Abstract: A porous polymer blend, and a method of producing a porous polymer blend from at least two immiscible polymers. The at least two immiscible polymer being blended together and exhibiting the absence of complete phase separation. The method of producing a porous polymer blend comprising: forming a liquid composition comprising at least two immiscible polymers dissolved in a common solvent; subjecting the liquid composition to a reduction in temperature to cause at least two immiscible polymers to phase separate into a common polymer rich phase and a common polymer poor phase; solidifying the at least two immiscible polymers in the common polymer rich phase so as to avoid complete phase separation of the at least two immiscible polymers; and removing the common polymer pore phase to provide a blend of the at least two immiscible polymers having a porous morphology.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of making porous structures or materials, including the colloidal processing (e.g. slip casting, pressure casting, tape casting or electrophoretic deposition) of solid particle emulsions to form a green body that can be directly sintered without a de-binding step.

Abstract: Methods of sol-gel processing for the preparation of mixed gels and nanoparticles are described. Further, mixed gels and nanoparticles obtained by the method are also disclosed. More specifically, a process for mixture of NiO nanoparticles and Yttria stabilized Zirconia nanoparticles obtained by only one sol-gel process is described.

Abstract: A multi-parallel processing emulsification machine excellent in ease of priming and cleaning the interior of flow paths, capable of also coping with a liquid that precipitates is provided. A component through which a continuous phase to be the solvent of emulsion flows is stacked over a component through which a disperse phase to be the solute of the emulsion flows. Further, a component through which the produced emulsion flows is stacked thereover to form a microfluidic device for emulsification. When they are stacked together, multiple minute cross-shaped globule production portions are formed and in these globule production portions, the disperse phase flows from downward to upward. The continuous phase merges into them from left and right to form a sheath flow in which the continuous phase encircles the circumference of the disperse phase. In the sheath flow, the disperse phase is divided and turned into globules by a difference in velocity of flow between the continuous phase and the disperse phase.

Abstract: This invention provides a mixing method by which a mixing object can be uniformly mixed into a gelled assembly within a short time period. The method for mixing a mixing object into a gelled assembly comprises freezing the gelled assembly; melting the frozen assembly to obtain a sol; mixing the resultant sol and the mixing object; and reconstituting the gelled assembly from the sol into which the mixing object has been mixed.

Abstract: Provided are emulsions and foam compositions that include patchy particles having at least two different surface chemistries, such as Janus particles. Also provided are methods of stabilizing emulsions and foam compositions by adding patchy particles to such emulsions or foam compositions during the process of forming such emulsions or foam compositions or after formation thereof. Further provided are methods of controlling droplet size in an emulsion or foam composition by adding patch particles having at least two different surface chemistries to the emulsion or foam composition. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which comprises a specific non-crosslinkable medium and at least one microgel, processes for its preparation, uses of the compositions, and microgel-containing polymers, rubbers, lubricants, coatings etc. prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing composite materials by a sol/gel-process, comprising carbon nanoparticles and organic polymer material. The invention further relates to composite materials, which are manufactured with the use of said sol/gel technology.

Abstract: Prior colloidal crystal preparation means requires much workmanship to obtain colloidal crystals, relying much on the expertise of an operator. To utilize colloidal crystals in various fields and develop them from now on, it is in demand to establish preparation means capable of preparing colloidal crystals with good reproducibility. The object of the invention is to meet such demand. A gas compressed in a compressor (1) is controlled by a gas pulse controller (3) to generate compressed air pulses, and the pulses are then guided to a colloidal crystal preparation vessel (6) having a flat plate type capillary portion to produce a pressure fluctuation, which is in turn used as driving power, thereby giving a flow and hard-stopping motion to a colloidal solution in the flat plate type capillary for formation of colloidal crystals of good single crystallinity.

Abstract: Well treating composites are composed of an organic lightweight material and a weight modifying agent. The organic lightweight material preferably forms the continuous phase and the weight modifying agent forms the discontinuous phase. The apparent specific gravity (ASG) of the organic lightweight material is less than the ASG of the well treating composite. The composite of the invention is particularly useful in hydraulic fracturing fluids as lightweight proppants as well as in sand control methods, such as gravel packing and frac packing A subterranean formation may be treated by injecting the well treating composite into the formation in order to increase fracture conductivity, reduce the generation of fines, reduced unwanted water production and/or reduce particulate production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dispersing a plurality of unaggregated particles, such as nanoparticles and microparticles, in a viscous medium. The dispersions can be used for making a variety of useful materials, such as carbon nanotube composites.

Abstract: A carbon-based aerogel is disclosed in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a sheet-like nanostructure. The aerogel may be either a graphene oxide aerogel or a graphene aerogel and may further be reinforced with a polymer. A method for making the aerogel is also disclosed and includes providing graphite oxide, creating a dispersion of the graphite oxide in a liquid, and drying the dispersion to form a graphene oxide aerogel. In one embodiment, the graphene oxide aerogel is thermally treated to convert the graphene oxide to graphene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a solid composite having colloidal nanocrystals dispersed within a sol-gel matrix, the process including admixing colloidal nanocrystals with an amphiphilic polymer including hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of —COOH, —OH, —SO3H, —NH2, and —PO3H2 within a solvent to form an alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex, admixing the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex and a sol-gel precursor material, and, forming the solid composite from the admixture. The present invention is also directed to the resultant solid composites and to the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complexes.

Abstract: There are disclosed metallic colloid particles containing platinum fine particles wherein platinum colloid particles are supported on the surfaces of gold colloid particles, and the platinum fine particles have an average particle diameter of at most 5 nm; a process for producing the metallic colloid particles; a metallic corpuscular carrying body wherein the above metallic colloid particles are supported on a carrier and a process for producing the carrying body. The resultant metallic colloid particles, which have higher sensitivity, are well suited as a label for immunological measurement and protein-staining agent for various proteins.

Abstract: A method for producing particles includes providing a relief template having a surface relief pattern adapted to impart structure to a plurality of particles while they are under production; depositing a radiation-sensitive material on the relief template; exposing portions of the radiation-sensitive material on the relief template using a beam of spatially patterned radiation; removing portions of the radiation-sensitive material after the exposing to reveal at least portions of surfaces of the plurality of particles; and separating at least a portion of the plurality of particles from the relief template. At least a portion of a structure of each of the plurality of particles is defined by a combination of the surface relief pattern and the spatially patterned radiation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide cellulose fine particles having a small particle diameter and a high average polymerization degree, and a liquid dispersion or a solid dispersion thereof. The inventive cellulose fine particles have an average particle diameter of 9 to 400 nm and an average polymerization degree (DP) of cellulose of 150 to 3,000.

Abstract: A display medium and a display are provided. The display medium includes a thermal-sensitive solution and a number of micro particles. The micro particles are dispersed in the thermal-sensitive solution. At a first temperature, the thermal-sensitive solution is in a liquid form, such that the micro particles move freely. At a second temperature, the thermal-sensitive solution is in a colloid form, such that the micro particles are fixed. The first temperature differs from the second temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating calcium carbonate nanoparticles dispersed in water from ground calcium carbonate of micrometer (?m) order using beads milling. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for fabricating calcium carbonate nanoparticles dispersed in water by which a complex aqueous slurry comprising coarse ground calcium carbonate having an average particle size of several micrometers (?m) and a surfactant is subjected to beads milling, such that grinding and dispersion in water of the ground calcium carbonate occur simultaneously, and the resultant calcium carbonate nanoparticles have an average particle size of 10-100 nm and a unimodal clustering distribution.

Abstract: The invention provides oil emulsion droplets and a general and facile method for providing same through the use of templating multilayer capsules. The oil emulsion droplets are further useful in fabricating liquid crystal droplet-based biosensors for the detection of target analytes such as bacteria or viruses in a sample.

Abstract: A hydrogel microdome that can swell in response to a stimuli or target molecule is formed by polymerizing a mixture comprising a monomer capable of forming a hydrogel with a biopolymer. An array of hydrogel microdomes can be formed on a substrate by microspotting the mixture and polymerizing. The array can be used for high-throughput screening of analytes as well as for use as an actuator and biosensor using the swelling property of the hydrogel.

Abstract: The invention concerns the gelatinization of viscous aqueous or hydroalcoholic liquid components, buffered or not, intended for the production of films for the manufacture of soft capsules. These compositions are notable in particular in that gelatinization thereof is obtained extemporaneously starting with thickening agents that exhibit the unique property of gelatinizing instantly upon contact with complexing solutions, the elasticity of the films being obtained by introducing or not introducing a plasticizing agent, decomposition thereof being controlled by incorporating or not incorporating a surfactant or a polysaccharide, and preservation thereof being ensured or not ensured by the addition of preservatives, thus allowing it to contain oily and/or aqueous solutions. The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing films for such capsules, which comprises gelatinization of said films by applying a complexing agent to the mass by spraying and/or by immersion.

Abstract: Provision of a dispersion liquid of metal oxide fine particles, containing: metal oxide fine particles, and a halogen element, in which an amount of the halogen element is 10 ppm to 900 ppm, and pH of the dispersion liquid is 0 to 4.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite having tunable radiation diffracting properties which includes a flexible, water-free polymeric matrix and a crystalline colloidal array of particles having a lattice spacing, the array being embedded in the polymeric matrix and the lattice spacing changing responsive to stress applied to the polymeric matrix, thereby causing the radiation diffracting properties to change, wherein the polymeric matrix, the lattice spacing and the radiation diffracting properties all return to their original state essentially immediately upon removal of the stress. The present inventive composite is preferably made by a process, which involves forming a preliminary hydrogel polymerized crystalline colloidal array (PCCA), dehydrating the PCCA, and then forming a final, encapsulating polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Amorphous porous solid of an acidic nature, with a controlled pore size, essentially consisting of a mixed oxide of silicon, aluminum and phosphorous, having a surface area of at least 200 m2/g, which can be used as a catalyst or active carrier of a catalyst for various industrial processes, such as, for example, alkylation, isomerization, hydro-dehydrogenation processes, with an improved activity and selectivity with respect to the traditional amorphous silica-alumina gels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composites, comprising inorganic and/or organic pigments and/or fillers in the form of microparticles, the surface of which is coated at least partially with finely divided nano-calcium carbonate with the help of binders based on copolymers comprising as monomers one or more dicarboxylic acids and one or more monomers from the group of diamines, triamines, dialkanolamines or trialkanolamines, a method for producing such composites, aqueous slurries thereof and their use in papermaking or in the field of paint and plastic production and the use of the inventive binders for coating the microparticles with nano-calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The invention discloses a dispersion of deagglomerated barium sulphate having an average primary particle size of <0.5 ?m and coated with a dispersant in defined organic solvents, especially halogenated solvents such as dichloromethane. The dispersant preferably has reactive groups which are able to interact with the surface of the barium sulphate; particularly preferred dispersants are those which are able to endow the barium sulphate with a hydrophilic surface and which have reactive groups for coupling to or into polymers. The dispersion lends itself very well to incorporation into polymers such as acrylates, methacrylates, or particularly into hydrophobic polymers such as polycarbonate, or precursors thereof.

Abstract: A hydrogel particle producing method includes spraying into an atmosphere a dispersion containing an oil component dispersed in an aqueous component solution which contains a gel source of non-crosslinked hydrogel dissolved therein such that formed droplets are cooled to solidify, a gelation temperature of the gel source of non-crosslinked hydrogel being equal to or higher than 30° deg. C.

Abstract: Fibrous fine carbon particles of a novel structure improved in dispersibility in the dispersing media are provided. These particles have a minor diameter of 5 nm to 5 ?m and have a rugged structure in which the mean value of surface roughness defined by the following equation (I) is not less than 8.

Abstract: According to the invention, a resin-free solder paste made from a metal powder, particularly soft solder and a gel, is prepared, wherein the gel according to the invention leaves no residue on the metal surface during the remelting of the metal powder. The gel according to the invention is based on a mixture that is stable during storage and that comprises carboxylic acid(s), amine(s), and solvent(s). Important uses are the application of soft solder pastes on power-modules, die-attach, chip-on-board, SiP (System-in-Package), for wafer-bumping, particularly on UBM's (Under-Bump-Metallization), and SMT (Surface Mounted Technology), particularly coated circuits. With the use of resin-free soft solder pastes according to the invention, cleaning is eliminated before a protective coating process after the soldering of an electrical connection, and the formation of pores in solder bumps deposited on UBM's is reduced to less than 20 vol. %.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for disinfection and/or conservation and/or reduction and/or control of microbial contamination of aqueous dispersions and/or aqueous suspensions of mineral matter, providing satisfactory stability in terms of Brookfield™ viscosity for the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions of mineral matter. It also concerns the said aqueous dispersions and/or suspensions thus obtained, together with their uses in the mineral, paper and paint industries. Finally it concerns the end products obtained.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly method for preparing zinc oxide (zincite) nanoparticle sol having more than 90% visible light transmission at 20 wt % solid; comprises of the neutralizing, under specific pH, an inorganic zinc salt with an inorganic alkali, both dissolved in ethylene glycol, and thermally aging the precipitates afterward.

Abstract: A color filter composition comprises a mixture of a binder and a monomer in a predetermined ratio, a pigment, and a solvent. The predetermined ratio is a ratio of the binder to the monomer and ranges from about 50:50 to about 60:40. The color filter composition further comprises a solid powder having a weight percent in the color filter composition ranging from about 12% to about 18%, wherein the solid powder includes the pigment. The pigment has a weight percent in the solid powder ranging from about 28% to about 38%.

Abstract: Dispersion of zirconium dioxide having a solids content of from 30 to 75 wt. %, based on the total amount of the dispersion, and a median value of the particle size distribution in the dispersion of less than 200 nm, obtainable by predispersing a zirconium dioxide powder and/or a zirconium mixed oxide powder having a ZrC>2 content of at least 70 wt. %, the powders being in the form of aggregated primary particles and having no internal surface and a BET surface area of the powder of 60±15 m2/g, in a dispersing agent in the presence of from 0.1 to 5 wt.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing silver nano-particle colloid includes initiating formation of silver colloid nano-particles by combining a reduction solution and a silver nitrate solution in a container; and then stabilizing the silver colloid nano-particles by combining a stabilizing solution to the container. Thus a colloid can be produced using such a method and an electrostatic self assembly may be constructed using such a colloid.

Abstract: The particle sizes of agglomerates of carbon nanospheres are reduced by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in an organic solvent. The carbon nanospheres are multi-walled, hollow, graphitic structures with an average diameter in a range from about 10 nm to about 200 nm, more preferably about 20 nm to about 100 nm. Spectral data shows that prior to being dispersed, the carbon nanospheres are agglomerated into clusters that range in size from 500 nm to 5 microns. The clusters of nanospheres are reduced in size by dispersing the carbon nanospheres in an organic solvent containing at least one heteroatom (e.g., NMP) using ultrasonication. The combination of organic solvent and ultrasonication breaks up and disperses agglomerates of carbon nanospheres.

Abstract: Methods of sol-gel processing for preparing of gels and nanoparticles are described. The invention also relates to gels and nanoparticles prepared by the described methods. A preferable embodiment describes ZrO2 nanoparticles produced by sol gel processing by using sucrose and pectin as polymerization agents.

Abstract: A radiation diffractive material that diffracts radiation according to Bragg's law is disclosed. The material includes an ordered periodic array of diffracting regions received within a matrix, the matrix comprising an inorganic sol-gel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for dewatering a mineral slurry concentrate and increasing the production of the resulting filter cake consisting essentially of mixing an aqueous mineral slurry concentrate with an effective amount of a nonionic surfactant and an effective amount of a cationic polymer to form a nonionic surfactant and cationic polymer treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate, and subjecting the treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate to a liquid water removal process for dewatering the treated aqueous mineral slurry and for increasing the production of a resulting filter cake of the dewatered mineral slurry. An improved mineral slurry concentrate composition and an improved mineral concentrate filter cake is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for transiently and controllably enhancing the adhesion of a hydrogel composition to select substrates for facilitating the handling of the hydrogel composition during processing, includes the steps of placing the hydrogel composition in a liquid state onto a plastic film facestock, which has biaxially-oriented polypropylene, microporous cellulose acetate or a combination thereof, for temporarily adhering the hydrogel composition to the sheets of the roll stock during processing of the hydrogel composition, and then removing the hydrogel composition from the sheets of the roll stock, after processing of the hydrogel composition is complete, without any adverse affect on the textural qualities of the hydrogel composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oil-in-water emulsion wherein the oil droplets of a diameter in the range of 5 nm to hundreds of micrometers exhibit a nano-sized self-assembled structure with hydrophilic domains having a diameter size in the range of 0.5 to 200 nm, due to the presence of a lipophilic additive, and the oil-in-water emulsion contains a thickener or gelling agent in order to create new product consistencies and textures.

Abstract: A solid sample fabricating method includes preparing a specimen containing a first substance, which is in a liquid phase at normal temperature and normal pressure, and a second substance different from the first substance, which is in a solid or a liquid phase at the normal temperature and the normal pressure, the second substance being dispersed in the first substance, and attaching the specimen as a droplet to a surface of a cooled stage, whereby an entire region to be observed is converted into an amorphous state.

Abstract: Ultraporous sol gel monoliths and methods for preparing the same are provided, having superior flow characteristics for chromatography and analytical chemistry applications. The methods for forming an ultra porous sol-gel monolith include (a) forming a solution comprising a porogen, a matrix dissolving catalyst and a sol gel precursor; (b) allowing the solution to form a gel; and (c) drying the gel at an elevated temperature. The ultraporous sol gel monoliths are characterized by a porosity of up to about 97%, a BET surface area of at least about 50 m2/g and substantially no micropores.

Abstract: Fire extinguishant and method for its manufacture comprising carbonate material which is present in a finely ground or crystalline/ precipitated form in a mixture with an aqueous carrier medium, preferably I the form of a homogenous dispersion. Method for extinguishing fire by spraying application of such a fire extinguishant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of increasing the viscosity of a gel, or the yield of a hydratable material includes heating a hydratable material, an aqueous component or both, prior to mixing the hydratable material with the aqueous component. In certain instances, the aqueous component is heated to a temperature of at least about 100° F., and the hydratable material component and the heated aqueous component are mixed together to form a gel in certain instances, the hydratable material component is heated to a temperature of at least about 100° F., and the heated hydratable material component and the aqueous component are mixed together to form a gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gel for separating and/or purifying a gas mixture comprising a metal cation, a porous support, a gelling agent and a solvent. Associated devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a stable sol-gel solution comprising, in succession, the following steps: a) preparing a sol-gel solution by bringing one or more molecular metal and/or metalloid precursors into contact with a medium comprising an organic solvent; b) adding at least one mercaptoorganosilane compound to the solution obtained in a); c) hydrolyzing the solution obtained in b); and d) adding, to the solution obtained in c), one or more complexing agents chosen from carboxylic acids, ?-diketone compounds and hydroxamate compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a stable sol-gel solution as precursor of an oxide ceramic based on lead, titanium, zirconium and one or more lanthanides, comprising, in succession, the following steps: a) a sol-gel solution is prepared by bringing a lead-containing molecular precursor, a titanium-containing molecular precursor, a zirconium-containing molecular precursor and a lanthanide-metal-containing molecular precursor into contact with a medium comprising a diol solvent and optionally an aliphatic monoalcohol; b) the solution obtained in step a) is left to stand for a sufficient time needed to obtain a solution having an approximately constant viscosity; and c) the solution obtained in step b) is diluted to a predetermined amount with a diol solvent identical to that of step a) or a solvent miscible with this solvent. Application to the preparation of an oxide ceramic material comprising lead, a lanthanide metal, titanium and zirconium.

Abstract: Metallic aerogel compositions comprising an aerogel, e.g., RF or carbon aerogel, having metallic particles dispersed on its surface are disclosed. The aerogel compositions can have a uniform distribution of small metallic particles, e.g., 1 nanometer average particle diameter. Also disclosed are processes for making the aerogel compositions comprising contacting an aerogel with a supercritical fluid containing a metallic compound. The aerogel compositions are useful, for example in the manufacture of fuel cell electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which comprises a specific non-crosslinkable medium and at least one microgel, processes for its preparation, uses of the compositions, and microgel-containing polymers, rubbers, lubricants, coatings etc.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a lactic acid ester composition based on a lactic acid composition involving a step of transforming the composition into a lactic acid oligomeric composition having a mean degree of polymerisation (DPM) ranging between 2 and 30 approximately; and a step which involves mixing and reacting said oligomeric composition with an alcohol, in the presence of a transesterification catalyst, to esterify all or part of the lactic acid contained in said oligomeric composition. The invention also concerns the use of ethyl lactate as solvent for preparing gelified compositions.