Abstract: The invention is directed to a construction material and to the use of modified layered inorganic material. The construction material of the invention comprises a layered inorganic material, which layered inorganic material comprises an ionic organic modifier compound and a biocide. The construction material of the invention has increased resistance against microbial fouling.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a conductive strain sensor on the surface of a device to measure strain at the surface of the device, which method comprises the steps of (a) providing a device; (b) optionally applying an isolating layer on a surface of the device; (c) establishing a distribution of particles of a first metal on the isolating layer obtained in step (b); and (d) depositing a layer of a second metal on at least part of the distribution of the particles of the first metal as obtained in step (c) by means of an electroless plating process or electro-deposition process.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing expanded snack particles, in which method pre-formed semi-finished starch-containing snack particles are contacted with superheated steam having a flow rate in the range of from 1 to 40 m/s, at a temperature in the range of from 150-300° C., until the semi-finished snack particles have expanded, and wherein more than 75% of the surface of the semi-finished starch-containing snack particles is contacted with the superheated steam. The invention further provides expanded snack particles obtainable with said method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for finish-frying food product particles in superheated steam having a flow rate in the range of from 1 to 20 m/s, at a temperature in the range of from 150-250° C. and for a period of time in the range of from 1 to 5 minutes, wherein more than 75% of the surface of the food product particles is contacted with the superheated steam. The invention further provides food product particles obtainable with said method.