Abstract: A method for characterization of a solid material sample, including the steps of providing a liquid medium for delivering a solid material sample to a porous substrate. Solid sample is separated from the liquid medium by filtering through the porous substrate. Analysis such as x-ray analysis of the solid sample is conducted while the sample resides on the porous substrate.

Abstract: A multiplexed capillary electrophoresis system with cooling sufficient to prevent overheating during chiral separation. The system includes a thermally insulated enclosure enclosing a bundle of capillary tubes, a light source and photodetector. A heat transfer system is provided for cooling closely spaced portions and spread apart portions of the capillary tubes to an extent sufficient to prevent overheating of the tubes and contents thereof due to the heat generated during chiral separation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials using infrared imaging techniques are provided. Typically, each of the individual materials on the array will be screened or interrogated for the same material characteristic. Once screened, the individual materials may be ranked or otherwise compared relative to each other with respect to the material characteristic under investigation. According to one aspect, infrared imaging techniques are used to identify the active sites within an array of compounds by monitoring the temperature change resulting from a reaction. This same technique can also be used to quantify the stability of each new material within an array of compounds. According to another aspect, identification and characterization of condensed phase products is achieved, wherein library elements are activated by a heat source serially, or in parallel.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a test fluid as a fabric care composition or as a component thereof. The method includes providing a test sheet of fabric comprising a plurality of test regions and simultaneously contacting each of the plurality of test regions with a different test fluid. The method further includes screening the plurality of test regions or the contacted test fluids for a fabric property of interest to evaluate the relative efficacy of the different test fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-throughput determination of phase change points of combinatorial libraries of metal alloys uses an infrared camera to monitor temperature-dependent changes in emissivity/reflectivity of the alloys. An infrared focal plane array monitors the emissivity/reflectivity changes over time, and the intensity of each heated member over time is correlated with temperature to detect the phase change points of the members.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as strength, tack or other properties. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a strain) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding properties of the material samples.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for characteristics. Accordingly, a library of materials is provided and an electromagnetic wavefront is directed at each member of the library. The electromagnetic wavefront is monitored for a response after the wavefront encounters the at least for sample materials. Thereafter, the response of the electromagnetic wavefront is correlated to a characteristic of the at least four sample materials.

Abstract: New ligands having a backbone comprised of NCCX can be combined with a metal or metal precursor compound or formed into a metal-ligand complex to catalyze a number of different chemical transformations, including polymerization.

Abstract: A modular materials characterization apparatus includes a sensor array disposed on a substrate, with a standardized array and contact pad format; electronic test and measurement apparatus for sending electrical signals to and receiving electrical signals from the sensor array; an apparatus for making electrical contact to the sensors in the standardized array format; an apparatus for routing signals between one or more selected sensors and the electronic test and measurement apparatus and a computer including a computer readable having a computer program recorded therein for controlling the operator of the apparatus. The sensor array is preferably arranged in a standardized format used in combinatorial chemistry applications for rapid deposition of sample materials on the sensor array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing and screening an array of material samples is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sample block having a plurality of regions for containing the material samples, a polarized light source to illuminate the materials, an analyzer having a polarization direction different than the polarization direction of the polarized light source, and a detector for analyzing changes in the intensity of the light beams. The light source, together with a polarizer, may include a plurality of light beams to simultaneously illuminate the entire array of materials with linearly polarized light so that characterization and screening can be performed in parallel. In addition, the materials in the sample block maybe subjected to different environmental conditions or mechanical stresses, and the detector analyzes the array as a function of the different environmental conditions or mechanical stresses.

Abstract: A foamed polymer system includes a blowing agent performance enhancer to ensure that the foaming rate of the blowing agent is sufficient to achieve the desired foam characteristics and to improve control over the blowing agent performance. The system includes a combination of an azo-type compound with a metallic salt of an organic acid in the manufacture of the foamed polymer.

Abstract: A parallel capillary electrophoresis system for separating and analyzing the components of multiple chemical samples. The system comprises a bundle of capillary tubes arrayed to have at least portions of the tubes extending generally parallel to one another, a light source for emitting light to pass through the capillary tubes, and a photodetector comprising a linear array of photodetector elements for receiving light passing through the capillary tubes. The improvement involves mounting the photodetector for rotation whereby the angular position of the linear array of photodetector elements can be adjusted to an optimal position for analyzing the light passing through the capillary tubes.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property testing of materials libraries using capacitance. The method monitors the responses of a plurality of samples on a substrate to a force induced by a capacitor.

Abstract: A method for screening fabric handle of an array of fabric samples (i.e., a plurality of fabric materials) comprising providing an array of at least two fabric samples, protruding the fabric samples through openings, and monitoring response of said fabric samples to the protrusions.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property testing of materials libraries using a piezoelectric. A plurality of samples on a substrate are monitored for their response to a force applied piezoelectrically.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property and bulge testing of materials libraries. A plurality of samples on a substrate are monitored for their response to a force from a fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a thickness shear mode resonator or a tuning fork resonator, connected to a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit provides a variable frequency input signal to the tuning fork, causing the mechanical resonator to oscillate. To test the properties of a liquid composition, the mechanical resonator is placed inside a sample well containing a small amount of the liquid. The input signal is then sent to the mechanical resonator and swept over a selected frequency range, preferably less than 1 MHz to prevent the liquid being tested from exhibiting gel-like characteristics and causing false readings. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the liquid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as strength, tack or other properties. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a strain) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding properties of the material samples.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.