Abstract: The present invention involves the synthesis of a series of amylose (starch) derivatives with various degrees of substitution and amylose/amylopectin ratios. These chains are chemically crosslinked and then mechanically deformed (stretched) to produce a biodegradable and mechanically superior material. Specifically, the process consists of chemically modifying starch into starch derivatives such as starch ethers, starch esters and starch carbamates. The polymers have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 35% to about 95% (degree of substitution is from about 1.05 to about 2.85) and preferably have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 65% to about 90% (degree of substitution is from about 1.95 to about 2.70). The starch derivatives are crosslinked to obtain crosslinked chains and processed into sheets, films, fibers, threads or other articles as known in the art.

Abstract: A composite mixture of spherical objects and lubricant useful for its cushioning properties is disclosed and claimed. The composite mixture may be composed of microspheres typically less than 2000 microns in diameter with inert atmospheres sealed within their interiors and any of a variety of lubricants facilitating sliding and rolling movement between microspheres. Typically the composite mixture includes lubricant in a quantity sufficient to substantially coat the exterior surface of essentially all of the spherical objects, but in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of the spherical objects in the lubricant sufficient to physically separate the spherical objects from each other and substantially reduce the sliding and rolling contact of the spherical objects with each other. The preferred lubricant is a visco-elastic fluid that has a principle molecule and a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: An insulation board suitable for use as a roof insulating board has a density between about 8 and about 15 pounds per cubic foot; a MOR/density ratio of at least 10.5 to 1 and includes, by dry weight, between about 45% and about 76% expanded perlite; between about 15% and about 45% cellulosic fibers; between about 0.1% and about 10% latex binder; between about 2% and about 9% bituminous material; and about 0% to about 3% alum.

Abstract: Disclosed are a self-catalytic bath and a method for the deposition of Ni-P alloy on a substrate. The bath comprises nickel sulfate, sodium hypophosphite as a reducing agent, acetic acid as a buffer and traces of lead as a stabilizer. It also includes a citrate used as a complexing agent associated with a gluconate used both as a catalyst and a stabilizer. The disclosed bath makes it possible to tolerate large quantities of hypophosphite and is relatively long-lived. Furthermore, it can be used to prepare large quantities of Ni-P alloy per liter of solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides light weight high temperature well cement compositions and methods. The compositions are basically comprised of calcium aluminate, ASTM class F fly ash and water.

Abstract: Insulative compositions are prepared by agitating an aqueous mixture of aerogel and gelatin. Insulation obtained with such methods is non-toxic, environmentally safe, fire resistant with low smoke, has good handling properties, and provides low thermal conductivities. The insulation can be made in sheets, loose fill, or can be molded into particular shapes to provide particular types of insulation such as pipe insulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides plating solutions, particularly metal plating solutions, designed to provide uniform coatings on substrates and to provide substantially defect free filling of small features, e.g., micron scale features and smaller, formed on substrates with none or low supporting electrolyte, i.e., which include no acid, low acid, no base, or no conducting salts, and/or high metal ion, e.g., copper, concentration. Additionally, the plating solutions may contain small amounts of additives which enhance the plated film quality and performance by serving as brighteners, levelers, surfactants, grain refiners, stress reducers, etc.

Abstract: Copper-containing surfaces, such as a copper surface for use in an electrical circuit, are protected by the provision of a bismuth coating.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a double-layer structured low-resistance and low-reflectivity transparent conductive film, comprising a lower high-reflectivity conductive layer containing a fine metal powder in a silica-based matrix and a silica-based low-reflectivity layer, suitable for imparting electromagnetic shielding property and anti-dazzling property to a CRT.

Abstract: It has now been found that one or more metals selected from the group consisting of tin, lead, bismuth, indium, gallium and germanium may be deposited onto a metal surface utilizing an aqueous electroless plating bath which comprises(A) at least one bath-soluble metal salt selected from the group consisting of stannous salts, lead salts, bismuth salts, indium salts, gallium salts, and germanium salts;(B) at least one complexing agent selected from the group consisting of thiourea compounds and imidazole thiones, and(C) at least one amidine.Preferably, the aqueous plating baths also contain at least one acid, and the baths optionally may contain one or more surfactants. The incorporation of the amidine into the plating baths results in a solution exhibiting desirable plating characteristics and increased copper holding power.

Abstract: Orthophosphite ions produced by oxidation of hypophosphite in an electroless nickel plating bath can be removed by precipitation with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal cation such as calcium. In order to avoid the precipitation of calcium sulfate and the generation of large amounts of particulates in the bath, nickel sulfate can be replaced by a nickel salt of an alkylsulfonic acid or hypophosphorous acid, whose anion forms a soluble salt with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal cation.

Abstract: A method and a bath for autocatalytic chemical deposition of a Sn Zn alloy on a catalytic surface. The method is particularly useful in the manufacture of electronic components, when the deposition of a thin layer of Sn Zn alloy is needed before the deposition of the Sn alloy (particularly Pb free) to improve the solderability characteristics of the Cu surface. The Cu surface must be made catalytic before immersion in the autocatalytic bath, e.g. by depositing a thin film of metallic Sn.

Abstract: A CVD precursor that is a precursor in film preparation by the CVD method, comprising a metalorganic compound containing a metal element constituting the film (called "main compound") having blended therewith another organic compound, the other organic compound having a lower vapor pressure than the main compound at a precursor vaporization temperature and when blended with the main compound forming a fusible blend having a lower melting point than the melting point of the main compound. In particular, when the main compound has the structural formula Ma(DPM).sub.2 (Ma being representing an alkaline earth metal), Ma(TMOD).sub.2 or Ma(TMND).sub.2 is blended therewith.

Abstract: The fine particles of peraloid porous hydroxyapatite are provided, which have an atomic ratio of Ca/P in a range of 1.62-1.72 and the chemical formula Ca.sub.5 (PO.sub.4).sub.3 (OH). The particles are comprised of micropores having a petaloid porous structure not only on the surface but also in the inside of the particles, and have the specific particle diameter of the specific particle size, micropore diameter of the specific particle size, the specific surface of the specific range, static and pressurized percentage of voids of the specific range. The particles have superior dispersibility and are useful in the fields such as carriers for pharmaceuticals and so on, adsorbents, absorbents, sustained-release materials, filtering agents, biological materials, fillers for plastics, and anti-blocking agents for films and so on.

Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microcapsules and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microcapsules.Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin.The microcapsules have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilisation and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced.

Abstract: A composite mixture of spherical objects and lubricant useful for its cushioning properties is disclosed and claimed. The composite mixture may be composed of microspheres typically less than 2000 microns in diameter with inert atmospheres sealed within their interiors and any of a variety of lubricants facilitating sliding and rolling movement between microspheres. Typically the composite mixture includes lubricant in a quantity sufficient to substantially coat the exterior surface of essentially all of the spherical objects, but in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of the spherical objects in the lubricant sufficient to physically separate the spherical objects from each other and substantially reduce the sliding and rolling contact of the spherical objects with each other. Low specific gravity, low thermal mass, low coefficient of heat transfer, lack of head pressure, insulative and flotation qualities are provided by the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamed material for fireproofing and/or insulating purposes, consisting of 30 to 90 parts by weight of a solution that contains 20 to 70 wt-% Al (H.sub.2 PO.sub.4).sub.3 and 30 to 80 wt-% water, 5 to 55 parts by weight of a mixture that contains 10 to 70 wt-% MgO, 0 to 70 wt-% mica, 0 to 70 wt-% aluminium hydroxide and 1 to 20 wt-% MnO.sub.2, as well as 1 to 30 parts by weight of a foaming agent that contains 3 to 33 wt-% H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and 67 to 97 wt-% water. In accordance with the invention, the term "insulating purposes" refers to the use of the inventive foamed material for heat and sound insulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable polystyrene beads containing blowing agent which are coated with from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of a hydrophobicizing agent which melts above 25.degree. C. and has a mean particle size of less than 100 .mu.m. The beads can be converted into foam moldings having reduced water absorption capacity.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of a pitch foam with a microcellular structure and a uniform pore size comprises the steps of (a) pressing a quantity of a pitch to provide a pressed article, (b) placing the pressed article in a pressure vessel, (c) introducing an inert gas into the pressure vessel under an elevated pressure of about 200 to 500 psi, (d) heating the pressed article within the pressure vessel to about 10.degree. to 40.degree. C.

Abstract: Starch-based microcellular foams composed of a solid matrix with a network of small open cells or pores are described. The foams have high pore volume, low density, and high surface area, and are prepared using a process wherein an aqueous gel prepared from gelatinized starch is treated to exchange the water in the gel with air while maintaining the integrity of the network of open cells or pores. The starch-based microcellular foams are particularly useful for encapsulation and later release of a substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous solutions containing Ni cation and hypophosphite anion which have a Ni cation concentration greater than 36 grams/liter. Such solutions have utility in electroless nickel plating baths and processes as make-up solutions and replenishing solutions. The increased concentration of Ni cation results from the addition of the nickel salt of an alkyl sulfonic acid to the solution.

Abstract: A foamable thermal insulating barrier coating produced from an aqueous acrylic based latex emulsion and an unencapsulated chemical blowing agent for coating paper and paperboard and especially suitable for coating one or both sides of cupstock to retain heat and to provide moisture and grease resistance.

Abstract: A composition suitable for making acoustical tiles in a water-felting process comprises expanded perlite, clay, a binder component selected from the group consisting of starch, latex, cellulosic fiber and mixtures thereof and optionally mineral wool. The use of an expanded perlite having a relatively high density, preferably between about 9 pounds per cubic foot to about 20 pounds per cubic foot, enables the formation of a suitable slurry with a relatively low amount of water and enables a more complete dewatering of the mat prior to drying.

Abstract: To an electroless nickel plating solution comprising a water-soluble nickel salt, a reducing agent, and a complexing agent is added a polythionate or dithionite. The invention also provides a high-build electroless gold plating method comprising the steps of immersing a workpiece in the electroless nickel plating bath, thereby chemically depositing a nickel coating on the workpiece, and immersing the nickel-plated workpiece in an electroless gold plating bath, thereby chemically depositing a gold coating on the workpiece.

Abstract: A building and construction material and method of making the material utilizes water with cement which are mixed together and followed by mixing with a mineral filler material such as sand or gravel to produce concrete having micropores of about 0.01 to about 5.mu. in diameter. By eliminating from the mineral filler material all fine grains of less than 0.2 mm, it has been found that the strength of the concrete is improved and the amount of shrinkage is reduced.

Abstract: An expanded shaped product with improved flexural compressibility and surface properties comprising starch and a hydrophobically modified acid anhydride or its acid hydrolyzed counterpart and the method of preparing such product by extrusion.

Abstract: A porous gas diffusion electrode for membrane fuel cells on an ion-conducting polymer. The electrode contains a finely divided electrocatalyst which is dispersed in a proton-conducting ionomer and has a total porosity of more than 40 to less than 75%. It supplies considerably improved performance data in comparison to known electrodes. The electrode can be produced by using pore-forming materials which are dissolved during the re-protonation of the ion-conducting polymers with sulfuric acid or are decomposed by the action of temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating an electroless nickel plating bath mainly containing a water-soluble nickel salt, a complexing agent for complexing the nickel salt, and sodium hypophosphite as a reducing agent for reducing the nickel salt, including the steps of:repeatedly regenerating and reusing the electroless nickel plating bath in which a phosphite is accumulated by adding nickel sulfate to the plating bath to produce and precipitate nickel phosphite and separating the nickel phosphite from the plating bath; and adding sulfuric acid or a mixture of sulfuric acid and sodium sulfate to the nickel phosphite separated from the plating bath to convert the nickel phosphite into nickel sulfate and phosphorous acid or NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.3, and recovering the nickel sulfate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved sound absorbing cementitious composition and method of making involving a preformed foam solution made from a surfactant, such as an ammonium salt of a sulfated linear alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, preblended with water at a dilution ratio in a range of water to surfactant of from about 40:1 to 10:1. Thereafter, the preformed foam solution is combined with components including cement(s), aggregate(s), water and optional additives. The composition provides for an open cellular surface capable of absorbing sound.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a metal complex capable of being dispersed in or alternatively, formed in a water-absorbing article having one or more metal ions situated within a sponge, at least one chelating polymer chelated to the transition metal ion and at least one potentiator chelated to the transition metal ion.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a conductive film having a predetermined pattern in hybrid ICs, high frequency dielectric filters and the like which makes it possible to safely and efficiently perform a series of the steps of preparing an activating catalytic solution for forming a photoreactive film on a base, forming the photoreactive film through the application of the activating catalytic solution, producing an activating catalyst by exposing particular regions of the photoreactive film, developing by flushing away the photoreactive film in unexposed regions, and immersing the base in an electroless plating bath without using an organic solvent and which allows the formation of a plating film having high electrical conductivity and high strength of adherence. A hydrophilic activating catalytic solution is used which is obtained by dissolving copper oxalate, a palladium salt such as palladium chloride into an alkaline solution such as ammonia.

Abstract: A static dissipative polymeric composition comprising a polymer matrix having a substantially uniform distribution therein of at least two fillers, wherein at least one filler comprises electroconductive particles and at least one filler comprises non-electroconductive particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for electrolessly depositing cobalt-tin alloys with adjustable tin contents from 1 to over 25 atomic percent tin is disclosed. The deposited alloy is useful in the electronics and computer industries for device, chip interconnection and packaging applications. When used for chip interconnection applications, for example, the invention replaces the currently used complicated ball-limiting-metallurgy. The invention may also be used to inhibit hillock formation and electromigration in copper wire structures found in computers and micron dimension electronic devices.

Abstract: An expanded shaped product with improved flexural compressibility and surface properties comprising starch and a hydrophobically modified acid anhydride or its acid hydrolyzed counterpart and the method of preparing such product by extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bake-hardenable solution that is electrically conductive, when hardened. The resultant conductive panel coating 38 is utilized for electrically interconnecting a metal stud 27 embedded in a sidewall 20 of a faceplate panel 12 of a CRT 10 to a conductive layer 24 overlying a luminescent screen 22 on an interior viewing surface of said faceplate panel 12. The solution consists essentially of the following ingredients: glass frit powder; graphite; organic binder; solvent; and a material to enhance the porosity of the resultant conductive panel coating 38.

Abstract: An electroless plating bath for forming black coatings containing a nickel salt and a reducing agent, which further contains a sulfur-containing compound, zinc ions and optionally microparticles, and a method for forming black coatings by electroless plating, wherein an article to be plated is immersed in the plating bath for a certain period of time, which provide black plated coatings without any post-treatments for blackening. Also provided is an article having an electrolessly plated black coating formed by the method.

Abstract: The disclosure relates broadly to a new class or type of electroconductive powders (ECP), designated as Polytype ECP (PECP), comprising intimate mixtures of several types of ECP powders. PECP mixtures possess a lower electrical resistivity, or a higher electroconductivity, than would be expected from the weighted average of the component ECP powders. PECP are multi-component and may contain many different types of ECP. ECP components of the PECP can be selected from at least one member of the group consisting of crystallites of tin oxide containing antimony in solid solution, crystallites of antimony-containing tin oxide with uniformly distributed amorphous silica, two dimensional networks of crystallites of antimony-containing tin oxide in a unique association with amorphous silica or silica-containing material, filler materials, metal coated powders, conventional ECP materials such as carbon, aluminum powder, among others.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rigid fine-celled foam composition and a method of producing it. The foam composition is nontoxic, environmentally friendly, has improved absorption/adsorption and retention of liquids, is not as hard as prior art foams, does not include polymerization by-products detrimental to flower and plant life, and is a foamed mixture of a caustic silicate solution derived from the caustic digestion of rice hull ash having diffused activated carbon particles from thermal pyrolysis of rice hulls rather than from commercial sodium silicate solutions. Valuable by-products of commodity grade are obtained including activated carbon and sodium fluoride.

Abstract: Disclosed are a resistive paste that can be fired in a neutral or reducing atmosphere to give a resistor having a high sheet resistivity value and a satisfactory TCR value even on low-temperature-sintering substrates, a resistive material composition that constitutes the resistive paste, and also a resistor that is formed from the resistive paste to realize a high sheet resistivity value and a satisfactory TCR value. A first resistive material of Ca.sub.x Sr.sub.1-x RuO.sub.3 (where x is from about 0.25 to 0.75 mols), a second resistive material of La.sub.y Sr.sub.1-y CoO.sub.3 (where y is from about 0.40 to 0.60 mols) and titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2) are mixed, and a non-reducible glass frit and an organic vehicle are added thereto to form the resistive paste.

Abstract: In order to produce a substantially biologically degradable polymer foam, a thermoplastic or disaggregated starch or a polymer mixture of thermoplastic or disaggregated starch with at least one biologically degradable hydrophobic polymer is used. In addition, the material is mixed with a biologically degradable fibrous or capsular material capable of binding water by capillary action, said material being at least partially treated or saturated with water before being mixed with the polymer. The polymer/material mixture thus obtained is processed under controlled pressure and temperature so that the water bound by capillarity in the material is released and causes the polymer to foam.

Abstract: A tire sealant and inflator composition for the repair of puncture wounds in pneumatic tires and the like. The composition utilizes a sealing component consisting of an acrylic resin dissolved in a suitable solvent and a hydrochlorofluorocarbon and/or hydrofluorocarbon propellant component to deliver the sealing component from an aerosol container into the tire to a driveable state.

Abstract: In order to be able to produce formed elements or building elements with a significantly increased strength with a building material or structural material, it is suggested to provide the material with a largely uniform fine pore structure or a microcellular structure. These fine pores preferably have a diameter in the range of approx. 0.01.mu. to approx. 5.mu. and are self-contained. The material contains a reactive binding agent or a reactive matrix material, which can be a cement/water mixture or also a synthetic resin, for example polyurethane, epoxy resin, etc.

Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Copper-containing surfaces, such as a copper surface for use in an electrical circuit, are protected by the provision of a bismuth coating.

Abstract: A composite mixture of spherical objects and lubricant useful for its cushioning properties is disclosed and claimed. The composite mixture may be composed of microspheres typically less than 2000 microns in diameter with inert atmospheres sealed within their interiors and any of a variety of lubricants facilitating sliding and rolling movement between microspheres. Typically the composite mixture includes lubricant in a quantity sufficient to substantially coat the exterior surface of essentially all of the spherical objects, but in a quantity less than would cause dispersion of the spherical objects in the lubricant sufficient to physically separate the spherical objects from each other and substantially reduce the sliding and rolling contact of the spherical objects with each other. The preferred lubricant is a visco-elastic fluid that has a principle molecule and a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: An acidic substitutional plating bath for zinciferous surfaces, particularly zinciferous metal-plated steel sheet, with which sludge production and equipment corrosion are inhibited and which has an improved heavy metal ion deposition efficiency is provided by an aqueous composition that has a pH of 2 to 4.5 and that contains 1.5 to 40 g/L of at least one heavy metal ion selected from nickel, iron, and cobalt; 0.5 to 10 g/L of phosphate ions; 1 to 250 g/L of sulfate ion; and 1 to 20 g/L of organic acid.

Abstract: Method for producing electroless nickel or cobalt polymetallic polyalloys having high hardness as plated and containing phosphorus, a primary metal selected from the group consisting of nickel and cobalt and at least one secondary metal selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, and tungsten, which alloys are prepared in baths employing a hypophosphite reducing agent and operated at a particular alkaline pH range and in the presence of a fluoborate anion. The polyalloys "as-deposited" do not require age or heat treatments to produce hardness having Vickers Harness Number values above about 800 (VHN.sub.100).

Abstract: Novel aerated fibrous slurry comprising fibrous material, foaming agent, stabilizer, water and gas, which when dried to a water content of not more than 10% by weight, forms a dry, resilient fibrous foam composition. The dry, resilient fibrous foam composition is useful as an inexpensive cushioning filler, as a heat insulating material and as an absorbent of liquids.

Abstract: An electroless nickel(EN)/hypophosphite plating bath is provided employing acetic acid/acetate as a buffer and which is, as a result, capable of perpetual regeneration while avoiding the production of hazardous waste. A regeneration process is provided to process the spent EN plating bath solution. A concentrated starter and replenishment solution is provided for ease of operation of the plating bath. The regeneration process employs a chelating ion exchange system to remove nickel cations from spent EN plating solution. Phosphites are then removed from the solution by precipitation. The nickel cations are removed from the ion exchange system by elution with hypophosphorous acid and the nickel concentration of the eluate adjusted by addition of nickel salt. The treated solution and adjusted eluate are combined, stabilizer added, and the volume of resulting solution reduced by evaporation to form the bath starter and replenishing solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foamable plant fiber composition made from short plant fiber, plant fiber powder, gelling material, water, foaming agent and (if necessary) aids by a certain process, and the foamed material and shaped article thereof. The composition has a good processability, and the shaped article made from it is light, and is biodegradable without pollution. It can replace the plastics to make non-reused tablewares and cushioning materials, etc. the price of it is only one fifth that of the plastics ones.