Abstract: Compositions based on polypyrrole are described having incorporated therein a polymer component having one or more segments wherein at least one segment is elastomeric. The polymer component is present in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent of the polypyrrole present. The compositions exhibit improved processing properties over those of polypyrrole. Also described is a process for producing the compositions in which a pyrrole compound is electrochemically polymerized in the presence of an at least partially dissolved polymer component having one or more segments wherein at least one segment is elastomeric.

Abstract: An electrically and covalently coupled cofactor modified electrode for mediating the heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysis of a biochemical reaction by an enzyme. The electrode coating comprises an imidazoleflavin derivative covalently bonded to the electrode surface. Methods for preparation and use of the modified electrode are also presented.

Abstract: Methods for preparing thin large-area single crystals of diacetylenes and polydiacetylenes having surface dimensions greater than or equal to about 0.1 mm on all sides and a uniform thickness less than or equal to about 100 microns. The methods involve forming a liquid layer, preferably by melting crystals of a pure diacetylene monomer between two opposed surfaces, one surface being movable with respect to the other; applying pressure to the molten monomer layer disposed between the two surfaces; shearing the molten layer by sliding the movable surface in a single direction that is in a straight line across the molten monomer layer while keeping the molten monomer layer under constant pressure; and crystallizing the shorn molten monomer layer while the shorn molten monomer layer is kept under constant pressure to form a thin large-area single crystal of pure diacetylene monomer.

Abstract: A method for preparing thin large-area single crystals of diacetylene monomer represented by the formula:R--CX.tbd.C--C.tbd.C--R'wherein R and R' are side groups selected such that the diacetylene monomer is polymerizable by a 1,4-addition solid state reaction upon exposure to actinic radiation, is provided. The method involves forming a liquid layer containing pure diacetylene monomer between two opposed surfaces; applying pressure to the liquid layer disposed between the two opposed surfaces; and crystallizing the liquid layer disposed between the two opposed surfaces while the liquid layer is kept under constant pressure to form thin large-area single crystals of pure diacetylene monomer.A method for preparing thin large-area single crystals of polydiacetylene is also provided. The method involves forming a liquid layer containing diacetylene monomer represented by the formula:R--C.tbd.C--C.tbd.

Abstract: Compositions based on polythiophene are described having incorporated therein a polyether, such as polytetrahydrofuran. The polyether is present in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent of the polythiophene present. The compositions exhibit improved mechanical integrity, processing properties, and d.c. electrical conductivity over polythiophene. A process for producing the compositions is also described in which a thiophene compound is electrochemically polymerized in the presence of a dissolved polyether.

Abstract: Ion implanted polydiacetylenes prepared by implanting ions into substituted polydiacetylenes at fluence levels from about 1.times.10.sup.13 ions/cm.sup.2 to about 1.times.10.sup.17 ions/cm.sup.2 are disclosed. Ion implanted polydiacetylenes exhibit electrical and/or optical properties which are different from those of untreated polydiacetylenes.

Abstract: Compositions based on polypyrrole are described having incorporated therein a polyether, such as polytetrahydrofuran. The polyether is present in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent of the polypyrrole present. The compositions exhibit improved processing properties over these of polypyrrole. A process for producing the compositions is also described in which a pyrrole compound is electrochemically polymerized in the presence of a dissolved polyether.

Abstract: An optical waveguide coupling device which can perform switching functions by changing input light intensity, and associated method of construction thereof, in which the device comprises a base substrate etched to provide an optical grating having a predetermined grating period and amplitude. A thin metal film is deposited on the grating. Subsequently, a polymer film is deposited over the thin metal film, thus forming an optical waveguide. The field for the waveguide mode is nearly zero at the metal-polymer film interface, thus eliminating the loss of energy in the thin metal film. The metal film, in essence, reflects the input beam so that substantially no energy is lost via transmission through the thin metal film and thus all available energy is for coupling into the waveguide mode.