Abstract: A method of making controlled sequence condensation copolymers from mer systems capable of forming at least two unique recurring units is disclosed and claimed. Sequenced polyesters containing the residue of hydroxyacids are specifically exemplified.

Abstract: A unitary injection molded waveguiding optical element is disclosed and claimed. In a preferred embodiment, there is shown an NXN star coupler 310 with a plurality of fibers 314, 316 integrally formed with the mixing body. Preferably, the fibers are continuously transitioned to the signal mixing body such that the optical path is substantially constant and the surfaces are free from lateral discontinuities.

Abstract: Fibers and fibrets of a novel miscible blend of component polymers comprising from about 5 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of a polybenzimidazole and from about 95 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of an aromatic polyamide, aromatic polyamide-hydrazide or aromatic polyamide containing heterocyclic linkages. Miscibility of the component polymers of the blend is indicated by infrared, X-Ray and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analyses and electron photomicrographs. In fibers or fibrets of a blend mostly comprised of a polybenzimidazole, it is preferred that the aromatic polyamide, aromatic polyamide-hydrazide or aromatic polyamide containing heterocyclic linkages be present in the blend in an amount sufficient to yield a blend with improved tensile properties compared to the polybenzimidazole and more thermally processable than the polybenzimidazole. The fibers or fibrets of the blend have a lower moisture regain than polybenzimidazole fibers or fibrets.

Abstract: A coextruded liquid crystal polymer ("LCP") film or sheet wherein a higher melting LCP layer is laminated to a lower melting LCP layer. These LCP components are coextruded from the same die. This film or sheet may then be laminated onto other materials at a temperature between the melting point of the lower-melting LCP and the higher-melting LCP, so that the latter LCP may maintain its shape, orientation, and mechanical characteristics while the lower-melting LCP component flows and bonds with the other material. When the higher-melting LCP layer is sandwiched between two lower-melting layers, the film or sheet may be laminated on two sides thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides novel self-assembled multilayer organic thin films including an azo-benzene chromophore which initially appear substantially amorphous when viewed perpendicular to the film surface, but are subsequently treated with a laser in selected areas so that such portions exhibit photo-induced birefringence.

Abstract: Optical media formed from a water soluble polymer and liquid crystal forming amphiphile are disclosed and claimed. The polymer and amphiphile are cast into a film which exhibits an optical axis of symmetry perpendicular to the film surface.

Abstract: This invention provides novel side chain polymers which exhibit nonlinear optical response, and which have utility as a transparent optical component in all-optical and electrooptical light switch and light modulator devices.

Abstract: A cold compactible polymeric powder capable of being compressed into a shaped article includes a polybenzimidazole containing powder having an apparent density ranging from about 0.14 to about 0.300 gm/cm.sup.3, a compaction constant ranging from about 0.100 to about 0.500 MPa.sup.-1, and a plasticizer content ranging from about 1 to about 25 weight percent The highly porous polymeric powders are preferably formed by dissolving polymeric resins in a suitable solvent to form a polymeric solution, and atomizing the solution into a droplet atmosphere of a non-solvent.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing 2-(4-amidophenoxy)alkanoic acids and esters and 2-(4-aminophenoxy)alkanoic acids and esters by reacting a hydroxyaromatic ketone derivative with a 2-substituted alkanoic acid or ester under basic conditions and thereafter reacting with a hydroxylamine derivative and conducting a Beckmann Rearrangement with subsequent solvolysis.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing a poled nonlinear optical media is disclosed and claimed. The inventive process includes the steps of heating a film of suitable polymer above its Tg, poling the film in an electric field and heat treating the medium while the field is maintained. Films so produced maintain their nonlinear optical activity over time at a much higher value than films that are not heat treated under the influence of an electric field.

Abstract: This invention provides a superior process for optical information storage by providing a mixture of azaannulene compounds in the recording layer. The recording layer exhibits large positive contrast in the recorded areas upon recording with laser radiation. The positive contrast is surprisingly larger than the positive contrasts exhibited by recording layers made from the individual azaannulenes included in the mixture, and because of this large positive contrast the sensitivity of the medium is high and consequently low laser powers are sufficient to effect the recording.

Abstract: A process for making filled molding powders by preparing a dilute solution of a polymer, making a slurry of a filler in the polymer solution, and then causing the polymer to come out of solution, e.g. by adding a nonsolvent or by solvent evaporation, so that the polymer coats the filler particles.

Abstract: A melt processable wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polymer capable of forming an anisotropic melt phase at a temperature below approximately 400.degree. C. having enhanced adhesion properties containing from approximately 0.05 to approximately 2.0 mole percent of a recurring sulfonated, ionic moiety in the backbone of the polymer. The polymer is useful for the production of laminate structures.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a frequency doubling optical waveguide consisting of a substrate-supported polymeric thin film waveguiding layer, in combination with one or more polymeric cladding layers. The waveguiding layer comprises moieties which exhibit nonlinear optical properties as well as anomalous dispersion of refractive index such that, under wave propagating conditions, the effective dispersion .DELTA.N of the waveguiding layer is zero, and the fundamental and second harmonic waves are phase matched over the length of the waveguide.

Abstract: Fine, porous polybenzimidazole-containing particles prepared by spray-atomizing/quenching a polybenzimidazole-containing polymer solution into porous polybenzimidazole-containing particles, and fluidized bed, oppose jet milling the particles into fine, porous polybenzimidazole-containing particles. The milled particles exhibit a narrow particle size distribution centered at about a 5 .mu.m mean particle size, a surface area of about 35 m.sup.2 /g, and an open porosity of about 1.2 cm.sup.2 /gm which is at pore radius of less than about 100 nm.

Abstract: An optical fiber bundle 10 is disclosed including a plurality of polymer optical fibers 12 disposed within a rigid sleeve 14. The fibers have been drawn to a draw ratio of at least 1:1.5 prior to placing them within the sleeve, whereupon the structure 13 is heated to induce elastic relaxation of the fibers which contract in length and expand in girth. The expansion within the rigid sleeve results in a close-packed geometry.

Abstract: A process for improving the gas separation efficiency of a bundle or module of hollow gas separation fibers by selectively sealing defective fibers without sealing good fibers through which a gas A passes significantly more readily than a gas B. At the beginning of this process the same atmosphere containing A and B is in the interior and at exterior surfaces of said fibers. A curable sealant is applied to a first open end of the fibers, the opposite end of the fibers is blocked, and the partial pressure of A at the exterior fiber surfaces is increased. The resulting pressure build-up inside the non-defective fibers prevents them from being penetrated significantly by the sealant. When the tip of the fibers is cut cleanly away, the good fibers are open but the defective fibers are plugged with sealant.

Abstract: A moldable thermoset composition comprising about 5-60% liquid crystal polymer and about 95-40% of an epoxy-functional rubber by weight, a process for making and a process for using same. The composition is made by melt mixing the LCP and the epoxy-rubber to form a blend. This blend is then cooled and may be molded, extruded, or otherwise formed into a desired shape. The composition is then heat-treated to make it set.

Abstract: Asymmetric hollow fibers having a microporous hollow fiber core comprising a polyolefin, e.g. polypropylene, and an asymmetric coating comprising a fluoropolymer, e.g. SIXEF.TM.-Durene. Optionally, the coating may also comprise glycerine which is applied prior to the fluoropolymer. The fibers are coated by wet-spinning, or alternately by dry jet-wet spinning, through a spinning jet in which a fluoropolymer-containing fluid is applied to the outer surface of the fibers as they pass through the jet. The fibers exit the jet into a water bath. If greater selectivity is needed, the fiber later may be coated with an additional layer of a highly selective material, e.g. polyvinyl alcohol, PVP, and the like.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides poly(maleic anhydride) side chain copolymers which exhibit nonlinear optical susceptibility and which can be formed into crack-free thin film waveguiding media. An invention copolymer is illustrated by the recurring structure: ##STR1## The side chain chromophores can be oriented by an external field to form a noncentrosymmetric thin film which exhibits second order nonlinear optical susceptibility.