Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a self-decontaminating surface coating, which when cured has a partially hydrophobic surface. The coating comprises a polymeric coating resin which, when cured, is hydrophilic. The coating also comprises a biocide, a germinating agent, and a hydrophobic micro/nano particulate material. The coating is suitable for application to ceramics, metals, and polymer substrates. Articles coated with the coating of the present invention are resistant to spores.

Abstract: Additive particles may be employed in sufficient amounts to impart superhydrophobicity to a coating system in which the additive particles are incorporated. The additive particles include carrier microparticles and a dense plurality of nanoparticles adhered to the surfaces of the carrier microparticles (e.g., preferably by electrostatic deposition or covalent bonding). The additive particles are advantageously incorporated into a coating material (e.g., a polymeric material) in amounts sufficient to render a substrate surface superhydrophobic when coated with the coating material. The substrate may be rigid (e.g., glass, ceramic or metal) or flexible (e.g., a polymeric film or sheet or a fabric). In some preferred embodiments, both the microparticle and nanoparticles are formed of silica and are surface treated with a hydrophobic treatment so as to impart superhydrophobic properties thereto.

Abstract: Additive particles may be employed in sufficient amounts to impart superhydrophobicity to a coating system in which the additive particles are incorporated. The additive particles include carrier microparticles and a dense plurality of nanoparticles adhered to the surfaces of the carrier microparticles (e.g., preferably by electrostatic deposition or covalent bonding). The additive particles are advantageously incorporated into a coating material (e.g., a polymeric material) in amounts sufficient to render a substrate surface superhydrophobic when coated with the coating material. The substrate may be rigid (e.g., glass, ceramic or metal) or flexible (e.g., a polymeric film or sheet or a fabric). In some preferred embodiments, both the microparticle and nanoparticles are formed of silica and are surface treated with a hydrophobic treatment so as to impart superhydrophobic properties thereto.

Abstract: Synthetic textile articles (e.g., filaments, fibers, yarns, fabrics and the like) and processes of making the same are provided which include flame-retardant SAP particles. The SAP particles are most preferably hydrated with an aqueous flame-retardant solution. In this regard, the flame-retardant solution may consist essentially of water alone or a water solution containing one or more water soluble inorganic flame retardants. When SAP particles are hydrated with an aqueous inorganic flame retardant solution, the SAP particles may thereafter be dried to remove substantially the water component. In such a manner, the inorganic flame retardant will remain as a dried residue physically entrained within the SAP particles. As such, the SAP particles serve as a physical matrix in which the inorganic flame retardant is homogenously dispersed. The SAP particles may then be chemically or physically affixed to the textile article in an amount sufficient to render the article flame-retardant.

Abstract: Flame-retardant synthetic resin articles and methods of making the same are provided whereby flame-retardant SAP particles are incorporated into synthetic resins, especially curable thermosettable resins. The SAP particles are most preferably hydrated with an aqueous flame-retardant solution. In this regard, the flame-retardant solution may consist essentially of water alone or a water solution containing one or more water soluble inorganic flame retardants. When SAP particles are hydrated with an aqueous inorganic flame retardant solution, the SAP particles may thereafter be dried to remove substantially the water component. In such a manner, the inorganic flame retardant will remain as a dried residue physically entrained within the SAP particles. As such, the SAP particles serve as a physical matrix in which the inorganic flame retardant is homogenously dispersed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tunable dielectric device comprising: a substrate and an endohedral fullerene encapsulating trimetallic nitride template compound disposed on the substrate. The endohedral fullerene encapsulating trimetallic nitride template compound has a dipole moment that is oriented when a voltage of less than about 5 volts is applied thereto causing a change in the orientation of the dipole moment of the compound. The physical dimension of the compound is essentially unchanged.

Abstract: A coated substrate is claimed. The coating, disposed on the substrate, comprises a self-assembled film having at least one bilayer. Each bilayer comprises a polyanion electrolyte layer and a polycation electrolyte layer. The uppermost layer or exposed layer of the coating comprises a fluoroalkyl group. Each bilayer thickness ranges from about 0.1 nanometers to about 20 nanometers. The resulting coated substrate has a low surface energy and is hydrophobic and/or oleophobic.

Abstract: Articles and processes are provided whereby flame-retardant SAP particles are incorporated into synthetic resins, especially curable thermosettable resins. The SAP particles are most preferably hydrated with an aqueous flame-retardant solution. In this regard, the flame-retardant solution may consist essentially of water alone or a water solution containing one or more water soluble inorganic flame retardants. When SAP particles are hydrated with an aqueous inorganic flame retardant solution, the SAP particles may thereafter be dried to remove substantially the water component. In such a manner, the inorganic flame retardant will remain as a dried residue physically entrained within the SAP particles. As such, the SAP particles serve as a physical matrix in which the inorganic flame retardant is homogenously dispersed.

Abstract: Articles and processes are provided whereby flame-retardant SAP particles are incorporated into synthetic resins, especially curable thermosettable resins. The SAP particles are most preferably hydrated with an aqueous flame-retardant solution. In this regard, the flame-retardant solution may consist essentially of water alone or a water solution containing one or more water soluble inorganic flame retardants. When SAP particles are hydrated with an aqueous inorganic flame retardant solution, the SAP particles may thereafter be dried to remove substantially the water component. In such a manner, the inorganic flame retardant will remain as a dried residue physically entrained within the SAP particles. As such, the SAP particles serve as a physical matrix in which the inorganic flame retardant is homogenously dispersed.

Abstract: A coated substrate is claimed. The coating, disposed on the substrate, comprises a self-assembled film having at least one bilayer. Each bilayer comprises a polyanion electrolyte layer and a polycation electrolyte layer. The uppermost layer or exposed layer of the coating comprises a fluoroalkyl group. Each bilayer thickness ranges from about 0.1 nanometers to about 20 nanometers. The resulting coated substrate has a low surface energy and is hydrophobic and/or oleophobic.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyester compositions that possess improved gas barrier properties. The novel copolyester blends comprise repeat units of phenylenedi(oxyacetic acid). Such copolyesters with improved gas barrier properties are useful in packaging applications where low gas permeability are required for protection or preservation of the contents.