Abstract: A composition for forming a patterned thin metal film on a substrate is presented. The composition includes metal cations; and at least one solvent, wherein the patterned thin metal film is adhered to a surface of the substrate upon exposure of the at least metal cations to a low-energy plasma.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a rear-ventilated building facade with a load-bearing external wall, with an insulation layer formed from insulation panels and with a facade cladding, wherein the facade cladding is installed by means of a load-bearing structure, forming a rear ventilation gap, at a spaced location from the insulation layer, and wherein the rear ventilation gap is interrupted in the vertical direction by at least one fire barrier, which is configured as a mineral wool panel. It is characterized in that the at least one fire barrier extends over the entire width of the rear ventilation gap, and that the at least one fire barrier has at least one opening extending in the vertical direction in the area of the rear ventilation gap. The present invention further provides a process for manufacturing a rear-ventilated building facade.

Abstract: A method for generating atmospheric pressure cold plasma inside a hand-held unit discharges cold plasma with simultaneously different rf wavelengths and their harmonics. The unit includes an rf tuning network that is powered by a low-voltage power supply connected to a series of high-voltage coils and capacitors. The rf energy signal is transferred to a primary containment chamber and dispersed through an electrode plate network of various sizes and thicknesses to create multiple frequencies. Helium gas is introduced into the first primary containment chamber, where electron separation is initiated. The energized gas flows into a secondary magnetic compression chamber, where a balanced frequency network grid with capacitance creates the final electron separation, which is inverted magnetically and exits through an orifice with a nozzle. The cold plasma thus generated has been shown to be capable of accelerating a healing process in flesh wounds on animal laboratory specimens.

Abstract: A method for generating atmospheric pressure cold plasma inside a hand-held unit discharges cold plasma with simultaneously different rf wavelengths and their harmonics. The unit includes an rf tuning network that is powered by a low-voltage power supply connected to a series of high-voltage coils and capacitors. The rf energy signal is transferred to a primary containment chamber and dispersed through an electrode plate network of various sizes and thicknesses to create multiple frequencies. Helium gas is introduced into the first primary containment chamber, where electron separation is initiated. The energized gas flows into a secondary magnetic compression chamber, where a balanced frequency network grid with capacitance creates the final electron separation, which is inverted magnetically and exits through an orifice with a nozzle. The cold plasma thus generated has been shown to be capable of accelerating a healing process in flesh wounds on animal laboratory specimens.

Abstract: A fire retardant and antistatic polyurethane elastomer free of mercury and having a Shore A hardness of at least 30 is prepared from a polyol component and a prepolymer (e.g., an isocyanate) component. The polyol component comprises (A) a saturated polyester polyol of ethylene/butane/adipate of a nominal molecular weight and with a functionality of 2 or more, (B) a polyester polyol of ethylene/trimethylol propane/neopentyl adipate of nominal molecular weight and with a functionality of 2.5 or more, (C) an optional glycol chain extender, (D) an optional polymethyl alkyl siloxane defoamer, (E) an optional desiccant paste, (F) an optional polybutadiene oligomer, (G) an antistatic agent, (H) an optional surface modified fumed silica, (I) tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl)phosphate flame retardant, (J) ammonium polyphosphate flame retardant, and (K) an organometallic catalyst other than a mercury-based organometallic catalyst, e.g., a tin-based catalyst.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymer, including: (i) continuously supplying and bringing at least a first monomer, which is ring-opening polymerizable, and a compressive fluid into contact with each other, to thereby allow the first monomer to carry out ring-opening polymerization to continuously generate an intermediate; and (ii) bringing the intermediate and a second monomer, which is identical to or different from the first monomer in kind, into contact with each other, to thereby allow the intermediate and the second monomer to carry out polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying, modelling and/or thermally modifying wooden parts, comprising the steps of: a) arranging the wooden parts in a bath; b) filling the bath with a liquid, for instance paraffin or (linseed) oil, wherein the wooden parts are sealed from the ambient air by the liquid; c) the liquid being heated for some time, preferably between 100° C. and 300° C., for the purpose of drying, modelling and/or thermally modifying the wooden parts; d) removing the wooden parts from the bath. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method according to the invention for drying, modelling and/or thermally modifying wooden parts, comprising:—a bath adapted to receive the wooden parts, which bath is intended to receive a liquid such as paraffin or (linseed) oil—heating means for heating the liquid. Finally, the invention relates to a covering and rack as parts of the device according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a material having a superhydrophobic region and a hydrophobic region, and more particularly to a method of preparing a material having a superhydrophobic region and a hydrophobic region by preparing a superhydrophobic surface body and hydrolyzing one surface of the prepared superhydrophobic surface body using a strong base. The preparation method according to the invention is simpler than conventional preparation methods and is capable of preparing a material having opposite surface characteristics at low costs.

Abstract: A copolymer composition comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 20% to about 95% of a monomer, or mixture of monomers, of formula (I): CnF2n+1(CH2)x[(CF2CF2)y(CH2CH2)z]m-L-C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(I) wherein R is H, Cl, F or CH3, L is O, S, NH, S—(CH2)rO, S—(CH2)rNH, OC(O)NH—CH2CH2O, NHC(O)NHCH2CH2O, S—(CH2)rOC(O)NHCH2CH2O, or S(CH2)rNHC(O)NHCH2CH2O, and (b) from about 5% to about 80% of at least one of: (i) an alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer having a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group of from about 6 to about 18 carbons; or (II) a monomer of formula (II) (R2)2N—R3—O—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(II) wherein R is H, Cl, F or CH3, each R2 is independently a C1 to C4 alkyl; and R3 is a divalent linear or branched C1 to C4 alkylene; and wherein the nitrogen is from about 40% to 100% salinized; or (iii) a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the water resistance of a porous material, in particular wood, in which method a block-polymer comprising at least one hydrophobic block and at least one hydrophilic block, is dissolved in a fluid and applied to the material under supercritical conditions.

Abstract: A process for grafting polymers onto or within a substrate material is disclosed. The process includes exposing the substrate to a supercritical fluid composition including one or more aliphatic cyclic polyesters and a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating wood in order to improve its properties of use and storage, and to thus obtained treated wood product. In the method the wood to be treated is contacted with a treatment composition comprising monoester, diester or triester or a mixture thereof formed by a water soluble C1-C10 alcohol and formic acid as an equilibrium solution. In addition, the invention relates to specific treatment solution compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the compound A) 4-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)pyrrole-3-carbonitrile(fludioxonil) as a microbicide for the protection of engineering or industrial materials, to mixtures containing such compound, and to the use of such mixtures for the protection of engineering or industrial materials.

Abstract: A composition for surface treatment of timber and wood products that provides protection against insect damage to all surfaces without any need for a secondary insecticide treatment of one or more new, untreated surfaces generated by post-treatment processing operations including sawing, cutting, drilling, beveling, planing, sanding and/or a combination thereof, comprising one or more non-repellent insecticides.

Abstract: A method for producing a panel is disclosed. The method includes the step of applying steam on a dry powder layer on a core. Thereafter is a heat and pressure applied to the powder layer in order to bond the powder together.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite wood processing method and equipment for unidirectionally pressurizing and filling wood. Original ducts of wood which transport water and nutrients are used primarily to make wood into the composite wood by a unidirectional pressurization method. The processing method puts the wood longitudinally into a pressure vessel, allowing front end parts of the wood to be connected with atmosphere. Next, the wood is sealed with the pressure vessel and a solution is pressurized and filled into the pressure vessel, such that the solution can enter into the wood through the ducts of wood that transport water and nutrients. The composite wood processing method utilizes the original ducts of wood transporting water and nutrients; therefore, the composite wood can be formed by lower pressure and with a saving of energy, thereby having multiple advantages of fast processing, stability, labor saving and time saving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lignocellulose material comprising a crosslinkable nitrogen compound, technically a formaldehyde condensate, in crosslinked form in a constituent amount (N) of at least 1% by weight, calculated as nitrogen and based on the total weight of the lignocellulose material, in which the ratio (FA/N) of formaldehyde emission (FA), determined by means of the bottle method according to EN 717, part 3, to constituent amount of the nitrogen compound (N) exhibits a value of at most 5.0×10?3, and to a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a means to use light manipulation in engineered or structured coatings for thermal or photothermal effects and/or refractive and reflective index management. Such metallic, nonmetallic, organic or inorganic metamaterials or nanostructures could be used to manipulate light or energy for thermal or photothermal effects and/or refractive and reflective index management on or in any material or substrate on or in any material or substrate. The light scattering properties of metallic particles and film can be used to tune such coatings, structures or films over a broad spectrum.

Abstract: Aimed at suppressing roughening in a circumferential portion of a layer to be etched in the process of removing a hard mask formed thereon, an etching apparatus of the present invention has a process chamber, an electrode, a stage, and a shadow ring, wherein the process chamber allows an etching gas to be introduced therein; the electrode is disposed in the process chamber, and is used for generating plasma by ionizing the etching gas; the stage is disposed in the process chamber, onto which a substrate is disposed; the shadow ring has an irregular pattern on the inner circumferential edge thereof, and is disposed in the process chamber and placed above the stage 30, so as to cover a circumferential portion and an inner region adjacent thereto of the substrate in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A process for treatment of wood susceptible to damage and having a length that is over the critical length with a fluid under high pressure is disclosed. The process is conducted in a way so that the fluid is not allowed to enter into the liquid form inside the wood. In one embodiment the process is performed in a way so the temperature during the pressurizing is not allowed to exceed the plastification temperature of the wood. In this embodiment the rate of damages of the wood is even further reduced.

Abstract: Process for the chemical treatment of lignocellulose materials, in particular of at least one piece of wood, characterized in that said materials are subjected to impregnation by a chemical agent comprising hydrocarbonaceous chains, this agent being chosen from mixed anhydrides, except for the mixed anhydride of acetic/benzoic acid, said agent being suitable for providing covalent grafting of a plurality of hydrocarbonaceous chains to said materials.

Abstract: A method for heat treating lignocellulosic material with a water-soluble preservative, such as preferably borate, involves the modification of the lignocellulosic material by heat to a moisture content of 0 to 5%, and preferably as close as possible to 0%. The thermo-treatment of the lignocellulosic material drives out not only free extra cellular water but also the intercellular and intracellular water. The process of modification by heat effectively kills the cells, permanently altering their cellular structure, and locking or fixing the preservative in the lignocellulosic material so that the water-soluble preservative does not leach out of the treated lignocellulosic material in the presence of rain water.

Abstract: This relates to an improvement to the process of aluminization or activated cementation in which a donor cement containing the aluminium is attacked at high temperature and in a neutral or reducing atmosphere by a gaseous ammonium halide to form a gaseous aluminium halide which decomposes on contact with a nickel-based substrate depositing aluminium metal thereon. According to the invention the aluminium halide is at least partly replaced by a zirconium halide leading to the inclusion of zirconium in the deposit. Improvement in the protection of the hot parts of aircraft engines made of nickel-based superalloy. No figure is to be published.

Abstract: A process for treating wood comprising applying to the surface of the wood a boron based preservative which reacts with moisture within the wood to form a boron compound and alcohol and subjecting the wood with the applied preservative to a substantially moisture-free and enclosed environment for a period sufficient for the applied preservative to be absorbed into the wood and to produce the boron compound on reaction with the moisture in the wood and for the alcohol by-product of the reaction to be adsorbed within the wood structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the compound A) 4-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)pyrrole-3-carbonitrile(fludioxonil) as a microbicide for the protection of engineering or industrial materials, to mixtures containing such compound, and to the use of such mixtures for the protection of engineering or industrial materials.

Abstract: A method for depositing metals, metal blends and alloys onto substrate surfaces, including microporous substrates utilizing a plasma operation undertaken at room temperature. In the process, a liquid solution of a monomer or comonomer precursor having a metallic component is utilized to wet the surface of the substrate, with the solvent portion thereafter being removed to leave the substrate surface coated with a dry deposit. The coated substrate is then introduced into a plasma reaction chamber with RF energy being applied across spaced electrodes to create a plasma glow along with the introduction of a plasma supporting gas. The substrate is exposed to the plasma glow for conversion of the precursor to dissociated form to create a deposit consisting essentially of the metallic component in elemental form as a cohesive film on the substrate surface. Preferred metals include such noble metals as platinum, gold and silver, as well as other metals.

Abstract: A method of treating substrates, such as wood, including the steps of applying an alkali silicate solution to one or more substrates and applying an alkali borate solution with boric oxide (B2O3) content to the substrates. Substrates that have been treated using the present method include a borate-silicate polymer within the substrate. When the present substrates are wood, wood products, or green lumber, they may be used to build structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in situ polymerization of fluoropolymer into porous substrates, to improve resistance to degradation by wetting and staining, and wood, to improve resistance to degradation, staining and warping.

Abstract: An organic-inorganic hybrid film is deposited on a substrate by introducing, into a vacuum chamber, a gas mixture of a silicon alkoxide and an organic compound and generating a plasma derived from the gas mixture. Then, a hydrogen plasma process is performed with respect to the organic-inorganic hybrid film by introducing, into the vacuum chamber, a gas containing a reducing gas and generating a plasma derived from the gas. As a result, an organic component in the organic-inorganic hybrid film eliminates therefrom and numerous fine holes are formed in hollow portions from which the organic component has eliminated, whereby a porous film composed of the organic-inorganic hybrid film is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in situ polymerization of fluoropolymer into porous substrates, to improve resistance to degradation by wetting and staining, and wood, to improve resistance to degradation, staining and warping.

Abstract: Wood composite articles and methods of manufacturing wood composite articles that easily can be stained by a consumer that is inexperienced in staining wood articles, to consistently provide a wood composite article that has a look of natural wood having multiple coats of professionally applied stain. To manufacture a wood composite article that has a relatively lightly colored, unfinished surface that can be consistently stained with a desired color by an inexperienced wood finisher in a very forgiving process, with few steps, it has been found that a loose mat of cellulosic fibers and binder preferably should be first manufactured having a relatively lightly colored, non-fuzzy surface. Further, the pressed article, using at least 40% by weight, preferably 100% by weight, softwood fibers (from a tree that produces a cone), such as pine, redwood or fir, e.g.

Abstract: A process of chemically modifying wood by impregnating the wood, under vacuum, with ammonia gas; after removal of residual ammonia, and while under pressure, impregnating the ammonia gas impregnated wood with an impregnating composition containing dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic anhydride, partly or fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol and water. The impregnating composition may further and, preferably, include a water-soluble boron compound, such as sodium borate. In the latter case, the boron is resistant to leaching.

Abstract: A coating powder based on an epoxy resin is applied to a substrate and fused and cured thereon. Curing is effected by exposing the coating powder at the point of application to a fluid curative or cure catalyst, e.g., by exposing the fusing coating powder to an ammonia-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: A method is described for preserving wood comprising infiltrating the wood with gaseous carbon disulfide and impregnating the wood with an aqueous solution comprising a copper source, and dimethylamine.

Abstract: A cellulosic substrate is impregnated using a plasma gun. A plasma spray of a ceramic material is applied to a first surface of the cellulosic substrate. The ceramic material improves various properties of the first surface of the cellulosic substrate.

Abstract: Methods for preventing non-fungal discoloration of logs, wood and wood products that are free of non-fungal discolorations are provided. The wood is treated with a phytotoxic agent in order to prevent enzyme-mediated discoloration of the wood. The wood subsequently may be monitored to determine viability of parenchyma cells. This invention also relates to unmilled wood that is substantially free of non-fungal discolorations and has nonviable parenchyma cells.

Abstract: Books and other documents that are produced wholly or partly on paper of wood pulp origin are preserved by storing in an enclosed space containing a controlled atmosphere including about 0.05 to 10 ppm ammonia gas. This invention and all United States patent rights thereunder are assigned to the Government of the United States as represented by the Librarian of Congress. The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for Governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon.

Abstract: A method of treating moisture containing wood including the step of exposing the timber or wood to a vaporous azeotrope of an organ-boron component and an alcohol at a temperature below the alcohol's boiling point. The organ-boron compound hydrolyses with the moisture to form boric acid in the timber or board.

Abstract: In a method of treating a raw wood material with a formaldehyde polymer in the presence of sulfur dioxide at a reaction temperature within a reaction vessel to obtain a modified wood material, sulfur dioxide is supplied into the reaction vessel when a gas pressure of the formaldehyde polymer within the reaction vessel is 4.00.times.10.sup.4 Pa or more. In addition, a concentration of the formaldehyde polymer is in a range of 30 to 350 mol/m.sup.3 of formaldehyde monomer, and a molar ratio of the formaldehyde polymer to sulfur dioxide is in a range of 10 to 350. As the formaldehyde polymer, for example, trioxane, tetraoxane, or paraformaldehyde is used. The modified wood material manufactured by the method including the above conditions shows excellent dimensional stability while a discoloration thereof is effectively prevented. Therefore, the modified wood material is particularly fit to use for an interior furniture, musical instrument and a bath tub, etc.

Abstract: A method for making a separator material which is useful as a separator for storage batteries. The method involves applying a sulfonated surface layer to polyolefin resin fibers which form a woven or non-woven fabric. According to one embodiment, polyolefin resin fibers made of a first polyolefin resin are coated with a surface layer of a second polyolefin resin which is more susceptible to sulfonation than the first polyolefin resin from which said fibers are made. At the stage when the polyolefin fibers are coated with the second polyolefin resin they may be either individual fibers or formed into a woven or non-woven fabric. Thereafter, the fibers are subjected to a sulfonation process until the surface layer is sulfonated and a decomposition product formed by the sulfonation process is then removed from the fibers to obtain a separator material.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for improving surface properties of a timber as to wetness by exposing the timber to a plasma mixture of an inert gas and a reactive gas at a near atmospheric pressure. Prior to being exposed to the plasma mixture, the timber is treated to reduce a moisture content below a fiber saturation point of the timber so as to eliminate free moisture from the fibers of the timber which would otherwise lead to unstable plasma and therefore detract an uniform improvement over substantially the entire surface expected at the subsequent exposure to the plasma mixture. Thus, the plasma treatment can be effected in the absence of the free moisture to obtain a desired surface improvement uniformly across the surface of the timber, which gives an enhanced practicability of improving the surface properties of the timber, in addition to that the plasma mixture is generated at near the atmospheric pressures readily available without requiring substantial vacuum generating equipments.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for the preservation of timber with a boron based compound, such as trimethyl borate. The timer is dried to a low moisture content, is then subjected to a vapor of the boron compound in a suitable treatment vessel, and after vapor treatment is steam conditioned to return the moisture content of the timber to a normal working level. The vapor treatment is preferably carried out under heat and reduced pressure. Timber preserved by the process is also claimed.

Abstract: A process for treating wood panels is disclosed where the panels are placed in a closed treatment chamber and the chamber then evacuated. This removes free formaldehyde from panel pores and produces a subatmospheric pressure within the pores. The chamber is then pressurized with an ammonia and air mixture with ammonia in the mixture permeating the panel pores and reacting with free formaldehyde. The chamber is then evacuated to recover unreacted ammonia.

Abstract: This invention concerns a treatment for preserving or protecting moist wood against attacks from microorganisms (fungi) with the use of evaporable or sublimable ammonium salts. The protection is obtained by distributing the salts close to the wood so that the salts form an atmosphere around the wood in which the microorganisms cannot develop. The treatment is of special interest for moist wood during a storage period until it has been dried and is not further attached by fungi.

Abstract: A wet-felted mat of wood fibers is acetylated by coating the mat with a quantity of acetic anhydride ranging from 5 to 70% by volume of the mat and heating the mat at a temperature of from 150.degree. to 300.degree. F. while confining substantially all of the acetic anhydride within the mat for about 20 to 120 minutes. The acetylated mat is pressed into hardboard which may be bent into a variety of loops, spirals, helices, and other curvilinear shapes to make articles of furniture, protective packaging products and the like.

Abstract: A wet-felted mat of wood fibers is acetylated by coating the mat with a quantity of acetic anhydride ranging from 5 to 70% by volume of the mat and heating the mat at a temperature of from 150.degree. to 300.degree. F. while confining substantially all of the acetic anhydride within the mat for about 20 to 120 minutes. The acetylated mat is pressed into hardboard which may be bent into a variety of loops, spirals, helices, and other curvilinear shapes to make articles of furniture, protective packaging products and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of timber comprises a vessel having at least three chambers arranged in series for passage of the timber therethrough on conveyor belts or the like. There is means for drawing a vacuum in each of the end chambers and means for spraying the timber with a preservative liquid in an intermediate chamber, the vacuums being maintained during passage of the timber through the end chambers, by means of seals which are arranged to close and open automatically as the timber enters and leaves the respective vacuum chambers.

Abstract: A board-like porous material is coated with a polymerizable monomer over its upper and lower surfaces and is thereby immediately impregnated with the monomer. The material is then placed into shallow containers. A specified number of the containers containing the material are stacked, a lid is placed over the uppermost container, and the containers are hermetically closed by being held together by fastening means. The bottom wall of the container and the lid are each of a hollow structure and include a plurality of parallel partitions providing hot air passages arranged in parallel and having open front and rear ends. Finally, hot air is supplied to the passages to heat the containers, whereby the polymerizable monomer impregnating the material is vaporized, diffused through the material and then polymerized without application of pressure to the coated porous material.