Abstract: Provided a method for producing an oriented-porosity dielectric material on a substrate. The method includes depositing a composite layer on a substrate by vapor deposition comprising a material forming a matrix and a compound comprising chemical groups capable of being oriented under the effect of an electromagnetic field and/or photonic radiation; treating the composite layer to obtain the cross-linking of the material forming a matrix; and subjecting the substrate coated with the composite layer to an electromagnetic field and a photonic radiation.

Abstract: A substrate has a surface printed with an ink or coating composition with excellent adhesion and dry rub resistance, and very good oil and saline rub resistance (crock) properties using a multi-functional carbodiimide as a crosslinker for nonwoven substrates. The rub performance of the ink or coating printed on a nonwoven substrate has been found to be superior to that of a first Sun benchmark ink including pigments for four color printing. In another embodiment, a carbodiimide crosslinker such as multifunctional Carbodilite SV-02 is added to the compositions to further improve rub resistance (crock) and retain liquid characteristics post inoculation when compared to compositions using aziridine as a crosslinker. In a further embodiment, a thin polyolefin film exemplifying a backsheet of a hygiene product was printed with the same crosslinked ink or coating composition and compared with a second Sun benchmark set of inks.

Abstract: A method for producing polymer coatings by surface initiated polymerization from a plasma deposited coating is provided. The modification of surfaces by polymer attachment is a versatile and efficient means of controlling interfacial properties, such as surface energy (i.e. wetting behavior), permeability, bio-activity, and chemical reactivity. The present invention provides a method whereby a plasma deposited coating is applied to a substrate and the polymer coating formed by surface initiated polymerization is formed on the coating rather than the substrate itself. This means that the growth of the polymer using the grafting from procedure can be performed efficiently and independently of the substrate from.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a patterned retarder plate including a liquid crystal sheet on which a retarding pattern with a ?/4 wavelength by forming a patterned align layer on a photo align layer by performing an align process once. The method for manufacturing a retarder plate according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can implement the photoalign through a single process during the photoalign process using the mask, thereby reducing the defect rate due to the existing method and reducing the process costs.

Abstract: A method for protecting an item from weight gain due to uptake of liquid comprising the step of exposing the item to plasma in a gaseous state for a sufficient period of time to allow a protective layer, particularly a polymeric layer, to be created on the surface of the item. Also encompassed is an item of footwear treated by the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition comprising plasma coated fullerenic soot particles, methods for the preparation thereof, and its use in polymer blends.

Abstract: A method for treating an item which, in use, is subjected to flexing, to reduce its susceptibility to water penetration over time during use, said method comprising forming a water repellent coating or surface modification on the surface of the item by ionisation or activation technology.

Abstract: A composite sheet is manufactured by depositing a multi-layer coating on the outer surface of a substrate, the coating comprising a metal layer and an outer polymeric layer formed from a precursor comprising a polymerizable composition that includes a olefin group and a moisture curable group, such as an isocyanate or silane group. After the precursor is applied, the composite sheet is exposed to beam radiation or plasma discharge, ozone, and moisture, which respectively promote polymerization and curing at different sites of the precursor. The function of the cured polymeric layer preferably includes protecting the metal layer from corrosion. The amenability of the isocyanate or silane functionality to moisture-promoted coupling promotes substantially full conversion and curing of the precursor, even of portions of the substrate that are geometrically shadowed from incident beam radiation.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a reactive thiol containing coating to a substrate. The method includes subjecting the substrate to a plasma discharge in the presence of a compound of formula (I) or formula (Ia): where X is an optionally substituted straight or branched alkylene chain(s) or aryl group(s); R1, R2 or R3 are optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or heterocyclic groups, and m is an integer greater than 0; Rn is a number of optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or heterocyclic groups, where n is 0-5.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating a tire cord, comprising the steps of A) atomizing a mixture of at least one polymerizable monomer, a halogenated saturated hydrocarbon, and a carrier gas to form an atomized mixture; B) generating an atmospheric pressure plasma from the atomized mixture; and C) exposing the tire cord to the atmospheric pressure plasma under conditions suitable to form a polymer strongly bonded to the tire cord and capable of bonding to rubber.

Abstract: A composite sheet is manufactured by depositing a multi-layer coating on the outer surface of a substrate, the coating comprising a metal layer and an outer polymeric layer formed from a precursor comprising a polymerizable composition that includes a olefin group and a moisture curable group, such as an isocyanate or silane group. After the precursor is applied, the composite sheet is exposed to both beam radiation and moisture, which respectively promote polymerization and curing at different sites of the precursor. The function of the cured polymeric layer includes protecting the metal layer from corrosion. The amenability of the isocyanate or silane functionality to moisture-promoted coupling promotes substantially full conversion and curing of the precursor, even of portions of the substrate that are geometrically shadowed from incident beam radiation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating hydrophobic and oleophobic polymer fabric through two stages of modification using atmospheric plasmas including (a) moving a substrate into an atmospheric plasma area, generating an atmospheric filamentary discharge plasma with a first plasma working gas to obtain a first rough surface of said substrate, (b) exposing plasma treated substrate to air to obtain highly active peroxide on said first rough surface of said substrate, (c) immersing said substrate in a solution of fluorocarbon compound and processing a first stage of graft of a fluorocarbon monomer or oligomer on said substrate to obtain a grafted fluorocarbon monomer or oligomer layer on said first rough surface of said substrate, (d) processing a second stage of graft a fluorocarbon functional group to said grafted fluorocarbon monomer or oligomer layer by generating a carbon tetrafluoride plasma from a second plasma working gas and irradiating said carbon tetrafluoride plasma on said grafted fluorocarbon monomer or oligomer

Abstract: An electrical or electro-optical assembly comprising a substrate comprising an insulating material, at least one conductive track present on at least one surface of the substrate, at least one electrical or electro-optical component connected to at least one of the at least one conductive track, and a continuous coating comprising one or more plasma-polymerized polymers completely covering the at least one surface of the substrate, the at least one conductive track and the at least one electrical or electro-optical component.

Abstract: A process for producing polymeric films by applying a liquid composition onto a surface of a substrate under vacuum conditions in a vacuum chamber. The composition has a first component which is polymerizable or crosslinkable in the presence of a sufficient amount of an acid; and a cationic photoinitiator which generates an acid upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, electron beam radiation or both to cause polymerizing or crosslinking of the first component. A gas which emits ultraviolet radiation upon exposure to electron beam radiation is introduced into the vacuum chamber. The composition and the gas are exposed to electron beam radiation to cause the cationic photoinitiator to generate an amount of an acid to cause polymerizing or crosslinking of the first component. The composition is exposed to both electron beam radiation and gas-generated ultraviolet radiation and cured.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit including: (i) a plasma polymerized surface having first and second regions, said first region including a first concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface and said second region including a second concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface, wherein said first concentration and said second concentration are different; (ii) a first plasma polymerized secondary substrate having carboxylic acid groups disposed consistently thereacross at a concentration equal to said first concentration; and, (iii) a second plasma polymerized secondary substrate having carboxylic acid groups disposed consistently thereacross at a concentration equal to said second concentration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming a porous colorimetric gas sensing layer. In various embodiments, the method comprises providing a mixture of an organic solvent, a polymer forming material and a gas sensing compound or gas sensing particles. The method additionally comprises depositing the mixture (sprayed or vaporized) on at least a surface portion of a substrate. Thereafter, an atmospheric pressure plasma is applied to the surface portion to form a polymer layer comprising the gas sensing compound or particles. The steps of depositing the mixture and applying the plasma can be repeated multiple times to form a plurality of stacked or superposed polymer layers comprising the gas sensing compound or particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for depositing a polymer layer containing nanoparticles on a substrate material. The method comprises the steps of providing the substrate material, providing a polymerization material near a surface of the substrate material, conducting a gas flow near the surface of the substrate material, the gas flow comprising a nanomaterial, and depositing the polymer layer at the surface of the substrate material by applying a plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conformal nanocoating applied by a low pressure plasma process. The invention also relates to a method for making such a conformal nanocoating on a three-dimensional nanostructure, in particular a three-dimensional structure containing electrically conductive and non-conductive elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electronic device and related method, wherein the device has a polymeric coating with low toxicity. The polymeric coating formed by exposing the electronic device to continuous plasma comprising a compound of CH2?C(R1)—COO—R2, where R1 includes —H or —CH3; and where R2 includes —(CH2)2—(CF2)m—CF3 and m is 3 or 5.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of polymer layers or of strand-shaped applications on a substrate, in particular of FIPFG seals, by applying a reactive, foamable polymer material on the substrate, and the polymer material being subjected to a corona treatment or plasma treatment after it has been applied on the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a preparation method for carbon materials, carbon materials prepared from the same, and a product including the carbon materials, in which the preparation method including forming a polymer layer containing a polymer, stabilizing the polymer layer to form a cyclized aromatic structure of carbon atoms in the polymer, and carbonizing the stabilized polymer layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.

Abstract: An electrical assembly which comprises a substrate and a conformal coating deposited on at least one surface of the substrate by plasma polymerization of a compound of formula (I) and deposition of a resulting polymer of the compound of formula (I), and plasma polymerization of a fluorohydrocarbon and deposition of a resulting polymer of the fluorohydrocarbon, such that the resulting polymer of the compound of formula (I) and the resulting polymer of the fluorohydrocarbon create discrete layers of the conformal coating; wherein the compound of formula (I) is an organic compound.

Abstract: A microfabricated device or component thereof, such as microfluidics or nanofluidics device having a uniform non-wetting or non-absorbing polymeric coating or surface modification formed on a surface thereof by ionisation or activation technology such as plasma processing, to produce a surface energy of less than 15 mNm?l. The treatment enhances the free-flowing properties of a liquid through the device during use.

Abstract: A polymer film has a markedly improved resistance to erosion in the electrical field (so-called corona stability) when permanently subject to partial discharge.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for producing synthetic surfaces that mimic collagen coated surfaces for cell culture comprising: providing a monomer source comprising one or more organic compounds which are capable of polymerization, wherein at least one organic compound is prolinol; creating a plasma of said monomer source; and contacting at least a portion of a surface with the plasma to provide a plasma polymer coated surface. Advantageously, such methods provide an animal-free, synthetic, chemically defined surface that mimics a collagen coated surface for cell culture. Advantageously, such methods not only reduce the cost and/or issues associated with animal-derived collagen but are also amenable to large scale manufacturing.

Abstract: An isothermal, low pressure-based process of depositing material within a substrate has been developed, and is particularly useful in forming an optical fiber preform results in creating an extremely narrow reaction zone within which a more uniform and efficient deposition will occur. Sets of isothermal plasma operating conditions have been found that create a narrow deposition zone, assuring that the deposited material is clear glass rather than soot particles. The exhaust end of the tube is connected to a vacuum system which is in turn connected to a scrubber apparatus for removal and neutralization of reaction by-products. The operating conditions are selected such that the hot plasma does not transfer a substantial amount of heat to the substrate tube, where the presence of such heat has been found to result in vaporizing the reactant material (creating soot) and developing hot spots.

Abstract: According to a method for forming a UV patternable conductive polymer film, vapor-phase polymerization (VPP) may be employed to synthesize a conductive polymer, and a UV-curable polymer resin may be used as a binder to form a conductive polymer film, the method including coating a mixed solution of a binder and an oxidant on a transparent substrate, synthesizing a conductive polymer by vapor-phase polymerization (VPP) on the coating to form a conductive polymer film and patterning the conductive polymer film with UV light. The conductive polymer film may be patterned in a relatively simple manner while maintaining increased conductivity, improved transparency and improved flexibility. Therefore, the conductive polymer film may be used as a material for transparent electrodes of a variety of display devices, e.g., LCD and PDP devices, and electronic devices, e.g., ELs and TFTs.

Abstract: A diamond-like carbon film (DLC film) is formed on the surface of a base material made of an inorganic material, such as ceramics, or the like, or an organic material, such as resin, or the like. The surface of the resultant DLC film is treated with plasma, or the like, so as to be activated. Various monomers having biocompatibility, etc., are graft-polymerized to the activated surface of the DLC film, whereby a polymer layer is formed from the monomers grafted to the surface of the DLC film. Thus, the base material coated with the DLC film modified with a polymer which does not readily separate can be realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical packaging comprising a silicone-free lubricating film of crosslinked organic molecules, and to a method for producing same.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a nonwoven web having alcohol repellency properties are provided. A plurality of perfluoroalkyl(alkyl)(meth)acrylic monomers can first be deposited on a surface of the nonwoven web, and subsequently exposed to a RF plasma to polymerize the monomers on the surface of the nonwoven web to form a fluorinated polymeric coating. The perfluoroalkyl(alkyl)(meth)acrylic monomers include perfluoroalkyl(alkyl)(meth)acrylate esters having a perfluorinated carbon end group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms Nonwoven webs are also generally provided that have an alcohol repellency of greater than 80%.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a flexible metal-clad laminate using a casting method, including: (a) forming a first polyimide layer having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 25 ppm/K or less above a metal layer; (b) plasma-treating a surface of the first polyimide layer; and (c) forming a second polyimide layer having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 25 ppm/K or lower above the first polyimide layer. The flexible metal-clad laminate according to the present invention can have excellent adhesion between the polymer film and the metal conductive layer, a low dimensional change, and a low production cost, because of superior casting workability, even though the thickness of polyimide becomes increased.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for producing synthetic surfaces that mimic collagen coated surfaces for cell culture comprising: providing a monomer source comprising one or more organic compounds which are capable of polymerization, wherein at least one organic compound is prolinol; creating a plasma of said monomer source; and contacting at least a portion of a surface with the plasma to provide a plasma polymer coated surface. Advantageously, such methods provide a synthetic, chemically defined surface that mimics a collagen coated surface for cell culture. Advantageously, such methods not only reduce the cost and/or issues associated with animal-derived collagen but are also amenable to large scale manufacturing.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated thin-film solid-state lithium battery device to supply energy to a mobile communication device. The device includes a plurality of layers ranging from greater than 100 layers to less than 20,000 layers of lithium electrochemical cells, which may be connected in parallel or in series to conform to a spatial volume. The device also includes a polymer based coating characterized by a thickness to house the plurality of layers and configured as an exterior region for the battery device, the polymer based coating having a resistivity of 1012 ?.cm and higher. The device further includes a hermetic seal provided by the polymer-based coating to enclose and house the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A method for forming a polymeric coating on a substrate surface, by plasma treating a mixture comprising a free-radical initiated polymerisable monomer having one or more free-radical polymerisable groups in the presence of a free radical initiator, wherein said plasma treatment is a soft ionisation plasma process (a process wherein precursor molecules are not fragmented during the plasma process and as a consequence, the resulting polymeric coating has the physical properties of the precursor or bulk polymer) aid depositing the resulting polymeric coating material onto a substrate surface.

Abstract: Active polymeric films are described which comprise a permeable polymer matrix provided with one or more functional groups and, embedded within the polymer matrix, one or more nanoparticles of an inorganic substance(s) such as copper or silver to provide antibacterial properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of coating a surface with a water and oil repellant polymer layer. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate with a surface, exposing the surface to a monomer compound, and exposing the surface to a continuous plasma having a plasma power provided by a plasma circuit. During the exposition of the surface to the continuous plasma, the plasma power is reduced from an initial higher plasma power to a final lower plasma power, the final lower plasma power being less than 35% of the initial higher plasma power, thus applying an even polymer layer exhibiting a water contact angle of more than 110°.

Abstract: The invention includes the structure of a multilayer protective coating, which may have, among other properties, scratch resistance, UV absorption, and an effective refractive index matched to a polymer substrate such as polycarbonate. Each layer may contain multiple components consisting of organic and inorganic materials. The multilayer protective coating includes interleaved organic layers and inorganic layers. The organic layers may have 20% or more organic compounds such as SiOxCyHz. The inorganic layers may have 80% or more inorganic materials, such as SiO2, SiOxNy, and ZnO, or mixtures thereof. Each layer of the multilayer protective coating is a micro layer and may have a thickness of 5 angstroms or less in various embodiments. The multilayer protective coating may contain in the order of hundreds or thousands of micro layers, depending upon the design requirement of applications. In each micro layer, the components may have substantially continuous variations in concentration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel methods for forming hybrid thin films that contain multi-lamellar assemblies of phospholipid bilayers and can incorporate proteins, polypeptides, biological complexes, transmembrane proteins and other membrane-associated compounds. The present disclosure further provides uses for such bilayer lipid membranes including, biosensing for medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring, chemical and biological warfare agent sequestration, actuator development, and bio-fuel cell development.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for producing a novel, superior electroactive material and electroactive actuator, which act as artificial muscle, tendon, fascia, perimysium, epimysium, and skin that wrinkles and with the preferred movement of contraction, comprising ion-containing, cross-linked electroactive material(s); solvent(s); electrolyte(s); plasma treated electrode(s); attachments to levers or other objects; and coating(s). The composition and electrode configuration of the electroactive material of the electroactive actuator can be optimized so that contraction occurs when activated by electricity, when allowed to relax back to its original conformation, when the polarity of the electrodes is reversed, or a combination of these movements, such as antagonistic pairs. The electroactive material itself or the electroactive actuator may be used individually or grouped to produce movement when activated by electricity.

Abstract: Methods for supplying one or more vapors, under reduced pressure, to an environment are provided. The vapor may comprise at least one polymerizable component. In some cases, at least two components may be combined to form the vapor. The components may be provided as separate vapor streams, which may be combined and homogenized. Methods of the invention may also be useful in the deposition of materials on the surface of a substrate. In some cases, the material may form a layer, such as a polymer layer, on the surface of a substrate. The present invention may be useful in applications that require the formation of homogeneous films on the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A bonding film-attached substrate includes: a substrate whose main component is not silicon dioxide, or that does not have a Si-group skeleton; a silicon oxide film formed on a surface of the substrate and adjacent to the substrate using a vapor-phase deposition method, and that has a thickness of from 100 nm to 2,000 nm, inclusive; and a bonding film provided by plasma polymerization, wherein the bonding film includes (i) a Si skeleton that contains a siloxane (Si—O) bond, and has a crystallinity of 45% or less, and (ii) an elimination group that binds to the Si skeleton, the elimination group being an organic group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating a tire cord, comprising the steps of A) atomizing a mixture of at least one polymerizable monomer, a halogenated saturated hydrocarbon, and a carrier gas to form an atomized mixture; B) generating an atmospheric pressure plasma from the atomized mixture; and C) exposing the tire cord to the atmospheric pressure plasma under conditions suitable to form a polymer strongly bonded to the tire cord and capable of bonding to rubber.

Abstract: An atmospheric-pressure plasma-enhanced MOCVD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) uses a power circuit for supplying power for plasma generation, including a pulse control circuit provided inside in order to form a transparent conductive film on the surface of the substrate, the transparent conductive film having a low resistivity, excellent optical characteristics and a good texture formed on the surface using dielectric barrier discharge.

Abstract: A plasma spray apparatus in the form of a gun is utilized to apply an antifoulant coating to marine vessels. The apparatus includes a plasma generator, an electrophoresis element, a heating element, a shield gas element, a liquid cooling system, a forced air system, and a vacuum system. The plasma generator ionizes gas to create a plasma stream, which is utilized in part to supply energy to the heating element that heats a powder material. The heated powder material is exposed to the electrophoresis element to create a covalently bonded coating material. The coating material is injected into the plasma stream and is applied to a target surface. The shield gas element injects a gas flow to surround and protect the plasma and coating material stream as the stream is in flight to the target surface. The liquid cooling system cools portions of the plasma generator and heating element. The forced air system cools a portion of the target surface as the coating material is being applied.

Abstract: Transparent structures, electrochromic devices, and methods for making such structures/devices are provided. A transparent structure may include a transparent substrate having a plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, at least one substance configured to block near-infrared or infrared radiation and partially cover at least substantial portions of the substrate and the plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, and at least one photocatalyst configured to at least partially cover an outermost surface of the transparent structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing an electronic device, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), having an electrode with enhanced injection properties. An example method according to the invention comprises the steps of providing an electrode, depositing a first layer of molecular charge transfer material on the electrode, and cross-linking the molecular charge transfer material. With the method according to the invention, an OLED with higher light efficiency, lower operating voltage, and longer lifetime can be produced. The present invention further relates to an electronic device having an electrode with enhanced injection properties.

Abstract: A process for coating a substrate comprising condensing a radiation curable material on a substrate and curing it using an electron flux 6? with energy between 6.5 eV and 300 eV. The electron flux 6? is directed at the substrate (2) either simultaneously or sequentially with delivery of the curable material (5?). Curing is preferably initiated spatially and temporally concurrently with delivery of the material to the substrate. The electron flux is preferably generated using a low pressure gas plasma source with a driving voltage negative relative to the local voltage conditions. The low pressure gas plasma (6?) is preferably magnetically enhanced and, for example, incorporates a magnetron.

Abstract: The Application relates to a method of curing various polymerisable compositions, comprising a suitable photoinitiator, the curing being effected by means of a plasma in plasma discharge chamber.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface with a polymer layer, which method comprises exposing said surface to a plasma comprising a monomeric unsaturated organic compound which comprises a chain of carbon atoms, which are optionally substituted by halogen; provided that where the compound is a perhalogenated alkene, it has a chain of at least 5 carbon atoms; so as to form an oil or water repellent coating on said substrate.