Abstract: Described herein is a feasible, significantly simplified production method that avoids challenging lactonization steps and converts a low molecular weight aliphatic polyester, consisting of hydroxy acids and a comonomer, whose molecular weight has been increased by step-growth polymerization reactions. The molecular weight of the aliphatic polyester, based on comparison of initial and final weight average molecular weights (Mw,1/Mw,2), increased significantly at a rate which permits the use of reactive extrusion to produce high molecular weight aliphatic polyesters in a simple, economically feasible manner.

Abstract: Described herein is a feasible, significantly simplified production method that avoids challenging lactonization steps and converts a low molecular weight aliphatic polyester, consisting of hydroxy acids and a comonomer, whose molecular weight has been increased by step-growth polymerization reactions. The molecular weight of the aliphatic polyester, based on comparison of initial and final weight average molecular weights (Mw,1/Mw,2), increased significantly at a rate which permits the use of reactive extrusion to produce high molecular weight aliphatic polyesters in a simple, economically feasible manner.

Abstract: Method of forming a protective hard mask layer on a substrate in a semiconductor etch process, comprising the step of applying by solution deposition on the substrate a solution or colloidal dispersion of an alumina polymer, said solution or dispersion being obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of monomers of at least one aluminium oxide precursor in a solvent or a solvent mixture in the presence of water and a catalyst. The invention can be used for making a hard mask in a TSV process to form a high aspect ratio via a structure on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Metal oxide particles, preferably crystalline transition metal oxide particles, made via a continuous process comprising application of a voltage across an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution includes a transition metal salt dissolved in water, and preferably also includes a compound for increasing the electrical conductivity of the electrolyte. The particles made by the processes disclosed herein, can have sizes in the micrometer or nanometer ranges. The oxide particles can have a variety of uses, including for charge storage devices. As an example, crystalline manganese oxide nanoparticles, and methods for making the same, are disclosed for a variety of uses including lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: Method of forming a protective hard mask layer on a substrate in a semiconductor etch process, comprising the step of applying by solution deposition on the substrate a solution or colloidal dispersion of an alumina polymer, said solution or dispersion being obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of monomers of at least one aluminium oxide precursor in a solvent or a solvent mixture in the presence of water and a catalyst. The invention can be used for making a hard mask in a TSV process to form a high aspect ratio via a structure on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Described herein is a feasible, significantly simplified production method that avoids challenging lactonization steps and converts a low molecular weight aliphatic polyester, consisting of hydroxy acids and a comonomer, whose molecular weight has been increased by step-growth polymerization reactions. The molecular weight of the aliphatic polyester, based on comparison of initial and final weight average molecular weights (Mw,1/Mw,2), increased significantly at a rate which permits the use of reactive extrusion to produce high molecular weight aliphatic polyesters in a simple, economically feasible manner.

Abstract: Thin films are disclosed that are suitable as thin films in IC's and for other similar applications. In particular, the invention concerns thin films comprising compositions obtainable by hydrolysis of two or more silicon compounds, which yield an at least partially cross-linked siloxane structure. The invention also concerns a method for producing such films by preparing siloxane compositions by hydrolysis of suitable reactants, by applying the hydrolyzed compositions on a substrate in the form of a thin layer and by curing the layer to form a high silicon content film.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel transglycosylation products and their preparation. The transglycosylation products according to the invention are prepared from starch derivatives, such as esters or ethers of starch. The products are obtained by reacting a starch derivative with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The forming product is separated by precipitation or by removing any unreacted alcohol by evaporation. In the products according to the invention the good properties of starch derivatives, such as the excellent water resistance of esters, are combined with the versatility of transglycoside products. The products can be used as adhesives, in which case they are formulated, for example as hot-melt adhesives, and as comonomers, prepolymers or macroinitiators in the preparation of polymers.