(19)

(11)

EP 1 144 728 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/42 (21) Application number: 99965066.6 (22) Date of filing: 01.12.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C23F 11/173, C09D 163/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9928/307 (87) International publication number: WO 0032/844 (08.06.2000 Gazette 2000/23)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 02.12.1998 US 110612 P (71) Applicant: THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR HIGHER EDUCATIONSTATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS Providence, RI 02908 (US)	(72) Inventors: YANG, Sze, Cheng Wakefield, RI 02879 (US) BROWN, Richard Wakefield, RI 02881 (US) (74) Representative: Bankes, Stephen Charles Digby et al BARON & WARREN18 South EndKensington London W8 5BU London W8 5BU (GB)