoumarins. These compounds exhibit very high photosensitivity in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) region (ca. 250 nm), and therefore, are useful as photoactive compounds in DUV photoresist formulations.

Abstract: The invention provides a multilayer microelectronic circuit board including a laminate of a plurality of circuit layers containing conductive vias within the layers or a combination of conductive vias and conductive wiring patterns on a surface of the layers, the layers comprising a first liquid crystal polymer and, interposed between said circuit layers, a layer of second liquid crystal polymer having a melting point of at least about 10.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the first liquid crystal polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoanhydride monomer compounds, methods of making such compounds and reaction products of the monoanhydride-diacid compounds with other monomers. The inventive monomer compounds exhibit selective reactivity, that is, the dianhydride locus is substantially more reactive towards amines than the diacid locus making it possible to sequentially synthesize a new class of materials suitable for membranes, catalytic substrates or any speciality material required for advanced applications.

Abstract: A thermally expandable wax composition and its use in polymer-based actuators is disclosed and claimed. The compositions are wax-based and include conductive filler as well as a viscosity modifier to stabilize the composition against segregation. Optionally included are thermoxidative stabilizers.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing starch acetate containing at least 20% high molecular weight carbohydrates using a MSA catalyst alone, or in combination with a co-catalyst promoting cross-linking, such a phosphoric acid, are described. The MSA is desirably added slowly following beginning of the exothermic reaction of starch, acetic acid and acetic anhydride.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process to prepare high performance polarizing film. In one embodiment, the process includes melt-blending a film-forming wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester and a dichroic dye and then extruding the blend at a suitable temperature to yield polarizer films with superior polarizing efficiency and thermal and humidity stability.

Abstract: A process for treating a liquid crystal polymer film which includes the steps of: heating a film obtained by extrusion molding of a liquid crystal polymer, while contacting at least one surface of the film with a supporting body, to melt the polymer; cooling the melted polymer to form a solidified polymer layer; and separating the solidified polymer layer from the supporting body. The process readily provides liquid crystal polymer films having excellent resistance to intra-layer delamination and high tensile strength and elongation, as well as excellent resistance to abrasion, dimensional stability when heated, and resistance to folding.

Abstract: A process for making a transparent blow molded product made of a copolyester of PET and PEN that does not thermally deform at temperatures up to 85-87 C., and the product of that process, especially a transparent blow molded bottle. The copolyester is made by transesterifying a 20/80 (w/w) PEN/PET via melt extrusion at a temperature of from about 250 C. to about 290 C. for a time sufficient to produce about 1-20% transesterification of said polymers, forming a copolymer. The copolyester is then injection molded at a temperature of from 290 C. to about 320 C. to form a transparent preform in which the copolymer has a glass transition temperature of about 85 C. or higher and a melting point temperature of at least about 225 C. The copolymer is then thermo-stretch blow molded to form a transparent product.