Abstract: A method for monitoring a substrate patterning process, where at least two electrodes are used to apply a voltage to the substrate to cause a reaction in a portion of the substrate, that includes recording a current driven by said voltage as a function of time and/or as a function of a position of the substrate or a patterning mask. Also disclosed are a device and a computer program product for monitoring the substrate patterning process.

Abstract: Aqueous, cationic polyelectrolyte dispersions of improved stability are provided in which copolymers of ethylene and selected aminoalkyl acrylates and methacrylates are self dispersed in water with a mixture of phosphoric acid and at least one additional acid selected from alkylsulfonic acids and gallic acid.

Abstract: A polymer modifying agent for use in increasing the shelf life of natural rubber. The polymer modifying agent consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, a starch, a catalyst, and rubber processing oil and aliphatic resin. The compound bonds with the rubber, particularly the polymer chains of the rubber being encapsulated by the zeolite, preventing the aging effect caused by oxidation and light. The compound also acts to disperse the silica evenly throughout the rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. A method of blocking the effects of premature curing of rubber is also provided. The method includes a step of adding the inventive compound to the rubber.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically patterning a surface comprises providing an electrolyte overlying the surface and an array of electrodes adjacent the surface and in contact with the electrolyte, and altering the potential of one or more electrodes of the array so as to deposit or remove or chemically modify a substance on the surface adjacent the electrode. Several such treatments can be performed in sequence, using different electrodes of the array. The method is particularly suitable for step-wise chemical synthesis e.g. of oligonucleotides or other oligomers tethered to the surface. Electrode arrays for use in the method are also claimed.