Abstract: A process of forming a patterned polyimide film includes the step of conversion of a polyimide precursor into polyimide. The improvement is imidizing the precursor by means of a chemical imidizing reagent. Typically a film of polyimide precursor is formed on a substrate, and mask which is negative with respect to the desired pattern is formed on the film. The film is contacted through the mask with a chemical imidizing reagent to effect imidization of unmasked portions, thereby forming polyimide. The mask and masked portions of the film are removed, leaving the desired polyimide pattern. High temperatures and harmful etchants can be avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of particular water-based emulsion formulations that comprise an environmentally acceptable integrated floor care maintenance system. In particular, the present invention provides a low zinc, low phosphate, acrylic-based, integrated floor care maintenance system that includes a low zinc acrylic floor finish having a zinc content of less than 100 ppm and a phosphate content measured as percent phosphorus of less than 0.4% by weight and a floor finish stripper having no added zinc, no added phosphate and containing from about 0.01 to 5% by weight of an ammonium perfluoroalkylsulfonate wetting and emulsifying agent, such as CAS number 67906-42-7, CAS number 17202-41-4 or a mixture of these. Additionally, this invention provides for a low zinc acrylate floor sealer having a zinc content of less than 100 ppm and a phosphate content measured as percent phosphorus of less than 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a ceramic/fiber composite.The process comprises impregnating fibers with a molten polysilazane in a first step, converting the polysilazane in the fibers into the infusible state in a second step and, in a third step, heating the impregnated fibers to 800.degree. to 2000.degree. C. in an atmosphere of nitrogen, noble gas, or ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing an improved reverse osmosis membrane that shows surprisingly improved solute rejection and permeation properties. The membrane includes a separating layer of a polyamideurea formed in situ by reaction of isocyanate-substituted acyl chloride and a diamine-treated microporous substrate.

Abstract: A method of finishing carbon fibers with phenolic triazine to promote adhesing of the carbon fibers with a resin matrix to retain up to 92% of the room temperature dry strength at a temperature of 500.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of a polyurethane coating by a) preparing a coating composition having an improved potlife fromi) a compound containing at least two hydroxyl groups,ii) a polyisocyanate containing aliphatically-, cycloaliphatically- or araliphatically-bound isocyanate groups,iii) about 0.005 to 2.0 to weight percent, based on the weight of components i) and ii), of a tine catalyst andiv) at least about 50 mole percent, based on the tin catalyst, of hydrogen chloride,b) applying the coating composition to a substrate andc) curing the coating composition, optionally in the presence of an amine vapor, to form the polyurethane coating.

Abstract: A process for making thin walled hollow polymeric articles or for forming a polymeric coating on a substrate, comprises contacting a suitably shaped former on a substrate to be coated with a solution of an amine-terminated prepolymer having a functionality of at least 2 in an organic solvent to form a coating on the former or substrate, drying the coating on the former or substrate, then contacting the coating on the former or substrate with a solution of a polyfunctional curing agent which is capable of reacting with the amino end groups of the prepolymer to cause chain extension and/or cross-linking of the latter.

Abstract: The invention is a process for modifying pore size near the surface of porous materials. The surface is contacted with an alcohol solution of a metal alkoxide which forms a hydrous oxide insoluble in water, an amount of water insufficient to hydrolyze fully the metal alkoxide, and a mineral acid for a time sufficient for the solution to penetrate the surface region but not the bulk. This is followed by exposing to sufficient moisture to complete hydrolysis and then curing to stabilize the metal oxide in the pores near the surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low temperature method of converting coatings of hydrogen silsesquioxane resin or hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed R.sub.X Si(OR).sub.4-X to ceramic silica coatings. The method comprises applying a silica precursor coating to a substrate, exposing the coating to an environment comprising an amine and subjecting the coating to a temperature sufficient to yield the ceramic coating. The methods of the invention are particularly applicable to applying coatings on electronic devices.

Abstract: A method of forming a silver image receiving element in diffusion transfer photography by hydrolyzing a surface of an alkali-impermeable polymer layer on a continuous running web so as to convert the polymer to an alkali-permeable polymer. The method includes the steps of first applying a liquid mixture of a hydrolyzing agent and a softening agent to the surface of the alkali-impermeable polymer layer, evaporating the softening agent in the liquid mixture by blowing air on the surface to form a concentrated layer of the hydrolyzing agent; and thereafter accelerating the occurrence of hydrolysis by blowing air on the surface so as to initiate hydrolysis reaction of the surface to as to convert the alkali-impermeable polymer layer to an alkali-permeable polymer layer. The temperature of the air which is blown on the surface is in the range of 50.degree. to 120.degree. C.

Abstract: In a method for the production of a sealing and adhesive strip, particularly for the direct glazing of motor vheicles, using a moisture-hardening single-component polyurethane composition based on telechelic isocyanate prepolymers of aromatic diisocyanates in stoichiometric excess and polyols a composition is employed comprising a) a catalyst for the moisture-hardening and b) a blocked activatable cross-linking agent, and a solvent or solvent mixture is continually injected into the inside of the strip during the extrusion of the strip which liberate the cross-linking agent.For the implementation of the method an extrusion nozzle for the sealing and adhesive strip is used which comprises an injection needle for the solvent opening into the nozzle, the exit opening of which points in the extrusion direction and is located in the region of the center axis of the extrusion die forming the strip.

Abstract: A sprayable ablative coating formulation comprises a combination of a polymeric resin, a curing agent, cork flour and a vehicle such as toluene. The mixture is sprayable using conventional spray equipment. The surface to be coated is first sprayed with a primer to improve adhesion, and the mixture is then sprayed over the primed surface until a desired thickness if formed. Once cured, the coating has a uniform fine texture and thickness, providing thermal insulation for the coated surface. Pigments may be added to the formulation to achieve specified coloration of the coating.

Abstract: Natural or synthetic fibers (or fabrics, knits, papers, or webs made of such fibers) are improved in at least abrasion resistance, dye receptivity and/or other properties by bringing together on said fibers (or product made thereof) a liquid dispersion of a dispersible normally-solid polymer having pendent acid groups, such as carboxylic groups, and a reagent which reacts with the carboxylic group to render the polymer non-dispersible. The reagent may be one which supplies metal cations having a valence of at least 2 or it may be a primary amine, secondary amine or tertiary amine, or salts of the amine, a polyamine or salt thereof, or a quaternary ammonium salt. The reagent may precede the polymer onto the substrate, or may follow the application of the polymer onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming optical waveguides is described in which a film of a novolac resin is deposited on a transparent substrate and a dopant material is incorporated into the film during or after the coating step. Additional quantities of the same or different dopant may be incoporated into the dried film by solvent assisted indiffusion.

Abstract: Methods for providing temporary protective coatings on mechanic objects by applying thereto an aqueous emulsion of a lipophilic poly(meth)acrylate polymer predominately including esters of alcohols having at least four carbon atoms and then removing said temporary coatings when desired with an organic solvent which, with the polymer dissolved therein, is conveniently disposed of by combustion.

Abstract: A process for producing a metallized polyacetylene-type ultralong conjugated polymer comprising immersing a substrate having a hydrophilic surface in a first nonaqueous organic solution containing a compound containing an acetylenic group (--C.tbd.C--) and ##STR1## group (hereinafter referred to as silane-type surfactant) to deposit a chemisorbed layer of the silane-type surfactant on the substrate by chemisorption, immersing the substrate on which the chemisorbed layer is deposited in an aqueous solution containing a metal ion to replace a hydrogen atom connected to the acetylenic group by the metal atom, and immersing the substrate on which the chemisorbed layer is deposited in a second organic solution containing a metal salt catalyst to polymerize the molecules at the acetylenic group in the chemisorbed layer.

Abstract: A support sheet for photographic printing paper having an undercoat layer on which a photographic emulsion layer is to be formed, and which is free from foaming, contamination by foreign substances, and putrefaction and does not effect the photographic emulsion, by the steps of coating front and back surfaces of a substrate sheet with polyolefin resins; surface-activating the front coating layer; and extrusion coating the activated surface of the front coating layer with a coating liquid comprising gelatin, through a slit-shaped orifice, to form the undercoat layer.

Abstract: Interlaminar grafting of coatings, particularly grafting of a lubricious outer coating upon an anchor coating supported upon glass or plastic, for example, to provide anti-fogging or lubricating characteristics. The method is characterized by its ability to anchor permanently the highly lubricious coating to the glass or plastic.

Abstract: A two-part system and method for increasing the reflex-reflectivity of a substrate is disclosed wherein a first aerosol dispensing means containing a first coating composition capable of forming a base coating on a substrate and a second aerosol dispensing means containing a second coating composition capable of imparting reflex-reflectivity to the base coating is employed. The first coating composition comprises a binder resin and a solvent in which the binder resin is dissolved and the second coating composition contains transparent microspheres having a particle size from about 45 to about 90 microns and a carrier in which the transparent microspheres are dispersible. The substrate is coated first with the first coating composition via aerosol means to form a base coating which is subsequently coated with the second coating to impart reflex-reflectivity to the base coating.

Abstract: A protective material having a membrane layer and a sorbent layer. The membrane is a thin-film composite membrane permeable to water vapor but relatively impermeable to organic vapors. The sorbent layer includes activated carbon or other sorbent or reactive material, and captures traces of organic vapor that permeate the membrane layer. The material is particularly useful in intermediate-level protective clothing.

Abstract: Plastics, particularly a method of hydrophilic coating of plastics, for example, a contact lens, with a lubricating and visually acute mucopolysaccharide film which is immobilized upon the surface of the plastic for the lifetime of the plastic. A preferred method includes first coating the plastic with an aqueous solution of a mucopolysaccharide, drying by applying a water-miscible solvent, then crosslinking and permanently immobilizing the first coating upon the plastic by applying a solution of catalyzed organic soluble aliphatic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A method of increasing the hardness of a polyurethane medium containing a polyisocyanate, such as a magnetic tape or disk, by contacting the medium with an aldehyde and an acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for hardening a curable normally liquid hydrocarbon compound optionally substituted with an alkyloxy, ester aldehyde, amido, halo, sulfonate, sulfate, sulfite, mercapto or nitro group and containing at least one functional radical selected from the group of ##STR1## and--(X)C.dbd.C(Z)--Y--(CH.sub.2)--wherein Y is --O--, --S-- or --NH-- and X and Z are each independently hydrogen, alkylene having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aryl or a mixture thereof, which process comprises contacting said liquid for less than one minute with a hardening amount of a volatilized hard Lewis acid under anhydrous conditions and at a hardening temperature below the deformation temperature of any substrate material which may be used to support said liquid.

Abstract: Plasma-resistant polymeric materials are prepared by reacting a polymeric material containing reactive hydrogen functional groups with a multifunctional organometallic material containing at least two functional groups which are reactive with the reactive hydrogen functional groups of the polymeric material, such as hexamethylcyclotrisilazane.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a resin composition containing(1) 20-85 parts by weight of an alkoxy groups containing polymer consisting of(a) 1-40 wt. % (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkoxymethyl ether of acryl- or methacrylamide(b) 20-85 wt. % (C.sub.1 -C.sub.12) alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid(c) 0-40 wt. % hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylate, acrylic or methacrylic acid, acryl- or methacrylamide or mixtures thereof(d) 0-50 wt. % vinylaromatic compound and(e) 0-40 wt. % other monomers(2) 0-80 parts by weight of hydroxy, carboxy or amide containing polymer and(3) 15-60 parts by weight of organic solvents in a coating material curing at room temperature.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of backing layers with improved coating qualities is described. These layers are designed to transmit antistatic properties from antistatic layers coated under the backing layers and provide antihalation or anticurl effects in addition thereto. The process of this invention includes in-line addition of a pre-stabilized crosslinking solution to a gelatino-conductive polymer solution just prior to the coating thereof. Smooth, skip-free coatings are obtained and the solutions are stable and can be maintained for long periods of time.

Abstract: A process for the deposition of a film of an electrophoretic resin upon the surface of a substrate which comprises the steps of (i) electrophoretically depositing from a bath comprising water, a water miscible organic solvent and the resin, a film of the uncured resin upon the surface of the substrate; (ii) immersing said film in a solution of a resin additive in a solvent medium comprising water and a water miscible organic solvent, the amount of said resin additive dissolved in said solvent medium being sufficient for the absorption into the resin film of sufficient additive to impart the desired property to the cured resin film, the composition of said solvent medium being such that the requisite amount of additive can be dissolved therein and such that said desired property is imparted to said resin film while immersed in said solvent medium without significant damage to the resin fim; and (iii) curing the resin.

Abstract: A multilayer composite fabric material consisting of a woven or non-woven fabric support, a microporous membrane layer, and an ultrathin permselective surface coating, and optionally an intermediate sealing layer and a protective top layer; the material being freely permeable to water vapor but impermeable to toxic organic vapors.The material is suitable for fabricating protective clothing for use in industrial and military hazardous chemical enviornments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of joining two or more surfaces together by applying to at least one of the surfaces a water-based adhesive or an adhesive which liberates water during curing, and generating salt during the course of the joining operation, which salt will bind water that is present during the joining as water of crystallization.

Abstract: An aqueous system for treating a film or coating containing water-dispersible polymeric material having water solubilizing sulfonate groups in its molecular structure, the system being effective for insolubilizing the sulfonate groups and enhancing the water resistance of the film, and having dispersed therein per 100 grams of water, from about 0.002 to about 0.5 gram-ion equivalents of a multivalent cation, and from about 0.1 to about 25.0 grams of water-dispersible polyurethane material, and preferably having a No. 2 Zahn cup viscosity of from about 15 to about 50 seconds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crosslinking process for self-crosslinking copolymers essentially based on (meth)acrylic monomers and is characterized in that, on or before the deposition of a layer containing at least one crosslinking catalyst, a second layer containing at least one self-crosslinking copolymer in suspension or in solution in an aqueous medium or in an organic solvent is applied, and in that these two layers are subjected to a heat treatment such that crosslinking of the layer containing the copolymer is initiated.The invention is used in the production of molded, impregnated, coated and printed articles, adhesives, binders, finishes, paints and varnishes.

Abstract: A process for improving the bonding of hotmelt materials which post crosslink in the presence of moisture, to water vapor impermeable substrates by applying an activator material, which release bound water at the hotmelt application temperature, to at least one of the water vapor impermeable substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of shaped plastic parts which are provided with an antistatic adhesive thermoplastic coating; according to the method, the adhesive thermoplastic coating is coated with a solution which contains a binder and a suitable oxidant for the oxidative polymerization of 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic compounds which have nitrogen or sulphur as heteroatoms, and the coating thus obtained is treated with a solution of the 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for promoting the rapid curing of a two component polyurethane lacquer that has been applied to a substrate. A cure coat composition consisting of a hydroxy functional polymer such as nitrocellulose, a solvent for the polymer, and a urethane catalyst such as an organic tin compound, is applied over the polyurethane lacquer while it is in a wet or semi-dry state.

Abstract: Semicrystalline polymers can have predetermined amounts of their surfaces rendered quasi-amorphous by irradiation. Polymer surfaces which are so modified can display enhanced ability to accept bonding to other materials.

Abstract: A method for rendering a substrate resistant to erosion by a plasma comprising oxygen by providing on the surface of the substrate a layer of a cured polymer of a compound having the formula ##STR1## where: R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of:(a) an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and(b) a group having the formula ##STR2## wherein n=1 to 3 m=0 to 5R.sub.2 and R.sub.2 ' are each selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted aryl group, and a substituted aryl group; and R.sub.

Abstract: Semicrystalline polymers can have predetermined amounts of their surfaces rendered amorphous or quasi-amorphous by irradiation. Further treatment of these polymer surfaces which have been so modified, such as crystallization, can produce surfaces with reduced coefficients of friction.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a fingernail reinforcement extension material. The material is formed of a woven fiberglass fabric having a vertical and horizontal cross-thread count in the range of 25 to 55 threads per inch. Impregnated within said fabric is a preparation including cellulose, nylon fiber, resin, plasticizer and solvent in which, upon evaporation of the solvent, the preparation forms a hardened matrix within the weave of the fiberglass fabric.Also disclosed is a method for the use of the material in order to accomplish the reinforcement and extension of human fingernails.There is disclosed herein a fingernail covering for reinforcement of nails. The nail covering is formed of a woven fiberglass having a vertical and horizontal cross-thread count in the range of 25 to 55 threads per inch. Said fabric is preimpregnated with a suspension of resin polymer and monomer in water. The fabric is allowed to dry whereby the fabric is stabilized and the interstices between the threads are open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the continuous production of polymers and copolymers of water-soluble monomers particularly arcylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, optionally with additional comonomers, by the polymerization of an aqueous monomer solution that is introduced into the trough that is formed by an endless conveyor belt. The trough-like shape of the conveyor belt changes continuously into an extended flat profile during the polymerization process; starting from the side edges and working towards the center of the trough formed by the conveyor belt, the resulting polymer gel strand is released continuously during the transition of the curved trough-like shape of the conveyor belt into the extended, flat form.

Abstract: A process for preparing a semipermeable composite membrane comprising a microporous substrate and an ultra-thin membrane covering the substrate, wherein the ultra-thin membrane comprises a crosslinked piperazine polyamide as a main component and contains a constituent component represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R stands for --H or --CH.sub.3 and n is an integer of from 0 to 3.

Abstract: Fillers are mixed into a resin solution used to form a resin layer on the substrate of a magnetic disk. Therefore, the distance from the boundary between the resin layer and magnetic film to the filler top as well as the distance from the surface of the magnetic film to the top of the filler in the magnetic film are freely adjustable by appropriately setting the particle size of mixed fillers, thickness of the resin layer and thickness of magnetic film independently or in combination. Thus, the magnetic disk can be designed with a considerably improved freedom.

Abstract: Semipermeable composite membranes suitable for separating organic compounds of low moelcular weight from aqueous, inorganic salts containing solutions are provided. These membranes are obtained by coating one side of a membrane support with an aqueous solution containing dissolved therein an organic, film-forming, hydrophilic polymer, and a cross-linking agent (1) and optionally ionic monomeric compounds to form at least one polymer layer, contacting the still wet polymer layer(s) interfacially with an organic solution of a cross-linking agent (2), containing at least two functional groups, drying the resultant product for a time sufficient to form the composite membrane comprising the membrane support and an asymmetrical coacting consisting of polymer layer(s) and a thin semipermeable cross-linked film, containing ionic groups resting on the top of said layer and being integrally attached thereto.

Abstract: Plastics, particularly a method hydrophilic coating of plastics, for example, a contact lens, with a lubricating and visually acute mucopolysaccharide film which is immobilized upon the surface of the plastic for the lifetime of the plastic. A preferred method includes first coating the plastic with an aqueous solution of a mucopolysaccharide, drying by applying a water-miscible solvent, then crosslinking and permanently immobilizing the first coating upon the plastic by applying a solution of catalyzed organic soluble aliphatic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an activatable catalyst which is effective for the reaction of a hydroxyl compound and an isocyanate. Preferably, the catalyst is utilized in the cure of a coating composition of a polyol and a polyisocyanate. The activatable catalyst is activated in the presence of an amine activator or heat and comprises the reaction product of a metal catalyst selected from a tin catalyst, a bismuth catalyst, and mixtures thereof; and a molar excess of a complexing agent. The complexing agent is selected from a mercapto compound, a polyphenol characterized by being reactable with an isocyanate group in the presence of a tertiary amine activator, and mixtures thereof. A single polyol resin may bear both the complexing functionality and the activatable catalyst. Advantageusly, the polyol and polyisocyanate both are aliphatic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing fogging or clouding of surfaces comprising glass, high molecular weight substance, and the like. The method comprises the steps of: (1) applying a dispersion liquid wherein a high molecular substance having a hydroxyl group is added to the surface to be treated (2) causing the substance on the surface to react while adding cyanuric chloride, (3) hydrolyzing the resultant mixture with a base, (4) neutralizing the treated surface, (5) rinsing and drying the above neutralized surface, (6) reacting a nonionic surface active agent having a fluorine group or a silicone group with a NH.sub.2 group or H group to react on the surface, (7) hydrolyzing the resultant surface and then, (8) neutralizing the surface with an acid.

Abstract: An electroconductive core-sheath composite fiber comprising a core containing an electroconductive substance and a sheath formed of a fiber-forming polymer, which surrounds the core, wherein the core is completely covered with the sheath, the electric resistance of the surface of the fiber is lower than 10.sup.10 .OMEGA./cm, and the ratio of the electric resistance (.OMEGA./cm) of the surface to the internal electric resistance between the sections is lower than 10.sup.3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for curing a film of a coating composition under vapor permeation curable conditions. Such method comprises exposing a coating composition to a vaporous tertiary amine catalyst. The coating composition can be in the form of an atomizate which is concurrently generated and mixed with a vaporous tertiary amine catalyst followed by application to a substrate, or can be an applied film of the coating composition which is exposed to the vaporous tertiary amine catalyst. The coating composition comprises a polymercapto-compound and a multi-isocyanate curing agent. The coating composition can be formulated to contain very high solids content (e.g. in excess of 70% and on up to 100% non-volatile solids).

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is crosslinked between carboxyl groups along one surface by polyvalent cations, thus making that surface substantially tack-free while leaving at least one broad surface of the layer tacky and pressure-sensitive. When a broad surface of the adhesive layer is thus made completely tack-free, the adhesive layer can be wound upon itself in roll form without a backing for convenient storage and shipment. Preferably a low-adhesion backsize coating covers the broad tack-free surface to insure that the adhesive layer can be unwound after prolonged storage without delaminating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of an oligourethane and free isocyanate groups which soluble in aromatic solvents and suitable as a lacquer binder by reacting an organic diisocyanate with a high molecular polyol and a low molecular weight polyol which contains 2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1,3-diol, its ethoxylation and/or propoxylation products or addition products of this low molecular weight diol with .epsilon.-caprolactone. The present invention is also directed to oligourethanes produced by this process and to their use as the binder or binder component in moisture hardening one-component lacquers.

Abstract: A method and kit for glare control and improvement of image transmission through a reflective-transmissive surface comprising surface irregularities to control glare. A dispersion of particles is applied to the surface and allowed to dry. Then an inert fluid coating is applied to the surface to enhance clarity. A liquid dispersion comprising a flattening agent is applied to the surface and allowed to dry so that the particles and flattening agent form a transparent glare-reducing coating. An inert fluid coating is applied to sufficient thickness to remove some, but not all, of the surface irregularities created by the glare reducing coating. A method of formulating the liquid dispersion is also disclosed.