Abstract: Electrostatic-discharge safe devices for processing electronic components, e.g., matrix trays, chip trays, and wafer carriers are disclosed that are made from a mixture of a high temperature, high strength polymer and at least one metal oxide, and optionally with at least one pigment. The use of the metal oxides as conductive materials advantageously allows for light-colored electrostatic-discharge safe materials to be made. Such materials may be colored with pigments without compromise of material performance specifications.

Abstract: Electrostatic-discharge safe devices for processing electronic components, e.g., matrix trays, chip trays, and wafer carriers are disclosed that are made from a mixture of a high temperature, high strength polymer and at least one metal oxide, and optionally with at least one pigment. The use of the metal oxides as conductive materials advantageously allows for light-colored electrostatic-discharge safe materials to be made. Such materials may be colored with pigments without compromise of material performance specifications.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having durable anisotropic wetting fluid contact surfaces in the fluid flow channels of the device. The anisotropic wetting surface generally includes a substrate portion with a multiplicity of projecting regularly shaped microscale or nanoscale asperities disposed in a regular array on the surface. Each asperity has a first asperity rise angle and a second asperity rise angle relative to the substrate. The asperities are structured to meet a desired retentive force ratio (f1/f2) caused by asymmetry between the first asperity rise angle and the second asperity rise angle according to the formula: f1/f2=(?1+1/2??0)/sin(?2+1/2??0), ??0=(?a,0??r,0).

Abstract: A carrier with anisotropic wetting surfaces for promoting more effective cleaning and drying of the carrier. In the invention, entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of a carrier are made to effect anisotropic wetting. In the invention, entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of a carrier are made to effect anisotropic wetting so that fluids flow off of the surface readily in a desired draining orientation. Surfaces having anisotropic wetting qualities can be used to ensure that small droplets of liquid drain fully from the surface or, alternately, can be used to help ensure that droplets are retained in areas where when they dry any contaminants are unlikely to cause harm.

Abstract: A fuel cell with components having durable anisotropic wetting surfaces at selected locations where condensation of water may occur. The anisotropic wetting surface generally includes a substrate portion with a multiplicity of projecting microscale or nanoscale asperities disposed on the surface. Each asperity has a first asperity rise angle and a second asperity rise angle relative to the substrate. The asperities are structured to meet a desired retentive force ratio (f1/f2) caused by asymmetry between the first asperity rise angle and the second asperity rise angle according to the formula: f1/f2=sin(?1+1/2??0)/sin(?2+1/2??0), ??0=(?a,0??r,0).

Abstract: Certain embodiments include an electrostatic-discharge safe tray for receiving and/or storing electronic components, e.g., read/write heads. Such trays may be made from a mixture of at least one high temperature, high strength polymer, at least one metal oxide, and at least one pigment. The use of the metal oxides as conductive materials advantageously allows for light-colored electrostatic-discharge safe materials to be made, so that such materials may be colored with pigments without compromise of material performance specifications.

Abstract: A tray carrier with ultraphobic surfaces for promoting more effective cleaning and drying of the tray carrier. In the invention, entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of a tray carrier are made ultraphobic. The ultraphobic surfaces of the tray carrier cause liquids that may come in contact with the surface, such as may be used in cleaning, to quickly and easily “roll off” without leaving a liquid film or substantial quantity of liquid droplets. As a result, less time and energy is expended in drying the surfaces, and redeposited residue is minimized, thereby improving overall process quality and facilitating economical reuse of the tray carrier. In addition, the ultraphobic surfaces may be resistant to initial deposition of contaminants, where the contaminants may be in liquid or vapor form.

Abstract: A method of adhesive bonding by electric field. The method includes providing at least two adherends to be bonded, providing an electro-active adhesive between the at least two adherends, wherein the electro-active adhesive includes a multiplicity of electro-active particles and an adhesive binder, and applying an electric field to change the adhesion of the electro-active adhesive system to at least one of the adherends. Various carriers for microelectronic devices including electro-active adhesive contact surfaces are also included within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A magneto-active adhesive and method of adhesive bonding by magnetic field. The method includes steps of providing at least two adherends to be bonded, providing a magneto-active adhesive system between the at least two adherends, the magneto-active adhesive system comprising a plurality of magnetic particles and an adhesive; and applying a non-cyclically varying magnetic field or a cyclically varying magnetic field induced by an alternating current having a frequency of less than 100 hz to the magneto-active adhesive system to change the adhesion of the magneto-active adhesive system to at least one of the adherends. Various carriers for microelectronic devices including magneto-active adhesive contact surfaces are also described within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: Improved processes for forming shaped articles comprise extruding a composite comprising a polymer and at least one additive, and shaping the composite to form an article having a desired shape. Generally, the extruding and shaping steps are performed on a single process line, which allows the shaped articles to be produced in a continuous process. Due to the continuous process design, shaped articles made by the improved process can be produced in large quantities at a low cost per article. In some embodiments, a shaping station can be employed to shape the extruded composite. The shaping station can comprise a laser machining apparatus, a hot stamping apparatus, rollers having a predetermined pattern, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An article with a durable ultraphobic surface that is capable of retaining ultraphobic properties at liquid pressures of two pounds per square inch and above. The surface generally includes a substrate with a multiplicity of projecting regularly shaped microscale or nanoscale asperities disposed so that the surface has a predetermined contact line density measured in meters of contact line per square meter of surface area equal to or greater than a contact line density value “?L” determined according to the formula: ? L = - 1 ? , ? 406 ? ? ? ? cos ? ( ? a , 0 + ? - 90 ? ° ) where ? is the surface tension of the liquid in Newtons per meter, ?a,0 is the experimentally measured true advancing contact angle of the liquid on the asperity material in degrees, and ? is the asperity rise angle in degrees.

Abstract: A fluid handling component having a durable ultraphobic fluid contact surface that is capable of exhibiting ultraphobic properties at liquid pressures of one atmosphere and above. The surface generally includes a substrate portion with a multiplicity of projecting regularly shaped microscale or nanoscale asperities disposed so that the surface has a predetermined contact line density measured in meters of contact line per square meter of surface area equal to or greater than a contact line density value “?L” determined according to the formula: ? L = - 10 , 330 ? ? ? ? cos ? ( ? a , 0 + ? - 90 ? ° ) where ? is the surface tension of the liquid in Newtons per meter, ?a,0 is the experimentally measured true advancing contact angle of the liquid on the asperity material in degrees, and ? is the asperity rise angle in degrees.

Abstract: A fuel cell component with surfaces having improved lyophilicity so that liquid on the component adheres closely to the surface in relatively flat droplets or sheets. The lyophilic surfaces may be formed with a thin layer of inherently lyophilic polymer on the surface of the component. The lyophilic surfaces may be selectively provided on critical areas of the component, such as for example on flow channel wall surfaces of bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies, thereby inhibiting liquid blocking of the flow channels during operation of the fuel cell.