Abstract: There is provided a porous fiber having a core-shell configuration, wherein the pores on the fiber are configured to encapsulate and thereby retain a biological material therein.

Abstract: There are provided a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional image. The method and apparatus adjust the density in consideration of the influence of the expansion of a thermally expandable layer on the density of a display color or a color development state so that the originally planned density of the display color can be achieved, on the surface of a thermally expandable sheet. The method and apparatus form a mirror image of a colored image, of which the density of a black component is adjusted so as to correspond to the bulge height of the thermally expandable layer, on the back of the thermally expandable sheet. The method and apparatus expand the thermally expandable layer when irradiating the thermally expandable layer with light, which includes infrared wavelengths, from the back of the thermally expandable sheet.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide an electro spun wound dressing comprising three nano fibrous layers and a method of synthesizing the same. The outer polymeric layer acts as a support layer for the other two layers and is hydrophilic in nature. The middle layer comprises a genipin cross linked reservoir layer loaded with a herbal extract of Melilotus officinalis and is hydrophobic or hydrophilic in nature. The second layer is cross-linked to control a release of the Melilotus officinalis extract in an aqueous environment. The third layer is a wound contacting inner layer comprising a non-cross-linked chitosan based nanofibrous layer that is hydrophilic in nature. Various additives are provided to enhance the mechanical or the chemical properties of the wound dressing and to control a release profile of the herbal extract.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure having a large number of paths partitioned by porous cell walls, the cell walls having thickness of 0.17-0.45 mm and porosity of 40% or more, comprising the steps of preparing a moldable material comprising a ceramic material powder, a binder, a pore-forming material and water, extruding the moldable material to form a honeycomb-shaped green body, and drying and sintering the green body, the pore-forming material having a melting point of 40-110° C., being solid in the moldable material, and being melted in the drying step so that 25% or more thereof is removed from the green body in the drying step.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is manufactured from a powder of polymer material by selective sintering process by means of electromagnetic radiation of the powder, wherein the powder comprises a preselected polymer or copolymer and is subjected to selective sintering such that the manufactured three-dimensional object has a final crystallinity which is in such a range that the balance of properties, in particular mechanical properties including Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break, is improved.

Abstract: A microwave-sensitive thermoplastic composition that includes a microwave-receptive additive; and a thermoplastic polymer; wherein the microwave-receptive additive is selected from the group consisting of sepiolite clay, molecular sieves formed from ammonium ion salts or hydrogen ion salts, aluminophosphates, silicoaluminophasphates, silicotitanates, organo-modified clays, molecular sieves or zeolites having a caged organic microwave receptive material, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: The invention provides foams of desired cell sizes formed from metal or ceramic materials that coat the surfaces of carbon foams which are subsequently removed. For example, metal is located over a sol-gel foam monolith. The metal is melted to produce a metal/sol-gel composition. The sol-gel foam monolith is removed, leaving a metal foam.

Abstract: A system and method for forming biodegradable ultra-porous hollow fibers are disclosed. The fibers are formed by electrospinning a liquid polymer composition (e.g., solution) of a high molecular weight aliphatic polyester in a controlled environment.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of thermoplastic auxetic foams comprising the steps of: a) taking conventional thermoplastic foam; b) subjecting said foam to at least one process cycle wherein the foam is biaxially compressed and heated; c) optionally subjecting the foam to at least one process cycle wherein the biaxial compression is removed and the foam mechanically agitated prior to reapplying biaxial compression and heating; d) cooling said foam to a temperature below the softening temperature of said foam; and e) removing said compression and heat.

Abstract: A method for making a porous material, includes melt-blending two or more non-miscible polymers to obtain a co-continuous melt, solidifying the melt to obtain a solid mass consisting of two co-continuous polymer phases, and selectively extracting one of the co-continuous phases thereby creating within the solid mass an essentially continuous pore network having an internal surface. The method further includes replicating the internal surface of the pore network within the solid mass by coating the internal surface with successive layers of materials, and selectively extracting the solid mass without extracting the layers of materials, to thereby yield the product porous material, formed of the layers of materials. The material has a void fraction higher than about 75%, and mainly having essentially fully interconnected sheath-like non-spherical pores and essentially non-fibrous walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CMP polishing pad and to a method for manufacturing same, characterized in that a light-absorbing material for forming pores is dispersed in the pad. Pores formed in the CMP polishing pad of the present invention are formed by means of the breakdown of the light-absorbing material which absorbs a laser beam irradiated on the polishing pad, enabling the pore size to be controlled by controlling the amount of the light-absorbing material, the intensity of the laser beam, etc., and enabling pore distribution to be freely controlled through the computer numerical control (CNC) technique. Accordingly, a CMP polishing pad can be provided that exhibits the highest polishing effectiveness in accordance with the material to be polished or the type of slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the processes of preparing silkfibroin/polyethylene oxide blended materials, and the resulting materials thereof, which are suitable for biomedical applications such as wound healing. In particular, the electrospun silk fibroin/PEO mats with a silk:PEO blend ratio of 2:1 to 4:1, treated with controlled evaporation, constraint-drying techniques, and/or alcohol treatment, and/or PEO extraction, demonstrate suitable physical and biofunctional properties, such as fiber structure, topography, absorption, water vapor transmission rates, oxygen permeation, and biodegradability, relevant to biomaterial systems with utility for wound dressings.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide an electrospun fiber mat filter comprising a cigarette filter containing macrocycle for removing toxic compounds from a toxic material, wherein the toxic material comprises liquid, gas, and cigarette smoke and a method of synthesizing the same. The electrospun fiber mat cigarette filter comprises a biological, organic or synthetic macrocycle, plurality of additives, a solvent and an acceptable polymeric carrier. The biological macromolecules are engineered polyhemoglobin and/or chlorophyll. The biological, organic, or synthetic macrocycle are electrospun with the acceptable polymeric carrier in presence of an abruptly asymmetric electric field to form an electrospun fiber mat. The electrospun fiber mat is made up of networks of plurality of nanofibers.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a porous composite particulate material includes a plurality of composite particles including an acid-base-resistant core particle at least partially surrounded by one or more layers of acid-base-resistant shell particles. The shell particles are adhered to the core particle by a polymeric material. The shell particles and/or core particles may be made from an acid-base-resistant material that is stable in harsh chemical conditions. During application of the polymeric material/shell particle bilayer, the core particles are sonicated to homogenize the particle size distribution and minimize agglomeration of particles. Multiple bilayers of polymer/shell particles may be applied. In one embodiment, the core particle comprises generally spherical glassy carbon, while the shell particles may comprise nano-sized diamond particles. Other acid-base-resistant materials may be employed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device provided with one or more cavities filled with at least one liquid, comprising the steps of: (a) forming one or more microcavities on a support separated from each other by one or more walls, and filled with at least one given porous material; (b) filling, in at least one cavity filled with said porous material, by means of at least one given functional liquid; and (c) forming a sealing layer enabling said cavities to be sealed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method, within a modularized manufacturing environment for stabilizing a phylon article that is produced utilizing a heat press, is provided. Initially, the method includes immersing a phylon article in a first tank, with a fluid disposed therein, and withdrawing the phylon article from exposure with the fluid. Typically, the midsole is heated from its production with the heat press when it is placed into the first tank. The immersion in the first tank acts to cool the phylon article, thereby stabilizing the heated phylon. The phylon article may be next placed in a second tank, with a fluid disposed therein, and withdrawn from exposure with the fluid. The fluid of the first tank may reside at a temperature comparable to or higher than the temperature of the fluid of the second tank. Recursively exposing the heated phylon article to the fluid of the tanks incrementally decreases the volume of the article.

Abstract: A fibrous product is described that comprises biodegradable fibers on a substrate. The fibers originate from a deposition solution that comprises a protein-based component and a carrier polymer component, each configured so that the resulting deposition solution can be deposited using electro-deposition techniques. In one embodiment, the proteins in the deposition solution are denatured in a manner that modifies the viscosity of the resulting deposition solution so that the deposition solution is compatible with electro-spinning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling permeability in vacuum infusion processes are disclosed. A system includes a tool surface, a flexible film, a preform, a magnetic field source, and a magnetic element. The flexible film has a periphery sealingly coupled to the tool surface to define a volume. The preform is disposed within the volume. The magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic element is positioned to receive the magnetic field generate by the magnetic field source. The magnetic element is configured to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface under application of the magnetic field. A method includes generating a magnetic field with the magnetic field source and receiving the magnetic field with the magnetic element to move the flexible film away from the upper side of the tool surface, thereby increasing permeability of the preform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing two- and three-dimensionally structured, microporous and nanoporous webs made up of nanofibers in any form with a very high covering or depositing degree of the fibers by means of a predefined conductive mold (template) as a collector and to the use of the webs according to the invention. The three-dimensional structure formation can be influenced in a directed manner by the deposition density of the nanofibers generated by means of an electrospinning process, which deposition density is adjustable through the accumulation time of the fibers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing an anisotropic material comprising providing a viscoplastic material having a yield stress, and a plurality of magnetic particles disposed therein, and then subjecting the viscoplastic material to a magnetic field for a time sufficient to at least partially align at least a portion of the magnetic particles to at least one of a predetermined position or orientation. Also disclosed is an article having anisotropic properties comprising a viscoplastic material, and a plurality of magnetic particles distributed therein and at least partially aligned to a predetermined orientation. An article having anisotropic properties, comprising a fixed viscoplastic material, and a plurality of magnetic particles distributed and at least partially anisotropically aligned in the fixed viscoplastic material is disclosed.

Abstract: A flat-fold respirator is made from a stiff filtration panel joined to the remainder of the respirator through at least one line of demarcation. The panel contains a porous monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web that contains charged intermingled continuous monocomponent polymeric fibers of the same polymeric composition and that has sufficient basis weight or inter-fiber bonding so that the web exhibits a Gurley Stiffness greater than 200 mg and the respirator exhibits less than 20 mm H2O pressure drop. The respirator may be formed without requiring additional stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement and can be flat-folded for storage. Scrap from the manufacturing process may be recycled to make additional stiff filtration panel web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of shaped foam bodies, comprising: provision of a composition having foam particles and binder; introduction of the composition into a space which is bounded on at least one side by a pressing surface; and exertion of pressure onto the composition by means of the pressing surface. The method further comprises irradiation of microwaves through the pressing surface into the composition, while pressure is being exerted onto the composition. The invention furthermore relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention, having: at least one pressing surface and a counterbearing surface lying opposite, between which a space extends which is adapted to receive a composition of foam particles and binder. The pressing surface and counterbearing surface adjoin the space directly.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a highly porous structure is provided. The method includes the step of compounding a biodegradable polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a porogen to form a composite blend. A foaming agent is dissolved into the composite blend and the composite blend is injected into a mold so as to form the structure. Thereafter, the structure is removed from the mold and leached in a fluid.

Abstract: A magnetic recording tape includes an elongated substrate and a magnetic side. The magnetic side includes a support layer formed over the substrate and a magnetic recording layer formed over the support layer to define a magnetic recording surface opposite the substrate. The magnetic recording layer includes magnetic particles and a lubricant and supports a net uncompressed density of at least 30 MB/in2. The magnetic side has an extracted BET surface area of greater than 1.0 m2/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite powder of polymer powder and porous glass beads, and to the use of this composite powder for shaping processes, and also to mouldings produced from this composite powder.

Abstract: Simple, low cost methods of manufacturing highly porous structures are provided. The methods involve building up porous structures with elements shaped to provide the desired strength, porosity and pore structure of the porous structure and then sintering the elements together to form the structure. Also provided are novel sintered porous structures made up of sintered non-spherical elements. In certain embodiments, the shaped green elements and the porous structure are simultaneously sintered. Also provided are novel sintered porous structures made up of sintered non-spherical elements.

Abstract: A method for making a metal fluoride trap including: assembling a precipitation tube assembly including a plurality of precipitation tubes supported between a first tube end support and a second tube end support; assembling a precipitation tube, flowsheet and filter media assembly including: wrapping a flowsheet around at least one full circumference of the plurality of precipitation tubes, wherein the flowsheet has a width less than a length of the plurality of precipitation tubes between the first tube end support and the second tube end support; and wrapping a filter media around the wrapped flowsheet, wherein the filter media and the flowsheet are wrapped so as to have a diameter less than an inner diameter of an outer casing of the metal fluoride trap; inserting the precipitation tube, flowsheet and filter media assembly into the outer casing of the metal fluoride trap; allowing the flowsheet to expand; and pressing the filter media between the flowsheet and an inner surface of the outer casing of the me

Abstract: To provide a stretched film of void-containing thermoplastic resin having an attractive force between sheets is 50 g or less. The stretched film of void-containing thermoplastic resin has no charge therein and can be processed secondarily with lesser electrostatic disturbance even in a low-humidity environment.

Abstract: Provided are a silicon carbide-based porous article comprising silicon carbide particles as an aggregate, metallic silicon and an aggregate derived from organometallic compound particles to form pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion by heat treatment; and a method for producing the silicon carbide-based porous article, comprising, adding organometallic compound particles to form pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion by heat treatment to a raw-material mixture containing silicon carbide particles and metallic silicon, then forming into an intended shape, calcinating and/or firing the resultant green body, forming pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion of the organometallic compound particles, and the decomposed/converted substance of the organometallic compound particles being present as an aggregate in the porous article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dewatering screen for manufacturing paper having multi-level watermarks, having a carrier mold (54) that exhibits, in a fractional region, a multi-level relief (30) in the form of the watermark to be produced. According to the present invention, it is provided that the multi-level relief is formed by an injection-molded, perforated (40) watermark insert (30).

Abstract: A microporous asymmetrical membrane formed of one or more layers wherein the “tight” side of the membrane has an “opened” face or otherwise highly-porous reticulated surface is described. The microporous asymmetrical membrane has high throughput and high flux, even when used for filtering viscous materials, such as serum or plasma. The membrane's surface can be formed by ablation or solvation, or in a two or more layered structure, through an appropriate selection of casting dopes.

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 for fabricating a device provided with one or more cavities filled with at least one liquid, comprising the steps of : (a) forming one or more microcavities on a support separated from each other by one or more walls, and filled with at least one given porous material; (b) filling, in at least one cavity filled with said porous material, by means of at least one given functional liquid; and (c) forming a sealing layer enabling said cavities to be sealed.

Abstract: Methods, associated products and apparatus are described for the production of biodegradable foam products using a controlled pressure increase due to compressed air and a controlled pressure decrease in pressure as key variables during a microwave heating cycle to produce a foamed product. The biodegradable product formed has improved characteristics including a density from 10 to 100 kg/m3; a soft and resilient structure; cushioning G-value characteristics to cushion an object with a fragility of 15 to 115; and a surface abrasion comparable to polystyrene.

Abstract: A method for applying microwave techniques to embroidered surgical implants including using microwave technology in the process of acetate removal and using microwave technology in the process of drying implants.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator is made of a rubber latex foam which has been solidified by microwave irradiation. The foam satisfies (i) a bubble fineness corresponding to 9 bubbles/mm2 or more, (ii) flexibility of 0.7 N/cm2 or less in initial Young's modulus indicated by 50% compressive stress, and (iii) bulk density of 0.14 g/cm3 or less.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the fabrication of prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and prepreg layups prior to and/or during at least a portion of consolidation and cure process to form composite structures are disclosed. In certain embodiments, perforations of selected configurations may be introduced into the prepregs prior to, during, and after layup. The perforations provide routes for gases trapped within and between the perforated prepregs and prepreg lay-ups to escape during consolidation and cure process, reducing the residual porosity within the resulting composite. For example, composites having residual porosities less than 10 vol. %, on the basis of the volume of the composite, may be achieved in this manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanostructured material comprising carbon nanotubes fused together to form a three-dimensional structure. Methods of making the nanostructured material are also disclosed. Such methods include a batch type process, as well as multi-step recycling methods or continuous single-step methods. A wide range of articles made from the nanostructured material, including fabrics, ballistic mitigation materials, structural supports, mechanical actuators, heat sink, thermal conductor, and membranes for fluid purification is also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a crystalline polymer microporous membrane including: a microstructure on the side of one surface of the membrane, the microstructure being composed of series of nodules interconnected with one another by fibrils, wherein the average pore diameter at the one surface of the membrane is larger than the average pore diameter at another surface of the membrane, and the average pore diameter continuously changes from the one surface toward the other surface, and wherein the nodules have an aspect ratio (length/width) of 25 or greater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing hydrophobic hollow natural fibres, in particular vegetable hollow natural fibres and more particularly kapok fibres, to form material, and to a material obtainable by such a method. The invention furthermore relates to “the use of such a?naterial as absorption medium for apolar substances and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: A machine utilized for producing and manufacturing a film, soft at touch, resilient and suitable at draining use. A film produced by such a machine, presents, at least, on one surface an essentially continuous pattern of micro-funnels three-dimensional (3D) directed in an essentially perpendicular way to the surface from which the micro-openings have origin. It presents also on the opposite surface a continuous pattern, composed by 3D macro-funnels directed in an essentially perpendicular way to the surface from which the macro-funnels have origin. The “micro-funnels” term, intend to describe a multitude of funnels non distinguishable by the human eye at a distance equal or higher than 450 mm. while the “macro funnels” term, intend to describe funnels clearly visible by the human eye at a distance higher than 450 mm.

Abstract: A laminate product particularly useful in vehicular applications is described. The laminate product comprises a foam core having a first major surface and a second major surface. One or both of the major surfaces comprises a fibrous layer and an adhesive layer adhering the fibrous layer to the foam core. The process for producing the laminate product involves exposing an initial laminate product to infrared radiation. A portion of the adhesive layer between fibres in fibrous layer being ablated. The foam laminate product has improved sound absorption properties and while maintaining desirable strength and stiffness properties. In addition, in certain cases, the peel strength of the fibrous reinforcing layer to the foam core is significantly improved in the present foam laminate product compared to the conventional approaches.

Abstract: A method for processing a thermoplastic material that comprises a microwave-sensitive polymeric region, wherein the method includes exposing the microwave-sensitive polymeric region to microwaves; wherein the exposing results in an increase in the temperature of the polymeric region; and processing the thermoplastic material is disclosed.

Abstract: A structure includes a polymer structural member, which may include a shape memory polymer material, that can change its size and/or shape. An electromagnetic source is used to impose an electric field or a magnetic field on the polymer structural material, in order to control the shape of the material. The force may be used to change the shape of the material and/or to maintain the shape of the material while it is under load. The polymer material may be a solid material, may be a foam, and/or may include a gel. A shape memory polymer material may have mixed in it particles that are acted upon by the electromagnetic field. The structure may be used in any of a variety of devices where shape change (morphing), especially under loading, is desired.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multimicrolamellar membranes of collagen of several types and structures (e.g. collagen type I, type II, type III, etc.), of only one type or two types in association, but more particularly of type I and type II collagen and/or of their mixture. The multimolecular arrangement is obtained by preparing the membrane in several steps involving the sequential addition of collagen gel layers. Membranes look thin, with a variable rough surface depending on the type of collagen used. Such membranes show a parallel horizontal lamellar microstructure and they can be soaked with different fluids, act as three-dimensional scaffold for cultured cells and are apt to be infiltrated and colonized by cells in vivo, therefore working as support suitable for direct, guided tissue regeneration. Moreover, the present invention relates to the preparation of said membranes from collagen gels and to the optimization of the preparation of collagen gel from tissues.

Abstract: An insert element comprising a carrier and an expandable material carried on the carrier, and a method for fitting said insert element into a conductive hollow body, the method comprising the following steps: the insert element is introduced into the hollow body; the insert element is positioned in the hollow body, the contact surface of the insert element coming into contact with the inner wall of the hollow body; a biasing current is applied between the insert element and the hollow body; the insert element and the hollow body are separated, forming an electric arc between the contact surface and the inner wall of the hollow body; a welding current is activated in order to form at least one melted mass on at least one side of the electric arc; the insert element and the hollow body are put together; and the insert element and the hollow body are connected by means of the melted mass located at least on one side.

Abstract: Decoration of a material is enabled with a high degree of recycling properties while satisfying the requirements for putting a structural color into practical use on the industrial scale. Furthermore, whether an object is genuine or not can be verified easily, and reusing by peeling as in the case of a hologram seal is prevented. A cavity 12 having a periodic structure 13 causing optical diffraction is formed in the inside of a substrate 11, and a periodic structure 15 causing optical diffraction is formed on part or the whole of the substrate 11. These cavity interface periodic structure 13 and the substrate surface periodic structure 15 have a regular arrangement developing a structural color. In addition, by bringing a functional material to be in contact with the substrate surface periodic structure 15, development of a structural color by the substrate surface periodic structure 15 is suppressed, thereby enabling a structural color developed by the cavity interface periodic structure 13 to be read.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition that includes a fluorelastomer and an epichlorohydrin. The elastomeric composition can be formed into cold-shrink articles that are resistant to tearing at elevated temperatures.