Abstract: The durability and abrasion resistance of nano-structured optical surfaces, particularly those formed of or on polymeric substrate, are enhanced by at least one of adhering to it a fluorinated carbon molecule or other reactive lube composition as a monolayer coating (or a thin and substantially uniform multi-layer coating) and by treatment with a surface-active cross-linking agent.

Abstract: The durability and abrasion resistance of nano-structured optical surfaces, particularly those formed of or on polymeric substrate, are enhanced by at least one of adhering to it a fluorinated carbon molecule or other reactive lube composition as a monolayer coating (or a thin and substantially uniform multi-layer coating) and by treatment with a surface-active cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A method for removing, separating, and concentrating certain selected ions from a source solution that may contain larger concentrations of other ions comprises bringing the source solution in contact with a composition comprising an ion-binding ligand covalently bonded to a membrane having hydrophilic surface properties. The ligand portion of the composition has affinity for and forms a complex with the selected ions, thereby removing them from the source solution. The selected ions are then removed from the composition through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which the selected ions are either soluble or which has greater affinity for the selected ions than does the ligand portion of the composition, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed ions from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in the receiving solution. The concentrated ions thus removed may be further separated and recovered by known methods.

Abstract: A method for removing, separating, and concentrating certain selected ions from a source solution that may contain larger concentrations of other ions comprises bringing the source solution in contact with a composition comprising an ion-binding ligand covalently bonded to a membrane having hydrophilic surface properties. The ligand portion of the composition has affinity for and forms a complex with the selected ions, thereby removing them from the source solution. The selected ions are then removed from the composition through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which the selected ions are either soluble or which has greater affinity for the selected ions than does the ligand portion of the composition, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed ions from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in the receiving solution. The concentrated ions thus removed may be further separated and recovered by known methods.

Abstract: A method for removing, separating, and concentrating certain selected ions from a source solution that may contain larger concentrations of other ions comprises bringing the source solution in contact with a composition comprising an ion-binding ligand covalently bonded to a membrane having hydrophilic surface properties. The ligand portion of the composition has affinity for and forms a complex with the selected ions, thereby removing them from the source solution. The selected ions are then removed from the composition through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which the selected ions are either soluble or which has greater affinity for the selected ions than does the ligand portion of the composition, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed ions from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in the receiving solution. The concentrated ions thus removed may be further separated and recovered by known methods.

Abstract: A method for removing, separating, and concentrating certain selected ions from a source solution that may contain larger concentrations of other ions comprises bringing the source solution in contact with a composition comprising an ion-biding ligand covalently bonded to a membrane having hydrophilic surface properties. The ligand portion of the composition has affinity for and forms a complex with the selected ions, thereby removing them from the source solution. The selected ions are then removed from the composition through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which the selected ions are either soluble or which has greater affinity for the selected ions than does the ligand portion of the composition, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed ions from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in the receiving solution. The concentrated ions thus removed may be further separated and recovered by known methods.

Abstract: A method for removing, separating, and concentrating certain selected ions from a source solution that may contain larger concentrations of other ions comprises bringing the source solution in contact with a composition comprising an ion-binding ligand covalently bonded to a membrane having hydrophilic surface properties. The ligand portion of the composition has affinity for and forms a complex with the selected ions, thereby removing them from the source solution. The selected ions are then removed from the composition through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which the selected ions are either soluble or which has greater affinity for the selected ions than does the ligand portion of the composition, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed ions from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in the receiving solution. The concentrated ions thus removed may be further separated and recovered by known methods.

Abstract: Metal complexes of pyridylbenzimidazoles are described which can be used as ultraviolet absorbers. The pyridylbenzimidazole compounds can be substituted or unsubstituted. The ultraviolet absorbers can be used to protect a carrier or to protect objects being shielded by a carrier.

Abstract: A composite porous membrane is formed from a porous polymeric substrate having its entire surface modified with a cross-linked polymer which results in a hydrophobic and oleophobic surface. The composite membrane retains substantially all of its other original properties. The cross-linked polymer is formed in situ on the polymeric substrate from a reactant system comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least one fluoroalkyl group, a cross-linker, and, if needed, a polymerization initiator, dissolved in a nonpolar and or weakly polar solvent system. The membrane substrate saturated with the reactant system is exposed to a suitable energy source to effect polymerization and cross linking of the monomer.

Abstract: A composite porous membrane is formed from a porous polymeric substrate having its entire surface modified with a cross-linked polymer which results in a hydrophobic and oleophobic surface. The composite membrane retains substantially all of its other original properties. The cross-linked polymer is formed in situ on the polymeric substrate from a reactant system comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least one fluoroalkyl group, a cross-linker, and, if needed, a polymerization initiator, dissolved in a nonpolar and or weakly polar solvent system. The membrane substrate saturated with the reactant system is exposed to a suitable energy source to effect polymerization and cross linking of the monomer.