Abstract: A multidirectionally stretch-crazed microencapsulated polymer film having a matrix material and microcapsules which are formed in the matrix material in the form of crazes which are filled with an encapsulated substance (30, 30a) and oriented at least in two mutually intersecting directions X and Y. The filled crazes form a net-like structure. The microencapsulated film is produced by stretching the original film under a controlled rate of stretching in two intersecting directions in an environment of a surface-active substance with or, if necessary, without a material to be encapsulated. When stretching is discontinued, the crazes are closed and encapsulate the material.

Abstract: In order to improve the sealing property and the resistance to pressure of a gasket coated with foam rubber layers, the foam rubber layers are formed on both surfaces of a metal plate from a rubber which is swollen by the medium to be sealed by the gasket, e.g. a rubber having an oil swelling property such as an NBR, is used. In this way the sealing property thereof is improved.

Abstract: An electric type paper display having memory properties, rapid response times and multi-optical property display with an image of high quality is made. Each display element is wholly in contact with liquid in a cavity and the surface of each display element has a portion with a most positive charge. When an electrical field is applied from the outside, each display element is turned correspondingly to the direction of the electric field and, then electrically migrated through the liquid and attached to the inner surface of the cavity. Among multiple display surfaces of each display element an optical property is selected according to an image signal and is visible through a transparent support to an observer. Afterwards, the attached state of each display element, i.e.

Abstract: The invention provides in improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.

Abstract: A method for restoring a dried aqueous organic gel capsule which includes aqueous organic gel hardened with a metal ion and then has been solidified by drying, wherein the method comprises immersing the solidified capsule in an aqueous solution containing the metal ion.

Abstract: A film molding method and apparatus capable of shortening a mold cycle time and obtaining a molded product of an excellent quality. A method of hot-press molding a polyparaphenyleneterephthalamide (PPTA) film into a predetermined shape includes a first step of evaporating water from a PPTA film containing water at least 50% or more as a swelling agent, and obtaining an amorphous film having a density less than a predetermined density and a modulus in tension of about 70%; and a second process of hot-press molding the film for a predetermined time period by metal molds heated up to at least 330.degree. C. to crystallize the film to have a predetermined density specific to a PPTA film and produce an intrinsic physical value, and obtaining a molded product of the film. A film molding apparatus for performing the film molding method includes holes or slits opening at the surface of each of the metal molds, and an air suction unit and an air exhaust unit provided for each of the metal molds.

Abstract: A preparation of a polymer solution comprising the steps of: mixing a polymer with a solvent to swell the polymer in the solvent; cooling the swelled mixture to a temperature of -100.degree. to -10.degree. C.; and then warming the cooled mixture to a temperature of 0.degree. to 120.degree. C. to dissolve the polymer in the solvent. The swelled mixture is cooled at a rate of faster than 1.degree. C. per minute, or the cooled mixture is warmed at a rate of faster than 1.degree. C. per minute. Apparatuses for the preparation of a polymer solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a movable object to be charged. A charging member contacts the object to be charged. A power source applies a voltage to the charging member, wherein the power spectrum PS satisfies the following relation when the space frequency of the profile of the surface of the charging member is analyzed.In the section of 10.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.100 (cycles/mm):PS.ltoreq.-2.5.times.log(f/2)(.mu.m.sup.2)In this way, the charging device prevents charge unevenness due to undulations on the surface of the charging member and charges uniformly while generating very little ozone.

Abstract: A method of altering a portion of the semiconductive layer of an electric power cable, to increase its resistance so as to render it electrically insulative. The semiconductive layer is loaded with carbon powder which forms chains to provide conductive pathways through the layer. By introducing an intercalant into the semiconductive layer, which causes the layer to swell, the conductive pathways are interrupted and the material is rendered insulative (>10.sup.4 .OMEGA.-cm). The intercalant may be a polymerizable material with a curing agent which is cured in situ, i.e., without removing the semiconductive layer from the cable. By this method, flashover to the semiconductive layer at a cable splice or termination may be prevented without requiring tedious removal of the exposed portion of the semiconductive layer. The method is usable with both strippable and coextruded semiconductive layers.

Abstract: High-strength, high-modulus, polymeric implants are produced from highly oriented monofilaments and/or films by solvent welding technique. This avoids loss of orientation, as well as thermal and oxidative degradation, which is the common case with the state of art techniques, namely melt extrusion, injection molding and heat compression molding. The invention leads to uniform bonding of the separate structural units (monofilaments or films) into compound-filament or compound-laminate which protects the implant against delamination. Monofilaments of films are swollen at the surface with a suitable solvent which does not destroy the orientation in the core. A bundle, resp. a sandwich of the swollen monofilaments or films is pulled through an orifice generating compressive stresses between the filaments, resp. films. Solvent removal from the swollen compressed interfaces leads to a homogenous welding of the monofilaments or films.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing containers from sheets having a hydraulically settable matrix. Suitable compositions are prepared by mixing together a hydraulic binder, water, and appropriate additives (such as aggregates, fibers, and rheology-modifying agents) which impart predetermined properties so that a sheet formed therefrom has the desired performance criteria. Hydraulically settable sheets are formed from the mixture by extrusion, then calendering the sheets using a set of rollers and then drying the sheets in an accelerated manner to substantially harden the sheets. The resulting hydraulically settable sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets made from presently used materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, or plastic. The sheets can be laminated, corrugated, coated, printed on, scored, perforated, cut, folded, rolled, spiral wound, molded, assembled and seamed to mass produce articles of manufacture from the sheets such as food and beverage containers.

Abstract: A coextruded multilayer film having increased retention of volatile antioxidants and process for making the film. The multilayer film includes an antioxidant layer containing a volatile antioxidant, said antioxidant layer being semipermeable to the volatile antioxidant; and a barrier layer, impermeable to the volatile antioxidant. The film can be produced on a conventional blown film process with the barrier layer coextruded externally to the antioxidant layer. The barrier layer traps the volatile antioxidant inside the tube of the blown film process, reducing the amount of volatile antioxidant migrating from the film.

Abstract: Materials and items made of thermoplastic polyesters, such as poly (epsilon-caprolactone), synthetic rubber, such as Transpolyisoprene and Neoprene, and natural rubber, such as balata have improved properties when subjected to gamma radiation in the range from 0.5 to 30 megarads.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a plastic part that cannot be colonized by germs and/or fungi. The process includes the step of sequentially treating the plastic part with a swelling agent to provide a swollen plastic part, and then treating the swollen plastic part with a solution of a water-insoluble compound containing a bactericidal and/or fungicidal metal, where the solution has a bactericidally and/or fungicidally effective concentration of the insoluble compound.

Abstract: A polymeric article and method for making a polymeric article, such as a catheter, are disclosed wherein the article is contacted with a swelling agent, such as a solvent, and a plasticizer to make the polymeric material softer and/or more pliable or flexible. The contacting may be carried our sequentially or simultaneously, using a solution containing a plasticizer and a solvent.

Abstract: A porous polyurethane tube suitable for use as a vascular graft prosthesis is prepared by placing solvent type polyurethane resin coated mandrel in a static coagulant consisting of water, ethanol and optionally aprotic solvent within 30 seconds immediately after the coating step, separating the tube by placing the mandrel in a swelling agent containing at least 90 percent by weight of ethanol and rinsing with a solution containing at least 80 percent by weight ethanol.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of, and a device for using, a permanently deformed sulfonated halopolymer article. A flexible and non-brittle flange may be formed from at least one end of a hollow perfluorosulfonic acid membrane in one aspect of the invention. The flanged membrane is particularly useful for quick attachment and detachment to various instrumentation used for pervaporation. In addition, by packing the membrane with a means for increasing radial diffusion of fluid within the membrane, pervaporation efficiency may be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and similar polymers and methods for forming and using such compositions. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention employs a mixture of PTFE and expandable thermoplastic microspheres. Through application of an energy source to the mixture, a coherent three dimensional expansion of PTFE can be achieved. The expanded mixture has many of the same beneficial properties of mechanically expanded PTFE and numerous properties previously unavailable with expanded PTFE products.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium polyarylamides are provided that are useful in articles of manufacture that require minimal ionic impurities. The polyarylamides are produced by reacting certain polyamides together with quaternary ammonium bases of the formula R.sup.4.sub.4 N.sup.+ X.sup.-, wherein each R.sup.4 is independently selected from hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that at least one of the R.sup.4 groups contains at least one beta hydrogen atom. There is also provided the process for producing the polyarylamides, the process for making articles of manufacture from the polyarylamides, and a process for modifying the surfaces of such polyamides.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a light-focusing plastic optical element includes preparing a prepolymer transparent preform. The prepolymer preform is immersed in a solution containing more than one monomer, each of the monomers having a different reactivity ratio from the other. Some of the monomers may permeate into and disperse in the preform so as to swell the prepolymer preform. The monomers dispersed in the preform are copolymerized after the preform is swelled completely to produce a plastic optical element.

Abstract: Fibers spun from polybenzazole dopes can quickly be washed to remove polyphosphoric acid by a combination of initially washing with an acidic liquid and second washing with a hot leaching fluid at at least about 60. The process can reach acceptable residual phosphorous levels (1500-2000 ppm) in as little as about 2 or 3 minutes.

Abstract: A method for producing a honeycomb shaped ceramic having a predetermined shape made of a flat honeycomb molding formed from a composition containing a heat-resistant inorganic material is disclosed. This method comprises the steps of: forming a honeycomb molding from a composition containing heat-resistant inorganic materials, a binder which is gelled when coming in contact with hot water, and a plasticizer; providing the honeycomb molding with flexibility by immersing the honeycomb molding in hot water at a temperature high enough to gel the binder; and sintering the honeycomb molding.

Abstract: A method for producing an extruded film article such as a bag, which is a blend of a thermoplastic polymer such as ethylene vinyl acetate and an olefinic oxide polymer such as poly(ethylene oxide), with a modifier such as liquid smoke absorbed in the blend. The modifier is transferable from the film to a receiving surface such as a food body in fluid transfer relationship with the film.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for rendering shaped aramid and polybenzimidazole articles water repellent by grafting fluorinated compounds to the surface of the articles. The resulting grafted polymer and shaped articles made from the grafted polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in situ stabilizing tool provides a stress relieved, ceramic green sheet for green sheet screened stability. A green sheet stablilization system uses air bearings as a means of conveying a continuous ceramic green sheet web in a frictionless and stress free state. Solvent vapor stabilization of green sheets in a continuous mode adjusts solvent concentration in the air bearing using a solvent bubbler. Solvent vapor is generated from a group of solvents (e.g. hydrocarbons, water, etc.) that can be vaporized and used to solvent plasticize the ceramic green sheets to achieve stress relaxation. Take up loops and sensors adjust for longitudinal shrinkage during the green sheet relaxation process.

Abstract: A method for producing a honeycomb shaped ceramic having a predetermined shape made of a flat honeycomb molding formed from a composition containing a heat-resistant inorganic material is disclosed. This method comprises the steps of: forming a honeycomb molding from a composition containing heat-resistant inorganic materials, a binder which is gelled when coming in contact with hot water, and a plasticizer; providing the honeycomb molding with flexibility by immersing the honeycomb molding in hot water at a temperature high enough to gel the binder; and sintering the honeycomb molding.

Abstract: A film molding apparatus and molding method wherein a gel state film is immersed in a vessel of a film supply unit. The film contains at least 50 weight % swelling agent relative to a polymer constituting the film. The vessel is filled with soaking liquid which acts so as not to destroy a swelling condition of the film caused by the swelling agent. Specifically, the molding method includes the steps of providing the above-noted film, heating a mold press die used for molding the film, press-molding the film in the press die and substantially drying the film by evaporating the swelling agent.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions for wetting hydrophobic capillary materials, which compositions contain, in addition to a water-soluble anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactant or a mixture thereof, an amphiphilic, phosphorus-free organic compound which is very slightly soluble in water, has a melting point below 4.degree. C., and a boiling point above 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for forming a container of acrylonitrile polymers by biaxial-orientation blow-molding a preform. A preform of thermoplastic resin, mainly acrylonitrile polymers, is irradiated with an electron beam or a gamma-ray. Immediately after the irradiation, the preform is heated at 40.degree. C. or higher to reduce residual acrylonitrile monomer in the preform to 0.1 ppm or less. Then, the preform is biaxial-orientation blow molded to form a container.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a transparent polymer material article having a refractive index gradient the polymer base material is caused to absorb a swelling agent including at least a monomer adapted to yield a polymer having a refractive index different than that of the polymer base material. A first preform having a first geometry is formed from the polymer base material sufficiently polymerized for the first preform to be self-supporting. A confinement space is defined between the first preform and an abutment member having facing it a second geometry at least partly different than the first geometry and having a greater volume than the latter. The first preform is brought into contact in the confinement space with a sufficient quantity of swelling agent for the swelling to which it is then subject to cause it to be urged actively into contact with all points of the second geometry.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a open-back type working glove. A fiber-made glove is fitted on a dipping hand block, and same is dipped in a stock solution of a rubber latex composition. After the glove and hand block is removed from the stock solution, the solution deposited on the glove in an open-back fashion is heated so as to allow it to be semi-vulcanized. Then, the glove is removed from the dipping hand block and is immersed in water or warm water to allow the rubber coat in semi-vulcanized condition to swell and soften. Finally, the glove is fitted on a setting hand block having a thumb portion projecting considerably beyond the palm portion, with other four finger portions curved toward the palm portion, and the rubber coat is heated for final vulcanization.

Abstract: The treatment of an uncured or partially cured rubber surface with a solvent mixture of n-heptane and specified hydrocarbon(s). The treatment is to add building tack. Cured adhesion can also be enhanced. An appropriate solvent mixture is provided. An article can be produced thereby as a cured assembly of rubber components.

Abstract: A composite seal ring has a porous main body and a non-porous insert molded into it. Differential rates of coolant absorption between the porous main body and non-porous insert cause the whole ring to swell into a regular pattern of distortion. In order to compensate, the seal ring, after initial machining, is pre-soaked to simulate use and deliberately cause the same kind of distortion. It is then lapped flat from its distorted state.

Abstract: A process for installing a liner in a generally horizontal pipe section includes the steps of: providing a hollow generally cylindrical folded pipe liner; pulling the folded liner through the pipe section leaving end sections of the liner extending from the upstream end and the downstream end of the pipe; pulling an air hose and a steam hose through the folded liner from the downstream end to the upstream end; providing a floating plug assembly including at least two disk shaped expanders; attaching the steam hose to the floating plug assembly downstream of the disk shaped expanders; attaching the air hose to the floating plug assembly upstream of the disk shaped expanders; inserting the floating plug assembly into the liner at the upstream end; and providing steam to the steam hose and cooling air to the air hose, while pulling the floating plug assembly through the liner to progressively heat the liner to a softening point downstream of the disk shaped expanders, and expand the liner to fill the pipe and co

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing surface discontinuities, resulting from the formation of a three-dimensional object out of a plurality of stacked layers, during layer by layer stereolithographic formation of the three-dimensional object. The discontinuities between layers are reduced by utilizing formation and solidification of thin fill layers near the edges of thicker structural layers or by utilizing surface tension effects to smooth discontinuities between the structural layers by formation of meniscuses of building material and solidifying the meniscuses.

Abstract: A generally hydrophobic polyolefin article is provided with a modified surface by contacting said generally hydrophobic polyolefin with a copolymeric material while said polyolefin is at a temperature above its glass transition temperature. The copolymeric composition includes a generally hydrophobic moiety and a modifying moiety. Also disclosed is a method for imparting the modified surface to a generally hydrophobic polyolefin which method involves contacting a generally hydrophobic polyolefin with a copolymeric material while said generally hydrophobic polyolefin is at a temperature above its glass transition temperature. In one preferred embodiment, the generally hydrophobic polyolefin is contacted with said copolymeric composition immediately after said polyolefin has been extruded and while said polyolefin is undergoing die swell.

Abstract: A method of hardening wood using a pulping agent for the chemical separation of lignin from cellulose in the wood without damage to either component. The pulping agent comprises the reaction product of (a) a compound produced by electrolytic oxidation of a predetermined amount of a loweralkanolamine in aqueous solution and neutralized with a strong mineral acid, with (b) the loweralkanolamine used in excess relative to the predetermined amount of loweralkanolamine subjected to the electrolytic oxidation. Also disclosed are processes utilizing such a pulping agent for chemically debarking whole logs as well as for converting soft wood into hard wood.

Abstract: Process for producing a composite material in which a cellulosic substrate is treated with a solution of a polyfunctional isocyanate in an aprotic swelling solvent and the substrate is then compressed to form the composite material. The substrate may take the form of wood chips, wood particles, wood flakes, wood fibers, wood flour, ground wood, wood veneers and wood laminates, paper, card, straw, refined cellulose such as cotton or viscose and plant fibers such as bamboo or palm fiber.

Abstract: A novel method for generating orientation of short fibers in the matrix of a composite material allows for production of complex high strength components. With state of the art technologies short fibers can be oriented only by elongational flows and these are generally applicable only to extrusion products. The invention is based on the fundamental discovery that short fibers can be oriented by relative movement against a finer three-dimensional isotropic network. Gel networks are of molecular level and satisfy this scaling requirement even for whiskers. The process involves mixing-in the fibers with a gel, pouring (injecting) the mixture into a mold and then orienting the fibers by moving them relative to the gel network. The movement can be driven by sound waves. When orientation is accomplished, the gel is solidified forming the matrix of the composite.

Abstract: A process of forming a curved sheet rock panel that can later be used in curved ceiling constructions within buildings. Initially a flat sheet rock panel is soaked with water, and then squeezed to remove excess water. The pliable panel is transferred to an arcuate form, where it quickly remolds itself to the arcuate surface contour on the form. The arcuate panel is dried to a stiff, but still pliable, condition in which it can be fastened to an arcuate ceiling framework.

Abstract: A friable silicon nitride body is prepared by infiltrating a non-friable silicon nitride body with a fluid which expands upon freezing, rapidly freezing the fluid, and thawing the frozen fluid. Silicon nitride flakes and chunks obtained with only light pressure on the friable body may then be final milled to a desired particle size more rapidly and with less energy input than with conventionally processed silicon nitride. The silicon nitride body may have a higher density than has previously been used to prepare silicon nitride powders, thereby preventing the generation of potentially hazardous whiskers in the final powder product.

Abstract: A method for improving the properties of a metathesis polymerized cycloolefin article by treating with molecular halogen in an organic solvent. Degree of treatment can be regulated according to the swelling power of the solvent for the polymer. Improved properties include improved flame retardance, oxidation resistance and surface properties.

Abstract: A metathesis polymerized cycloolefin article may be improved by treating with halogen halide in an organic solvent. Degree of treatment can be regulated according to the swelling power of the solvent for the polymer. Improved properties include improved flame retardance, oxidation resistance and surface properties.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyethylene material for use in products requiring high mechanical strength and high elastic modulus is disclosed. The process involves the use of a specific class of particulate polyethylenes having an intrinsic viscosity of 5-50 dl/g in decalin at 135.degree. C. and the steps of compression molding, solvent immersing, solid-phase extruding or rolling and finally drawing the material in that order.

Abstract: A process for producing a gel fiber comprises a step (N) of spinning a solution containing at least one polymer having at least one monomer unit as a constituent component for a gel to solidify the solution into a fiber, and step (M) of effecting crosslinking of the fiber to form a gel which can be swelled or shrunk reversibly by a thermal action in the presence of a liquid.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of coating the peripheral surface of a roll with a film of plasticizer. An offset roll disposed adjacent to the roll is rotated such that the roll and the offset roll define therebetween a transfer nip so that a film of the plasticizer is transferred to the offset roll. The web is moved past the offset roll such that the web contacts the offset roll downstream relative to the transfer nip so that the film of the plasticizer is offset onto the web. The web is then passed with the offset coating of plasticizer through a calendering nip such that between the offset coating of the web and the subsequent calendering of the web with the offset coating, the plasticizer is permitted to uniformly and controllably penetrate into the web such that the Z-directional compressibility of the web is controlled prior to the web extending through the calendering nip.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of highly stretchable high-molecular weight polyolefin gel articles and polyolefin gel articles prepared therefrom having combined high tensile strength and high modulus, wherein an initial shaped article of the polyolefin is exposed to or contacted with a swelling agent to form an intermediate swollen article, which is then converted to the gel state and then subsequently subjected to stretching at up to relatively high draw ratios.

Abstract: A method of forming from a sintering material slurry a shaped-body to be sintered having a complicated configuration. A mold is prepared using frames, a shielding member swollen with a solvent, and a filler including a substance formed of particles, and utilizing the action of vacuum. A sintering material slurry is poured into the thus prepared mold to form a shaped-body to be sintered.

Abstract: A process for solvent welding pure polybutene-1, or blends or copolymer of polytbutene-1 to polybutene-1 where the polybutene-1 items are contacted with a solvent such as methylene chloride, tetrahydrofuran or cyclohexane and then contacted together within a variable period of time after solidification of the polybutene-1 items.