Abstract: An ionized gas plasma is established in an electrical field in contact with a non-vapor volume of monomer (liquid and/or solid). The plasma creates active polymerization sites in the monomer volume to initiate propagation of polymerization therein. After initiation, the partially-polymerized monomer volume is postpolymerized in the absence of the ionized gas plasma to yield a very high molecular weight polymer which may be essentially free of cross-linking in desirable forms including commercial quantities of bulk self-supporting polymer or a coating. Suitable monomers include liquid vinyl monomers (e.g., methyl, methacrylate) and solid crystalline monomers (e.g., 1,3,5-trioxane).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing high purity inorganic higher oxides of the alkali and alkaline earth metals by subjecting the hydroxide of the alkali or alkaline earth metal to a radio frequency discharge sustained in oxygen. The invention is particularly adaptable to the production of high purity potassium superoxide (KO.sub.2) by subjecting potassium hydroxide to glow discharge sustained in oxygen under the pressure of about 0.75 to 1.00 torr.