Abstract: A method for making an electrode for a battery includes: providing a current collector having a current collector surface; forming an electrode precursor by arranging a plurality of extruded electrode elements on the current collector surface, each electrode element defining an element height above the current collector surface, and neighbouring electrode elements being separated by a spacing; and forming an electrode from the electrode precursor by compressing the electrode elements, thereby reducing the element height of each electrode element and closing the spacing until neighbouring electrode elements meet to form an electrode layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for making an electrode-electrolyte structure includes: a die head defining a substrate pathway for passage of an electrode substrate through the die head from a substrate inlet to a substrate outlet, and an electrolyte pathway for passage of an electrolyte gel through the die head; an electrode feeder for feeding an electrode substrate along the substrate pathway; and an electrolyte feeder for feeding a polymer gel electrolyte along the electrolyte pathway. The electrolyte pathway is arranged to meet the substrate pathway at a junction arranged between the substrate inlet and the substrate outlet, to extrude the electrolyte onto the electrode substrate as it is fed along the substrate pathway.

Abstract: A method of spreading constant or repeated pressure away from one or more pressure points between a user and an item of wear wherein the item of wear comprises a pressure material being either: (i) a thermoplastic material having the composition comprising a mixture of; (a) component (A) an organic thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness below 80 shore A measured at 23° C. (ISO 868); and (b) component (B) which is a non cross-linked and substantially non reactive silicone polymer or a cross-linked silicone polymer, with the exclusion of borated silicone polymers exhibiting dilatant properties; or (ii) a flexible material having the composition comprising a mixture of; (c) an elastomeric material having a modulus at 100% elongation of 0.1-10 MPa; and (d) 5-80% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition of a non-reactive silicone fluid having a viscosity of 1,000-3,000,000 mPas at 25° C.; or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

Abstract: The present, invention relates to liquid crystal compositions having a smectic A structure for use in an optical device in which the composition is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (12-15). In essence the composition includes a siloxane oligomer (component (a)) which may be seen to construct a layered SmA system of particular spacing and “strength”. Within this structure a low molar mass nematic mesogen (component (c)) is provided that may be considered to be that of a “plasticiser” which moderates the layer “strength”, while simultaneously providing tuneability to the properties of the composition, e.g. its refractive index or dielectric anisotropy. The addition of a side chain liquid crystal polysiloxane (component (d)) allows such systems to be further moderated since they can be considered as binding together the la>¾rs, both within a given layer and between layers.

Abstract: The present, invention relates to liquid crystal compositions having a smectic A structure for use in an optical device in which the composition is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (12-15). In essence the composition includes a siloxane oligomer (component (a)) which may be seen to construct a layered SmA system of particular spacing and “strength”. Within this structure a low molar mass nematic mesogen (component (c)) is provided that may be considered to be that of a “plasticiser” which moderates the layer “strength”, while simultaneously providing tuneability to the properties of the composition, e.g. its refractive index or dielectric anisotropy. The addition of a side chain liquid crystal polysiloxane (component (d)) allows such systems to be further moderated since they can be considered as binding together the la>¾rs, both within a given layer and between layers.

Abstract: Emulsions are disclosed of dilatant boron crosslinked organopolysiloxanes, coatings prepared from the emulsions, and various substrates impregnated with these coatings. The emulsions may be coated or impregnated onto fabrics to provide an energy absorbing material in Active Protection Systems.

Abstract: Silicone elastomer base compositions containing a stabilizer are disclosed that provide cured silicone elastomers having improved high temperature performance. The stabilizer comprises carbon black, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and optionally zinc oxide.

Abstract: Fluorosilicone elastomer base compositions are disclosed containing a stabilizer that provides cured fluorosilicone elastomers having improved high temperature performance. The stabilizer comprises carbon black, calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and optionally zinc oxide. The stabilizer is particularly useful to prepare cured fluorosilicone elastomers for o-rings, connectors, and constructing automotive hosing.

Abstract: A silicone resin, curable to a resin of low coefficient of thermal expansion, high glass transition temperature and high modulus, has the empirical formula (R3SiO1/2)a(R2SiO2/2)b(RSiO3/2)c(SiO4/2)d wherein each R is a hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom; and a=0.02 to 0.8; b=0 to 0.4; and c+d=0.2 to 0.98, where a+b+c+d=1.0, characterized in that at least 2 mole % of the siloxane units in the resin are of the formula R?SiO1/2, RR?2SiO1/2 or R?2SiO2/2, wherein each R? is an alkenyl group.

Abstract: A silicone resin, curable to a resin of low coefficient of thermal expansion, high glass transition temperature and high modulus, has the empirical formula (R3SiO2)a(R2SiO2/2)b(RsiO3/2)c(SiO4/2)d wherein each R is a hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom; and a=0.02 to 0.8; b=0 to 0.4; and c+d=0.2 to 0.98, where a+b+c+d=1.0, characterized in that at least 2 mole % of the siloxane units in the resin are of the formula R?3SiO1/2 RR?2Sio1/2 or R?2SiO2/2 wherein each R? is an alkenyl group.