Abstract: This invention is directed to super-absorbent material, which comprises a super absorbent polymer core that is coated with an organic, polar coating agent, and whereby the particulate super-absorbent material has a contact angle and a corresponding cos CAm (as defined herein), whereby the cos CAm is more than 0.3, and whereby, when said coating agent is in the form of particles, said coating agent particles have a (weight) mean particle size of from 0.001 to 1 micron. The material is useful for absorbent structures and absorbent articles (comprising such structures). The coated super-absorbent material is typically present in said absorbent structure at least at a concentration of 50% by weight of the structure, preferably even 80% or even 90%. The invention also provides a process for making the absorbent material.

Abstract: Metal non-oxide coated substrates having an outer coating derived from the substrate are disclosed. The three dimensional inorganic substrate having a coating of metal non-oxide on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof produced by a unique process, have particular applicability to the manufacture of metal boride, carbide and nitride coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates such as flakes, spheres and elongated substrates are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymers, catalysis, heating and shielding applications.

Abstract: Metal oxide nanoparticles having at least some surface acid sites functionalized with an adhesion promoter and at least some surface acid sites functionalized with a coupling agent. The nanoparticles are useful in forming composites comprising photopolymerizable matrix monomers, and are primarily suitable for dental and medical restoration. In a preferred embodiment, the metal oxide comprises zirconium, and the coupling agent is a zirconate.

Abstract: A process is provided for making nano-sized or sub-micron sized oxides of lithium and a transition metal. The desired size is generally in the range 10 nm to 1000 nm and preferably in the range 10 nm to 100 nm. The particles have a narrow size distribution. The process includes milling and re-firing under controlled conditions so that crystallites of the desired particle size are grown.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube which exhibits ferromagnetism without a ferromagnetic metal imparted thereto and also has high thermal stability is provided. The carbon nanotube is characterized by being doped with nitrogen (which differs from carbon in valence electron) such that the doped nitrogen is segregated in a strip form at one end of the carbon nanotube. The thus doped nitrogen causes the carbon nanotube to have a difference in electron density and to exhibit ferromagnetism. The present invention makes it possible to provide a carbon nanotube exhibiting ferromagnetism without the necessity of imparting any magnetic metal thereto.

Abstract: In a transparent hard coat film, in which a transparent hard coat layer is formed on at least one surface of a transparent polymer film, the transparent hard coat layer is composed of at least an ionizing radiation curable organic-inorganic hybrid hard-coat agent and inorganic particles having a mean particle diameter of 1-10 ?m. The organic-inorganic hybrid hard-coat agent preferably contains reactive silica. Such a transparent hard coat film of the present invention has well-balanced anti-glare effect and resolution and yet has hardness that is typically expressed as surface hardness.

Abstract: A polymer thick film resistor composition is disclosed which comprises: (1) finely divided particles of a conductive metal having a surface area of 0.3 to 3.0 m.sup.2 /g; (2) finely divided particulate material having a surface area greater than 100 m.sup.2 /g; (3) a thermoplastic resin; dissolved in (4) an organic solvent having a volatility rating of 10,000 to 50,000; wherein the composition is substantially curable within 2.5 minutes by heating to a temperature of 135.degree. C., and further wherein the volume ratio of particulate material to resin is at least 3.5, and the weight ratio of solvent to resin is 3 to 5.

Abstract: Magnetite particles suitable for injection into the blood stream of patients having enhanced resistance against agglomeration and uptake by the RES of the liver and spleen. The particles essentially consist of an iron oxide core and a phosphoric acid mono alkyl or alkenyl ester or glycerophospholipid/surfactant three dimensional shell surrounding the core. The core and the monoester or a micellar glycerophospholipid form an urchin-like structure which is further interlaced or intertwined with a non-ionic surfactant to produce a protective three dimensional shell which renders particles almost undetectable by the macrophages. Particles prepared according to the invention are kept in the blood circulation for long periods and represent excellent long lasting blood pool agents. Key components in the shell are (a) a polybasic mineral-organic species such as glycero phosphatidic acid in micellar form and (b) a block copolymer having successive hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments.

Abstract: Surface-modified, pyrogenically produced silicon dioxide is obtained by placing a pyrogenically produced silicon dioxide in a know mixing device, spraying it with a chemical compound from the group:CHF.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --Si(OCH.sub.3).sub.3CF.sub.3 --CHF--CF.sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --Si(OCH.sub.3).sub.3C.sub.4 F.sub.9 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Si(OCH.sub.3).sub.3C.sub.6 F.sub.13 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --Si(OCH.sub.3).sub.3with intensive mixing, subsequently mixing it and tempering the mixture obtained for a fairly long time.

Abstract: Encapsulated electroluminescent phosphor particles and method for making same. The phosphor particles are encapsulated in a very thin oxide layer to protect them from aging due to moisture intrusion. The particles are encapsulated via a vapor phase hydrolysis reaction of oxide precursor materials at a temperature of between about 25.degree. C. and about 170.degree. C., preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 150.degree. C. The resultant encapsulated particles exhibit a surprising combination of high initial luminescent brightness and high resistance to humidity-accelerated brightness decay.

Abstract: A granular material which includes an inorganic substrate and a ceramic coating shows improved adhesion to bituminous surfaces, decreased alkalinity, and, when formulated as a three coated algae-resistant granule, exhibits improved algae-resistance over previously known granules. The ceramic coating comprises the reaction product of an alkali metal silicate and an aluminosilicate, the ceramic coating further including a borate compound and zinc oxide having a particle size less than about 0.13 micrometer. It has been found that the use of a borate compound and zinc oxide having the stated particle size allows the granules to be adhered to a substrate for longer periods of time, thus producing a surface which retains its original color for a longer period of time. Methods of producing such ceramic-coated granular materials, and composite sheets including the granules are also presented.