Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bifunctional linker for coupling at least one functional moiety, preferably a bis-allyl propionic acid (BAPA), to a polymer-containing matrix. Also disclosed by the present disclosure are anhydrides of the bifunctional linker, processes for preparing the bifunctional linker and such anhydride, as well as surfaces, such as cellulose containing matrices, coupled with the bifunctional linker, at times, the latter carrying a functional agent.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing graphene oxide (GO) product including forming a reaction mixture including graphite-based precursor and an oxidizing effective amount of an oxygenation agent including a complex of hypofluorous acid (HOF) and an organic solvent (HOF.organic solvent) and mixing the reaction mixture for a time sufficient to cause oxidation of the graphite based precursor. Further provided are products including the GO obtainable by the process or graphene products obtainable therefrom, as well as articles of manufacture including the same.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing graphene oxide (GO) product including forming a reaction mixture including graphite-based precursor and an oxidizing effective amount of an oxygenation agent including a complex of hypofluorous acid (HOF) and an organic solvent (HOF?organic solvent) and mixing the reaction mixture for a time sufficient to cause oxidation of the graphite based precursor. Further provided are products including the GO obtainable by the process or graphene products obtainable therefrom, as well as articles of manufacture including the same.

Abstract: Provided are polymers having a repeating unit including at least one astaxanthin moiety. Also provided are processes for preparing the polymers and various uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided are polymers having a repeating unit including at least one astaxanthin moiety. Also provided are processes for preparing the polymers and various uses thereof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is presented including one or more cell units. The photovoltaic device comprises a semiconductor substrate having a patterned light collecting surface defining an array of spaced-apart substantially parallel first grooves. Each of these first grooves has a bottom portion, comprising a bottom surface and side walls extending from the bottom portion and being substantially perpendicular to the surface of the device. A heavily doped semiconductor layer in the form of spaced-apart regions is located at the bottom surfaces of the first grooves respectively. Further improvement of performance is obtained by deposition of thin metal lines on top of the heavily doped spaced apart lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a volumetric solar structure comprising one or more solar cells. The solar structure comprises a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type having a patterned surface thereof, the pattern defining an array of spaced-apart grooves of a funnel-like shape, and a second opposite conductivity type material layer positioned on at least a part of the patterned surface of the substrate. The structure thereby defines junction regions, in which charge carriers are generated by incident radiation energy to which the structure is exposed. The junction regions are located at different heights upon the patterned surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An electro-optical method and apparatus for evaluating the dimensions of any protrusion from the threshold of the fabric surface is achieved by bending any length of fabric over a rotating roller so that the contoured area of the protrusion body above the surface can be visualized. The image of the silhouette as seen by a digital camera is processed by image processing algorithms then processed statistically and then by a neural network to yield an integrated picture of the fabric protrusions. The grading results of pilling are well correlated to the human visual method of pilling evaluation.

Abstract: A medical device and a method for imparting antibacterial properties to the device, made from hydrophobic polymer, particularly to urinary latex catheters comprises treatment of the device by spreading, dipping or spraying and consequent drying with natural biodegradable polymers (A), composition including a cross-linking agent (B) for partial cross-linking the mentioned polymer and an anti-microbial agent compatible with A and B. The polymer may be from a group of polysachharides, for example polyglucosamine-chitosan. For partial cross-linking of the polymer substances having aldehyde groups such as glucose or evolving aldehydes such as hexamethylenetetramine or their mixtures are used. The polymer is able to form on the surface of the medical device a thin film that swells in wet or moisturized state once inserted into the body. In the swollen state it will gradually release an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the joining of fabrics made of advanced fibers for making pre-forms for composite materials. The invention provides a sewing machine needle which can be used to join fabrics by stitching with a brittle thread. The needle, according to the invention, for stitching a brittle fiber thread through at least one layer of fibrous fabric, being characterized by the head (point) thereof having an (open eye) slit proximate to the needle point for receipt and release of the brittle thread, the slit of the needle having an arc shape with a radius of curvature of not less than 1 mm, to prevent sharp bending of the brittle thread when the thread is in contact with the slit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sewing mechanism which is useful for joining fabrics with a brittle thread. The invention provides a sewing mechanism having a needle for stitching a brittle fiber thread through at least one layer of a fibrous fabric, the mechanisms for supplying the sewing thread to the needle on each edge thereof while the needle penetrates the layer or layers of fibrous fabric, thread supply being controlled to equalize the supply on both sides of the needle to prevent axial movement of the thread relative to the needle while the needle moves downwards. The mechanism further supports a revolving spool of a second thread and arranged to insert the second thread through a loop formed by the sewing thread at the remote side of the layer of fibrous fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to dendritically modified polyurethane, to a process for preparing the dendritically modified polyurethane and to uses thereof.