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: 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: 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: Low value hydrocarbons can be upgraded by contact with the products formed during irradiation of a hydrogen donor using microwave energy in the presence of at least one plasma initiator.

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 method for treating fluid hydrocarbon fuel to improve the combustion characteristics of the fuel. The method comprises applying a controlled electromotive force to an alloy which is in contact with the fuel. The electromotive force builds up an electrical charge in the alloy.

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 relates to a process for the synthesis of "oxo" products or their derivatives consisting of hydrocarbon compounds containing carbonyl and/or hydroxyl groups, characterized in that a hydrocarbon substrate containing an unsaturation, such as an alkene, is reacted with reactants consisting of a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the reaction taking place after bringing the substrate into contact with the neutral activated species of the mixture of reactants activated to the plasma state.In particular, the present invention relates to a process characterized in that an alkene is reacted to obtain a mixture containing the aldehyde and the alcohol resulting from the fixation on the double bond of the alkene of, respectively, a group ##STR1## or its group ##STR2## obtained by reduction, or only one of these two components by separating it from the mixture.

Abstract: A photosensitive device is described. The photosensitive member of the device is made of an organic photoconductive film which is suitable for mass-production and unlikely to have cracks therein. The photoconductive film is provided with an abrasion-proof surface by coating the same with an amorphous film having a vickers hardness higher than 2000 Kg/mm.sup.2.

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 process is disclosed for increasing the molecular weight of hydrocarbons and/or derivatives thereof by contacting them with an active hydrogen-containing system which comprises generating a hydrogen-containing plasma at a pressure of at least 5 mm and allowing contact of said hydrocarbons and/or derivatives thereof in liquid form with the plasma-generated system and recovering therefrom a product having an increased average molecular weight.

Abstract: A polyethylene or polypropylene bag is provided with a two-section flap. The sections are spaced by a gap, but are connected by Scotch tape which bridges the gap. Part of the adhesive on the tape is exposed through the gap and provides an adhesive strip for the sealing, opening and resealing of the flap. The bag is provided with an ink-receptive characteristic, except in correspondence with the adhesive strip, to assure retention of the adhesive on the tape. The bag can be provided with a mouth closed by the flap and with the opposite end open so that goods can be inserted through the open end and later accessed via the mouth when the flap is opened.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of plasma-polymerization at low temperature (from normal temperature to about 100.degree. C.) and that at low frequency.

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: Through radio frequency glow discharge the molecular structure of a fluoropolymer is permanently modified by the substitution of hydrogen and oxygen or oxygen-containing radicals for fluorine to a depth of up to 100 .ANG.. The surface morphological properties on a molecular level (e.g., pore structure) of the modified fluoropolymer remain substantially uncharged from those of the starting polymer as well as the bulk structure below the modified surface region while wettability with respect to low surface tension liquids and surface free energy as determined through critical surface tension are increased and new chemically reactive sites are created for further wet chemical modification or attachment of various functionality for development of a bioprobe device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic converter directs the exhaust stream of a fossil fuel combustion process, for example the exhaust from an internal combustion engine, through a series of electrostatic fields to convert a substantial portion of the pollutants into non-harmful base elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the exhaust stream is directed through an anti-turbulator chamber, which conditions the flow. The chamber includes an electron transfer grid in the path of the flow. The grid has a negative dc charge of sufficient strength to achieve the first ionization level of the HC, CO, and CO.sub.2 molecules present. The ionized exhaust is thereafter directed to an ion generator chamber, which includes coils carrying a very high positive dc charge, e.g. 20,000-50,000 volts dc, sufficient to achieve ionization potential of the molecules to induce molecular breakdown into the base components of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Abstract: Continuous processes for the preparation of electrets and the products produced thereby, including filter fabrics, are disclosed. The process employs a continuous film or continuous filaments in the form of a tightly packed warp having a warp density as determined by light transmission of not more than 40%. The continuous film or continuous filament in the form of a tightly packed warp are continuously fed one or more times through a corona charging station having electrodes disposed on both sides of the material being treated, the material being treated being simultaneously heated while being subjected to a corona discharge of from 6 KV to 20 KV direct current.

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.

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: In an apparatus for coating a substrate with an organic substance by placing the substrate in a coating chamber containing a gaseous hydrocarbon compound, in which the hydrocarbon compound can be broken down by means of a cathode system having magnets, a plasma is formed in the vicinity of the substrate by applying a radiofrequency voltage to the cathode system while the substrate is held immediately in front of the cathode. The pressure in the coating chamber and the supply of the electric energy from the generator to the cathode are variable for the purpose of achieving a coating quality that will change during the build-up of the coating. For this purpose, electric motor-powered valve means are inserted into the gas supply line and into the pump suction line and are operated through a timing mechanism or a control apparatus which is connected to a vacuum gauge.

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: A fast pyrolysis reactor includes a tank having a top, bottom and sidewalls extending therebetween and defining a reaction chamber. A fluid inlet and a gas outlet communicate with the chamber. A plurality of cooperatively paired first and second electrodes are positioned within the chamber. Each electrode of a pair is laterally spaced from and vertically aligned with its associated electrode. A gas collection bell is positioned within the chamber and communicates with the gas outlet for collecting generated gas. A power transformer has the poles thereof operatively connected with the electrodes. A tray is positioned between and below the electrodes for defining an interface region extending between the electrodes so that a plasma field is generated between the electrodes when the interface region is formed from two generally immiscible fluids, one of which is conductive and the other of which is insulative, so that the fluids are electrically and thermally decomposed by the plams field into a gas mixture.

Abstract: Spark perforation of synthetic plastic film is carried out by applying electrodes to opposite ends of a portion of the film submerged in a water bath that is at a temperature above the onset temperature of glass transition of the film,and applying short fast rise time electrical pulses of an amplitude sufficient to ensure dielectric breakdown of the film. The size of the perforations formed can be controlled by altering the temperature of the water bath. By using short fast pulses, energy consumption, film decomposition and electrode erosion are minimized, and the high dielectric strength of water can be exploited to control perforation while its conductivity can be exploited to remove residual electric charges from the film. Capacitors formed by lengths of coaxial cable are used by a pulse generator for generating pulses having rise times less than one microsecond.

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: Process for treating at least one surface of a non-polar polymeric material to improve the receptivity of that surface to coloration with an acid dye, which comprises treating said surface of the material with a low temperature microwave plasma from a chemical compound which is capable of creating receptor sites for acid dye on said surface.

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: 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: A medium to high BTU fuel gas is synthesized in a closed tank using a diffuse electrical plasma. An electrode is disposed within, and electrically insulated from, an interface between immiscible mixtures of water and oil in the tank. Comminuted fossil fuel or carbon particles are dispersed in the oil near the interface. A voltage step up transformer connects a potential of about 2-5 kV (kilovolts) across an arc gap between the electrode and the water-oil interface. Electrical breakdown of the oil, due to the high voltage, produces an initial arc across the gap, which at steady state becomes a diffuse, partially-ionized, stable plasma. The electron flow in the plasma chemically and catalytically reforms compounds in the water and oil layers. A capacitor, connected across primary windings of the transformer, has a selected capacitance sufficient to modify the AC voltage and current waveforms so that the power factor of the combined circuit across the arc gap approaches unity.

Abstract: A solid sheet of adhesive hydrophilic gel which is a homogeneous aqueous mixture, substantially free of unbound water, monomers and crosslinking agents, consisting essentially of an amount dispersed uniformly in water of from about 4 to 35 wt % of a crosslinked polyethylene oxide, effective to form with the water a tacky surfaced viscoelastic solid which sheet of hydrophilic gel is produced by subjecting a liquid film of an aqueous solution having a viscosity of about 2-2,000.times.10.sup.3 cps of a linear water soluble polyethylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight from about 0.02-6.times.10.sup.6 Daltons to an amount of high energy radiation effective to convert the liquid film to a sheet of the viscoelastic solid having an adhesive face.

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: Continuous processes for the preparation of electrets and the products produced thereby, including filter fabrics, are disclosed. The process employs a continuous film or continuous filaments in the form of a tightly packed warp having a warp density as determined by light transmission of not more than 40%. The continuous film or continuous filament in the form of a tightly packed warp are continuously fed one or more times through a corona charging station having electrodes disposed on both sides of the material being treated, the material being treated being simultaneously heated while being subjected to a corona discharge of from 6 KV to 20 KV direct current.

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 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 nonwoven texturized fabric is produced by embossing a molten film of a polymer blend of high density polyethylene and polystyrene with hexagonal shaped bosses, biaxially stretching the thus embossed film to produce an openwork net and then texturizing the net with special texturizing rollers to flatten and deform some of the bosses and bend some of the bands at an angle to the plane of the fabric to produce an essentially irregular pattern of bosses connected by bands.

Abstract: Electric arc conversion process in which C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkane is brought into contact with an electric arc and higher molecular weight carbonaceous material is brought into contact with the hot gas derived from the C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbon in the vicinity of the arc.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for stabilizing poled piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymer films by exposing the poled film to a glow discharge at a reduced pressure for a sufficient period to thereby remove unwanted and unstable homo- and hetero-charges from the poled film.

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 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: An improved process for making synthetic paper/film from a blend of polystyrene and polyethylene resins wherein titanium dioxide is employed as the sole inorganic filler and the film is given an oxidizing post-treatment, such as corona discharge or surface sulfonation. The film so-prepared has improved adhesion to photographic gel emulsions.

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 method and apparatus for forming an improved poly-p-xylylene film. Solid di-para-xylylene dimer is sublimed in a sublimation furnace at approximately 100.degree. to 200.degree. C. and subsequently conducted to a pyrolysis furnace where it is pyrolyzed to the diradical p-xylylene monomer while in the vapor state at approximately 600 degrees C. The diradical monomer is then introduced into a deposition chamber for deposition onto a suitable substrate. The deposition chamber includes electrodes for producing a low pressure plasma through which the diradical monomer passes prior to deposition. The interaction of the diradical monomer with the low pressure plasma results in the formation of poly-p-xylylene film which is exceptionally hard and thermally stable.