Abstract: A self-healing, scratch resistant slippery surface that is manufactured by wicking a chemically-inert, high-density liquid coating over a roughened solid surface featuring micro and nanoscale topographies is described. Such a slippery surface shows anti-wetting properties, as well as exhibits significant reduction of adhesion of a broad range of biological materials, including particles in suspension or solution. Specifically, the slippery surfaces can be applied to medical devices and equipment to effectively repel biological materials such as blood, and prevent, reduce, or delay coagulation and surface-mediated clot formation. Moreover, the slippery surfaces can be used to prevent fouling by microorganisms such as bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, baths, and methods for composite plating including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and more particularly, to compositions, baths, and methods of composite plating with PTFE in a metal or alloy matrix where the materials used in the process contain no or essentially no PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and/or no PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

Abstract: A fluorine-containing compound represented by the formula 1, where R1 is a methyl group or trifluoromethyl group, each of R2 and R3 is independently a hydrogen atom or a group containing (a) a hydrocarbon group having a straight-chain, branched or ring form and having a carbon atom number of 1-25 or (b) an aromatic hydrocarbon group, the group optionally containing at least one of a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom and a carbonyl bond, l is an integer of from 0 to 2, each of m and n is independently an integer of 1-5 to satisfy an expression of m+n?6, and when at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is in a plural number, the at least one of R1, R2 and R3 may be identical with or different from each other.

Abstract: A low-wear fluoropolymer composite body comprises at least one fluoropolymer and additive particles dispersed therein. Also provided is a process for the fabrication of such a fluoropolymer composite body. The composite body exhibits a low wear rate for sliding motion against a hard counterface, and may be formulated with either melt-processible or non-melt-processible fluoropolymers.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a fluorine-containing polymer powder that is environmentally less harmful and forms a sufficiently smooth film without impairing the properties of the fluorine-containing polymers. The present invention relates to a fluorine-containing polymer powder including a fluorine-containing polymer prepared by suspension polymerization, which contains less than 0.1 ppm of a fluorine-containing surfactant and has an average particle size of not less than 1 ?m and less than 100 ?m and a bulk density of 0.90 to 1.50 g/cm3.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene units and vinylidene fluoride units, and methods of making the same. A method of preventing biofouling on an article of manufacture, comprising applying such copolymer to the article of manufacture. A process of preparing a surface having a surface energy of between about 20 and about 30 mJ/m2, comprising applying such a copolymer to a support. A method of preventing accumulation of ice on an article of manufacture, comprising applying such a copolymer to an article of manufacture. A method of preparing a polymer, comprising a step of adding trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene/vinylidene fluoride copolymer as a polymer processing additive/aid to said polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a perfluoroelastomer composition comprising: a perfluoroelastomer having a nitrogen-containing curing site; and a catalyst mixture comprising: a tertiary amine; and an organic dicarboxylic acid represented by general formula (1) or (2) in an amount of 0.4 to 2 mol per mol of the tertiary amine: HOOC—COOH??(1) HOOC-A-COOH??(2) wherein A in formula (2) is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, which may be partially or fully fluorinated. Also disclosed is a perfluoroelastomer molded article obtained from the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a fluoropolymer article having a high surface roughness and high coarseness which comprises the following steps: a) forming a paste comprising a fluoropolymer into a paste-formed fluoropolymer product at a temperature lower than 50° C., b) densifying the paste-formed product, and c) stretching the densified paste-formed fluoropolymer product in at least one direction. The present invention further relates to a fluoropolymer article obtainable by a process according to the invention. The present invention furthermore relates to a fiber comprising, or consisting of, a fluoropolymer having a surface roughness expressed as a peak to valley distance (Rt) greater than 10 micrometer and/or an average surface roughness (Ra) greater than 1.5 micrometer. The present invention furthermore relates to a membrane comprising, or consisting of, a fluoropolymer having a coarseness index ?/EBP of at least 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-staining room temperature curable coating composition having an excellent low-staining property and recoatability, and comprising (A) a hydroxyl-containing resin, (B) an isocyanate based curing agent, (C) an organosilicate based hydrophilizing agent, (D) a recoatability modifier and (E) an organic solvent, in which the recoatability modifier (D) comprises at least (D1) an amide-containing polymer and (D2) a silane coupling agent.

Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) that has been polymerized via a dispersion or emulsion polymerization process, and which has not been agglomerated, irradiated, or thermally degraded. The LPTFE may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion, having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m), with the LPTFE having a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion, and having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluoropolymer coating having improved tribological properties, which coating comprises nanodiamond particles in a concentration between 0.01 wt. % and 5 wt. %, wherein said fluoropolymer coating is obtained by drying and curing a slurry composition comprising said fluoropolymer and said nanodiamond particles, wherein the zeta potential of the nanodiamond particles is over ?30 mV at pH higher than 8. The invention also relates to a slurry composition which can be used for producing said fluoropolymer coating.

Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.

Abstract: High purity perfluoroelastomer composites and processes for producing the same are provided. High purity composites may be formed from compositions comprising a crosslinkable fluoroelastomer terpolymer of TFE, PAVE, and CNVE, and functionalized PTFE, which may be crosslinked to form crosslinked composites having low metal content and low compression set. Emulsion mixtures for forming the high purity composites are also provided.

Abstract: High purity perfluoroelastomer composites and processes for producing the same are provided. High purity composites may be formed from compositions comprising a crosslinkable fluoroelastomer terpolymer of TFE, PAVE, and CNVE, and functionalized PTFE, which may be crosslinked to form crosslinked composites having low metal content and low compression set. Emulsion mixtures for forming the high purity composites are also provided.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing elastomer composition includes a fluorine-containing resin including a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ?-olefin having carbon number of 2 to 4. The copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ?-olefin having carbon number of 2 to 4 is configured such that a peak integrated value of ?132 ppm relative to a peak integrated value 10,000 of ?110 to ?125 ppm falls within the range of 0.3 to 2.0 in nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.

Abstract: A medical appliance or prosthesis may comprise one or more layers of rotational spun nanofibers, including rotational spun polymers. The rotational spun material may comprise layers including layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Rotational spun nanofiber mats of certain porosities may permit tissue ingrowth into or attachment to the prosthesis. Additionally, one or more cuffs may be configured to allow tissue ingrowth to anchor the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (i) novel fluoroionic compounds capable of dispersing particulate filler compositions into a fluoropolymer; (ii) novel particulate compositions in which particulates are surface-functionalized with a fluoroionic compound; (iii) fluoropolymer composite materials containing the surface-functionalized particulates of (ii) incorporated into a fluoropolymer; (iv) crosslinked versions of (iii); v) methods for producing the crosslinked material of (iv); and (vi) articles of manufacture containing the compositions (iii) and (iv).

Abstract: A hydrophilizing agent composition comprising a copolymer having an alternating copolymerization ratio of repeating units represented by the following formula (1) and repeating units represented by the following formula (2) of at least 95%, and a solvent: in the formula (1), each of X and Y which are independent of each other, is H, F, CF3 or Cl; in the formula (2), Z is OR1, NHR2, COOR3 or SO3R4, R is a single bond, a bivalent linking group which may contain an ethereal oxygen atom, or a bivalent linking group which may contain a cyclic structure, and each of R1 to R4 which are independent of one another, is H or a monovalent organic group; provided that in the repeating units represented by the formula (2) contained in the copolymer, the proportion of the repeating units wherein each of R1 to R4 is H is at least 50 mol %.

Abstract: Highly water repellent coated articles may be made by applying to a substrate a coating having dispersed therein or sprinkled thereon partially or fully fluorinated polymer microparticles. The coating includes a partially fluorinated hexafluoropropylene copolymer binder in a nonfluorinated solvent that dissolves the binder and does not dissolve the microparticles. The coating is heated sufficiently to bond the microparticles to the binder but not so much as to cause the receding water contact angle for the coating to fall below 80°.

Abstract: Provided is a paint composition which can give a coating having excellent stretchability and further having excellent contamination resistance. A solvent-based paint composition comprises a fluorocopolymer (I), and an organic solvent (II), the fluorocopolymer (I) including: a perhaloolefin structural unit (a) that contains two carbon atoms, a vinyl acetate structural unit (b), a hydroxyl group-containing vinyl monomer structural unit (c) represented by the following formula (1): CH2?CH—O—(CH2)n—OH wherein n is an integer of 2 or more, and a carboxyl group-containing monomer structural unit (d) represented by the following formula (2): R1R2C?CR3—(CH2)m—COOH wherein R1, R2, and R3 are the same as or different from one another, and each a hydrogen atom or a C1-C10 linear or branched alkyl group; and m is an integer of 2 or more.

Abstract: High purity perfluoroelastomer composites and processes for producing the same are provided. High purity composites may be formed from compositions comprising a crosslinkable fluoroelastomer terpolymer of TFE, PAVE, and CNVE, and functionalized PTFE, which may be crosslinked to form crosslinked composites having low metal content and low compression set. Emulsion mixtures for forming the high purity composites are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mineral fibre-containing composite and the novel mineral fibre-containing element produced by that method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making copolymers of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and vinylidene fluoride by an emulsion polymerization process having unexpectedly high melting temperatures, even at low crystallinity levels. The invention involves adjusting the microstructure of the copolymers through a controlled polymerization to obtain controlled microstructure copolymers with unique properties, including those with high melting temperature and low crystallinity.

Abstract: A fluororesin film usable as the outermost layer of a back sheet for a solar cell module, which is a dark type fluororesin film having a sufficient electric insulation property and weather resistance, and which is particularly excellent in thermal resistance; and a back sheet for a solar cell module employing such a film, which dark type fluororesin film, which is a fluororesin film contains an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer as the main component and contains from 1.0 to 4.5 parts by mass of a carbon black having a pH of from 8 to 10 as measured according to JIS K6221 section 6.4.2 based on 100 parts by mass of the ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer.

Abstract: A method of making a fluoropolymer dispersion by first providing a fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and one or more fluorinated surfactants selected from fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof having the general formula: [Rf—O-L-COO?]iXi+??(I) wherein L represents a linear fully fluorinated alkylene group, Rf represents a linear fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with one oxygen atom, Xi+ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3; then adding one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants followed by reducing the total amount of the one or more fluorinated surfactants to an amount of not more than 500 ppm, for example not more than 250 ppm based on the total weight of the dispersion while maintaining or increasing the amount of solids in the dispersion.

Abstract: An aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles having an average particle size of about 10 to about 400 nm. The dispersion has a solids content of at least about 35 to about 70 wt % and comprises about 0.03 wt % to about 10 wt % anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent based on the weight of fluoropolymer solids. The dispersion has a Gel Time of at least about 100 seconds.

Abstract: Polymeric composition based on a PVDF homopolymer and a thermoplastic fluorocopolymer Polymeric composition based on a PVDF homopolymer and a thermoplastic fluoropolymer offering an improved toughness/processability compromise, possessing an apparent melt viscosity not exceeding 60 000 Pa·s at a shear rate of 1 s?1, a ductile-brittle transition temperature below +5° C. and a weight loss in air at 150° C. of 5% or less. Pipes and fashioned articles prepared from this composition.

Abstract: Highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymers achieve dissolution in aqueous tetrahydrofuran at lower pressures and temperatures than in other solvents, with few or no side products being formed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, baths, and methods for composite plating including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and more particularly, to compositions, baths, and methods of composite plating with PTFE in a metal or alloy matrix where the materials used in the process contain no or essentially no PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and/or no PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

Abstract: Circuit modules and methods of construction thereof that contain composite meta-material dielectric bodies that have high effective values of real permittivity but which minimize reflective losses, through the use of host dielectric (organic or ceramic), materials having relative permittivities substantially less than ceramic dielectric inclusions embedded therein. The composite meta-material bodies permit reductions in physical lengths of electrically conducting elements such as antenna element(s) without adversely impacting radiation efficiency. The meta-material structure may additionally provide frequency band filtering functions that would normally be provided by other components typically found in an RF front-end.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomeric gel having the following properties: appearance: transparent gelatinous solid; water content between 10% and 90% by weight; density between 1.1 and 2.1 g/cm3; said gel satisfies the following test: dried in a stove at 90° C. until a constant weight gives curable fluoroelastomers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber laminate containing an unvulcanized fluororubber composition comprising: (A) fluororubber comprising a terpolymer containing 50 to 60 mol % of a constitutional unit derived from vinylidene fluoride, 20 to 30 mol % of a constitutional unit derived from tetrafluoroethylene, and 10 to 30 mol % of a constitutional unit derived from hexafluoropropene; (B) an oxide and/or hydroxide of a divalent metal; (C) a polyhydroxy aromatic compound; (D) a 2-substituted-4,6-dithiol-s-triazine derivative; (E1) a quaternary phosphonium salt or a tetraalkyl ammonium salt; (E2) 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undecene-7 (salt); and (E3) a 5-substituted-1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]-5-nonene (salt). In this rubber laminate, the fluororubber layer and the NBR layer are firmly vulcanization-bonded to each other without impairing various excellent characteristics of the fluororubber constituting the rubber layer.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of coagulating a fluoropolymer latex comprising: providing an amorphous fluoropolymer latex; providing unmodified inorganic nanoparticles; contacting the amorphous fluoropolymer latex with a sufficient amount of unmodified inorganic nanoparticles to coagulate the amorphous fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A reinforced fluoropolymer composite is presented, which includes a fluoropolymer and a fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose in which the outer circumference of the nanocrystalline cellulose has been functionalized with fluorinated substrates. The fluoro-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose may be used to produce stable dispersions with fluoropolymers exhibiting enhanced adhesion between the nanocrystalline particles and fluoropolymer in a composite material, and decreased surface free energy of the cellulose surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide nanotube-containing coating compositions and methods for making and using the coating compositions. In an exemplary embodiment, the coating composition can include a plurality of nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) dispersed stably and uniformly in a polymer matrix containing fluoropolymers. The coating composition can further include stabilizers to allow a stable and/or uniform dispersion of the plurality of nanotubes in the fluoropolymers. The nanotube coating composition can be coated on an article surface to improve mechanical robustness, and electrical and thermal conductivity of the coated article. The coated article can be used as a fuser member, a fixing member, a pressure roller, or a release agent donor member in an electrostatographic printing machine or process.

Abstract: To provide a charge retention medium having a surface potential at a practical level, although it is obtained from a composition containing a fluorinated copolymer having repeating units based on tetrafluoroethylene and repeating units based on ethylene. A charge retention medium (electret 30) which is obtained from a composition containing a fluorinated copolymer (A) having repeating units based on tetrafluoroethylene and repeating units based on ethylene; and at least one charge aid (B) selected from the group consisting of a compound having at least one amino group and at least one reactive functional group (excluding an amino group) and a compound having at least two amino groups and having no reactive functional group (excluding an amino group).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a low viscosity curable (per)fluoroelastomer [fluoroelastomer (A)] having a number-averaged molecular weight of 3 000 to 45 000, said (per)fluoroelastomer comprising at least 1% moles, with respect to the total moles of recurring units, of recurring units derived from at least one (per)fluoromethoxyalkylvinylether of formula (I): CFX??CX?OCF2ORf??formula (I) wherein X? and X?, equal to or different from each other, are independently H or F; and Rf is selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 (per)fluoroalkyls, linear or branched; C5-C6 cyclic (per)fluoroalkyls; and C2-C6 (per)fluorooxyalkyls, linear or branched, comprising from 1 to 3 catenary ethereal oxygen atoms [monomer (M)].

Abstract: There is provided a fluoroelastomer characterized by containing one type or more types of fluorinated emulsifiers represented by the formula: F—(CF2)t-[O(CF2)n]m-O—(CHF)o-(CF2)p-X where m=0 to 3; n=1 to 5; o=0 to 1; p=1 to 3; t=1 to 10; and where when t=2 than o?0; and further where X is selected from a group consisting of a carboxyl acid group and a salt of a carboxylic acid group. A method for preparing fluoroelastomers by using such fluorinated emulsifiers in emulsion polymerization of fluoromonomers and articles containing such fluoroelastomers are also provided. A fluorinated elastomer dispersion including an aqueous mixture of a crosslinkable fluorinated elastomer and such fluorinated emulsifiers are also provided. The fluoroelastomers created with such fluorinated emulsifiers are essentially free of cations other than NH4+ and H+ and have a low glass transition temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous dispersions of fluoropolymer comprising from 45 to 70 weight % of non-melt-processible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles, and based on the weight of the PTFE particles, from 1 to 15 weight % of nonionic surfactants, and 1-10 weight % of a water soluble alkaline earth metal salt, or 0.1-10 weight % of a colloidal silica. Also disclosed are compositions comprising the aqueous PTFE dispersions of this invention and their uses for coating applications with improved critical cracking thickness.

Abstract: A fluoro rubber composition which is able to make both a high tensile strength and a high elongation at break after vulcanization compatible with each other and from which favorable mechanical characteristics are obtained even in a high-temperature environment; and a bladder for tire fabrication, which is manufactured using the same are provided. The fluoro rubber composition includes a rubber component containing a fluoro rubber and carbon black, wherein in a dynamic viscoelasticity test of an unvulcanized rubber by a rubber process analyzer (RPA) (measurement temperature: 100° C., measurement frequency: 1 Hz), a difference ?GA? (G?(1%)?G?(100%)) between a shear modulus G? (1%) at the time of a dynamic strain of 1% and a shear modulus G? (100%) at the time of a dynamic strain of 100% is 120 kPa or more and not more than 3,000 kPa.

Abstract: A coating and devices using the coating are provided. The coating is applied in liquid form and dried or otherwise cured to form a durable adherent coating resistant to high temperatures and having optional hydrophobic properties. The coating formulation contains an aqueous formulation of silica, one or more fillers, and sufficient base, (e.g., potassium hydroxide), to have a pH exceeding about 10.5 during at least part of the formulation process. The formulation may contain a compound(s) that affects surface free energy, energy to make the cured coating hydrophobic. Such compounds include silanes containing halogens (e.g., fluorine or chlorine) and in particular silanes containing one or more hydrolyzable groups attached to at least one silicon atom and a group containing one or more halogens (e.g., chlorine or fluorine). A medical instrument (e.g., electrosurgical instrument) may be at least partially covered by a coating using the formulation.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose a surface coating. The surface coating includes a fluoroplastic having dispersed therein aerogel particles wherein the aerogel particles comprise from about 0.1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent of the surface coating. The surface coating is useful as an out layer for fuser members.

Abstract: The disclosure herein includes rapid gas decompression (RGD)-resistant fluoroelastomeric compositions and includes a curable fluoropolymer having a curesite monomer with at least one functional group capable of curing with a peroxide curative. The compositions include a bisphenyl-based curative and an organic peroxide curative and an organic peroxide co-curative. The fluoroelastomeric compositions have a ratio of the bisphenyl-based curative to the organic peroxide co-curative of about 0.25:1 to about 1.5:1 and a ratio of the bisphenyl-based curative to the organic peroxide of about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1. Such compositions can be formed into seals meeting RGD industry standards in a variety of sizes, up to and/or exceeding 5 mm in thickness or cross-sectional diameter.

Abstract: A method for preparing stable dispersions of high strength polymers where the polymer particles are micron-sized or submicron-sized and dispersions and dry powders prepared from this method. The method includes swelling the high strength polymer particles and mechanically milling them to reduce particle size. Films, coatings, and other useful articles can be prepared from such dispersions and powders.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition comprising at least one semi-crystalline polymer (A) comprising recurring units derived from ethylene and at least one of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), said polymer having a heat of fusion of at most 35 J/g and from 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on weight of said semi-crystalline polymer (A), of particles of at least one inorganic UV blocker compound, said particles having an average particle size of 1 to 150 nm, said composition being suitable for manufacturing UV-opaque films having outstanding transparency and haze properties.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polytetrafluoroethylene fine powder characterized by including the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous dispersion containing polytetrafluoroethylene, water, and a surfactant (A); (2) coagulating the polytetrafluoroethylene in the aqueous dispersion by agitating the aqueous dispersion with a discharge flow-type impeller; (3) collecting a wet powder of the polytetrafluoroethylene; and (4) drying the wet powder of the polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A process for coating flexible substrates applying a curable fluorinated copolymer A which is the reaction product of FC and M1) at least one polycarboxylic anhydride and/or M2) at least a monofunctional isocyanate, wherein FC is a curable fluorinated copolymer on the basis of FC1) at least one fluorinated olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, FC2) at least one non-fluorinated olefin having OH-groups and optionally carboxyl groups and FC3) at least one non-fluorinated, hydroxyl group free olefin having optionally carboxyl groups.

Abstract: To provide a liquid composition containing a fluoropolymer having sulfonic acid functional groups, which rarely corrodes a metal and has good handling efficiency, which liquid composition comprises a fluoropolymer having sulfonic acid functional groups and a solvent, wherein the solvent contains a polyhydric alcohol and a monohydric alcohol. The content of the fluoropolymer is preferably from 5 to 50 mass % in the liquid composition (100 mass %), and the content of the polyhydric alcohol is preferably from 5 to 50 mass % in the solvent (100 mass %).

Abstract: A printed gas sensor is disclosed. The sensor may include a porous substrate, an electrode layer, a liquid or gel electrolyte layer, and an encapsulation layer. The electrode layer comprises two or more electrodes that are formed on one side of the porous substrate. The liquid or gel electrolyte layer is in electrolytic contact with the two or more electrodes. The encapsulation layer encapsulates the electrode layer and electrolyte layer thereby forming an integrated structure with the porous substrate.

Abstract: Forming a hydrophobic layer on a surface can involve a mixture of a micropowder and a binder. The micropowder includes micrometer scale particles having diameters in a range of about 100 nm to about 50 ?m. The mixture is applied to the surface and is cured. A majority or at least some of the micrometer scale particles have nanometer scale features having a feature size greater than about 25 nm and less than about 100 nm.