Abstract: A porous article is densified by creating a plasma adjacent to the surface of the article and introducing a source of a densifying species into the plasma. The article is electrically biased with respect to the plasma to a polarization opposite in sign to the energized densifying species and to a first voltage sufficient to deposit the densifying species to the first depth below the surface of the article. The species is deposited for a time sufficient to densify the article at the first depth. If the article has porosity over a range of depths, as is often the case, the voltage is first set to densify the article at the greatest depth, and thereafter the voltage is gradually decreased to reduce the depth of densification until the article is densified over the entire range.

Abstract: Plasma polymerized membranes comprising polymerized aliphatic hydrocyclosiloxane monomers optionally copolymerized with co-monomers and methods for their preparation are described. These methods may be used to coat substrates to impart properties such as hydrophobicity, thromboresistance, gas permeability and biocompatibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for surface modifying a substrate, such as an implant, to provide the substrate with anticoagulant activity and resistance to the deposition of plasma proteins; and the resulting substrate. The surface of the substrate is modified by first depositing a film of a plasma polymer such as plasma polymerized N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone or allyl alochol on the surface of the substrate. Optionally, a neutral hydrophilic spacer molecule is attached to the plasma polymer. An anticoagulant, such as heparin, is attatched either directly to the substrate or indirectly to the substrate via attatchment to the spacer molecule, when such spacer molecule is present.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous electrical discharge treatment and adhesive application to a polymer component. The apparatus includes a jig having an electrically conductive region and a dispenser having an electrically grounded dispensing tip with a dispenser orifice which functions as an electrode as it is moved across an upper surface of the polymer component in close proximity thereto. During such movement, the tip coacts with the jig which underlies the component and to which high voltage is applied to create an electrical discharge which is directed onto the component and makes the surface thereof susceptible to bonding with adhesive applied to the component from the tip virtually simultaneously with the discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an ionomer comprising of: (i) providing a plastic; (ii) placing an electrically conducting medium in contact with a plastic surface of the plastic; and (iii) applying an electrical field over the plastic surface, such that electrically bonded, ionogenic groups occur in the plastic.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus is provided for the conversion of compounds, elements, or mixtures which are in particulate form, into new compounds, elements or mixtures in gaseous, liquid, or particulate form. In a reaction chamber, particulates are mechanically transported into a first region of high electric field, where they acquire a charge and are projected into a second region in which a low-density plasma is maintained. Energetic plasma ions strike the surfaces of the particulates, causing chemical reactions and release of both neutral and ionic products species. Charge exchange on particulates causes the reduced-size particles to fall back into the first region, where the charging recurs and the cycle is repeated. Gaseous and particulate products are removed from the chamber. In one application, naturally-occurring ores may be reduced by a methane plasma; in another, coal may be converted in a methane plasma to intermediate range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The improved nonwoven fabric in an electret state is composed of monofilaments with an average fiber diameter of 0.5-100 .mu.m that are formed of a polymer composition containing no more than 1 mol % of polar groups; the fabric has a weight of 5-100 g/m.sup.2, a bulk density of 0.05-0.40 g/cm.sup.3 and an average surface charge density of at least 0.1.times.10.sup.-9 C/cm.sup.2. This nonwoven fabric is capable of efficient dust collection and its trapping ability is retained for a prolonged time even in a hot and humid condition. Also disclosed are a process for producing this nonwoven fabric, as well as a filtering and an air masking material which are composed of that nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A meat product package including an enclosing film having an EVA-containing inside surface and an in situ aqueous medium-cooked meat product in adhering relation to the film inside surface as the meat contacting and adhering surface. Starch particles are preferably dispersed across the meat contacting surface which has been both irradiated and subjected to corona treatment. A method for corona treating a thermoplastic tube inside surface in which small particles within the flat tube separate opposite surfaces providing voids, and the electric discharge crosses the flat tube through the voids.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polyester tube, which is a tube having heat shrinkability imparted by subjecting an unstretched tube made of a thermoplastic polyester resin to tubular stretching, and which has a crystallinity of not higher than 20% and a shrinkage of more than 5% and not more than 26% in the longitudinal direction (MD) and a shrinkage of at least 25% in the radial direction (TD).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrostatically charging a web or film by subjecting the web or film to an electric field generated between a single bar or wire electrode and the curved surface of a second electrode, and optionally sequentially subjecting the web or film to subsequent electric fields preferably in which the polarity of the field, relative to the web or film, is reversed.

Abstract: In order to increase at least the adherence of lacquer on a workpiece surface consisting of at least substantially one synthetic, organic polymer, which workpiece is plasma treated in an environment of reactive gas, the treatment duration is selected at least close to an adherence maximum in a lacquer adherence-/treatment duration diagram and/or the gas pressure at least close to an adherence maximum in a lacquer adherence-/gas pressure diagram.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a metal-organic polymer combination by contacting the polymer with a plasma followed by an aqueous solution of a metal salt. In one embodiment a water or nitrous oxide plasma is used to treat a polyimide or a fluorinated polymer. The polymer is combined with a metal cation, the metal being a catalyst for a conventional electroless coating after which it is contacted with an electroless metal plating bath for the formation of electrical circuits and especially for plating high aspect ratio vias in microcircuits. Unlike the conventional electroless process, the cationic catalytic metal is not reduced to a zero valent metal catalyst prior to the application of the electroless metal coating solution.The process also improves the wettability of the polymer, especially the fluorinated polymer and is especially useful in improving the wettability of high aspect ratio vias.

Abstract: An improved method for imparting water and oil repellent surface properties to fabrics or paper includes pretreatment in a low pressure oxygen plasma in the presence of water vapor followed by plasma polymerization of methane in a high frequency glow discharge carried out in the same treatment chamber. The resultant polymer film formed on the material surface resists separation from the treated material even after prolonged immersion in water. The method is characterized by use of low cost and readily available starting monomer, by use of a single treatment unit for all stages of the process, reduced energy requirements and treatment time, and improved results over conventional processes.

Abstract: A vapour and gaseous effluent purification process wherein the gaseous flow is made to proceed between metal plates (1) subjected to oscillating electrical high voltages and then over a porous siliceous mass (2) having adsorbed therein an oxidation catalyst active at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawn plastic product with high strength, high modulus and excellent thermal dimensional stability and a method for preparation thereof.Practically, a drawn plastic product with high strength, high modulus and excellent thermal dimensional stability is obtained by drawing a plastic product, for example, a polyester or a polyamide product, in a low temperature plasma.

Abstract: A method for improving the internal surface of a gas-barrier, when required heat-shrinkable, multi-layer plastics film laminate in the form of a seamless tube having the innermost layer of olefin resin, the method including applying corona discharge employing at least two pairs of electrodes to the innermost layer from the outside of the tube having a gas sealed therein and pressed to a flat state avoiding the contact of opposed surface areas of innermost olefin resin layer with each other, the two pairs of electrodes being arranged such that one electrode of each pair is in contact with the outermost layer of the tube and the other of the same pair out of contact therewith while one electrode of one pair is kept in contact with the outermost layer of the tube with which one electrode of another pair is kept out of contact on the same side of the tube, so that the wetting tension of the innermost layer surface is increased to at least 35 dyne/cm by the corona discharge treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inorganic colorant, to a paste made from that colorant by dispersing that colorant into a vehicle, and to a water based paint made using either these colorants or pastes. This invention involves an improvement of the dispersibility of the inorganic colorant into a dispersion medium by which that inorganic colorant, having polar groups on its surface, is treated by low temperature plasma polymerization of a substantially non-polar monomer to form a non-polar group on the surface of the inorganic colorant. The inorganic colorants, to which this invention is applied to improve their dispersibility, are of a wide variety of species. According to the invention, due to the great improvement in the dispersibility of the inorganic colorants, the possible range of formulation of inorganic colorant and the dispersion medium is enlarged.

Abstract: This invention concerns new molecules with active, non-linear optical properties and which can be thermally reticulated (more precisely, these molecules include terminal functions which can be reticulated, attached to either side of the groups active in non-linear optics, which can be oriented under an electrical field). When reticulated and oriented under an electrical field, these materials are particularly stable and can be employed for industrial applications, using non-linear optics (electrooptical modulators, frequency doublers, etc.).

Abstract: Crop yields are improved by treatment of the plant seeds in a low temperature plasma discharge generated between spaced apart electrodes connected to a source of high frequency electrical power.

Abstract: A film electret and an electret filter that contain a polar high-molecular weight compound and that provides a TSDC curve having a homocharge peak temperature of at least 95.degree. C. and a heterocharge peak temperature of at least 80.degree. C.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable synthetic polymer is exposed to a gas plasma in a chamber at a pressure substantially below atmospheric for a sufficient time to increase the hydrophobicity and/or cross-linking density of a surface layer thereof and thereby modify the rate at which the polymer will hydrolyze. An accordingly modified polymer is useful for surgical implants and wound closures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for surface treating the inside surfaces of hollow or three dimensional plastic objects. While the invention will be described with respect to plastic objects, it will be understood that other objects having a high dielectric strength, such as ceramics, cardboard, paper and wood, may be similarly treated. The surface treating is effected by selectively directing a high voltage plasma field to a selected interior surface of the object to enhance adhesion of various glues, inks and the like. The plasma field is generated in the interior of a tunnel directed into an opening of the hollow portion of the object to be treated. A specially designed electrode is supported from the opening to direct in a controlled manner the field to the selected interior area of the object to be treated. The electrode is supported form a high dielectric shield covering a central area of the opening to direct the plasma field around the shield to a laterally extending electrode below the shield.

Abstract: A pulsed surface discharge apparatus for treating dielectric surfaces, such as polymers, having a pair of electrodes spaced apart adjacent to a surface to be treated, means for supplying an inert gas, or a predominantly inert gas mixture, adjacent to the surface in the region between the electrodes, an electric pulse generator providing repeated pulses of a high voltage to the electrodes sufficient to cause breakdown of the inert gas and generate a discharge across the surface to be treated, and a dielectric surface transport for moving the surface to be treated past the electrodes. The electrodes and inert gas may be enclosed within a treatment chamber having entrance and exit ports for the material to be treated, and adapted for wire, rod, tube, sheet or other forms of dielectric material. One embodiment encloses the supply of dielectric material, which material drags inert gas along with to the discharge region.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles consisting of highly oriented polyolefins having an ultrahigh molecular weight of more than 600,000 g/mol (weight-average molecular weight), especially filaments, fibers, yarns, fabrics and films, having good wetting and adhesive properties, especially on conventional matrix materials, which have been subjected to a plasma treatment of their surface, and also to a process for producing these articles and to their use for the manufacture of composites with the use of conventional matrix materials. In these composites, yarns according to the invention, for example, show a substantially higher adhesive strength than corresponding yarns which have not been plasma-treated, their tensile strength not being impaired by the plasma treatment.

Abstract: A process for the surface treatment of individual particles of a pulverulent material to improve the surface properties thereof. The process includes a plasma-generating apparatus for generating a plasma in a plasmagenerator while supplying an inert gas at a high drift velocity into the generator to form a low temperature plasma flame which is directed into a low pressure zone. Subsequently, the pulverulent material is injected into the high velocity inert gas or into the base of the plasma flame to disintegrate any particle aggregate present in the material. The low temperature plasma acts on the surface of each individual particle to improve the properties thereof. The treated particles can then be recovered from the zone.

Abstract: A wrap-packaging film having differential cling is provided by a film laminate, said film laminate comprising at least two layers,at least one of which layers is an outer reverse layer comprising a linear very low density ethylene copolymer (LVLDPE) having a critical density of less than about 0.915 g/cc which contains a tackifier in an amount sufficient to impart thereto an effective level of cling properties,at least one of which layers comprises an obverse layer of an olefin polymer or copolymer, such as a linear low density ethylene copolymer (LLDPE) which has a critical density of not less than 0.916 g/cc which has little or no cling,and wherein the difference in density between the reverse layer and the obverse layer is at least about 0.004 g/cc,the said differential cling properties being manifested in the higher level of cling of the LVLDPE reverse layer as compared to that of the obverse layer.

Abstract: According to the proposed method a moving substrate is transported through plurality of zones of treatment by plasma flows, arranged parallel to the moving substrate. Plasma flows are produced in each treatment zone in individual regions, a plasma-forming gas being supplied into the gaps between the adjacent regions and directed to the surface of the moving substrate. These gaps between adjacent regions are produced by electric potentials, equal in magnitude and similar in polarity, of electrodes used to generate plasma flows of adjacent regions. In a device realizing the method, pairs of electrodes used to form individual treatment regions are arranged so that any two adjacent pairs have their like electrodes facing each other, plasma-forming gas feed nozzles being fit in the gaps between said electrodes.

Abstract: The bonding properties of polyolefin films in composites are improved by a treatment with a low pressure plasma.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cracking a hydrocarbon material. The method includes introducing a stream including a hydrocarbon fluid and a carrier fluid into a reaction zone. A microwave discharge plasma is continuously maintained within the reaction zone, and in the presence of the hydrocarbon fluid and the carrier fluid. Reaction products of the microwave discharge are collected downstream of the reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an epoxy-containing polymeric material having nonlinear optical properties, particularly a glycidyl amine polymer, and a process for making the nonlinear optical (NLO) epoxy-containing polymeric material including poling the polymeric material under high voltage at elevated temperature for a period of time to bring about orientation of the nonlinear optical functionalities in the polymer. The polymers have enhanced thermal stability and good NLO properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for synthesizing hydroxylated plasma-polymerized films, as well as the hydroxylated plasma-polymerized films produced by the process of the invention. In addition, the present invention is directed to the use of hydroxylated plasma-polymerized films produced by the process of the invention for enhancing the compatibility and/or implantability of biomedical implants and/or devices.

Abstract: Polymeric molds and polymeric mold inserts which have been modified by a plasma treatment process. These modified molds and mold inserts may be used to manufacture improved molded cosmetic products such as lipsticks, giving these products a uniform high-gloss finish.

Abstract: A process for producing a metallizable, sealable, biaxially stretch-oriented multi-ply film includes the steps of: providing melts of a predominantly polypropylene base layer, and first and second polyolefinic facing layers; co-extruding the melts through a flat film die, wherein the first and second polyolefinic facing layers are co-extruded on either side of the base layer; solidifying the co-extruded film by cooling; longitudinally stretching the co-extruded film at a temperature from about 120.degree. to 130.degree. C. in a ratio of from about 5 to 7:1; transversely stretching the co-extruded film at a temperature from about 160.degree. to 170.degree. C. in a ratio of from about 8 to 10:1; and corona-treating one facing layer of the co-extruded film which is metallizable. Each of the melts contains a calcium carbonate neutralizing agent having an absolute particle size of less than about 10 .mu.m, a mean particle size of less than about 0.1 .mu.m, a specific surface area of more than about 40 m.sup.

Abstract: Dielectric composites are produced by incorporating metallized particles having a high aspect ratio, such as metallized phospholipid tubules, in a polymeric and/or ceramic matrix and curing or sintering in an electric, magnetic, or flow field to align the particles. The resulting composites have extremely anisotropic properties and high dielectric constants. These composites can be used, for example, in EMI shielding and microwave applications.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polymeric nonlinear optical (NLO) material in which NLO active groups are integral to the polymer chain and a process for producing the NLO material. The polymeric NLO material has recurring monomeric units of the following formula: ##STR1## where X is a divalent electron-donating group, Ar is a conjugating group, A is a divalent electron-withdrawing group and n is an integer of at least 3. The NLO material may be, for example, a poly(benzene sulphonamide) or a poly(p-benzamide). The polymeric material is prepared by applying a stress to the NLO polymer to induce orientation of the NLO active groups in the polymer such that the material exhibits nonlinear optical capabilities.

Abstract: A coated object comprising a glass substrate and an organomineral film, such an an organosilicon compound, deposited upon at least a portion of the glass substrate wherein the coating is of a sufficient thickness and has a sufficient refractive index so as not to absorb energy within the visible spectrum. The object may additionally comprise at least one coating layer interposed upon the substrate beneath the organomineral film to improve the optical properties of the coated object. A method for making the coated object of the invention is described wherein a plasma deposition process is utilized to deposit the organomineral film upon the surface of the glass or glass-based substrate.

Abstract: Polymer waste products are converted into a subdivided form and into a conveyable consistency and supplied to hydrogen plasma jet, preferably with an average mass temperature of at least 1,000.degree. C. and a pressure of 0.05 to 0.5 MPa, so that a mixing of the polymer suspension or granulate with the hydrogen plasma occurs.In this hydrogen plasma, the polymer waste products are decomposed completely and react to form highly endothermic, valuable products, such as acetylene, ethylene, hydrogen, CO, HCN or HCl.

Abstract: A process apparatus for producing a non-woven, especially a non-woven electret, fiber sheet provides for directing the non-woven fibers at a collecting surface and into an electric field between at least one electrode and the collecting surface.This process, in which the fibers are collected in the electric field, enables the economical production of a non-woven electret fiber sheet of single layer structure having large amount of polarized charges (giving a total electric charge per unit area of at least 7.times.10.sup.-11 Coulomb/cm.sup.2), and a weight of at least 60 g/m.sup.2, preferably greater than 80 g/cm.sup.2.The non-woven electret sheet may have the large amount of electret charge throughout its thickness and/or a uniform weight distribution and thus have excellent dust collecting properties.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to present a corona discharge processing apparatus capable of performing uniform and excellent corona discharge processing, on work of any thickness or shape, with the constant processing effect regardless of a thickness and shape of the work.A corona discharge processing apparatus of the invention comprises an excitation electrode and a counter-electrode, and generates a corona discharge by applying a high voltage between them, thereby applying corona discharge processing on the work, wherein the excitation electrode and the counter-electrode are both disposed on the same surface of the work with an interval between them.

Abstract: A method of biomolecule immobilization is described in which the biomolecule itself or, alternatively, a monomer-conjugated biomolecule, is grafted with free monomer onto a hydrophilic, solid-phase, polymeric substrate which has been pre-irradiated with ionizing radiation. The pre-irradiation step is carried out, preferably at -78.degree. C. in air, while the grafting step is carried out at 0.degree. C. in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The technique is applicable to immobilization of a wide variety of biomolecules, such as enzymes, catalysts, hormones, lectins, drugs, vitamins, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, DNA and RNA segments, pesticides, dyes and fertilizers. The products may be used for therapeutic or diagnostic applications or bioseparations.

Abstract: Moldings having a thickness of 1 to 60 mm and made of flexible webs or rigid sheet of plastic are passed through a corona discharge treatment system consisting of high-voltage electrodes and a counter-electrode and a high-frequency alternating current voltage of 20 to 25 kHz and 20 to 70 kV is applied to the high-voltage electrodes by a generator. A corona discharge forms in the gap between the high-voltage electrodes and the counter-electrode. An aerosol formed by atomizing a liquid is blown into the corona discharge zone by means of an air or gas stream. The aerosol modifies the surface of the sheet-like molding in the desired manner.

Abstract: A self-supporting sheet-like article is described which is comprised of a substrate layer and an antistatic coating applied to at least one surface of the substrate layer. The antistatic coating is produced by the treatment of at least one surface of the substrate layer with an electrical corona discharge which runs between a live electrode and a counter electrode. Simultaneously, i.e. during the corona discharge, an aerosol is introduced into the corona discharge area, which aerosol contains an antistatic agent. Furthermore, a procedure for the production of a self-supporting sheet-like article with an antistatic coating as well as a firmly adhering antistatic coating on a polymer substrate are described.

Abstract: An ultrathin selectively permeable membrane made by glow discharge plasma polymerization of a single siloxane monomer with the deposition of the polymer as a single layer upon a nonporous support material. The resulting membrane has an oxygen content between about 10% and 60% and is highly permselective. The support material can be an electrode, thereby forming an electrode that is resistant to fouling or contamination but readily accessible to oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for fabricating linked duplex film with trapped printing, preferably without adhesives or adhesive inks. A preferred supply roll for use in this process is also disclosed, as are alternate preferred processes for fabricating the supply roll. The product roll which results from the preferred trapped printing process may be used on conventional equipment to fabricate bags or other packages in which no adhesive or adhesive inks are present between the linked layers of film.

Abstract: In the electric-impulse method, substances to be treated are subjected successively in time to impulse groups of electro-magnetic fields having varying energy densities, in order to increase the yield of the reactions initiated. The electric impulses or impulse groups are generated by discharging charged capacitors, which have a varying capacitance (C1,C2,C3), along a discharge path (A1,A2), the discharge paths being formed by electrodes (11,12,13) between which the substances to be treated are located in an electrolyte.

Abstract: Polyolefin coatings and films having release characteristics, also known as release sheets, are disclosed. The release sheets are formed by treating a sheet formed from polyolefin and dimethyl polysiloxane having functional end groups with a corona discharge. In a preferred embodiment, the release sheet is formed from polyolefin, the dimethyl polysiloxane, vinyl silane, an agent to graft the vinyl silane onto the polyolefin and a moisture curing agent by extrusion in the form of sheet, treating the sheet with a corona discharge and then subjecting the sheet to moisture. The release sheets may be used, for instance, as the backing sheet for labels.

Abstract: The energizer of the instant invention includes an electric discharge apparatus for creating an electric discharge and a focusing mechanism for focusing the electric discharge on a fluid to be energized. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the focusing mechanism takes the form of a dielectric core which is constructed and arranged to focus the electric discharge into a passage formed about the periphery of the core thereby enabling the use of energy levels substantially higher than would be possible without the focusing means.A method of energizing a fluid is taught which includes introducing the fluid into a confined region, providing an electric discharge for energizing the fluid and focusing the discharge into the confined region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for efficient processing of liquids and the precipitation of dissolved elements and chemical compounds. Improvements over prior systems include system layout, components and modes of operation of the system. Applications of the system include destruction of toxic wastes and sewage treatment, precipitation of chemical compounds and elements including metals from solution (brine, sea water, industrial waste), sterilization and water purification, catalytic formation of chemical compounds, and processing of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement of cascade arc plasma torches in a process for plasma polymerization. The arrangement is utilized in low temperature plasma polymerization coating and utilizes a plasma reactor with concentric electroconductive rings separated by insulator rings. The rings are positioned between electrode connectors and form a central passage through the plasma reactor. A voltage supply source provides a voltage across the plasma reactor so as to initiate and continue the polymerization coating process. Downstream of the plasma reactor, an arrangement is provided by which monomeric gas is fed into a passage at a downstream end of the reactor so as to enable plasma polymerization.

Abstract: Pretreating the surface of electrically conducting molded materials, such as metal foil or plastic films in whose polymer matrix electrically conducting particles have been incorporated, by means of electrical corona discharge is provided. A generator subjects the high voltage discharge electrodes of the corona discharge to a high-frequency alternating current of high voltage. The metal core of a roller, over whose metallic circumference a film web or foil is transported, serves as the grounded metallic counter-electrodes. A housing encloses the high voltage electrodes of the corona discharge and is connected via a line to an atomizer apparatus, in which a liquid is atomized to give a suspendible aerosol by means of a piezoelectric ultrasonic vibrator system or by two-material atomizer nozzles operating at the speed of sound.