Abstract: Disclosed is a porous polyimide membrane of a three-layer structure having two surface layers (a) and (b) and a macrovoid layer interposed between the surface layers (a) and (b), wherein the macrovoid layer has a partition wall joined to the surface layers (a) and (b) and plural macrovoids surrounded by the partition wall and the surface layers (a) and (b), with an average void diameter in a membrane plane direction of from 10 to 500 ?m; each of the partition wall of the macrovoid layer and the surface layers (a) and (b) has a thickness of from 0.1 to 50 ?m and has plural pores having an average pore diameter of from 0.01 to 5 ?m, the pores being communicated with each other and also communicated with the macrovoids; and the membrane has a total membrane thickness of from 5 to 500 ?m and a porosity of from 70 to 95%.

Abstract: A solid sorbent for the capture and the transport of carbon dioxide gas is provided having at least one first layer of a positively charged material that is polyethylenimine or poly(allylamine hydrochloride), that captures at least a portion of the gas, and at least one second layer of a negatively charged material that is polystyrenesulfonate or poly(acryclic acid), that transports the gas, wherein the second layer of material is in juxtaposition to, attached to, or crosslinked with the first layer for forming at least one bilayer, and a solid substrate support having a porous surface, wherein one or more of the bilayers is/are deposited on the surface of and/or within the solid substrate. A method of preparing and using the solid sorbent is provided.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to relates to foamed thermoplastic material objects and articles of manufacture having an internal layered cellular structure, as well as to methods of making the same. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a multi-layer foamed polymeric article of manufacture, comprising: a non-laminated multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet, wherein the multi-layer thermoplastic material sheet has first and second discrete outer layers sandwiching a plurality of discrete inner foamed layers, and wherein the two outer layers and plurality discrete inner foamed layers are integral with one another. The thermoplastic material may be a semi-crystalline polymer such as, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEN (polyethylene napthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PLA (polyactide), polyhydroxy acid (PHA), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), or blends thereof.

Abstract: A membrane according to the present invention includes a support member and a polymer layer disposed on the support member and including a plurality of nano pores each having an inner wall formed of a block-structured polymer material of which the end thereof is substituted by a functional group.

Abstract: An impact resistant device includes an optical layer and electronics. The optical layer and electronics are comprised in a flexible foil structure which is supported by a backing structure in mechanical contact on a backside of the flexible foil structure. The backing structure includes a deformable material having a viscous response in a critical range, which critical range is defined for a given front impact event by a pressure threshold (?critical) and a stretching threshold (?critical) of the flexible foil structure such that the optical layer and/or electronics are not damaged by the impact event.

Abstract: A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component.

Abstract: Laminated metallic sheets which comprise an interior layer of a viscoelastic polymeric compound sandwiched between outer layers of metallic sheet may exhibit enhanced properties through modification of the viscoelastic phase. In a first embodiment the elastic modulus of the viscoelastic polymeric compound may be reduced by incorporating voids, bubbles or pores within the compound. These voids which may be introduced by introduction of polymeric microspheres are effective in reducing the internal stresses induced in the laminate by temperature changes. In a second embodiment, coating the microspheres with an electrically-conductive layer may be effective in enabling resistance spot welding of such laminated materials.

Abstract: A titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite includes a titanium/titanium alloy substrate, a nano-porous oxide film formed on the substrate, and resin compositions coupled to the surface of the nano-porous oxide film. The nano-porous oxide film has nano pores. The resin compositions contain crystalline thermoplastic synthetic resins. A method for making the titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite is also described.

Abstract: A titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite includes a titanium/titanium alloy substrate, a nano-porous oxide film formed on the substrate, and resin compositions coupled to the surface of the nano-porous oxide film. The nano-porous oxide film has nano pores and includes at least two layers of different three dimensional meshed structures. The resin compositions contain crystalline thermoplastic synthetic resins. A method for making the titanium/titanium alloy-and-resin composite is also described.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous film formed of a thermoplastic resin composition comprising 100 parts by mass of (a) a polyolefin resin and from 5 to 90 parts by mass of (b) a polyphenylene ether resin; the microporous film having a sea-island structure with the polyolefin resin as a sea portion and with the polyphenylene ether resin as an island portion and having a air permeability of from 10 sec/100 cc to 5000 sec/100 cc. The microporous film does not break easily even at high temperatures and has good heat resistance.

Abstract: A roofing system includes a plurality of insulation boards adapted for overlying a roof deck to form a layer of insulation, and a plurality of cover boards adapted for overlying the layer of insulation. Each insulation board includes a foam material that includes polyisocyanurate or polyurethane, the foam material having a first density. Each cover board includes a material including polyisocyanurate or polyurethane, the material having a second density greater than the first. The roofing system may further include a waterproofing membrane adapted for overlying the cover boards. The insulation boards and cover boards may include facers on top or bottom surfaces.

Abstract: An absorbent covering (1) has high damping power, secured on a structure (2) and includes a dissipater mesh made up of a plurality of dissipating elements (3) and of nodes (4) each having its bottom end (4?) secured on the structure (2). In remarkable manner, the bottom ends (4?) of the nodes (4) project from the dissipating elements (3) so as to leave an empty space (5) between the dissipating elements (3) and the structure (2), the absorbent covering (1) including main absorbent elements (6) arranged in the empty space (5), each of the main absorbent elements (6) being secured firstly to a bottom face (3?) of a dissipating element (3) and secondly to the structure (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of a breathable multilayer microporous film comprise a first outer film layer, a second inner film layer, and a third outer film layer, wherein each film layer comprises at least one pore-forming filler and one thermoplastic polymer. Each film layer is rendered microporous and breathable by stretching each film layer having the pore-forming filler therein, wherein the first and third outer film layers have first and third maximum pore sizes, respectively, and the second inner film layer has a second maximum pore size different than the respective maximum pore sizes of the first and third outer film layers of the multilayer film. The multilayer microporous film passes ASTM F 1671-03 test.

Abstract: An insulation package and method of formation including a functional layer, a breathable water repellant insulating layer, and a highly breathable microporous membrane layer having a network of pores. The functional fabric, the highly breathable insulating layer and the microporous membrane layer are laminated to one another to form a waterproof breathable insulated fabric.

Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer, a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The gas diffusion layer having different hydrophilic/hydrophobic structure and channel therein can be manufactured quickly and easily by using a coating mask. The gas diffusion layer is used in various fuel cells to enhance the ability of water management and to solve the problem of flooding at the cathode, the problem of water deficit at the anode, and the problem of gas transfer. The gas diffusion layer includes a gas diffusion medium having a first property and a micro porous layer having a second property. The micro porous layer is formed on one surface of the gas diffusion medium. The micro porous layer has a plurality of channel layers penetrating the gas diffusion medium. One of the first property and the second property is hydrophilic, and the other is hydrophobic.

Abstract: A composite article having an elastomeric composition with a blowing agent having an activation temperature and providing at least one structural member defining a fixed gap. The composition is formed below the blowing agent's activation temperature into a solid elastomeric member approximately the thickness of or larger than the gap. The elastomeric member is assembled into the gap, which may place the elastomeric member in a state of compression in the gap. The elastomeric member is then expanded by heating it above the activation temperature. During expansion, the escape of the gas produced is limited to increase the state of compression of the elastomer in the gap by means of confining any free surfaces or by including a platy filler such as nanoclay in the composition.

Abstract: In a laminate, comprising at least one series of metal layers and fiber-reinforced plastic layers which are attached to one another, at least two different series are provided, these series including a transition, and at the location of the transition at least one of the internal layers is discontinuous and all the other layers are continuous.

Abstract: Single-layer or multilayer, biaxially oriented, microporous foil having a shutdown function, which comprises at least one shutdown layer I, which comprises propylene homopolymer and ss-nucleating agent and polyethylene.

Abstract: An allergen-barrier fabric and method of producing the same is provided. The fabric is formed from weaving yarns and processed such that the resulting pore size is less than approximately 1 micron. The finished fabric may also include exhibit consistent pore to pore variability. The finished fabric may exhibit an MVTR of at least 7,000 and a hydrostatic resistance of at least 10,000 mm.

Abstract: Optical films for enhancing light extraction from self-emissive light sources such as bottom-emitting or top-emitting OLEDs are disclosed. The extraction films typically include a flexible carrier film, and a first and second layer carried by the carrier film. The first or second layer has a nanovoided morphology and includes a polymer binder, and may also have a refractive index less than 1.35 or 1.3. An embedded structured surface of light extraction elements is formed between the first and second layers. The light extraction elements may be primarily diffractive elements adapted to be disposed within an evanescent zone of the OLED, or they may be primarily refractive elements adapted to be disposed outside the evanescent zone. The extraction film may also include a third layer, and a second embedded structured surface may be formed between the third layer and the first layer.

Abstract: A lightweight enclosure is described that has an exterior film surface. The lightweight enclosure comprises a laminate having a porous outer film. The laminate is moisture vapor transmissive and flame resistance (passing CPAI-84), and abrasion resistance on the outer film surface thereby remaining durably liquidproof. The lightweight enclosure may be a single wall tent and is formed from a laminate having sufficient oxygen permeability to sustain life while enclosure openings are closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double-faced pressure-sensitive adhesive tape which includes a foam substrate, one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer arranged on or above one side of the substrate, and another pressure-sensitive adhesive layer arranged on or above the other side of the substrate. The adhesive tape has a total thickness of 250 ?m or less. The adhesive tape is thin but highly waterproof (sealable against water). The adhesive tape preferably has a tensile strength of 0.5 to 20 MPa for further superior processability.

Abstract: This invention provides a waterproof and moisture-permeable fabric which prevents to lower in a water pressure resistance, repetitively washed. The waterproof and moisture-permeable fabric consists of a body of a fabric and a microporous film of mainly polyurethane which is laid on the body. The microporous film contains 1 to 9 mass % of fluorinated water repellent agent, 0.1 to 2 mass % of oil-soluble fluorinated surfactant and if necessary 3 to 45 mass % of fine silica powders. The waterproof and moisture-permeable fabric is obtained by the following method. After coating a resin compound on the surface of the body, the resin compound is dipped in a coagulating bath to form the microporous film. The resin compound dissolves or disperses mainly polyurethane, 1 to 9 mass % of fluorinated water repellent agent, 0.1 to 2 mass % of oil-soluble fluorinated surfactant and if necessary 3 to 45 mass % of fine silica powders in N,N-dimethylformamide.

Abstract: A coated article includes a substrate, and a coating deposited on the substrate by magnetron sputtering. The coating includes micropores, and each micropore is sealed by a sealing element.

Abstract: A roofing system includes a layer of insulation boards overlying a roof deck, and a layer of cover boards overlying the insulation boards. The insulation boards include a polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam material that has a first density. The cover boards include a polyisocyanurate or polyurethane material that has a second density. The second density is greater than the first. The roofing system may also include a waterproofing membrane overlying the cover boards.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous laminate having many micropores interconnected in the thickness direction, which comprises: a step in which a laminate is produced which comprises at least three layers comprising an interlayer made of a thermoplastic resin having a hard segment and a soft segment and two nonporous outer layers made of a filler-containing resin and located as outer layers respectively on both sides of the interlayer; a step in which the laminate obtained is impregnated with a supercritical or subcritical fluid and this state is relieved to vaporize the fluid and thereby make the interlayer porous; and a step in which the two nonporous outer layers located respectively on both sides are made porous by stretching.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical film having a graded refractive index and a method of manufacturing the same. The optical film includes one or more antireflection films composed of a mesoporous material having a plurality of pores of a uniform size, and the pores of the mesoporous material are filled with air or a filler having a refractive index different from that of the mesoporous material, and thus the volume ratio of mesoporous material to filler in the pores thereof is controlled, thereby obtaining a desired magnitude of effective refractive index and ensuring a refractive index distribution in which the refractive indexes sequentially change, resulting in high antireflection performance. The method of manufacturing the optical film may be conducted using a nanowire growing technique, thus making it easy to realize mass production.

Abstract: A multilayer radiant-barrier structure is formed on one or both sides of a substrate that can be attached to an insulating layer to produce a reflective insulating material. The metallized layer is protected from environmental degradation without interfering with flammability properties that are critical for radiant and reflective insulation materials used in housing applications. The metal layer is modified to insulate enclosures without blocking cellular communications and the protective functional layer in modified to minimize emissivity, create a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic surface, and/or prevent mold, fungi and bacteria growth. Solutions are provided to solve occupational-hazard problems associated with the use of these materials in enclosures that include power wires.

Abstract: A nanoporous filter comprises a porous support having an essentially flat surface on which is deposited a nanoporous layer having a substantially regular pore structure and uniform pore size within the range from 1 to 50 nm.

Abstract: To be provided is a foam waterproofing material superior in waterproofness and flexible enough to be compatible with further minute clearance. The foam waterproofing material according to the present invention is a waterproofing material including a foam having a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, characterized in that the foam has a micro cell structure with an average cell diameter of 10 to 60 ?m and an apparent density of 0.01 to 0.050 g/cm3. In the foam waterproofing material, the repulsive load when compressed to 0.1 mm (0.1 mm-compressive repulsion force) of the foam is preferably 0.01 to 0.1 MPa. The foam preferably has a closed-cell structure or a semi-open and semi-closed-cell structure. In addition, the foam may have a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one or both faces thereof. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is preferably formed on the foam via a film layer.

Abstract: A sports mat includes a first foam layer, a second foam layer laminated on the first foam layer and a patterned laminate bonded on the second foam layer. The first and second foam layers are both made of polyethylene foam containing material of elastic resin and have a density in the range of 2 to 8 pcf and a total thickness in the range of 2 to 8 mm. In addition, the first foam layer is embossed therebottom with a plurality of elongated ridges parallel to one another. The patterned laminate includes a first plastic film laminated to the second foam layer, a second plastic film laminated to the first plastic film, and a pattern placed in between the first and second plastic films and visible through the second plastic film. Additionally, the pattern laminate together with the second foam layer is embossed to define a plurality of concaves in an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of bonding suspension components which creates strong and durable bonding layer by using a chemical coating compatible with MCU. The bonding material uses coating materials to form an intermediated property bonding layer. This bonding layer prevents corrosion on the metal suspension components. The coating has the correct chemical activity to chemically bond MCU at the molecular level during the standard curing reaction. The coating provides an intermediated property layer to improve cyclic fatigue bonding performance, and bond effectively during molding and manufacturing operations.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous material, e.g., a microporous sheet material, having a matrix of polyolefin, finely-divided, substantially water insoluble particulate filler, a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material, and at least one retrospectively identifiable taggant material embedded within the matrix, optionally the at least one taggant being unique to an end user for the microporous material, wherein the polyolefin is present in the microporous material in an amount of 20 to 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the microporous material. The taggant material provides a marker, signature or code that is capable of retrospective identification by machine, instrument or by the naked eye. Articles including the microporous material and processes for preparing the microporous material also are provided.

Abstract: An energy-attenuation structure comprising a core layer of cellular material. Substantially most of the cells of the cellular material are open cells, with those cells disposed in the central portion of the core layer being more open than are those cells disposed in outer portions of the core layer. The openness of the cells generally decreases from the interior of the core layer in a direction toward the outer portions. At least some of the cells of the core layer are filled with a liquid.

Abstract: A microstructure which has excellent long-term stability and is capable of simple joining by thermocompression bonding at a high joint strength is provided. The microstructure includes an insulating base in which through micropores with a pore size of 10 to 500 nm are disposed at a density of 1×106 to 1×1010 micropores/mm2. The through micropores are filled with a metal at a filling ratio of at least 30% and a polymer layer is formed on at least one surface of the insulating base.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane including a support; a first separation layer with a plurality of first nano-sized pores and a first matrix; and a second separation layer having a plurality of second pores respectively corresponding to the plurality of first pores of the first separation layer and a second matrix, and formed on the first separation layer, wherein a density of the plurality of the first pores and the second pores is equal to or greater than 1010/cm2, and a diameter of each of the second pores is less than that of the corresponding first pore, a process of fabricating the same, and a device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane. The device for a controlled release of biopharmaceuticals including the nanoporous membrane can release biopharmaceuticals at a constant rate for a long period of time regardless of the concentration of the biopharmaceuticals including in pharmaceuticals, and high flex and selectivity.

Abstract: A porous composite membrane is provided by an associated method and includes a first microporous substrate of a first material. A second, coating material is joined to the first microporous substrate to form a bi-component arrangement with the first microporous substrate. The second material is different than the first material. A third, coating material is applied to the bi-component arrangement. The third material is different than the first and second materials. The third material extending over at least a portion of surfaces of the bi-component arrangement which define the micropores.

Abstract: Hybrid membrane structures that include: an inorganic porous support that includes first and second ends, and a plurality of inner channels having surfaces defined by porous walls and extending through the support from the first to the second ends; optionally, one or more porous inorganic intermediate layers coating the inner channel surfaces; and a polymeric amine-containing membrane.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin film (i) which has a degree of dimensional change through heating and cooling (?) in the range of from ?2% to 2% as measured by thermomechanical analysis in the range of from room temperature to 135° C., or which has a degree of thermal shrinkage of 1.8% or lower upon heating at 130° C. for 30 minutes or longer; and a label paper employing the same. The label paper has suitability for heated-roll fixing type electrophotographic printers and is satisfactory in curling after printing.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous film for a secondary battery, and more particularly, to a microporous film for a secondary battery with excellent quality stability and heat resistance, the microporous film comprising a 3 layer microporous film wherein: an inner layer that includes polypropylene of 20-80 wt % having a melting temperature of 150° C. or higher and a filler of 80-20 wt % having a melting temperature of 140° C. or higher, wherein a gross content of the filler and polypropylene in the inner layer is 60 wt % or more, and both surface layers which include polyethylene, wherein at least one layer of the both surface layers includes polyethylene of 70 wt % or more.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a first layer which comprises a prefabricated microcells component, surfactant-generated microcells, a surfactant component, a filler component and a binder component and a second layer, which comprises a metallic component. The composite material may further comprise a substrate to which the first layer is adhered. The composite materials have heat insulating and fire resistant characteristics and are particularly suited for use in building materials and mattresses.

Abstract: In order to create a substructure material (100; 100?) for a printing form, in particular a flatbedform or a printing plate (11), in particular a flatbed printing plate, and/or for a printer's blanket (13), in particular a rubber blanket, specially a compressible or an incompressible rubber blanket, and/or for another surface taking part in the printing process during the printing, in particular during the offset printing, by means of which there results an improved image to be printed and which makes possible the changing of printing forms or printing plates in an easier and quicker way, it is proposed that the substructure material (100; 100?) is configured as a replaceable compound (16, 17, 18; 16?, 17?), elastically deformable radially to the cylinder (10, 12, 15) assigned to the printing form or printing plate (11) and for to the printer's blanket (13; 70) and/or to the other surface participating to the printing process or radially to the assigned drum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mat or molded pre-form that may be used as a mounting mat to mount a fragile monolith within an outer housing of an exhaust gas treatment device, such as automotive catalytic converters and diesel particulate traps. The mat or pre-form may also be used as thermal insulation in the end cone regions of the exhaust gas treatment device. The mat and pre-form includes an inorganic microporous insulation component and a flexible fibrous material component. Exhaust gas treatment devices and methods for making exhaust gas treatment devices including the mat or pre-form are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multilayer breathable barrier films are provided. The films contain one or more layers of polymers without fillers in combination with at least two or more microporous breathable layers. The barrier layer provides a viral and alcohol barrier that can effectively allow moisture vapor to pass.

Abstract: A mat or mat-pre-form hybrid for use in an exhaust gas treatment device, such as catalytic converters and diesel particulate traps that are used in automotive exhaust systems. The mat or hybrid may be used as a mounting mat to mount a fragile monolith within an outer housing of an exhaust gas treatment device or as thermal insulation in an end cone of the exhaust gas treatment device.

Abstract: Provided is a microporous polyolefin composite film with a thermally stable porous layer at high temperature, particularly, to the microporous polyolefin composite film in which the thermally stable porous layer at high temperature, which contains organic or inorganic particles and heat-resistant polymer having aromatic ring in main chain and also having a melting temperature or a glass transition temperature of 170 to 500° C., is formed on one surface or both surfaces of a polyolefin microporous film by a phase separation, wherein the composite film with the porous layer has a permeability of 1.5×105 to 20.O×IO 5 Darcy, a meltdown temperature of 160 to 300° C., a MD/TD shrinkage of 1 to 40% at a temperature of 15O° C. for 60 minutes.

Abstract: A complex membrane for an electrochemical device such as a lithium secondary battery, its manufacturing method, and an electrochemical device having the complex membrane are disclosed. The complex membrane includes a micro-porous polyolefin membrane, and a web-phase porous membrane united to at least one side of the micro-porous polyolefin membrane and composed of nano-fibers. Since the complex membrane is capable of absorbing an electrolyte uniformly, it greatly improves performance of a battery when being used for an electrochemical device. In addition, owing to excellent mechanical strength and good binding capacity to an electrode, it helps to increase a process rate for manufacturing the battery.

Abstract: A microvoided film formed by mixing a microvoid forming additive with a composition including a polymeric material. The microvoided film includes a printability additive. The microvoids formed during the processing of the composition to convert it into a film result in a reduction of the density of the film, making a lighter weight film requiring less polymeric material to produce a film of desired thickness while maintaining suitable structural characteristics than required when making a higher density film. The microvoids are formed through ? crystallization of the polymeric material during casting and in a later cold drawing stage of the orientation portion of the film fabrication process. The microvoided film may be fabricated to be opaque with or without pigment additive included in the composition. The film may multilayered. In one embodiment, the multilayered film is three-layered including a core without printability additive and two outer layers with the printability additive.