Abstract: A method for making a separator material which is useful as a separator for storage batteries. The method involves applying a sulfonated surface layer to polyolefin resin fibers which form a woven or non-woven fabric. According to one embodiment, polyolefin resin fibers made of a first polyolefin resin are coated with a surface layer of a second polyolefin resin which is more susceptible to sulfonation than the first polyolefin resin from which said fibers are made. At the stage when the polyolefin fibers are coated with the second polyolefin resin they may be either individual fibers or formed into a woven or non-woven fabric. Thereafter, the fibers are subjected to a sulfonation process until the surface layer is sulfonated and a decomposition product formed by the sulfonation process is then removed from the fibers to obtain a separator material.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer article having a metallized surface, which comprises dissolving a polymer and a metal salt in a common solvent, forming a polymer article containing the metal salt dispersed therein from the solution, and then treating the article with a reducing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wiring panel constructed with a substrate; an electrically conductive member laminated on the substrate and principally composed of copper; and an insulating member composed of an organic substance, wherein a very small amount of a non-metallic element is incorporated into the electrically conductive member, and a very small amount of a metal element is incorporated into the insulating member.Also disclosed herein is a method for producing a wiring panel constructed with a substrate, an electrically conductive member provided on the substrate and composed of copper as the principal constituent, and an insulating layer of an organic substance covering the conductive member, which comprises steps of: applying onto the surface of the electrically conductive member a surface-reforming layer which functions to suppress electron transfer through the surface of the electrically conductive member, and thereafter forming the organic insulating layer on the electrically conductive member.

Abstract: A tape comprising a biaxially-oriented backing made from a polymeric film bearing on one major surface thereof a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive and on the other major surface thereof a layer of low-adhesive backsize composition. The backing and the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive intermix so as to form a commingled layer between them.

Abstract: Flame retardance of polymers prepared by metathesis polymerization of cycloolefins is improved by treatment of molded articles with a halogenated hydrocarbon capable of entering into radical chain transfer reactions with the carbon-carbon unsaturation present in the polymer recurring unit.

Abstract: A method for modifying the surface of a polymer article, which comprises applying to the polymer article a macromer having a radical polymerizable double bond, followed by treatment with non-polymerizable plasma.

Abstract: A method for improving the properties of a metathesis polymerized cycloolefin article by treating with molecular halogen in an organic solvent. Degree of treatment can be regulated according to the swelling power of the solvent for the polymer. Improved properties include improved flame retardance, oxidation resistance and surface properties.

Abstract: A metathesis polymerized cycloolefin article may be improved by treating with halogen halide in an organic solvent. Degree of treatment can be regulated according to the swelling power of the solvent for the polymer. Improved properties include improved flame retardance, oxidation resistance and surface properties.

Abstract: An in-mold sulfonation system for sulfonating the surface of plastic articles such as plastic containers during molding. Sulfur trioxide is introduced into a pre-mold chamber, converted to a relatively high pressure gaseous sulfur trioxide, and then injected into a mold such as a blow mold immediately before or immediately following full expansion of the formed plastic article in the mold cavity. Neutralization with a gaseous neutralizing agent follows. By controlling the timing and temperature of the in-mold sulfonation step it is possible to produce a plastic article having an effective barrier layer but containing a minimum of undesirable rinseable salts.

Abstract: Benzocyclobutene-functionalized organosilanes, and a method of increasing adhesion between a polymer and an inorganic surface by using benzocyclobutene-functionalized organosilanes as adhesion aids.

Abstract: This invention concerns the discovery of a new fluid that promotes the fluorination of polymeric materials more safely, more completely, and more efficiently than the fluids used in the prior art. The new fluid is called "dioxifluorine," which is a mixture of carbon dioxide and fluorine where carbon dioxide is the carrier fluid and fluorine is the reactant.

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: Containers which hold a flowable composition are sealed by applying a material which in contact with the flowable composition forms a protective sealing layer in the area requiring a seal. An improved container assembly is disclosed comprising a cartridge containing a flowable composition and a piston inserted into one end of the cartridge to express the flowable composition therefrom, wherein the gap between the cartridge and the piston is sealed by a protective layer produced by reaction of the flowable composition and material applied to the surface of the flowable composition.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface characteristics of a preformed polymeric substrate to impart hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity or other desired properties thereto comprises peroxidizing and hydroperoxidizing the surface of said preformed substrate using ozone, directing the subsequent graft polymerization of selected ethylenically unsaturated monomers essentially solely to the surface of said substrate to achieve the desired alteration of substrate surface characteristics while maintaining substrate structural integrity. Substrates so modified are useful in biomedical devices, semipermeable membranes, films, fibers and especially contact lenses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for fabricating a thin, porous, electronically conductive, high-surface area film proximate the surface of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The film has highly desirable characteristics as a surface electrode. Films may be formed on both sides of the membrane to form a bi-polar structure useful in various processes, including chloralkali processes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a blood cleaning hollow fiber membrane characterized by comprising a hydrophobic porous hollow fiber membrane and having a hydrophilic thin layer formed at least on the inner surface of said hollow fiber membrane by the grafting of a hydrophilic compound through the agency of a gamma ray, a method for the cleaning blood and an apparatus therefor using the same.

Abstract: Thermal transfer between a semiconductor wafer and a platen during vacuum processing is provided through a soft, thermally-conductive polymer layer having a thin, hard surface film. The soft polymer layer, which is preferably silicone rubber containing thermally-conductive particles, conforms to surface irregularities on the wafer and has low thermal resistance. The surface film is preferably silicon dioxide in the form of a multiplicity of flat plates integrally formed on the silicone rubber. Adherence of the wafer and of foreign matter to the polymer layer is prevented by the surface film. In addition, the underlying polymer layer is protected by the surface film. A high purity polymer layer is fabricated by evacuating the mold cavity and the resin container prior to injection of resin. The mold for the polymer layer utilizes a hard, smooth mold release surface and a resilient gasket between the platen and the mold release surface.

Abstract: A method of increasing the adsorption resistance of a polymer having surface carboxyl or hydroxyl groups by directly contacting the surface of the polymer with an acylating agent under conditions sufficient to chemically react the carboxyl or hydroxyl groups with the acylating agent.

Abstract: A light weight, durable plumbing fixture, e.g., a bathtub, sink, shower receptor, etc., is fabricated from a multilayer polymer composite structure of high impact strength and delamination resistance. The composite possesses a relatively thin polymeric cosmetic, or finish, layer, e.g., of acrylic resin, chemically bonded to a relatively thick, reinforced, cross-linked, isocyanate-modified thermosetting polyester or polyether dense foam resin substrate layer.

Abstract: A multilayer polymeric composite structure of high impact strength and delamination resistance possesses a polymeric cosmetic layer chemically bonded to a cross-linked, isocyanate-modified thermosetting polyester or polyether substrate layer. In one embodiment of the structure, a relatively thin, predominantly acrylic resin layer is chemically bonded through urethane linkages to a relatively thick, reinforced, polyester foam substrate layer. A reinforced reaction injection molding (RPIM) procedure for manufacturing the polymeric composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling agent for chemically linking metal substrates to thermoset polymers is composed of a hydrophobic polymer backbone having functional groups attached thereto at spaced intervals, the functional groups having the ability to form chemical bonds to both the metal substrate and the thermosetting polymeric resin. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic polymeric coupling agent comprises mercaptoester functional groups placed along a strong, hydrophobic polymeric backbone. This polymeric backbone preferably comprises polyethylene resulting in an ethylene mercaptoester (EME) copolymer.

Abstract: Synthetic sheet material comprising a porous polyurethane resin matrix containing polyester or polyethylene fibers, and a pressed polyurethane resin cover film patterned to imitate natural leather is treated inside rotary tanning drums, with a bivalent or trivalent metal salt solution, preferably of a chloride or sulphate, which is brought up to precipitation pH level in such a manner as to fill the pores in the polyurethane matrix on the sheet material with a corresponding hydroxide, after which the material is treated with a dialdehyde; fireproofing, coloring and softening substances.

Abstract: A process for forming a coating on an uncured article which emits an olefinic monomeric vapor on curing and controlling the emission of said vapor into the atmosphere which comprises the steps of treating said uncured article with a top coating composition having at least one polymerizable olefinic compound and a polymerization catalyst, at least partially curing the coating composition so as to form a barrier film on the uncured article and then curing the uncured article.

Abstract: An electrically conducting material including a polymeric substrate containing mercapto, thiocarbonyl, quaternary ammonium salt, amino or isocyanato groups, and copper sulfide bound to the polymeric substrate. The electrically conducting material may be prepared by treating the polymeric substrate with a source of monovalent copper ions and a sulfur-containing compound to form copper sulfide bound to the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: A novel method for grafting polymers to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and composites grafted according to this method are described. PTFE at a surface of a substrate is reduced to polyacetylene (PA) and then doped with a suitable dopant. The doped PA/PTFE substrate is then contacted with a polymerizable monomer precursor capable of polymerizing with doped PA, to form the polymer of said precursor chemically bonded to the surface of the PA/PTFE substrate. A grafted composite with layers of varying thickness may be formed by further contacting the substrate bonded to polymer with preformed polymer of a similar cohesive energy density.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: Styrenic polymer beads that are useful in forming foamed cups with improved strength and thermal properties are prepared by forming an aqueous suspension of initial styrenic polymer beads and adding thereto an emulsion of a comonomer solution of styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene, which emulsion also contains free-radical-producing catalysts, and the suspension with added monomers is heated to copolymerize the styrenic monomer and divinylbenzene within and on the initial beads and form modified beads.

Abstract: A process for adhering a latex film to a polymeric substrate through the formation of covalent bonds at the interface of the polymeric substrate and the latex film. The covalent bonds are formed through the reaction of a cyclic imino ether group, 2-alkenyl-2-oxazoline, and a coreactive group, active hydrogen, epoxy or anhydride group, one of which is present in the polymeric substrate and the other of which is present in the latex. A product prepared from the improved method of adhering a latex film to a polymeric substrate is also included.

Abstract: Processes for (1) depositing main group metals on inorganic and metallic substrates, (2) depositing transition metals on organic, inorganic and metallic substrates, and (3) depositing combinations of main group metals and transition metals on organic, inorganic and metallic substrates. The resulting products have useful electrical, optical and/or decorative properties.

Abstract: Plastic containers are treated to provide increased barrier properties to organics and gases such as oxygen by treating the interior surface of the container with SO.sub.3 gas. The SO.sub.3 gas is provided by inserting a solid pellet of poly-SO.sub.3 into the container and evaporating the SO.sub.3 such as with microwave energy. A solid neutralizing agent such as ammonium carbonate is then placed into the container and evaporated with microwave energy to form ammonia which neutralizes the sulfonic acid groups on the surface interior of the container.

Abstract: The method of treating a surface chemically by exposing the surface to a treating gas at high pressure for a time during which a surface reaction occurs, and then reducing the pressure of the gas for a time and removing reaction byproducts and then continuing the cycles of high pressure and low pressure until the surface reaction is completed.

Abstract: A method for locking two surfaces relative to one another is disclosed. The surfaces can be gelatin, paper, glass, nylon, or other surfaces having hydroxyl or amine functionality. The method involves bringing the two surfaces together and irradiating the interface between the two with radiation at a wavelength which causes photopolymerization to occur to lock the surfaces relative to one another. The photopolymerization can be of a cross-linking monomer positioned between the two surfaces, can be of an acrylic monomer grafted to the two surfaces, or can be of a photoresist formed at the two surfaces; a photoinitiator is required in the first two cases.

Abstract: A protective coating which is resistant to attack by basic solutions is formed from interpolymers containing maleic anhydride (MAH). An article is coated with a solution of the dissolved ammonium or amine salts of the MAH interpolymer, or if the article itself contains MAH the salts may alternatively be formed on the surface of the article by applying a basic solution containing the ammonium or amine ions. The article is then dried and heated at a temperature sufficient to form the cyclic imide structure from the ammonium or amine salt of the MAH, typically about 160 to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A multiple-layer process for applying, in alternate, successive molecular layers, a protein material, and a ligand extender material to a surface to modify the properties of the surface and to the multiple-layer product so prepared.

Abstract: Process for plating main group metals on aromatic polymers is carried out by the use of a nonaqueous solution of a salt of an alkali metal in a positive valence state and a main group metal in a negative valence state with contact between the solution and polymer providing a redox reaction causing the deposition of the main group metal and the reduction of the polymer. Products from the process exhibit useful decorative and electrical properties.

Abstract: A hose of improved impulse life is described including an inner polymeric tube which has a relatively hard outer surface, a tightly packed wire reinforcement e.g., braid or spiral, telescoped over the tube, and an expanded polymeric cushion matrix encapsulating at least a portion of the strands of the reinforcement and also promoting wire-to-wire and tube-to-wire adhesion. A method for producing the hose employing a foamable material applicator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for protecting environment from volatile liquid chloride as exposed to the atmosphere, which comprises:spreading foamy particulates of styrene resin over the chloride,initiating a reaction between the resin and chloride at the interface to form a filmy product, andcovering the surface of the chloride to a substantial part with a layer comprising such product, thus blocking evaporation of the chloride to spread and contact with humidity in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A composition comprising an intimate mixture of a polyarylene sulphide with an aryl ester of an aryl alcohol, the ester being in the liquid phase and the resin being a wet powder mixture, in suspension, in solution or in the form of a paste. The preferred mixture comprises polyphenylene sulphide and benzyl benzoate. There is also described a method of curing polyphenylene sulphide comprising dissolving the polyphenylene sulphide in benzyl benzoate and heating the solution so that the benzyl benzoate evaporates and the polyphenylene sulphide cures simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for bonding unvulcanized fluorinated elastomers to vulcanized non-fluorinated elastomers comprising exposing the vulcanized elastomer to a fluorinating agent; applying a conventional fluorinate elastomer adhesive to the treated vulcanized elastomer; contacting the adhesive-coated portion of the vulcanized elastomer with the unvulcanized fluorinated elastomer; and curing in situ the fluorinated elastomer. Sulfur tetrafluoride is a preferred fluorinating agent.

Abstract: A molded article which consists of a core comprising a copolymer of a monovinyl aromatic monomer and an alpha, beta-unsaturated cyclic anhydride and a grafted water-swollen hydrophilic polymer coating on the core is particularly suitable for use as a blood-contacting article.

Abstract: A method of increasing the wear resistance of a vulcanized elastomeric body having a surface region exposed to load, for instance a tire, cone or V-belt, conveyor belt, hose, resilient element, floor covering or the like, by changing its tensile stress state, wherein the elastomeric body is at least partially treated, including the surface region exposed to load, with a swelling agent constituting a medium which is soluble in the elastomer.

Abstract: The corrosive alkaline surface layer of an epoxy resin product formed by the curing of the epoxy with an aliphatic amine is eliminated by first applying a non-solvent to remove most or all of the free unreacted amine and then applying a layer of a chemical reagent to neutralize the unused amine or amine functional groups by forming a substituted urea. The surface then may be rinsed with acetone and then with alcohol. The non-solvent may be an alcohol. The neutralizing chemical reagent is a mono-isocyanate or a mono-isothiocyanate. Preferred is an aromatic mono-isocyanate such as phenyl isocyanate, nitrophenyl isocyanate and naplthyl isocyanate.

Abstract: The present application relates to enclosure members consisting essentially of solid, non-aromatic polymers that have a linear carbon to carbon backbone structure and having a plurality of free hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms with a permeability to wet solvents and fuels of less than 1/7, optionally less than 1/40 of the permeability of untreated enclosure members having a thickness of 1 mm. Said low permeability is due to the presence of a layer of an iron phenanthroline complex on at least the inner surface of said enclosure members, having a portion of the hydrogen atoms replaced by sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups.

Abstract: Unvulcanized or partially vulcanized rubber is coated with a coating poly capable of co-vulcanizing with the rubber and having functional groups capable of reacting with an adhesive. The coated rubber is then subjected to vulcanizing conditions. When the treated rubber surface is bonded to an adhesive, the functional groups react with the adhesive forming strong bonds.

Abstract: Process for rendering silicone rubber contact lenses hydrophilic by first reacting the silicone rubber with an oligomeric siloxane containing SiH groups in the presence of a catalyst and then subjecting the resulting equilibrated silicone rubber to a reaction with an aqueous base; or a silane addition reaction with a reactant containing C.dbd.C double bonds.

Abstract: Production of a device or filter for removal of ozone from air, e.g. in aircraft cabins, by depositing an oxide film containing manganese dioxide on a substrate, particularly a light weight thermally stable substrate, e.g. polybenzimidazole, by treatment with a permanganate solution containing a soluble ceric salt such as ceric ammonium nitrate, and preferably also a dichromate such as sodium dichromate, to form a dense strongly adherent film or coating of MnO.sub.2, ceric oxide and preferably also chromic oxide, on the substrate. A solution containing an oxidizable organic component such as abietic acid can be first applied to the substrate, followed by treatment with the above permanganate solution.

Abstract: A multiple-layer process for applying, in alternate, successive layers, the protein, avidin, and a biotin-containing extender material to a solid surface to modify the properties of the surface and to the multiple-layer product so prepared.

Abstract: Tacky portions of the surface of a photopolymer article, such as a photopolymer printing plate, are treated by immersing the photopolymer article in an aqueous solution of bromine and circulating the solution across the photopolymer article and through an ion-exchange resin to which elemental bromine has been added.

Abstract: A multiple-layer process for applying, in alternate, successive layers, the protein, avidin, and a biotin-containing extender material to a solid surface to modify the properties of the surface and to the multiple-layer product so prepared.