Abstract: A sign having a display section and a support member that can be removably secured to the display section. The support may be secured within a pocket or receptacle formed in the display section. The pocket may be created in the display section by portions of adhesive, including hot melt adhesive and pressure sensitive adhesive. The pocket allows a smaller support member than conventional wire frames while holding the display section above the ground at a height similar to conventional frames.

Abstract: An ecological fire retardant blend of thermoplastics is provided. That is, to one or more organic polymers is added one or more preceramic oligomers or preceramic polymers to provide a blend of polymers of reduced flammability which do not significantly increase the levels of smoke, carbon monoxide or other toxics during combustion. In one example a preceramic polymer, eg. a polysilane resin is added to a polyolefin to provide an ecological fire retardant blend per the invention.

Abstract: An ecological fire retardant blend of thermoplastics is provided. That is, to one or more organic polymers is added one or more preceramic oligomers or preceramic polymers to provide a blend of polymers of reduced flammability which do not significantly increase the levels of smoke, carbon monoxide or other toxics during combustion. In one example a preceramic polymer, eg. a polysilane resin is added to a polyolefin to provide an ecological fire retardant blend per the invention.

Abstract: A synthesis process for polysilsesquioxanes which produces a high yield, tractable copolymer of perfectly alternating silsesquioxane and bridging group segments is provided. A difunctional silsesquioxane monomer of the formula Si.sub.8 R.sub.8 O.sub.11 (OA).sub.2 or Si.sub.7 R.sub.7 O.sub.9 (OSiR.sup.4 R.sup.5 R.sup.6) (OA).sub.2 is reacted with a difunctional compound of the formula X-M-X which forms a bridging group for a time sufficient to condense the difunctional silsesquioxane monomers and bridging groups into a linear polymer containing alternating silsesquioxane and bridging group segments. The resulting linear copolymer is essentially free of impurities and has controllable properties through the proper selection of the monomeric starting materials.

Abstract: A process for preparation of reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes and the subsequent synthesis of polysilsesquioxanes which produce high yield, tractable polymers containing silsesquioxane segments is provided. A trifunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane of the formula Si.sub.7 R.sub.7 O.sub.9 (OA).sub.3 is corner capped by reacting it with a compound of the formula M-Z to form a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane which can be reacted in various ways with oligomers, polymers, catalysts, or co-monomers to form polyhedral silsesquioxane polymers containing silsesquioxanes as pendant, block, or end group segments. The resulting polymers are essentially free of impurities and have controllable properties through the proper selection of the synthesis process and starting materials.

Abstract: A synthesis process for polysilsesquioxanes which produces a high yield, tractable copolymer of perfectly alternating silsesquioxane and bridging group segments is provided. A difunctional silsesquioxane monomer of the formula Si.sub.8 R.sub.8 O.sub.11 (OA).sub.2 or Si.sub.7 R.sub.7 O.sub.9 (OSiR.sup.4 R.sup.5 R.sup.6)(OA).sub.2 is reacted with a difunctional compound of the formula X--M--X which forms a bridging group for a time sufficient to condense the difunctional silsesquioxane monomers and bridging groups into a linear polymer containing alternating silsesquioxane and bridging group segments. The resulting linear copolymer is essentially free of impurities and has controllable properties through the proper selection of the monomeric starting materials.