Abstract: A method of preserving cellulosic material is provided. The method includes contacting the cellulosic material with a paraben-containing monomer and polymerizing the paraben-containing monomer to provide a polymer impregnated within the cellulosic material; or alternatively, first polymerizing the paraben-containing monomer to give a polymer comprising repeat units formed of the monomer and contacting the cellulosic material with the polymer under pressure to provide the polymer impregnated with the cellulosic material. Articles including the cellulosic material and at least one polymer which includes paraben moieties are also provided, such as a wooden plank, a utility pole, a railroad tie, a ship's hull, a wooden utensil, a toy, a model, a piece of furniture, a vehicle, or a serving dish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drug delivery device for dispensing of a predefined amount of a medicinal product, comprising: at least one housing component (2), a cartridge holder component (4) to receive a product-containing cartridge (3), the cartridge having a piston slidably arranged therein, a drive mechanism component operably engageable with the piston of the cartridge (3) for dispensing of a dose of the medicinal product, wherein at least one of said components (2, 4, 6) at least partially comprises a biodegradable plastic material comprising at least one additive adapted to modify a degradation process of the plastic material.

Abstract: Natural biopolymers in the form of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are shown to have the required characteristics to serve as chemically reactive biotemplates for metallic and semiconductor nanomaterial synthesis. Silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu) and platinum (Pt), cadmium sulfide (CdS), zinc sulfide (ZnS) and lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles, nanoparticle chains and nanowires may be synthesized on CNCs by exposing metallic precursor salts to a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and a reducing agent. The nanoparticle density and particle size may be controlled by varying the concentration of CTAB, pH of the salt solution, as well as the reduction time or reaction time between the reducing agent and the metal precursor.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film showing 10 marks/m2 or less of adhesion marks and having an in-plane retardation value (Re value) of 0 to 200 nm and a retardation value along the thickness direction (Rth value) of 30 to 500 nm. The cellulose acylate film shows favorable optical uniformity and can provide an improved liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A method for applying an additive, e.g. a fluoropolymer, to cellulose. The method comprises a number of steps. First, solid cellulose, a solvent capable of dissolving cellulose, e.g. NMMO and a dispersion of the additive are brought into contact with each other. The additive is allowed to diffuse into the dissolved cellulose, which is possible as a result of the dissolution of the surface layer of the solid cellulose. The solubility of cellulose in the solvent is then reduced, whereby the additive that has diffused into the dissolved cellulose is incorporated into the resulting solid cellulose. A method for applying a fluoropolymer to cellulose as a surface coat is also described. Flexible bearing components comprising a mat of cellulose fibres and a fluoropolymer which may be made by the methods described.

Abstract: An optical film includes: a transparent substrate having a roughened surface with an average surface roughness Ra ranging from 40 nm to 120 nm; and an optical functional layer attached to the roughened surface of the transparent substrate. A method for making an optical film includes: (a) providing a transparent substrate having a surface; (b) roughening the surface of the transparent substrate such that the roughened surface has an average surface roughness Ra ranging from 40 nm to 120 nm; and (c) forming an optical functional layer on the roughened surface of the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A method for modifying a substrate containing a natural polymeric material to improve its interaction with other materials, the method comprising: A) Treating the substrate containing the natural polymeric material with a modifying agent selected from the group consisting of organo-functional coupling agents and multi-functional amine containing organic compounds; and B) optionally exposing the substrate containing natural polymeric material with one or more treatments selected from the group consisting of: i) subjecting the substrate to extraction with a solvent to reduce the content of extractable materials associated with the natural polymeric material prior to or during treatment with the modifying agent; ii) treatment with a physical field selected from static physical fields, high-frequency alternating physical fields and combinations of two or more thereof either prior to, during or after treatment with the modifying agent; and iii) oxidation of at least part of the natural polymeric material prior to

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet comprises a cellulose ester film, an orientation layer and an optically anisotropic layer formed of liquid crystal molecules in this order. Alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is fixed. An alkaline solution is coated on a surface of the cellulose ester film to saponify the surface. The saponified surface is coated with a coating solution of the orientation layer.

Abstract: Medical devices that include oxidizable portions can be plated after a two step activation process that includes successive applications of two aqueous solutions of ammonium bifluoride. Once plated, such materials can be soldered using conventional solders and fluxes. Medical devices can be assembled by soldering together plated materials. Oxidizable materials can be plated with radiopaque materials to yield medical devices that are more visible to fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A treatment method for preservation of plant leaves wherein the plant leaves are immersed in a dehydrating solvent consisting of acetone and ethyl alcohol to replace the tissue water and remove chlorophyll in the leaves by the dehydrating solvent. Thereafter, the leaves are immersed in a permeating solution containing polyethylene glycol and acetone for allowing polyethylene glycol to permeate the leaves for replacing the dehydrating solvent. Thereafter, the leaves are dyed with a coloring matter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an interior fitment for motor vehicles, the interior fitment having on its facing side a wood molding which is provided with a coating. In order to impart a substantially natural impression to the interior fitment, the invention proposes applying to the wood molding a coating material based on vegetable-oil-modified resins and natural vegetable oils, with the addition to the coating material of ceramic microparticles. Likewise proposed is an interior fitment produced preferably by this method.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for improving the impregnability of refractory wood species by pretreatment with fungi of the genera Trichoderma o Gliocladium or with weakly wood-degraging fungi. The pretreatment comprises a thermal treatment of the wood, the addition of a nutrient medium as well as an incubation phase to promote fungal growth. The incubation phase is stopped when the desired depth of penetration of the fungus is reached. The wood is subsequently impregnated with a wood impregnating agent. The typical result of the fungal pretreatment is an incarease in the depth of penetration of the impregnating agent to a depth of penetration of 5 mm to 30 mm required depending on the intended use.

Abstract: System and method for diffusing chemicals rapidly and evenly into and through fibrous material, such as wood. Chemicals are introduced into the fibrous material by applying the chemicals to the fibrous material. After treating the fibrous material with the chemicals, the fibrous material is maintained under low-headspace conditions. Thermal energy or dielectric heating, such as microwave or radio frequency energy, is applied to the fibrous material. As a result, the chemicals are able to distribute evenly and quickly throughout the fibrous material.

Abstract: A cork stopper for a wine bottle or the like is coated with, for example, silicone rubber to prevent impurities in the cork from contaminating the contents of the bottle. The coating may be applied by dipping or immersion preferably with ultrasonic agitation to improve penetration of the coating material into the cork pores. Prior to coating, the corks may be soaked in a solvent to leach out taint compounds from the surface of the cork, thereby reducing the likelihood of such compounds concentrating on the coating surface.

Abstract: Expanded cellular structures are formed from dense nonporous cellulose paper with an air permeance of less than 30 ml/min which cellular structure is provided with a shape retention of at least 90%. The shape stability is obtained by forming the cellular structure, spraying with an aqueous liquid and heating, the amount of liquid, time and temperature of heating being selected and sufficient to provide the desired shape retention. The minimum amount of water is at least 30 weight % of dry paper more usually at least 75% with minimum heating of 1 minute at 100° C.

Abstract: A plated product and apparatus for forming recesses or grooves on material to be plated to produce such a product. The product includes material having a surface having many recesses, each having an opening of size d, where d is in the range 5-100 microns, a depth in the range from 0.2 d to d, or many grooves. In preferred embodiments, each groove or recess has an anchor portion. In some embodiments, each groove has a ridge portion at each of both edges of its opening. The angle of each groove to the surface of the material and each groove's depth and opening width are preferably in specified ranges. When the material is plated, part of the thin metal film enters the anchor portions of its grooves or recesses, so that the plated metal has superior capacity to resist peeling off of the plated metal.

Abstract: A method for improving surface adhesion characteristics of a polymeric substrate and/or virgin polymeric material in which the portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate and/or virgin polymeric material to be treated is contacted with a composition containing at least one oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent in the composition is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate which is reactive with the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. Contact between the composition containing the oxidizing agent and the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material is maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. The oxidizing agent of choice is a halogenated bivalent oxygen compound. The oxidizing agent is activated by an activator agent containing at least one carboxylic acid group or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-inflammable fiber product that can be used as flame-resistant material or insulating material or both. The invention seeks to provide a material made of used cellulose or cellulose-containing refuse, which had not been sensibly used hitherto. The new fiber product consists of 30 to 97 wt. % cellulose-containing fiber or a cellulose-containing fiber mixture; 0.01 to 1 wt. % nonionic surface active agent; 1 to 5 wt. % aluminum oxide finely distributed on and in the fibers, and 0 to 68 wt. % filling material, as well as optionally one or more additional biocides. Said product can be processed in bulk or as pressed plate.

Abstract: A method for improving surface adhesion characteristics of a polymer substrate in which the portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate to be treated is contacted with a fluid material containing at least one oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent in the fluid material is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate which is reactive with the polymeric substrate. Contact between the fluid containing the oxidizing agent and the polymeric substrate is maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate proximate to its surface. The oxidizing agent of choice is a bivalent oxygen compound. The oxidizing agent is activated by an activator agent containing at least one carboxylic acid group or derivative thereof. The activator agent may be present in the fluid upon initial contact with the polymeric substrate or may be added to the fluid subsequent to initial contact with the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fabric exhibiting excellent hygroscopicity, pliable handling touch and shape memory.An aspect of the present invention for achieving the foregoing object lies in a fabric comprising cellulose fibers, wherein hydrophilic vinyl monomers are graft-polymerized with the cellulose fibers, and the ratio B/W of bending rigidity (B) measured by KES (Kawabata Evaluation System) and weight (W) is 0.0001 or higher and 0.005 or lower.Another aspect of the present invention lies in a fabric comprising the cellulose fibers and polyester fibers.A still further aspect of the present invention lies in a fabric comprising cellulose fibers, wherein the percentage of laundry shrinkage is 3% or lower and the ratio B/W of bending rigidity (B) measured by KES and weight (W) is 0.0001 or higher and 0.005 or lower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the durability of water-repellent films deposited on the surface of a substrate and to a coated article having a water-repellent film of improved durability deposited on the substrate surface. The method includes the steps of simultaneously abrasively and chemically preparing the surface to expose an increased number of bonding sites on the substrate surface by applying a dispersion including an acid solution and an abrasive material to the surface. The dispersion is then removed and the water-repellent film is formed over the prepared surface. The bonding sites react with the water-repellent film to more effectively bond the film to the substrate and thereby improve the durability of the water-repellent film.

Abstract: Carboxymethyl cellulose fiber having a degree of substitution of at least 0.1, preferably 0.2-0.5, carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit is derived from solvent-spun cellulose fiber, for example by reaction with a strong alkali and a monochloroacetate reagent. The fiber has an absorbency of at least 8 grams, usually at least 15 grams, 0.9% saline solution per gram of fibre and a tenacity of at least 10, usually at least 15, cN/tex. It can be used for absorbent personal products.

Abstract: A pollution-preventing process which comprises (i) controlling a surface moisture content of a first building material selected from the group consisting of an inorganic base material and wood at 0 to 20%, or (ii) coating a penetration-inhibiting primer onto a surface of a second building material having a surface moisture content of 10 to 100% and selected from the group consisting of an inorganic base material and wood to be dried, followed by coating a treating agent consisting of an organic solvent solution of a modified polysiloxane resin having a ladder structure onto a surface of the first building material or the second building material to impregnate the surface with the treating agent and by subjecting to curing treatment to prevent at least one pollutant selected from the group consisting of mold and moss from growing on the surface of the first building material or the second building material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process of non-compressively and uniformly applying a liquid saturant throughout a permeable sheet. The process includes the steps of: 1) providing a continuously advancing permeable sheet having a first surface and a second surface, 2) depositing a substantially laminar flowing curtain of a liquid saturant generally across and onto the first surface of the continuously advancing permeable sheet, 3) applying a vacuum to the second surface of the continuously advancing permeable sheet, and 4) drawing a substantial portion of the liquid saturant through the permeable sheet to generate a substantially uniform distribution of liquid saturant throughout the permeable sheet. The process may also include the step of drying the liquid saturated permeable sheet. The dry bulk of the liquid saturant treated permeable sheet may be within about 15 percent of the dry bulk of an identical untreated permeable sheet.

Abstract: A high gloss color finish for a plastic article is formed by coating and curing a colored primer layer (12) onto a plastic substrate (10). A light transmissive basecoat (14) is applied and cured onto the primer layer (12) to form a substrate (10) with a colored surface. Indium islands (20) are vacuum deposited onto the basecoat (12) to a thickness up to 100 Angstroms to form a visually macroscopically continuous layer (21). The island layer (21) is etched to remove smaller sized islands. A transparent topcoat (24) is applied onto the basecoat and indium islands and cured in place.

Abstract: A method and composition for chip sealing a roadway utilizing a coating containing a parent binding material. Stone chips are then spread onto the parent binding material to form a composite having an upper surface. A liquid composition is then applied over the upper surface of the composite. The liquid composition includes an emulsion of liquid asphalt, a lignosulfonic acid salt, and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for coating reinforcing elements preferably in fiber form, wherein said material is treated, between two electrodes, by the field obtained by means of a direct electric current of voltage included between 50 and 150,000 V and/or by means of an alternating electric current of frequency between 50 and 1,000 Hz and of voltage included between 10,000 and 30,000 V, and said element is placed in contact with a powder of a conductive or semi-conductive material.

Abstract: Method and process using a supercritical fluid, with or without the aid of entrainers (1) to solubilize a monomer, monomer mixture or polymer which may or may not include additives and entrainers, (2) to carry the supercritical solvent mixture thereby created into the wood matrix, (3) to remove extractives from the wood, (4) to precipitate the monomer or polymer within the wood, and (5) to polymerize the monomer in situ in the wood.

Abstract: A method for both preserving and coloring wood which comprises in a first step contacting the wood with a liquid composition containing a biocidally effective amount of a copper compound, and in a second step contacting the wood with a liquid composition containing a biocidally effective amount of a dithiocarbamate compound selected from the group consisting of alkyl dithiocarbamates, alkylene dithiocarbamates and soluble salts thereof.

Abstract: In the process according to our invention authenticating (code) marks are provided on paper, particularly a security or other financial instrument, by contacting laser radiation from a laser light source on the paper to form the authenticating marks. The objects of our invention are attained with an apparatus equipped with a pivotable mirror device which allows the laser radiation to be directed on sheets of paper arranged transverse to the transport direction on a paper sheet. A preservative medium can be used to coat and protect the marks particularly from mechanical abrasion.

Abstract: The resin-impregnated composite prepreg based on a fabric material of an aromatic polyamide fiber is prepared by exposing the fabric material to low temperature plasma generated in an atmosphere of an inorganic gas, which is preferably oxygen or an oxygen-containing gaseous mixture, under a pressure of 0.5 to 5 Torr to such an extent that ruggedness of 0.01 to 0.5 .mu.m is formed on the surface and then impregnating the fabric material with an organic resinous binder. The adhesive bonding strength between the binder and the fiber surface can further be increased when the plasma-treated fabric material is brought into contact with an unsaturated compound polymerizable by free radical polymerization without contacting with air so as to form a graft-polymerized layer on the fiber surface.

Abstract: A process for fabricating silicon-on-insulator structures on semiconductor wafers and planarizing the topology of the patterns formed from the silicon. In the composite, the process provides for the formation of monocrystalline silicon islands electrically isolated by dielectric in substantially coplanar arrangement with surrounding dielectric. According to one practice of the process, substrate silicon islands are initially formed and capped, and thereafter used as masks to direct the anisotropic etch of the silicon substrate to regions between the islands. During the oxidation which follows, the capped and effectively elevated silicon islands are electrically isolated from the substrate by lateral oxidation through the silicon walls exposed during the preceding etch step. The capped regions, however, remain substantially unaffected during the oxidation. With the electrically isolated silicon island in place, a silicon dioxide layer and a planarizing polymer layer are deposited over the wafer.

Abstract: The monourea adduct of sulfuric acid, when combined with water, has the unique ability to ablate the surface of wooden articles without charring or otherwise disfiguring the surface of the wooden article. Thus, wooden articles can be treated to accomplish a variety of purposes by contacting the surface to be treated with a composition containing the monourea adduct of sulfuric acid. Such compositions comprise mixtures of urea and sulfuric acid in which the molar ratio of urea to sulfuric acid is within the range of 1/4 to about 7/4 so that at least about 25 percent of the sulfuric acid is present as the monourea adduct. Such treatment can be employed to modify the dimensions of the article surface, remove stains, mars or other markings, accentuate the hard grain of the article surface, emboss the surface with a predetermined pattern, or accomplish other objectives that result from generally or selectively ablating the article's surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conditioning the surfaces of natural and synthetic plastic materials for electroless plating of a metal coating thereon by exposing such materials to an atmosphere comprising an effective amount of ozone and thereafter contacting said exposed materials with an effective amount of a conditioning solvent, such as an aqueous solution of sodium, potassium or lithium hydroxide.

Abstract: A weakening composition printed onto newsprint in a predetermined pattern causes the newsprint to weaken within a short period of time along the lines of the pattern so that the newsprint tears preferentially along the outline of the pattern.

Abstract: Veneer production from softwood logs is improved by adding at least about 0.003% of urea to the hot water soaking vats prior to peeling the veneer from the logs. Enhanced results are achieved when urea is added together with a base such as sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A weakening composition printed onto newsprint in a predetermined pattern causes the newsprint to weaken within a short period of time along the lines of the pattern so that the newsprint tears preferentially along the outline of the pattern.

Abstract: A translucent panel is made up of one or more pieces of translucent wood. Each piece of wood is cut to less than one-half inch in thickness in the direction of the grain of the wood and is then impregnated with an initially liquid polymerizable material curable to a translucent solid. The influx of this material into the cells of the wood is induced by a sequence of intermiscible liquids, and/or by vacuum, with provision being made for the clearing of air bubble accumulation as the liquid displaces the entrained air in the wood. The absorbed material is cured so that the tubular cell structure of the wood is filled with a translucent solid, thereby causing the wood to become translucent. The completed panel is installed in proximity to a light source to form a light fixture.

Abstract: A method of preparing a diffusion transfer image-receiving material for use in the silver halide diffusion transfer process which comprises hydrolyzing the surface portion of an alkali non-diffusible polymer sheet and, at the same time as or after the hydrolysis, absorbing diffusion transfer nuclei in the surface portion of the sheet from water, a ketone, or an alcohol containing the diffusion transfer nuclei.

Abstract: Particles of metallic sodium or potassium are placed on a wood substrate which has been pre-heated. When the wood substrate is introduced subsequently into a steam zone the sodium or potassium, as the case may be, reacts exothermally with the water vapor, melts and burns, charring the wood in localized regions. The particles of sodium or potassium are confined by grains of sand which are subsequently brushed away with any loose charcoal to produce a distressed surface to the wood.

Abstract: A process for the production of metal-plated staple fibers comprising providing staple fibers having an areal weight of 0.5 to 5.0 kg/m.sup.2, activating said fibers by conventional means, and spraying an electroless metal-plating solution onto the activated fibers at a space velocity of 100 to 600m.sup.3 of the plating solution per m.sup.3 of the fibers per hour.

Abstract: A process for forming a polyolefin coating layer onto a surface of a metal which comprises coating an uncured epoxy resin layer onto the surface of a metal and melt-bonding a polyolefin modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof onto the uncured epoxy resin layer coated onto said metal surface. The coating layer has a high bonding strength and excellent water resistance, especially resistance against brine.