Abstract: Disclosed is a method for creating a composite colloidal particle formulation with advanced functionality that possesses highly efficient and effective properties. The composite colloidal particle formulation comprises an engineered biodegradable particle core dispersed in a bioadhesive polyelectrolyte solution. Also disclosed are methods of use of the same, including but not limited to applying said formulation to plants for disease treatment.

Abstract: A coating process is described that coats a coil-to-coil continuous substrate with a graphene-like coating. The coating process includes cleaning and activating a substrate, applying a graphene oxide dispersion to the substrate, drying the coated sub-strate, and exposing the dried coating to VUV radiation under a dry atmosphere. The atmosphere for the last step includes one or more inert gases and optionally one or more reactive gases to repair defects in the coating and/or to functionalize the coating. This coating process allows for the formation of a polygranular graphene-like coating intimately in contact with the substrate. The graphene-like coating coats the substrate with multiple monolayers of graphene in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A device for lacquer transfer includes a frame, a transfer roller with a circumferential lateral wall, a drive unit and a lacquer application unit. The lacquer application unit is mounted on the frame and applies lacquer to a work surface of a work piece while the device is moved in an application direction across the work surface. The drive unit drives the transfer roller in a rotation direction about an axis of rotation. An outside contact surface of the lateral wall comprises a plurality of depressions forming a predetermined structure. The transfer roller rolls with the outside contact surface on the work surface of the work piece for transferring the predetermined structure defined by the depressions in the outside contact surface to lacquer previously applied to the work surface by the lacquer application unit.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for forming a composite material. The method includes: combining a first component element with a second component element to form a composite mixture; subjecting the composite mixture to a first force to in order to form ligaments and disperse the first component element and second component element in relation to each other, wherein the first force is a mechanical force, subjecting the ligaments to at least one second force in order to form attenuated ligaments and further disperse the first component element and second component element in relation to each other, wherein the at least one second force imparts both shear flow deformation and extensional flow deformation to the ligaments to form the attenuated ligaments; and collecting the attenuated ligaments. There is also provided a composite material prepared using the method described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying titanium dioxide-based photocatalytic coatings to a carrier material without using binders. The invention also relates to the use of a coating. According to the invention, a titanium dioxide suspension together with a carrier liquid is sprayed onto a hot carrier in the form of a fine aerosol so that the carrier liquid flash evaporates and titanium dioxide particles of the titanium dioxide suspension are flash sintered onto the carrier material, water being used as the carrier liquid and the carrier material having a temperature of 150 to 250° C. during spraying. According to the invention, a porous and yet stable layer for a catalyst for an efficient and rapid degradation of pollutants is produced.

Abstract: Surface treatment processes for treating low-k dielectric materials are provided. One example implementation can include a method for processing a workpiece. The workpiece can include a silicon and carbon containing film material. The method can include treating the workpiece with a surface treatment process. The surface treatment process can include generating one or more species in a first chamber; mixing one or more hydrocarbon molecules with the species to create a mixture comprising one or more organic radicals; and exposing the silicon and carbon containing layer on the workpiece to the mixture in a second chamber.

Abstract: A centrifuge plate is disclosed which is intended for casting housing ends of hollow fiber filter modules and can be rotated around a centrifuge axis. The centrifuge plate includes at least two bearing elements arranged diametrically with respect to the centrifuge axis and provided for supporting a housing of a hollow fiber filter module to be cast, wherein each bearing element is rotatably supported on the centrifuge plate around a bearing axle which is parallel to the centrifuge axis.

Abstract: The present invention describes a photochemical hydrogenation process for heavy fractions of hydrocarbon streams where the aromatic and polyaromatic compounds present in that fraction selectively react in the presence of an alkoxide, when subjected to electromagnetic irradiation.

Abstract: A method for forming patterns of semiconductor device is provided in the present invention, with steps of filling up first self-assembly material in first openings in a dielectric layer, phase-separating the first self-assembly material to form a first portion and a second portion surrounding the first portion, removing the first portion and performing a first etch process to form a first mask pattern in a mask layer, forming a second dielectric layer and repeating the above steps to form a second mask pattern in the mask layer, wherein the second mask pattern is aligned with the first mask pattern to form a common mask pattern.

Abstract: A process for producing a reaction mixture comprising a plurality of C3 chlorinated alkane isomers comprising chlorinating a C3 chlorinated alkane starting material in a chlorination zone to produce the plurality of C3 chlorinated alkane isomers, the plurality of C3 chlorinated alkane isomers each having at least one more chlorine atom than the C3 chlorinated alkane starting material, wherein the concentration of the C3 chlorinated alkane starting material is controlled such that conversion of the C3 chlorinated alkane starting material to the plurality of C3 chlorinated alkane isomers, represented by the molar ratio of the C3 chlorinated alkane starting material:C3 chlorinated alkane isomers in the reaction mixture present in the chlorination zone, does not exceed about 40:60.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for depositing a monolayer onto a surface of a substrate are described. The method can include contacting the surface with a vapor phase comprising a carbene source, and reacting a carbene group from the carbene source with a functional group on the surface, to obtain a covalently bound monolayer on the surface of the substrate. The carbene source can be a diazirine compound. The functional group on the surface can be a C—H containing group, a Si—H containing group, among others, or combinations thereof. The method can further involve removing physisorbed molecules from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for electrospinning chitinous biomass solution to form chitin fibers, using ionic liquids or other ion-containing liquids as solvent. Chitin fibers produced thereby and articles containing such chitin fibers are also disclosed. The chitin fiber thus obtained has very high surface area and improved strength over currently commercially available chitin materials.

Abstract: A process for preparing a membrane comprising applying a curable composition to a porous support and curing the composition, wherein the composition comprises: a) a curable ionic compound; b) a first crosslinking agent; c) a second crosslinking agent; d) an inert solvent; and e) optionally a free radical initiator; wherein the second crosslinking agent has a melting point below 80° C. Also claimed are the compositions and membranes obtainable by using the process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing metal oxide nanoparticles, the method comprising: (i) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbial-mediated formation of metal oxide nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprise: metal-reducing microbes, a culture medium suitable for sustaining said metal-reducing microbes, an effective concentration of one or more surfactants, a reducible metal oxide component containing one or more reducible metal species, and one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said metal-reducing microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said metal-reducing microbes; and (ii) isolating said metal oxide nanoparticles, which contain a reduced form of said reducible metal oxide component. The invention is also directed to metal oxide nanoparticle compositions produced by the inventive method.

Abstract: Gas separation membrane compositions including at least one crosslinked polymer, gas separation membranes made of such compositions, methods for making such gas separation membranes, and methods of using such membranes to separate gases are described. In one embodiment, the crosslinked polymer includes polyarylene ethers (PAE).

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A method and system for treating and strengthening material. One or more electron accelerators can be integrated with a mobile unit. The electron accelerators are positioned on the mobile unit to irradiate and treat in-situ, a material located proximate to the mobile unit, wherein irradiation of the material by the electron accelerators results in in-situ cross-linking or polymerization of the material and therefore a strengthening and increased durability of the material. The in-situ treatment of a road surface to toughen and strengthen the road surface constructed with standard asphalt construction can result in improved material properties of the surface, enhanced durability, and improved lifetime.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and methods for processing biomass to produce charcoal, bio-oil(s) activated carbon, recarburiser carbon, or nut coke by means of microwave energy. The apparatus has a rotatable tube (5) for receiving biomass (108), an electromagnetic generator (7). One method provides applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass (108) and an absorbing material (109). An alternative method provides allowing an indirect, black body radiation field to develop, and exposing the biomass (108) to the black body radiation field and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides allowing plasma to form and exposing the biomass to the plasma and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides introducing the biomass to a second container (205), introducing the second container to a first reaction container (5), applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass and an absorbing material (109), allowing a plasma to form in the first container, which heats the biomass in the second container.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource processing device may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source. The RF applicator may include a base member being electrically conductive, and first and second elongate members being electrically conductive and having proximal ends coupled to the base member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally parallel spaced apart relation. The first and second elongate members may have distal ends configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therebetween. In another embodiment, the RF applicator may include an enclosure being electrically conductive and having a passageway therethrough to accommodate a flow of the hydrocarbon resource and a divider being electrically conductive and positioned within the enclosure.

Abstract: An archery bow is provided including an archery component such as a cable guard and/or cable guide that includes an e-coat film to minimize wear abrasion on a cable, bowstring or other element. A metal surface of an archery component optionally can be immersed in a bath of charged coating particles, and the metal surface can be caused to have an electrical charge. The charged coating particles can be electrodeposited on the metal surface to provide a coating.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Provided are: novel rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles each having a high photocatalytic activity; a photocatalyst including the rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles; and a method for oxidizing an organic compound using the photocatalyst. The rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles each have an exposed crystal face (001). The rutile titanium oxide nanoparticles may be produced by subjecting a titanium compound to a hydrothermal treatment in an aqueous medium in the presence of a hydrophilic polymer. A polyvinylpyrrolidone, for example, is used as the hydrophilic polymer. An organic compound having an oxidizable moiety can be oxidized with molecular oxygen or a peroxide under photoirradiation in the presence of the photocatalyst including the rutile titanium oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Dental curing systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a light source, a perforated plate, and a dental composite. The perforated plate may be positioned between the light source and the dental composite. The perforated plate may include a plurality of perforations that convert a first curing light beam from the light source into multiple curing light beams before reaching the dental composite. The multiple curing light beams come in contact with the dental composite to begin the curing process at certain locations on the dental composite. The perforated plate may then be removed, and a second curing light beam from the light source may be applied to the dental composite to complete the curing process.

Abstract: Photoelectric systems combining a semiconductor and a phosphorescent compound with an emission spectrum of photons with energy levels equal to or greater than the activation energy of the semiconductor, wherein the phosphorescent compound is characterized by the emission spec-tram being produced by excitation of the phosphorescent compound with lower energy photons and the separation distance between the semiconductor and the phosphorescent compound is less than the distance at or above which scattering losses predominate. Methods are that embody technological applications of the photoelectric systems are also disclosed, as well as articles that embody technological applications of the photoelectric systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing finely divided particles of core-shell structure where the shell comprises at least one polymer, said process comprising the steps of: i. providing a first aerosol stream of droplets in a carrier gas stream wherein the droplets comprise at least one monomer and charging droplets of the first aerosol with electric charge; ii. providing a second aerosol stream of solid particles in a carrier gas stream and charging the solid particles of the aerosol with an electric charge opposite to the electric charge on the droplets of the first aerosol stream; iii. mixing the first aerosol stream with the second aerosol stream to form a mixed aerosol stream; iv. initiating a polymerization of the monomers by irradiating this mixed aerosol stream with electromagnetic radiation. The invention also provides the finely divided particles of core-shell structure which are obtainable by this process.

Abstract: A device for carrying out gas reactions, comprising a plasma reactor with a through-flow of gases which has a, particularly cylindrical, plasma chamber, wherein flow-forming elements for forming a flow of gases are arranged before and/or in and/or after the plasma reactor in order to form a gas stream within the plasma chamber such that at least one, particularly central, zone in the gas flow is formed which is flow-reduced. A method for carrying out gas reactions is also provided.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) hydrocarbon resource upgrading device may include a first hydrocarbon resource upgrading path that may include a plurality of first RF power applicator stages coupled in series. Each first RF power stage is configured to apply RF power to upgrade a hydrocarbon resource passing therethrough. The RF hydrocarbon resource upgrading device may also include a second hydrocarbon resource upgrading path that may include at least one second RF power applicator stage coupled in parallel with at least one of the first RF power applicator stages. The second RF power applicator stage is configured to apply RF power to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource passing therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to produce a stable, ionic-bonded, dry creatine-?-ketoglutarate product at a molar ratio of about 2:1. The product is stable at room temperature when kept dry for periods of up to one year. The product can be supplemented with additional biologically active, natural amino acid, preferably l-arginine, l-taurine and l-citrulline. The serving dosage is typically between about 1 and 2 g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a conductive polymer dispersion, including: adding a conductive compound, a polyanion, and an oxidant to a solvent; and polymerizing the conductive compound with microwaves. The present invention further provides a conductive polymer material made from the conductive polymer dispersion and a solid electrolyte capacitor using the conductive polymer material. Compared to a conventional method, the conductive polymer is prepared by the method of the present invention in a shorter time and environmental friendly. Moreover, the conductive polymer material made from the dispersion exhibits a high conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for performing photoreactions of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The invention features a vessel defining a chamber and a light source. The chamber has a chamber volume, a first window, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is placed in fluid communication with a source of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The first window is transparent to light transmission and is placed in optical communication with a light source to receive photons. The chamber receives a solution of one or more photo-reactive compounds over time to define a dwell time. The device further includes a light source, in optical communication with the first window, for emitting photons which photons are received by the first window and transmitted into the chamber.

Abstract: Graphite oxide can be converted to its reduced form (r-GO) using exposing radiation having a peak wavelength (?max) of less than 400 nm, and even less than 1 nm (X-rays). This conversion method is efficient and can be carried out with various forms of graphite oxide samples, with or without simultaneous application of heat, below atmospheric pressure, or in a reducing environment.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of superabsorbent polymers comprising polymerizing a monomer solution on a continuous belt reactor, wherein the consistency of the formed polymer gel at the end of the continuous belt reactor is controlled by adjusting the intensity of energy-rich radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions comprising macrocycles. In some cases, at least one beta-position of the macrocycle comprises an electron-withdrawing group, for example, a halide. In some embodiments, methods for forming and/or modifying a macrocycle using microwave energy are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions are employed in catalysis reactions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of a process by intermittent dielectric heating combined with a recycling system. This process consists in subjecting reagents to electromagnetic waves selected in the frequencies ranging between 300 GHz and 3 MHz intermittently using a recycling system. This process enables the treatment of oils that are hardly absorbent as well as great investment savings. This process enables operation on different scales, whether in laboratories, on a semi-industrial or industrial scale, without forfeiting the advantages of continuous dielectric heating.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a biomass susceptible to depolymerization or liquefaction under mild conditions. The process comprises introducing into the biomass a material susceptible to the absorption of electro-magnetic radiation to form a radiation absorbent biomass. The radiation absorbent biomass is subjected to electro-magnetic radiation to form an activated biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanomaterials and/or carbon micromaterials, in particular multi-wall carbon nanotubes. This method is characterized according to the invention in that the materials, in particular the side walls of the materials, undergo microwave-assisted functionalization. In addition, a correspondingly modified material is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for bonding two surfaces to one another. The invention particularly pertains to the use of such method in which one of the surfaces is a polymeric plastic (and more preferably a polymeric thermoplastic (especially poly-(methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”) or cyclic olefin copolymer (“COC”)). More particularly, the invention relates to treating at least one of the contacting surfaces with UV in the presence of oxygen to thereby generate ozone (O3) and atomic oxygen under conditions of temperature below that of the glass transition temperature of the polymeric plastic. The UV/O3-mediated bonding results in high bond strength and zero-deformation method. This bonding method can be applied to micro/nano-scale polymer devices, and particularly to microfluidic devices, for a low cost, high throughput, high yield advantage.

Abstract: The present invention describes extremely rapid and efficient methods for the attachment of chemical moieties to matrices by the use of microwave technology. The methods of the invention can be applied in a variety of ways for the preparation of different types of matrices for a variety of applications including but not limited to the functionalization of various solid supports, and matrices in the form of powder, beads, sheets, and other suitable surfaces for use in applications including but not limited to oligonucleotide synthesis, peptide synthesis, environmental clean up (removal of toxic materials), immunoassays, affinity chromatography, combinatorial chemistry, microarrays, proteomics and medical diagnostics.

Abstract: A method for easily and stably producing a superoxide by selectively generating the superoxide or a radical containing the superoxide at a high purity; a method for easily evaluating the superoxide scavenging ability of a subject sample; a device for easily and stably producing a superoxide by selectively generating the superoxide or a radical containing the superoxide at a high purity; and a device for easily evaluating the superoxide scavenging ability of a subject sample are provided. The method for producing a superoxide includes: a step (a) for preparing a solution for determination; a step (b) for forming a spin adduct/radical for determination; a step (c) for acquiring a spectrum for determination; a step (d) for determining similarity; a step (e) for acquiring flavin concentration; a step (f) for preparing a starting material solution; and a step (g) for generation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving the functional properties of a sample, which comprises at least one component that can be modified upon absorbing ultraviolet light, the method including using pulsed light with an emission spectrum of 190-1100 nm and a high content of ultraviolet light to modify the component. The method makes it possible to obtain samples with improved functional properties (hydration, glass transition, solubility, water retention capacity, oil retention capacity, thickening, dispersing, emulsifying, foaming or gelling properties, film formation properties, bulking agent properties, surface properties (wettability, adhesion, etc.)) which are used in the food industry, the cosmetics industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the biomedical industry, the biotechnological industry, the chemical industry and in other industries.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for preparing estolides and estolide base oils from fatty acid reactants utilizing catalysts. Further provided herein are processes for preparing carboxylic esters from at least one carboxylic acid reactant and at least one olefin.

Abstract: Provided are: novel rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles each having a high photocatalytic activity; a photocatalyst including the rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles; and a method for oxidizing an organic compound using the photocatalyst. The rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticles each have an exposed crystal face (001). The rutile titanium oxide nanoparticles may be produced by subjecting a titanium compound to a hydrothermal treatment in an aqueous medium in the presence of a hydrophilic polymer. A polyvinylpyrrolidone, for example, is used as the hydrophilic polymer. An organic compound having an oxidizable moiety can be oxidized with molecular oxygen or a peroxide under photoirradiation in the presence of the photocatalyst including the rutile titanium oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using radiation and (in one embodiment) solar energy and UV radiation to convert natural products, for example derivatives of vegetable oils, to lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. The invention further relates to a process whereby these hydrocarbons can be converted to vinyl monomers and used in the formation of plastics, solvents, fuels and the like.

Abstract: Cyclic alkynes (e.g., cyclooctynes such as dibenzocyclooctynes) can be photochemically generated from cyclopropenones as disclosed herein. The cyclic alkynes can be reacted (e.g., in situ) with materials having alkyne-reactive groups (e.g., azide groups in a “click” reaction). In preferred embodiments, the generation and reaction of the cyclic alkyne can proceed in the absence of a catalyst (e.g., Cu(I)). These reactions can be useful, for example, for the selective labeling of living cells that are metabolically modified with azido-containing surface monosaccharides, or for light-directed surface patterning.

Abstract: Provided is a microwave reactor including a reaction container for receiving a reaction solution, a microwave radiator for irradiating the reaction solution received in the reaction container with microwaves, and a cooler for cooling the reaction solution received in the reaction container, wherein a heat-generating medium generating heat by absorbing the microwaves is arranged on a surface of the cooler or in the vicinity of the surface at a position receiving the microwaves from the microwave radiator through the reaction solution.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of the following innovations: various devices/instruments which may be used in the preparation of a compact monolayer [made up of a suitable organic material (or organic compound)] as well as the carbonization of the latter; efficient methods for preparing a compact monolayer which is free from all “other” materials that were used in the various processes involved in the said preparation of the said compact monolayer; various methods for carbonizing a compact monolayer by means of a suitable “heat source” (which allows the application of a sudden searing “heat” extremely quickly) in order to produce a graphene layer, where the said heat source may be a “hot surface” or a suitable “radiation type beam” such as a suitable laser beam, or a suitable maser beam, or a suitable electron beam; and finally, various methods to provide a protective layer for a graphene layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for processing organic material using solar energy. The system includes a flat mirror reflecting unit configured to rotate around a dual axis of the flat mirror reflecting unit in order to receive sunlight from the sun. The flat mirror reflecting unit reflects the sunlight in response to receiving the sunlight. The system further includes a fixed concentrating Fresnel mirror unit for receiving the sunlight reflected by the flat mirror reflecting unit. The system also includes a sliding tray unit which receives organic material. The sliding tray unit is positioned such as to receive the sunlight reflected by the fixed concentrating Fresnel mirror unit. The sliding tray unit receives the sunlight concentrating on a focal region of the sliding tray unit. Upon receiving the sunlight on the sliding tray unit, the organic material in the sliding tray unit is subjected to thermal processing using solar energy of the sunlight.