Abstract: Expanded polystyrene particles having a polyvinyl acetate resin-based functional skin layer, and a process thereof are provided. The particle includes an inner expanded polystyrene layer; and a functional skin layer. The inner expanded polystyrene layer is formed by heating and expanding an expandable polystyrene bead or pellet, and the functional skin layer is formed by coating the surface of the inner expanded polystyrene layer with a functional coating composition having 10 to 99 wt % of a vinyl acetate based polymer and 0.1 to 90 wt % of at least one functional additive.

Abstract: A substrate for immobilizing a physiological material is provided. The substrate comprises a substrate material; a primer layer formed on the substrate material; and an immobilization layer formed on the primer layer. The primer layer is capable of enhancing the attachment between the substrate and the immobilization layer. The substrate for immobilizing a physiological material can provide the immobilization layer with a stable, uniform, and high density through a simple process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing nanocapsules and microcapsules comprising a polyelectrolyte shell by surface precipitation from the solution, by applying a shell to template particles comprising the steps (a) providing a dispersion of template particles of suitable size in a salt-containing liquid phase which contains the components required to form the shell in a dissolved form and (b) precipitating the components from the liquid phase onto the template particles under conditions which enable the formation of a shell around the template particles that has a thickness of from 1 to 100 nm.

Abstract: A water soluble or water dispersible fluorochemical silane represented by the general formula (I): X-MfnMhmMar-G wherein X represents the residue of an initiator or hydrogen; Mf represents units derived from one or more fluorinated monomer; Mh represents units derived from one or more non-fluorinated monomer; Ma represents units having a silyl group; G is a monovalent organic group comprising the residue of a chain transfer agent; n represents a value of 1 to 100; m represents a value of 0 to 100; and r represents a value of 0 to 100; and n+m+r is at least 2; with the proviso that at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled: (a) G contains a silyl group of the formula (III): wherein Y1, Y2 and Y3 each independently represents an alkyl group, an aryl group or a hydrolyzable group and at least one of Y1, Y2 and Y3 represents a hydrolyzable water solubilising group; or (b) r is at least 1 and at least one of Y4, Y5 and Y6 represents a hydrolyzable water solubilizing group.

Abstract: An impregnation process of a porous support including immersing the support in an aqueous colloidal dispersion of ionomeric (per)fluorinated polymer, containing suiphonyl fluoride groups and having a concentration greater than 15% by weight, thermal treatment at 200° C. or less, conversion of the ionomer sulphonyl groups into the corresponding salts, ionomer crosslinking when ionomer equivalent weight is less than 650 g/eq.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The coatings include blends of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. The methods provide for treatment of the coatings to cause enrichment a region close to the outer surface of the coating with the hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: Coating compositions comprising: A) least one hydroxy-functional polyester with at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule, wherein at least one of which hydroxyl groups is a tertiary hydroxyl group, and the polyester has a number average molecular weight Mw of 200 to 5000, and contains as a structural element 10-90 wt-%, relative to the total quantity of polyester, of at least one acid ester group comprising a tertiary hydroxyl group and of the following general formula I ?wherein R1 is a single bond or a C1-C6 alkyl group, R2 and R3 mutually independently mean a C1-C4 alkyl group, B) optionally, at least one additional hydroxy-functional binder other than A) and C) at least one cross-linking agent which is capable of entering into a cross-linking reaction with the OH-groups of components A) and B.

Abstract: This invention discloses a continuous production method of water-absorbing composite which comprises a complexation step for producing a particle-substrate composite by dropwisely supplying an aqueous solution of polymerizable monomers consisting mainly of an unsaturated carboxylic acid where 20% or more of the carboxyl groups in the unsaturated acid is neutralized, while allowing polymerization to proceed in the droplets, onto a fibrous substrate fed to the drop point to allow the incompletely polymerized polymer particles to adhere thereon, and by completing the polymerization thereafter; and a surface crosslinking step for reacting the composite with a crosslinking agent, having two or more functional groups capable of reacting with carboxyl group and/or carboxylate group, in the presence of 1 to 100 weight parts of water per 100 weight parts of polymer particles derived from the polymerizable monomer contained in the composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubbing device including a base roller assembly that suspends and otherwise supports a base film to convey the same in one direction; a rubbing roller assembly that suspends and otherwise supports a rubbing cloth, and that moves the rubbing cloth in a direction opposite a conveying direction of the base film to thereby realize a rubbing treatment by contact between the rubbing cloth and the base film; and a rotating apparatus provided under the rubbing roller assembly and that rotates the entire rubbing roller assembly to a particular angle within the range of 0-180° in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction with respect to the conveying direction of the base film.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, photoactivatable silane compounds and methods for their synthesis and use are provided. In one embodiment, the photoactivatable silane compounds synthesized are represented by a formula: PG-LS-SN, wherein PG is a photoactivatable group, LS is a linkage and spacer group, and SN is a silane group. The silanes allow the photoactivatable silane compounds to be covalently bound to the surface of a substrate such as silica. The photoactivatable group forms a hydrophobic layer that can be photochemically cross-linked with a layer of hydrophilic functional polymers. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed to synthesize a substrate of hydrophobic layers and hydrophilic functional polymer layers thereafter onto glass surfaces. An array of biopolymers such as nucleic acids and peptides may then be covalently attached to the substrate using photolithography and biopolymer synthesis.

Abstract: In a composite of vulcanizable rubber or rubber-like composition with one or more metal reinforcement elements embedded therein, the metal reinforcement element is coated with a polymer or non-cured rubber composition compatible with and co-polymerizable, co-vulcanizable or crosslinkable with said vulcanizable ruber composition to be reinforced, and additionally bearing functional groups either covalently bonding to the metal surface of said reinforcement element or forming covalent bonds with the outward directed first functional groups of a mono- or multimolecular layer of a bifunctional adhesion promoter intercalated between said metal and said coating and bound to said metal by its second functional groups. A cured rubber or rubber-like product, for instance a pneumatic tire, is obtained by vulcanization of such a composite.

Abstract: A porous, low-k dielectric film that has good mechanical properties as well as a method of fabricating the film and the use of the film as a dielectric layer between metal wiring features are provided. The porous, low-k dielectric film includes a first phase of monodispersed pores having a diameter of from about 1 to about 10 nm that are substantially uniformly spaced apart and are essentially located on sites of a three-dimensional periodic lattice; and a second phase which is solid surrounding the first phase. Specifically, the second phase of the film includes (i) an ordered element that is composed of nanoparticles having a diameter of from about 1 to about 10 nm that are substantially uniformly spaced apart and are essentially arranged on sites of a three-dimensional periodic lattice, and (ii) a disordered element comprised of a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 2.8 or less.

Abstract: A method of removing a polyethylene coating from a glass surface includes the steps of contacting the glass surface with a solution of ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2), rinsing the contacted surface with one or more rinses, and drying the surface. The thickness of the polyethylene slip coating applied to most commercial glass bottles is in the range 75-100 &mgr;m. The coating is removed by the process outlined above sufficiently to allow the application of an adherent decorative coating to the surface.

Abstract: A method of preparing an electrostatic dissipative composition that includes combining a conductive polymer; a crosslinkable polymer, and a crosslinking agent to form a fluidized dispersion, and providing the fluidized dispersion with a pH of about 7 to 9 to form the electrostatic discharge composition.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming solid substrates having high density of primary amine group on its surface, in which the primary amine groups on the surface of an aminosilylated substrate are treated with aziridine or an aziridine derivative. The surface density of the primary amine functional groups (—NH2) on the very top surface of a substrate can be drastically increased.

Abstract: A process for coating at least a portion of a face of a siliceous substrate with a silicon containing layer, the process includes at least the following steps: a treatment step, in which at least the portion of the face of the siliceous substrate is treated with a composition containing at least one biocide, and at least the portion of the face of the siliceous substrate is reacted with a reactive composition for forming a silicon containing layer chemically bound to the siliceous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention describes a die to manufacture pieces of plastic materials, molded by injection, projection or blowing processes that does not need end finishing during its construction, and that does not need to employ additional demolding agents during its whole useful life to release the objects molded. Said die is specially useful to obtain pieces of plastic materials that must be painted or must be dealt superficially with the purpose of being employed in various industries, such as the automobile industry, electro-domestic accessories manufacturing, communications, computers, or decoration, etc. This die is also specially useful to obtain pieces that must be adhered in an efficient and substantially permanent way to others as are the soles for the industrial manufacturing of shoes and of sports shoes.

Abstract: A water soluble or water dispersible fluorochemical silane represented by the general formula:

Abstract: The anticorrosive properties of a coating autodeposited on a metal substrate are improved by contacting the autodeposited coating with an aqueous solution containing Group IIA or Group IIB metal cations (e.g., calcium or zinc cations) and phosphate anions prior to curing. The rinse solution is preferably acidic and can be prepared, for example, from calcium nitrate and an oxy acid of phosphorus or zinc dihydrogen phosphate. Optionally, the rinse solution also includes an accelerator such as hydroxylamine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an element comprising a substrate and at least one anti-reflection coating with pores. The dimensions of the anti-reflection coating are below the wavelength of visible light or the neighboring spectral ranges. The invention also relates to an element produced according to this method with at least one anti-reflection coating, for example optical lenses, mirrors or other optical components. The optical anti-reflection coating of these elements is essentially improved.

Abstract: A metal, glass or ceramics surface is treated to enhance its compatibility with biological material such as blood or blood related products. Treatment involves covalently bonding to the surface by means of a catalyst functional molecules each of has at least one alkoxysilane group which can form at least one first covalent bond by reaction with the oxide or hydroxide of said surface and at least one other group which can participate in free-radical polymerisation. Free-radical polymerisation from said functional molecules is then effected to build bio-compatible and/or hydrophilic polymer chains. The compatibility of the metal surface with biological material may be further improved by bonding bio-active molecules, such as heparin or heparin derived molecules to the polymer chains. Suitable metal surfaces are those of medical devices such as heat exchangers, coronary and peripheral stents and guide wires used in angioplasty.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming solid substrates having high density of primary amine group on its surface, in which the primary amine groups on the surface of an aminosilylated substrate are treated with aziridine or an aziridine derivative. The surface density of the primary amine functional groups (—NH2) on the very top surface of a substrate can be drastically increased.

Abstract: A method of preparing an article using an electrostatic dissipative composition prepared by combining a conductive polymer, and a crosslinking agent to form a fluidized dispersion, and providing the fluidized dispersion with a pH of about 7 to 9.

Abstract: An autodepositing liquid composition comprises dispersed non-film-forming polymer particles in addition to the dispersed film forming polymer characteristic of all autodepositing liquid compositions. Preferably, the non-film-forming polymer particles are gas-tight microballoons filled with a gas such as air and have an average particle size less than 1 &mgr;m. Such particles act in the autodepositing liquid compositions and in the dried coatings formed from them as opaque white pigments, unless the coatings are heated above about 130° C., if so heated, the coatings, unless they contain other heat stable pigment, become irreversibly transparent.

Abstract: Ultraviolet rays are radiated over a lubricant film formed on the surface of a recording medium such as a hard disk. The recording medium is then subjected to exposure to a bases. The radiation of the ultraviolet rays allows the lubricant film to uniformly spread over the surface of the recording medium. The repellency can be enhanced over the surface of the recording medium. The friction can be reduced on the recording medium. Moreover, when the recording medium is exposed to the base, organic acid existing on the surface of the recording medium and/or in the lubricant film can be transformed into salt. The organic acid can be washed off or removed from the surface of the recording medium and/or out of the lubricant film in this manner. Less organic acid greatly contributes to prevention of generation of corrosion mounds on the recording medium over a longer period.

Abstract: An elastomer delustering method comprising impregnating the surface of an elastomer with an organic compound having air-oxidizable curable unsaturated groups.

Abstract: A process is provided that allows the production of multi-layer coatings in which one or more topcoats can be applied to a porous basecoat to produce a uniform and defect-free coating layer. Specifically, a process is provided in which a liquid is applied to the basecoat prior to topcoating such that the air in the basecoat is removed prior to topcoating. This process can occur in-line with a simple apparatus described herein. An added benefit of this method is that it also allows the possibility of adding functionality or performing chemistry to a basecoat after the basecoat is dried and before the topcoat is applied in a single process. For example, the wetting fluid may contain, but is not limited to, surfactants, pH modifiers, polymers, crosslinkers, pigments, and/or dye stabilizers.

Abstract: It is found that by wetting coated media, such as film-based media (e.g., Mylar film) and resin-coated papers (e.g., photobase paper), with a dilute polymer solution or colloidal silica or colloidal alumina dispersion with small particle size, the dot size increases compared to the current default dot size when printed with pigment-based inks in a Hewlett-Packard CP-2500 or CP-3500 printer. No previous efforts are known to increase the dot size on coated porous media printed with pigment inks.

Abstract: At least one of the following compounds is included on a surface layer of a print medium and in an inkjet ink formulation to be printed thereon: potassium iodide, sodium iodide, sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and sodium thiocyanate. The addition of at least one of these compounds to both the print medium and the inkjet ink can improve light fastness on the order of eight to thirteen times or more on porous glossy media. These additives are particularly effective with water-soluble dyes, including such dyes as Reactive Black 31 (Pacified) (RB31), Direct Blue 199 (DB199), Magenta 377 (M377), and Direct Yellow 132 (DY132).

Abstract: A curable acrylic polymer composition useful in coating, sealant or adhesive compositions comprises an acrylic polymer containing pendant functional groups selected from epoxide groups, isocyanate groups, alkoxysilane groups and activated —CH— groups bonded to at least two electron-withdrawing groups and a curing agent which is reactive with the functional groups of the acrylic polymer and is characterized in that the polymer is dissolved in an organic compound of viscosity less than 2 Pas (20 poise) at 25° C. containing at least one functional group of the same functionality as that present in the acrylic polymer. The composition can be prepared by the free radical polymerization of a functional olefinically unsaturated monomer, and optionally one or more ethylenically unsaturated comonomers, in the presence of the said functional organic compound as diluent.

Abstract: A method of preserving waterlogged materials and more specifically, preserving artifacts that have been submerged in water for long periods of time. A method of treating waterlogged materials that have been subjected to preservation techniques using polyethylene glycol as the preservative, and a method of restoring such materials from the deleterious effects of the glycol.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicone polymer insulation film having low relative dielectric constant, high thermal stability and high humidity-resistance on a semiconductor substrate is applied to a plasma CVD apparatus. The first step is vaporizing a silicon-containing hydrocarbon compound expressed by the general formula Si&agr;O&bgr;CxHy (&agr;=3, &bgr;=3 or 4, x, and y are integers) and then introducing the vaporized compound to the reaction chamber of the plasma CVD apparatus. The next step is introducing additive gas into the reaction chamber. The residence time of the material gas is lengthened by reducing the total flow of the reaction gas, in such a way as to formed a silicone polymer film having a micropore porous structure with low relative dielectric constant.

Abstract: At least one of the following compounds is applied as a re-wet solution to media: potassium iodide, sodium iodide, sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and sodium thiocyanate. The addition of at least one of these compounds to the re-wet solution can improve light fastness on the order of eight to thirteen times or more on porous glossy media. These additives are particularly effective with water-soluble dyes, including dyes such as Reactive Black 31 (Pacified) (RB31), Direct Blue 199 (DB199), Magenta 377 (M377), and Direct Yellow 132 (DY132).

Abstract: The anticorrosive properties of a coating autodeposited on a metal substrate are improved by contacting the autodeposited coating with an aqueous solution of an alkaline earth metal compound such as calcium nitrate prior to curing.

Abstract: Process for forming fine speckle-shaped depressions over an outer surface of a shell wall of a microcapsule encapsulating a dye, including cohering fine ceramic particles to the microcapsule, due to triboelectrification acting therebetween, such that a plurality of fine spaces are defined among the cohered fine ceramic particles around the outer surface of the shell wall; immersing the microcapsule with the cohered fine ceramic particles in a solvent over a predetermined period of time such that a plurality of fine speckle-shaped depressions is formed in the outer surface of the shell wall at locations corresponding to the plurality of fine spaces defined around the outer surface of the shell wall; withdrawing the microcapsule with the cohered fine ceramic particles from the solvent; and washing off retained solvent from the microcapsule with the cohered fine ceramic particles, wherein the period of time, over which the microcapsule with the cohered fine ceramic particles is immersed in the solvent, is regula

Abstract: A resin coating is formed on a metal surface using an aqueous autodepositing resin composition that contains oxidizing agent, acid, and carboxyl-functional and/or hydroxyl-functional water-dispersible or water-soluble resin and, optionally, metal ions; the resulting coating, while still in its uncured condition, is subject to post-treatment with an aqueous solution containing from 0.5 to 5.0 g/L of amine and from 10 to 100 g/L (solids) of water-soluble amino resin molecules that bear at least two alkoxymethylamino, methylolamino, and/or imino groups; and the coating is then dried and cured. This provides a highly anticorrosive coating on the metal, and contrary to an analogous process in which the post-treatment solution contains amino resin but not amine, the post-treatment solution remains stable and provides continuing high quality coating performance even after a considerable amount of metal surface per unit volume of post-treatment solution has been processed.

Abstract: A method for providing a waterborne, inorganic barrier coating to a polyolefin substrate is described. The method involves applying a primer composition containing a vinyl polymer, wherein at least 75% of the polymer repeat units contain side groups having hydroxyl moieties, to the substrate. This primer coating facilitates the application and binding of the subsequently applied barrier coating composition to the substrate.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a powder lacquer composition based on polyester by a) common or separate heating to a temperature of 120-200° C. of A) 99-40 wt. % polyester precondensates, and/or of monomers usable for the preparation thereof, B) 1-60 wt. % pigments and C) 0-10 wt. % wetting additives and/or further additives which are conventionally used for lacquers, wherein the percentages by weight total 100%, b) homogeneous mixing of the components A), B) and C) with the application of shear forces and with the heating temperature maintained, c) dispersion of the mixture obtained in a dispersing medium at a temperature equal to or above the melting temperature of the starting components A), B) and C) with further polycondensation of the polyester precondensate A), and/or of the monomers, d) cooling of the dispersion and addition of a conventional cross-linking agent for the polyester and optionally of conventional additives, within the temperature range 60 to 140° C.

Abstract: A process for the bioactive coating of the surface of substrates, which entails graft polymerizing at least one vinyl monomer of the formula (I): R—(A)a  (I) in which R is an olefinically unsaturated organic radical, having the valence a, A is a carboxyl group —COOH, sulfuric acid group —OSO2OH, sulfonic acid group —SO3H, phosphonic acid group —OPO(OH)2, phosphoric acid group —PO(OH)2, phosphorous acid group —OP(OH)2, phenolic hydroxyl group or a salt of one of these groups, and a is an integer of from 1 up to and including 6, under radiative induction or thermally on a substrate surface which his been treated beforehand with a macroinitiator having groups which form free radicals in side chains of the polymer framework; with the proviso that a vinyl monomer I in which A is the carboxyl group —COOH or a salt of the carboxyl group contains at least one further radical A having a different one of the definitions specified for A or is used together w

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electron-emitting device processing an electroconductive film upon which an electron-emission region is formed is characterized in that the formation process of formation of the electron-emission region includes a process of application of metal compound-containing material and film thickness controlling agent to the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a two-pack or multi-pack fast-setting waterborne paint composition, particularly a traffic paint, which has a reducing component in one pack and an oxidizing component in the other pack of the two-pack paint composition. The present invention also relates to the two-pack or multi-pack waterborne paint composition produced therefrom.

Abstract: A method for treating a separator for use in laminated multi-layer electrochemical cell device structures. The devices comprise positive and negative electrode layer members of polymeric matrix composition having the microporous polyolefin membrane separator member interposed therebetween wherein the separator membrane includes a polymer coating layer. The separator is treated to provide a deposited coating of a primary plasticizer for the polymer coating layer. The device electrode and separator members are then assembled and laminated at a compressive force and temperature at which the plasticizer film softens the polymer coating of the separator member sufficiently to establish a strong interfacial bond with the matrix polymers of the electrode members and thereby form a laminated unitary cell structure. In another embodiment, the primary plasticizer comprises a component of the electrode polymeric matrix compositions.

Abstract: By forming a film that comprises a microcrystalline polymer having at least a fluorocarbon group and has a rough surface on a surface of a base material, super-water-repellency is provided, the dew condensation water of an air conditioner, for example, can be easily removed, and the freezing of the fin of the heat exchanger can be prevented. A fin that is made of aluminium is coated with a solution for forming a coating film, in which CF3(CF2)7—(CH2)2—SiCl3 is diluted with nonaqueous cyclohexamethyl trisiloxane at a concentration of 10 vol. % for preparation, to a thickness of 1 to 10 &mgr;m by a brush, and then the cyclohexamethyl trisiloxane is vaporized in an atmosphere having a relative humidity of about 75% at room temperature. CF3(CF2)7—(CH2)2—SiCl3 that remained on the fin is rapidly hydrolyzed with the moisture in the atmosphere, and the moisture in air and a —SiCl3 group dehydrochlorinated to form a microcrystalline polymer on the fin.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to two-part polymer compositions that rapidly form covalent linkages when mixed together. Such compositions are particularly well suited for use in a variety of tissue related applications when rapid adhesion to the tissue and gel formation is desired. In particular, they are useful as tissue sealants, in promoting hemostasis, for drug delivery, in effecting tissue adhesion, in providing tissue augmentation, and in the prevention of surgical adhesions.

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: This invention relates to a dilatation balloon formed from an extruded tubular preform by blowing, said balloon having a body, at least one cone and at least one waist portion wherein said balloon has a lubricity coating gradient from the body portion which has the lowest coat thickness to the waist portion which has the highest coat thickness said coating applied to said extruded tubular preform prior to forming said balloon by blowing.

Abstract: A metal plate having a rust preventive organic layer, said rust-preventive organic layer being a colloid or micelle of a slightly water soluble organic corrosion inhibitor as an organic layer mixed with and dispersed in a matrix resin, its production process and a treatment liquid in which it is processed.

Abstract: A coating is formed on a substrate by depositing a solution comprising a resin containing at least 2 Si—H groups and a solvent in a manner in which at least 5 volume % of the solvent remains in the coating after deposition followed by exposing the coating to an environment comprising a basic catalyst and water at a concentration sufficient to cause condensation of the Si—H groups and evaporating the solvent from the coating to form a porous network coating. The method of the invention is particularly useful for applying low dielectric constant coatings on electronic devices.

Abstract: A method of changing the color of an ink mark includes applying an ink including a solvent and a triarylmethane dye dissolved in the solvent that changes color if contacted with a chemical agent to a substrate. The dye is soluble in phenyl cellosolve. A chemical agent is then applied to cause the dye to change color.

Abstract: A process involving the application of an aromatic oil-modified polyurethane coating with a softening agent to specifically prepared solid synthetic organic and natural organic formed substrate materials wherein the coating has the capability of receiving subsequently-applied coloring agents and adhesives.