Abstract: A process for the preparation of phosphorous acid from phosphites contained in industrial wastes, wherein the waste material is dissolved in an aqueous solution of phosphorous acid and reacted with a strong mineral acid that will remove the cation of the phosphite producing phosphorus acid. An alternative method for preparation is the passage of the solution of phosphite in phosphorus acid through a cation ion exchange resin to produce phosphorous acid. A typical industrial waste containing phosphites is the waste that occurs from the process of manufacturing sodium hypophosphite.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of transparent electroconductive coatings on a polymeric substrate comprises:(A) contacting said substrate with a solution of a phenol compound and a chlorinated aliphatic compound,(B) removing the phenol from the surface of the substrate,(C) subjecting the substrate to phosphorus sesquisulfide to deposit phosphorus sesquisulfide in the surface thereof,(D) contacting the phosphorus sesquisulfide treated surface with a solution of a metal salt or complex thereof to form a metal-phosphorus-sulfur coating thereon.

Abstract: Substrates, particularly plastics, are preplated with metals by pretreatment of the substrate with phosphorus sesquisulfide in an organic solvent to deposit phosphorus sesquisulfide at the surface, followed by contacting the treated surface with a metal salt or complex thereof, to form a metal-phosphorus-sulfur compound. The substrate may be treated, either before or after its surface is provided with the metal-phosphorus-sulfur compound, with a water soluble organic compound selected from the group of the so-called water soluble organic etching compounds. Preferably the organic compounds are selected from the group consisting of di and mono ethers of water soluble glycols, di and mono ethers of water soluble di-glycols, water soluble carbonates, and water soluble lactones. Treatments of the surface of the substrate with these organic compounds renders the treated surface resistant to cracking.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electroplating wire cable having a plastic sheath which has been made conductive. The apparatus comprises a T-tube containing one or more anodes having a geometric configuration which creates an electric field substantially symmetric about any point on the axis of the T-tube along which the cable passes during the plating operation. Means are provided for cathode contact, for advancing the cable through the apparatus, and for maintaining a proper level of plating solution.