Abstract: Bacteria-responsive core-shell nanofibers and a process for the preparation thereof are described. The nanofibers release of an antibacterial agent in response to the presence of bacteria. The core of the nanofiber comprises a biocompatible polymer together with an antibacterial agent such as a quaternary ammonium compound, for example benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride (BTAC). Surrounding the core is shell comprised of a bacterially degradable polymer, which is susceptible to break-down by bacterial enzymes such as lipase, or to acidic pH conditions. The shell may comprise, for example, polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(ethylene succinate) (PES). The nanofibers may be incorporated into wound dressings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monolithic bodies, uses thereof and processes for the preparation thereof. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of a monolithic body in the preparation of a radioactive substance, for example a radiopharmaceutical, as part of a microfluidic flow system and a process for the preparation of such a monolithic body.

Abstract: An expansion device includes: a thermal distension unit configured to thermally distend a thermally-expandable sheet by irradiating the thermally-expandable sheet with predetermined energy; a reading unit configured to read identifiers provided at predetermined positions of the thermally-expandable sheet; and a setting unit configured to set an amount of energy per unit area to be emitted on the thermally-expandable sheet by the thermal distension unit depending on whether (i) a second identifier as well as a first identifier has been read, or (ii) whether a predetermined part of the first identifier has been read but another part has not been read, as a result of reading the identifiers by the reading unit.

Abstract: A structure forming method of present invention includes a first step including forming a first pattern serving as a fine pattern using an electromagnetic wave thermal conversion material on a first surface, on the side on which an expansion layer which expands by heating is provided, of a medium including the expansion layer and then irradiating an electromagnetic wave toward the electromagnetic wave thermal conversion material to expand a portion, corresponding to the first pattern, of the expansion layer, and a second step including forming a second pattern including a coarser pattern than the first pattern using an electromagnetic wave thermal conversion material on a second surface, on the opposite side to the side on which the expansion layer is provided, of the medium and then irradiating an electromagnetic wave toward the electromagnetic wave thermal conversion material to expand a portion, corresponding to the second pattern, of the expansion layer.

Abstract: A system for preparing a polylactic acid (PLA) spunbond nonwoven fabric is provided. In particular, the system includes a first PLA source configured to provide a stream of molten or semi-molten PLA resin; a spin beam in fluid communication with the first PLA source, the spin beam configured to extrude and draw a plurality of PLA continuous filaments; a collection surface disposed below an outlet of the spin beam onto which the PLA continuous filaments are deposited to form the PLA spunbond nonwoven fabric; a first ionization source positioned and arranged to expose the PLA continuous filaments to ions; and a calender positioned downstream of the first ionization source.

Abstract: A method of forming cured microparticles includes providing a poly(glycerol sebacate) resin in an uncured state. The method also includes forming the composition into a plurality of uncured microparticles and curing the uncured microparticles to form the plurality of cured microparticles. The uncured microparticles are free of a photo-induced crosslinker. A method of forming a scaffold includes providing microparticles including poly(glycerol sebacate) in a three-dimensional arrangement. The method also includes stimulating the microparticles in the three-dimensional arrangement to sinter the microparticles, thereby forming the scaffold having a plurality of pores. A scaffold is formed of a plurality of microparticles including a poly(glycerol sebacate) thermoset resin in a three-dimensional arrangement. The scaffold has a plurality of pores.

Abstract: A first pattern P1 is formed with a first material for converting electromagnetic wave energy into heat energy, on a first surface BS of a print medium M including an expansion layer M2 that expands by heating. A second pattern P2 for expanding the expansion layer M2 to complement expansion of the expansion layer M2 by the first pattern P1 is formed with a second material for converting electromagnetic wave energy into heat energy, on a second surface FS which is an opposite surface of the print medium M to the first surface BS and is closer to the expansion layer M2 than the first surface BS. The first material forming the first pattern P1 is irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the first surface BS. The second material forming the second pattern P2 is irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the second surface FS.

Abstract: A composite polycrystal contains polycrystalline diamond formed of diamond grains that are directly bonded mutually, and non-diamond carbon dispersed in the polycrystalline diamond, and has a concentration of contained hydrogen of less than or equal to 1000 ppm.

Abstract: Objects produced by conventional three-dimensional printing methods are often incompletely consolidated and are not easily repaired. Printing compositions to address this issue can include a solidifiable matrix and a microwave absorber dispersed in the solidifiable matrix. The microwave absorber can be a plurality of carbon nanostructures containing a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. Methods for processing a three-dimensional printed object can include: providing a three-dimensional printed object formed from a printing composition containing a solidifiable matrix and a microwave absorber dispersed in the solidifiable matrix, and applying a focused input of microwave radiation to the printed object at one or more locations. Applying the microwave radiation heats the microwave absorber at the one or more locations and promotes consolidation of the printing composition within the printed object.

Abstract: A method of determining a value of density of a heat absorbing agent to be applied to a target pixel on a medium, wherein the medium is distended, when heated, the value of density of the heat absorbing agent is a density value of the heat absorbing agent that is applied to the medium before heated, and density values of the heat absorbing agent are set for plural pixels on the medium, the method comprising, calculating a first average density value of first plural pixels in the vicinity of the target pixel among the plural pixels, calculating a second average density value of second plural pixels in the vicinity of the target pixel, and determining a density value of the heat absorbing agent based on the calculated first average density value and second average density value, when a density value applied to the target pixel satisfies a first prescribed condition.

Abstract: Piezoelectric materials based on nanoporous polymer foams are provided. Also provided are nanogenerators incorporating the piezoelectric materials, piezoelectric energy harvesters incorporating the nanogenerators and methods of making and using the same. The piezoelectric materials comprise a unitary nanoporous matrix composed of a piezoelectrically active organic polymer, in which the pores are interconnected and have nanoscale diameters.

Abstract: A process for curing a porous muffler preform defined by a plurality of glass fibers and a heat-curing thermoset or thermoplastic materials applied to the plurality of glass fibers is disclosed herein. The process includes the step of enclosing the muffler preform in a chamber. The process also includes the step of surrounding the muffler preform with steam. The process also includes the step of causing steam to enter the muffler preform from multiple directions.

Abstract: A cytokine adsorption sheet comprises a nanofiber web formed by electrospinning a spinning solution prepared by mixing an adsorbent material capable of adsorbing cytokine and an electrospinnable polymer material. Thus, the dissolution of the adsorbent material by blood can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a three-dimensional porous fibrous microstructure, various three-dimensional porous fibrous microstructures fabricated by the method, an apparatus for detecting a biological marker and a drug delivery system comprising the microstructure. The porous fibrous microstructure of the present invention has excellent interconnectivity between pores and micropores and captures and delivers target particles at high efficiency, and thus can be usefully applied to biomedical applications including the detection of a biomarker and drug delivery.

Abstract: One example of a lithium ion battery component is a lithium ion battery separator including a planar microporous polymer membrane and a chelating agent bonded to the planar microporous polymer membrane through a linking group. The chelating agent is bonded such that the permanent dipole moment of the chelating agent is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the planar microporous polymer membrane.

Abstract: There are provided a fluorine-containing photocurable resin composition and a method of preparing a mold comprising the same and more particularly, a photocurable resin composition having chemical resistance, mechanical properties and high transmittance, etc. as well as being easily wetted with and released from thermosetting or photocurable resins for pattern formation regardless of additional surface treatment, as opposed to the existing polymer resin materials used for resin molds, and a method of preparing a resin mold using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous manganese oxide-based lithium absorbent and a method for preparing the same. The method includes the steps of preparing a mixture by mixing a reactant for the synthesis of a lithium-manganese oxide precursor powder with an inorganic binder, molding the mixture, preparing a porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body by heat-treating the molded mixture, and acid-treating the porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body such that lithium ions of the porous lithium-manganese oxide precursor are exchanged with hydrogen ions, wherein pores are formed in the lithium-manganese oxide precursor molded body by gas generated in the heat treatment. The porous manganese oxide-based lithium adsorbent according to the present invention is easy to handle and has many more adsorption reaction sites compared to existing molded adsorbents, thus providing high lithium adsorption efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for treating tissues of the central nervous system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device and method for treating the brain tissue.

Abstract: A method of making garment material, the method having the steps: applying coagulant (34) to a substrate (32); applying a foam (38) of the polymeric material to the substrate (32); allowing the coagulant (34) to coagulate some of the foam (38); and removing uncoagulated foam (38) from the substrate (32) to leave a layer of coagulated polymeric material on the substrate (32).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming nanoparticle films using electrophoretic deposition. The methods comprise exposing a substrate to a solution, the solution comprising substantially dispersed nanoparticles, an organic solvent, and a polymer characterized by a backbone comprising Si—O groups. The methods further comprise applying an electric field to the solution, whereby a nanoparticle film is deposited on the substrate. Suitable polymers include polysiloxanes, polysilsesquioxanes and polysilicates. Coated glass windows and methods of forming the coated glass windows using the solutions are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a fuel cell flow field plate or bipolar plate having flow channels on faces of the plate, comprising an electrically conductive polymer composite. The composite is composed of (A) at least 50% by weight of a conductive filler, comprising at least 5% by weight reinforcement fibers, expanded graphite platelets, graphitic nano-fibers, and/or carbon nano-tubes; (B) polymer matrix material at 1 to 49.9% by weight; and (C) a polymer binder at 0.1 to 10% by weight; wherein the sum of the conductive filler weight %, polymer matrix weight % and polymer binder weight % equals 100% and the bulk electrical conductivity of the flow field or bipolar plate is at least 100 S/cm. The invention also provides a continuous process for cost-effective mass production of the conductive composite-based flow field or bipolar plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing foamed thermoplastic films and trash bags wherein a foaming agent is added to a base thermoplastic resin. The resultant foaming agent/base resin mixture is extruded to form a single-ply foamed thermoplastic film. The film may be formed into bag, such as a trash bag.

Abstract: A pin or tube reinforced polymeric foam and a method of manufacture thereof. The reinforcing pins or tubes are incorporated into the polymeric foam during or after fabrication of the reinforced polymer foam and are preferably coated with an adhesive or binder layer prior to fabrication.

Abstract: A polystyrene product remanufacturing apparatus includes a cabinet assembly having four or more side walls, including a front panel, two side panels, and a back panel, a top, and a bottom to create an interior space for used polystyrene products, the front panel includes two hinged doors, first door hinges on a vertical edge of the front panel to provide access to the space for placement of used polystyrene products and the second door hinges proximate a lower horizontal edge of the front panel to retrieve densified polystyrene products; a plurality of radiant heat sources for controlled temperature in the cabinet, positioned proximate the top panel, two side panels, bottom panel, and centered above the bottom panel; and two or more drawers positioned proximate bottom panel and removable through the second door.

Abstract: A fiber having a polymeric matrix and a quarternary ammonium salt. The quarternary ammonium salt contains at least one aliphatic group and no aromatic groups, is not covalently incorporated into the polymeric matrix, and is present on both the surface and in the interior of the fiber. The fiber may be made by electrospinning a solution of the polymer and the quarternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a foam product (1), whereby a body (2) of expanded closed-cell foam, in particular expanded polystyrene particle foam, is subjected to a non-melting heat treatment at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the plastic used to form the foam, in particular polystyrene.

Abstract: Provided is a resin foam that is satisfactorily flexible and highly resistant to heat, exhibits superior strain recoverability at high temperatures, and has a high instantaneous recovery rate. This resin foam is formed from a resin composition containing an acrylic polymer, an active-energy-ray-curable compound having two (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule, an active-energy-ray-curable compound having three or more (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule, and a thermal crosslinking agent. The active-energy-ray-curable compound having two (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule and the active-energy-ray-curable compound having three or more (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule are preferably contained in a total content of from 20 to 150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the acrylic polymer.

Abstract: A method and system for drying a honeycomb structure having an original liquid vehicle content includes exposing the honeycomb structure to a first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 20% and about 60% of the original liquid vehicle content, exposing the honeycomb structure to a second electromagnetic radiation source different from the first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content, and exposing the honeycomb structure to convection heating until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content.

Abstract: A foam form sheet material having a first large surface comprising substantially only closed cells and an opposite large surface and an interior comprising substantially only open cells. This material comprises a cross linked olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer. The foam is made by mixing the polymer with a blowing agent and a cross linking agent. The mixture is maintained in a two roll mill means for a time sufficient to initiate cross linking and to initiate foaming to form closed cells. The sheet material is then disposed in a second two roll mill means having a nip that is larger than the thickness of the foamed sheet material and maintained under elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to initiate further cross linking and foaming. The fully cross linked cell foam is then compressed to rupture the closed cells that are disposed in the interior to form open cells.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous fluid treatment element, e.g. a filter element, includes forming a layered structure having at least two layers and subjecting the layered structure to at least a heat treatment. The step of forming a layered structure includes forming a first layer including particulate matter including at least a binder and applying a second layer including particulate matter including at least a binder directly onto the first layer on a first side thereof. The step of forming a layered structure further includes applying at least one of radiation and heat to at least the first side of the first layer prior to applying the second layer.

Abstract: A method for producing foams, such as sponges, from hydrocolloids is described. A solid or semi-solid gel is formed by dissolving polymeric material in an aqueous solvent. The gel formed is allowed to set, and may optionally then be cut into the desired shape. The gel may be frozen to allow formation of ice crystals to act as porogens. Subsequently, the gel is exposed to a radiant energy field for drying under vacuum. This causes the solvent to boil and the foam or sponge is formed. Medicinally active ingredients may be included in the process, so that the sponge or foam formed contains the active ingredient dispersed within the structure. The method described provides an alternative to the conventional methods of particulate leaching or freeze drying.

Abstract: An artifact for osseous repair includes a bioresorbable porous cage defining an internal space, and a biocompatible composite which includes a plurality of mineralized collagen-mimic fibrils filled in the internal space of the bioresorbable porous cage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image forming apparatus and a three-dimensional image forming method convert a specific portion selectively extracted from an image to be printed into an image of a color having a high thermal energy absorptivity, print the conversion image on a foaming layer side surface or a back face of a thermally expandable sheet, and form a three-dimensional image by irradiating light on the thermally expandable sheet from a light/heat irradiator having a light/heat irradiation temperature of a first body part lower than that of a second body part, in which an image density of an area in the conversion image of the specific portion corresponding to the first body part is controlled to be higher than an image density of an area in the conversion image of the specific portion corresponding to the second body part when the conversion image is printed on the thermally expandable sheet.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a structure of a novel shape and a method of producing it. [Solving Means] A structure according to the present disclosure includes a wall portion, a first opening region, and a plurality of second opening regions. The plurality of second opening regions is provided so as to be aligned in a regular manner in the wall portion. Each of the second opening regions has a second aperture area smaller than the first aperture area.

Abstract: Water filtration media having a charged material affixed directly to binder material used in the fabrication of the filter media. A microbiological interception enhancing agent is added to the binder directly. The media having a charged material and a microbiological interception enhancing agent both affixed directly on or in a binder material is then combined with core filter media and prepared as a filtration media. A filter is prepared from the treated filter media.

Abstract: A medical appliance or prosthesis may comprise one or more layers of electrospun nanofibers, including electrospun polymers. The electrospun material may comprise layers including layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun nanofiber mats of certain porosities may permit tissue ingrowth into or attachment to the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method of forming an implantable medical device includes forming a porous layer of a first material on a substrate, extruding or molding a second material over the porous layer and removing the substrate after extruding or molding the second material to form an implantable medical device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration, which is increased in porosity and thickness to enlarge the surface area thereof, thereby enabling cell adhesion at a high density, and a method for fabricating the same. The method for fabricating a three-dimensional nanofibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration includes the steps of: (a) preparing a polymer solution; (b) preparing a nanofiber matrix, in which a plurality of nanofibers is entangled with each other, from the polymer solution prepared in step (a) using electrospinning; and (c) immersing the prepared nanofiber matrix in a solution and subjecting the solution to ultrasonication, thereby increasing the thickness and porosity of the nanofiber matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer layer structure with ferroelectret properties, comprising a continuous first polymer layer (1) and a continuous second polymer layer (2), the first and second polymer layers (1, 2) being connected to one another to form voids (4) by connecting portions (3) arranged between the continuous polymer layers (1, 2). According to the invention, the polymer layer structure is in the form of an integral extruded structural element.

Abstract: A process for curing a porous muffler preform defined by a plurality of glass fibers and a heat-curing thermoset or thermoplastic materials applied to the plurality of glass fibers is disclosed herein. The process includes the step of enclosing the muffler preform in a chamber. The process also includes the step of surrounding the muffler preform with steam. The process also includes the step of causing steam to enter the muffler preform from multiple directions.

Abstract: Filter media suitable for various applications and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are described. The filter media may include a composite structure having a mixture comprising fibrillated fibers (e.g., lyocell) and functional particles. The filter media may exhibit favorable absorption and/or adsorption characteristics.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a template manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a template for use in an imprint processing in which a pattern having irregularities are formed on a principal surface, and the pattern is brought into contact with a resist member formed on a substrate to be processed, to transfer the pattern to the resist member, the method including implanting charged particles at least into the bottoms of concave portions of the template.

Abstract: An RF inductor such as a Tesla antenna splices nanotube ends together to form a nanostructure in a polymer foam matrix. High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) is gently sheared and stretched in a reactor comprising opposed coaxial counter-rotating impellers, which parallel-align polymer chains and also carbon nanotubes mixed with the oil phase. Stretching and forced convection prevent the auto-acceleration effect. Batch and continuous processes are disclosed. In the batch process, a fractal radial array of coherent vortices in the HIPE is preserved when the HIPE polymerizes, and helical nanostructures around these vortices are spliced by microhammering into longer helices. A disk radial filter produced by the batch process has improved radial flux from edge to center due to its area-preserving radial vascular network. In the continuous process, strips of HIPE are pulled from the periphery of the reactor continuously and post-treated by an RF inductor to produce cured conductive foam.

Abstract: A method of controlling power applied to an induction coil assembly used for densifying porous articles with a liquid matrix precursor. The control of applied power addresses dynamic changes in the electrical characteristics of the porous article being densified as it becomes denser. In particular, the power applied is controlled in accordance with changes in resonant frequency of the coupled system of the induction heating system and the porous article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a proton conducting fuel cell composite membrane includes the step of electrospinning a non-charged polymeric material, such as PVDF and PSF, into fiber mats. The fibers are fused to one another to provide a welded porous mat. The welded porous mat is filled with proton conducting electrolyte, such as PFSA polymer, to generate a proton conducting composite membrane. The resulting proton conducting fuel cell membrane comprises a randomly oriented, three dimensional interlinked fiber lattice structure filled with proton conducting electrolyte, such as PFSA polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel, innovative industrial method for producing polystyrene (EPS) foam parts of arbitrary length and having a constant cross-section, with mixed densities located in accordance with the mechanical and thermal properties required for each application. The invention also relates to a machine (apparatus) for producing said solid parts having localized densities defined by the mechanical and thermal requirements of the application. The aforementioned products are produced by joined both longitudinally and transversely. The invention can be used to reduce the standard method to three steps, thereby resulting in a significant saving in terms of production. Moreover, unlike with the standard method, variants can be produced using the above-mentioned method, thereby increasing the range of application said type of products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof. The separation membrane for water treatment according to the present invention includes a nanofiber wherein the separation membrane has a surface electric charge. According to the present invention, a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof may be implemented.

Abstract: A wound dressing including a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer is described. The hydrophilic layer absorbs exudate from a wound and the hydrophobic layer absorbs the exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate. Because the hydrophilic layer is used adjacent to the wound, the exudate is readily absorbed thereby reducing the risk of maceration and infection of the wound tissue by the exudate. The hydrophobic layer receives the absorbed exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate through an interaction that in turn prevents lateral diffusion of the exudate through the bandage to healthy portions of the skin. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers are fabricated from polymer fibers that can be spun to include components that facilitate wound healing, such as poly(hexamethylene biguanide) and/or hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing a molded body, said method comprising: providing a film comprising a thermoplastic plastic and having a film thickness D ranging from 1 ?m to 1000 ?m; irradiating the film with ionizing radiation, to produce irradiated regions in the film; thermally reshaping the film into a molded body and generating at least one hollow structure, wherein a temperature of the thermal reshaping remains below the melting temperature for the thermoplastic plastic; removing the irradiated regions, to create pores having a diameter ? from about 10 nm to about 10 ?m in the molded body; and removing the molded body from a mold.