Abstract: The production of low-loss, tunable composite ceramic materials with improved breakdown strengths is disclosed. The composite materials comprise ferroelectric perovskites such as barium strontium titanate or other ferroelectric perovskites combined with other phases such as low-loss silicate materials and/or other low-loss oxides. The composite materials are produced in sheet or tape form by methods such as tape casting. The composite tapes exhibit favorable tunability, low loss and tailorable dielectric properties, and can be used in various microwave devices.

Abstract: A water base ink for ink-jet recording is provided, which makes it possible to secure a high recording quality with a sharp image area edge by avoiding any blurring even when recording is performed on regular paper and which has satisfactory purge restoration performance. Therefore, no bubble remains in an ink flow passage, and no discharge failure is caused. Further, the discharge operation never becomes unstable. In the water base ink for ink-jet recording, the surface tension is not less than 40 mN/m, and the amount of dissolved oxygen is not more than 4 mg/L.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for preparing hydrocarbons of carbon dioxide and more particularly, the Fe—Cu—K/?—Al2O3 catalyst prepared by impregnation which enables producing hydrocarbons in high yield for more than 2000 hours due to its excellent activity and stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bimodal porous carbon capsule with a hollow core and a mesoporous shell structure, which can be employed as an electrocatalyst support for a fuel cell; electrocatalysts for the fuel cell using the bimodal porous carbon capsule, and a method of preparing the same. The electrocatalyst according to the present invention has higher catalysis activity as compared with the Pt—Ru or Pt catalyst supported by the conventional carbon black, so that the performance of the fuel cell is enhanced, and it can be easily prepared in an aqueous solution state. According to the present invention, the porous carbon support employed as the support for the catalyst has excellent conductivity and a high surface area, so that the loaded catalyst can be prepared with a smaller amount than that of the conventional carbon black.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high performance asphalt comprising a mixture of low to moderate performance asphalt with linear or branch chain alkyl substituted aromatic sulfonic acid. The high performance asphalt is made by mixing the low to moderate performance asphalt with 1 to 10 wt % linear or branched chain C8–C48 alkyl substituted aromatic sulfonic acid at a temperature of 175° C. and less.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and composition for providing chemically-resistant roughened copper surfaces suitable for subsequent multilayer lamination. In one embodiment, a smooth copper surface is contacted with an adhesion promoting composition under conditions effective to provide a roughened copper surface, the adhesion promoting composition comprising an oxidizer, a pH adjuster, a topography modifier, and a sulfur-containing coating stabilizer. In another embodiment, a smooth copper surface is contacted with an adhesion promoting composition under conditions effective to provide a roughened copper surface, the adhesion promoting composition comprising an oxidizer, a pH adjuster, and a topography modifier. Then, in a subsequent step, the roughened copper surface is contacted with an acid resistance promoting composition.

Abstract: CMC with CMDS greater than or equal to 0.76, optionally with a non-ionic co-thickener or a CMC with CMDS less than 0.75 is used as both the rheology modifier and partial clay substitute in tape joint compounds. This significant reduction of clay level is sufficient to eliminate most of the negative characteristics of clay in joint compound.

Abstract: This invention provides a silicon composition comprising at least 15 wt % of hydrolysed silicon compounds and at least 3 wt % of a binder material. The silicon composition is used in the manufacture of ceramics. The hydrolysed silicon compounds can for example be the gel produced by hydrolysing higher boiling point organohalosilanes produced in the manufacture of organohalosilanes or halosilanes by the direct process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spray pack for use in forming a uniform, stable spray coating, comprising a spray container device and, packed therein, a spraying composition comprising a liquid dispersion medium and, dispersed therein, particulate cellulose having an average degree of polymerization (DP) of not more than 300 and an average particle diameter of not more than 10 ?m, wherein the composition has a cellulose content of from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, and wherein the composition exhibits a maximum viscosity value (?max) of 1×103 mPa·s or more in the viscosity-shear stress curve obtained, with respect to the composition, using a cone-plate type rotating viscometer in a shear rate region of from 1×10?3 s?1 to 1×102 s?1 and at 25° C. A method for forming a uniform, stable spray coating by using the above-mentioned spray pack is also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a process for preparing a bituminous product, characterized in that a compound based on a phosphoric or polyphosphoric acid supported on a mineral oxide of high porosity is used. The subject of the invention is also the bituminous product that can be obtained by the above process, and its uses.

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) precursor compositions for forming metal oxide high dielectric constant (?) thin films. The precursor composition in one embodiment comprises a metal precursor having a general formula M(?-diketonate)2(OR)2, wherein M is Hf, Zr or Ti, and R is t-butyl. The precursor composition may also comprise a solvent medium selected from the group consisting of ethers, glymes, tetraglymes, amines, polyamines, alcohols, glycols, aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, cyclic ethers, and compatible combinations of two or more of the foregoing.

Abstract: Preparation, handling, and spray drying, in an economic and environmentally-friendly way, of slurries for the production of tungsten carbide based hard metal tools or components by the powder injection molding or extrusion route is disclosed. The slurry used is based on ethanol-water and contains metal carbide and metallic raw materials as well as stearic acid and a low concentration of polyethylenimine (PEI). The concentration of PEI is 0.01–1 wt % of the raw material weight. This combination results in low-viscous slurries, which require less use of ethanol, energy, manpower, and equipment time in their preparation, handling, and spray drying. The invention also relates to the powder obtained by using the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and materials for forming biodegradable containers that can hold food products in dry, damp or wet conditions and provides the biodegradable containers prepared according to the disclosed process. The containers are produced through the use of a pre-gelled starch suspension that is unique in its ability to form hydrated gels and to maintain this gel structure in the presence of many other types of materials and at low temperatures.

Abstract: An adhesive composition that can be used in particleboards and other composites is formed from an aqueous mixture of soy protein, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, calcium oxide, sodium benzoate, pine oil, wax emulsion and non-sulfonated kraft lignin. In a second embodiment the composition further includes an acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition for forming a titanium oxide film, comprising (A) a specific titanium-containing aqueous liquid and (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of organic acids and their salts. The present invention also provides a process for forming a titanium oxide film using the coating composition, and a metal substrate coated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of inexpensive semi-refined kappa carrageenan as a seaweed polysaccharide in preparation of tough, biodegradable films exhibiting improved performance over films obtained from refined kappa carrageenan. The formulation requires no gelling salt and the only other essential components of the film are glycerol and water, the former being used as plasticizer as reported in the prior art. The films can be recycled and reprocessed if required. The performance of the films can be further enhanced by incorporating polyvinyl alcohol that lends toughness and clarity as also natural rubber latex that imparts greater elasticity and barrier properties. Films of optimum composition can be pulse heat sealed immediately after casting and used for preparation of soft capsules and pouches. It is possible to store solvents and oils in the pouches.

Abstract: Materials for coating, coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system or employing the same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of hard surfaces are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to modified hard surfaces. In some embodiments, actively curing the coating composition on the hard surfaces, including, but not limited to by radiative heating the air surrounding the hard surface with the coating thereon can be used to increase the durability of the hard surface coating.

Abstract: A mixture composition of a cellulose ether made from raw cotton linters and at least one additive is used in a ready mixed joint compound composition wherein the amount of the cellulose ether in the joint compound composition is significantly reduced. When this joint compound composition is mixed with water and applied to a substrate, the water retention, sag resistance, and workability of the wet joint compound are comparable or improved as compared to when using conventional similar cellulose ethers.

Abstract: A purification method employs nanofiltration of an aqueous solution containing one or several sugars, multivalent cations, monovalent metal cations, monovalent anions and multivalent inorganic anions and/or organic acid anions. The method includes replacement of at least a part of said multivalent cations and/or said multivalent inorganic anions and organic acid anions respectively by monovalent metal cations and/or monovalent anions to produce a solution. Nanofiltration of the solution is carried out to obtain a retentate, and at least part of the retentate is subject to crystallization.

Abstract: An improved process for making asphalt involves incorporating tar sands into a hot asphalt mix process and modifying the process. The improved process involves using a heated asphalt counter-flow drum mixer to admix asphaltic cement, coarse aggregate, and fine aggregate. During this mixing process, the admixture is heated to produce the asphaltic concrete. In the improved process from about 20 to about 80 percent tar sand is mixed with from about 80 to about 20 percent aggregate and from about 1 to less than about 5 percent liquid asphalt cement in a drum mixer to form an admixture, heating the admixture to a first elevated temperature (e.g., 250° and 400° F.) for a set period of time (e.g., 40 to about 90 seconds); and discharging the heated admixture at a second elevated temperature (e.g., from about 150° to about 350° F.) to produce asphaltic concrete. Preferably, the aggregate has a gradation of 10 to 25 percent passing a #4 sieve, and the admixture has substantially no added fines.