Abstract: A vinyl chloride-based resin is compounded with a filler, e.g. calcium carbonate, having been treated on the surface with an epoxy compound such as 3-glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxy silane in advance and the resin composition is shaped into an article which is then subjected to a low temperature plasma treatment. The thus obtained shaped article is imparted with remarkably improved surface properties such as decrease in the phenomenon of plasticizer bleeding and the effect is very durable even after prolonged outdoor exposure of the article.

Abstract: A treatment process for treating an interfacially polymerized polyaramide on a microporous support reverse osmosis membrane. The treatment involves immersing the membrane in an aqueous solution containing 5 to 25 weight percent of an alcohol having 1-5 carbon atoms for 15 minutes to two hours at a pressure of 50 to 100 psi. Optionally, the membrane can be treated with a surfactant.

Abstract: A wiper blade rubber of an elongated configuration comprising a base portion of large thickness, a swinging portion substantially of a trigonal cross section, a neck portion connecting the base portion and the swinging portion and a thin plate-like lip portion disposed at the top end of the swinging portion. The basic material constituting most part of the base portion, the neck portion, the swinging portion and the lip portion is formed with soft and flexible rubber mainly composed of vulcanized ethylene-propylene rubber, and at least the surface of the lip portion is disposed with a surface layer constituted with a blended rubber composed of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and polyvinyl chloride resin and surface layer has a chlorinated surface layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing fluoridated surfaces of polymers includes exposing the surfaces for a period of time to the influence of a fluorine containing a treatment gas of defininte proportion for forming fluoridated hydrocarbons. A small portion of the treatment gas is drawn off during the exposure period and channeled via an activated aluminum oxide contact for carrying out the reaction Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 +3F.sub.2 .fwdarw.2AlF.sub.3 +3/20.sub.2 to determine the fluorine concentration in the residual gas by means of quantitative determination of the released oxygen and therewith the degree of fluorine coating of the surface.

Abstract: A wiper blade comprising a thick base section consisting of a head to be inserted through a slit formed in a backing plate, a body to be extended below the backing plate and a connecting neck interconnecting the head and the body; a turning section having a substantially triangular cross section; a neck section interconnecting the base section and the turning section; and a lip section extended from the ridge of the turning section in the form of a thin strip for wiping the surface of a windshield, wherein at least the surface layer of at least either the connecting neck or the neck section is formed of an ozone-resistant rubber.

Abstract: In the electrolytic production of aluminum by electrowinning or electrorefining processes, cell components such as cathode current feeders which in use are normally covered with molten aluminum are made of a composite material of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or intermetallic compound with an aluminum oxycompound, usually alumina, and possibly containing minor amounts of additives such as borides carbides, nitrides or oxides. The composite material, which remains mechanically stable and electrically conductive at 1000.degree. C., may be prepared by hot pressing powders at 1000.degree.-1700.degree. C. possibly after surface treating the alumina to improve wettability by molten Al. The components are optionally coated, e.g. with TiB.sub.2. The composite materials are also useful as non-current carrying components, including separator walls, weirs, packing elements and baffles.

Abstract: A method of producing abrasive fibers is disclosed, which comprises providing a conjugate fiber comprising at least one abrasive layer containing abrasive particles and at least one coating layer substantially covering the abrasive layer, and removing at least a part of the coating layer from the conjugate fiber with a solvent or a decomposer to expose at least a part of the abrasive layer from the coating layer.

Abstract: A wiper blade rubber of a constant cross section, composed of at least two kinds of rubber ingredient and manufactured by multi-color extrusion molding. In a wiper blade rubber according to this invention, a lip portion thereof to be in sliding contact with the glass surface is formed of a lubricating rubber and a swing portion generally of a trigonal cross section is mostly formed of a flexible rubber. In another wiper blade rubber according to this invention, a central part at the bottom end of the lip portion is formed of a high frictional rubber and both side parts of the bottom end of the lip portion is formed of a lubricating rubber. In a further wiper blade rubber according to this invention, an engaging part of the base portion, in the form of grooves or ridges, for engagement with an elongate rigid body held by a yoke of a wiper, is formed of a lubricating rubber and the swing portion is mostly formed of a flexible rubber.

Abstract: In this method of fabricating a hollow body, a first layer of fiber-reinforced hard-elastic plastic is formed to produce an inner layer of the hollow body with the fibers of the fiber-reinforced hard-elastic plastic extending skew to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body within a predetermined range of fiber orientation angles. A second outer layer of fiber-reinforced hard-elastic plastic is formed around the inner layer with the fibers oriented in a predetermined different range of fiber orientation angles. At least one of the layers is heated to a desired elevated temperature. At least one of the layers is subjected to a predetermined force or combination of forces. The hollow body is then cooled to the hard-elastic state, locking internal stresses into the two layers when the applied forces are removed.

Abstract: A component for an aluminum production cell comprising a refractory matrix having a rigid porous structure substantially filled with aluminum.

Abstract: A method of forming a preform having crystallized thermoplastic material from a blank of orientable thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, which comprises laterally displacing first and second regions of a blank, preferably tubular, of orientable thermoplastic material to form an intermediate region between the displaced regions having outer surfaces facing in opposite directions. Pressure is applied to the outer surfaces of the intermediate region to relatively displace these outer surfaces longitudinally of the blank while concurrently reducing the thickness of one of the first and second regions to the value of the thickness that the material would obtain if freely stretched to flow to achieve crystallization of the material in the aforesaid one region. The material in the one region, during the reduction of thickness thereof flowing from the orientable material thereof to a transition zone to form the one region which is reduced in thickness and is elongated in length.

Abstract: A process for producing shaped articles having improved surfaces, characterized by subjecting a shaped article of a polymer derived from a monomeric material comprising an acrylate and/or methacrylate to at least one of a hot water treatment, an aqueous alkali solution treatment and an aqueous acid solution treatment. Shaped articles obtained by this process have an advantage that when the surfaces thereof are stained the removal of the stains is quite easy. Moreover, they are hydrophilic and have excellent wettability by water. Therefore, said shaped articles are extremely suitable for use as contact lens.

Abstract: Polyester fibers containing an oxalate complex of the general formulaMe.sub.n [Z(C.sub.2 O.sub.4).sub.m ]are obtained by transesterification of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol where, in addition to conventional transesterification catalysts, such as bivalent zinc, calcium, magnesium and manganese salts, salt formers are added which form a sparingly soluble salt or a complex with the cation of the transesterification catalyst. Preferably, used salt formers are: pelargonic acid, potassium hydrogen sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phthalate, potassium oxalate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogen oxalate, and oxalic acid. In this way, the increase in pressure before the spinneret is considerably slowed down.

Abstract: Surface finish blemishes in "color coded" surface grained parts injection molded from colored plastic can be removed by spraying the blemished surface area of the part with a sprayable mixture comprised of (a) a substantially non-yellowing, solvent-soluble generally transparent, binder resin in the amount of about 2-10%, (b) a finely divided flatting pigment which is generally transparent when suspended in said resin, the amount of said pigment being about 0.4-1%, and (c) about 90-95% of a volatile solvent medium effective to dissolve said resin without destroying the surface grain of the part when sprayed thereon, thereby to cover the blemished area with at least one coating of a transparent, matt-surfaced solid film of flatting pigment dispersed in said resin which coating blends substantially completely uniformly with the original matt finish of said part.

Abstract: A process for making an encapsulated metal oxide varistor package comprises pressing the varistor powder mixture into a disc, sintering the pressed disc, followed by slow cooling to room temperature.The sintered disc is acid etched and a fritted-silver electrode applied on each side of the disc or in the alternative an aluminum coating is arc sprayed on each side of the disk followed by an arc sprayed copper coating on top of the aluminum coating. The fritted-silver electrode coating is heated to 660.degree. C. and slow cooled to room temperature. Sn-coated copper leads are soldered on the electroded disc of either electrode process and the assembly is encapsulated in resilient epoxy resin to form the encapsulated metal oxide varistor package.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a cured silicone rubber body by curing at room temperature and yet free from the problems of the low shape-retainability before curing of the conventional room temperature-vulcanizable silicone rubber compositions and the relatively poor mechanical strengths of the cured bodies thereof due to the use of relatively low molecular weight components therein. The method comprises shaping an organopolysiloxane composition comprising an organopolysiloxane of a sufficiently high molecular weight having at least two aliphatically unsaturated hydrocarbon groups, e.g. vinyl groups, per molecule and a platinum catalyst into a desired form and contacting the shaped form with an organohydrogenpolysiloxane in a liquid form so that the latter siloxane diffuses through the shaped body and pertains to the crosslinking reaction with the unsaturated groups in the former siloxane as catalyzed by the platinum catalyst to give a cured silicone rubber body.

Abstract: A polyester fiber having a tenacity of at least 4.0 g/d is formed from a copolyester having a degree of polymerization of from 80 to 100 of which copolyester 1.0 to 2.0 mol % of its acid component has a metal sulfoisophthalic group and 0.5 to 1.9 weight % of which copolyester is provided by a glycol component provided by glycol having a molecular weight of from 400 to 6000. The polyester fiber is readily dyed with basic dyes.The polyester fiber can be prepared by spinning the copolyester at a shear rate of.ltoreq.10.sup.4 sec.sup.-1, a spinning draft ratio of .ltoreq.250, a back pressure of the spinneret of.gtoreq.40 kg/cm.sup.2 and a shear stress of .ltoreq.(Q+0.7).times.10.sup.7 dyne/cm.sup.2, where Q is the mass output rate per single hole (g/min).

Abstract: Crosslinkable polymers and co-polymers are treated with boric acid, boric acid anhydride, or mixtures thereof prior to crosslinking with free radical organic peroxide initiators in the presence of oxygen. This pre-treatment prevents stickiness of the surface of the crosslinked polymer making the crosslinked polymer more commercially acceptable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing interior material of corrugated cardboard used for a ceiling of a car, for example.Corrugated cardboard base material is plasticized by being heated and moistened while in a flat plane. Thereafter, the corrugated cardboard base material thus plasticized is pressed in a forming die having a low temperature such as a room temperature to be shaped in a predetermined manner. Afterward a covering sheet is disposed thereon having a thermally melting sheet provided thereon so as to be faced toward the corrugated cardboard base material thus shaped, they are pressed in the forming die to melt the thermally melting sheet by the preheated shaped corrugated cardboard base material to bond the covering sheet to the corrugated cardboard base material so as to produce interior material.

Abstract: Non-fused hollow glass microspheres that consist primarily of silicate are rendered more water-resistant by treatment with multivalent metals. The hollow microspheres are slurried with water and then a solution of a multivalent metal salt such as Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 is added to the slurry. The rate of the addition is controlled so that the pH can be regulated. Separating, washing and drying complete the preparation.

Abstract: A polyacetal resin molded article having reduced water contamination is disclosed. The water contamination reduction feature is provided by the inclusion of a substantially water insoluble substance which forms a hydrophobic film on the molded article. It is furthermore required that the water insoluble substance-included polyacetal molded article be heat treated in air or in an inert gas to provide reduced water contamination.

Abstract: The physical and chemical properties of arylene sulfide polymer articles are improved by contacting with a strong oxidizing agent followed by a step-wise heat treatment at temperatures below the melting point of the polymer.

Abstract: A porous sheet is disclosed that comprises a thin, flexible sheet made of thermoplastic resin having solid particles distributed therein. Small spaces are formed around the particles, such that abrasion or buffing of the opposite surfaces of the sheet causes the formation of a multitude of fine pores that extend through the sheet, making the sheet vapor-permeable but liquid-impermeable.

Abstract: Anti-static polymeric films, fibers and textile yarn produced by process comprising admixing a branched chain, sulfur-containing polyester with a synthetic film- or fiber-forming polymer, extruding said film or textile fiber, and exposing said film or textile fiber to an aqueous solution containing a polyvalent metal ion reactive with the sulfate groups present in said sulfur-containing polyester. The sulfur-containing polyester is thereby fixed within the synthetic film or fiber and is resistant to extraction by water or commonly used dry cleaning solvents.

Abstract: A method of improving the outer portion of a rotatable textile fiber processing component is provided, the method comprising the steps of making the outer portion substantially of butadiene copolymer rubber, subjecting the outer portion to the action of a halogen to define the desired properties of minimum compression set for the outer portion and a working surface which has a comparatively low coefficient of friction, mounting the component on a rotatable support means of a textile processing equipment, then operating the equipment whereby the outer portion of the component is worked, and applying additional halogen on the outer portion with the component in a stationary position in its working environment in the equipment while supported on the rotatable support means therefor after the outer portion has been worn from the working thereof whereby the outer portion is rejuvenated so that further operation of the equipment can take place with the component again having the desired properties.

Abstract: Improved ethylene polymer fibrils are provided which are characterized in having:(a) a melt temperature of at least about 137.degree. C.,(b) a molecular weight of at least 250,000,(c) at least about 1.2 weight % of polyvinyl alcohol sorbed thereon, and(d) a zero-span breaking length of at least about 25,000.

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: Tearing, blistering, delamination and other defects in deep drawn plastic laminated paperboard containers are eliminated by adding controlled amounts of warmed moisture to the paperboard immediately prior to forming thereof. Water is heated to a desired temperature and is applied by in-line processing equipment to the unlaminated side of the paperboard which functions to both soften and paperboard and preheat the laminate. By heating both the male and female parts of a die press employed for forming the preheated, softened laminate into the container, preheating the laminate using warm water prior to forming and, continuously controlling the moisture added to the paperboard, the degree of stress imposed on the plastic layer of the laminate and the resulting defects in the formed container are significantly reduced.

Abstract: The tensile strength of shaped articles made from arylene sulfide/sulfone polymers is increased by treating the article with an organic liquid at an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, the organic liquid comprises at least one of selected hydrocarbons, alcohols, and esters.

Abstract: Normally solid copolymers of a fluorinated vinyl monomer and a perfluorinated vinyl compound having a carboxyl and/or sulfonyl group attached directly to the perfluorinated vinyl group or indirectly through an alkyl or ether linkage have been found to be soluble in low molecular weight polymers of perhalogenated alkyl ethers, low molecular weight polymers of perhalogenated alkyls and perfluoro kerosenes, each of said solvent materials having boiling points between about 200.degree. C. and 350.degree. C. The copolymeric material dissolved in accordance with the instant invention can readily be resolidified by solvent removal and hydrolyzed or converted to the salt form to become a cation exchange material having an equivalent weight in the range of 1000 to 1600.

Abstract: Organic foams having a low density and very small cell size and method for roducing same in either a metal-loaded or unloaded (nonmetal loaded) form are described. Metal-doped foams are produced by soaking a polymer gel in an aqueous solution of desired metal salt, soaking the gel successively in a solvent series of decreasing polarity to remove water from the gel and replace it with a solvent of lower polarity with each successive solvent in the series being miscible with the solvents on each side and being saturated with the desired metal salt, and removing the last of the solvents from the gel to produce the desired metal-doped foam having desired density cell size, and metal loading. The unloaded or metal-doped foams can be utilized in a variety of applications requiring low density, small cell size foam. For example, rubidium-doped foam made in accordance with the invention has utility in special applications, such as in x-ray lasers.

Abstract: Surface-modified cellulose acetate filaments having a microporous structure located in the peripheral surface layer thereof are prepared by bringing non-modified cellulose acetate filaments which have an average degree of acetylation of 50 to 62% into contact with an organic solvent which is capable of dissolving or swelling the non-modified filaments and by rapidly evaporating the solvent from the filaments. The microporous structure causes the surface-modified filaments to exhibit a desirable silklike touch and an increased intensity in dye exhaustion of from 1.1 to 2.0 times that of the non-modified filaments.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention preferably an apparatus is connected directly on-line with an extruder to inject fluid into or to remove fluid from a fresh extrusion on a continuous basis as the latter is extruded. In one case the fluid injected is a catalyst that causes curing of a mixture of particulate matter and resin binder. In the method one part of a two part binder mechanism is mixed with a particulate material, and the mixture is extruded on a continuous basis. The second part of the binder then is injected into the fresh extrusion on a continuous basis downstream of the extruder output to cure the extrusion. The extruder die also may include fluid injecting paths, on the one hand, for injecting lubricant or, on the other hand, for injecting of the second binder part, e.g. catalyst, into the relatively less dense material near the upstream end of the die.

Abstract: A process for forming polymers of 2-pyrrolidone in pellet form via bulk polymerization is disclosed. Polymerization accelerators are empolyed to markedly shorten the polymerization time thus making possible a compact continuous polymerization apparatus which produces pellets of high polymer content requiring no further polymerization. The pellets are formed by forcing the polymerizing mixture through small tubes to form rods of polymer which are then cut into short lengths.

Abstract: Polymer membranes are formed by spinning a monomer solution on a smooth surface of a plate and heat curing the solution to form a polymer film. A carrier element is attached to the film and together they are immersed in a suitable chemical composition to react with the bond between the film and plate. The assembly is then immersed in water to cause the plate to fall away from the film.

Abstract: The pore size distribution of a microporous separation medium, such as a membrane or gel, is modified so as to provide it with a sharp upper cut-off of preselected molecular size. The modification is effected by first filling the pores of the separation medium with a volatile liquid, and then evaporating a controlled amount of the volatile liquid to form voids at the entrances to the pores. A concentrated solution of a cross-linkable or polymerizable pore-blocking agent, such as a protein, enzyme or polymeric material, is then applied to the surface of the separation medium. The pore-blocking agent is a material which is insoluble in the volatile liquid and whose molecular size distribution has a lower limit corresponding to the preselected molecular size, whereby the pore-blocking agent selectively enters only those pores larger than the preselected size and remains in the voids at the entrances to the pores.

Abstract: Method of dye absorption into the surface of plastics is accomplished by placing polyolefin film between a dye transfer paper and a sheet of thermoplastic and applying pressure and heat thereto. The heat applied is sufficient to sublime the dyes through the film to the plastic sheet. The dyes are absorbed into the surface of the plastic with the design intact. The materials are then cooled and separated and a decorated plastic sheet or article with wear-proof design is obtained. Thermoset plastics are similarly dye penetrated in this manner during the curing thereof.In-mold dye decoration and penetration of thermoplastics and thermoset plastics are also disclosed.Further, post-pressure dye transfer to plastic sheets and plastic articles is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a leather-like sheet having a deluxe feeling is provided comprising preparing and fully curing a leather-like sheet comprising a porous substrate consisting of a porous layer of elastomer and/or a porous layer of fibrous material and a nonporous coating layer of elastomer coated in a thickness of 0.5 to 50 .mu. on the surface of said porous substrate, crumpling said fully cured sheet in the absence of tension in a liquid medium and, then, drying the crumpled sheet at a temperature not exceeding 100.degree. C. in the absence of tension.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate composed of a solid polyester lamina bonded to a block. A block having a matrix composed of polyurethane foam and particles of expanded polystyrene distributed therein is prepared. A layer composed of a solution of a relatively unpolymerized polyester in styrene solvent with fiberglass embedded therein is placed in contact with a surface of the block. The styrene solution of polyester dissolves polystyrene particles adjacent such block surface, leaving recesses distributed in the block matrix. These recesses become at least partially filled with the polyester solution. The solution is then cured to produce a solid resin lamina which is joined with polymerized resin contained in the matrix recesses to secure the lamina to the block.

Abstract: A method of producing a curved sausage casing by treating a sausage casing before curving with caustic solution and neutralizing the casing while in the curved configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of a heterogeneous ion exchange membrane having a high ion transport number in the presence of a high ion concentration, which comprises mixing a finely powdered ion exchange material with a crystalline polyolefin resin, forming the resultant mixture into a membrane-shaped article and treating the membrane-shaped article with an aqueous solution of at least one salt selected from alkali metal salts and ammonium salts, having a concentration of from 17% by weight to saturation, at a temperature of at least 80.degree. C. for at least 10 minutes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for treating one surface of a wall of articles to be used in contact with blood. A solution which is compatible with blood is brought into contact with the surface and a partial vacuum is applied to the wall for a predetermined time period. This partial vacuum causes gas nuclei trapped in irregularities in the surface to permeate through the wall. Consequently when blood displaces the solution there is less likelihood of blood platelets being trapped on the surface with eventual blood clotting.

Abstract: A method for the accelerated transformation of the crystalline form of isotactic polybutene pipe, comprising moving the pipe linearly and subjecting the pipe while moving to a plurality of simultaneously inwardly directed radial stresses acting on the outer surface of the pipe along one or more radii of the same transverse cross section and in one or more adjacent cross sections of the pipe and apparatus for carrying out such method.

Abstract: A diagonal bias-stretching device and a method of enhancing surface grain of imitation-leather material with such device, which device comprises a reciprocating roller moving between lateral positions on either side of a line of advance of an imitation-leather material, to provide for alternating diagonal stretching and relaxing of the material as it moves under tension in the line of advance.

Abstract: A method of forming improved windshield wiper blades is disclosed. A windshield wiper blade is extruded, treated to reduce its coefficient of friction and then coated with a coating material selected from the group consisting of elastomeric and plastic materials having a Young's modulus of from about 10.sup.6 to about 10.sup.11.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method for dispersing antioxidant material in cross-linkable insulation for electric cables. The antioxidant, which has a high melting point, is dissolved in a carrier, preferably the cross-linking agent, to obtain a solution of low melting point that is dispersed through the pellets of insulation when the ingredients are mixed in a blender. Improvements in the blender cycle reduce the content of fines, improve dispersion of the antioxidant and shorten the blending cycle. The preferred ingredients used are 4,4'-thiobis (6 tert-butyl-m-cresol) as the antioxidant and dicumyl peroxide as the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Gelled polyamides are contacted with organic hydroxyl group-containing compounds to so modify the physical nature of the gels as to permit their flushing from process equipment.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-circuit electrical interconnector comprises the molding of an elastomeric, non-conductive frame member having a number of openings extending therethrough corresponding to the number of circuits that are to be interconnected. Each of the openings is overfilled with a module of uncured, heat curable elastomeric resin containing a plurality of electrically conductive particles. All of the modules are subjected to compression and the modules are cured while maintaining them under compression. All of the cured modules are exercised and stabilized physically and electrically by subjecting them to successive applications of compressive force.

Abstract: A method of forming a slip cast article is disclosed. The slip cast article is formed in a casting volume of a forming mold which has a portion thereof formed of a dissolvable organic material which has binder properties. A casting slip is cast into the casting volume. The vehicle of the casting slip is drawn off to a level which provides a consolidated casting in the casting volume containing sufficient vehicle that the casting is resistant to shrinkage. The consolidated casting and the organic mold portion are placed in a solvent for the mold portion so that it may be dissolved. The solvent for the mold portion is one which is miscible with the vehicle of the casting slip. The consolidated casting is maintained in the solvent after the organic mold portion has been dissolved so that the dissolved organic material previously forming the mold portion may penetrate into the consolidated casting.

Abstract: An improved polyamide characterized by resistance to thermal-oxidative degradation consisting essentially of a polyamide having a stabilizing amount of copper II dichloro bis (pyridine) or copper II dichloro bis (quinoline) incorporated therein. In a continuous process, the stabilizing compound is preferably added as a dispersion in an inert carrier liquid.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 752,483 filed Dec. 20, 1976.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to improved polyamides and to methods for their preparation. More particularly, the invention relates to improvement in the preparation of fibers, filaments and yarns from polyamides modified for enhanced resistance to thermal-oxidative degradation.The polyamide synthetic resins have many valuable properties that have resulted in their well known wide-spread use in industry and in the arts.