Abstract: Provided are active materials for electrochemical cells. The active materials include silicon containing structures and treatment layers covering at least some surface of these structures. The treatment layers may include aminosilane, a poly(amine), and a poly(imine). These layers are used to increase adhesion of the structures to polymer binders within active material layers of the electrode. As such, when the silicon containing structures change their size during cycling, the bonds between the binder and the silicon containing structure structures or, more specifically, the bonds between the binder and the treatment layer are retained and cycling characteristics of the electrochemical cells are preserved. Also provided are electrochemical cells fabricated with such active materials and methods of fabricating these active materials and electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Provided are active materials for electrochemical cells. The active materials include silicon containing structures and treatment layers covering at least some surface of these structures. The treatment layers may include aminosilane, a poly(amine), and a poly(imine). These layers are used to increase adhesion of the structures to polymer binders within active material layers of the electrode. As such, when the silicon containing structures change their size during cycling, the bonds between the binder and the silicon containing structure structures or, more specifically, the bonds between the binder and the treatment layer are retained and cycling characteristics of the electrochemical cells are preserved. Also provided are electrochemical cells fabricated with such active materials and methods of fabricating these active materials and electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Provided are active materials for electrochemical cells. The active materials include silicon containing structures and treatment layers covering at least some surface of these structures. The treatment layers may include aminosilane, a poly(amine), or a poly(imine). These layers are used to increase adhesion of the structures to polymer binders within active material layers of the electrode. As such, when the silicon containing structures change their size during cycling, the bonds between the binder and the silicon containing structure structures or, more specifically, the bonds between the binder and the treatment layer are retained and cycling characteristics of the electrochemical cells are preserved. Also provided are electrochemical cells fabricated with such active materials and methods of fabricating these active materials and electrochemical cells.

Abstract: The use, in corrosion protection systems, dewatering systems, and systems to reduce biofouling, of an anode which comprises a conductive polymer composition comprising a polymer and, mixed with the polymer, a conductive filler which comprises an exfoliated graphite.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to friable metal oxide agglomerates and specifically to agglomerates containing high surface area rare earth-containing materials and a polymeric binder.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for melt extrusion of polymeric compositions, particularly conductive polymers, in which a gear pump delivers molten polymeric composition to an extrusion orifice. Overfeeding of the composition due to pressure variations is avoided by means of a polymer relief means, preferably a second, smaller gear pump, which removes a portion of the molten composition when the pressure exceeds a selected level.

Abstract: Devices for detecting and obtaining information about an event, for example the presence of a liquid, which comprise (1) a swellable member which swells upon occurrence of the event and (2) a restraining member which, when the swellable member swells, restricts movement of the swellable member and thus causes the impedance of the device to change. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises two elongate conductors helically wrapped around a support core, a swellable, conductive polymer member surrounding the conductors. Occurrence of an event causes the swellable material to swell and form a conductive bridge between the conductors.

Abstract: Detection of events, e.g. liquid leaks and other changes in varibles. The event causes two conductors to become electrically connected, and thus creating a system in which the connection point can be located by measuring the potential drop from one end of one of the conductors (called the locating member) to the connection point. Preferably a fixed current flows through the connection, so that the result is independent of the resistance of the connection. The locating member can be a continuous resistive wire, preferably coated with a conductive polymer; such a locating member can form part of a sensor cable in which the elongate components of the circuit are in a wrapped configuration, or part of a cable in which the conductors are separated by a member shaped to prevent capillary action of a liquid from connecting the conductors. Alternatively the locating member comprises a plurality of discrete resistors.

Abstract: Devices for detecting and obtaining information about an event, for example the presence of a liquid, which comprise (1) a swellable member which swells upon occurrence of the event and (2) a restraining member which, when the swellable member swells, restricts movement of the swellable member and thus causes the impedance of the device to change. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises two elongate conductors helically wrapped around a support core, a swellable, conductive polymer member surrounding the conductors. Occurrence of an event causes the swellable material to swell and form a conductive bridge between the conductors.