Abstract: Thin, self-supporting biaxially expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that have a high crystallinity index, high intrinsic strength, low areal density (i.e., lightweight), and high optical transparency are provided. In particular, the ePTFE membrane may have a crystallinity index of at least about 94% and a matrix tensile strength at least about 600 MPa in both longitudinal nd transverse directions. In addition, the ePTFE membrane is transparent or invisible to the naked eye through a complete conversion of the PTFE primary particles into fibrils. The ePTFE membrane may have a thickness per layer of less than 100 nm and a porosity reater than 50%. Further, the ePTFE membrane is stackable, which, in turn, may be used to control permeability, pore size, and/or bulk mechanical properties. The ePTFE membrane may be used to form composites, laminates, fibers, tapes, sheets, tubes, or three-dimensional objects. Additionally, the ePTFE membrane may be used in filtration applications.

Abstract: Self-supporting uniaxially expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that have high intrinsic strength, a high matrix modulus, and a high crystallinity index are provided. In some embodiments, the ePTFE membrane is stretched in the machine direction. Uniaxially oriented ePTFE membranes have a matrix tensile strength at least about 1000 MPa in the machine direction, a matrix modulus at least about 100 GPa ambient temperature (i.e., about 20° C.), and a crystallinity index of at least about 94%. In some embodiments, the ePTFE membrane has a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 gf/d and a denier less than or equal to about 750 g/9000 m. In addition, the uniaxially oriented ePTFE membranes have a <P2> orientation of at least about 0.98. Also, the fibrils in the ePTFE membranes have a nearly perfect parallel alignment. The ePTFE membrane may be used to form composites, laminates, fibers, tapes, sheets, tubes, or other three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flexible conductive articles (600) that include a printed circuit (650) and a stretchable or non-stretchable substrate (610). In some embodiments, the substrate has a printed circuit on both sides. The printed circuit contains N therein a porous synthetic polymer membrane (660) and an electrically conductive trace (670) as well as a non-conducive region (640). The electrically conductive trace is imbibed or otherwise incorporated into the porous synthetic polymer membrane. In some embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane is microporous. The printed circuit may be discontinuously bonded to the stretchable or non-stretchable substrate by adhesive dots (620). The printed circuits may be integrated into garments, such as smart apparel or other wearable technology.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flexible conductive articles (600) that include a printed circuit (650) and a stretchable or non-stretchable substrate (610). In some embodiments, the substrate has a printed circuit on both sides. The printed circuit contains N therein a porous synthetic polymer membrane (660) and an electrically conductive trace (670) as well as a non-conducive region (640). The electrically conductive trace is imbibed or otherwise incorporated into the porous synthetic polymer membrane. In some embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane is microporous. The printed circuit may be discontinuously bonded to the stretchable or non-stretchable substrate by adhesive dots (620). The printed circuits may be integrated into garments, such as smart apparel or other wearable technology.

Abstract: Asymmetric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that contain multiple layers of ePTFE where at least one layer of ePTFE has a microstructure different from the microstructure of a second ePTFE layer. In exemplary embodiments, the asymmetric membrane contains a first ePTFE layer that has an “open” microstructure and a second ePTFE layer that has a less open, or “tight” microstructure. A third ePTFE layer having an “open” microstructure may be positioned on the second ePTFE layer. The asymmetric membranes possess print durability and are both abrasion resistant and air permeable. Additionally, printed asymmetric ePTFE membranes demonstrate low gloss. A textile may be affixed to the asymmetric membrane such that the first ePTFE layer is the outer surface of the laminate. Laminates containing the asymmetric membrane are sufficiently durable against abrasion so that articles of apparel having an exterior film surface remain liquid proof after an abrasion challenge.

Abstract: Asymmetric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that contain multiple layers of ePTFE where at least one layer of ePTFE has a microstructure different from the microstructure of a second ePTFE layer. In exemplary embodiments, the asymmetric membrane contains a first ePTFE layer that has an “open” microstructure and a second ePTFE layer that has a less open, or “tight” microstructure. A third ePTFE layer having an “open” microstructure may be positioned on the second ePTFE layer. The asymmetric membranes possess print durability and are both abrasion resistant and air permeable. Additionally, printed asymmetric ePTFE membranes demonstrate low gloss. A textile may be affixed to the asymmetric membrane such that the first ePTFE layer is the outer surface of the laminate. Laminates containing the asymmetric membrane are sufficiently durable against abrasion so that articles of apparel having an exterior film surface remain liquid proof after an abrasion challenge.

Abstract: Asymmetric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that contain multiple layers of ePTFE where at least one layer of ePTFE has a microstructure different from the microstructure of a second ePTFE layer. In exemplary embodiments, the asymmetric membrane contains a first ePTFE layer that has an “open” microstructure and a second ePTFE layer that has a less open, or “tight” microstructure. A third ePTFE layer having an “open” microstructure may be positioned on the second ePTFE layer. The asymmetric membranes possess print durability and are both abrasion resistant and air permeable. Additionally, printed asymmetric ePTFE membranes demonstrate low gloss. A textile may be affixed to the asymmetric membrane such that the first ePTFE layer is the outer surface of the laminate. Laminates containing the asymmetric membrane are sufficiently durable against abrasion so that articles of apparel having an exterior film surface remain liquidproof after an abrasion challenge.

Abstract: Asymmetric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that contain multiple layers of ePTFE where at least one layer of ePTFE has a microstructure different from the microstructure of a second ePTFE layer. In exemplary embodiments, the asymmetric membrane contains a first ePTFE layer that has an “open” microstructure and a second ePTFE layer that has a less open, or “tight” microstructure. A third ePTFE layer having an “open” microstructure may be positioned on the second ePTFE layer. The asymmetric membranes possess print durability and are both abrasion resistant and air permeable. Additionally, printed asymmetric ePTFE membranes demonstrate low gloss. A textile may be affixed to the asymmetric membrane such that the first ePTFE layer is the outer surface of the laminate. Laminates containing the asymmetric membrane are sufficiently durable against abrasion so that articles of apparel having an exterior film surface remain liquidproof after an abrasion challenge.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules that are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides for a method for detecting an analyte, comprising contacting with said analyte a recognition moiety for said analyte, wherein said contacting causes at least a portion of a plurality of mesogens proximate to said recognition moiety to detectably switch from a first orientation to a second orientation upon contacting said analyte with said recognition moiety; and detecting said second orientation of said at least a portion of said plurality of mesogens, whereby said analyte is detected.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for use in the detection of the presence of a selected pathogen in a sample are disclosed. Such apparatus include: a substrate with a detection region on a surface thereof, the detection region having microstructures including grooves formed therein that will align liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the width and depth of the grooves being in the range of 10 ?m or less; a blocking layer on the surface of the detection region of the substrate that does not disrupt the alignment of liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the blocking layer blocking nonspecific adsorption of pathogens to the surface; and a binding agent on the surface of the detection region of the substrate, the binding agent specifically binding the selected pathogen.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules which are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides a device and methods for detecting analytes. The device comprises a substrate onto which a self-assembled monolayer is attached and a mesogenic layer which is anchored by the self-assembled monolayer. The mesogenic layer undergoes a change in conformation in response to the molecular interaction.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules which are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides a device and methods for detecting analytes. The device comprises a substrate onto which a self-assembled monolayer is attached and a mesogenic layer which is anchored by the self-assembled monolayer. The mesogenic layer undergoes a change in conformation in response to the molecular interaction.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for use in the detection of the presence of a selected pathogen in a sample are disclosed. Such apparatus include: a substrate with a detection region on a surface thereof, the detection region having microstructures including grooves formed therein that will align liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the width and depth of the grooves being in the range of 10 &mgr;m or less; a blocking layer on the surface of the detection region of the substrate that does not disrupt the alignment of liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the blocking layer blocking nonspecific adsorption of pathogens to the surface; and a binding agent on the surface of the detection region of the substrate, the binding agent specifically binding the selected pathogen.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules which are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides a device and methods for detecting analytes. The device comprises a substrate onto which a self-assembled monolayer is attached and a mesogenic layer which is anchored by the self-assembled monolayer. The mesogenic layer undergoes a change in conformation in response to the molecular interaction.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for use in the detection of the presence of a selected pathogen in a sample are disclosed. Such apparatus include: a substrate with a detection region on a surface thereof, the detection region having microstructures including grooves formed therein that will align liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the width and depth of the grooves being in the range of 10 &mgr;m or less; a blocking layer on the surface of the detection region of the substrate that does not disrupt the alignment of liquid crystal material in contact therewith, the blocking layer blocking nonspecific adsorption of pathogens to the surface; and a binding agent on the surface of the detection region of the substrate, the binding agent specifically binding the selected pathogen.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules which are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides a device and methods for detecting analytes. The device comprises a substrate onto which a self-assembled monolayer is attached and a mesogenic layer which is anchored by the self-assembled monolayer. The mesogenic layer undergoes a change in conformation in response to the molecular interaction.

Abstract: Scanning probe microscopy is used to quantitatively characterize structural anisotropy within obliquely deposited metal films. Whereas visual inspection of AFM images (real space or reciprocal space) reveals no obvious structural anisotropy within these gold films, by quantitative analysis of the AFM profiles, subtle structural anisotropy is observed. The quantitative characterization provides a method to estimate the influence of anisotropy on the orientations of supported mesogenic layers.

Abstract: Interactions between molecules which are components of self-assembled monolayers and other molecules can be amplified and transduced into an optical signal through the use of a mesogenic layer. The invention provides a device and methods for detecting analytes. The device comprises a substrate onto which a self-assembled monolayer is attached and a mesogenic layer which is anchored by the self-assembled monolayer. The mesogenic layer undergoes a change in conformation in response to the molecular interaction.