Abstract: The invention provides a method of coating a surface 21 of a substrate 20, or of an article, of a material, such as glass, metal, ceramic, cloth or the like, with a colored film-like polymeric coating 22 consisting essentially of a plasma formed polymer matrix 23 containing therein particulates 24. The method comprises introducing plasma-polymerizable material through at least one conduit 30 into the interior region 14 of an appropriate apparatus 10, 35, or 39 in which region 14 there is maintained an electrical discharge conducive to plasma polymerize the introduced material and deposit it on surface 21 concurrently with a depositing therewith of the particulates 24, or color centers, of a size and in a distribution adapted through selective scattering and adsorption of light to provide a desired color while the substrate 20 contacts, or is, a cathode element 19 maintained at an electrical potential conducive for the depositing.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a cloth with the use of low-temperature plasma comprising a pair of closed cloth taking-up cases provided respectively with a slit-type cloth taking-in and out opening and a cloth taking-up shaft, a cloth passage tube connecting to the two cloth taking-up cases for transporting the cloth therethrough, one or more pairs of electrode plates provided at the outer circumference of the cloth passage tube, a gas supply pipe connected to the cloth passage tube, and a gas evacuating pipe provided in the vicinity of the cloth taking-in and out opening.

Abstract: A ferrofluid comprised of composite particles comprised of polymer-enmeshed magnetic metallic particles in indefinite suspension in a carrier fluid is produced by providing a pair of electrodes formed of a composition which will produce the desired magnetic metallic particles, immersing the electrodes in an organic dielectric liquid, applying a pulsed electric potential between the electrodes, adjusting the gap therebetween until there is an electric discharge eroding an electrode producing magnetic metallic particles enmeshed in polymer, recovering the magnetic material from the dielectric liquid and dispersing the magnetic material in a carrier fluid producing ferrofluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting cellulose to amino acids by radiofrequency plasma of nitrogen and hydrogen gases. Cellulose is placed between the electrodes in a radiofrequency plasma reaction chamber which is sealed and maintained at a reduced pressure. Hydrogen and nitrogen mixture is bled through the chamber and sufficient radiofrequency electric current applied until the cellulose is consumed, thereby producing a mixture of amino acids. The cellulose can be either cotton or wood derivatives.

Abstract: The strip material to be processed is passed successively at a first location and a second location. In the first location, electrical charges are deposited on one surface of the strip by corona discharge between an electrically conducting support for the strip and a wire electrode. At the second location, a sliding arc is created along the charge surface of the strip between two electrodes. Due to the prior deposit of charges, the alternating voltage to be established between the electrodes is much decreased.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel and efficient method for the improvement of the surface properties of a shaped article of a synthetic resin such as a vinyl chloride-based resin. In particular, the outstanding defective point of the plastic resin articles toward accumulation of static electricity on the surface is greatly reduced by the inventive method, in which the surface of the article is exposed to the low temperature plasma generated in a gaseous atmosphere containing an organic silicon compound followed, preferably, by contacting treatment with a halogen or a halogen compound such as hydrogen halides and halogen-containing organic compounds in a gaseous phase. The organic silicon compound in the gaseous plasma atmosphere is preferably diluted with a diluent gas which may be nitrogen, nitrogen oxides, ammonia or rare gases at a specified partial pressure.

Abstract: Environmental resistance of rubber-metal bonded assemblies is significantly improved by a process comprising treating such substrates in a "low temperature" plasma comprising at least one sulfur-containing reactive monomer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of thin sheeting by subjecting said sheeting to a corona discharge. Two elongated electrodes are provided in a fixed spatial relationship. The first electrode is coated with a dielectric material and electrically grounded. The second electrode is machined to include a plurality of intersecting furrows which define a plurality of mesa structures, each having at least one acute angle corner. An electrical potential is applied to the second electrode and the sheeting material is then transported between the two electrodes. The mesa structures machined into the surface of the second electrode serve to enhance the amount of corona created by a given amount of electrical potential.

Abstract: This invention relates to blends of polypropylene and styrene-terpene copolymers which provide biaxially oriented, corona discharge treated, heat-sealable films useful in the packaging art.Preferably the compositions also contain a saturated fatty amide, e.g., stearamide slip agent and/or a Fischer-Tropsch wax.A process is described when the films after biaxial orientation, are treated by a corona discharge and in some cases heat aged prior to use in the packaging art.

Abstract: Environmental resistance of rubber-metal bonded assemblies is significantly improved by a process comprising treating such substrates in a "low temperature" plasma comprising at least one 1,2-oxirane reactive monomer.

Abstract: The adhesion of organic resins to substrate materials is increased by depositing on the substrate a coating of a plasma polymerized unsaturated organophosphine.

Abstract: Adhesion and environmental resistance of rubber-metal assemblies is significantly improved by the use of metal substrates which have been nitrided at least in the bond area and subsequently exposed to a non-reactive gas, such as argon, prior to applying the adhesive.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for improving the surface properties or, in particular, for increasing the affinity to water of the surface of a shaped article made of a silicone, e.g. a silicone rubber. The inventive method comprises first exposing the surface of the shaped article of the silicone to low temperature plasma of an inorganic gas and then bringing the plasma-treated surface into contact with a liquid inert to the silicone which is an aqueous solution containing a surface active agent. The treated surface retains sufficient affinity to water even 6 months after the treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyvinyl chloride sheet comprising crosslinked thin layer(s) and uncrosslinked layer(s), at least one surface of the sheet being a crosslinked layer. The thickness of the said crosslinked layer ranges between about 0.05 to about 2 microns, and the degree of the chlorination of the said layer is not greater than about 45% of that of the uncrosslinked layer, and the degree of heat shrinkage is not greater than about 1%. This sheet provides many advantages for blood bags and infusion bags.

Abstract: A uniform thin replica film of a specimen for electron microscopy having a high resolution power such as approximately 1 A 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: An apparatus for corona effect surface treatment of sheet materials, comprising a metal electrode and an insulating material coated electrode, between which the materials to be treated are inserted, wherein in the inside of said coated electrode a cooling fluid is caused to flow.

Abstract: Organotin semiconductor thin films are deposited on a substrate by plasma deposition of reactive organotin species. Conductivity can be increased by heat-treating organotin semiconductors in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature below the melting point of tin. Organotin semiconductors are rendered conductive by exposure to electron or particle beam.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of aromatic polyamide fibers, which are suitable for use in construction materials and rubbers, as well as so treated fibers and shaped articles strengthened with these fibers.

Abstract: A non-polar synthetic resin is mixed with an organic peroxide and cross-linked with a high frequency alternating current field. The peroxide is a perketal or perester of the formula 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the drawing. The cross-linked resin is useful for the insulation of an electrical conductor.

Abstract: An ionized gas plasma is established in an electrical field in contact with a non-vapor volume monomer (liquid and/or solid). The plasma causes polymerization of the monomers which are of the phosphazene or carborane type.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for improving the surface properties or, in particular, for increasing the affinity to water of and for reducing accumulation of static electricity on the surface of a shaped article made of an acrylic resin. The inventive method comprises first exposing the surface of the shaped article to low temperature plasma of a gas having no polymerizability in plasma and then bringing the plasma-treated surface into contact with an aqueous solution containing a surface active agent. The effect of the inventive method is so strong and durable that the treated surface remains antistatic even 6 months after the treatment.

Abstract: Silicone rubber is treated with certain gas plasmas at low pressures and ambient temperatures to improve the adhesion of a polyurethane coating to the silicone rubber.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for modifying surface properties, e.g. liability to surface bleeding of plasticizers and other additives and affinity with water, of shaped articles of polymeric materials such as vinyl chloride-based resins and silicone rubbers by the treatment with low temperature plasma of a gas. The plasma treatment in the inventive method is carried out in two steps with the first step carried out in an atmosphere of oxygen and the second step carried out in a non-oxidizing gas such as argon and carbon monoxide. Different from the conventional methods of plasma treatment which suffer from poor reproducibility and low effectiveness, the inventive method can give good reproducibility and high effectiveness presumably owing to the removal of the surface stain in the first step plasma treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for the corona discharge treatment of a travelling web such as a plastics or cellulose film comprises a pair of spaced conductors with an associated alternating voltage power supply set at such a distance apart that the possibility of spark or arc discharge is avoided, at least one conductor having mounted thereto an electrode member extending towards the other conductor to define a gap across which a corona discharge can be formed. The electrode member consists of a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of at least 8, preferably at least 80, and may consist of a plate with an edge directed towards the other conductor. Preferably the plate is formed of one or more ceramic tiles based upon a titanium and/or zirconium compound. In another form the electrode member consists of a row of rods or two or more rows of spaced rods in staggered relationship.

Abstract: Plastic surfaces are treated with electrical corona discharge in an atmosphere of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is substantially excluded, and is kept at less than 0.1% by volume.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, the reduction of the activation energy of chemical reactions, wherein an electrical field is generated by a capacitor arrangement in the phase containing the educt.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel planographic printing plate suitable for dry planographic printing without supply of dampening water and a method for the preparation thereof. The inventive printing plate has, on one surface of a base plate, a layer of an organopolysiloxane composed of the areas where fresh surface of the organopolysiloxane is exposed bare as the ink-repellent non-image areas and the areas where the surface of the organopolysiloxane layer has been subjected to the treatment with low temperature plasma to be oleophilic or ink-receptive as the image areas of the printing plate. According to the inventive method, the pattern-wise exposure of the organopolysiloxane layer to the plasma atmosphere is performed by first providing a pattern-wise layer of a plasma resistant protective resist layer on the organopolysiloxane layer followed by the plasma treatment and removal of the resist layer.

Abstract: An ionized gas plasma is established in an electrical field in contact with a non-vapor volume monomer (liquid and/or solid). The plasma causes polymerization of the monomers which are of the phosphazene or carborane type.

Abstract: A method for reducing static electricity on the surface of a shaped article made of polyvinyl chloride resins, which method comprises the steps of (a) blending a surface active agent with the polyvinyl chloride resin prior to fabrication of the resin into a shaped article, (b) fabricating the resin admixed with the surface active agent into a shaped article, and (c) subjecting the shaped article to a treatment with low temperature plasma of a gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the treatment of bulky fibrous webs, derived at least partially from thermoplastic fibres, so as to impart cohesion to the webs. The process involves passing the webs between at least one pair of rotating cylindrical metallic electrodes, of which one is connected to a high frequency generator and the other is connected to earth, the web being compressed between the electrodes and being driven by them. One of the electrodes is covered with a layer of dielectric material having a smooth surface, and the discharges produced between the electrodes are partial discharges (or glow discharges), the path of which extends over only a part of the gap between the electrodes, starting from the electrode covered with dielectric material and extending to near the surface of the other electrode.

Abstract: A process for improving the performances of semipermeable membranes which comprise an acrylonitrile polymer containing 40 to 100% by mole of acrylonitrile and have a bubble point of more than 0.1 kg/cm.sup.2, by dipping said membranes in an aqueous solution containing inorganic salts and/or protic acids.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride tube having a crosslinked thin layer of about 0.1 to about 1 micron in thickness at least on its inner surface, thereby substantially reducing the migration and volatilization of plasticizers and other additives from the polymeric materials into the fluid in said tube. The tube of this invention is especially useful for medical use.

Abstract: The invention provides an effective method for subjecting the inner surface of a tubular body made of a plastic resin to a treatment with low temperature plasma according to which the tubular body is dipped in an insulating oil bath while the inside of the tubular body is filled with a plasma gas under a reduced pressure and electric power for the generation of a low temperature plasma is supplied to electrodes surrounding the tubular body in the insulating oil. Several of the problems in the prior art methods can be solved by the present invention such as undesirable thermal degradation of the tube surface by the evolved by the electric discharge, and power loss due to the generation of plasma outside the tubular body.

Abstract: In the inventive method, shaped articles of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin are subjected to the surface treatment by with low temperature plasma so that the undesirable phenomenon of bleeding of the plasticizer on the surface can be effectively prevented when the plasticizer for plasticizing the resin is a compound having at least one aromatic nucleus in a molecule or a combination of two or more of plasticizers including 10% by weight or more of a plasticizer which is a compound having at least one aromatic nucleus in a molecule.

Abstract: In a plasma chemical reaction carried out with at least one gas, the plasma constants in the progress of reaction such as electron temperature, electron density and electron energy distribution function can be measured by use of a probe heated to a high temperature which is made of a metal having a small thermionic electron emission at a high temperature. The plasma chemical reaction can be performed in the steady state with satisfactory reproduction of composition, structure, yield and performance of the product by controlling the pressure, input power and gas flow rate in the plasma reactor so that the measured plasma constants always coincide with the predetermined plasma constants necessary for effecting the intended chemical reaction which have been obtained through a preliminary experiment.

Abstract: Stereo-regular polymers are produced by forming a moving stream of gaseous monomer having an electric dipole moment, irradiating the monomer with monochromatic light of a wavelength suitable for activating it, and orientating the activated monomer in an electric field. The activated, oriented monomer then polymerizes to form a stereo-regular polymer.Alternatively, a monomer of the general formula ##STR1## can be used, where at least one of the R groups, the resonating R group, forms an electric dipole moment with the remainder of the monomer. The monomer is then irradiated with a monochromatic light beam having a frequency which resonates with a harmonic frequency resulting from the bond between the resonating R group and the remainder of the monomer. Activation of that particular bond on that particular type of monomer results in a stereo-regular polymer.For best results, however, the two methods are combined.

Abstract: Process and product-by-process of selectively treating a surface of plastic film to prevent blocking by blanketing the surface with a noble gas and by striking a corona discharge within the noble gas atmosphere, while the other surface of the film is in contact with some other gas or gas composition, such as air.

Abstract: An ionized gas plasma is established in an electrical field in contact with a non-vapor volume of monomer (liquid and/or solid). The plasma creates active polymerization sites in the monomer volume to initiate propagation of polymerization therein. After initiation, the partially-polymerized monomer volume is postpolymerized in the absence of the ionized gas plasma to yield a very high molecular weight polymer which may be essentially free of cross-linking in desirable forms including commercial quantities of bulk self-supporting polymer or a coating. Suitable monomers include liquid vinyl monomers (e.g., methyl, methacrylate) and solid crystalline monomers (e.g., 1,3,5-trioxane).

Abstract: Phosgene, COCl.sub.2, an impurity in BCl.sub.3 is removed by exposing a BCl.sub.3 mixture containing the impurity to an electrical discharge (i.e., electrical excitation energy level) directed through the mixture. The BCl.sub.3 gas with COCl.sub.2 impurity can be flowing or stationary as desired for a particular process.

Abstract: A thin film of less than 300 microns in thickness can be obtained by crosslinking a surfactant with plasma or radiation. This thin film is as high in strength as an ordinary plastic film, and is usable as a substance-separating film, a substance-protecting film or an insulating film.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of semipermeable membrane which comprises exposing porous shaped articles of polysulfone to a plasma.The resulting semipermeable membrane is very useful for separating substances by reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A method of modifying the surface of polymeric substrate materials, such as textile fabric including woven polymeric textile or textile fibers, by means of electron bombardment in a low pressure gas discharge medium to produce chemical and/or physical changes in the thus treated surface thereby improving the technological properties of the polymeric material, e.g., improved anti-static properties, dye absorption, dirt resistance, releasing of dirt absorbed and hydrophilation, among others.

Abstract: A method of separating isotopes of hydrogen which comprises subjecting a ture of methane and isotopes of hydrogen in a methane to hydrogen mole ratio from about 1000:1 to about 1:10 to a glow electrical discharge from about 10.sup.-3 to about 50eV per hydrogen bond at a temperature from about 50.degree. K. to about 310.degree. K. and at a pressure from about 0.3 Torr to the pressure at which arcing occurs.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate in an electrical discharge plasma, which comprises establishing a zone of electrical glow discharge plasma in a gaseous medium comprising at least about 25%, by weight, of water vapor, based on the total weight of the gaseous medium, and exposing said substrate to said plasma in said zone then exposing the substrate to an ethylenically unsaturated monomer whereby the monomer is grafted onto the substrate.

Abstract: An electro-lithography method suitable for forming a high resolution pattern in an electron sensitive resist material is disclosed. This technology permits the inexpensive high resolution reproduction of masks for use in integrated circuits and magnetic bubbles. The method involves the application of a pulsed, electric field to two parallel electrodes having an electron beam resist layer positioned on one of the electrodes and a mask positioned between the second electrode and the resist layer. The mask forms a gap having a thickness of 10.sup.-4 m to 10.sup.-5 m with the resist layer.

Abstract: Gas streams that contain from about 10 ppm to 1000 ppm of vinyl chloride are purified by passing them through a zone of silent electric discharge. This treatment destroys at least 80%, and in most cases 90% or more, of the vinyl chloride in the gas stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved hydraulically impermeable cation exchange membrane for an electrolytic cell and a method for the preparation of such a membrane using a copolymeric substrate and applying to the surface thereof by means of plasma polymerization, a very thin top coating of a second polymeric material to drastically reduce the permeability of the substrate material with a minimal effect upon the bulk properties of the resultant membrane. Such top coatings may be applied over the basic substrate or over surface treated substrates to enhance the chemical resistivity of the membrane to chemical breakdown occasioned by the electrolyte within the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A process is described for improving the ammonolytic stability of polyester textile yarn without substantial loss of its tensile strength which comprises exposing separated fibers of the yarn to corona discharge for a total of about 0.01 to 3 seconds at a speed of at least 100 feet per minute and then reforming the yarn. A cord made from this yarn is described, as well as a tire produced by bonding the cord to rubber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for catalyzing chemical reaction. The reaction system is brought into contact with the surface of a solid, electrically conducting layer provided with an underlying insulating or semi-conducting layer and an electric current is passed successively across both layers. The device comprises a stratified body having at least one electrically insulating or semi-conducting layer, covered at least partially with an electrically conducting layer suitable for contact with the reaction system, and means for applying a voltage for passage of a given electric current across said body.Heterogeneous catalysis of a desired reaction is achieved at the surface of the conducting layer due to said current passage.

Abstract: Contact lenses are fabricated from a copolymer of a polysiloxanylalkyl acrylic ester and an alkyl acrylic ester. The copolymer has increased oxygen permeability.