Abstract: A substrate is described having a treated contact surface comprising a carbon or silicon compound comprising from 1 to 30 atomic percent oxygen, from 0.1 to 30 atomic percent nitrogen, or both, each as measured by XPS. A method is also provided for treating a surface of a substrate. The method includes treating the surface with plasma comprising one or more non-polymerizing compounds. The treated contact surface has a biomolecule recovery percentage greater than the biomolecule recovery percentage of the surface prior to treatment according to the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a modified surface comprising an optically active monomer, a polymeric material having a surface onto which the optically active monomer is covalently bound. In one aspect, a membrane comprising an optically active monomer, a poly(aryl sulfone) membrane having a surface onto which the optically active monomer is covalently bound. The present disclosure also relates to a method of modifying a surface, the method comprising applying sufficient energy to a surface to induce covalent bonding with an optically active monomer, and contacting the optically active monomer with the surface. In one aspect, a method of modifying a surface of a poly(aryl sulfone) membrane is disclosed. In another aspect, a method of synthesizing an optically active monomer is disclosed. In one aspect, a method of filtration of chiral compounds is disclosed.

Abstract: Machine (1) for the plasma treatment of containers (3), which comprises: a chamber (5) suitable for receiving a container (3) to be treated, a cover (8) defining a nozzle (9) in the extension of the chamber (5); a duct (14) for depressurization the container (3), which duct opens into the nozzle (9) and connects the latter to a vacuum source (15); a first valve (19) having a closed position, in which it closes off the depressurization duct (14), and an open position, in which it brings the nozzle (9) and the vacuum source (15) into communication; a duct (27) for pressurizing the container (3), separate from the depressurization duct (14), this pressurization duct (27) emerging in the nozzle (9) beyond the depressurization duct (14) and connecting the nozzle (9) to a pressure source (28); and a second valve (29) having a closed position, in which it closes off the pressurization duct (27), and an open position, in which it brings the nozzle (9) and the pressure source (28) into communication.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating a surface of a first golf club head component with a plasma treatment prior to bonding a second golf club head component to the plasma-treated surface of the first golf club head component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a biological substrate are provided. A plasma generation device includes a dielectric conduit and a high voltage electrode. The plasma generation device is placed in proximity to the biological substrate and a gas supply that includes a precursor material is directed through the dielectric conduit. An electric field generated by the potential difference between the high voltage electrode and the biological substrate ionizes at least a portion of the gas supply and causes plasma to emanate from the dielectric conduit and contact the biological substrate. The plasma induces a reaction of the precursor material to form a film that is deposited on the biological substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for depositing an anti-fouling top coat onto the outermost coating layer of a coated optical article, comprising the following steps: a) providing an optical article having two main faces, at least one of which being coated with an outermost layer; b) treating said outermost layer with energetic species resulting in surface physical attack and/or chemical modification; and c) vacuum evaporating a liquid coating material for an anti-fouling top coat by means of an evaporation device, resulting in the deposition of the evaporated coating material onto the treated outermost layer of the optical article, wherein prior to the vacuum evaporation step of the liquid coating material, said liquid coating material has been treated with energetic species.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hydrophilizing surfaces of polymer workpieces. The method has a step (a) of pretreating the workpiece surfaces in a high-frequency gas plasma which is produced on the basis of an inert gas in order to clean and activate the workpiece surfaces; a step (b) of precoating the pretreated workpiece surfaces with polyacrylic acid using a high-frequency gas plasma made of a gas mixture, said gas mixture being composed of an inert gas and a first gas made of biocompatible, polymerizable carboxy group-containing monomers; and a step (c) of subsequently coating the precoated workpiece surfaces using a second gas substantially containing acrylic acid monomers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polymer ion exchange membrane having a self-hydration capability at a high temperature under low humidity, a method of preparing the polymer ion exchange membrane, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system including the polymer ion exchange membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a hydrocarbon-based proton conductive polymercoating layer, and has a nano-crack on the hydrophobic surface and thus may secure ion conductivity and self-hydration capability under low humidity and remarkably improve electrochemical performance of an electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a plastic container coated with a thin film that is excellent in gas barrier properties, film coloration and film adhesiveness without using an external electrode having a special shape while suppressing deposition of foreign matters such as carbon powders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a patterned substrate for a cell culture, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a substrate; (2) depositing a plasma polymer layer by using a precursor material on the substrate; (3) placing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern on the plasma polymer layer; (4) treating the substrate, having the shadow mask placed thereon, with a reactive gas using plasma; and (5) removing the shadow mask from the substrate, and a patterned substrate for the cell culture fabricated thereby. The invention also relates to a method for a cell culture with a pattern, comprising the step of culturing cells on the patterned substrate for the cell culture, and a patterned cell chip, and a method of screening a material having an activity of inducing or promoting angiogenesis using the patterned cell chip.

Abstract: [Problem] An object is to provide a magnetic recording medium with improved HDI characteristics, such as impact resistance, and its manufacturing method. [Solution] A typical structure of a magnetic recording medium 100 according to the present invention includes, on a base, at least a magnetic recording layer 122, a protective layer 126, and a lubricating layer 128, wherein the magnetic recording layer 122 includes, in an in-plane direction, a magnetic recording part 136 configured of a magnetic material and a non-recording part 134 magnetically separating the magnetic recording part 136, and a surface corresponding to the non-recording part 134 protuberates more than a surface corresponding to the magnetic recording part 136.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of selecting a surface chemistry for culturing a given cell line, including the steps of: (i) providing a first substrate having a plasma polymerized surface with first and second regions, said first region having a first concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface and said second region having a second concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface, wherein said first and second concentrations are different; (ii) culturing cells from said cell line on said plasma polymerized surface in each said region; (iii) observing activity of said cultured cells in each said region, said activity selected from the group consisting of alkaline phosphatase activity of the cultured cells, cell growth of the cultured cells, attachment of the cultured cells, and cell spreading of the cultured cells; and iv) selecting, based on a particular observed activity, a secondary substrate for culturing said cells

Abstract: A bioartificial kidney equivalent and a process for producing the bioartificial kidney equivalent. The hybrid bioartificial kidney comprises human proximal and distal renal tubule cells grown on particular synthetic membranes.

Abstract: A method for continuously processing carbon fiber including establishing a microwave plasma in a selected atmosphere contained in an elongated chamber having a microwave power gradient along its length defined by a lower microwave power at one end and a higher microwave power at the opposite end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chamber having an opening in each of the ends of the chamber that are adapted to allow the passage of the fiber tow while limiting incidental gas flow into or out of said chamber. A continuous fiber tow is introduced into the end of the chamber having the lower microwave power. The fiber tow is withdrawn from the opposite end of the chamber having the higher microwave power. The fiber to is subjected to progressively higher microwave energy as the fiber is being traversed through the elongated chamber.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include compositions and methods for making them that include a polymeric porous membrane with one or more atmospheric pressure microwave plasma modified surfaces. The modified porous membrane is stable, non-dewetting, and retains its mechanical strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric electret film as well as the method of manufacturing the same. The polymeric electret film comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene film and an electrode layer. The polytetrafluoroethylene film includes a porous layer, which has a porous structure. The porous structure has a pore diameter ranging between 0.01 ?m and 5.0 ?m and has a porosity ranging between 20% and 95%. The polytetrafluoroethylene film has a thickness ranging between 1 ?m and 50 ?m, and is preferably made of expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene. The polymeric electret film has a surface potential ranging between 0.1 V and 1000 V.

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: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of analyzing various surface chemistries for culturing a particular cell line, which includes the steps of: (1) providing a plasma polymerized surface having first and second regions, the first region including a first concentration of carboxylic acid groups in the plasma polymerized surface and the second region including a second concentration of carboxylic acid groups in the plasma polymerized surface, wherein the first and second concentrations are different; (2) culturing cells from the cell line on the plasma polymerized surface in each the region; (3) observing activity of the cultured cells in each the region; and (4) analyzing the activity of the cultured cells in each region.

Abstract: A substrate for biochips which has a high probe loading amounts and a uniform immobilization density, and which further has a high detection sensitivity and a high reproducibility by preventing a non-specific adsorption of proteins, when used as a substrate for biochips for immobilizing probes composed of biologically relevant substances such as proteins and nucleic acids, is disclosed. Amino groups can be bound to the surface of the substrate uniformly, at a high density and stably by covalently immobilizing an amino group-containing polymer on the surface of the substrate. The probe immobilization rate is high and immobilizing density was uniform by immobilizing a probe composed of a biologically relevant substance such as a protein or nucleic acid by utilizing the amino groups. Further, detection sensitivity and reproducibility are high by inhibiting non-specific adsorption of proteins.

Abstract: A carbon foam composite including a carbon foam skeleton having a supplemental material therein, the composite useful for, inter alia, a variety of applications including applications requiring durability and water resistance. Also included is a method for making such carbon foam composite materials.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a plastic substrate with lower auto-fluorescence and better specificity. The method includes: (a) preparing a plastic substrate having an Atomic Force Microscopic (AFM) surface roughness of Ra<3 nm or Rq<4 nm under the condition of 50 ?m×50 ?m or less; (b) treating the plastic substrate with plasma; and (c) treating the plastic substrate with a surface-modifying monomer. A plastic substrate manufactured by the method is also provided. The plastic substrate exhibits a remarkably low auto-fluorescence and thus better specificity for detection of target biomolecules, which enables the broad application of a plastic substrate, which can be easily designed to include a microfluidic structure relative to a glass substrate but has been limitedly used due to high auto-fluorescence, to microarrays, biochips, or well plates.

Abstract: The application discloses articles and methods of plasma fluorination treatment that employ a capacitively-coupled system to fluorinate porous articles. The methods include placing the article to be treated within an ion sheath adjacent to an electrode and placing the article to be treated between powered and grounded electrodes separated by about 25 mm or less.

Abstract: We have developed an improved vapor-phase deposition method and apparatus for the application of layers and coatings on various substrates. The method and apparatus are useful in the fabrication of biotechnologically functional devices, Bio-MEMS devices, and in the fabrication of microfluidic devices for biological applications. In one important embodiment, oxide coatings providing hydrophilicity or oxide/polyethylene glycol coatings providing hydrophilicity can be deposited by the present method, over the interior surfaces of small wells in a plastic micro-plate in order to increase the hydrophilicity of these wells. Filling these channels with a precise amount of liquid consistently can be very difficult. This prevents a water-based sample from beading up and creating bubbles, so that well can fill accurately and completely, and alleviates spillage into other wells which causes contamination.

Abstract: A method for maintaining pore size of a reusable filtration membrane, said method comprising exposing said filtration membrane to a plasma comprising a hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon monomer so as to form a polymeric layer on the surface thereof. The treatment allows the filtration membrane to withstand washing procedures, in particular caustic washing. Thus reusable filtration membranes treated in this way and their use, form a further aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a protein chip substrate and a method for manufacturing the protein chip substrate. The method includes deposition of plasma polymerized ethylenediamine (PPEDA) having an amine group on plasma polymerized cyclohexnane (PPCHex) by inductively coupled plasma-chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD), thereby preventing non-specific adsorption of proteins on a slide surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an elongated object using a plasma process. The method comprises the steps of providing an elongated object in a cylindrical electrode structure, and applying potential differences between electrodes of an electrode structure to generate the plasma process. Further, the method comprises at least partially surrounding the elongated object by a unitary section of the guiding structure, the electrode structure being associated with the unitary section.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and compositions for fabricating irradiation targets from slurry compositions using a slip casting method to form a layer of the slurry composition on a substrate. The layer of slurry is allowed to dry on the substrate to produce a green cast layer that may then be cut, milled or otherwise machined to form intermediate targets having one or more predetermined configurations. These intermediate targets are subsequently subjected to a thermal process by which organic components remaining in the green cast layer are driven off and/or oxidized to form a densified, substantially inorganic, layer that has a density below that of the primary particles.

Abstract: A method of modifying a polymeric, inorganic, or organic-functionalized substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, an atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma stream is directed at a substrate surface, leading to the formation of surface-bound active sites that function as polymerization initiators. When contacted with a monomer or monomer solution, the active sites facilitate formation of a dense array of graft polymers covalently bound to the substrate surface. In another embodiment, an inorganic substrate is cleaned, conditioned in a humidity chamber, treated with an AP plasma, and contacted with a monomer or monomer solution to facilitate formation and growth of graft polymers on the substrate surface.

Abstract: Systematic and effective methodology to clean capacitively coupled plasma reactor electrodes and reduce surface roughness so that the cleaned electrodes meet surface contamination specifications and manufacturing yields are enhanced. Pre-cleaning of tools used in the cleaning process helps prevent contamination of the electrode being cleaned.

Abstract: Radiation curable coatings and methods of utilizing the coatings are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coating composition containing about 15% to about 80% by weight of one or more radiation curable compounds such as polycarbonate acrylate oligomers, polyurethane acrylate oligomer, polyester acrylate oligomers, silicone-based acrylate oligomers, or a combination thereof, and about 10% to about 80% by weight of one or more acrylate monomers.

Abstract: In order to provide a process for curing a coating, in particular a radiation-curable coating, on a work piece, which allows coatings even on difficult to access regions of a three-dimensional work piece to be cured in a simple manner, it is proposed that the work piece is disposed in a plasma generation area, and that in the plasma generation area a plasma is generated, by means of which the coating is at least partially cured.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a substrate having a plasma polymerized functionality bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. A superoxide dismutase mimic agent having a complimentary functional group to the plasma polymerized functionality is bonded to the portion of the substrate by bonding to the plasma polymerized functionality. The functionalities can be carboxylate, amine, or sulfate groups and/or polyethylene glycol and can optionally include crosslinking groups.

Abstract: A polymer-carbon nanomaterial composite. The composite includes a polymer matrix; and plasma-modified carbon nanomaterials having surface functional groups attached thereto, wherein the carbon nanomaterial is selected from carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles, carbon black, nanodiamond, fullerenes, or combinations thereof. The invention also involves a method of making a polymer-carbon nanomaterial composite, and a method of modifying carbon nanomaterials.

Abstract: An economical method of manufacturing a plastic glazing assembly having a decorative marking and/or opaque border printed from a thermally curable ink is presented. This method includes the steps of forming a substantially transparent plastic panel; printing an opaque pattern from an ink, the printed pattern being in contact with the plastic panel; pre-drying the ink of the printed pattern to a tack-free condition; applying a weather resistant layer on the printed pattern and on the plastic panel; curing the ink of the printed pattern and the weather resistant layer; and depositing an abrasion resistant layer on the weather resistant layer. In this process the drying of the ink substantially removes the solvent from the ink without substantially curing the ink.

Abstract: A process for preparing a coating on an object by plasma polymerizing a first compound under conditions to deposit a layer onto the object, the object comprising a nanocomposite polymer. In addition, the object so coated.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a polyolefinic film, with at least one layer, which is made from polyolefinic polymers, whereby said polyolefinic film comprises a bonding layer as outer layer. Said bonding layer contains at least 50 wt. % based on the weight of the layer of a maleic anhydride modified polyolefin. The film is used for printing, metallising or coating.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel uses of aziridine compounds. The aziridine compounds can be formed into films by plasma deposition on a wide variety of substrates. The films prevent biofouling, impart biocompatible or antithrombotic properties, and can immobilize therapeutic and pharmaceutical agents to provide a drug delivery system.

Abstract: A method of forming a protective film that restrains gas adsorption while preserving durability and corrosion resistance of a plasma CVD carbon film is disclosed. A protective film of a slide-resistant member is deposited by means of a plasma CVD method using a raw material of hydrocarbon gas, wherein a bias voltage higher than ?500 V is applied to the slide-resistant member in an initial stage of depositing the protective film, and a bias voltage of ?500 V or lower is applied in a final stage of deposition. A proportion of time duration of the final stage is preferably at most 25% of the total time for depositing the protective film. A magnetic recording medium comprising a magnetic recording layer and a protective film formed by the method also is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a substrate having a plasma polymerized functionality bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. A superoxide dismutase mimic agent having a complimentary functional group to the plasma polymerized functionality is bonded to the portion of the substrate by bonding to the plasma polymerized functionality.

Abstract: We describe an assay device which comprises (a) a substrate comprising: (i) a porous material capable of chromatographically transporting a liquid and (ii) one or more test reagents for an assay provided on the porous material; and (b) a water-impermeable coating polymer attached to the porous material so as to define a continuous bibulous compartment.

Abstract: Suture filaments coated by a plasma polymerization process exhibit a good balance of knot run down and knot security characteristics, superior tissue drag characteristics, and improved fray resistance.

Abstract: A polymer film having a low dielectric constant is produced polymerizing a raw material gas containing a compound of the formula (1): wherein PCA represents a polycycloaliphatic hydrocarbon group, ALK represents a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group, m is 1 or 2, n is 0 or 1, and R1 and R2 represent independently each other an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group or an aryloxy group by a plasma polymerization method.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer or layers are disclosed which comprises the steps of transporting a substrate having a first surface and a second surface on the side opposite the first surface to a gap formed between a first electrode and a second electrode opposing each other, the second surface having a coefficient of kinetic friction of not more than 0.9; and subjecting the first surface of the substrate to plasma discharge treatment to form the layer at atmospheric pressure or at approximately atmospheric pressure while supplying a reactive gas to the gap.

Abstract: A cushioning and positioning pad has a body formed from superposed layers of resiliently compressible foam material and a reinforcing sheet embedded between adjacent layers. The reinforcing sheet is of such stiffness as to resist contraction along its length and width dimensions, but is resiliently bendable in response to the application of a force along its thickness dimension. The reinforcing sheet resists undesirable contraction lengthwise and widthwise of the pad when the latter is encapsulated in a curable coating of material which shrinks as it cures.

Abstract: The substrates of the present invention comprise a polyimide base polymer derived at least in part from collinear monomers together with crankshaft monomers. The resulting polyimide material has been found to provide advantageous properties, particularly for electronics type applications.

Abstract: The application discloses methods of plasma treatment that employ an ion sheath in a capacitively-coupled system to increase the hydrophilicity of porous articles, including microporous articles having pore sizes of 0.05 to 1.5 micrometers, both on their surfaces and in their pores such that the articles' bulk wetting properties are improved.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the durability and reliability of recording media used in hard drives is disclosed. A protective overcoat made by depositing a diamond like carbon (DLC) layer over a magnetic layer and then depleting a portion of the DLC protective layer of hydrogen before it is coated with a Perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) using an in-situ vapor lubrication technique. The portion of the DLC layer which is depleted can be data zone of the media so that the lubricant-bonding ratio is higher for the landing zone than it is for the data zone.

Abstract: A method for modifying surface of biodegradable porous polymer scaffold for tissue engineering using a low temperature plasma discharge apparatus, and particularly, a method for inducing the biodegradable porous polymer scaffold to be hydrophilic by graft polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer on the surface of the biodegradable porous polymer scaffold, which is made of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid or poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) copolymer, using a low temperature plasma. The surface-modified porous polymer scaffold according to the present invention has an enhanced cell compatibility in cell culture in vitro, and promote tissue growth when the cell is transplanted into a body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that generates plasma using a microwave radiation supply. The plasma is used to treat a surface of a workpiece at approximately atmospheric pressure. Plasma excites a working gas to create an excited gaseous species without degradation from undue heat caused by the plasma. The gaseous species exit an outlet of the apparatus to treat the surface of a workpiece when the outlet is juxtaposed with the workpiece.

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.