Abstract: The present disclosure provides polyolefin blends and nanocomposites and methods for their production. In embodiments, a blend or nanocomposite of the present disclosure may include at least one polyolefin and at least one ionic liquid and/or one modified carbon nanofiller. In embodiments, the at least one modified carbon nanotube may be treated with at least one ionic compound.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: A membrane is provided including a coating layer having cellulose nanofibers produced from oxidized cellulose microfibers and an electrospun substrate upon which the coating layer is applied. The nanofibers of the electrospun substrate have a diameter greater than that of the cellulose nanofibers. The membrane also has non-woven support upon which the electrospun substrate is disposed. Microfibers of the non-woven support have a diameter greater than that of the nanofibers of the electrospun substrate. Application of electrospun membrane is in microfiltration area, while the cellulose nanofiber membrane serves in ultra-filtration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis after chemical modification.

Abstract: A spinneret format, an electric-field reversal format and a process for post-treatment of membranes formed from electro-spinning or electro-blowing are provided, including a cleaning method and apparatus for electro-blowing or blowing-assisted electro-spinning technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high strength polyethylene fiber superior in stretchability and having a higher strength, a higher elastic modulus and high productivity, and a high strength polyethylene fiber produced by the method. The method includes (1) dispersing a chemically surface modified carbon nanofiber in a solvent for an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, (2) preparing a mixed dope comprising the polyethylene, the modified carbon nanofiber and the solvent by mixing the polyethylene with the suspension obtained in (1), wherein the concentration of the polyethylene is not less than 0.5 wt % and less than 50 wt %, and (3) extruding the dope obtained in step (2) through a spinneret, cooling the dope, and then stretching the dope into a filament yarn at a deformation rate of not less than 0.005 s?1 and not more than 0.5 s?1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (i) novel fluoroionic compounds capable of dispersing particulate filler compositions into a fluoropolymer; (ii) novel particulate compositions in which particulates are surface-functionalized with a fluoroionic compound; (iii) fluoropolymer composite materials containing the surface-functionalized particulates of (ii) incorporated into a fluoropolymer; (iv) crosslinked versions of (iii); v) methods for producing the crosslinked material of (iv); and (vi) articles of manufacture containing the compositions (iii) and (iv).

Abstract: Membranes suitable for microfiltration, ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) filters are provided. Such membranes may include a nanofibrous scaffold, optionally in combination with a non-woven substrate and/or a coating of a polymer and a functionalized nanofiller. Suitable membranes may also include a coating of a polymer and a functionalized nanofiller on a substrate, which can include a non-woven membrane, a nanofibrous scaffold, or both.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polyolefin blends and nanocomposites and methods for their production. In embodiments, a blend or nanocomposite of the present disclosure may include at least one polyolefin and at least one ionic liquid and/or one modified carbon nanofiller. In embodiments, the at least one modified carbon nanotube may be treated with at least one ionic compound.

Abstract: A method for electroblowing fibers is provided which involves the steps of: forcing a polymer fluid through a spinneret in a first direction towards a collector located a first distance from the spinneret, while simultaneously blowing a gas through an orifice that is substantially concentrically arranged around the spinneret, wherein the gas is blown substantially in the first direction; wherein an electrostatic differential is generated between the spinneret and the collector; and collecting the fibers, and its use in preparing submicron scale fibers of various types, particularly hyaluronan fibers, and the hyaluronan nanofibers thus formed.

Abstract: Methods for modifying carbon nanotubes with organic compounds are disclosed. The modified carbon nanotubes have enhanced compatibility with polyolefins. Nanocomposites of the organo-modified carbon nanotubes and polyolefins can be used to produce both fibers and films having enhanced mechanical and electrical properties, especially the elongation-to-break ratio and the toughness of the fibers and/or films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high strength polyethylene fiber having an intrinsic viscosity of from about 5 dL/g to 40 dL/g, and containing carbon nanofiber modified with alkyl chains. The fiber obtained by the production method of a high strength polyethylene fiber of the present invention is industrially applicable to a wide range and greatly contributes to the industry.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: Methods for modifying carbon nanotubes with organic compounds are disclosed. The modified carbon nanotubes have enhanced compatibility with polyolefins. Nanocomposites of the organo-modified carbon nanotubes and polyolefins can be used to produce both fibers and films having enhanced mechanical and electrical properties, especially the elongation-to-break ratio and the toughness of the fibers and/or films.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating securement of a vascular graft within a blood vessel, includes a shaft dimensioned for passage within a blood vessel and having an expansion member movable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition and a fastener array comprising at least one fastener disposed about a peripheral portion of the expansion member. The one fastener is deployable into a wall of the blood vessel upon movement of the expansion member to the expanded condition thereof, to thereby engage the vascular graft to secure the vascular graft to a wall of the blood vessel. The fastener array preferably includes a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be operatively connected to each other and releasably secured to the peripheral portion of the expansion member.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes. The method includes electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. The method also includes electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream, forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.