Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate and depositing components of a test contaminant library onto regions of the substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. In another method, a chemical cleaning solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening. In the method, components of a test contaminant library are deposited onto regions of a substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. The substrate is cleaned with a cleaning solution and cleanliness of the substrate evaluated to select a cleaning solution for at least one of the contaminant members. In a final embodiment, the invention is a combinatorial high throughput screening array plate, comprising (A) a substrate and (B) a test contaminant library deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid chemical stripping or cleaning solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening. A high throughput screening well array assembly includes (A) a metal substrate and (B) a mask that defines an array of wells on the substrate. A combinatorial high throughput screening system includes (A) a metal substrate and (B) a mask that defines an array of wells on the substrate and a reaction vessel to receive the well array assembly.

Abstract: A liquid chemical stripping or cleaning solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening. A high throughput screening well array assembly includes (A) a metal substrate and (B) a mask that defines an array of wells on the substrate. A combinatorial high throughput screening system includes (A) a metal substrate and (B) a mask that defines an array of wells on the substrate and a reaction vessel to receive the well array assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for normalizing the gas flow through multiple reaction vessels used for conducting and analyzing simultaneous reactions. The device includes a plurality of reaction vessels having different first gas flow rates and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the gas flow through each of the reaction vessels to produce a second gas flow rate that is substantially the same for each of the reaction vessels. The method includes connecting the reaction vessels to a controlled vacuum source, one at a time, and adding an amount of various condensed phased materials to the reaction vessels to produce a predetermined second pressure drop reading corresponding to a second gas flow rate that is substantially the same for each of the reaction vessels.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a dihydric phenol in the presence of a monohydric phenol uses spectroscopic detection at at least two wavelengths. Because the method does not require a chemical separation of the dihydric phenol and monohydric phenol, it is very rapid and particularly suitable for the analysis of large numbers of samples, such as those derived from combinatorial libraries.

Abstract: An embodiment of the apparatus comprises a hollow tubular body (a) of a cross-section size larger than the diameter of any single particle but smaller than twice the diameter to accommodate passage of a single particle at a time through the hollow tubular body and (b) of a length to accommodate a predetermined number of particles. The apparatus includes an obstruction within the body that permits passage of fluid but prevents passage of a particle. The apparatus also includes a force applicator at one end of the tubular body to apply a force to draw a flow of fluid and particles into an end of the element to fill the hollow tubular body with particles along a length of the body up to the obstruction and to maintain the force so as to retain the particles within the body while transporting the retained particles to a location.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing polycarbonates, which utilizes polycondensation catalysts which are compounds or complexes of Ruthenium (II) and (III). Preferred catalysts are compounds of the formula [Ru(aryl)3]2+2X−, where X is a counterion. We have found that this new class of catalysts provides excellent polymerization rates for the preparation of Bisphenol A polycarbonate from the melt polymerization of diphenyl carbonate and Bisphenol A.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing an array of reaction vessels and providing a plurality of homogenous reaction mixtures within the reaction vessels. Each mixture comprises monomers at least partially embodied in a liquid and is provided in an amount sufficient to form a film having a thickness sufficient to allow the reaction rate of the polymerization reaction to be essentially independent of mass transport. Polymerization then takes place in the presence of a catalyst at reaction conditions effective in substantially maintaining the homogeneity of the reaction mixture. In this manner, polymerization can take place quickly and efficiently without stirring the reactants. The method is highly useful for testing reactants, catalysts, and associated reaction parameters.