Abstract: A Multi-pass optical cell (1) with an internal space (11) for laser spectroscopy is described, which is able to reduce or eliminate interference fringes appearing by performing laser absorption spectroscopy in the multi-pass optical cells (1) leading to improved absorption spectra. This is achieved by using a multi-pass optical cell (1) comprising an absorption mask (3) which is permanently or removable mountable in the internal space (11) in a rotatably fixed manner, where in a mask wall (30) a plurality of m apertures (300) is formed, in which the position of each aperture (300) is adapted to a predefinable propagation path of a main optical beam and/or the resulting reflection spot pattern (211) defined by the geometry of the multi-pass optical cell (1) and the used angle of incidence of an initial beam (20), so that each aperture (300) is traversable by the main optical beam from a first side (301) to a second side (302).

Abstract: A process for the production of an aerogel material comprises the following steps: a) preparation of a silicon oxide sol in an alcoholic solvent mixture; b) triggering of the gelation of the sol by adding base, whereby a gel is formed, and optionally aging of the gel; c) hydrophobicization of the optionally aged gel; d) removal of the solvent mixture by subcritical drying, whereby the aerogel material is formed. The silicon oxide sol formed in step a) comprises at least one acid-catalytically activatable hydrophobicization agent, wherein the volume fraction of the hydrophobicization agent in the sol is 5 to 60%. The hydrophobicization in step c) is induced as a result of release or addition of at least one hydrophobicization catalyst acting in combination with the hydrophobicization agent.

Abstract: The present application describes a joining method of a Carbon Nanotube-assembly (1) on a substrate (2), showing a reproducible controlled joining with partly carbidization of the carbon nanotubes. To solve this problem, the Carbon Nanotube-assembly (1) is fixed to the substrate (2) by an active brazing process, with the steps of: melting and subsequent wetting and spreading of an active brazing alloy (3) in form of a at least ternary alloy, comprising an amount of copper and at least one carbide forming element with an amount of at least 1 wt % onto the substrate (2), contacting of the Carbon Nanotube-assembly (1) with the active brazing alloy (3) on the substrate (2), followed by a heating step of the components (1, 2, 3) in vacuum or inert gas atmosphere to temperatures above the solidus temperature of the active brazing alloy (3) and between 800° C. and 900° C. corresponding brazing material and assembly are also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved concrete elements, particularly to high-performance self-compacting concrete (HP-SCC); to cementitious compositions suitable for producing such concrete elements; to methods of manufacturing such concrete elements and such cementitious compositions; to the use of specific additives in concrete elements and cementitious mixtures. The inventive compositions comprise an effective amount of polymer fibers and of hydrogels. The inventive concrete elements show improved fire resistance, particularly towards explosive spalling.

Abstract: In order to produce a high performance thermally insulating rendering, a dry blend is provided that consists essentially of: —60 to 90 Vol.-% of a hydrophobized granular silica aerogel; —0.5 to 30 Vol.-% of a purely mineral binder; —0.2 to 20 Vol.-% of an open-porous water-insoluble or slowly water soluble additive having an accessible pore volume from 10 to 90 Vol.-%—up to 5 Vol.-% reinforcing fibers; and—up to 5 Vol.-% of processing additives. After mixing the dry blend with water, the slurry thus formed can be applied to a surface or shaped to a self-supporting body using an overpressure without adversely affecting the thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved concrete elements, particularly to high-performance self-compacting concrete (HP-SCC); to cementitious compositions suitable for producing such concrete elements; to methods of manufacturing such concrete elements and such cementitious compositions; to the use of specific additives in concrete elements and cementitious mixtures. The inventive compositions comprise an effective amount of polymer fibres and of hydrogels. The inventive concrete elements show improved fire resistance, particularly towards explosive spalling.

Abstract: A group of novel compounds containing one or more amino substituted DOPO (9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-phosphaphenthren-10-oxide) moieties. The compounds were found to have good flame retardant properties and also good thermal stability, which makes them particularly suitable as flame retardant additives for various thermoplastic polymers. In particular, they can be incorporated in a polyurethane foam.

Abstract: According to the invention, recuperation may be optimized for a hydraulically-operated gas exchange valve by provision of two fluid-filled pressure chambers and a movable regulating piston with two active faces each defining one of the pressure chambers. The pressure chambers are each connected to two hydraulic valves of which the first hydraulic valves may be pressurized from a first pressure reservoir and the second hydraulic valves may be connected to a base pressure reservoir. The first hydraulic valves may furthermore be connected to a second pressure reservoir. A control or regulation device switches the valves, from a rest position in a first accelerating phase and a braking phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an organic diffusion barrier layer (58) applied to a substrate (44). Said barrier layer has an apolar skeletal structure and a high barrier effect with respect to volatile gases, vapors and liquids. The diffusion barrier layer (58) consists of a hydrocarbon polymer that is produced by means of plasma polymerization. It respectively contains 0.01-6 at % of at least one element from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, bromine, boron and silicon, whereby the total amount of said elements does not exceed 12 at %. The barrier effect of the diffusion barrier layer (58) is produced by means of at least one pulsed or continuous DC magnetron sputtering source plasma (26) or by means of inductively excited, pulsed or continuous microwave discharge (20).