Abstract: Disclosed is a water-soluble coating composition, which is applied on the surface of fuel rods to prevent scratching of the surface of the fuel rods upon manufacturing a nuclear fuel assembly for light water reactors. This water-soluble coating composition facilitates the formation and removal of a coating film and the resulting coating film can exhibit strength and durability equivalent to those of an existing lacquer (nitrocellulose) coating film, and can thus be used as an alternative to lacquer, thereby easily removing the coating film and improving workplace safety, ultimately achieving improvements in the working environment and high workplace safety.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a substrate. A functional chemical is applied onto the surface of the substrate for improving the adhesion of silicone to the substrate. The functional chemical is applied in an amount of at least 5 mg/m2 onto the surface of the substrate by using a steam application beam to form a functional chemical layer on the substrate. The functional chemical includes double bonds, silane hydride, or vinyl silane reactive groups, or oligomeric or polymeric hydrocarbon or polysiloxane compounds.

Abstract: A plating apparatus 20 includes a substrate holding device 110 configured to hold a substrate W; a discharging device 21 configured to discharge a plating liquid 35 toward the substrate W held by the substrate holding device 110; and a plating liquid supplying device 30 connected to the discharging device 21 and configured to supply the plating liquid 35 to the discharging device 21. A gas supplying device 170 is configured to heat a heating gas G having a higher specific heat capacity than air and supply the heated heating gas G toward the substrate W held by the substrate holding device 110. Further, a controller 160 is configured to control at least the discharging device 21, the plating liquid supplying device 30, and the gas supplying device 170.

Abstract: A textile having excellent water- and oil-repellency can be obtained by a method of preparing a treated textile, having steps of: (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, preferably at most 3, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent is at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains an organic salt.

Abstract: Excellent water repellency and Oil repellency are imparted to a textile by a method including (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent comprises at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains a cationic emulsifier and/or a salt.

Abstract: Excellent water- and oil-repellency and soil releasability can be obtained by a method of preparing a treated textile, having steps of: (1) preparing a treatment liquid containing a water- and oil-repellent agent and a stain blocking agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent contains at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains a cationic emulsifying agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to textile substrates to which a finishing treatment has been applied during the manufacturing process. Such a finishing treatment provides improved water and/or oil repellency and stain and soil resistance. The finishing treatment generally includes a repellent agent, a stain release agent, and a particulate component. Other compounds may be added to the treatment, such as stain-blocking agents, crosslinking agents, coupling agents, antimicrobial agents, and pH adjusting agents. The components of the finishing treatment are generally applied to the textile substrate using an application process that results in layered structures on the surface of the treated substrate, which has been found to greatly improve the durability of the treatment. Such treated textile substrates thus exhibit excellent stain and soil resistance and water and/or oil repellency properties.

Abstract: A film sheet which has a polymer layer formed of a coating solution is drawn from a balk roll and transported toward a rubbing apparatus. Thereby, first and second blowers sequentially disposed respectively apply to the polymer layer an air of temperature 45±2° C. and humidity 50%–60%, and an air of temperature 25±1° C. and humidity 30%–35%. Thus, damages which occurred in transporting and rolling the film sheet are removed. Thereafter, a rubbing action is performed to the film sheet such that the polymer layer has alignment. Then a liquid crystal layer is formed on the polymer layer, to obtain an optical compensation film.

Abstract: Excellent water repellency and Oil repellency are imparted to a textile by a method including (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent comprises at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains a cationic emulsifier and/or a salt.

Abstract: Excellent stain block property, WAQE resistance and yellowing resistance are imparted to a textile by a method of preparing a treated textile has the steps of (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a stain blocking agent and a sulfated castor oil and having pH of at most 7, (2) applying the treatment liquid to the textile, (3) treating the textile with steam, and (4) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile.

Abstract: A titania-coated honeycomb catalyst matrix is provided for the ultraviolet-photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants in a flowing fluid. A honeycomb-shaped skeletal structure (12) has a thin, lightweight substrate (18) of metal or ceramic, typically an aluminum alloy, and a surface coating (20) of photocatalyst, such as titania. The photocatalyst (20) is bonded to the substrate (18) via a thin oxide layer (18′) on the substrate. The oxide layer (18′) may be grown on the substrate. The photocatalyst coating (20) is made by mixing (30) titania powder in a TiO2 sol-gel to form a titania slurry. The substrate with oxide layer is coated (30) with the titania slurry and then heat treated (31). The photocatalyst coating (20) is typically applied to substrate sheets (40, 60, 62) preformed for assembly into a honeycomb-shaped skeletal structure (12) having an array of parallel cells (46, 46′).

Abstract: A multi-layer protective glove fabric comprises a base cloth layer, a second stretchable cloth layer overlying the base layer, a third latex layer coated on the base layer and a fourth wax layer over the third latex layer to prevent the latex coating layer from blooming. The method of manufacturing a protective glove with this multi-layer construction includes (1) heating a fabric layer at a first elevated temperature; (2) applying a viscous latex spreading compound over a surface of the fabric layer at a second, lower elevated temperature, to prevent the latex from penetrating the fabric layer but ensuring its adhesion to the fabric layer; (3) applying wax over the latex at least at the first elevated temperature, to prevent the latex from blooming; (4) adhering an opposed surface of the fabric layer to a second fabric layer to form the multi-layer fabric and (5) forming the multi-layer fabric into a glove.

Abstract: The invention is a method for treating a worksurface of a workpiece to render it static dissipative under conditions of low relative humidity. Conditions are created that render the worksurface receptive to treatment with a electrostatic dissipative (ESD) agent. The receptive worksurface is contacted with an ESD agent. Finally, the conditions created to render the worksurface receptive are removed. One method for treating a worksurface of a workpiece to render it static dissipative under conditions of low relative humidity commences by contacting the worksurface with an aqueous bath comprising acid and poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate). The worksurface is removed from the bath and excess bath is washed away from the worksurface. The worksurface finally is dried. The preferred acid is HCl. Another method involves heating the worksurface to render it receptive followed by treating with heated worksurface with the ESD agent and subjecting the treated worksurface to pressure.

Abstract: Method and plant for powder coating the surfaces of objects with polymeric powder having a melting and softening temperature near 100° C., said polymeric powder includes a polymer curable under the influence of electromagnetic radiation, the method including a first step in which the objects to be coated are prepared to retain powder charged with static electricity; a second step in which the objects are sprayed with powder charged with static electricity; a third step in which the objects are heated to a surface temperature of about 100° C. thereby melting the powder retained on the surfaces by being expose the objects to infrared radiation and heated air; a fourth step in which the objects are radiated by electromagnetic radiation for initiating of curing of the powder melted to reflow over the surfaces of the objects, the objects simultaneous with the radiation being cooled.

Abstract: A device for direct or indirect application of a liquid or viscous coating medium onto a moving material web, specifically a paper or cardboard web, includes an applicator unit which, in the direct application method, applies the coating medium in the form of a coating layer directly onto the material web at a point of application. In the indirect application method, the coating medium is first applied onto an applicator element, for example an applicator roll, which then transfers, at the point of application, the coating medium to the material web in the form of a coating layer. In addition, a drying device for drying of the coating layer is provided downstream from the point of application, viewed in the direction of flow of the material web. In the applicator unit, a device for moistening and/or warming the material web, coating medium or the coating layer is additionally provided before the drying device, viewed in the flow direction of the material web.

Abstract: A method of powder coating at least one surface of a non-conductive object having a plurality of sequential steps. The first step is pretreating the surface of the non-conductive object to ensure that the surface is suitably cleaned. The second step to apply a sufficient quantity of moisture on the surface of the non-conductive object to facilitate adhesion of a powder coating to the surface. The next step is to spray a polymer coating powder on the moistened surface of the non-conductive object. This spraying step is done immediately following the application of moisture but prior to a complete evaporation of the applied moisture. The fifth step is to evaporate any remaining applied moisture from the non-conductive object prior to curing. The last step is to cure the coating on the surface of the non-conductive object without decomposing the powder and then either cool or allow the non-conductive object to cool naturally.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing, drying, applying a curable coating, and effecting the cure of such coating on a variety of substrates, such as metal, for example steel, plastic and wood. A particularly effective drying procedure based on the generation of a dehumidified and filtered air stream directed substantially parallel to the wet substrate allows for a significant decrease in drying time while maintaining coating effectiveness.

Abstract: A process is described which imparts exceptional antisoiling, anti-staining and repellent properties to carpets. The process makes use of a water-based exhaustion process wherein the water-based treating solution contains (1) glassy fluorochemical material, glassy hydrocarbon material, or combinations thereof; (2) a stainblocking material; (3) a polyvalent metal salt, acid, or combinations thereof; and (4) water. Subsequent to exhaustion, the wet treated carpet is heated, usually in a steaming step, rinsed, and dried in a dry heat oven.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for coating a web in a film press nip defined by a pair of rotating rolls and through which the web runs and in which a coating agent is applied as a film onto a face of at least one of the rolls and transferred in the nip from the face of the roll(s) onto a respective side of the web to thereby coat the respective side of the web. Steam jets are applied to each side of the web that is being coated to prevent formation of coating-agent mist at a web-outlet side of the nip. The steam jets can be directed from a location after the nip to the web-outlet side of the nip and/or substantially to a point of separation of the web from contact with the roll(s).

Abstract: A method of substantially eliminating shading in a carpet by steaming the pile tufts and positively orientating the pile tufts in a predetermined direction. The positive orientation of the tufts is achieved by engagement with a scroll roll, which is preferably a smooth roller having axially or helically extending ribs or grooves.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing roofing felts, cap sheets, base sheets and similar built-up roofing products from fibrous mats includes: supplying a roofing mat to a manufacturing process; moisturizing the roofing mat by applying steam or a liquid mist to one or both major surfaces of the roofing mat during the manufacturing process to increase the moisture content of the roofing mat and reduce the amount of hot bitumen accepted by the roofing mat during a coating operation; and applying a hot bitumen coating to one or both major surfaces of the roofing mat during the manufacturing process after the moisture content of the roofing mat has been increased by the moisturizing step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the hot water treatment of debarked logs to eliminate infestation and fungi in the logs is presented. The present invention utilizes a water tank and a heat generation source to raise the temperature of the center of the logs above a predetermined level for a sufficient time to accomplish this purpose.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating cellulosic fiber containing fabrics to improve durable press and shrinkage resistance includes using steam as a vehicle to supply vaporized liquid cellulosic cross-linking agent and vaporized liquid catalyst to a reaction chamber in which the fabric articles are treated by cross-linking the cellulose. Normally liquid cross-linking agent and liquid catalysts are directly injected into a stream of treating steam to cause vaporization of the cross-linking agent and catalyst. Alternatively, a steam driven ejector type pump is utilized to entrain and vaporize liquid cross-linking agent and liquid catalyst in a flowing stream of steam supplied to the reaction chamber. Gaseous ammonia may also be supplied to the reaction chamber to condition the cellulosic material containing fabric before cross-linking.

Abstract: The apparatus, system and method utilize sequential sprays of wet, low-temperature steam, and dry, high-temperature steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Water is injected into the conduit through which the low-temperature steam is delivered, so as to produce a desirable concentration of droplets therein. A conveyor moves the laminated objects along a horizontal path through zones in which they are sprayed by the low temperature and high temperature steam, and then through a zone in which they are electrostatically coated with powder.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for inhibiting the formation of polymer buildup on the inner surfaces of a vinyl polymerization reactor by coating such surfaces with an alkaline solution of a linear or branched low molecular weight compound belonging to the poly(hydroxybenzyl) and poly(hydroxybenzylether) families and including their copolymers or blends. This process effectively reduces the adherence of polymeric material to the inner parts of the reaction vessel wherein substituted ethylene monomers are polymerized.

Abstract: The method utilizies steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects, preliminary to electrostatic powder coating, as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Off-gassing that would otherwise occur when the objects are heated to effect fusion of the powder deposit is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A method for producing coatings on a heated substrate, preferably glass, comprises pretreating the substrate with a gaseous composition of water, air and a fluorine compound, and thereafter depositing a fluorine-doped tin-oxide coating on the substrate.

Abstract: Reinforced synthetic polymer composite is treated by heating at a temperature and for a time sufficient to obtain a moisture content below that for the relative humidity level at which the composite is to be drilled and/or photoresist exposed; and then subjecting it to conditions to increase the moisture content to that for the relative humidity level of the drilling.

Abstract: A method for finishing clothes, that improves the wearing sensation and feeling of the clothes on the body, consisting of arranging one or more articles of clothing by hanging from a rod in a sealed chamber after dry cleaning or washing the clothes, then spraying hydrophilic finishing agent which is water soluble or diluted with water by emulsifying in a predetermined quantity adapted for the clothes to be finished to moisten the entire front and back surfaces of the clothes to be finished by adhering the agent thereto, thereafter or simultaneously therewith the clothes are fully steamed. Then blowing hot air upon the clothes to dry them. This method can (1) use any finishing agent which is water soluble or that can be diluted with water by emulsifying, (2) uniformly adhere or impregnate finishing agent to all outer and inner surfaces of clothes, (3) perform spraying of a predetermined quantity of finishing agent in a short working time span of seconds and (4) reduce facility costs.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a polyether resin by reacting a diglycidyl ether of a dihydric phenol with an alcohol of formula R-C(CH.sub.2 OH).sub.3, R being C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, using an equivalent ratio e.sub.OH to e.sub.epoxy >1 and selecting P>1.05, wherein ##EQU1## F.sub.epoxy being the epoxy functionality of the diglycidyl ether.

Abstract: An improvement in the formation of thick, i.e. 1,200 nanometers and greater, layers of silicon dioxide on a substrate is provided. The silicon dioxide layer is provided by the alternate deposition and oxidation of thin layers of silicon. In comparison to conventional oxidation, the time required for formation of a thick layer of silicon dioxide in accordance with the disclosed process is substantially reduced.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of growing thermal oxide on silicon wherein the oxide is grown at an increased rate, at reduced temperature or a combination thereof. This is accomplished by operating in an hermetic quartz tube capable of withstanding high pressure with steam or oxygen at super atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of thermosetting plastics for improving supports used for cell growth. The process according to the invention consists of applying to base supports, a solution of a thermosetting plastics material and of then subjecting the thus-coated supports to the effect of heat under conditions sufficient to permit the hardening of the thermosetting plastics material and sterilization of the thus-coated supports. The supports according to the invention are suitable for any conventional seeding and trypsination operations on cell cultures; they can also be used for the cultivation of human or animal diploid cells.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for keeping a part such as a motor vehicle body wet between preparation stations during preparation for painting by placing the part in an atmosphere of wet vapor. In one embodiment, the part is placed in an enclosure between preparation stations, into which enclosure saturated vapor at a pressure of about 3.5 bars is introduced. The pressure within the chamber is essentially ambient pressure so that the pressurized saturated vapor expands to ambient pressure in the enclosure.

Abstract: A fire-resistant material comprising a network of bonded expanded polystyrene beads having an organic or inorganic impregnant material incorporated in the interstices in the network so as to provide a reticulated impregnant structure which is retained upon destruction of the network of bonded expanded polystyrene beads, for example in a fire, and the structure retained upon removal of the polystyrene. The preferred impregnant material is a layer mineral, especially chemically delaminated vermiculite.

Abstract: This invention relates to new inorganic pigments consisting or consisting essentially of a TiO.sub.2 rutile nucleus, of a first adherent coating of trigonal Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and of a second adherent coating of cubic MeAl.sub.2 O.sub.4, in which Me is Co, Ni, Cu, Zn or Mg. These pigments are obtained by mixing TiO.sub.2 rutile particles coated with Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, with a MeO oxide or a Me compound capable of providing MeO in a subsequent calcination step, and by calcining the mixture in the presence of air at temperatures in the range of from 750.degree. to 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preserving wood, in particular hardwoods, against attack by living organisms, e.g. fungi and insects, which destroy wood. In particular, the present invention provides a one or two step process for preserving wood against fungal and/or insect attack. The fungicide treatment step comprises introducing a copper solution or a copper solution into wood. The insecticide treatment step comprises introducing a chromium and arsenic solution into wood. If the pH of the wood system is controlled, both steps may be carried out simultaneously so as to preserve the wood against fungal and insect attack. Alternatively, the insecticide treatment step may follow the fungicide treatment. Where only protection against fungus is desired, the process comprises introducing copper and arsenic solution into wood. On the other hand, if only an insecticide treatment is required, the process comprises only the abovementioned insecticide treatment step.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preventing stress corrosion cracking or metal embrittlement of a zirconium or zirconium alloy container that is to be coated on the inside surface with a layer of a metal such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or iron and used for holding nuclear fuel material as a nuclear fuel element. The zirconium material is etched in an etchant solution, desmutted mechanically or ultrasonically, oxidized to form an oxide coating on the zirconium, cleaned in an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution, activated for electroless deposition of a metal layer and contacted with an electroless metal plating solution. This method provides a boundary layer of zirconium oxide between the zirconium container and the metal layer.

Abstract: A process for the pretreatment of cellulose fibers which are printed according to the thermotransfer printing process, which comprises impregnating the fiber material with a solution or dispersion containing a compound of the formula ##STR1## in which x is 2 or 3, A represents--if x=2--a group of the formula ##STR2## or -if x=3 --represents a group of the formula ##STR3## W is a group of the formula --CH.sub.2 --or ##STR4## R is hydrogen or methyl, m is a number of from 1 to 30, preferably from 4 to 11, and n is a number of from 1 to 30, preferably from 1 to 10, as well as a polymerization catalyst, and steaming and drying the material.

Abstract: Inorganic coatings for glass surfaces, especially hot end coatings for glassware, are produced by applying vapors of thermally decomposable metal compounds such as stannic chloride to the surface of glass at an elevated temperature and maintaining in a zone adjacent to and in close proximity to the heated surface a region of elevated moisture content. In a preferred form, separate streams of metal compound vapor and water vapor are directed onto the surface of the heated glass.

Abstract: Substrate surfaces are rendered resistant to coking by vaporizing an alkoxysilane in contact with the surface to form a protective layer of silica thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for coating a material length with a fluid substance which comprises a coating trough containing the fluid coating substance, a roller means rotatably mounted and adapted to be partially immersed in said fluid coating substance, the surface of the roller means and the edge of the trough defining an aperture for the dispensing of the fluid coating substance, said edge of the trough being provided with a liquid guiding element which extends in the downward direction from said edge and means for conveying the material length to be coated in close proximity to said liquor guiding element.

Abstract: A magnetic recording material formed from a base film of a crystalline polymer and having a magnetic layer coated on one surface of the base film which is sufficiently smooth to prevent the occurrence of dropout and the other surface of the film being finely rugged to thereby impart good running property to the magnetic recording material.

Abstract: There are provided novel antistatic carpet yarns and carpets as well as novel compositions of matter and methods for the chemical treatment of carpet yarns and carpets in order to impart to such textile materials substantially durable hydrophilic, soil-repellency and antistatic properties that will be retained despite rigorous exposure to washing, foam, vacuum and steam cleaning, and wear under high compression loads (or foot-traffic), without any adverse effect on dyestuffs or flammability. The method consists essentially in first treating the carpet yarn or carpet made of preferably synthetic fiber material (by such per se well known methods as padding, spraying or transfer-roll) with an aqueous emulsion which forms a normally solid coating consisting essentially of:A. at least one phase of an alkylphenol which is insoluble in water and which is dissolved in an alcohol, a ketone, or other organic solvent;B.

Abstract: The apparatus, system and method utilize sequential sprays of wet, low-temperature steam, and dry, high-temperature steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Water is injected into the conduit through which the low-temperature steam is delivered, so as to produce a desirable concentration of droplets therein. A conveyor moves the laminated objects along a horizontal path through zones in which they are sprayed by the low temperature and high temperature steam, and then through a zone in which they are electrostatically coated with powder.