Abstract: A layered coating system with enhanced properties capable of protecting an article or a component of an article from exposure to outdoor elements, including UV radiation, extreme temperatures, water, acid rain, other fluids and chemicals; scratching and marring from surface contact; and more. The layered coating system and articles formed therewith are characterized by properties that can include UV-absorption, abrasion and scratch resistance, adhesion to the substrate and within the coating layers, haze and visible light transparency, and impact resistance.

Abstract: A method of forming a biocompatible or biologically inert article for use in an application in which the article will make contact with at least one tissue, organ, or fluid within a human or animal body is provided. The method generally comprises providing an article having an external surface; selecting chemical precursors; using a means to direct one or more chemical precursors towards or to apply such chemical precursors to the external surface; activating the chemical precursors by exposing said precursors to atmospheric pressure plasma; and grafting and/or cross-linking the chemical precursors to form a solid coating adjacent to the external surface of the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the modification of the surface chemistry of solid nano- and micro-particles in order to tailor the properties and functions of these particles. The method generally involves the generation of an atmospheric plasma glow discharge and energetic species that undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the primary particles. The process includes the generation of energetic species to initiate reaction, optional delivery of a precursor fluid, optional delivery of chemical species for grafting, and delivery of separated and de-agglomerated particles into the plasma discharge exiting the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the modification of the surface chemistry of solid nano- and micro-particles in order to tailor the properties and functions of these particles. The method generally involves the generation of an atmospheric plasma glow discharge and energetic species that undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the primary particles. The process includes the generation of energetic species to initiate reaction, optional delivery of a precursor fluid, optional delivery of chemical species for grafting, and delivery of separated and de-agglomerated particles into the plasma discharge exiting the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a biocompatible or biologically inert article for use in an application in which the article will make contact with at least one tissue, organ, or fluid within a human or animal body is provided. The method generally comprises providing an article having an external surface; selecting chemical precursors; using a means to direct one or more chemical precursors towards or to apply such chemical precursors to the external surface; activating the chemical precursors by exposing said precursors to atmospheric pressure plasma; and grafting and/or cross-linking the chemical precursors to form a solid coating adjacent to the external surface of the article.