Abstract: A self-supporting sheet-like structure comprises a coating, which reduces sliding friction, on at least one surface of the substrate. The slip-improving coating is produced by treating this substrate surface by means of an electric corona discharge between a high voltage electrode and a grounded counter-electrode while simultaneously spraying an aerosol into the corona discharge zone. The aerosol contains a film-forming agent as a slip agent, for example aqueous solutions or emulsions of monoesters of glycerol and long-chain fatty acids.

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 magnesium alloy structural member for supporting at least one actuator arm in a hard disk drive and a method for making a shaped magnesium part having a fluorocarbon coating is disclosed. The coating is applied by exposing the member to a reactive gas in the presence of a glow discharge plasma to prevent corrosion. The glow discharge is generated by providing a vacuum environment at a pressure of between 250 and 300 millitorr in a reaction chamber and applying power to a pair of electrodes contained within the reaction chamber. Power is supplied at between about 100 and about 200 watts at about 13.6 megahertz, forming a low temperature glow discharge plasma. A reactive gas comprising a fluorinated alkane is introduced to the reaction chamber, and a pressure of between about 100 and about 300 millitorr is maintained. The structural member is exposed to the reactive gas and the plasma for an amount of time sufficient to form a thin and uniform polymeric fluorocarbon coating on the surface of the part.

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: An electric arc is used for reacting carbonaceous materials and water to produce a combustible gaseous product comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane as its major components, wherein the electrothermal and photochemical effects of the arc result in the production of active chemical species which cause and participate in the gasification reactions.

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: 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: A method of soldering without the need for fluxing agents, high temperature, hydrogen, laser excitation or sputtering techniques. The method uses plasma excitation to remove surface oxides from solder surfaces, thereby eliminating the need for post-soldering cleaning in an accurate and efficient manner, resulting in a higher quality and long term reliability solder joint. In addition, serious environmental problems caused by cleaning solvents are avoided.

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: A method and apparatus for converting a raw gas such as the gas liquor resulting from a Lurgi-type coal gassification process together with CO.sub.2 and/or water by passing it through a plasma arc heater and gas converter to convert it to a mixture of CO and H.sub.2.

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: A system for decomposing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as furans, dioxins and PCBs, uses a glow discharge device as an electrochemical reactor. A gas, containing an aromatic hydrocarbon, is supplied at approximately atmospheric pressure to the glow discharge device which includes a pair of electrodes separated by a gap. The gas flows through the gap between the electrodes, one of which is preferably a planar electrode and the other of which is preferably a plurality of pins arranged perpendicular to the planar electrode. The electrodes are connected to a direct current power source via a ballast. The electrical potential across the electrodes is adjusted in conjunction with the flow rate to provide sufficient energy to break the benzene rings in the aromatic hydrocarbon, while preventing arcing across the electrodes.

Abstract: Inorganic powders are coated with a thin film of an organic polymer formed on the individual particles by plasma polymerization. The film thickness may be not more than 100 .ANG., and the inorganic powders include magnetic ones.

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 surface of a product molded of polyolefin is washed with a fluorine-containing organic solvent such as CCl.sub.2 F--CCl.sub.2 F or CCl.sub.2 F--CClF.sub.2 and, thereafter, the product surface is treated with a plasma. Since the product surface is washed with an organic solvent containing fluorine, wastewater and process operation can be controlled with relative ease. A painted product pretreated by the process of the invention has a high peel strength and water resistance.

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: In a method for the production of synthesis or reduction gases from carbonaceous fuels and oxygen-containing gases endothermally reacting with the fuels, the starting products are reacted in a plasma reaction zone. In order to provide a method by which the production of reduction gases is feasible up to the highest flow rates in an operationally safe manner and by an optimum utilization of the energy supplied, the components to be reacted are commonly conducted through an elongate reaction chamber as a feed fluid. A central plasma jet is formed over the total longitudinal extension of the reaction chamber. The arrangement, i.e., the elongate reaction chamber, includes a plasma electrode (cathode) on one end and a counter electrode (anode) on the other end; supply ducts for the feed fluid and discharge ducts for the synthesis or reduction gases in the region of the plasma electrode end are provided.

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: 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.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal consisting essentially of forming a free-burning arc discharge between at least one anode and a cathode having a conical tip, wherein said arc discharge forms a contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, forcefully projecting a reactive material consisting of a mixture of pulverized coal and steam parallel to the surface of said conical tip of said cathode and through said contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, at such a rate that said mixture of pulverized coal and steam is exposed to the free-burning arc for less than 3 milli-seconds, and recovering a solid carbonaceous fume having a surface area equivalent to a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 microns and a gaseous product comprising of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Transparent IR materials having a plasma polymerized saturated hydrocarbon coating exhibit excellent transmissive characteristics in the IR and exhibit excellent moisture, oxidative corrosion, and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A plasma polymerized ethane thin film deposited on a variety of substrates has been discovered to be an improved interlayer dielectric. It is a material having property of high dielectric strength and unique low dielectric constant. It also has advantages of depositing pinhole free, crack resistant with good step coverage and low deposition cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a thin organic film on a substrate which includes a reaction chamber for receiving a substrate on which a thin organic film is to be formed; a microwave discharge tube for supplying the reaction chamber with a carrier gas activated by microwave discharge; a microwave-generating mechanism provided with a hollow resonator for a microwave discharge; and a mechanism for supplying a carrier gas to the microwave discharge tube and a mechanism for supplying the reaction chamber with an organic compound monomer to be polymerized. That region of the microwave discharge tube where a plasma is produced by discharge does not extend to the reaction chamber, but is completely separated therefrom.

Abstract: Methanol is produced from an organic waste material such as sewage by a process wherein an arc heater or "plasma jet" performs novel process steps including: (1) partially vaporizing an organic sewage sludge (a semi-liquid material produced by bacterial digestion of the sewage); (2) reacting the gas products obtained by the sludge vaporization, together with a digester gas (obtained by digestion of the sewage), to form a synthesis gas comprising principally H.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O and CH.sub.4, and (3) optionally, driving a water shift reaction to convert a portion of the output gases to additional H.sub.2 and CO for use as a feed stream to the jet. The synthesis gas is converted to methanol in a subsequent process step.

Abstract: A method of investigation or control of catalysts or catalyst reactions wherein a gas or gas mixture is brought into contact with the catalyst (12). The properties of the catalyst and/or the progress of the reaction depending on the catalyst are determined or controlled by applying an electric field between the catalyst (12) and an electrode (10) which is arranged in the gas atmosphere spaced from the catalyst.The size of a corona current thereby produced between the catalyst and the electrode is measured and/or adjusted.

Abstract: Commercially available alkali halide crystals are passivated in a plasma environment and coated by a plasma polymerization process to form moisture resistant alkali halide cyrstals. Prolonged exposure to high humidity did not cause observable damage to the surface of the crystal.

Abstract: Electrodes are immersed within oil which forms a layer over a quantity of water. When current is passed between the electrodes which are held to a predetermined gap from the interstitial surface between the oil and water, water is caused to undergo electrodecomposition. Gaseous hydrogen is then recovered in the sealed space above the oil-water layers and the oxygen is caused to react with constituents in the oil layer.Consequently, there is produced continuously a quantity of hydrogen which is separately collected and is usable in gaseous form.

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: The surfaces of organic and inorganic substrates, such as polyethylene film and metals, respectively, can be modified by cold plasma deposition of difluorocarbene or trifluoromethyl radical specie generated by subjecting precursor vapor, for example, perfluorocyclobutane or hexafluoroethane, to a radio frequency electrical glow discharge.

Abstract: A method of heating a gas, particularly a chemically reactant ionized gas, designed, in particular, for producing lower olefins and industrial hydrogen from hydrocarbon stock, wherein the gas is mixed with an intermediate heat carrier gas plasma jet and heated additionally with a rotary electric arc.

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 and apparatus for coating a substrate with a layer of polymerized material by simultaneous glow discharge polymerization and sputtering is disclosed. A substrate and two electrodes are placed in a chamber which can be evacuated. An appropriate pressure of a gas which can form a polymer is introduced into the chamber. A glow discharge is established in the gas. Molecules of starting gas and reactive species created in the glow discharge deposit on the electrodes and on the substrate. Material deposited on at least one of the electrodes is sputtered onto the substrate by applying an electric potential, preferably an AC potential, across the electrodes. The glow discharge is preferably confined to a region adjacent to the sputtered electrode. This confinement may be accomplished by the use of a planar magnetron sputtering cathode. The method and apparatus disclosed allow the rapid deposition of high quality polymeric coatings at low gas pressures.

Abstract: A process for converting naturally occurring hydrocarbon fuels into gaseous products characterized by the steps of introducing a hydrocarbon gas into the arc chamber of an arc heater having an operating temperature therein sufficiently high to produce free hydrocarbon radical ions from the hydrocarbon gas, and feeding into the arc chamber naturally occurring coal or oil to produce a stream of gaseous hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reacting coal with hydrogen to provide hydrocarbon products. In a container having an anode and a cathode spaced therefrom, an electric potential about 200 to 1000 volts more positive than the potential at the cathode is applied to the anode to provide an electric arc at a current density of about 0.01 to 100 amperes per square centimeter in a reaction zone between them comprising hydrogen at a pressure of about 10 to 500 millimeters of mercury, and thus to maintain a plasma therein. A magnetic field of about 100 to 1000 gauss is provided approximately perpendicular to the arc. Hydrogen is directed into contact with the anode (as through passages therein) and from there into the reaction zone to ionize a substantial portion of the hydrogen positively, while coal is directed either in a slurry or as a fine powder, into contact with the cathode (as through passages therein) and from there into the reaction zone to charge a substantial portion of the coal with a negative potential.