Abstract: A method of creating a sand mold for rapid casting, including the steps of determining a mold shape, providing a generally uniform thickness layer of sand, curing at least a portion of the layer of sand, machining the cured portions of the layer of sand based on the desired mold shape, and repeating the layer-forming, curing and machining steps until the sand mold is complete. Another aspect includes a machine for creating the sand mold having a build envelope defined by side walls, a movable build platform and at least one movable tool assembly, the movable tool assembly having a single or plurality of tools chosen from the group consisting of a sand dispenser, a sand leveling device, a curing device, and a machining device.

Abstract: A method of forming a self-supported electronic device, including depositing a sacrificial layer on a first surface substrate, wherein the sacrificial layer is substantially soluble in a first solvent. At least one device layer is deposited in a desired pattern on top of the sacrificial layer. The at least one device layer is substantially insoluble in the at least one device layer. The sacrificial layer is at least partially dissolved in the first solvent to release at least a portion of the first device layer from the substrate. The at least one device layer removed from the substrate forms a self-supported electronic device, which is a thin film electronic device having at least a portion thereof that is not supported by a material carrier.

Abstract: A method of creating a sand mold for rapid casting, including the steps of determining a mold shape, providing a generally uniform thickness layer of sand, curing at least a portion of the layer of sand, machining the cured portions of the layer of sand based on the desired mold shape, and repeating the layer-forming, curing and machining steps until the sand mold is complete. Another aspect includes a machine for creating the sand mold having a build envelope defined by side walls, a movable build platform and at least one movable tool assembly, the movable tool assembly having a single or plurality of tools chosen from the group consisting of a sand dispenser, a sand leveling device, a curing device, and a machining device.

Abstract: A nanoparticle barrier-coated substrate is prepared by mixing pigment nanoparticles, a binder and a liquid carrier to form a coating solution, applying the coating solution onto the substrate and drying the coating solution to form the barrier coating on the substrate. The pigment nanoparticles can be chosen from talc, calcium carbonate, clay, silica and plastic and the substrate can be a cellulosic material or an inorganic material. If the substrate is initially provided with large pores, a precoating can be applied to the substrate prior to the application of the pigment nanoparticles thereto.

Abstract: A nanoparticle barrier-coated substrate is prepared by mixing pigment nanoparticles, a binder and a liquid carrier to form a coating solution, applying the coating solution onto the substrate and drying the coating solution to form the barrier coating on the substrate. The pigment nanoparticles can be chosen from talc, calcium carbonate, clay, silica and plastic and the substrate can be a cellulosic material or an inorganic material. If the substrate is initially provided with large pores, a precoating can be applied to the substrate prior to the application of the pigment nanoparticles thereto.

Abstract: A high performance purified natural zeolite pigment composition for use in papermaking and paper coating is disclosed. Use of the pigment facilitates manufacture of coated ink jet and digital printing papers with improved quality and economics. The novel zeolite pigment composition can also be used as a supplementary pigment to improve the properties of coated paper and paperboard for flexographic and water-based gravure printing. When used as filler, the novel zeolite pigment composition is readily retained and eliminates print-through in uncoated papers. The novel zeolite pigment is low in abrasion and provides improved coefficient of friction. The novel zeolite pigment is also useful as a microparticulate retention aid in papermaking and as an additive to improve the performance of deinking processes.

Abstract: A high performance purified natural zeolite pigment composition for use in papermaking and paper coating is disclosed. Use of the pigment facilitates manufacture of coated ink jet and digital printing papers with improved quality and economics. The novel zeolite pigment composition can also be used as a supplementary pigment to improve the properties of coated paper and paperboard for flexographic and water-based gravure printing. When used as filler, the novel zeolite pigment composition is readily retained and eliminates print-through in uncoated papers. The novel zeolite pigment is low in abrasion and provides improved coefficient of friction. The novel zeolite pigment is also useful as a microparticulate retention aid in papermaking and as an additive to improve the performance of deinking processes.

Abstract: A high performance purified natural zeolite pigment composition for use in papermaking and paper coating is disclosed. Use of the pigment facilitates manufacture of coated ink jet and digital printing papers with improved quality and economics. The novel zeolite pigment composition can also be used as a supplementary pigment to improve the properties of coated paper and paperboard for flexographic and water-based gravure printing. When used as filler, the novel zeolite pigment composition is readily retained and eliminates print-through in uncoated papers. The novel zeolite pigment is low in abrasion and provides improved coefficient of friction. The novel zeolite pigment is also useful as a microparticulate retention aid in papermaking and as an additive to improve the performance of deinking processes.

Abstract: Water soluble alginates are prepared as highly concentrated pumpable suspension in mixtures of propylene glycol and water using hydroxypropylated guar gum in combination with carboxymethylated cellulose as a suspending agent. The total composition of hydroxypropylated guar is preferably between about 0.2 and 5%, suspending between about 15% and 35% alginate.