Abstract: Multilayer laminates including films, sheets, preforms, containers and other articles having at least one wholly aromatic, amorphous, stretchable liquid crystalline polymer layer with at least one non-polyester thermoplastic polymer layer are provided as well as methods for producing and stretching the multilayer articles. The laminates are suitable for thermoforming and stretch blow molding applications and may be stretched at temperatures lower than the molten state of the liquid crystal polymer and at high total draw ratios without fractures or tears. Containers suitable for food or beverage products may be produced from the laminates.

Abstract: A stretchable liquid crystal polymer having recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, at least one aromatic diacid and at least one aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4′-biphenol, and one or more aromatic monomers that provide the polymers with selected 1,3-(meta-) linkages. Stretchable polymers are especially suitable for multilayer laminates and bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Process for producing highly stretchable, amorphous anisotropic melt-forming polymers having recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, at least one aromatic diacid and at least one aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4′-biphenol, which process comprises incorporating into such polymers recurring units derived from one or more aromatic monomers that provide the polymers with selected meta-linkages wherein each of said recurring units is present in the polymer in specific amounts.

Abstract: Process for producing highly stretchable, amorphous anisotropic melt-forming polymers having recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, at least one aromatic diacid and an aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4'-biphenol, which comprises incorporating into such polymers recurring units derived from resorcinol and at least one additional monomer that provides the resulting polymer with selected meta linkages, wherein each of said recurring units is present in the polymer in specified amounts.

Abstract: Multilayer films that include a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film layer and a poly(ethylene terephthalate) or polycarbonate film layer are bound together using a hot melt adhesive, which may be either (1) a blend of poly(.alpha.-olefins) that includes isotactic polypropylene, a polymer of a second lower poly(.alpha.-olefin), and a small amount of a higher poly(.alpha.-olefin); or (2) a polyamide-based hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: Multilayer films that include a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film layer and a polyethylene film layer are bound together using one of the following hot melt adhesives: ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyolefin blend, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Multilayer films that include a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film layer and a polypropyene film layer are bound together using hot melt adhesives which may be either (1) a blend of poly(.alpha.-olefins), comprised of isotactic polypropylene, a polymer of a second lower poly(.alpha.-olefin), and a small amount of a higher poly(.alpha.-olefin), or (2) a blend of poly(propylene-graft-maleic anhydride) and a dimer acid based polyamide. These hot melt adhesives also act as compatiblizers for blends of polypropylene and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers.

Abstract: A thermally expandable wax composition and its use in polymer-based actuators is disclosed and claimed. The compositions are wax-based and include conductive filler as well as a viscosity modifier to stabilize the composition against segregation. Optionally included are thermoxidative stabilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiple fiber connectors for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers. The multiple-fiber connectors facilitate the connection of optical fibers to a star coupler and provide low levels of light loss between input/output ports of a coupler. The invention further relates to a terminator hot plate apparatus for the semiautomatic termination of optical fiber ends, and a new cladding material for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers.

Abstract: A thermally expandable wax composition and its use in polymer-based actuators is disclosed and claimed. The compositions are wax-based and include conductive filler as well as a viscosity modifier to stabilize the composition against segregation. Optionally included are thermoxidative stabilizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiple fiber connectors for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers. The multiple-fiber connectors facilitate the connection of optical fibers to a star coupler and provide low levels of light loss between input/output ports of a coupler. The invention further relates to a terminator hot plate apparatus for the semiautomatic termination of optical fiber ends, and a new cladding material for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers.

Abstract: A paint remover composition consisting essentially of a single phase mixture of water, trioxane and an organic co-solvent having a flash paint above about 80.degree. C. is disclosed and claimed. Particularly preferred co-solvents are gamma-butyrolactone and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

Abstract: A unitary injection molded waveguiding optical element is disclosed and claimed. In a preferred embodiment, there is shown an NXN star coupler 310 with a plurality of fibers 314, 316 integrally formed with the mixing body. Preferably, the fibers are continuously transitioned to the signal mixing body such that the optical path is substantially constant and the surfaces are free from lateral discontinuities.

Abstract: An optical fiber bundle 10 is disclosed including a plurality of polymer optical fibers 12 disposed within a rigid sleeve 14. The fibers have been drawn to a draw ratio of at least 1:1.5 prior to placing them within the sleeve, whereupon the structure 13 is heated to induce elastic relaxation of the fibers which contract in length and expand in girth. The expansion within the rigid sleeve results in a close-packed geometry.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a process for preparing a holographic composition which is a thin film of polyphenyl acylate polymer which has a photo-Fries molecular rearrangement corresponding to a recorded refractive index pattern induced by exposure to a coherent light interference pattern.

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: A method is provided for producing a corrosion resistant metallic article. The article to be protected is coated with a solution containing a polymeric composition drawn from the class of polymers commonly known as polybenzimidazoles, followed by drying or curing of the coated article. The coated metallic article resists corrosion under severe conditions. The coating adheres well, being non-peeling and resistant to organic solvents and heat.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the erasure of information recorded in an optical information medium. The erasure is effected by irradiating the medium with a laser beam, with the duty cycle, laser power and focus offset having been adjusted from that used during writing such that upon the irradiation complete and clean erasure of the information is effected. It is preferred that the focus offset and laser power are adjusted the minimal amount possible and that the duty cycle is the parameter of the three for which the greatest adjustment is made. Control and adjustment of the three parameters in accordance with the present invention permits one to realize more accurate, efficient and clean erasure, even bit-by-bit erasure if desired, than has heretofore been possible.

Abstract: A process for preparing poly{[benzo (1,2-d:5,4-d')bisthiazole-2,6-diyl]-1,4-phenylene} or one of the reactants used in the preparation of such polymer by the use of an electrolytic cell. In the process, thiocyanate ions are oxidized to thiocyanogen in the anode chamber of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the cathode chamber of the same electrolytic cell is used to reduce 4,6-dithiocyanobenzene-1,3-diamine to form the dithio radical of 4,6-diaminobenzene-1,3-dithiol. Upon hydrogenation, the dithiol or its acid salt may be used to react with terephthalic acid to form the polymer.

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.