Abstract: The present invention relates to a photochemical method for manufacturing nanometrically surface-decorated substrates, i.e. the creation of periodic and aperiodic patterns of highly ordered inorganic nanostructures on a substrate. This method is based on the selective photochemical modification of a self-assembled monolayer of metal compound loaded polymer core-shell systems on widely variable substrates. Light exposure through an appropriate mask causes selective chemical modification of the polymer core shell system. By subsequently placing the substrate in an appropriate chemical solution that eradicates the non-modified polymer, the pattern given by the used mask is reproduced on the surface. Finally, the remaining organic matrix is removed and metal salt is transformed to the single metal or metal oxide nanodots by means of gas plasma treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel composite materials, which comprise at least one thermoplastic organic polymer matrix and at least one hydraulic binder distributed in the polymer matrix. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such composite materials and to the use of these composite materials in textile materials. The composite materials comprise at least one thermoplastic organic polymer matrix and at least one hydraulic binder distributed in the polymer matrix, where the thermoplastic polymer matrix consists predominantly, i.e. to at least 60% by weight, in particular to at least 70% by weight, preferentially to at least 80% by weight, and especially preferred to at least 90% by weight, of at least one polymer, which is water-soluble or which under alkaline conditions is converted into a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of composites from thermoplastic polymers and (semi)metal oxides, in particular silicon dioxide, wherein at least a part of the (semi)metal oxides is dispersed in the polymers in nanodispersed manner (nanocomposites). The invention relates to the composites obtainable by this process and their processing to give molded articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings that possess a dynamic contact angle hysteresis in water, measured by means of a Wilhelmy balance according to DIN EN 14370, of at most 15°, and are can be manufactured from star-shaped prepolymers and/or star-shaped prepolymer-nanoparticle complexes that are cross-linkable with one another and with the surface of the substrate to be coated, the star-shaped prepolymers and/or star-shaped prepolymer-nanoparticle complexes possessing, before being cross-linked, at least three hydrophilic polymer arms that, considered of themselves, are soluble in water, and that carry on all or on some of their free ends R1 silyl terminal groups of the following general formula (I): R1 is —CRa2—Si(ORb)r(Rc)3-r, where Ra denotes hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, ORb denotes a hydrolyzable group, Rc denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and r denotes a number from 1 to 3, and that carry, on the optionally present ends n

Abstract: A miniature electro-acoustic transducer is provided which includes a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes a permanent magnet assembly adapted to generate a magnetic flux in an air gap, the permanent magnet assembly itself included first and second permanent magnets arranged on opposite sides of the air gap. A magnetically permeable outer housing portion forms an integral part of the magnetic circuit and a voice coil is positioned in the air gap, the voice coil being operatively connected to a diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a surface structured bulk hydrogel bearing a topographic and chemical pattern, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a primary master having a predetermined topographic pattern, (ii) replicating said primary master by an elastomeric secondary master to obtain a secondary master with said predetermined topographic pattern in its inverse form, (iii) replicating said secondary master by an imprintable curable material of hydrogel precursor molecules which are capable of forming a hydrogel once crosslinked by curing, and crosslinking said material to thereby yield a replica made of cross-linked bulk hydrogel bearing the topographic pattern identical to that of the primary master, and (iv) functionalizing, particularly biofunctionalizing, the bulk hydrogel replica.

Abstract: Disclosed are reactive cyclic carbonates and ureas of formula (I) or (II), wherein R and X have the meaning indicated in the description. Said carbonates and ureas allow functional groups to be specifically introduced into biomolecules, polymers, and surfaces in mild conditions.

Abstract: A heat sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed comprising on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, a coating comprising an infrared light absorbing agent and a copolymer which comprises a plurality of recurring units X having a hydrophilic polymeric pendant group and a plurality of recurring units Y having a hydrophobic polymeric pendant group. Said coating is capable of switching from a hydrophilic state into a hydrophobic state after exposure to heat and/or infrared light.

Abstract: An electrode construction for incorporation into an electrochromic display device with a substrate; an electrochromic material applied to the substrate in a spatially resolved manner. The electrochromic material is (a) applied to the substrate with a resolution of greater than about 75 dpi and (b) the spatial resolution is obtained by a non-photolithographic method. The substrate may have a mesoporous morphology. Printing methods such as ink-jet printing may be used. Other materials such as masking materials, charge storing materials, complementary electrochromic materials and the mesoporous material itself may be set down by ink-jet methods. The electrodes construction may be included in electrochromic devices. The resolution obtained is high and devices incorporating these materials may be addressable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to relates to copolymers containing fluorine, aqueous compositions containing said copolymers, and the use of said copolymers and compositions for surface treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urethane-based composition of value in surface coating applications, including treatment of glass or textiles, in adhesives and in the manufacture of a stabilized latex. The composition comprises a polyfunctional liquid urethane-containing adduct wherein said adduct contains as a first functional group at least one isocyanate moiety per molecule, and a second functional group per molecule which is not an isocyanate moiety and which is not reactive towards isocyanate functionality. The second functional group can comprise ester, nitrile, halogen, halocarbon, siloxyl, silyl, alkyne or alkene, or combinations of two or more thereof.

Abstract: Linear, alternating .alpha.-olefin-CO copolymers are obtainable by polymerization of a monomer mixture comprisinga) carbon monoxide,b) 1-alkenes which are functionalized by a covalently bonded crown ether unit or cryptand unit A containing at least 5 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and/or selenium in the polyheteroatom framework, and, if desired,c) C.sub.2 -C.sub.24 -1-alkenes.