Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of nano-fibrillar cellulose gels by providing cellulose fibres and at least one filler and/or pigment; combining the cellulose fibres and the at least one filler and/or pigment; and fibrillating the cellulose fibres in the presence of the at least one filler and/or pigment until a gel is formed, as well as the nano-fibrillar cellulose gel obtained by this process and uses thereof.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium battery includes a positive electrode including a positive active material; a negative electrode including a negative active material; an electrolyte including a lithium salt and a non-aqueous organic solvent; and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes and including a ceramic material having a first metal oxide-containing core and a second metal oxide shell disposed on the surface of the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing one or more analytes present at high or low concentrations in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as a modular, multi-task immunoaffinity device secured to a peripheral box and connected to capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography for the isolation, enrichment, separation and identification of polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein biomarkers. In one embodiment, two devices are coupled in-tandem to perform separately and sequentially microreactions and concentrations of proteins. In this embodiment, biological samples containing proteins can be subjected to proteolytic processing in the first device, and the resulting peptides subjected to selective purification and concentration in the second device.

Abstract: Photovoltaic structures for the conversion of solar irradiance into electrical free energy. In a particular implementation, a photovoltaic cell includes a granular semiconductor and oxide layer with nanometer-size absorber semiconductor grains surrounded by a matrix of oxide. The semiconductor and oxide layer may be disposed between electron and hole conducting layers. In some implementations, multiple semiconductor and oxide layers can be deposited.

Abstract: Composite materials are provided that include one or more CNT yarns embedded in a matrix material. The composite materials may be transparent. Methods for making the composite materials are also provided. The composite materials may be made by arranging at least one CNT yarn into a desired pattern and embedding the at least one CNT yarn into a matrix material.

Abstract: A structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure arranged within the composite joint. A method of producing a structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure and an aircraft structure comprising such structural composite parts.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a nano-projection array and an application unit configured to displace the nano-projection array to thereby deliver a composition (e.g., vaccine) to a controlled depth within the skin. The nano-projection array includes nano-projections carried by a carrier substrate. The application unit includes a peripheral structure and a displaceable carrier. The nano-projection array can be disposed within the peripheral structure. Displacement of the displaceable carrier causes a corresponding displacement to the nano-projection array. The displacement of the displaceable carrier can be controlled. For instance the distance of displacement of the displaceable carrier can be controlled. A method or process for manufacturing the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Certain spin-coatable liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. A spin-coatable liquid for formation of a nanotube film includes a liquid medium containing a controlled concentration of purified nanotubes, wherein the controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity, and wherein the spin-coatable liquid comprises less than 1×1018 atoms/cm3 of metal impurities. The spin-coatable liquid is substantially free of particle impurities having a diameter of greater than about 500 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting and quantifying analytes present in a solution, which is portable, rapid, inexpensive, selective and ultra-sensitive.

Abstract: Novel aromatic AB2 imide monomer with thermally reactive trialkylsiloxy and aryl fluoride moieties, which can be polymerized to form hyperbranched aromatic polyimides in the presence of a metal fluoride catalyst. Nanoclay composites were generated by either (i) direct blending of a preformed hyperbranched aromatic polyimide and Closite nanoclay (?20 wt %) or (ii) blending of the AB2 monomer, CsF catalyst and Closite nanoclay (?20 wt %) followed by thermal solid-state polymerization of the AB2 monomer homogeneously dispersed in the nanoclay.

Abstract: Random arrays of single molecules are provided for carrying out large scale analyses, particularly of biomolecules, such as genomic DNA, cDNAs, proteins, and the like. In one aspect, arrays of the invention comprise concatemers of DNA fragments that are randomly disposed on a regular array of discrete spaced apart regions, such that substantially all such regions contain no more than a single concatemer. Preferably, such regions have areas substantially less than 1 ?m2 and have nearest neighbor distances that permit optical resolution of on the order of 109 single molecules per cm2. Many analytical chemistries can be applied to random arrays of the invention, including sequencing by hybridization chemistries, sequencing by synthesis chemistries, SNP detection chemistries, and the like, to greatly expand the scale and potential applications of such techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of macro- and microelectronics with the potential for large-scale integration, optics, communications, and computer technology and particularly to the materials for these and other related fields. The present invention provides an anisotropic semiconductor film on a substrate, comprising at least one solid layer of material that comprises predominantly planar graphene-like carbon-based structures and possesses anisotropy of conductivity, and wherein the layer thickness is in a range from approximately 5 nm to 1000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sintering materials using a carbon nanotube (including carbide nano particles, hereinafter the same) and a manufacturing method thereof, the method comprises the steps of: combining or generating carbon nanotubes in metal powers, a compacted product, or a sintered product; growing and alloying the carbon nanotubes by compacting or sintering the metal powers, the compacted product, or the sintered product; and strengthening the mechanical characteristics by repeatedly performing the sintering process and the combining process or the generating process of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for preparing a filler composition useful for preparing a nanocomposite polymer is provided. The method includes a first step of dispersing a water dispersible filler material in a liquid comprising water to form a dispersion and a second step of replacing at least a portion of the water of the liquid with an organic solvent. The resulting filler composition features a water concentration of the liquid of less than six percent by weight, and the average size of at least one dimension of the filler material is less than two hundred nanometers upon examination by transmission electron microscopy of a representative freeze dried sample of the dispersion of the first step. A nanocomposite polymer, particularly and epoxy resin composition, can be prepared by mixing the above-made filler composition with one or more polymer, polymer component, monomer or prepolymer.

Abstract: A component composition contains, by % by mass, 0.0016 to 0.01% of C, 0.05 to 0.60% of Mn, and 0.020 to 0.080% of Nb so that the C and Nb contents satisfy the expression, 0.4?(Nb/C)×(12/93)?2.5. In addition, the amount of Nb-based precipitates is 20 to 500 ppm by mass, the average grain diameter of the Nb-based precipitates is 10 to 100 nm, and the average crystal grain diameter of ferrite is 6 to 10 ?m. Nb is added to ultra-low-carbon steel used as a base, and the amount and grain diameter of the Nb-based precipitates are controlled to optimize the pinning effect. Grain refinement of ferrite is achieved by specifying the Mn amount, thereby achieving softening and excellent resistance to surface roughness of steel.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in one-dimensional arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar or shaped textile material comprising or constituted of fibers, at least part of the fibers being coated with a hydrolytically condensed inorganic/organic hybrid material having single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes which are embedded therein, optionally covalently bound thereto. The carbon nanotubes are preferably functionalized, especially with carboxylic acid groups or sulfanilic acid groups. The textile material is suitable for producing protective clothing, barrier materials or the like. The invention further relates to the use of the above-defined hybrid material as a coating material which imparts stain-resistance and/or antimicrobial properties to the coated substrate.

Abstract: A method for promoting the retention of a stem cell phenotype in a population of stem cells. A biocompatible substrate is provided, e.g. in the form of cultureware. The substrate has an arrangement of topographical features arrayed in a pattern based on a notional symmetrical lattice in which the distance between nearest neighbour notional lattice points is between 10 nm and 10 ?m, and wherein the topographical features are either located in register with the respective notional lattice points or are locally misordered such that the centre of each topographical feature is at most 10% of the distance between nearest neighbour notional lattice points from its respective notional lattice point. A population of stem cells is provided in contact with said arrangement of topographical features. Culturing the population of stem cells under conditions that allow the stem cells to proliferate allows the retention of the stem cell phenotype in the population of stem cells.

Abstract: A method includes positioning an effective amount of a thermal target material at a treatment site of a patient. The treatment site, that is, the location of the thermal target material, comprises a location adjacent to biological tissue to be treated. The thermal target material includes carbon molecules preferably in a carrier fluid. Regardless of the particular structure of the carbon, the carbon molecules in the material heat very rapidly in response to incident microwave radiation and radiate heat energy. The heat energy radiated from an effective amount of the thermal target material when subjected to an effective quantity of microwave energy causes localized heating around the thermal target material. This localized heating may be applied for therapeutic purposes. However, the microwave radiation necessary to produce therapeutically effective heating is insufficient to cause cellular damage in the biological tissue by direct absorption in the tissue.

Abstract: A stable colloidal suspension of carbon-based nanomaterials in a solvent has a stable colloidal suspension of nanodiamond particles having at least one additional carbon nanomaterials disbursed and agitated into the solvent to produce said suspension. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Provided is a label for an analyte, which label is attached to a magnetic or magnetisable substance, the label comprising: (a) a recognition moiety for attaching the label to the analyte; and (b) a moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetisable substance; wherein the moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetisable substance comprises a metal-binding protein, polypeptide, or peptide.

Abstract: A nanostructured article comprises a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase. The nanostructured article has a random nanostructured anisotropic surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon nanotube composite material, to methods of its production and to uses of such composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanocomposite of a star branched elastomer and a clay. The nanocomposite can be a mixture of a halogenated star branched elastomer and a clay, desirably an exfoliated clay, suitable for use as an air barrier. The halogenated star-branched elastomer can be the primary halogenated elastomer in the blend, and a ratio of the star-branched elastomer to clay can be from 2:1 to 500:1.

Abstract: Described herein are products and processes for nucleic acid quantification, which are in part useful for detecting and determining the nucleotide sequence of rare nucleic acids (i.e., low copy number nucleic acids) in a sample. Such products and processes are useful for reducing the dynamic range among different nucleic acid species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating at least one surface of a substrate comprising the step of applying a coating comprising fibres onto the at least one surface of the substrate, wherein upon application of the coating on the at least one surface of the substrate, the surface exhibits hydrophilicity or greater hydrophilicity compared to an uncoated surface. The present invention also provides a coating for coating at least one surface of a substrate, wherein the coating comprises fibres, and wherein a surface coated with the coating exhibits hydrophilicity or greater hydrophilicity compared to an uncoated surface. The anti-wetting coating may have a high degree of transparency.

Abstract: A composite material containing polymeric nanofibers, themselves containing NO-donor molecules, imbibed with an elastomer matrix is permeable to both water and gas so that dissociation reactions in the presence of water releases NO gas in a sustained manner. The NO-donor nanofibers may be formed by synthesizing acceptable NO-donor molecules, blending such molecules in solution with PVP, PCL or PVAc, electrospinning the blend at relatively high voltage for form fiber mats, applying PDMS rubber to the fiber mat and crosslinking it. The resulting NO-releasing electrospun fiber composite may be used in medical devices such as catheters, stents, or vascular grafts, with the purpose of releasing nitric oxide within a controlled rate and for a sustained period of time, as well as other known medical applications for NO.

Abstract: A thin film semiconductor in the form of a metal semiconductor field effect transistor, includes a substrate 10 of paper sheet material and a number of thin film active inorganic layers that are deposited in layers on the substrate. The active layers are printed using an offset lithography printing process. A first active layer comprises source 12.1 and drain 12.2 conductors of colloidal silver ink, that are printed directly onto the paper substrate. A second active layer is an intrinsic semiconductor layer 14 of colloidal nanocrystalline silicon ink which is printed onto the first layer. A third active layer comprises a metallic conductor 16 of colloidal silver which is printed onto the second layer to form a gate electrode. This invention extends to other thin film semiconductors such as photovoltaic cells and to a method of manufacturing semiconductors.

Abstract: An ink composition, such as a nonpolar liquid or phase change (solid) ink composition, that includes a non-polar carrier, and a nanoscale pigment particle composition. The nanoscale pigment particle composition includes a benzimidazolone pigment and a sterically bulky stabilizer compound, which is an alkylated-benzimidazolone compound, associated non-covalently with the benzimidazolone pigment. The presence of the associated stabilizer limits an extent of particle growth and aggregation, to afford nanoscale pigment particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic-inorganic hybrid composition containing a metal oxide (A) having a particle diameter of 1-400 nm and a polymer emulsion particle (B) having a particle diameter of 10-800 nm. The polymer emulsion particle (B) is obtained by polymerizing a hydrolysable silicon compound (b1) and a vinyl monomer (b2) having a secondary and/or tertiary amide group in the presence of water and an emulsifying agent.

Abstract: A method in which a donor substrate is used in forming a light emitting layer by forming a transfer layer containing light emission material, irradiating a radiation ray to the transfer layer while the transfer layer and a substrate to be transferred face each other, and sublimating or vaporizing the transfer layer so that the transfer layer is transferred to the substrate to be transferred. The donor substrate includes: a base; a photothermal conversion layer arranged on the base; and a heat interfering layer arranged between the base and the photothermal conversion layer, and including two or more layers with refraction index different from each other.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present teachings, there is a metal-carbon nanotubes composite and methods of making it. A method of forming a metal-carbon nanotube composite can include providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes and providing a molten metal. The method can also include mixing the plurality of carbon nanotubes with the molten metal to form a mixture of the carbon nanotubes and the molten metal and solidifying the mixture of the carbon nanotubes and the molten metal to form a metal-carbon nanotube composite.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device has nanoparticles sandwiched between a conductive substrate and a charge selective transport layer. Each of the nanoparticles has a ligand shell attached to the nanoparticle core. A first type of ligand is electron rich and attached to one hemisphere of the nanoparticle core, while a second type of ligand is electron poor and attached to an opposite hemisphere of the core. Consequently, the ligand shell induces an electric field within the nanoparticle, enhancing the photovoltaic effect. The arrangement of ligands types on different sides of the nanoparticle is obtained by a process involving ligand substitution after adhering the nanoparticles to the conductive substrate.

Abstract: A coating solution including a polymer and a metal selected from scandium, yttrium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, boron, aluminum and silicon can be deposited on a substrate and then exposed at elevated temperature to a reducing atmosphere including a gaseous carbon source. Solvent evaporates and the polymer decomposes and a metal carbide film forms on the substrate. Metal carbide films of titanium carbide, vanadium carbide, niobium carbide, tantalum carbide, tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, and several mixed carbides were prepared. X-Ray diffraction patterns of metal carbide films provide evidence of a highly ordered structure and excellent alignment with the substrate. A composite film of niobium carbide and carbon nanotubes was also prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanocarbon material-composite substrate including a substrate, a three-dimensional structural pattern formed on the substrate, and a nanocarbon material formed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the nanocarbon material is disposed at least on side surfaces of the three-dimensional structural pattern.

Abstract: A polymeric nanocomposite comprises a non-polar hyperbranched polystyrene resin. An exfoliated or intercalated onium functionalized clay is dispersed within the resin. Such nanocomposites are more compatible with non-polar polymer matrices used in various articles of manufacture.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing silicon nanowires including: forming a silicon nanodot thin film having a plurality of silicon nanodots exposed on a substrate; and growing the silicon nanowires on the silicon nanodot thin film using the silicon nanodots as a nucleation site. The silicon nanowires can be manufactured using the silicon nanodot thin film disposed in a silicon nitride matrix, as a nucleation site instead of using catalytic metal islands, wherein the silicon nanodot thin film includes the silicon nanodots.

Abstract: This invention provides novel super-liquidphobic nanofibers and structures comprising such nanofibers, as well as methods and uses for such nanofibers.

Abstract: An ink composition, such as a nonpolar liquid or phase change (solid) ink composition, that includes a non-polar carrier, and a nanoscale pigment particle composition. The nanoscale pigment particle composition includes a benzimidazolone pigment and a sterically bulky stabilizer compound, which is an alkylated derivative of an aromatic acid, associated non-covalently with the benzimidazolone pigment. The presence of the associated stabilizer limits an extent of particle growth and aggregation, to afford nanoscale pigment particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparation of a mesoporous polymer nano-composite material, more particularly, a method for preparation of a meso-porous polymer nano-polymerized composite material which includes: drying a solid material having pores under vacuum at ambient temperature and pressure; adding a first organic solvent to the vacuum dried solid material in the reactor and dispersing the first organic solvent in pores of the solid material by an ultrasonicator to remove air while wetting a surface of the solid material with acetonitrile; adding a constant amount of a material having radicals or functional groups relative to weight of the mixture containing the solid material and the first organic solvent in a reactor, which was prepared in the above step, and agitating the mixture; introducing a polymerization initiator into the reactor containing the mixture prepared in the above step, in order to initiate polymerization of the mixture in the reactor; using a second organic solvent to filter and w

Abstract: A carbon fiber composite material comprising 100 parts by mass of an elastomer, and 20 to 100 parts by mass of carbon nanofibers that have been oxidized and reduced in number of branch points. The carbon fiber composite material has a dynamic modulus of elasticity (E?) at 200° C. and 10 Hz of 10 to 1000 MPa, and a volume resistivity of 106 to 1018 ohms·cm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel polymeric composite including a nanoparticle filler and method for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel halloysite nanoparticle filler which has the generally cylindrical or tubular (e.g. rolled scroll-like shape), in which the mean outer diameter of the filler particle is typically less than about 500 nm. The filler is effectively employed in a polymer composite in which the advantages of the tubular nanoparticle filler are provided (e.g., reinforcement, flame retardant, chemical agent elution, etc.) with improved or equivalent mechanical performance of the composite (e.g., strength and ductility).

Abstract: In a method for transferring nanostructures into a substrate, the following order of steps is used: decorating a substrate with nanomaterials (13), etching the substrate (10), applying a coating (15), removing the nanomaterials (13), and etching the substrate (10).

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites, nanoparticle-containing organogels utilized in forming the polymer nanocomposites, and methods for forming the polymer nanocomposites and nanoparticle-containing organogels are disclosed. Relatively simple and versatile methods are utilized to form the polymer nanocomposites. The process is based on the format of a three-dimensional network of well-individualized nanoparticles, such nanofibers through gelation thereof with an appropriate non-polymeric solvent. The nanoparticle-containing organogel is subsequently filled with a solution of a desired matrix polymer, the composite is dried and compacted to create the polymer nanocomposite. Polymer nanocomposites can be prepared which exhibit dramatic changes in mechanical properties, such as increased shear modulus, when compared to the neat polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel composites that incorporate carbon nanospheres into a polymeric material. The polymeric material can be any polymer or polymerizable material compatible with graphitic materials. The carbon nanospheres are hollow, graphitic nanoparticles. The carbon nanospheres can be manufactured from a carbon precursor using templating catalytic nanoparticles. The unique size, shape, and electrical properties of the carbon nanospheres impart beneficial properties to the composites incorporating these nanomaterials.

Abstract: Multilayer coatings comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer comprises a composition comprising graphene sheets and at least one binder and wherein at least two layers have different compositions.

Abstract: The application generally describes devices, systems, and methods for determination of one or more analytes. Embodiments described herein may be useful as sensors for analytes such as explosives, chemical warfare agents, and/or toxins. In some cases, chemiresistor or chemFET sensor devices for monitoring volatile organics, especially chemical warfare agents such as sarin, are described. Some embodiments comprise functionalised carbon nanotube/conjugated polymer composites (6) as sensing material. In some embodiments, the polymer is poly(3-hexylthiophene), 3PHT, optionally substituted with calixarenes, or hexafluoroisopropanol susbstituted polythiophene, HFIP-PT. Biosensing embodiments are also described, as well as methods of manufacturing the devices.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns nanorods, compositions and substrates comprising nanorods, and methods of making and using nanorods and nanorod compositions and substrates. In one embodiment, the nanorod is composed of Zinc oxide (ZnO). In a further embodiment, a nanorod of the invention further comprises SiO2 or TiO2. In a specific embodiment, a nanorod of the invention is composed of ZnO coated with SiO2. Nanorods of the present invention are useful as an adhesion-resistant biomaterial capable of reducing viability in anchorage-dependent cells.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a gate insulation film that is formed of pyroceramics including an amorphous matrix layer, which is provided on a major surface of a silicon substrate, and crystalline phases lines with a high dielectric constant, which are dispersed in the amorphous matrix layer. The semiconductor device further includes a gate electrode that is provided on the gate insulation film.