Abstract: An apparatus for selectively detecting an anion in a medium and/or selectively measuring the concentration of an anion in a medium. The apparatus comprises at least one sensor and a conductive polymer film and is configured such that dielectric and/or electric property changes of the conductive polymer film can be detected by the sensor when the conductive polymer film is in hydraulic contact with the medium or after it has been in hydraulic contact with the medium. Methods of selectively detecting an anion in a medium and/or selectively determining a concentration of an anion in a medium are also provided.

Abstract: A multifunction lamp unit for a vehicle includes a housing, at least one light pipe together with at least one light source disposed at least partially within the housing, and a clear lens substantially enclosing the housing, the at least one light pipe and the at least one light source, the lens having an inner surface, an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface and at least one of a continuous transparent and translucent coating on the outer surface.

Abstract: A multifunction lamp unit for a vehicle includes a housing, at least one light pipe together with at least one light source disposed at least partially within the housing, and a clear lens substantially enclosing the housing, the at least one light pipe and the at least one light source, the lens having an inner surface, an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface and at least one of a continuous transparent and translucent coating on the outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively detecting an anion in a medium and/or selectively measuring the concentration of an anion in a medium. The apparatus comprises at least one sensor and a conductive polymer film and is configured such that dielectric and/or electric property changes of the conductive polymer film can be detected by the sensor when the conductive polymer film is in hydraulic contact with the medium or after it has been in hydraulic contact with the medium. Methods of selectively detecting an anion in a medium and/or selectively determining a concentration of an anion in a medium are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decorative coatings for plastic substrates, the decorative coatings ideally being stable and durable coatings that are spectrally tunable to permit the selection of a variety of appearances, and ideally providing a decorative metal finish. More particularly the present invention provides for a plastic substrate having a decorative coating including a spectrally controlling system and a stress controlling system. The spectrally controlling system includes alternating absorbing layers and transparent layers, and the stress controlling system controls the overall residual stress of the decorative coating to within a desired range. Further provided are methods for applying to a plastic substrate a decorative coating having a spectrally controlling system and a stress controlling system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric substrate being coated with a reflective coating, particularly a chromium-based reflective coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decorative coatings for plastic substrates, the decorative coatings ideally being stable and durable coatings that are spectrally tuneable to permit the selection of a variety of appearances, and ideally providing a decorative metal finish. More particularly the present invention provides for a plastic substrate having a decorative coating including a spectrally controlling system and a stress controlling system. The spectrally controlling system includes alternating absorbing layers and transparent layers, and the stress controlling system controls the overall residual stress of the decorative coating to within a desired range. Further provided are methods for applying to a plastic substrate a decorative coating having a spectrally controlling system and a stress controlling system.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a conductive polymer, the process comprising: providing a substrate having an oxidant layer on a surface thereof, the oxidant layer containing an oxidant, a solvent or blend of solvents, and a relatively high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant; exposing the surface containing the oxidant layer to a vapor containing an aryl or heteroaryl monomer that is polymerizable to form a conductive polymer without exposing the oxidant layer to an external source of water vapor; and polymerizing the aryl or heteroaryl monomer to form a polyaryl or polyheteroaryl conductive polymer on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric substrate being coated with a reflective coating, particularly a chromium-based reflective coating.

Abstract: A chromium-based reflective coating for a polymeric substrate, wherein the coating has a thickness of 200 nm or less and is an alloy of chromium and a dopant material, the dopant material being selected from the hexagonally close-packed transition metals, the alloy having a crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase in coexistence with a secondary omega hexagonally close-packed phase.

Abstract: A chromium-based reflective coating for a polymeric substrate, wherein the coating has a thickness of 200 nm or less and is an alloy of chromium and a dopant material, the dopant material being selected from the hexagonally close-packed transition metals, the alloy having a crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase in coexistence with a secondary omega hexagonally close-packed phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a conductive polymer, the process comprising: providing a substrate having an oxidant layer on a surface thereof, the oxidant layer containing an oxidant, a solvent or blend of solvents, and a relatively high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant; exposing the surface containing the oxidant layer to a vapour containing an aryl or heteroaryl monomer that is polymerisable to form a conductive polymer without exposing the oxidant layer to an external source of water vapour; and polymerising the aryl or heteroaryl monomer to form a polyaryl or polyheteroaryl conductive polymer on the surface of the substrate.