Abstract: Thermoformable barrier sheet includes a barrier film having low oxygen transmission, and a thermoformable plastic, especially a foamed or unfoamed polystyrene sheet bonded thereto. Bonding can be accomplished by corona bonding or by thermal bonding.

Abstract: For surface pre-treatment of a plastic article, such as a film sheet or the interior of a plastic molded article, by means of electrical corona-discharge, a device is provided having a generator 5 and a corona discharge device 11. The generator applied a high-frequency, high-voltage alternating current to the discharge electrodes 4 of the corona-discharge device 11. The grounded counterelectrode used is the metal core 2 of a roller 10 over whose peripheral coating 3 a film sheet 1 is transported. A housing 6 encompasses the electrodes 4 of the corona-discharge device 11 and is connected via a line 7 to an atomizer 8 in which a liquid is atomized to form an aerosol by means of a piezoelectrically operating ultrasonic vibration system or by two-component atomizer nozzles which operate at ultrasonic speed. A fan 9, the throughput rate of which can be regulated, is connected to the atomizer 8 and pushes the carrier gas, for example, air, for the aerosol through the atomizer into the corona-discharge device 11.

Abstract: The adhesive strength of highly oriented, highmolecular polyolefin filaments for polar polymeric matrices is improved by subjecting the filaments to a corona treatment with a total irradiation dosage of ##EQU1## effected intermittently in several smaller dosages. The process is particularly suited for treating superstrong polyethylene fibers, and making reinforced materials while applying as matrix a polyester, polyamide or epoxy resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for the surface treatment of synthetic fibers or yarns, in particular of fibers and yarns of polyethylene of ultra-high molecular weight, for improvement of the adhesion, a corona is generated by means of two active electrodes (10, 12), between which the fibers or yarns are passed parallel to the longitudinal extent. The electrodes are designed with a surrounding insulating sheath. The current fed to the electrode (16) is phase-shifted by .phi.=180.degree. with respect to the current fed to the electrode (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating high temperature plasmas for enhanced chemical processing of gaseous fluids, toxic chemicals, and the like, at a wide range of pressures, especially at atmospheric and high pressures includes an electro-magnetic resonator cavity, preferably a reentrant cavity, and a wave guiding structure which connects an electro-magnetic source to the cavity. The cavity includes an intake port and an exhaust port, each having apertures in the conductive walls of the cavity sufficient for the intake of the gaseous fluids and for the discharge of the processed gaseous fluids. The apertures are sufficiently small to prevent the leakage of the electro-magnetic radiation from the cavity. Gaseous fluid flowing from the direction of the electro-magnetic source through the guiding wave structure and into the cavity acts on the plasma to push it away from the guiding wave structure and the electro-magnetic source.

Abstract: An improved method of separating organic solvents from aqueous process streams is disclosed in connection with a copper solvent extraction/electrowinning process. An aqueous solution having droplets of an organic solvent entrained therein is admitted to the upper part of a vertically extending vessel, and air bubbles are passed therethrough from an air inlet near the bottom of the vessel. The aqueous solution is continually removed from a point at the bottom of the vessel beneath the point at which the bubbles are admitted, such that countercurrent flow of the bubbles and solvent occurs. The bubbles bind the droplets of organic solvent and can be controlled to form a froth on the upper surface of the solution within the vessel. The froth can readily be collected and the organic solvent condensed therefrom.

Abstract: An electret fiber sheet has polarized charges on its surface and preferably has charges in ordered orientation across it. The polarized charges are present in an amount of at least 7.times.10.sup.-11 C/cm.sup.2. Such sheets are formed to have a dust collecting efficiency. Sheets having an amount of polarized charge even as high as this are nevertheless stable when they have a maximum orientation energy of depolarization of at least 0.2 eV.Such an electret sheet can be obtained by a process comprising placing a fiber sheet between a non-contact type voltage-application electrode and an earth electrode confronting each other and supplying electricity (voltage>3 kV; current density>1.times.10.sup.-6 mA/cm.sup.2) between the electrodes, provided that the fiber sheet has a weight less than 80 g/m.sup.2 and a covering factor at least 60%.

Abstract: The powders such as pigments are treated with the low temperature plasma so that their chemical property is improved. In low temperature plasma treatment, if a plurality of powders coagulate into one lump, or if powders cohere on the vessel's inside wall surface, it is difficult to make uniform and efficient treatment. The present invention provides a powder treating method and apparatus used therefor which make uniform and efficient treatment of powders with low temperature plasma. The first invention is a powder treating method where the powders are treated with low temperature plasma while stirring them by vibration. The second invention is a powder treating apparatus equipped with a treating chamber for housing powders, a device for vibrating this treating chamber and a plasma producing device, in which the powders in the treating chamber are treated with low temperature plasma while stirring them by vibration.

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: A process for impregnating corks, in such a way as to improve the sealing effect thereof, with at least one substance which is repellent to aqueous solutions and which is comparable or identical to aqueous solution-repellent substances naturally occurring in cork, in regard to sealing effect and compatibility with the material to be sealed in a container by the cork, provides that prior to the impregnation step on a surface thereof which is to be impregnated the cork is exposed to direct current corona discharge or an alternating current corona discharge, thereby enhancing the capacity of the cork to absorb the impregnation agent.

Abstract: The disclosed laminate includes a layer of a saponified copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate thermally bonded directly (without use of an adhesive) to a layer of thermoplastic with a high interlayer adhesive strength therebetween. The laminate is produced by pretreating the surface of the thermoplastic layer to be bonded with a low temperature plasma and then thermally bonding the two layers together.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a flexible base for printed circuit board of the type formed of lamination of a flexible sheet-like polymeric base and a metal, e.g. copper, foil adhesively bonded to the surface thereof by use of an adhesive, in which the surface of the polymeric base prior to bonding of the metal foil is subjected to exposure to low temperature plasma so that the adhesive bonding strength between the polymeric base and the metal foil can be greatly improved.

Abstract: Plastic resinous tubes, particularly for medical use is improved in blood compatibility when brought into contact with blood, by applying a low-temperature plasma treatment to inner surfaces of the tubes, which plasma is produced through electrodeless electric discharges by the effect of microwave to make it possible to prevent the tube from being heated in such a treatment. The inner surfaces of the tubes thus activated may be further subjected to an inner surface graft copolymerization treatment to enhance blood compatibility.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the treatment of synthetic plastic, hydrophobic, transparent, intraocular lenses to avoid trauma which causes protein adhesion to occur on the surface of the lens thereby causing endothelial cell damage and corneal deterioration. The process includes the first step of cross-linking the surface of the synthetic plastic, hydrophobic, transparent, intraocular lens by treating the lens with a stream of gas containing from about 5-100% by weight hydrogen of a low pressure of about 0.5-5 Torr in the presence of an A.C. electrical discharge. The second step involves treating such cross-linked surface with hydroxyl radicals, thereby to hydrophilize the surface. The hydrogen may be pure or a component of an inert gas mixture, e.g. in helium.

Abstract: The present invention provides with a shaped article of a fluorocarbon polymer having a fluorine/carbon ratio of 1.9 to 2.0, in which at least a part of surface has a fluorine/carbon ratio of 0.8 to 1.8. The shaped article has an improved adhesive properties, especially heat-sealing adhesive property and can be manufactured by a low-temperature plasma treatment of the surface of the fluorocarbon polymer shaped article.As compared with conventional surface-reformed ones, the fluorocarbon polymer shaped article of this invention has an improved adhesive property, especially for heat-sealing, which is not deteriorated during their storage either at a high temperature, at a high humidity or on exposure to ultraviolet ray.

Abstract: A new method is described for the in situ activation of catalysts. Conductive catalysts or catalyst compositions are treated by applying a relatively high (up to 3,000 vdc), substantially electrostatic, potential to the catalyst while the surface of the catalyst is exposed to an ionizable gas. Activation is observed only when the catalyst is biased negatively with respect to a remote counter electrode. The activation persists even after the electrical potential is removed. This activation and, in some cases, catalyst regeneration is believed to arise from the production of cation radicals which react with and remove inactivating deposits on the catalytic surface. The process is demonstrated on the nickel-catalyzed hydrogenolysis of ehtane and ethylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a composite material wherein the element used to reinforce the composite material is subjected to an electrostatic field induced by a high voltage electric current, said element being then impregnated with a liquid matrix material or precursor of matrix, while still under the influence of said field, and to the composite materials obtained by carrying out said process.

Abstract: In a method for plasma-initiated polymerization by the steps of exposing a vapor phase containing monomer vapor to a plasma and introducing a polymerization initiating active seed consequently produced into a condensate phase of monomer thereby effecting chain-growth polymerization of the monomer, the improvement which comprises effecting the production of the polymer while keeping a radical polymerization initiator present at least in the aforementioned vapor phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is partially hydrophilicized silica gel which has hydrophobic groups such as octadecylsilyl group on the pore inside and silanol groups or hydrophilic organic groups on the surface. Also disclosed herein is a process for producing such silica gel.The silica gel has many applications as an adsorbent and catalyst carrier by virtue of the hydrophobic group and silanol group or hydrophilic organic group which are coexistent with each other. The silica gel is produced by performing plasma treatment on silica gel having hydrophobic groups on the entire surface including the pore inside, whereby eliminating the hydrophobic groups on the external surface and causing the silanol groups to appear.

Abstract: A process for producing a plasma polymerized film, which comprises forming a plasma polymerized film on the surface of a substrate placed in a reaction zone by subjecting an organic compound containing gas to plasma polymerization utilizing low temperature plasma formed by pulse discharging, in which the time for non-discharge condition is at least 1 msec. and the voltage rise time for gas breakdown is not longer than 100 msec. The plasma polymerized film obtained has a small coefficient of friction, high lubricity, durability and heat resistance and is useful as a solid lubricating film, etc.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a plasma treating method and an apparatus therefor. The plasma treating method comprises: the step of monitoring the energies of plasmas corresponding to the faces of a plurality of samples to be treated; the step of adjusting to equalize the energies of said plasmas on the basis of the monitored values; and the step simultaneously treating said samples with the plasmas having said equalized energies. The plasma treating apparatus comprises: a plurality of sample electrodes disposed independently of one another in positions opposed to an opposed electrode in a treating chamber evacuated to be supplied with a treating gas; power supply means for applying and adjusting electric power to said sample electrodes; and monitor means for monitoring the energies of plasmas to be generated between said opposed electrode and said sample electrodes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for the complete dewatering of sludge containing hazardous and toxic materials, the stabilization of pathogens and microorganisms contained in the sludge and the disintegration and volume reduction of the resultant solids including a blending chamber for the blending of sludge and a predetermined amount of electrolyte, the partial dewatering of the sludge and electrolyte in a filter unit, the adjustment of the resultant filter cake to a desired thickness and the measurement of the conductivity of the filter cake and the transporting of the filter cake to a disintegration chamber where the filter cake is introduced to an automatically-adjustable source of electrical energy reducing the filter cake to particulate solids and where the filter cake conductivity measurements are communicated to the blending station and the source of electrical energy for the automatic adjustment of same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the pyrolytic destruction of toxic or hazardous waste materials using equipment that is compact and transportable. The waste materials are fed into a plasma arc burner where they are atomized and ionized, and then discharged into a reaction chamber to be cooled and recombine into product gas and particulate matter. The recombined products are quenched using a spray ring attached to the reaction vessel. An alkaline atomized spray produced by the spray ring neutralizes the recombined products and wets the particulate matter. The product gas is then extracted from the recombining products using a scrubber, and the product gas is then burned or used for fuel. Monitoring devices are used to check the recombined products and automatically shut down the apparatus if hazardous constituents are encountered therein.

Abstract: Physical method for the treatment of the surfaces of polyolefinic plastic laminates, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), cardboards and metal sheets such as, particularly, aluminium and tinplate, of any thicknesses and widths, by means of a flame produced by the combustion of a mixture of air-hydrocarbon gas, characterized in that such a mixture is enriched with pure oxygen gas.

Abstract: A method of treating a polymer film to alter its physical properties, comprising exposing the film to an ionized plasma in a vacuum environment with the ionizing gas producing one of surface etching, polymer cross-linking and coating of the film.

Abstract: The disclosed method of ionized-plasma spraying includes the steps of loading an article to be coated into a vacuum chamber, pumping out active gases from the vacuum chamber to a pre-evacuation level, cutting off the pre-evacuation pump, leaking an inert gas into the vacuum chamber, pumping out active gases from the vacuum chamber to the working pressure, spraying a coating onto the article in an inert gas atmosphere, and after the application of the coating terminating the pumping out of active gases from the vacuum chamber and leaking air thereinto, the subsequent pumping out of air from the vacuum chamber being effected to a pressure of 6 to 66 Pa.The apparatus for perfoming the method comprises a high evacuation unit including a magnetron pump connected with the vacuum chamber through a cutoff valve and associated with means for monitoring the residual atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for treating fibers which comprises modifying the surface of a fiber of a polyester which shows anisotrophy in the molten state by subjecting the fiber to a low-temperature plasma irradiation, said method enabling to obtain fibers which comprise highly oriented molecules, are highly crystalline and hence exhibit a high tenacity and a high modulus of elasticity.The fibers thus obtained are suitable as a reinforcing material, exhibit an excellent adhesion to matrices to be reinforced and can give a satisfactory strength to the resulting composite material.

Abstract: A porous article is prepared by subjecting a substantially non-porous polymeric shaped article containing from about 1.0-30% of plasticizer to a plasma treatment under conditions such that the plasticizer is volatilized or decomposed into gaseous decomposition products thereby creating an internal pore structure while leaving the surface of the article essentially intact and free from microscopically visible pores.

Abstract: The disclosed method provides an electret filter having a permanent electrostatic charge and formed of polymer fibers having an intrinsic viscosity of 1.5 or less. Fibers of the requisite viscosity are formed into a non-woven fabric and fed, at room temperature, through a gap between a discharge electrode and a ground electrode while being tightly pressed against the ground electrode. The ground electrode preferrably presents a polished metal surface for contact with the web.

Abstract: A method for sequentially controlling the operation of a microwave-excited oxygen plasma surface treatment apparatus in order to improve and control the quality of surface treatment. The pressure within a reactor (10) is continuously monitored and measured and a first pressure signal is issued when the pressure is reduced to a predetermined first level, whereupon flow control valves (52, 54) are opened to allow oxygen gas to flow through microwave discharge tubes (34) into the reactor (10). A second pressure signal is issued when the pressure increases to a second pressure range and microwave power generators (20, 22) are energized to excite the oxygen flowing therethrough. The plasma density is continuously monitored and measured, preferably in terms of the luminous intensity of the plasma, the amount of reflected microwave power, or a combination thereof. The plasma surface treatment is terminated after a timed duration.

Abstract: A corona treater includes an active electrode which has one or more insulated electrode elements slidably supported by an insulating track. A contact spring connects each electrode element to a conductive electrode bar embedded in the track, and sheet material to be treated is fed through a treatment zone created between an active discharge surface on each electrode element and a bare metal roller electrode.

Abstract: A method for forming disilane comprises flowing monosilane gas into a reaction vessel while maintaining a glow discharge in the monosilane and flowing the reaction product comprising the disilane out of the reaction vessel at a rate such that the monosilane gas resonance time in the reaction vessel is less than about one second. An apparatus for forming disilane comprises a source of flowing monosilane, a reaction vessel and electrical means for maintaining a glow discharge in the flowing monosilane in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Pinhole-free thin films deposited by glow discharge or plasma polymerization of organosilanes, organosilazones and organosiloxanes for use as reactive ion etch oxygen barriers in multilayer resist structures, of lift-off masks, for fabrication of semiconductor devices, such as integrated circuits. The process includes deposition of thin plasma polymerized organosilicon barrier film over a radiation insensitive polymeric base layer previously coated on a substrate, followed by thermal annealing of the plasma polymerized barrier layer, over which is then coated a radiation sensitive resist layer. After definition of the desired resist pattern by imagewise exposure and development, the image is etch transferred into the barrier layer by reactive sputter etching in a fluorine containing ambient, and subsequently transferred into the base layer, down to the substrate, in an oxygen plasma, during which time the plasma deposited film functions as an oxygen barrier.

Abstract: Surface properties or, in particular, antistatic performance of a shaped article of a synthetic resin can be remarkably and lastingly improved by the exposure of the surface to low temperature plasma in two steps, in one of which the plasma is generated in an atmosphere containing a nitrogen-containing organic compound, e.g. amine, amide and the like compounds, and in the other of which the plasma is generated in an atmosphere containing a fluorine-containing organic compound, e.g. fluorinated hydrocarbon compounds. Alternatively, the plasma treatment is undertaken in one step with low temperature plasma generated in an atmosphere containing both of the nitrogen- and fluorine-containing organic compounds.

Abstract: A process for the surface fluorination of a carbon containing synthetic or natural polymer capable of forming a carbon-fluoride bond on fluorination, in a glow discharge reactor, utilizing inorganic fluorides as the fluorination agent.

Abstract: A method of treating a polymer film to alter its physical properties, comprising exposing the film to an ionized plasma in a vacuum environment with the ionizing gas producing one of surface etching, polymer cross-linking and coating of the film.

Abstract: A process for producing a semipermeable membrane having a high flux, excellent in solute rejection and useful for reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration and the like which comprises dipping a semipermeable membrane of acrylonitrile polymer containing 40-100% by mole of acrylonitrile in a solution of an amine and/or an alkali, or casting a solution of said polymer containing an amine and/or an alkali to prepare a semipermeable membrane, and optionally, treating the semipermeable membrane thus obtained with plasma.

Abstract: A process for the surface fluorination of a carbon containing synthetic or natural polymer capable of forming a carbon-fluoride bond on fluorination, in a glow discharge reactor, utilizing inorganic fluorides as the fluorination agent.

Abstract: Surfaces of hydrophobic polymers are treated to reduce their friction resistance characteristics when in contact with an aqueous environment by exposing the surfaces to an oxidation treatment, preferably by use of radio frequency glow discharge. This oxidation is followed by exposure to atmospheric air, until there is a substantial reduction in the air-water contact angle of the surfaces. The reduced friction resistance characteristics are important in aqueous applications where there is movement between the surfaces of two polymeric materials, such as in double slideable catheters and similar medical products. This process also provides lower coefficients of friction for general polymeric products in contact with water and aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A composition adapted for processing into stretch wrap film. The composition comprises between about 40 and about 90% by weight of a high molecular weight copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate containing between about 4 and about 25% by weight of repeating units derived from vinyl acetate and having a melt index of between about 0.1 and about 4.0. The composition further comprises between about 8 and about 55% by weight of a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene. Such linear copolymer has a specific gravity of between about 0.917 and about 0.945. The invention further includes stretch wrap film, a method of producing stretch wrap film of differential cling properties, and a composite film constituted of a layer of the aforesaid ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and a layer of the linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene.

Abstract: In plasma-treating the inner surface of a plastic tube, the invention provides a treating method which ensures stable treatment under readily operative conditions. The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of placing a plastic tube inside an electrically insulating tube wherein the difference between the inner diameter of the insulating tube and the outer diameter of the plastic tube is equal to or less than 2 mm, letting a gas into the plastic tube, keeping the inner pressures of both tubes at a reduced pressure, applying a high voltage across electrodes disposed outside the electrically insulating tube to initiate and sustain discharge only inside the plastic tube and thereby plasma-treating the inner surface of the plastic tube.

Abstract: A pigment-containing base composition comprising at least one organic pigment irradiated with low-temperature plasma and at least one polar resin or solvent, which has good dispersibility.

Abstract: A plasma reactor comprises a reaction chamber having two plate-shaped electrodes arranged parallel to and above each other, whereby the substrates are supported on the lower electrode and this electrode is additionally provided with a center opening (5) through which gas is fed into the electrode space or which is evacuated from it, and where (a) the upper electrode is connected to a high frequency AC or RF voltage and (b) which has no electrode material in the regions opposite the substrates and (c) where their position and shape are determined by the substrates on the lower electrode, causing the electric field in the electrode space to be selectively weakened at at least above the substrates.

Abstract: A method for providing specific chemical functional groups on a substrate surface is provided. In the method a vaporized material is introduced into a reaction zone to produce a plasma. Selective species of the plasma are prevented from contacting the substrate surface while the remaining species are contacted with the substrate.

Abstract: A uniform thin replica film of a specimen for electron microscopy having a high resolution power such as approximately 1 .ANG. is presented. This uniform thin replica film is directly prepared on the specimen by a plasma polymerization technique by depositing organic monomer vapors on a specimen placed on a negative electrode in a high vacuum atmosphere. The deposition is carried out by applying a discharge voltage of from 0.5 to 3 K.V.D.C. between a pair of positive and negative electrodes for 1 to 15 minutes to effect a glow discharge under the conditions of a current density of the glow discharge of from 0.1 and 2 mA/cm.sup.2 and a gas pressure of from 1 to 10.sup.-2 Torr in the system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for enhancing wettability of an organic surface which is at least comparatively hydrophobic which comprises subjecting said surface to plasma surface treatment using a gaseous medium selected from the group consisting of oxygen, argon, nitrous oxide, air and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: In the treatment of a perfluorinated polymer membrane containing acid ion exchanger groups in a corona discharge, the improvement which comprises employing a membrane containing carboxyl groups and maintaining the membrane at a temperature below about 80.degree. C. during the discharge treatment. Advantageously the corona discharge treatment is carried out intermittently, the temperature is maintained at about -10.degree. to +22.degree. C., during the treatment the average rate of irradiation is below about 2 Ah/m.sup.2, the frequency of the corona discharge is from about 5 to 15 kHz, the voltage for producing the corona discharge is from about 1 to 20 kV and the dose is from about 0.1 to 10 Ah/m.sup.2 of membrane surface. The resulting membranes exhibit lowered resistance resulting in lower cell voltages when used in the electrolysis of sodium chloride.

Abstract: Enhancement of thermal decomposition of solid matter by applying a high voltage but low power electrical field across said solid matter simultaneously with heating of the solid matter.

Abstract: A composition adapted for processing into stretch wrap film. The composition comprises between about 40 and about 90% by weight of a high molecular weight copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate containing between about 4 and about 25% by weight of repeating units derived from vinyl acetate and having a melt index of between about 0.1 and about 4.0. The composition further comprises between about 8 and about 55% by weight of a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene. Such linear copolymer has a specific gravity of between about 0.917 and about 0.945. The invention further includes stretch wrap film, a method of producing stretch wrap film of differential cling properties, and a composite film constituted of a layer of the aforesaid ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and a layer of the linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene.

Abstract: An improved process for surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate film is provided, involving corona discharge treatment of the film in an atmosphere of nitrogen containing up to about 350 ppm oxygen, and optionally a small amount of acetone vapor. Films so treated exhibit improved surface properties.