Abstract: A method for removing metal surface contaminants from silicon metalloid. The method comprises sequentially contacting the silicon with gaseous hydrogen fluoride and then with an aqueous solution comprising at least one-half weight percent hydrogen peroxide. The method is especially useful as a means for recovering metal surface contaminants on semiconductor grade silicon for analysis of surface contamination of the silicon by such metals. The method is useful for recovering copper from the surface of semiconductor grade silicon in an aqueous solution which can be analyzed directly to determine the amount of copper contamination of the surface of the silicon.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving the characteristics of foundry cores which includes adding to the foundry aggregate mixture one or more biphenyl compounds.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a self-aligned type out-rigger phase shift mask includes the steps of forming light-shielding patterns spaced apart by a predetermined distance from each other on a transparent substrate. A photosensitive organic layer is formed on the light-shielding patterns and the substrate. The photosensitive organic layer is surface-treated with an organic material to form a hard-soluble layer on a surface of the photosensitive organic layer into which the organic material soaks. Back side exposure and development is performed to form a hard-soluble layer/photosensitive organic material stacked pattern having over-hanging parts on upper side edges of the stacked pattern. The substrate is selectively etched by using the hard-soluble layer/photosensitive organic material stacked pattern as a mask to define a first pattern and a second pattern on a surface of the substrate between the light-shielding patterns. Then, the hard-soluble layer/photosensitive organic material stacked pattern is removed.

Abstract: A hinge for use in inorganically filled composite materials is provided. The hinge has an inorganically filled structural matrix comprising a water-dispersable organic polymer binder, an aggregate material, and a fibrous material. The hinge allows inorganically filled materials to be bent along a line without breakage of the material. The hinge is preferably formed by scoring a formed sheet of inorganically filled material. The hinge is particularly useful in containers that require bending of various container parts, such as in food containers and boxes made from inorganically filled materials.

Abstract: A method for the plasma etching of a ferrodielectric perovskite oxide thin film such as PZT which comprises providing a resist pattern from on a perovskite oxide thin film as an etching mask, and subjecting the thin film to plasma etching using an etching gas which includes a compound having at least carboxyl group in the molecule, so that the carbonyl group formed by dissociation of the compound having at least carboxyl group in the molecule reacts with constituent metals of the perovskite oxide to efficiently form a reaction product in the form of a metal complex, enabling one to effect plasma etching at a practical etching rate while ensuring good anisotropic processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combined insulation layers (ISS), preferably for use in shipbuilding, encompassing (i) an outer layer (AS) consisting of sheet metal, combined with (ii) a melamine layer (MSS), (iii) a sheet aluminum layer, (iv) a core layer of a hard foam material (HSS), coated on both sides with a phenolic resin prepreg (PNP).

Abstract: A recording ink which includes at least water, a pigment as a colorant, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a water-soluble polymer, and a compound having a polyoxyethylene chain. The compound having a polyoxyethylene chain may be replaced by a compound having a fluorinated hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: A highly adsorbent, temperature-resistant monolithic activated carbon article is obtained by forming an aqueous emulsion of a polymeric binder, combining the resulting aqueous emulsion with wet, relatively high surface area (>2000 m.sup.2 /g) carbon particles to produce a slip mixture, forming the obtained slip mixture into a shaped structure, and thereafter curing the shaped structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming hinged starch-bound matrices. Starch-based compositions are molded between heated molds in order to form a cellular matrix and also to remove the water from the starch-based compositions in order to form a binding matrix of solidified starch. The molding apparatus is configured to form one or more creases within the hinge area in order to define one or more lines upon which the hinge will bend. The molding apparatus is also configured such that the region of the mold corresponding to the inner surface of the hinge area will transfer heat more slowly to the inner hinge surface, resulting in reduced thickness of the skin of the inner hinge. This increases the collapsibility, or ability of the inner surface of the hinge to fold or buckle, during the bending action. This in turn reduces the bending radius of hinge such that the hinging action exerts less strain on the outer surface of the hinge.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: A decorative applique for removably adhering to the interior surface of a sheer garment to create a silhouette on the exterior surface of the sheer garment. The decorative applique includes an applique structure having an adhering surface; and glue on the adhering surface for removably adhering the decorative applique to the interior surface of the sheer garment by pressing the adhering surface against the interior surface of the sheer garment to create a silhouette on the exterior surface of the sheer garment.

Abstract: A toner for developing electrostatic images, includes toner particles and 10-500 isolated low-molecular weight wax particles per 10,000 toner particles. The toner has a melt index as measured at 125.degree. C. under a load of 98 N of at least 10. The toner particles comprise at least a binder resin, a colorant and the low-molecular weight wax. The low-molecular weight wax comprises a compound represented by the formula of: R--Y, wherein R denotes a hydrocarbon group, and Y denotes a hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, alkyl ether group or alkyl ester group. The low-molecular weight wax has a thermal property providing a DSC curve as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter exhibiting: (i) a maximum heat-absorption peak having a peak temperature in a temperature range of 70.degree.-130.degree. C.; (ii) a heat-absorption peak including the maximum heat-absorption peak showing an onset temperature of at least 50.degree. C., and (iii) a maximum heat-evolution peak in a range of .+-.15.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of producing low-viscosity water-based water-soluble polymer dispersions having a high concentration of the principal substance is achieved by polymerizing the following monomer components,(a1) 50-99.999 wt. % of at least one water-soluble monomer;(a2) 0.001-1 wt. % of at least one crosslinking monomer with at least two ethylenically unsaturated radically polymerizable groups;(a3) 0-30 wt. %, particularly 1-25 wt. %, of at least one hydrophobic monomer; and(a4) 0-25 wt. %, particularly 0.1-15 wt. %, of at least one amphiphilic monomer,in aqueous solution, in the presence of at least one polymer dispersant, to form a polymer (A), where the sum of the amounts of the components represented by the monomers (a1), (a2), (a3), and (a4) is 100 wt. % of the monomers, the weight average molecular weight of the resulting polymer (A) is at least 500,000 Dalton, and polymer (A) is incompatible with the dispersant.

Abstract: Multilayer thermoplastic stretch wrap film having substantial one-sided cling properties is made without the use of polymers with high levels of n-hexane extractables, dissimilar polymer chemistries, or low molecular weight tackifiers. The reverse or cling layer comprises at least one homogeneously branched ethylene polymer composition having a density of about 0.90 g/cc or less and the obverse or non-cling layer comprises an propylene or ethylene polymer composition having a density greater than 0.90 g/cc. The multilayer film is particularly useful for load palletization end-use applications.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable composition is disclosed, comprising the following components (i), (ii) and (iii):(i) a compound having at least one addition-polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated bond;(ii) a compound represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A=represents a substituted or unsubstituted 2(3H)-thiazolylidene or 2-thiazolidinylidene group; --X-- represents --O--, --S--, --NR.sup.2 -- or --CONR.sup.3 --, in which R.sub.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a substituted alkyl group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, an alkenyl group, a substituted alkenyl group, an alkynyl group or a substituted alkynyl group; and=E represents a substituted or unsubstituted 1,3-dihydro-1-oxo-2H-inden-2-ylidene group; and(iii) a compound which generates an active radical upon light irradiation in the co-presence of component (ii).

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) membranes having a hydrophilic surface have been prepared by extracting a fugitive hydrophilic pore-forming agent from a gelled film prepared by evaporating the solvent from a homogeneous solution of isotactic polypropylene, functionalized polypropylene an the fugitive agent in a solvent, such as xylene. Most of the functional groups, such as --OH, --NH.sub.2 and --COOH, in the functionalized polypropylene are located on the surfaces of the membrane, including pore surfaces. The resulting membranes, especially membranes having an asymmetric structure, are useful for ultrafiltration, dialysis and/or microfiltration.

Abstract: Ink for an ink-jet printer of the present invention includes polyester particles colored with a colorant which are dispersed in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing composite laminate structures incorporating sheets having a moldable matrix are disclosed. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a water dispersable organic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates and fibers) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. The compositions are formed into sheets by first extruding them into a sheet and then calendaring the sheet using a set of rollers. The calendered sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet. The drying process is performed by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets so formed may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued before or after being incorporated into composite laminate structures.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition contains a denture adhesive and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which the denture adhesive is a salt of a copolymer of maleic acid or anhydride and a 1 to 5 carbon atom alkyl vinyl ether having a specific viscosity of at least 4.0. The denture adhesive composition is used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa.

Abstract: Producer-colored nylon fibers which are stain-resistant to acid dyes are made by adding pigment to nylon copolymers containing 0.25-4.0 percent by weight of an aromatic sulfonate or an alkali metal salt thereof. In addition process advantages relating to the use of the same copolymers in making pigmented nylon fibers are also disclosed.