Abstract: Aqueous solutions of halogenides (oxyhalides) of zirconium and hafnium (M) with values of ?=X/M near one, for X=Cl, Br and I form amorphous solids or glasses, designated as M,X, in contrast to important crystalline oxyhalide end members with ?=2 (designated as MOX). The present disclosure describes methods for producing amorphous thin films comprising halogenides upon evaporation, and provides some measured physical properties, with attention to compositions for ?<2. The value of a below which only glasses are formed is about one for oxychlorides and oxybromides of both Zr and Hf. The chemical formulas for all the halogenide thin films prepared as noted above can be written as a function of the single parameter ?, according to M(OH)4-?X?.(4?-1)H2O. This is valid for e.g., crystalline zirconium oxychloride octahydrate, and for the glassy solids found for ?<2 and down to the onset of hydrolysis, ??0.5.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to air-assisted spinnerets and spinneret arrays for electrospinning. In some embodiments, the air-assisted spinnerets and spinneret arrays are incorporated in electrospinning systems and/or electrospinning machines. Methods of making and using the same are also described herein.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for applying a treatment solution to a treatment site of a patient. The applicator can include an applicator housing comprising a treatment solution reservoir. A cartridge can be removably disposed in the housing. The cartridge when arranged in the housing can be in fluid communication with the treatment solution reservoir. The cartridge can include an electrostatic module for electrostatically charging the treatment solution in the treatment solution reservoir; and a nozzle for applying the treatment solution.

Abstract: A method for forming an ultra-high temperature (UHT) composite structure includes dispensing a polymeric precursor with a spinneret biased at a first DC voltage; forming a plurality of nanofibers from the polymeric precursor; receiving the plurality of nanofibers with a collector biased at a second DC voltage different than the first DC voltage; and changing a direction of movement of the plurality of nanofibers between the spinneret and the collector with a plurality of magnets having a magnetic field by adjusting the magnetic field.

Abstract: A filament production device, in particular a filament reaction-spinning production device, comprising at least one spinning nozzle unit, which is provided for producing at least one filament formed as a hollow fibre membrane from at least one polymer solution, and comprising a polymerisation unit, which is provided for initiating a polymerisation of the polymer solution, wherein the polymerisation unit is provided for initiating the polymerisation at least partially within the spinning nozzle unit.

Abstract: Nanofiber spinning apparatuses and methods for making core-sheath materials using touch spinning are provided. The apparatus includes at least one rotating plate with an aperture through which a core yarn passes and at least one post contacting the rotating plate. A speed control device can be configured to control rotation of the rotating plate, and a dispensing device can be configured to dispense a nanofiber-forming material onto the post. To make a core-sheath yarn a core yarn is passed through an aperture in a rotating plate having at least one post. The post is contacted with a nanofiber-forming material the rotating plate is rotated to draw a fiber of nanofiber-forming material from the post to wrap the fiber around the core yarn.

Abstract: Methods for the development and integration of multiple apparatuses and methods for achieving administration of stem cell therapies include precision manufacturing of tissue scaffolds and/or bioreactor substrates. The nano/microscale fiber material extrusion typifying the electrospinning process is married with the fiber alignment and layering characteristic of an additive manufacturing process. The method generates porous fibrous 3-D meshes with precision controlled structures from biopolymer melts and solutions and gels, blends, and suspensions with and without cells. A method of tracking the migration histories and shapes of stem cells on scaffold surfaces relies on immunofluorescent imaging and automated algorithms based on machine learning.

Abstract: In a method of electrospinning nanofibres, a non-conductive laminate fibre collection structure (22) is placed on the surface of a conductive collector (18, FIG. 1). The laminate structure has a base layer (26) proximal to the collector and a fibre support layer (24). A pair of spaced first apertures (32) and a second aperture (34) located between them are defined through the fibre support layer (24). A pair of spaced third apertures (38) are defined through the base layer (26), each third aperture being aligned with one of the first apertures to define an opening (40) through the laminate structure. During electro spinning, the fibre is attracted to one of the openings (40) where it forms a bridge across the respective first aperture (32). A charge in the collected fibre builds up until the fibre is repelled and it moves to the nearest lowest potential region which is the second opening on the opposite side of the second aperture (34).

Abstract: The invention provides a system and process for manufacturing nanofibers that integrate a post-drawing process in a continuous electro spinning manufacturing process. In certain embodiments, the system and process are capable of post-drawing multiple individual electrospun nanofibers simultaneously. In certain embodiments, the system can be configured and controlled to accommodate various materials that can be electrospun.

Abstract: Lithium-containing nanofibers, as well as processes for making the same, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments described herein, using high throughput (e.g., gas assisted and/or water based) electrospinning processes produce nanofibers of high energy capacity materials with continuous lithium-containing matrices or discrete crystal domains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinning electrode (1) for producing polymeric nanofibers by electrospinning of a polymer solution or polymer melt, containing an inlet pipe (2) of the polymer solution or melt, which ends on its top face (3), whereby around at least a part of the mouth (20) on the top face of the inlet pipe (2) of the polymer solution or melt is formed a spinning surface (4) rounded downwards below the mouth (20), whereby the spinning surface (4) continues as a collecting surface (6) on the outer surface of the inlet pipe (2) of the polymer solution or melt. The invention also relates to a device for producing nanofibers by electrospinning of a polymer solution or melt, which is equipped with at least one spinning electrode (1) according to the invention. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing nanofibers by electrospinning of a polymer solution or melt, which is based on using the spinning electrode according to the invention.

Abstract: Nanofibres are provided that are insoluble and swellable in an essentially aqueous effluent, a method for the preparation of these nanofibres and the use of these nanofibres for the extraction from an effluent of metals, in particular metal salts originating from heavy metals, of rare earths, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or actinides, in the stable or unstable isotopic forms thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting a delivery, distribution, emission, or spray of an adaptable material include contacting the adaptable material with a compatibly-selected kinetic energy fluid. The contact provides a motive force to move the adaptable material to or from an outlet of a spray fixture. The spray fixture is adjustable to emit various forms of drops, mists, extrusions, emulsions, or fibers. The adjusting is based on characteristics of a feedstock material, the adaptable material, the compatibly-selected kinetic energy fluid, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method includes providing a biological sample, providing a sample collection device, wherein the sample collection device includes a sample binding surface including a photodegradable polymer configured to bind the biological sample, contacting the biological sample with the sample binding surface of the sample collection device, and irradiating the sample binding surface and the bound biological sample using light emitted from a light source to initiate degradation of the photodegradable polymer of the sample binding surface to cause release of the biological sample.

Abstract: A unique fiber core sampler composition, related systems, and techniques for designing, making, and using the same are described. The sampler is used to interface with existing field instrumentation, such as Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS) equipment. Desired sampler characteristics include its: stiffness/flexibility; thermal mass and conductivity; specific heat; trace substance collection/release dependability, sensitivity and repeatability; thickness; reusability; durability; stability for thermal cleaning; and the like. In one form the sampler has a glass fiber core with a thickness less than 0.3 millimeter that is coated with a polymer including one or more of: polymeric organofluorine, polyimide, polyamide, PolyBenzImidazole (PBI), PolyDiMethylSiloxane (PDMS), sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene (PFSA) and Poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene Oxide) (PPPO).

Abstract: According to the embodiment, a nanofiber manufacturing device that includes an ejector and a power generator is provided. The ejector is capable of ejecting a solution from a head portion toward a target. The power generator generates a potential difference between the head portion and the target. The head portion includes a first guide having a first surface and a second guide having a second surface, the first surface and the second surface making a gap, the gap being capable of maintaining the solution. A tip of at least one of the first guide and the second guide includes a maintain portion provided so as to be capable of maintaining the solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally include apparatus and methods for depositing nanowires in a predetermined pattern during an electrospinning process. An apparatus includes a nozzle for containing and ejecting a deposition material, and a voltage source coupled to the nozzle to eject the deposition material. One or more electric field shaping devices are positioned to shape the electric field adjacent to a substrate to control the trajectory of the ejected deposition material. The electric field shaping device converges an electric field at a point near the surface of the substrate to accurately deposit the deposition material on the substrate in a predetermined pattern. The methods include applying a voltage to a nozzle to eject an electrically-charged deposition material towards a substrate, and shaping one or more electric fields to control the trajectory of the electrically-charged deposition material. The deposition material is then deposited on the substrate in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for stitching together sheets of interwoven carbon nanotubes. One embodiment is a method that includes providing multiple sheets of interwoven carbon nanotubes, arranging the sheets over a substrate such that interstices of the sheets overlap at a stitch region of the substrate and heating catalysts at the substrate above a threshold temperature to trigger growth of new carbon nanotubes. The method also includes adjusting alignment of an electrical field that defines a direction of growth of the new carbon nanotubes, thereby causing the new carbon nanotubes to grow through the interstices and then stitch the sheets together.

Abstract: A direct write dispensing nozzle assembly and method of forming traces and twisted pairs via direct write dispensing. The method includes dispensing conductive material via an inner nozzle so as to form a conductive core. Non-conductive material may be dispensed via a peripheral nozzle surrounding the inner nozzle so as to form a non-conductive casing surrounding the conductive core. The first conductive core and the non-conductive casing may then be deposited on a substrate or other surface. The trace may be positioned on the substrate such that the non-conductive casing contacts a previously deposited trace. An additional conductive core may be dispensed within the non-conductive casing and the direct write dispensing nozzle assembly may be rotated so as to form a twisted pair.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that utilize the differences in physical properties between two coating fluids to form core-shell particles or core-shell fibers by coaxial free-surface electrospinning. The methods are able to achieve higher productivity than known methods, and are tunable. Nonwoven fiber mats of electrospun fibers have garnered much scientific and commercial interest in recent years due to their unique properties, such as their high porosity, high surface area and small diameter fibers.

Abstract: Described herein are nanofibers and methods for making nanofibers that include any one or more of (a) a non-homogeneous charge density; (b) a plurality of regions of high charge density; and/or (c) charged nanoparticles or chargeable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the present invention fulfills a need for filtration media that are capable of both high performance (e.g., removal of particle sizes between 0.1 and 0.5 ?m) with a low pressure drop, however the invention is not limited in this regard.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for applying specially formulated spray materials. The feedstock for the spray materials includes one or more immiscible materials. To mix immiscible materials at low pressure, the materials are applied from separate inputs of a fixture to separate channels where they are permitted to flow to and spread over surfaces or edges at selected thicknesses. On the surfaces or edges the materials are each subject to flowing air that forms small particles or drops even though the materials may be viscous. The particles or drops are mixed together and may be applied to a combustion device or spray device or any other device utilizing the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for preparing three dimensional (3D) nanofibers (blended or coaxial) materials by electrospinning. An automatic nanofiber collector device is used to control the porosity, pore size, crystallinity, geometry, the layer number and thickness of formed nanofibers. The automatic nanofiber collector device includes: (1) a collector platform; (2) a non-conductive device used to fix the collector device; (3) a plurality of electro-conductive wires or needles being pierced through the collector platform with various heights, and (4) the ends of the needles (at bottom) are wired and controlled by a microcontroller, providing forward, stand and backward movements for attached needles. The desired 3D nanofiber scaffold structures can be tailored by the micro-stepping programmable motor controller by changing the pattern and velocity of needle movement, generalized or selective needles movements, as well as intermittent versus continuous movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a nano metal wire, including: putting a metal precursor solution in a core pipe of a needle; putting a polymer solution in a shell pipe of the needle, wherein the shell pipe surrounds the core pipe; applying a voltage to the needle while simultaneously jetting the metal precursor solution and the polymer solution to form a nano line on a collector, wherein the nano line includes a metal precursor wire surrounded by a polymer tube; chemically reducing the metal precursor wire of the nano line to form a nano line of metal wire surrounded by the polymer tube; and washing out the polymer tube by a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of electrospinning. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrospinning device that includes a slit-fixture defined by an elongate aperture disposed between opposing elements of an electrically conductive material. These elements include a variety of patterns/shapes that affect the flow of fluid through the aperture and the electrical field across the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles comprising nanofibers. The nanofibers, having a diameter of less than 1 micron, may comprise a significant number of the fibers in one layer of the web contained by the article. Preferably, the nanofibers are produced in a melt film fibrillation process. The articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads, catamenials products such as feminine care pads and pantiliners, tampons, personal cleansing articles, personal care articles, and personal care wipes including baby wipes, facial wipes, and feminine wipes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing polymeric structures that have activated surfaces. The process proved to be simple, quick, with high production capacity and low operating costs. The process occurs by depositing a polymer solution, which is assisted by a high electric field, on a conductive liquid surface to produce particles and/or filaments that have an activated surface. More particularly, the process of the present invention has the ability to produce particles and/or filaments that have chemically activated surfaces, in a single process.

Abstract: A process of forming a tissue scaffold is described, the process comprising electrospinning polymer fibers from a spinneret onto a tissue scaffold template. In embodiments, the fibers are plasma-treated between the spinneret and the template. The scaffold may be constructed of alternating layers of aligned and randomly oriented fibers. The scaffold may be heat treated to control the mechanical properties of the scaffold, such as density, pore size and pore interconnectivity.

Abstract: A method for separating out nano-scale fiber threads from many fiber branches and controlling alignment and deposition of the fiber threads on a substrate, comprising: electrospinning at least synthetic polymer fiber streams from an electrically charged syringe needle; controlling the fiber using at least one electrically charged metallic disk rotating about an axis positioned below the needle; capturing the fiber using electrically grounded collector; extracting a single or plurality of fiber branch threads from the fiber streams, wherein the single or plurality of fiber branch threads is attracted to and intercepted by the collector shape, and depositing the single or plurality of fiber branch threads as substantially aligned fiber on the collector.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for fabrication of nanoporous membranes. In one embodiment, among others, a system includes electrode pairs including substantially parallel electrodes, a controllable power supply to control the electrical potential of each of the electrode pairs, and a syringe to eject an electrically charged solution from a needle to form a nanofiber. The orientation of the nanofiber in a nanofiber layer is determined by the electrical potentials of the electrode pairs. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a nanoporous membrane including nanofiber layers between a transferor and a mainmold of a stamp-through-mold (STM) where adjacent nanofiber layers are approximately aligned in different directions. A patterned membrane is sheared from the nanoporous membrane using the transferor and the mainmold of the STM and transferred to a substrate.

Abstract: A method of electrospinning fibers is disclosed. The fibers have an inner core surrounded by a porous outer shell. The method comprises co-electrospinning first and second liquids as core and shell respectively, the second liquid surrounding the first liquid in a jet issuing from a Taylor cone, wherein the first and second liquids are miscible or semi-miscible with each other, such that pore generation is driven in the shell of the fiber. The liquids may be solutions or melts. The electrical conductivity, viscosity, miscibility and other parameters of the liquids determine the structure of the produced fibers. As well as producing fibers having a porous shell there are described methods of co-electrospraying porous beads as well as core-shell vesicles having a porous shell. The methods may be used to produce hydrogen storage fibers, vesicles and beads. The methods may also be used for producing controlled drug-delivery fibers, vesicles and beads.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious material, a liquid impervious material, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the liquid pervious material and the liquid impervious material. The absorbent article comprises one or more nonwoven substrates each comprising one or more layers of fibers. A plurality of the fibers each comprise a plurality of fibrils extending outwardly from a surface of the fibers. The plurality of fibrils comprise a lipid ester.

Abstract: The formation of a non-woven, free from organic solvent, formed through parallel formation of fibers on a collection device is disclosed. As the individual fibers are dry prior to contact with other fibers, the different contents of the various fiber types do not interact. However, when wetted, the fibers will start to be dissolved, or swell, and the different contents will be released and then interact. For the example of thrombin and fibrinogen, the interaction will initiate the formation of a fibrin coagulum by the cleavage of fibrinogen through the action of thrombin to form fibrin monomers that spontaneously polymerize to form a three dimensional network of fibrin.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods of manufacture of a filtration media, such as a personal protection equipment mask or respirator, which may incorporate a forcespinning process to form nanofibers. Some embodiments may comprise forcespinning material onto a convex mold, which may, for example, be in the shape of a human face. Other embodiments may comprise forcespinning material onto an inner and/or outer shell of a personal protective equipment mask, such as a flat fold mask. In an embodiment, the forcespun nanofibers may be functionalized, and therefore may, for example, be operable to capture one or more gases.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing mechanically resilient titanium carbide (TiC) nanofibrous felts comprising continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix, comprising: (a) electrospinning a spin dope for making precursor nanofibers with diameters less than 0.5 J·Lm; (b) overlaying the nanofibers to produce a nano-fibrous mat (felt); and then (c) heating the nano-felts first at a low temperature, and then at a high temperature for making electrospun continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix; and (d) chlorinating the above electrospun nano-felts at an elevated temperature to remove titanium for producing carbide derived carbon (CDC) nano-fibrous felt with high specific surface areas.

Abstract: Provided are fiber fabrication method and the fiber fabricated thereby. In this method, different monomer solutions are electrospun through nozzles whose outlets are stuck to each other and simultaneously interfacially polymerized to form a polymer fiber without a complicated process of preparing a polymer solution. Therefore, a polymer fiber can be simply prepared.

Abstract: Devices and methods for high-throughput manufacture of concentrically layered nanoscale and microscale fibers by electrospinning are disclosed. The devices include a hollow tube having a lengthwise slit through which a core material can flow, and can be configured to permit introduction of sheath material at multiple sites of Taylor cone formation formation.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of forming a prosthetic device is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. A tubular frame is positioned over a tubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto the tubular frame to form a prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is heated.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate or polyvinylpyrrolidone is electrospun into fibers having diameters of nanometer scale to form a first mat that is capable of absorbing hydrocarbons. A second mat may be formed from a solution of cellulose acetate or polyvinylpyrrolidone further containing tungsten trioxide. The solution is electrospun onto a copper mesh and then thermally oxidized to create a nanostructure comprising a grid or network of tungsten trioxide crystals and copper oxide crystals. The nanogrid is capable of photocatalyzing the degradation of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. The grid may be combined with the first mat to degrade hydrocarbons that the first mat absorbs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an electrospun microfiber non-woven web with high strength for a lithium secondary battery, a non-woven web manufactured therefrom, and a separator comprising the non-woven web. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a microfiber non-woven web manufactured by bringing a solution of engineering plastic resin with high heat-resistance into electrospinning, the manufacture thereof, and a separator comprising the web. According to the present disclosure, the engineering plastic resin with high heat-resistance is used in the manufacture of the microfiber non-woven web to provide improved physical properties including tensile strength and good heat-resistance and chemical-resistance, as compared with conventional polyethylene-based separators.

Abstract: Lithium-containing nanofibers, as well as processes for making the same, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments described herein, using high throughput (e.g., gas assisted and/or water based) electrospinning processes produce nanofibers of high energy capacity materials with continuous lithium-containing matrices or discrete crystal domains.

Abstract: An inorganic fiber structure comprising inorganic nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of 3 ?m or less, in which an entirety including the inside thereof is adhered with an inorganic adhesive, and the porosity thereof is 90% or more, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing an electrospun scaffold, comprising electrospinning a polymer or co-polymer onto a template comprising a conductive collector having a three dimensional pattern thereon, wherein said electrospun polymer or co-polymer preferentially deposits onto said three dimensional pattern.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a scalable and electrostretching approach for generating microfibers exhibiting uniaxial alignment from polymer solutions. Such microfibers can be generated from a variety of natural polymers or synthetic polymers. The hydrogel microfibers can be used for controlled release of bioactive agents. The internal uniaxial alignment exhibited by the presently disclosed fibers provides improved mechanical properties to microfibers, contact guidance cues and induces alignment for cells seeded on or within the microfibers.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for tube nozzle electrospinning. In one example, among others, is a system including a nozzle tube with an array of nozzles configured to produce a plurality of electrospun nanofibers and a positioning stage configured to control deposition of the plurality of electrospun nanofibers on a substrate to form a layer of nanofibers. Another example is a method including generating a plurality of electrospun nanofibers from an array of nozzles positioned over a substrate and controlling movement of the substrate to form a layer of electrospun nanofibers.

Abstract: A filter medium, in particular for air filtration, is provided with a substrate and at least one nanofiber layer applied onto the substrate. The nanofiber layer has cavities in or between the nanofibers. In a method for producing the nanofiber layer, a spinning solution for electrospinning from a polymer solution by a spinning electrode and a counter electrode is provided, wherein electrical voltage is applied to the spinning solution and air is passed through the spinning solution. The nanofibers produced by the spinning electrode are deposited onto the substrate that is moved past the counter electrode.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional scaffold at low temperatures and the respective use of this method and apparatus.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a fiber mat comprising polymer fibers with ferroelectric particles embedded in the polymer fibers. The ferroelectric particles are oriented to generate a net polarization in the fiber mat. The ferroelectric particles may comprise barium titanate particles. The polymer fibers may comprise polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. The piezoelectric device may further include substrates sandwiching the fiber mat, and the fiber mat may be formed by electrospinning polymer fibers containing ferroelectric particles onto one of the substrates. The piezoelectric device may be a piezoelectric actuator configured to receive an input voltage applied across the fiber mat and to output a mechanical displacement in response to the voltage, or the piezoelectric device may be configured to output a voltage in response to a mechanical force applied to the fiber mat.

Abstract: Processes for forming polymer fibers, comprising: (a) providing a colloidal dispersion of at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and (b) electrospinning the colloidal dispersion; polymer fibers prepared by such processes; and colloidal dispersions comprising: at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and at least 10% by weight of a water-soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 0.1% by weight.

Abstract: A scaffold assembly and related methods of manufacturing and/or using the scaffold for stem cell culture and tissue engineering applications are disclosed which at least partially mimic a native biological environment by providing biochemical, topographical, mechanical and electrical cues by using an electroactive material. The assembly includes at least one layer of substantially aligned, electrospun polymer fiber having an operative connection for individual voltage application. A method of cell tissue engineering and/or stem cell differentiation uses the assembly seeded with a sample of cells suspended in cell culture media, incubates and applies voltage to one or more layers, and thus produces cells and/or a tissue construct.