Abstract: A method and apparatus for particle removal in supercritical fluids using a single frequency acoustic wave. A wafer (114) is placed in a process chamber (110) and cleaning gas is introduced through inlet port (116). The cleaning fluid is heated to at least the critical temperature of the cleaning fluid and may also be pressurized. A sonic wave is generated in process chamber (110) by sonic transducer (122) to create alternating bands of gas phase (G) and supercritical phase (SC) of the cleaning fluid. The sonic wave is preferably a traveling wave such that the gas (G) and supercritical (SC) phases move across the surface of wafer (114) removing contaminants from the wafer (114) and trapping them in the acoustic wave. The contaminants are then removed from the system with spent cleaning fluid through outlet port (118).

Abstract: A method of removing a cured plastic matrix material from a fiber optic ribbon includes applying thereto a composition of matter comprising a solvent and a filler. The filler is selected from the group consisting of fumed silica and cornstarch, and the solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: New binary azeotropes of octamethyltrisiloxane (MDM) with n-propoxypropanol, and the use of the binary azeotropes as environmentally friendly cleaning agents are disclosed. New azeotrope-like compositions of octamethyltrisiloxane and n-propoxypropanol are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window scraper and method are provided wherein a scraping brush has filaments and wherein the tips of the filaments are moved linearly across the work surface as the brush rotates. Preferably, the brush has brass filaments trimmed to a point, and the brush drive mechanism moves the brush in an oscillating arcuate path while cams and cam surfaces simultaneously cause the brush to move toward and away from the work surface to maintain the tip of the filaments in substantially the same plane at a constant distance and pressure relative to the work surface. A novel brush has filaments trimmed to a point, an axle of rotation and cams to engage cam surfaces. The device includes an oscillating drive mechanism, a slot to rotatably and slidingly receive the brush axle, and cam surfaces to engage the brush cams and cause the brush axle to slide in the slot, causing the brush to move toward and away from the work surface during portions of the rotating brush sweep.

Abstract: A process for removing coatings from hard surfaces includes blasting the surfaces with a free-flowing particulate blast media entrained in a pressurized fluid, the blast media containing a major amount of relatively soft granular abrasive particles which have a Mohs hardness of less than 4.0 and a minor amount of free-flowing, separate relatively hard granular abrasive particles which have a hardness of greater than 5.0 on the Mohs scale, the granular abrasives having a particle size of from about 10 to about 2000 microns and being devoid of crystalline silica material.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a surface contaminated with an organic, acidic or basic contaminant. In the process, a liquid-state composition including an agent selected form the group consisting of an absorbant, an acid-neutralizing agent and a base-neutralizing agent is applied to the surface, and allowed to interact with the contaminant to form a product and to solidify into a solid-state matrix which sequesters the product. The solid-state matrix is then removed from the surface, thereby substantially cleaning the surface of the contaminant. There is also a process wherein a second liquid-state composition including a functionally different composition is applied to the surface. The second liquid-state composition may enhance the removability of the solid-state matrix from the surface.

Abstract: A noncorrosive photoresist composition containing:(a) 20-70% by weight of an organic polar solvent having a dipole moment of more than 3.5;(b) 70-20% by weight of selected amine compounds;(c) about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of novolak resin having a weight-average molecular weight (M.sub.w) from about 200 to about 5,000;(d) optionally 0-10% by weight of selected amino acid having a hydroxyl group; and(e) optionally 0-10% by weight of water.

Abstract: Binary azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions contain 1-heptanol, cyclohexanol, or 4-methylcyclohexanol, with octamethyltrisiloxane, and the compositions are useful for cleaning, rinsing, or drying.

Abstract: A blast media for removing coatings from hard surfaces such as steel includes a major amount of a granular relatively soft abrasive having a Mohs hardness of less than 4 and a minor portion of a granular hard abrasive having a Mohs hardness of greater than 5.

Abstract: Binary azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions contain 1-heptanol, cyclohexanol, or 4-methylcyclohexanol, with octamethyltrisiloxane, and the compositions are useful for cleaning, rinsing, or drying.

Abstract: In preparation for removing a protective adherent covercoat from a circuit board that is to be repaired, the surface integrity of the coating is altered (for example, by making incisions therein). Subsequently, the coated circuit board is subjected to supercritical carbon dioxide in a processing chamber. Following this process, the coating is easily lifted from the board.

Abstract: Organic stripping composition for photoresists comprising organic polar solvents and basic amines which includes an inhibitor which forms a coordination complex with a metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage membrane filtration process for reconcentrating the overspray from a one-component, aqueous coating composition containing high molecular weight components having a weight average molecular weight of at least 2000 and at least 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the organic components of the coating composition, of a low molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight of less than 2000, that has been diluted with spray booth water from spray booths having wet flushing to form a booth/water overspray mixture bya) preconcentrating the booth water/overspray mixture in an ultrafiltration unit to obtain a first retentate containing high molecular weight components and a first permeant containing water and at least a portion of the low molecular weight components,b) treating said first permeant and the third permeant obtained in step c) below in a reverse osmosis unit to obtain a second permeant containing essentially pure water for recycle a

Abstract: A paint-stripper composition is described which comprises(A) at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol, alkyl-substituted benzyl alcohols, furfuryl alcohol, alkyl-substituted furfuryl alcohols and acetylenic alcohols containing from 3 to about 5 carbon atoms;(B) pyrrole as a co-solvent; and(C) at least one other organic amine compound as an activator.A method of stripping paint from a surface also is described, and the method comprises(A) contacting the paint with a paint-stripper composition which is free of organic phosphites and phosphines and comprises(A-1) at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol alkyl-substituted benzyl alcohols, furfuryl alcohol, alkyl-substituted furfuryl alcohols and acetylenic alcohols containing from 3 to about 5 carbon atoms; and(A-2) at least 0.

Abstract: A polish-lacquer remover is provided that includes a volatile organic solvent, a C.sub.4 -C.sub.30 diester and water. Preferably, the combination further includes an alkylene carbonate. The compositions achieve low volatile organic chemical emissions, excellent lacquer removal and exhibit improved conditioning for cuticles and nails.

Abstract: A cleanser for releasing adherent deposits from a surface consisting essentially of ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, acetone, dibasic ester, and optionally water in specified proportions. Also disclosed is a method of releasing adherent deposits from a surface by applying the aforementioned composition to the deposits.

Abstract: A photoresist stripping liquid composition comprising an alkanol amine compound, a sulfone compound or sulfoxide compound, and a hydroxy compound. The composition is excellent in its photoresist stripping performance, safety and working efficiency, and does not cause corrosion on a substrate possessing a metal film.

Abstract: New binary azeotropes of hexamethyldisiloxane with certain alcohols, and the use of the binary azeotropes as environmentally friendly cleaning agents are disclosed. The alcohol component of the binary azeotrope is 3-methyl-3-pentanol C.sub.2 H.sub.5 C(CH.sub.3)(OH) C.sub.2 H.sub.5 ; 2-pentanol CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH(OH) CH.sub.3, or 1-methoxy-2-propanol CH.sub.3 OCH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)OH.

Abstract: Compositions according to the present invention include as essential components: from about 10% to about 50% by weight of d-limonene, from about 50% to about 90% by weight of N-methyl pyrrolidone, and from about 0% to about 10% by weight of a thickener and from about 0.5% to about 5% of an evaporation inhibiting agent such as wax.

Abstract: A paint remover composition consisting essentially of a single phase mixture of water, trioxane and an organic co-solvent having a flash paint above about 80.degree. C. is disclosed and claimed. Particularly preferred co-solvents are gamma-butyrolactone and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

Abstract: A cryoblasting process having a centrifugal accelerator for accelerating frozen pellets of argon or carbon dioxide toward a target area utilizes an accelerator throw wheel designed to induce, during operation, the creation of a low-friction gas bearing within internal passages of the wheel which would otherwise retard acceleration of the pellets as they move through the passages. An associated system and method for removing paint from a surface with cryoblasting techniques involves the treating, such as a preheating, of the painted surface to soften the paint prior to the impacting of frozen pellets thereagainst to increase the rate of paint removal. A system and method for producing large quantities of frozen pellets from a liquid material, such as liquid argon or carbon dioxide, for use in a cryoblasting process utilizes a chamber into which the liquid material is introduced in the form of a jet which disintegrates into droplets.

Abstract: The new composition for use in washing and cleansing vulcanization molds in the manufacture of tires or other rubber items comprises: a) 10 to 90% of an amine mixture; b) 2 to 20% of a nonionic or anionic surface-active agent or a surface-active agent mixture; and c) 90 to 10% of a solvent.

Abstract: Compositions according to the present invention include as essential components: from about 10% to about 50% by weight of d-limonene, from about 50% to about 90% by weight of NMP, and from about 0% to about 10% by weight of a thickener.

Abstract: Method for removing and reclaiming excess uncured paint from a paint spray booth includes entraining uncured over-sprayed paint particles in a stream of air passing through the paint spray booth. The entrained over-sprayed paint particles are then caused to come into contact with a flowing aqueous flood sheet within the paint spray booth such that a substantial portion of said paint particles are solubilized within the flowing aqueous flood sheet and thereby removed from the stream of air. The flowing flood sheet includes (i) between about 10 to 45 percent by weight of an N-methyl pyrrolidone, (ii) between about 15 to about 40 percent by weight of at least one alkyl glycol ether having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in its alkyl moiety; and (iii) about 0.1 to about 2.0 percent by weight of a non-ionic linear alcohol ethoxylate surfactant sufficient to reduce the flood sheet vapor pressure.

Abstract: A liquid, non-aqueous, one-step graphic ink remover cleaner composition that is well suited for removing graphic ink, the composition comprising d-limonene, ethyl lactate, NMP, and a surfactant.

Abstract: Relatively non-toxic and environmentally safe paint stripping compositions are disclosed for use in removing, for example, oil based alkyd and latex paints, varnishes, lacquers, shellacs, enamels, polyurethane and epoxy coatings from wood and metal surfaces at ambient temperatures. It has been unexpectedly found that C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 ether esters and carbonates of the form R--O--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOR.sub.1, wherein R and R.sub.1 are lower alkyl groups and n=0-2, used in combination with tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) increase the rate of paint removal relative to THFA alone. Other ingredients, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), gamma-butyrolactone (BLAC) may be added to improve the efficacy of the present invention without detracting from its other beneficial properties. Additives such as formic acid, surfactant, thickener, corrosion inhibitor, fragrance, and bittering agent may also be added.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of diacetone alcohol in water-miscible cleaning agents free from halogenated hydrocarbons for cleaning electronic and electrical assemblies. Diacetone alcohol can be used to particularly good effect in the removal of fluxes because, in addition to rosin residues, the so-called "white residues" are also removed.

Abstract: New binary azeotropes and azeotrope-like compositions are mixtures containing octamethyltrisiloxane and 2-butoxyethanol, 2-methylcyclohexanol, or isopropyl lactate. The mixtures are useful as environmentally friendly cleaning, rinsing, and drying agents.

Abstract: New binary azeotropes of octamethyltrisiloxane (MDM) with n-propoxypropanol, and the use of the binary azeotropes as environmentally friendly cleaning agents are disclosed. New azeotrope-like compositions of octamethyltrisiloxane and n-propoxypropanol are also disclosed.

Abstract: New binary azeotropes of octamethyltrisiloxane (MDM) with certain alcohols and an ester, and the use of the binary azeotropes as environmentally friendly cleaning agents are disclosed. The alcohol and ester components of the binary azeotrope are 2-methyl-1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-butoxy-2-propanol, and ethyl lactate.

Abstract: The paint stripping composition comprises by weight: 30 to 65% benzyl alcohol and 20 to 60% water together with a coupling agent which operates to solubilize the benzyl alcohol in the water.

Abstract: A low-toxicity solvent composition having broad-spectrum applicability. A polar solvent component is provided by an alicyclic carbonate and a non-polar solvent component is provided by a terpene, with a short-chained non-ionic surfactant being provided for coupling the alicyclic carbonate and terpene in a homogeneous, single-phase solution. The composition may be 25-60% propylene carbonate, 1% (or less)-20% d-limonene, and 40-60% tripropylene glycol methyl ether. This solvent composition is non-toxic to personnel, and presents minimal environment hazards. Among its many applications are paint equipment clean-up, cleaning and reclamation of silkscreens, cleaning of offset printing rollers, cleaning of aluma-printing surfaces and equipment, as well as general purpose clean-up of greases, oils, paints, inks, and so forth.

Abstract: A method for blast cleaning metal and fixing the hazardous waste generated by blast cleaning. An abrasive cement in a sufficient amount is combined with the blast cleaning process, thereby reducing the leachability of the heavy metals and producing non-hazardous abrasive waste.

Abstract: Disclosed are three organic solvent cleaning formulations. In one embodiment, the formulation is methyl or ethyl lactate and propylene glycol methyl ether. In another embodiment, the formulation is methyl or ethyl lactate and propylene glycol propyl ether. In a third embodiment, the formulation is ethyl lactate and isoparaffins of isoundecane and isododecane with propylene glycol propyl ether added as a stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light and heat reactive paint or polymer stripping compositions preferably employing biodegradable components such as conjugated terpenes and related polyenes in combination with an alcohol such as a phenyl substituted benzyl alcohol for use in removing polymeric materials from substrates, in particular, cured paint from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, phenol, corrosives and caustics, methanol, toluol or acetone. Compositions according to the present invention preferably have flash points above about 49.degree. C. (about 120.degree. F.) and a pH which is preferably neutral. Methods of stripping polymeric coatings from surfaces and methods of making these compositions are also described.

Abstract: Described is a method and cleaning composition for cleaning tubes or other vessels, comprising a ceramic particulate spherical or conical in shape in an amount of 1-20 wt % of the total composition, and a liquid organic solvent in an amount of 80-99 wt % of the total composition, wherein the ceramic particulate is dispersed within the liquid solvent and wherein the solvent also has present in it N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in an amount of 1-15 wt % of the total composition.

Abstract: Aluminum can stock is delacquered by treatment with a composition comprising a mixture of a polyalkylene glycol polymer and an aqueous solution of a dicarboxylic acid such as oxalic acid. The cans are cleaned sufficiently for recycling and the solution can be reused to delacquer additional aluminum can stock.

Abstract: An aqueous stripping composition comprising a mixture of about 55% to 70% by weight of monoethanolamine, about 22.5 to 15% by weight of hydroxylamine and water. The stripping composition is effective to strip photoresists, residues from plasma process generated, organic, metal-organic materials, inorganic salts, oxides, hydroxides or complexes in combination with or exclusive of organic photoresist films at low temperatures without redepositing any substantial amount of metal ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structured superconductive track and a process for making it from epitaxial high temperature superconductor (HTSC) layers using lift off technique, in which a HTSC track deposited on an elevated substrate region is surrounded by an insulating layer of doped HTSC lying on a lower substrate region, and the substrate region with the superconductive track formed thereon is elevated such that the superconductive track is isolated from the insulating layer.

Abstract: Organic stripping composition for photoresists comprising organic polar solvents and basic amines which includes an inhibitor which forms a coordination complex with a metal.

Abstract: A cleanser for releasing adherent deposits from a surface consisting essentially of ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, acetone, dibasic ester, and optionally water in specified proportions. Also disclosed is a method of releasing adherent deposits from a surface by applying the aforementioned composition to the deposits.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing reactive polyurethane (PUR) hot melt adhesives from production and processing devices, machines and equipment which includes at least one reactive monofunctional hydroxyl compound which can react with the reactive isocyanate groups of the hot melt adhesive. The monohydroxy functional compound of the invention's clean composition completely saturates the remaining NCO groups of the hot melt adhesive to be removed, converting the adhesive into non-reactive, meltable compounds which are soluble in the cleaning composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and unblocking dope from jet holes (14) of a spinnerette plate (13) used in the manufacture of solvent-spun cellulose fibre. The method comprises the steps of soaking the spinnerette plates (12) in a solvent for the dope, flushing the solvent in a first direction through the jet holes (14) flushing the solvent in the reverse direction through the jet holes 14. The solvent is washed off in a water ultrasonic bath. The spinnerette plates are then steam cleaned and then ultrasonically cleaned in a cleaning agent which will dislodge remnants of cellulose from the spinnerette plates 13.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing difluoromethoxy-2,2,2-trifluoroethane and an alcohol. These compositions can be used especially as solvent for cleaning electronic components and for degreasing metals.

Abstract: A novel, environmentally innocuous, post-etch, pre-soldering cleaner and cleaning process is disclosed for removing contaminants from plated surfaces of printed circuit boards manufactured by the pattern plating method. The post-etch, cleaning process of this invention, for removing contaminants from plated surfaces of an etched printed circuit, comprises treating the plated surfaces with a cleaning solution which comprises an aqueous solution of (i) an imidazole-2-thione compound and (ii) an acid. The imidazole-2-thione compound has the formula: ##STR1## wherein A and B are the same or different --R--Y groups, wherein R is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms and Y is a hydrogen, halogen, cyano, vinyl, phenyl or ether moiety. Of this class of compounds, 1-methyl-3-propylimidazole-2-thione is preferred.

Abstract: The solubility of tetramethylammonium hydroxide pentahydrate in dimethyl sulfoxide is significantly increased by adding to the solution a quantity of dipropyleneglycol monomethylether. This permits up to twelve percent of the tetramethylammonium hydroxide pentahydrate to be dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, rather than the maximum of two percent that would otherwise be the case, which enhances the capacity of the solution to strip photoresist. Particularly, if the concentration of dipropyleneglycol monomethylether is in the range of ten to thirty percent, one can obtain both a high stripping rate and a much higher stripping capacity. For example, stripping capacity may be increased from one hundred forty substrates per gallon to six hundred substrates per gallon.

Abstract: Aqueous paint stripper formulations containing a solvent system comprised of an ester such as benzyl formate and methods for using the same to strip paint.

Abstract: Composition and method of removing a coating painted on a surface. The method involves applying to the surface an acetone based composition containing an organosilicon compound, rubbing the acetone based composition into the surface, and removing from the surface the painted coating and the acetone based composition. The composition is a mixture of 1 to 75 percent by weight of acetone; 1 to 10 percent by weight of water; and 1 to 20 percent by weight of a volatile silicone fluid. The volatile silicone fluid having a vapor pressure of less than 0.10 mm Hg.

Abstract: This invention relates to microemulsion cleaners comprising (a) an organic solvent (b) a surfactant blend comprising an anionic and nonionic surfactant (c) a glycol ether (d) morpholine, and (e) water. These cleaners can be used for removing baked-on oil and carbon deposits.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing oil, grease, and baked-on carbon deposits from metal surfaces with microemulsion cleaners comprising (a) an organic solvent (b) a surfactant blend comprising an anionic and nonionic surfactant (c) a glycol ether (d) morpholine, and (e) water.