Abstract: A multilayer barrier structure includes a plurality of relatively thin nanocomposite layers separated by one or more relatively thick intermediate layers selected from synthetic elastomers or non-elastomeric polymers. The composites exhibit remarkably long breakthrough and lag-times and are useful for packaging or protective apparel.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures contain in a carrier liquid, (a) a non-elastomeric substantially polymerized acrylic polymer; (b) an exfoliated layered platelet-like silicate filler which has been acid treated and having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one additive, wherein the total solids content is less than 30% and the amount of filler is between 5% to about 60% of the total solids content. Coated articles and containers, freestanding films and packaging films are produced using the barrier coating mixtures. Methods of manufacturing such coated products and coating mixtures are also encompassed.

Abstract: Applications of barrier coating mixtures containing in a carrier liquid, (a) an elastomeric (preferably butyl-containing) polymer; (b) a dispersed exfoliated layered filler having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one surfactant, wherein the solids content of the mixture is less than 30% and the ratio of polymer (a) to filler (b) is between 20:1 and 1:1 include coated articles, which are elastomeric, e.g., sports balls and inflatable articles. Methods of manufacturing such coated products are also encompassed.

Abstract: Barrier coating mixtures contain in a carrier liquid, (a) an elastomeric (preferably butyl-containing) polymer; (b) a dispersed exfoliated layered filler having an aspect ratio greater than 25; and (c) at least one surfactant, wherein the solids content of the mixture is less than 30% and the ratio of polymer (a) to filler (b) is between 20:1 and 1:1. Coated articles, which are rigid or flexible and elastomeric, and free-standing films and membranes, which are flexible and elastomeric, are produced using the barrier coating mixtures.

Abstract: A polymeric composition having a high dielectric constant which varies little with temperature is made from a thermoplastic polymer, a high dielectric ceramic having a dielectric constant of at least about 50 at 1.0 Ghz and 20.degree. C., and a second ceramic material having a dielectric constant of at least about 5.0 at 1.0 GHz and 20.degree. C., where the high dielectric ceramic and the second ceramic material have temperature coefficients that are opposite in sign from one another.

Abstract: Vibration damping composites suitable for use in construction panels or constrained-layer elements are described. The composites include a viscoelastic gel prepared from 99.5-92.5 wt. % water and 0.5-7.5 wt. % of a superabsorbent polymer. Preferably, the polymer is of the carboxylic acid type and optionally includes starch or cellulose.

Abstract: This invention provides novel polymers which contain discrete photoconductive and electrooptic moieties. The moieties may exist as part of the main chain of the polymer or as pendant side chains. The polymers have utility as transparent photorefractive media in photorefractive devices.

Abstract: Ceramic fibers formed by the pyrolysis of organosilicon preceramic polymers are provided with increased resistivity by treating the fibers in air at temperatures of less than 1,000.degree. C. to oxidize the free carbon content of the fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides a superior process for optical information storage by providing a mixture of azaannulene compounds in the recording layer. The recording layer exhibits large positive contrast in the recorded areas upon recording with laser radiation. The positive contrast is surprisingly larger than the positive contrasts exhibited by recording layers made from the individual azaannulenes included in the mixture, and because of this large positive contrast the sensitivity of the medium is high and consequently low laser powers are sufficient to effect the recording.

Abstract: Provided is a method for recording information utilizing a scanning tunneling microscope in conjunction with a modulated light source. The method comprises providing an information medium having an information layer as its topmost layer, and passing the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope over the surface of the information medium in conjunction with the tip of the scanning tunneling microscope and/or the surface of the information medium being irradiated with light from a focused light source. The irradiation is modulated in accordance with the information to be recorded such that a detectable change, e.g., a chemical or physical change is induced in the information layer of the medium to create a track of recorded bits of information. The method provides one with the ability to record information with the spatial resolution permitted by a scanning tunneling microscope and with the speed of an optical recording system.

Abstract: Provided is an optical information medium comprised of an organic information layer and a resinous continuous film overcoat layer which is coated over said organic information layer. The resinous overcoat layer is no thicker than, and most preferably thinner than said information layer, and is of a thickness of about 100 angstroms or less. It is most preferred that the overcoat layer is comprised of a water soluble polymer. The resulting optical information medium advantageously exhibits an extremely sharp threshold for marking, as well as improved carrier to noise ratio.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reading information recorded in an information layer comprised of a fluorescent dye. In order to read the recorded information, the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is passed over the information layer, said scanning tunneling microscope being of sufficient voltage to excite the fluorescent dye material to an excited state. Upon return of the dye material to ground state, fluorescence results. By measuring the fluorescence, or absence thereof, the recorded information can be deciphered.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for storing and retrieving information comprising an optical disk having a substrate and a recording layer of a predetermined optical thickness disposed on the substrate. The indices of refraction of the substrate and recording layer are unequal, causing Fresnel reflections from the surface of the layer and the boundary between the substrate and the layer. The optical thickness of the layer is selectively changeable to a plurality of distinct values different from the predetermined value, thereby changing the intensity reflectance of the optical disk to one of a plurality of values. Differences in the intensity of light reflected or transmitted by the disk are detected and serve to represent information according to a multi-level rather than binary digital system.

Abstract: Provided is a method of reading information contained in an information medium by utilizing a scanning, tunneling microscope in conjunction with a substrate layer which fluoresces when high energy electrons pass into contact therewith. The method comprises providing an information medium comprised of an information layer which contains a track of information bits and the fluorescing substrate layer. A tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is then passed over the information layer, with the resulting fluorescence being measured. By utilizing the unique resolution available from the scanning tunneling microscope and the fluorescence of the substrate layer in order to read the information recorded, a surprisingly accurate and efficient method is achieved for reading highly densified information.

Abstract: Provided is a method for stabilizing an optical information medium by incorporating an effective amount of a specific nitrogen containing compound into the medium. The specific nitrogen containing compounds are poly(2-vinyl pyridine), poly(4-vinyl pyridine), pentaethylene hexamine and acridine orange base. Incorporation of one of the nitrogen compounds into the optical information medium prolongs the useful life of the medium.

Abstract: Provided is an optical data storage medium suitable for use with optical recording and playback apparatus and a method of producing the same. The optical data storage medium according to the present invention comprises a textured surfaced information layer comprised of at least one encapsulated dye. The texturing is accomplished without additional treatment steps in the formation of the surface irregularities. Not only does the optical data storage medium of the present invention provide for a high degree of contrast between the medium and recorded information but also allows for the recording of a higher density of information.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a tunable laser device which is characterized by a dye laser medium which consists of a porous glass matrix containing an incorporated solution of a lasing dye, and which is adapted to operate continuously in combination with an optical pumping means.

Abstract: A shunt device and a method are described for protecting electrical equipment when a fuse blows. The shunt device establishes a by-pass across the fuse for permitting a limited amount of current to begin to flow at a lower voltage than the fuse blowing voltage and before the fuse blows, thereby serving as a transitory relief valve for a portion of the current while minimizing or even substantially eliminating the inductive spike when the fuse blows. The shunt device is made of at least one pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (PPP) fiber having a selected switching voltage so that the PPP fiber switches to a low resistance state while the fuse is blowing. When the fuse and PPP characteristics are properly matched, the rate of change of the current with time is lowered, thus selectively decreasing the size of the voltage transients which occur after the fuse blows.

Abstract: An electrical device is made by partially pyrolyzing polymer material by heating the material to between 500.degree. C. and 800.degree. C. Electrodes are applied to the material at two different locations to define an electrically active element therebetween. The device exhibits negative resistance in a portion of its voltage current domain and function as bi-directional electrical switches.This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 859,709, filed May 5, 1986, now abandoned, which is a divisional application of application ser. No. 487,401, filed Apr. 21, 1983, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,644.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber structures and methods for obtaining tuned response to high frequency electromagnetic radiation, particularly at microwave frequencies. In one embodiment, a woven fabric is prepared with ferrite filled fibers oriented perpendicular to dielectric filled fibers. The fill of the fibers is selected to reflect radiation having a known frequency and polarization. In other embodiments, tuned structures are provided by disposing sheets containing oriented ferrite and dielectric fibers parallel to one another and moving the layers relative to one another to achieve the desired impedance for incident radiation.