Abstract: Chromatography systems and methods for using carbon dioxide to separate one or more cannabis-derived compounds from other components of a mixture are generally described. Some of the methods described herein comprise transporting a mixture comprising a first cannabis-derived compound and one or more other components through a chromatography column containing a stationary phase comprising a packing material. In some embodiments, the mixture is transported through the column within a mobile phase that comprises carbon dioxide (e.g., supercritical CO2, liquid CO2). The mobile phase may be substantially free of a co-solvent that is in liquid phase at standard room temperature and pressure. In some embodiments, the mobile phase is free of any co-solvent and comprises 100 vol % carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Chromatography systems and methods for using carbon dioxide to separate one or more cannabis-derived compounds from other components of a mixture are generally described. Some of the methods described herein comprise transporting a mixture comprising a first cannabis-derived compound and one or more other components through a chromatography column containing a stationary phase comprising a packing material. In some embodiments, the mixture is transported through the column within a mobile phase that comprises carbon dioxide (e.g., supercritical CO2, liquid CO2). The mobile phase may be substantially free of a co-solvent that is in liquid phase at standard room temperature and pressure. In some embodiments, the mobile phase is free of any co-solvent and comprises 100 vol % carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Composites, such as syntactic foams, are described. The composite contains at least one polymer and at least one aerogel. The aerogel is coated with a coating substance to at least substantially prevent the intrusion of the polymer into the pores of the aerogel. Methods of making the composite are also described, as well as uses of the composite.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-absorbent high-porosity fibrous matrix from lignocellulosic raw materials, comprising wet mechanical processing of the raw material, drying, and then dry mechanical processing the fibers to provide a fibrous matrix is provided. The high-porosity fibrous matrix and absorbent articles prepared therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-absorbent high-porosity fibrous matrix from lignocellulosic raw materials, comprising wet mechanical processing of the raw material, drying, and then dry mechanical processing the fibers to provide a fibrous matrix is provided. The high-porosity fibrous matrix and absorbent articles prepared therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-absorbent high-porosity fibrous matrix from lignocellulosic raw materials, comprising wet mechanical processing of the raw material, drying, and then dry mechanical processing the fibers to provide a fibrous matrix is provided. The high-porosity fibrous matrix and absorbent articles prepared therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: Composites, such as syntactic foams, are described. The composite contains at least one polymer and at least one aerogel. The aerogel is coated with a coating substance to at least substantially prevent the intrusion of the polymer into the pores of the aerogel. Methods of making the composite are also described, as well as uses of the composite.

Abstract: A thermoformed plastic laminar light-polarizing composite lens blank is produced from a laminate comprising a light-polarizing layer between polymeric layers. The absorption axis of the light-polarizing layer of the laminate is aligned to substantial parallelism with a principal index of refraction of the polymeric layer which forms the convex surface of the lens blank and which is birefringent, thereby to minimize retardation effects of the birefringent material on plane polarized light. The polymeric layer which forms the concave surface of the lens blank is substantially thicker than the opposed polymeric layer in order to accommodate grinding of the surface thereof to an ophthalmic prescription. Thermoforming of unitary portions cut from a supply of the laminate is performed under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A thermoformed plastic laminar light-polarizing composite lens blank is produced from a laminate including light-polarizing layer between polymeric layers. At least one of the polymeric layers is an optically isotropic sheet, i.e., a sheet having an optical retardance of 20 nanometers in order to minimize retardation effects of the birefringent material on plane polarized light. The isotropic layer or subsequent thermoforming of unitary portions cut from the laminate provides the convex lens surface of the lens blank. The polymeric layer which forms the concave surface of the lens blank is substantially thicker than the opposed polymeric layer in order to accommodate grinding of the surface thereof to an ophthalmic prescription. Lens blanks are prepared from unitary portions which are cut from a supply of the laminate, placed between thermoforming platens and formed under heat and pressure.

Abstract: Plastic lenses having substantially no optical power and a light-polarizing layer therein are prepared by shaping composite laminate of the light-polarizing layer between opposed sheets of thermoplastic material by heating and pressing the laminate between opposed shaping molds (platens), the platens having predetermined radii of curvature for the production of a lens having substantially no optical power. Shaping is effected under conditions of heating and pressing sufficient to cause flow of the thermoplastic sheets and conformation thereof to the respective curvatures of the forming surfaces of the platens. The lenses are especially suited as sunglass lenses for spectacles.