Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing an electrically conductive composite comprising the weight ratio of carbon to polymer of greater than 0.11. The process comprises the steps of mixing non-predispersed carbon with an emulsion comprising a polymer in a liquid solvent to obtain a dispersion of the carbon within the polymer matrix, wherein the weight ratio of carbon to polymer is greater than 0.11; and removing the liquid solvent from the dispersion. The invention also relates to conductive polymer composites prepared by the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing an electrically conductive composite comprising the weight ratio of carbon to polymer of greater than 0.11. The process comprises the steps of mixing non-predispersed carbon with an emulsion comprising a polymer in a liquid solvent to obtain a dispersion of the carbon within the polymer matrix, wherein the weight ratio of carbon to polymer is greater than 0.11; and removing the liquid solvent from the dispersion. The invention also relates to conductive polymer composites prepared by the process.

Abstract: An improved abrasion-resistant, antistatic, antireflective transparent coating, and a method for making it, are described. The coating includes a hard coat underlayer and an antistatic, antireflective overlayer, wherein the overlayer consists essentially of hydrolyzed silica and silica particles having a size less than 1000 nm and a concentration in the range of 0.00015 to 0.01 mg/cm2. The antistatic, antireflective overlayer is made using a sol-gel method including steps of (1) preparing a sol-gel solution comprising a hydrolyzed organo-metallic compound of silicon and silica particles, (2) modifying the outer surface of the hard coat layer, (3) depositing the sol-gel solution onto the modified outer surface of the hard coat layer, and (4) thermally treating the article in an atmosphere having a controlled humidity, wherein the partial pressure of the water, PH2O, expressed in units of kPa, satisfies the following inequality: PH2O?0.09+0.05T where T is temperature, in degrees C.

Abstract: A method for making &ggr;-alumina includes drying wet alumina gels at temperatures and pressure below those commonly present in preparation of &ggr;-alumina. The method allows for production of &ggr;-alumina with greater ease of production and controllability of physical properties than known methods. Alumina produced using this method has high surface area and porosity and is highly suitable for making &ggr;-alumina powders for use as catalyst supports.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sol-gel process for making high-density monolithic alpha-alumina articles. Cracking problems caused by shrinkage of the gel during the drying and firing stages are minimized by controlling the temperature and humidity during the drying process and by using molds formed of prescribed polymeric materials, preliminarily coated with a silicone release agent. The process of the invention provides porous alpha-alumina articles having a controlled microstructure and a controlled pore size distribution, which are beneficial features when the material is used in practical applications, e.g., as substrates for gas sensors.

Abstract: A marginless electrical component, such as a capacitor, is fabricated by providing a multilayer body of electrodes and dielectric with an insulating layer on alternate electrodes on each terminated surface.