Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation of neutralized polyelectrolyte complexes exhibiting hydrophobic behavior containing crystals of an organic polycation exchanged lithium and/or sodium water-swelling mica. The process for making such products comprises:(1) forming a glass-ceramic body containing crystals selected from the group of fluorhectorite, hydroxyl hectorite, boron fluorphlogopite, hydroxyl boron phlogopite, and solid solutions among those and between those and other structurally-compatible species selected from the group of talc, fluortalc, polylithionite, fluorpolylithionite, phlogopite, and fluorphlogopite;(2) contacting that body with a polar liquid to cause swelling and disintegration of the body accompanied with the formation of a gel; and(3) contacting said gel with a source of organic polycations to cause a reaction between the Li.sup.+ and/or Na.sup.

Abstract: Transparent, optically clear articles comprising thin or delicate organic or inorganic surface films such as plastic polarizing films, wherein the surface films are protected from scratching and moisture damage by protective plastic coatings which are optically clear, smooth, weather-resistant and chemically compatible with the surface films, are provided.

Abstract: Thin thermoplastic film is reformed to provide matching elements for surfaces of complex curvature, such as the surfaces of compound or aspheric glass lenses. The film is hot-pressed between the curved surface to be matched and a pressing piece of similar curvature, formed by casting a low-melting-point alloy against the curved surface to be matched.

Abstract: A method for making curved zero-power plastic lens elements of precise curvature and excellent optical quality, wherein thin (not exceeding 15-mil) commercial-grade thermoplastic sheet is reformed through a hot-pressing procedure using optically smooth (e.g., glass) reforming surfaces having a specified relation of curvature, is described.