Abstract: A printing composition that is adapted for printing on computer printers and the like. The printing composition includes a backing sheet and a printing sheet. The printing sheet includes an electret which is reversibly bound to the backing sheet. In one embodiment of the invention, the printing sheet is coated with an ink absorbing coating. The electret can be constructed from materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene that have been subjected to electrostatic fields.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for printing on polymer film while electrically polarizing the film or, in the case where the film has been polarized prior to printing, maintaining the film's electrostatic charge. The apparatus is incorporated into a printer and includes an ink applicator which applies the ink according to selected designs and colors and a heater for drying the ink. The improvement in the apparatus comprises a charging station which forms an electrostatic charge on the printed polymer film, immediately after the polymer film passes through the ink curing station. The method of printing on polymer film comprises applying a selected pattern of ink to the polymer film, heating the polymer film to a sufficient temperature to dry the ink of said pattern and to render the film electrically polarizable, and generating a net surface charge on the film.

Abstract: A metal ion detection and quantification system in which the displacement of a radioactive isotope from a material that binds both the metal ion of interest and the radioactive isotope. The material in question binds the radioactive isotope with less force than the isotope of interest. The extent of release of the radioactive isotope is used to determine the concentration of the metal ion of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the material used to bind the metal ion and radioactive ion is a protein of the metallothionein class of proteins.