Abstract: The present invention provides a water soluble polymer surfactant (PS-DGlu) of formula I which is utilized for synthesis of functionalized polystyrene nanobead covalently incorporating (oligo) p-phenylenevinylene (OPV) nanosensor (PSG-OPV-n) which in turn is useful for the detection of bilirubin in human serum. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of the water soluble polymer surfactant (PS-DGlu) of formula (I) and a mini emulsion polymerization process for the synthesis of PSG-OPV-n. wherein, n is 30-50. The PSG-OPV-n nanosensor beads show selectivity towards detection of bilirubin in presence of interferences such as glucose, sucrose, metal ions, cholesterol, and biliverdin with limit of detection of 20 nM. Ultimately, the invention also provides a kit for visual detection of bilirubin in human serum.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a microporous membrane includes: (1) contacting at least one surface of the membrane with a treatment composition including: (a) an acrylic polymer prepared from a mixture of vinyl monomers including: (i) a (meth)acrylic acid monomer and (ii) a silane-functional acrylic monomer; and (b) a base, where the acrylic polymer is in contact with the filler present in the matrix; and (2) subjecting the membrane of (1) to conditions sufficient to effect a condensation reaction between the filler and the acrylic polymer. A treated microporous membrane and an aqueous treatment composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer comprising a sub-unit represented by Formula I: wherein: L is independently selected from at least one arylene group, and a multi-ring moiety, L? is independently selected from L or is not present, A and A? are not present or are independently selected from an isatin moiety with the proviso that at least one of A and A? is selected from an isatin moiety.

Abstract: A system and method for removing residual glutaraldehyde from a natural polymer scaffold crosslinked with glutaraldehyde is provided. The system includes a cleaning solution comprising carbon dioxide and one or more polar solvents and an environmental chamber that can include and a treatment chamber. The environmental chamber is maintained at a temperature greater than 31.1° C. and the carbon dioxide is maintained at a pressure greater than 7.38 megapascals to form supercritical carbon dioxide. A crosslinked natural polymer scaffold treated via the glutaraldehyde removal system and method can have a glutaraldehyde content of less than about 3 parts per million. A crosslinked natural polymer scaffold cleaning solution comprising supercritical carbon dioxide and one or more polar solvents is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide compositions and methods related to oligomeric and polymeric urethane materials that contain hydrolyzable polythioaminal groups for use in biomedical applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable material made of biological components, comprising 10 to 60 wt. % of a protein adhesive (1), which is made of at least one protein, and 2 to 50 wt. % of natural fibers (4). Furthermore, 2 to 15 wt. % of at least one hygroscopic mineral (7), 10 to 55 wt. % of water (2), and 0 to 50 wt. % of an additive component (5) are provided in the material (10).

Abstract: The invention provides methods for stably binding and immobilizing deoxyribonucleic acid onto objects and substrates. The method includes exposing the deoxyribonucleic acid to alkaline conditions, and contacting the deoxyribonucleic acid to the object or substrate. The alkaline conditions are produced by mixing the deoxyribonucleic acid with an alkaline solution having a pH of about 9.0 or higher, and contacting the deoxyribonucleic acid to the substrate. The immobilized DNA can be used as a taggant and can be used in combination with other detectable taggants, such as optical reporters. Methods for authentication of a DNA marked object are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for forming hydrophilic membranes. More specifically, methods are provided for hydrophilic membranes from a solution comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, water, and a first solvent. At least a portion of the first solvent is removed from the porous substrate at a temperature no greater than 500 C. for forming a hydrophilic membrane.

Abstract: A suspended nutrition composition includes a foamed material, a colloid layer and a nutrient. The foamed material having a plurality of pores includes a starch, a biodegradable polyester and a plasticizer. The pores are formed by bubbles produced from a physical foaming agent. The colloid layer covers a surface of the foamed material. The nutrient is dispersed in the foamed material.

Abstract: A surface treating agent includes a copolymer including: a monomer (A) having a hydrophilic functional group of formula (1) or (2) below, a monomer (B) having a basic functional group, and a monomer (C) having a reactive functional group as monomer components, wherein the copolymer has a molar ratio of the monomer (A)/the monomer (B)/and the monomer (C) being between 70/15/15 and 98/1/1. (wherein each of R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n represents an integer of 2 to 4, and each of R3 and R4 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms).

Abstract: The invention relates to foam comprising hollow microbeads and intended for sound absorption, comprising from 40 to 85% by weight of open-cell polymer foam and from 15 to 60% by weight of hollow microbeads with flexible external layer, where the D50 value of the hollow microbeads is at least 70 ?m and at most 250 ?m, based on the total weight of polymer foam and hollow microbeads, and also to a process for producing the same, comprising the following steps: I) impregnation of an open-cell polymer foam with a liquid dispersion comprising expandable hollow microbeads, II) if appropriate, pressing/compression and/or drying of the polymer foam, and III) heat-treatment of the impregnated polymer foam at a temperature above the expansion temperature and below the decomposition temperature of the expandable hollow microbeads, for the expansion of the hollow microbeads.

Abstract: A pressure-based chemical etch method is used to shape polymer nanopores into cones. By varying the pressure, the pore tip diameter can be controlled, while the pore base diameter is largely unaffected. The method provides an easy, low-cost approach for conically etching high density nanopores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow fiber (HF) module having fibers modified with a thin film composite (TFC) layer comprising aquaporin water channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel heat moldable gel and foam composition and the process for making the gel and foam composition. The gel and foam composition comprises gel infused into cells of a foam. The gel is a blend of gelling agents, such as thermoplastic polymers, resiliency components, such as styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene copolymer and softening agents, such as oils. The foam preferably has a hardness less than or equal to a hardness of the gel.

Abstract: A vinyl chloride-based copolymer porous body contains a vinyl chloride-based copolymer as the main component. The vinyl chloride-based copolymer porous body has continuous pores having a pore size of 0.1 to 40 ?m, the pores have a skeletal diameter of 0.1 to 20 ?m, and the vinyl chloride-based copolymer has a thickness of 1 mm or more. Such a vinyl chloride-based copolymer porous body can be produced by a production method including the steps of: heating and dissolving the vinyl chloride-based copolymer in a solvent to obtain a vinyl chloride-based copolymer solution; cooling the vinyl chloride-based copolymer solution to obtain a precipitated product; and separating and drying the product to obtain a porous body containing the vinyl chloride-based copolymer as the main component.

Abstract: A method for removing cauxin in cat urine and a material for removing cauxin are provided. The material for removing cauxin in cat urine comprises a polymer substrate on which surface a trifluoroketone derivative is immobilized via dithiol.

Abstract: Provided is an improved method for preparation of insoluble molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs), the method comprising: a) providing soluble or semi-soluble MIPs that 1) substantially all bind template agents and 2) have sizes which enable their separation in a chromatographic step utilizing packed bed chromatography, b) cross-linking the template agent binding soluble MIPs provided in step a so as to obtain insoluble template agent binding MIPs, and c) optionally isolating, concentrating or purifying the MIPs obtained by the cross-linking in step b. In an interesting embodiment, step a includes an affinity purification procedure, which ensures that the MIPs provided in step a are indeed all binders of the template.

Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for functionalizing a thermoset, crosslinked isocyanate-based polymeric solid material which is made of isocyanate and isocyanate reactive components, at least one of which comprises an anchor component which has at least one anchor group. The anchor groups on the solid material are formed by terminal alkene and/or alkyne groups. To functionalize this polymeric solid material it is brought in contact with a solution which contains at least one functional component. This functional component comprises at least one thiol group and is allowed to bind covalently to the polymeric solid material by a free-radical addition reaction between the thiol groups on the functional component and the terminal alkene and/or alkyne anchor groups on the undissolved solid material. An effective functionalization of the polymeric material can thus be achieved notwithstanding the heterogeneous reaction conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel, comprising dipping monolithic wet silica gel obtained by using an alkoxide precursor into an alkylsilane solution as a dipping solution to perform hydrophobitization of the surface and inner part of the monolithic wet silica gel by a dipping process. The method is economical by virtue of the use of a small amount of alkylsilane compound and imparts hydrophobic property to monolithic silica aerogel simply in a cost efficient and time efficient manner. In addition, the method reduces shrinkage of hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel, enables production of hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel in a translucent form, and allows the hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel to maintain low heat conductivity similar to the heat conductivity of hydrophilic silica aerogel. The hydrophobic monolithic silica aerogel may be used directly as a heat insulating panel by virtue of excellent hydrophobic property and heat insulating property.

Abstract: Porous hybrid inorganic/organic materials comprising ordered domains are disclosed. Methods of making the materials and use of the materials for chromatographic are also disclosed.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: A method for preparing a conjugated microporous polymer comprises the coupling of an alkynyl aryl monomer having a plurality of terminal alkyne groups with an iodo- or bromo-aryl monomer having a plurality of halogen atoms in the presence of a palladium (0) catalyst. The conjugated microporous polymer comprises nodes comprising at least one aryl unit and struts comprising at least one alkyne unit and at least one aryl unit, wherein a node is bonded from its aryl unit or units to at least two struts via alkyne units. Such polymers are useful in numerous areas such as separations, controlled release, gas storage and supports for catalysts.

Abstract: Methods of covalently attaching heparin to a membrane comprising plasma treating the membrane to produce an amino-functionalized membrane; and reacting the amino-functionalized membrane with heparin under conditions in which heparin becomes covalently attached to the amino-functionalized membrane, wherein said heparin is indirectly attached via a spacer to said amino-functionalized membrane and/or said heparin is attached from a single site in said heparin to a single site on said amino-functionalized membrane or to said spacer. Also disclosed are analyte sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous resin bead containing a first aromatic monovinyl compound-divinyl compound-(meth)acrylonitrile-second aromatic monovinyl compound copolymer, in which the second aromatic monovinyl compound contains a group capable of binding with a carboxyl group by dehydration condensation reaction, and in which the porous resin bead has a swelling volume in acetonitrile of from 3 to 6 ml/g.

Abstract: Porous polymeric resins, reaction mixtures and methods that can be used to prepare the porous polymeric resins, and uses of the porous polymeric resin are described. More specifically, the polymeric resins typically have a hierarchical porous structure plus reactive groups that can be used to interact with or react with a variety of different target compounds. The reactive groups can be selected from an acidic group or a salt thereof, an amino group or salt thereof, a hydroxyl group, an azlactone group, a glycidyl group, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous resin bead containing a first aromatic monovinyl compound-divinyl compound-(meth)acrylonitrile-second aromatic monovinyl compound copolymer, in which the second aromatic monovinyl compound contains a group capable of binding with a carboxyl group by dehydration condensation reaction, and in which the porous resin bead has a dry volume of from 2 to 3 ml/g.

Abstract: The chromatographic separation material is a cyclofructan or a derivative of cyclofructan covalently bonded to a cross-linked, organic polymer. The separation material works well in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: Synthesis of polystyrene and/or other thermoplastic polymers or polymer blends which, for example, contain activated carbon and/or bamboo carbon carrying a co-blowing agent such as water and/or at least one of 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional nano/micro-materials in suspension polymerization without using the inverse emulsion process. CO2 or other blowing agent based foaming processes such as extrusion, batch foaming, and injection molding may then be carried out to produce polymer foams that have low density, high-R value, bimodal structures, good mechanical properties, and high fire retardance.

Abstract: A method for preparing carbon aerogels and carbon aerogels obtained therefrom are disclosed. The method for preparing carbon aerogels comprises: mixing organic starting materials including phloroglucinol and furfural with a solvent capable of dissolving the organic materials in a predetermined ratio to form a sol solution; adjusting pH of the sol solution adequately by using an acidic or basic catalyst, gelling the sol solution at room temperature under atmospheric pressure, and aging the resultant gels; substituting the solvent in thus obtained gels with liquid carbon dioxide, followed by drying in a supercritical state, to form organic aerogels; and pyrolyzing the organic aerogels in an electric furnace under inert atmosphere to obtain carbon aerogels. Particularly, the gels are formed at room temperature in a short period of time by adequately adjusting pH of the sol solution. Therefore, the method provides improved time efficiency and energy efficiency as compared to existing methods for preparing gels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chelating resins containing methyleneaminoethylsulfonic acid groups, a process for producing them and also their use for removing heavy metals or metals of value from aqueous solutions having a pH of <4, preferably from process water in or from the electronics industry, the electroplating industry or the mining industry.

Abstract: A composition for the destruction of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals having a polyoxometalate (POM) attached to an amine, carboxylic acid, or ammonium substituted porous polymer. Also disclosed is a method for attaching a POM to an amine, carboxylic acid, or ammonium substituted porous polymer by (1) dissolving the POM in water or an organic solvent, adding the functionalized porous polymer, whereby the POM ionically attaches to the amine, carboxylic acid or ammonium group, or (2) heating the POM and functionalized polymer in the presence of a dehydrating agent whereby an imide bond is produced between the POM and the functionality on the porous polymer.

Abstract: A process for surface modification of polymer that enhances cell growth as well as inhibits growth of microorganisms is disclosed.

Abstract: A high strength porous biphasic polymeric reinforcement material manufactured by a compression and/or sintering process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: A method for removing cauxin in cat urine and a material for removing cauxin are provided. The material for removing cauxin in cat urine comprises a polymer substrate on which surface a trifluoroketone derivative is immobilized via dithiol.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane on a support, wherein the polymeric membrane includes a crosslinked polymer covalently bound to a molecular cage compound. An interfacial polymerization method for making the polymeric membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for the production of porous membranes. In certain aspects the methods are directed to producing polymeric porous membranes having a narrow pore size distribution.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating an open cell polyimide foam product to produce a treated polyimide foam product having a property of repelling water or oil. The method includes the steps of: selecting a polyimide foam product having an external surface area and an open cell structure that has an interior surface area, wetting the exterior surface area and the interior surface area with a chemical treatment fluid comprising a treatment chemical that has a property of repelling water or oil, and distributing the treatment chemical onto at least a portion of the interior surface area sufficient to modify a surface property of the interior surface. Also provided are treated polyimide foam products that have an open cell polyimide foam substrate with an interior surface area and a treatment chemical on at least a portion of the interior surface area. The treatment chemical renders the interior surface hydrophobic or oleophobic.

Abstract: There is disclosed unexpanded or pre-expanded polystyrene beads electrostatically coated with a media capable of supporting the growth of bacteria which assist in the decomposition of the polystyrene. There is also disclosed methods of making the beads, a method of making an expanded polystyrene foam and an expanded polystyrene foam prepared by the method.

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 hydrophilic vinylidene fluoride resin composition, comprising: porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles and a hydrophilic polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 2×105 contained in the pores of the porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles. The composition is preferably obtained by subjecting a slurry containing porous vinylidene fluoride polymer particles after suspension polymerization to an appropriate degree of heat treatment for adjusting the amount of residual polymerization initiator, then impregnating the Polymer particles with a hydrophilic monomer and polymerizing the monomer. The thus-obtained vinylidene fluoride resin composition exhibits persistent hydrophilicity and good processability.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a reversible, self-assembly of an imbedded hexameric metallomacrocycle within a macromolecular superstructure. The method occurs by an intramolecular mechanism in which a macromolecular skeleton possesses multiple ligands capable of reversible assembly-disassembly triggered by the presence of metal ions.

Abstract: Methylated polystyrene having pendant N-halamine and N-halamine precursor groups. Biocidal particles have been prepared by reacting highly crosslinked methylated polystyrene beads as starting materials with various N-halamine precursor compounds. The resulting polymer beads are halogenated with chlorine or bromine. The porous beads will be useful in disinfection applications as well as for sanitization and controlling noxious odor when mixed with absorbent materials in items such as disposable diapers, infant swimwear, incontinence pads, bandages, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, mattress covers, shoe inserts, sponges, animal litter, carpets, and fabrics.

Abstract: Acid-labile poly(N-vinyl formamide) (“PNVF”) nanocapsules were synthesized by free radical polymerization of N-vinyl formamide with optional active ingredients on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Polymerization in the presence of a novel cross-linker that contains an acid-labile ketal facilitated stable etching of silica nanoparticle templates using sodium hydroxide and recovery of PNVF nanocapsules. The formamido side group of PNVF was then hydrolyzed by extended exposure to sodium hydroxide to produce polyvinylamine (“PVAm”) nanocapsules. PNVF and PVAm nanoparticles are also synthesized that form nanogels with optional active ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin foam which excels in properties such as strength, flexibility, cushioning properties, and strain recovery, particularly has a cell structure resistant to shrinkage caused by the restoring force of the resin, and has a high expansion ratio. The cross-linked resin foam is obtained by heating a resin composition containing an elastomer, an active-energy-ray-curable compound, and a thermal crosslinking agent to form a cross-linked structure derived from the thermal crosslinking agent in the resin composition; subjecting the cross-linked-structure-containing resin composition to foam molding to give a foamed structure; and irradiating the foamed structure with an active energy ray to form another cross-linked structure derived from the active-energy-ray-curable compound to give the cross-linked resin foam.

Abstract: Modified porous materials are disclosed having interconnected, complexly shaped three-dimensional surfaces. The modification is accomplished by crosslinking the three-dimensional surfaces or by incorporating, in situ, an inorganic material onto or into three-dimensional surfaces. The porous materials are macro structures including at least one of nano-features, micro-features, and combinations thereof. The modifying accomplishes changing surface properties of the porous materials, changing the three-dimensional surfaces, and/or rendering the porous materials substantially stable in a predetermined environment.

Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.