Abstract: A method of preparing a fiberboard is described herein, the method comprising treating a particulate plant-derived material with plasma to obtain a plasma-treated particulate material, and compressing the plasma-treated particulate material. Further described herein is a fiberboard comprising a particulate plant-derived material, and being substantially devoid of an adhesive, or substantially devoid of an adhesive which is urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, and/or phenol formaldehyde resin. The fiberboard may be characterized by a density of less than 500 kg/m3, a particulate plant-derived material particle area of at least 1 mm2, and/or a particulate plant-derived material water contact angle of no more than 20°.

Abstract: A method of decreasing a water contact angle and/or increasing a surface energy of a liquid is disclosed herein, the method comprising exposing the liquid to a plasma treatment. Further disclosed is a plasma-treated liquid exhibiting a decreased water contact angle and/or increased surface energy, compared to the water contact angle and/or surface energy, respectively, of a non-treated corresponding liquid. Methods for combining a first liquid and a second liquid, or for enhancing an adhesion between a liquid and a surface of another substance, the methods comprising exposing a liquid to plasma treatment, are further disclose herein, as well as a method of predicting an apparent contact angle of a liquid droplet on a surface of a substance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multiscale (hierarchical) superhydrophobic surface is provided. The method includes texturing a polymer surface at three size scales, in a fractal-like or pseudo-fractal-like manner, the lowest scale being nanoscale and the highest microscale. The hydrophobic polymer surface may be converted to hydrophobic metal surface by subsequent deposition of a metal layer onto the polymer surface.

Abstract: A method of decreasing a water contact angle and/or increasing a surface energy of a liquid is disclosed herein, the method comprising exposing the liquid to a plasma treatment. Further disclosed is a plasma-treated liquid exhibiting a decreased water contact angle and/or increased surface energy, compared to the water contact angle and/or surface energy, respectively, of a non-treated corresponding liquid. Methods for combining a first liquid and a second liquid, or for enhancing an adhesion between a liquid and a surface of another substance, the methods comprising exposing a liquid to plasma treatment, are further disclose herein, as well as a method of predicting an apparent contact angle of a liquid droplet on a surface of a substance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multiscale (hierarchical) superhydrophobic surface is provided. The method includes texturing a polymer surface at three size scales, in a fractal-like or pseudo-fractal-like manner, the lowest scale being nanoscale and the highest microscale. The hydrophobic polymer surface may be converted to hydrophobic metal surface by subsequent deposition of a metal layer onto the polymer surface.

Abstract: Featured surface including a plurality of tapering protrusions, that can be hydrophobic, super hydrophobic and/or oleophobic, superoleophobic, and method for making said surfaces comprising contacting (preferably under heat and pressure) the surface material (preferably, thermoplastic material) with a mesh having micron size voids, and optionally treating the surface with plasma after removing the mesh.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for processing keratinous fibers such as hair that helps bleach the fibers with less damage to the structural integrity thereof. Disclosed is also keratinous fibers such as hair processed therewith and items of manufacture such as wigs manufactured therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reduction on apparent contact angle of seeds coat surface by cold plasma treatment, agricultural devices for said treatment and seeds obtained by methods thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multiscale (hierarchical) superhydrophobic surface is provided. The method includes texturing a polymer surface at three size scales, in a fractal-like or pseudo-fractal-like manner, the lowest scale being nanoscale and the highest microscale. The hydrophobic polymer surface may be converted to hydrophobic metal surface by subsequent deposition of a metal layer onto the polymer surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a broadband EMI shielding material and a process for making it. The material is a nonconductive nanocomposite comprising a low-melting metal alloy dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer, and the process for its preparation comprises high-shear homogenization at a temperature higher than the melting points of both the alloy and the polymer. Thermoformable articles, suitable for EMI shielding in the range of 5-100 MGz, may be made from the nanocomposite of the invention.