Abstract: The invention features a conductive polymer comprising a polymer and zinc oxide particles having a substantially rod shape.

Abstract: A process for making metal oxide hydrophobic by coating the metal oxide with a silicone polymer is disclosed. The hydrophobic metal oxide is prepared by contacting the metal oxide with a reactive silicone compound and then in a subsequent step the coated metal oxide is heated to 40.degree. to 100.degree. C. for between 1 and 10 hours. The resulting metal oxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, not affected by water and can be applied to the skin for protection from ultraviolet light of the sun.

Abstract: The invention encompasses topical sunblock formulae for shielding skin from ultraviolet radiation, and a composite sunblocking component thereof. The sunblocking component of the formula includes an effective amount of a plurality of particles having diameters in the range of about 0.01-100 microns, each particle including a matrix and a UV-attenuating compound incorporated into the matrix. The composite sunblocking component may include a particle that is colored or transparent, depending upon the matrix, UV-attenuating compound and the particle size. The sunblocking component is dispersible in water and thus in water-based dermatological carriers. The formula includes these particles dispersed within a dermatologically acceptable liquid carrier in at least an amount sufficient to shield substantially all of the skin over which the formula is applied from hazardous effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Cosmetically acceptable physical sunscreens which remain visibly transparent upon the skin while remaining capable of absorbing substantial UV radiation. A first embodiment is directed to the use of a dispersion of micronized particles of zinc oxide having a diameter of less than about 0.2 .mu. and a very low trace metal content. A second embodiment utilizes substantially larger crystals of substantially pure zinc oxide, measuring between about 1-100 microns in diameter, formed by a process, such as chemical vapor deposition, which produces symmetrical, substantially optically perfect crystals with a relatively smooth outer surface and which are substantially free of internal fractures and imperfections. Visibly transparent glass particles having a diameter of between about 0.01-100 .mu. may also be utilized as the UV absorbing agent. A further embodiment utilizes visibly transparent plastic spheres measuring between about 0.

Abstract: A silicone composition and process for hydrophobizing titanium dioxide, and the resultant hydrophobic titanium dioxide are disclosed. The silicone composition is a reactive alkoxy silicone which is applied to the titanium dioxide then in a subsequent step the coated titanium dioxide is heated to 40 to 100 C. for between 1 and 10 hours for the reaction to occur. The resulting titanium dioxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water.

Abstract: A process for protecting skin with a hydrophobized titanium dioxide is disclosed. The silicone composition is prepared by the reaction of a reactive alkoxy silicone which is applied to the titanium dioxide then in a subsequent step the coated titanium dioxide is heated to 40 to 100 C. for between 1 and 10 hours for the reaction to occur. The resulting titanium dioxide which is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water, is applied to the skin for protection from Ultra violet light of the sun.

Abstract: A process for protecting the skin from ultra violet rays of the sun which comprises contacting the skin with an effective protecting concentration of a hydrophobized zinc oxide, is disclosed. The zinc oxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water.

Abstract: Cosmetically acceptable physical sunscreens which remain visibly transparent upon the skin while remaining capable of absorbing substantial UV radiation. A first embodiment is directed to the use of a dispersion of micronized particles of zinc oxide having a very low trace metal content. A second embodiment utilizes substantially larger crystals of substantially pure zinc oxide, measuring between about 1-100 microns in diameter, formed by a process, such as chemical vapor deposition, which produces symmetrical, substantially optically perfect crystals with a relatively smooth outer surface and which are substantially free of internal fractures and imperfections. Visibly transparent glass particles having a diameter of between about 0.01-100 .mu. may also be-utilized as the UV absorbing agent. A further embodiment utilizes visibly transparent plastic spheres measuring between about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrically conductive fibers which include zinc oxide particles having a substantially rod shape.

Abstract: A silicone composition and process for hydrophobizing zinc oxide, and the resultant hydrophobic zinc oxide are disclosed. The silicone composition is a reactive alkoxy silicone which is applied to the zinc oxide then in a subsequent step the coated zinc oxide is heated to 40.degree. to 100.degree. C for between 1 and 10 hours for the reaction to occur. The resulting zinc oxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, and not affected by water.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for application to a surface to protect the surface from ultra-violet radiation, which include zinc oxide particles having a substantially rod shape.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrically conductive fibers which include zinc oxide particles having a substantially rod shape.

Abstract: Cosmetically acceptable physical sunscreens which remain visibly transparent upon the skin while remaining capable of absorbing substantial UV radiation. A first embodiment is directed to the use of a dispersion of micronized particles of zinc oxide having a very low trace metal content. A second embodiment utilizes substantially larger crystals of substantially pure zinc oxide, measuring between about 1-100 microns in diameter, formed by a process, such as chemical vapor deposition, which produces symmetrical, substantially optically perfect crystals with a relatively smooth outer surface and which are substantially free of internal fractures and imperfections. Visibly transparent glass particles having a diameter of between about 0.01-100.mu. may also be utilized as the UV-absorbing agent. A further embodiment utilizes visibly transparent plastic spheres measuring between about 0.