Abstract: The present invention features processes and compositions for producing a metallic-looking image on a substrate having a reflective or luminescent surface. The process utilizes an opaque coating composition containing an opaque coating agent comprising a mixture of a polyacid and a polybase. When applied to a light-emitting, reflective or luminescent substrate, the opaque coating composition at least partially masks the light-emitting reflective or luminescent surface of the substrate, but becomes increasingly translucent or transparent when contacted with a recording liquid such as an ink, revealing the light-emitting, reflective or luminescent surface.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a catheter or a guide wire, or a portion of the substrate is provided with a lubricous, hydrophilic abrasion-resistant coating by: (a) coating the substrate with a first aqueous coating composition having an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a polymer having organic acid functional groups and a polyfunctional crosslinking agent having functional groups capable of reacting with organic acid groups, and drying the coating to obtain a substantially water-insoluble coating layer having excess polyfunctional including functional groups being reactive with organic acid groups remaining; and (b) contacting the dried water-insoluble coating layer with a second aqueous coating composition having an aqueous solution or dispersion of a hydrophilic polymer having organic acid functional groups, a polymer having organic acid functional groups and a polyfunctional crosslinking agent having functional groups capable of reacting with organic acid groups, and drying the combined coating to form an interme

Abstract: A method of modifying surfaces of a device, for example, a medical device, is disclosed. The method includes modifying a surface of a device by providing a device, exposing the device to a reactive gas and plasma energy to create a plasma deposited surface on the device, and quenching the device with the reactive gas. The device exhibits changes in its surface properties thereby making it more desirable for an intended use.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the fabrication of hydrophilic coatings on hydrophobic surfaces. In one embodiment, a polyethylene oxide (PEO) coating is fabricated on the surface of a polymeric material by contacting the surface with a methacrylic acid or acrylic acid monomer. The monomer first is reacted, for example by irradiation with an electron beam, to polymerize and covalently attach the monomer to the surface, to improve the hydrophilicity of the polymeric material. A coating of PEO molecules is subsequently attached to the polymer surface by hydrogen bond complexation. The PEO coating then may be covalently grafted onto the surface, for example, by irradiation grafting with an electron beam. The covalent grafting of a coating of the methacrylic or acrylic monomers to the surface greatly improves the wettability of the surface, and facilitates the covalent or non-covalent attachment of a coating of PEO to the polymer surface.

Abstract: A deposition process including applying an inoculant to at least a portion of the surface of a metal component, and then forming an intermetallic layer at the inoculant surface, such as by exposing at least the coated surface portion to a deposition environment.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method for sequentially processing separate sets of wafers within a chamber. Each set is subjected to plasma-enhanced deposition of material within the chamber utilizing a plasma that is primarily inductively coupled. After the plasma-enhanced deposition, and while the set remains within the chamber, the plasma is changed to a primarily capacitively coupled plasma. The cycling of the plasma from primarily inductively coupled to primarily capacitively coupled can increase the ratio of processed wafers to plasma reaction chamber internal sidewall cleanings that can be obtained while maintaining low particle counts on the processed wafers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating a material surface, comprising the steps of: (a) covalently binding a compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated double bond to the material surface; (b) polymerizing a monomer comprising a reactive or crosslinkable group on the surface and thereby providing a primary polymer coating comprising reactive or crosslinkable groups, (c) in case of a monomer comprising a reactive group in step (b) reacting the reactive groups of the primary coating with a further compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated double bond and graft-polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer and optionally a co-monomer having a crosslinkable group onto the primary coating obtained according to step (b) and (d) in case of crosslinkable groups being present in step (b) or (c) initiating crosslinking of said groups.

Abstract: A metallic compound layer exhibiting a photocatalytic activity function is formed on the surface of light absorbing material so as to provide the property of deodorizing air or an object coming in contact with the material. Preferably, the metallic compound layer is fixed on the surface of the light absorbing material. Alternatively, the metallic compound layer is formed as a material in which the surface region includes an outer portion mainly formed of a metallic mixture including a metallic oxide, such as titanium oxide. As a method of manufacturing the light absorbing material is coated with a metallic compound for improving photocatalytic activity, and then is processed into a desired shape.

Abstract: In a four pen ink jet printer comprising cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks, a clear liquid is applied to printed ink on a print medium via a fifth pen, thereby fixing the colorants, which in turn improves the durability of the printed ink. The clear fixer fluid comprises at least one organic acid and, optionally, a salt of at least one polymeric acid.

Abstract: Hydrophilic protein adsorption resistant coatings for microfluidic devices are provided. Additionally, microfluidic devices and methods of manufacturing microfluidic devices that include the coatings are provided.

Abstract: An article is protected with a wear-resistant coating. The wear-coated article is thereafter treated to produce a chemical conversion coating on any portions of the surface of the article accessible through micropores in the wear-resistant coating. For steel articles, the wear-resistant coating is preferably a titanium nitride-based intermetallic compound such as TiN, Ti2N, (TiAl)N, Ti(CN), (TiAl)(CN), ZrN, and CrN, and the chemical conversion coating is preferably a phosphate-based compound.

Abstract: A method of improving the post-etch corrosion resistance of aluminum-containing wafers by performing a two-step post-etch passivation sequence which does not involve a plasma. In the first step the pressure is high, relative to typical passivation procedures, and the wafer temperature is relatively low. In the second step, the pressure is ramped down and the wafer temperature is ramped up. This two-step approach results in a more-efficient removal of chlorine from the wafer, and hence improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating a material surface, comprising the steps of: (a) providing the material surface with polymer brushes comprising polymerization initiator radicals; and (b) graft polymerizing one or more different ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomers or macromonomers onto the polymerization initiator-modified polymer brushes. The coated articles that are obtainable by the process of the invention have desirable characteristics regarding adherence to the substrate, durability, hydrophilicity, wettability, biocompatibility and permeability and are thus useful for the manufacture of biomedical articles such as ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: A process for producing an excellent gel-coated seed, a coating gel-layer of which has a uniform thickness and hardness, is provided. The process for producing a gel-coated seed according to the present invention employs a gel-forming solution and a hardener for gelatinizing the gel-forming solution, wherein a seed is dipped into the gel-forming solution after the hardener adheres to the seed.

Abstract: A viscosity-increasing agent, capable of increasing the viscosity of a film-forming polymer in an image-functional layer, is preapplied in a first solution onto a web through a coating and drying process. When a second solution containing the film-forming polymer is then coated on the web, the viscosity-increasing agent diffuses through the applied second solution. As the viscosity-increasing agent interacts with the film-forming polymer during this diffusion process, the viscosity of the solution increases. The invention can be used to improve the manufacture of ink-jet media, photographic or photothermographic elements, and other imaging and image-receiving media.

Abstract: Intercalated graphite flake which has enhanced exfoliation volume characteristics at relatively low exfoliation temperatures, e.g., 600° C. and even lower, is made by adding an organic expansion aid to the intercalant solution and heating a blend of intercalated particles and an organic reducing agent in the temperature range of 25° to 125° C.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive stencil having a thermoplastic resin film, and a porous resin layer formed thereon. The stencil has an air permeability in the range of 1.0 cm3/cm2·sec to 157 cm3/cm2·sec in a portion thereof when the thermoplastic resin film of the portion is perforated to form perforations providing an open ratio SO/SP of at least 0.2, wherein SO represents a total area of the perforations and SP represents the area of the portion. The heat-sensitive stencil is prepared by applying a coating liquid containing the resin of the porous resin layer to the thermoplastic resin film and drying the coating. The coating liquid contains a mixture of a good solvent and a poor solvent less vaporizable than the good solvent so that the porous resin layer is formed after drying.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hybrid treatment into which CVI treatment and PIP treatment are combined. A dense matrix is formed around a ceramic fiber by the CVI treatment, and a gap in the matrix is infiltrated/filled well with the matrix by the PIP treatment, so that hermetic properties are enhanced. Moreover, when a volume ratio of the matrix by the CVI treatment in the total matrix is set to about 5% or more, about 80% or less, fine cracks are present in the matrix by the PIP treatment, so that a binding force of the ceramic fiber is weakened, and Young's modulus can be reduced. As a result, a thermal stress is alleviated and a resistance to thermal shock is enhanced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A highly dense chemically adsorbed film is formed by repeating the alternate process of adsorption reaction and washing. Adsorption reaction is directed by contacting the substrate surface, which has or is given an alkali metal or a functional group, with a chemical adsorbent, having halosilyl or alkoxysilyl groups at the end of molecules. An unreacted chemical adsorbent is then washed away from the substrate surface. The alternate treatment of adsorption reaction and washing is repeated, thereby covalently bonding a chemically adsorbed film to the substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention provide methods and an apparatus for performing amplification and other enzymatic reactions on nucleic acid molecules that have been printed onto a solid substrate, such as a silicon wafer or glass slide.

Abstract: The process for preadherizing a drawn polyester filament to improve adhesion of rubber material with the filament includes applying a preadherizing agent to a running drawn polyester filament. The preadherizing agent is made by mixing a first solution containing a polyepoxide and a second solution containing a tertiary amine. In order to minimize soiling of the applicators used to apply the solutions to the running drawn polyester filament, the first solution is applied to the running drawn polyester filament at a site spaced a predetermined distance from the site at which the second solution is applied.

Abstract: In a process for overcoating a substrate having a cured primer coating with a curable topcoat which when cured is swellable by a stripping solvent, a non-volatile polar material is applied to the primed substrate from an aqueous liquid vehicle before coating with the topcoat. The polar material facilitates the removal of the topcoat from the primer by the stripping solvent, as is required for example when repainting aircraft. The polar material has sufficiently high affinity for the primer surface that it is not washed off the primer surface by water rinsing or by application of the topcoat paint.

Abstract: A method comprising heating to elevated temperature a ceramic substrate having thereon a sequence of coatings of pigmented coating compositions wherein each of said pigmented coating compositions comprises: (a) reactive organic resin which is polyhydroxy-functional, polyepoxy-functional, or both epoxy-functional and hydroxy-functional; (b) reactive wax; (c) color-imparting pigment; and (d) blocked polyisocyanate; wherein: (e) the pigmented coating composition of at least one coating of the sequence is substantially free of amino-functional curing agent; and (f) the pigmented coating composition of at least one other coating of the sequence further comprises amino-functional curing agent; to crosslink all of the pigmented coating compositions of the coatings of the sequence and to adhere the sequence to the ceramic substrate. The preferred ceramic substrates are glass bottles.

Abstract: A method of creating a multilayer ceramic component of the present invention is used to spontaneously create vias between adjacent conductor layers in a multilayer inductive component. After a first conductive layer is printed, a via dot is printed on the first conductive layer. Next, a controlled thickness of ceramic slurry is cast over the previous ceramic layer, first conductive pattern, and the via dot. The physical/chemical forces between the via dot and the ceramic slurry expel the slurry in the proximity of the top surface of the via dot. When the ceramic slurry dries, the ceramic cast leaves vias filled with conductors from the preprinted via dots. This process is repeated until a desired number of conductive layers are formed.

Abstract: A substrate is rendered highly lubricious and wettable, by treating the substrate so that it becomes amine-functionalized, and chemically joining an aldonic acid to amine groups on the substrate. In the preferred embodiment, the chemical joining is performed with the aid of a coupling agent, such as a water-soluble carbodiimide, the coupling agent participating in the reaction which joins the aldonic acid to the amine groups, and which forms a residue that can be discarded. The coupling agent makes it possible to perform the process at room temperature. The method can be used to coat articles such as contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, or other devices which are intended to be temporarily or permanently implanted in the body. The method can also be used in other fields, such as in coating of goggles, windshields, and other objects.

Abstract: A process is described for treating metal surfaces with a composition comprising an oxidizer, an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, a benzotriazole with an electron withdrawing group in the 1-position which electron withdrawing group is a stronger electron withdrawer than a hydrogen group, and optionally, a source of adhesion enhancing species selected from the group consisting of molybdates, tungstates, tantalates, niobates, vanadates, isopoly or heteropoly acids of molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, niobium, vanadium, and combinations of any of the foregoing in order to increase the adhesion of polymeric materials to the metal surface.

Abstract: Intercalated graphite flake which has enhanced exfoliation volume characteristics at relatively low exfoliation temperatures e.g. 600.degree. C. is made by heating a blend of intercalated particles and an organic reducing agent in the temperature range of 25.degree. to 110.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is described for treating metal surfaces with a composition comprising an oxidizer, an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, a source of halide ions, a source of adhesion enhancing ions selected from the group consisting of molybdates, tungstates, tantalates, niobates, vanadates and mixtures thereof and optionally a water soluble polymer in order to increase the adhesion of polymeric materials to the metal surface.

Abstract: A process for producing high quality reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration membranes in a high speed process provides membranes which have excellent rejection characteristics coupled with high flux capabilities. The process employs tandem coating techniques to coat a microporous substrate with a thin membrane on the order of 25 .ANG. to 1.0 microns. The tandem coating process comprises tandem offset gravure and subsequent slot die coating applicators, or alternatively comprises tandem slot die coating applicators. For reverse osmosis and nanfiltration membranes, a wet-on-wet coating process is used to coat a porous substrate first with an aqueous solution, and then with an organic solution to produce a cross-linked, interfacially polymerized composite membrane. Single slot coating applicators are utilized to produce ultrafiltration membranes.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording head employed in an ink-jet recording apparatus is disclosed. A part of the channel is composed of resin material which comprises a base resin and a highly cationic resin attached on the surface of the base resin through reaction, the resulting surface being reacted with a hydrophilic organic material. A production method of the head, an ink-jet recording apparatus and production method of the ink-jet recording apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Organic inherently conductive polymers, such as those based on polyaniline, polypyrrole and polythiophene, are sequentially formed in-situ onto polymeric surfaces that are chemically functionalized to molecularly bond the conductive polymers to the substrates. The polymeric substrate is preferably a preshaped or preformed thermoplastic film, fabric, or tube, although other forms of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers can be used as the substrates for functionalization using, most preferably, phosphonylation-based processes followed by exposure to an oxidatively polymerizable compound capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer. It has been found that the degree of electrical conductivity may be modulated by bonding further electrically conductive layers to the article. That is, each underlying conductive layer is functionalized prior to bonding of a subsequent conductive layer thereto until the degree of conductivity is achieved.

Abstract: A modification method of functional group on the surface of a pressure-sensitive adhesive by fixing a functional group to the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive by an interfacial contact reaction between the pressure-sensitive adhesive phase and the phase containing a functional group-containing compound.By the modification method, a functional group effective for the improvement and control of an adhesive property can stably be introduced at high density to the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making the surface of polymeric substrates hydrophilic, which includes coating the surface of a polymeric substrate with a solution of a macroinitiator, wherein the macroinitiator includes a polymer framework and side chains attached to the polymer framework, and wherein at least one of the side chains includes at least one free-radical-forming group. Optionally, a hydrophilic vinyl monomer or monomers may then be free-radical polymerized or graft polymerized onto the macroinitiator-coated substrate. A crosslinking vinyl monomer may optionally be used together with the macroinitiator or the hydrophilic vinyl monomer. The invention also relates to polymeric substrates having hydrophilic surfaces obtained by the process, and articles that include the hydrophilic polymeric substrates.

Abstract: A method for hydrophilifying the surface of a substrate by taking advantage of photocatalytic action. The substrate has a photocatalytic titania coating (10). The surface of the photocatalytic coating (10) bears the solid acid that increases a hydrogen bond component (.gamma..sub.S.sup.h) in the surface energy in the solid/gas interface of the coating. Photoexcitation of the photocatalyst enhances the hydrogen bond component (.gamma..sub.S.sup.h) in the surface energy of the photocatalytic coating (10), accelerating the physical adsorption of molecules of water in the atmosphere through a hydrogen bond (16) onto hydrogen atoms in a terminal OH group (12), bonded to a titanium atom, and a bridge OH group (14) on the surface of the coating. This results in the formation of a high density, physically adsorbed water layer (18) on the surface of the photocatalytic coating (10), thus permitting the surface of the substrate to be easily hydrophilified.

Abstract: A method for making an anti-microbial article is described, the method comprising: providing a substrate; forming a solution comprising a chelating polymer and a metal ion; depositing the solution on the substrate; drying the substrate to form a coated substrate; and adding a potentiator to the coated substrate to form the antimicrobial article. Forming of the solution comprises (A) selecting a chelating polymer from the group consisting of polyglucosamines, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, polycarboxylic acids, and polyamines, (B) dissolving the chelating polymer in acid to form an acidic solution, (C) preparing an aqueous solution of the metal ion, preferably by selecting a salt of the metal ion and dissolving the salt in water, and (D) combining the aqueous solution of the metal ion and the acidic solution.

Abstract: A treatment method for surface energy reduction is disclosed, which comprises subjecting a substrate to an interfacial contact reaction between the phase thereof and a phase containing a compound having at least one low-energy functional group to fix the low-energy functional groups to the substrate surface to thereby reduce the surface energy thereof. The method necessitates neither an expensive special solvent nor a curing step causing mechanical damage to the substrate, and can be carried out under simple conditions.

Abstract: A method of coating urea by first wetting urea pellets with water or an aqueous acid solution, and then blended the wetted urea pellets with a phosphate salt. During the coating process, when using an aqueous acid solution, the acid liberates a portion of the phosphate to a form available to the plant, and reduces the loss of urea nitrogen due to volatilization.

Abstract: A process for treating metal surfaces that includes first contacting the metal surface with a particular acidic peroxide adhesion promoting composition, followed by contacting that metal surface with an alkaline solution. This treatment is particularly suitable for treating metal surfaces used in printed circuit multilayer construction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric substrate, such as polyethylene terephthalate and nylon 66, imparts water repellency and lubricity, and provides the additional benefit of reducing the soiling of fabrics. The method includes combining the polymeric substrate with a dense or liquified gas, such as carbon dioxide or sulfur hexafluoride, and a fluorinated compound, such as a fluorinated polyether.

Abstract: Polyurea elastomer systems have improved adhesion to a substrate with the use of a primer that is applied first. The primer is composed of hydrophobic, primary hydroxyl-containing compound, for example, castor oil, and an isocyanate. It is not necessary to wait for the primer to cure prior to applying of the polyurea elastomer system. The primer system is particularly useful on wet substrates, where the primer penetrates the sub-strate prior to polyurea elastomer spraying. Regardless of whether the substrate is dry or wet, adhesion is improved.

Abstract: Improved anti-corrosion coating systems for use in treating downhole metal surfaces in oil and gas wells are provided which include an epoxy resin together with a curing agent such as ethoxylated tallow diamine. The resin and curing agent are dispersed in an aromatic hydrocarbon dispersant, and are injected together or separately into a production well in order to form a corrosion-resistant film on downhole metal surfaces. The coating systems are resistant to freezing and provide relatively long term corrosion protection.

Abstract: Methods and derivatized supports which are useful in solid-phase synthesis of peptides, oligonucleotides or other small organic molecules as well as arrays of ligands. The methods provide means to control the functional site density on a solid support. Some of the derivatized supports are polymer-coated or glycan-coated. Other methods for regenerating the surface of a used ligand array are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a medical device in which its lubricity is continually maintained and its safety is guaranteed.Particularly, it provides a medical device in which lubricity is generated on at least a portion of its surface when the device is contacted with body fluids or exposed to physiological aqueous conditions, wherein the lubricity-generating portion is formed by thermoforming.

Abstract: This invention describes a new approach to three-dimensional molecular tailoring of surfaces. In this process, a plasma deposition step is initially employed to deposit reactive functional groups on the surface of a solid substrate. This is then followed by immersion of the coated substrate in a solution during which time solute molecules react with the functional surface groups introduced during the plasma process. Solute molecules are attached to the surface during this second step. This simple two-step process is of general utility in that both the nature of the plasma introduced surface group and the nature of the solute molecules can be varied. Additionally it is possible to provide exact control of the surface density of reactive groups introduced during the plasma process and thus the concentration of solute molecules coupled to the solid surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing the biocompatibility of a substrate by providing the substrate with a continuous bio-active surface coating. This method includes applying to the substrate a first coating which includes an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a polymer containing an organic acid functional group and an excess of a polyfunctional cross-linking agent which is reactive with the organic acid groups of the polymer. A continuous bio-active surface coating is then formed over the dried first coating by applying thereover a bio-active agent containing an organic acid functional group or metal salt thereof. The first and second coatings are then dried to covalently bond the organic acid functional groups of the bio-active agent to the polymer through the excess unreacted polyfunctional cross-linking agent.

Abstract: To improve the reduction in tensile strength due to aging as well as the recovery, a weak acid is applied to a glass fiber mat containing a phenolic condensation resin binder before the binder is hardened.

Abstract: A chemically adsorbed multilayer film is formed through the process of replacing a halogen atom on the surface of a chemically adsorbed film with an alkaline metal or changing the halogen atom to a Grignard group by Grignard reaction. This manufacturing method does not disrupt the molecules of the chemically adsorbed film, is easy to perform, low in cost and is safe. After replacing the halogen (for example, Br) on the surface of the film with an alkaline metal such as Li, a condensation reaction including a dealkalihalide reaction is promoted by contacting the chemically adsorbed film with an adsorbent, such as a chemical adsorbent--containing a halosilane group at one end of a molecule--dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent. A chemically adsorbed multilayer film is then formed by reacting the chemically adsorbed film with chemical absorption composition and with water after removing unreacted adsorbents using a nonaqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for forming conductive-resistive coatings on non-conductive surfaces. A pre-conductive coating composition contains a lacquer base, including nitrocellulose as a base solid and butyl acetate as a solvent, and a conductive agent. The pre-conductive coating composition is applied to a surface to be coated and allowed to dry. After drying, the pre-conductive coating is exposed to a developer capable of developing the pre-conductive coating to yield a selected conductive-resistive capacity to a final, conductive-resistive coating. The resistance of this final coating can be finely selected for different applications, including a variety of application which employ the conductive-resistive coating as a self-heating surface coating.