Abstract: A method is disclosed for strengthening a paper or textile article. The method involves (a) applying to the article a solution of an amorphous fluoropolymer in a perfluoroalkane solvent; and (b) drying the article. Also disclosed are strengthened paper and textile articles which include a fibrous paper or textile substrate, and amorphous fluoropolymer interconnecting fibers of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell which has an electrode, a membrane disposed in contact with one side of the electrode and a current bus disposed on the other side of the electrode. A current distributor which is disposed between the electrode and the current bus distributes current to the electrode by electronic conduction. The current distributor is made of a non-porous layer of a conductive polymer composite material. The current distributor thus provides a barrier between the current bus and the reactant and the product of the cell. This is especially important in aggressive environments, such as hydrogen chloride. Thus, the cell of the present invention is particularly useful in converting anhydrous hydrogen halide directly to essentially dry halogen gas, such as anhydrous hydrogen chloride to chlorine gas, or in converting aqueous hydrogen chloride to wet chlorine gas.