Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to methods for polymerizing a monomer solution within a cavity covered by a porous membrane to generate a smooth polymer surface. More specifically, the method can be used to provide a medical device or sensor with a smooth polymer surface.

Abstract: Methods of forming metal oxide structures and methods of forming metal oxide patterns on a substrate using a block copolymer system formulated for self-assembly. The metal oxide structures and patterns may be used, for example, as a mask for sublithographic patterning during various stages of semiconductor device fabrication. A block copolymer at least within a trench in the substrate and including at least one soluble block and at least one insoluble block may be annealed to form a self-assembled pattern including a plurality of repeating units of the at least one soluble block laterally aligned with the trench and positioned within a matrix of the at least one insoluble block. The self-assembled pattern may be exposed to a metal oxide precursor that impregnates the at least one soluble block. The metal oxide precursor may be oxidized to form a metal oxide. The self-assembled pattern may be removed to form a pattern of metal oxide lines on the substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysaccharide composition for protection of surfaces comprising an aqueous solution of at least two components, the first component (A) being a high molecular weight polysaccharide or a mixture of high molecular weight polysaccharides having an average molecular weight Mw of at least 100 000, and being capable of forming a gel, and the second component (B) being a low molecular weight polysaccharide or a mixture of low molecular weight polysaccharides having an average molecular weight Mw of 400-75 000, and being capable of inhibiting gel formation in said composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing such a composition, the use of the composition for protecting a surface, a method for protecting a substrate surface using the composition, and to a substrate surface coated with the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of applying to a substrate a hydrophilic coating that becomes lubricious when activated with water or water vapor, and to substrates having such a hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: A flake mixture for spraying onto a surface to be coated, the flake mixture comprising a volatile liquid medium and a flake pigment dispersed within said liquid medium, the weight percentage of flake being between 0.002% and 0.15%. A method is also provided the method comprising the steps of: providing an object having a surface to be coated; preparing the surface to be coated by applying a gloss basecoat layer; curing said basecoat layer; providing a flake mixture, flake mixture comprising a volatile liquid medium and a flake pigment dispersed within said liquid medium, the weight percentage of flake being between 0.0002% and 0.15% spraying onto said surface the flake mixture; curing the flake mixture; applying over said flake layer a lacquer layer; and curing said lacquer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to open-pore biocompatible surface layers for implants, which layers are arranged over virgin surfaces of the implants, wherein pores of the open-pore surface layers are connected to form coherent pore networks and the surface layers have a specific internal surface area of ?0.06 ?m/?m2, preferably ?0.035 ?m/?m2 and especially ?0.025 ?m/?m2, measured by image analysis as a 2D-boundary line per unit of surface area in a metallographic microsection at 100× magnification. The invention further relates to methods of producing such surface layers, to implants coated therewith and to possible uses of the surface layers.

Abstract: A method for modifying a polymeric coating on an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The method includes application of a fluid to a wet or dry polymeric coating with and without drugs.

Abstract: A pyrophoric material comprises a pyrophoric metal coated onto a wire mesh substrate. Iron and nickel are the preferred metals and a steel wire mesh is suitable. A process for making the pyrophoric material involves spraying an alloy of iron and/or nickel with aluminium onto a mesh using a high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process following by leaching out at least a proportion of the aluminium by treatment with an alkaline solution. The product has application as a supported catalyst or as either an ignition medium or as a flare material in military countermeasures in which applications it is capable of burning at a high temperature.

Abstract: A spin chuck rotatably holds a semiconductor wafer, while resist is dropped on a surface of the semiconductor wafer through a resist application nozzle and thus applied thereon, and before the resist applied on the wafer dries, a cleaning liquid is supplied through a bevel cleaning nozzle to a portion of the wafer located at a peripheral portion thereof in a vicinity of a beveled portion to remove the resist adhering to the beveled portion. Thereafter, a film of the resist that is formed on the surface of the wafer is dried.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for the photolithographic patterning of features in a photo-curable polymer composition coated onto a plastic substrate. In one embodiment of this invention, the plastic substrate is coated with a reflective film such as a metallic barrier. In another embodiment, the plastic substrate is coated or co-extruded with a polymer barrier layer containing an additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. In yet another embodiment the plastic substrate contains an intrinsic additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. Combinations of these embodiments are also within the scope of this invention. The methods of the present invention may be advantageously applied to the fabrication of optical waveguides comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate, but are applicable to the fabrication of any device or object comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate.

Abstract: Methods for improving surface roughness of an environmental barrier coating including providing a component having a plasma sprayed environmental barrier coating; applying a slurry to the environmental barrier coating of the component, the slurry being a transition layer slurry or an outer layer slurry; drying the environmental barrier coating having the applied slurry; and sintering the component to produce a component having an improved surface roughness where the slurry includes a solvent; a primary transition material, or a primary outer material; and a slurry sintering aid selected from iron oxide, gallium oxide, aluminum oxide, nickel oxide, titanium oxide, boron oxide, alkaline earth oxides, carbonyl iron, iron metal, aluminum metal, boron, nickel metal, iron hydroxide, gallium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, nickel hydroxide, titanium hydroxide, alkaline earth hydroxides, iron carbonate, gallium carbonate, aluminum carbonate, nickel carbonate, boron carbonate, alkaline earth carbonates, iron oxalate, g

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foamed polymer is disclosed, the method comprising, providing a precursor dispersion comprising a precursor of a gellable polymer, particles of a water-swellable polymer and water, and gelling the gellable polymer to form a solid polymer. The method may be used to manufacture a garment, especially a glove. Also disclosed are gloves comprising a liner and at least one foamed polymer layer coated on the liner the foamed polymer layer comprising micropores formed by water swelling and contraction of particles of a water swellable polymer and mesopores formed by gas incorporated in the foamed polymer.

Abstract: A nanoporous film and fabrication method thereof. The method for fabricating nanoporous film comprising: providing a substrate with a surface; forming a coating of a composition on the surface, curing the coating to polymerize the oxide gel, thereby forming an organic/inorganic hybrid film; and dissolving the template from the organic/inorganic hybrid film by an organic solvent. Specifically, the composition comprises the following components: an oxide gel, a template and an initiator.

Abstract: A tubular body 101 includes a layer containing a resin and conductive particles 112, the layer having a first region 111C that is free of conductive particles and lies at the outermost surface, and a second region 111B that has higher conductivity than other regions and lies closer to the innermost surface than the first region. A coating film of a coating liquid containing the conductive particles and resin material is dried, and then an eluting solvent for eluting the resin material from the film is applied thereto. As a result of this, the conductive particles are localized in the coating film at the side coated with the eluting solvent. Thereafter, upon drying the eluting solvent, the resin material dissolved in the eluting solvent deposits on the region where the conductive particles are localized, whereby a particle-free resin region free of the conductive particles is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for alkaline saponification of a polymer film, comprising: an alkaline-solution coating step of coating a polymer film with an alkaline solution; a temperature keeping step of keeping the polymer film coated with the alkaline solution at temperature equal to or higher than room temperature; a reaction terminating step of terminating the reaction by applying a diluting solvent or an acid solution to the polymer film kept at the temperature; and a washing step of washing away the alkaline solution from the polymer film on which the reaction has been terminated, wherein the reaction terminating step uses a bar coater having a flat-surface bar to apply the diluting solvent or acid solution to the polymer film and remove the alkaline solution from the polymer film.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube film is disclosed which includes a plurality of macroscopically aligned carbon nanotubes, and a plurality of nanoparticles which are adhered to the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes. A method for constructing a carbon nanotube film is also disclosed. This method includes multiple steps. First, a plurality of macroscopically aligned carbon nanotubes are formed on a substrate. Next, a solution including a dispersion of nanoparticles in a solvent is applied onto the carbon nanotubes. Then, the solvent is evaporated so that the nanoparticles remain and are adhered to the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to anti-reflective coatings comprising ordered layers of nanowires, methods to prepare the coatings, and products prepared by the methods.

Abstract: Provided herein are media for storing information and methods of forming such media. A strontium ruthenate (SRO) layer is provided. In certain embodiments, a titanium terminated (Ti-terminated) surface is formed on the SRO layer, and a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) layer is formed on the Ti-terminated surface. In other embodiments, a Ti-terminated surface is formed on the SRO layer, a lead titanate (PTO) layer is formed on the Ti-terminated surface, and a PZT layer is formed on the PTO layer. Preferably, the PZT layer is grown on the Ti-terminated surface, or the PTO layer, by step-flow or layer-by-layer growth, so that the resulting media has an atomically smooth surface.

Abstract: Thin gage, rollable plastic vinyl floor mats can be provided with an abrasive and grit coating that will not deteriorate or degrade when the mats are rolled or otherwise substantially deformed. A special blend of epoxy adhesive and MEK is used to permanently bond the grit to the vinyl surface.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering therapeutic agents and a method of making such a device is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable balloon having a plurality of holes formed in the wall of the balloon. A microporous coating covers a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the balloon. The thickness of the coating and the size of the micropores can permit controlled delivery of a substance from the micropores of the coating and into the tissue of a patient's lumen.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a stent and a method of using the same to coat a stent is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of creating a graded anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on a thin film is described. The method includes forming the thin film on a substrate, forming an ARC layer on the thin film, and applying a solvent to the ARC layer causing it to swell. A photo-resist layer is formed on the swollen ARC layer. A mixing layer is formed by the diffusion of components from the swollen ARC layer to the photo-resist layer and vice versa. The mixing layer has optical qualities that are distinct from those of either of the ARC layer or the photo-resist layer. The mixing layer forms the graded ARC layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the orientation of microphase-separated domains in a block copolymer film, comprising forming an orientation control layer comprising an epoxy-containing cycloaliphatic acrylic polymer on a surface of a substrate, irradiating and/or heating the substrate to crosslink the orientation control layer, and forming a block copolymer assembly layer comprising block copolymers which form microphase-separated domains, on a surface of the orientation control layer opposite the substrate. The orientation control layer can be selectively cross-linked to expose regions of the substrate, or the orientation control layer can be patterned without removing the layer, to provide selective patterning on the orientation control layer. In further embodiments, bilayer and trilayer imaging schemes are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending therethrough, which pores are durably filled or coated with a non crosslinked gel polymer. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of the composite material, use of the composite material as a separation medium, and a filtering apparatus comprising the composite material.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for modifying at least one property of a porous membrane. The method comprises the steps of providing a porous membrane. The method also includes exposing the membrane to a fluid at supercritical conditions. At least one property of the membrane is modified while the membrane is exposed to the fluid at supercritical conditions. The condition of the fluid is changed in such a manner that the porous membrane retains the modified property. The present invention is also sheet material that is water-resistant, moisture vapor transmissive and air permeable. The sheet material comprises a membrane having an open pore structure including surfaces defining a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the membrane and between major sides of said membrane in which the pores have an average pore size. The membrane is made from a material tending to absorb oils and contaminating agents.

Abstract: The present invention concerns bio-compatible medical devices and process for preparation thereof. The process includes electrostatically forming a first layer on a structure. The first layer can include a combination of at least one active substance and at least one polymer and/or binder. A second layer is formed on the structure to cover the first layer. The second layer can be a solvent or a combination of solvents. The evaporation of the second layer causes the first layer to reflow and bind to the structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an organic functional layer includes the steps of: forming a coated film of an organic functional material by applying a coating liquid to a substrate by a printing method, the coating liquid including an organic functional material dissolved or dispersed in a first organic solvent; and bringing the coated film into contact with vapor or liquid of a second organic solvent, the second organic solvent having the following properties: chemically non-active; the second organic solvent can be mixed with the first solvent; the second organic solvent can not substantially dissolve the organic functional material; and a vapor pressure of the second organic solvent is higher than that of the first organic solvent at a room temperature.

Abstract: A multilayer light reflective, variable interlayer separation (d-spacing), cross-linked self-assembling block copolymer film or coating wherein a property of the reflected light can be changed by varying the interlayer separation (d-spacing) of the film or coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a structured elastomer. The invention is characterised in that the elastomer is applied and hardened directly on a structured SiO2-surface. As a result, highly-deformable, micro-structured elastomers can be produced for force sensors which are used during the characterisation of new therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method of applying a coated or uncoated film onto a main surface of a lens substrate. In some cases, the film is a coated film having one surface bearing a coating or a coating stack which is transferred from the film to the lens substrate main surface.

Abstract: A security document with a security element, wherein the security element includes at least partly a material that is optically changeable by an electric or magnetic field. In addition, a corresponding method for producing such a security document and a test method for testing such a security document are described.

Abstract: A method of producing a gas barrier laminate is disclosed that comprises: preparing a laminate comprising a plastic substrate, a gas barrier layer formed from a gas barrier layer-forming coating material comprising a polyvinyl alcohol and an ethylene-maleic acid copolymer, and a polymer layer comprising a metal compound of a bivalent or higher metal, wherein the polymer layer is laminated to at least one surface of the gas barrier layer; and heat treating the obtained laminate in the presence of water. In addition, another method of producing a gas barrier laminate is disclosed that comprises: applying a gas barrier layer-forming coating material comprising a polyvinyl alcohol and an ethylene-maleic acid copolymer, either directly onto a plastic substrate, or onto a plastic substrate with an undercoat layer disposed therebetween, and then conducting a heat treatment; and heat treating the obtained laminate in the presence of water comprising a metal compound of a bivalent or higher metal.

Abstract: An organic layer, such as a porous low-K dielectric in an IC, contains pores open at its surface. To close the pores, the organic layer is contacted by a supercritical fluid that is a solvent for the layer. After a small amount of the surface and the wall of the open pores is solvated, a phase transition of the solvated organic material is effected at the surface to cover it with a dense, smooth, non-porous film that seals the open pores.

Abstract: A method of treating pipes to render the inner wall of the pipes resistant to corrosion and pre-mature deterioration. For new pipes, the inner wall is cleansed with a solvent, debris removed, and the inner wall dried. The inner wall is then coated with a corrosion-resistant primer and allowed to dry. The last step is to coat the inner wall with a corrosion- and chemical-resistant topcoat. More than one coat of primer and topcoat may be applied. The pipe may be re-treated by pumping a stripper through the inner wall removing all coating followed by cleansing and re-coating as described above.

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: An apparatus to fabricate a color filter includes an inkjet head movably installed over a substrate on which a plurality of pixels are formed to discharge ink of predetermined colors into the pixels, and a porous member movably installed over the pixels filled with the ink discharged from the inkjet head to form a solvent ambient around the ink filled within the pixels due to evaporation of a solvent filled in the porous member to reduce a drying speed of the ink.

Abstract: The method produces a plastic lens with an antireflection film which have the advantages of good adhesion of the antireflection film to any type of hard coat film that underlies it and good abrasion resistance and provides a plastic lens with an antireflection film. The method includes the steps of applying water or an aqueous solution to a plastic lens with an organosilicon compound-containing hard coat film to form a liquid film of water or the aqueous solution on the surface of the hard coat film, then allowing ozone gas to contact with the liquid film to treat the surface of the hard coat film with the ozone gas, and thereafter forming an antireflection film on the surface of the hard coat film through vapor deposition.

Abstract: A method of applying a silicone caulking compound. A first step involves applying a bead of silicone caulking compound to a seam or surface. A second step involves spraying a surfactant on the bead of silicone caulking compound. A third step involves wiping excess silicone caulking compound from the surface. The surfactant applied to the surface “lubricates” the surface to prevent adhesion of the silicone caulking compound to the surface when excess material is wiped away, thereby preventing smearing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a porous pad impregnated with wood preservative(s) and/or metal corrosion inhibitor(s) to which future maintenance treatments can be applied. These pads are designed to be placed within joints of wood, metal or combinations thereof for protection against biotic and/or abiotic deterioration. The pad can be placed between joints of wood and/or metal members.

Abstract: The present invention related a keypad (1) in which a keypad main body (4) composed of a thermoplastic elastomer has formed thereon a cross-linked cured resin layer (5) of a cross-linked cured resin that is separable from the keypad main body (4) by swelling with a predetermined solvent, or a method of separating the keypad main body (4) and the cross-linked cured resin layer (5).

Abstract: Wetted thin diamond films which are drapable are described. The films are mounted on various substrates and used as windows for electromagnetic radiation or form a surface coating on an article of manufacture.

Abstract: The present photosensitive resin composition 2 comprises a polyamic acid resin 4, a photosensitive agent, a dispersible compound 3 dispersible in the polyamic acid resin 4, and a solvent. The porous resin is obtained by removing the solvent from the photosensitive resin composition 2 to form a composition in which the dispersible compound 3 is dispersed in the polyamic acid resin 4, removing the dispersible compound to make the composition porous, and curing the porous photosensitive resin composition. The porous resin enables forming a fine circuit pattern and has a low dielectric constant and, when used as an insulating layer of a circuit board, brings about improved high frequency characteristics.

Abstract: The methods of this invention involve modification of the properties of an organic film after it has been deposited by either adding new components into it from its top or bottom surface, or by causing components to leave the film from its top or bottom surface. In the examples of these methods, the emitting color of light-emitting diodes are modified based on doped polymers by locally introducing dopants causing different color emission into the film by local application of a solution containing the desired dopant to the film surface (by ink jet printing, screen printing, local droplet application, etc.). This overcomes difficulties encountered with the direct patterning of three separately formed organic layers (each which uniformly coats an entire surface when formed) into regions for separate R, G, and B devices due to the sensitivities of the organic materials to chemicals typically used with conventional patterning technologies.

Abstract: The following plasma processing apparatus can suppress the production of contaminants from the plasma processing chamber of the apparatus and an article in the plasma processing chamber which are allowed to act as ground electrodes: a plasma processing apparatus in which a workpiece is processed by creating a plasma in the processing chamber, and one or more surfaces made of a grounded metal electric conductor which come into contact with the plasma in the plasma processing chamber are coated with a plasma-resistant polymeric material having a relationship between relative dielectric constant k? and thickness t (?m) of t/k?<300, or a protecting layer formed of a plasma-resistant and water-absorbing resin material is adhered and fixed to the outer surface of an article in the processing chamber by its swelling and then shrinkage.

Abstract: A method of producing porous polyimide resin that enables pores to be formed in a precursor of polyimide resin, with its form of microphase-separated structure wherein a dispersive compound is dispersed in the precursor of polyimide resin being kept unchanged, so as to provide significantly reduced dielectric constant and also provide improvement in mechanical strength and heat resistance, and the porous polyimide resin produced in the same producing method. A coating comprising porous polyimide resin is formed by applying resin solution comprising a precursor of polyimide resin and a dispersive compound and then drying a solvent, to form a coating in which the dispersive compound is dispersed in the precursor of polyimide resin; extracting the dispersive compound from the coating for removal to make the precursor of the polyimide resin porous; and imidizing the coating after preheated in a temperature range of 190–250° C.

Abstract: Hydraulic fixing agent that is based on Portland cement, a sulphate and aluminum component that is usual in this system, and optionally other additives. This is characterized in that, according to DIN 18156 (Part 2, Sec. 5.2.2.2, 5.2.2.3a) and 5.2.2.4), the hydraulic fixing agent has (1) an adhesive pull strength of at least approximately 0.15 N/mm2 when acted upon by water for 40 hours and (2) an adhesive pull strength of at most approximately 0.10 N/mmyy2 when acted upon by an aqueous sulphate solution and/or an aqueous solution of an aluminum salt, each of which has a pH value of 12.5, for a period of 40 hours.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate in an enclosed vessel, the substrate having a surface portion; (b) at least partially filling the enclosed vessel with a first supercritical fluid so that said first supercritical fluid contacts the surface portion, with the first supercritical fluid carrying or containing a coating component; then (c) adding a separate compressed gas atmosphere to the reaction vessel so that a boundary is formed between the first supercritical fluid and the separate compressed gas atmosphere, said separate compressed gas atmosphere having a density less than said first supercritical fluid; and then (d) displacing said first supercritical fluid from said vessel by continuing adding said separate compressed gas atmosphere to said vessel so that said boundary moves across said surface portion and a thin film of coating component is deposited on said microelectronic substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to stretchable nonwoven sheets prepared by substantially uniformly impregnating a necked nonwoven substrate with an elastomeric polymer by treatment with an elastomeric polymer solution. The nonwoven sheet is useful in the manufacture of diapers and other hygiene articles.

Abstract: An undercoat composition comprises a film-forming synthetic resin and contains a non-volatile acidic aromatic polar organic compound in free acid or salt form, which compound facilitates the removal by a stripping composition of a top coat paint which is subsequently applied over the undercoat. A top coat composition for applying as the outer coating on a substrate comprises a film-forming synthetic resin having functional groups and a curing agent for crosslinking the synthetic resin and contains a non-volatile acidic aromatic polar organic compound in free acid or salt form, which compound facilitates the removal of the cured top coat by a stripping composition from a cured undercoat of similar composition which does not contain the said acidic aromatic polar organic compound.

Abstract: A method of preparing a multi-layer, crack resistant sol-gel glass derived coating on a substrate by removing the outer periphery of each layer before curing the layer and depositing any succeeding layer.