US5043369A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Glass/glass-ceramic-plastic alloy articles
Assignee: Corning Inc
•
Filing: 1989-09-11
•
Granted: 1991-08-27
•
Expires: 2009-09-11
Abstract
Abstract This invention is directed to the preparation of alloy articles consisting essentially of glass and/or glass-ceramic and an organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer having a working temperature compatible with that of the glass and/or the precursor glass for the glass-ceramic. The glass and polymer are combined at the working temperature to form an intimate mixture; i.e., the glass and polymer are in a sufficiently fluid state to be blended together to yield a body exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure wherein, desirably, there is at least partial miscibility and/or a reaction between the glass and the polymer to promote adhesion and bonding therebetween. A body is shaped from the mixture and cooled to room temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Wendy A. Bahn
- 👤 George H. Beall
- 👤 Joseph Ference
- 👤 Beth C. Monahan
- 👤 Candace J. Quinn
- 👤 Paul S. Roussel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:20
CPC Classifications
C; C03; C03C; C03C14/00; C03C2214/00; C03C2214/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 77
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
An alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one glass and/or glass-ceramic and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure comprised of polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical, ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass and/or glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass and/or glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass and/or glass-ceramic, said glass and/or glass/ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass and/or glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass and/or glass-ceramic.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
An alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one glass and/or glass-ceramic and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure comprised of polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical, ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass and/or glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass and/or glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass and/or glass-ceramic, said glass and/or glass/ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass and/or glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass and/or glass-ceramic.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements are of relatively uniform dimensions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein the dispersed particles of said polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements are less than 50 microns in the largest dimension.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements are in an essentially non-oriented relationship.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An alloy according to claim 1 which is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An alloy according to claim 5 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alloy according to claim 6 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic exhibits a dissolution rate in boiling water of less than 1×10 -4 g/cm 2 /min.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
An alloy according to claim 6 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic exhibits a weight gain of less than 1×10 -66 g/cm 2 /min when exposed at 40° C. to a relative humidity of 80%.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic constitutes about 30-90% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An alloy according to claim 9 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic constitutes about 40-75% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
80 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 44-58% P 2 O 5 , 4-10% Al 2 O 3 +B 2 O 3 , consisting of 0-7% Al 2 O 3 and 0-10% B 2 O 3 , 10-45% Li 2 O+Na 2 O, consisting of 0-30% Li 2 O and 10-30% Na 2 O, 0-20% Cu 2 O, and 10-30% Li 2 O+Cu 2 O.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
70 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 10-35% R 2 O, wherein R 2 O consists of at least two alkali metal oxides in the indicated proportions selected from the group consisting of 0-25% Li 2 O, 0-25% Na 2 O, and 0-25% K 2 O, 12-55% ZnO, and 28-40% P 2 O 5 .
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
74 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said glass-ceramic contains a lithium-, zinc-, and/or lead-containing phosphate as the predominant crystal phase and consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 5-25% Li 2 O+Na 2 O+ K 2 O, consisting of 5-25% Li 2 O, 0-15% Na 2 O, and 0-10% K 2 O, 35-50% ZnO, 0.75-6% Al 2 O 3 , and 29-37% P 2 O 5 .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
93 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 10-35% R 2 O, wherein R 2 O consists of at least one alkali metal oxide in the indicated proportion selected from the group consisting of 0-25% Li 2 O, 0-25% Na 2 O, and 0-25% K 2 O, 12-55% ZnO, and 28-40% P 2 O 5 , and 0.5-5% total of Y 2 O 3 and/or at least one oxide of a rare earth metal selected from the lanthanide group.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyarylether ketones, polyphenylene sulfides, polyfluoro resins, polyetherimides, liquid crystal polyesters, polyethersulfones, polytetrafluoroethylenes, polyetherether ketones, polyetherketones, polyethylterephthalates, polybutylterephthalates, melamines, and polycarbonates.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alloy according to claim 1 wherein said thermosetting polymer is selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, silicone resins, polyimides, phenolics, and diallyl phthalates.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
170 words
An alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one inorganic glass and/or glass-ceramic and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, there being at least partial miscibility and/or a reaction between said glass and/or the precursor glass for said glass-ceramic and said polymer to promote adhesion and/or bonding therebetween, said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure of polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical, ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass and/or glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass and/or glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass and/or glass-ceramic, said glass and/or glass-ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass and/or glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass and/or glass-ceramic.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
170 words
An alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one inorganic glass and/or glass-ceramic and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, there being at least partial miscibility and/or a reaction between said glass and/or the precursor glass for said glass-ceramic and said polymer to promote adhesion and/or bonding therebetween, said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure of polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical, ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass and/or glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass and/or glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass and/or glass-ceramic, said glass and/or glass-ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass and/or glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass and/or glass-ceramic.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements are of relatively uniform dimensions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein the dispersed particles of said polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements are less than 50 microns in the largest dimension.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements are in an essentially non-oriented relationship.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
An alloy according to claim 17 which is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
An alloy according to claim 21 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
An alloy according to claim 22 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic exhibits a dissolution rate in boiling water of less than 1×10-4 g/cm 2 /min.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
An alloy according to claim 22 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic exhibits a weight gain of less than 1×10 -6 g/cm 2 /min. when exposed at 40° C. to a relative humidity of 80%.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic constitutes about 30-90% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
An alloy according to claim 25 wherein said glass and/or glass-ceramic constitutes about 40-75% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
80 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 44-58% P 2 O 5 , 4-10% Al 2 O 3 +B 2 O 3 , consisting of 0-7% Al 2 O 3 and 0-10% B 2 O 3 , 10-45% Li 2 O+Na 2 O, consisting of 0-30% Li 2 O and 10-30% Na 2 O, 0-20% Cu 2 O, and 10-30% Li 2 O+Cu 2 O.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
70 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 10-35% R 2 O, wherein R 2 O consists of at least two alkali metal oxides in the indicated proportions selected from the group consisting of 0-25% Li 2 O, 0-25% Na 2 O, and 0-25% K 2 O, 12-55% ZnO, and 28-40% P 2 O 5 .
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
73 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said glass-ceramic contains a lithium-, zinc-, and/or lead-containing phosphate as the predominant crystal phase and consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 5-25% Li 2 O+Na 2 O+K 2 O, consisting of 5-25% Li 2 O, 0-15% Na 2 O, and 0-10% K 2 O, 35-50% ZnO, 0.75-6% Al 2 O 3 , and 29-37% P 2 O 5 .
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
93 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 10-35% R 2 O, wherein R 2 O consists of at least one alkali metal oxide in the indicated proportion selected from the group consisting of 0-25% Li 2 O, 0-25% Na 2 O, and 0-25% K 2 O, 12-55% ZnO, and 28-40% P 2 O 5 , and 0.5-5% total of Y 2 O 3 and/or at least one oxide of a rare earth metal selected from the lanthanide group.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
36 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyarylether ketones, polyphenylene sulfides, polyfluoro resins, polyetherimides, liquid crystal polyesters, polyethersulfones, polyetherether ketones, polyetherketones, polyethylterephthalates, polybutylterephthalates, melamines, and polycarbonates.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alloy according to claim 17 wherein said thermosetting polymer is selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, silicone resins, polyimides, phenolics, and diallyl phthalates.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
216 words
A method for making an article of an alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one inorganic glass and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, the working temperature of said glass being compatible with the working temperature of said polymer, which comprises the steps of: (a) high shear dispersive mixing of said glass and polymer at a temperature and viscosity represented by the working temperature thereof to form a melt mixture of said glass and polymer; (b) shaping said mixture into an article of a desired geometry; and then (c) cooling said article to room temperature; said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure of polymer and glass elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass and/or glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass and/or glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass and/or glass-ceramic, said glass and/or glass-ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass and/or glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass and/or glass-ceramic.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
216 words
A method for making an article of an alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one inorganic glass and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, the working temperature of said glass being compatible with the working temperature of said polymer, which comprises the steps of: (a) high shear dispersive mixing of said glass and polymer at a temperature and viscosity represented by the working temperature thereof to form a melt mixture of said glass and polymer; (b) shaping said mixture into an article of a desired geometry; and then (c) cooling said article to room temperature; said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure of polymer and glass elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass and/or glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass and/or glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass and/or glass-ceramic, said glass and/or glass-ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass and/or glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass and/or glass-ceramic.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said glass and polymer are subjected to high shear dispersive mixing in the form of finely-divided bodies.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said working temperature represents a temperature at which said glass exhibits a viscosity of less than 10 8 poises.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 35 wherein said working temperature represents a temperature at which said glass exhibits a viscosity between about 10 4 -10 7 poises.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said working temperature is below 500° C.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 37 wherein said working temperature is between about 350°-450° C.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein the source of said high shear dispersive mixing is a twin screw extruder.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said polymer and glass elements are of relatively uniform dimensions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein the dispersed particles of said polymer and glass elements are less than 50 microns in the largest dimension.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said polymer and glass elements are in an essentially non-oriented relationship.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said alloy is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 43 wherein said glass is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 44 wherein said glass exhibits a dissolution rate in boiling water of less than 1×10 -4 g/cm 2 /min.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 44 wherein said glass exhibits a weight gain of less than 1×10 -6 g/cm 2 /min. when exposed at 40° C. to a relative humidity of 80%.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said glass constitutes about 30-90% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 47 wherein said glass constitutes about 40-75% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
80 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 44-58% P 2 O 5 , 4-10% Al 2 O 3 +B 2 O 3 , consisting of 0-7% Al 2 O 3 and 0-10% B 2 O 3 , 10-45% Li 2 O+Na 2 O, consisting of 0-30% Li 2 O and 10-30% Na 2 O, 0-20% Cu 2 O, and 10-30% Li 2 O+Cu 2 O.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
70 words
A method according to claim 33 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 10-35% R 2 O, wherein R 2 O consists of at least two alkali metal oxides in the indicated proportions selected from the group consisting of 0-25% Li 2 O, 0-25% Na 2 O, and 0-25% K 2 O, 12-55% ZnO, and 28-40% P 2 O 5 .
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
93 words
A method according to claim 53 wherein said glass consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 10-35% R 2 O, wherein R 2 O consists of at least one alkali metal oxide in the indicated proportion selected from the group consisting of 0-25% Li 2 O, 0-25% Na 2 O, and 0-25% K 2 O, 12-55% ZnO, and 28-40% P 2 O 5 , and 0.5-5% total of Y 2 O 3 and/or at least one oxide of a rare earth metal selected from the lanthanide group.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 53 wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyarylether ketones, polyphenylene sulfides, polyfluoro resins, polyetherimides, liquid crystal polyesters, polyethersulfones, polytetrafluoroethylenes, polyetherether ketones, polyetherketones, polyethylterephthalates, polybutylterephthalates, melamines, and polycarbonates.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 53 wherein said thermosetting polymer is selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, silicone resins, polyimides, phenolics, and diallyl phthalates.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
231 words
A method for making an article of an alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one inorganic glass-ceramic and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, the working temperature of the precursor glass for said glass-ceramic being compatible with the working temperature of said polymer, which comprises the steps of: (a) high shear dispersive mixing of said precursor glass and polymer at a temperature and viscosity represented by the working temperature thereof to form a melt mixture of said precursor glass and polymer; (b) cooling and simultaneously shaping said mixture into an article of a desired geometry; (c) heat treating said article to cause said precursor glass to crystallize in situ to form a glass-ceramic; and then (d) cooling said article to room temperature. said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure of polymer and glass-ceramic elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical, ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass-ceramic, said glass-ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass-ceramic.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
231 words
A method for making an article of an alloy comprising a melt mixture of at least one inorganic glass-ceramic and at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, the working temperature of the precursor glass for said glass-ceramic being compatible with the working temperature of said polymer, which comprises the steps of: (a) high shear dispersive mixing of said precursor glass and polymer at a temperature and viscosity represented by the working temperature thereof to form a melt mixture of said precursor glass and polymer; (b) cooling and simultaneously shaping said mixture into an article of a desired geometry; (c) heat treating said article to cause said precursor glass to crystallize in situ to form a glass-ceramic; and then (d) cooling said article to room temperature. said alloy exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure of polymer and glass-ceramic elements wherein said microstructure is selected from the group consisting of: (a) localized phase inversion/reversal; (b) an interconnected, co-continuous spinodal-type microstructure; (c) fine spherical, ellipsoidal, and/or serpentine particles of glass-ceramic separated by thin membranes of polymer; (d) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of glass-ceramic in polymer, said polymer having the appearance of winding channels; (e) an interlocking, three-dimensional microstructure comprising islands of polymer in glass-ceramic, said glass-ceramic having the appearance of winding channels; (f) a fine emulsion of glass-ceramic dispersed in polymer; and (g) a fine emulsion of polymer dispersed in glass-ceramic.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said precursor glass and polymer are subjected to high shear dispersive mixing in the form of finely-divided bodies.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said working temperature represents a temperature at which said precursor glass exhibits a viscosity of less than 10 8 poises.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 56 wherein said working temperature represents a temperature at which said precursor glass exhibits a viscosity between about 10 4 -10 7 poises
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said working temperature is below 500° C.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said working temperature is between about 350°-450° C.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein the source of said high shear dispersive mixing is a twin screw extruder.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said shaping of said mixture into an article of a desired geometry and said heat treating of said article are carried out in the same step.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said polymer and glass and/or glass-ceramic elements are of relatively uniform dimensions.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein the dispersed particles of said polymer and glass-ceramic elements are less than 50 microns in the largest dimension.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said polymer and glass-ceramic elements are in an essentially nonoriented relationship.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said alloy is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 65 wherein said glass-ceramic is essentially non-hygroscopic and exhibits excellent resistance to attack by moisture.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 66 wherein said glass-ceramic exhibits a dissolution rate in boiling water of less than 1×10 -4 g/cm 2 /min.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 66 wherein said glass-ceramic exhibits a weight gain of less than 1×10 -6 g/cm 2 /min when exposed at 40° C. to a relative humidity of 80%.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said glass-ceramic constitutes about 30-90% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 69 wherein said glass-ceramic constitutes about 40-75% by volume of said alloy.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
74 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said glass-ceramic contains a lithium-, zinc-, and/or lead-containing phosphate as the predominant crystal phase and consists essentially, expressed in terms of mole percent on the oxide basis, of 5-25% Li 2 O+Na 2 O+ K 2 O, consisting of 5-25% Li 2 O, 0-15% Na 2 O, and 0-10% K 2 O, 35-50% ZnO, 0.75-6% Al 2 O 3 , and 29-37% P 2 O 5 .
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyarylether ketones, polyphenylene sulfides, polyfluoro resins, polyetherimides, liquid crystal polyesters, polyethersulfones, polytetrafluoroethylenes, polyetherether ketones, polyetherketones, polyethylterephthalates, polybutylterephthalates, melamines, and polycarbonates.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 54 wherein said thermosetting polymer is selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, silicone resins, polyimides, phenolics, and diallyl phthalates.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-08-26 | 1995-02-25 | 1995-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-08-26 | 1999-02-25 | 1999-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-08-26 | 2003-02-25 | 2003-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |