Abstract: A fiber composition which comprises a blend of modified polypropylene and modified poly(ethylene oxide). This fiber composition can be melt-processed to make fibers useful in flushable personal care products. A process for making this fiber composition is also provided.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer fiber having a cationically charged coating thereon, in which the coating includes a functionalized cationic polymer, such as an epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamine or an epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamido-amine, which has been crosslinked by heat. The present invention also provides a fibrous filter which includes hydrophobic polymer fibers having the foregoing cationically charged coating thereon. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a fibrous filter.

Abstract: A semiconducting composition for electric cables, an electric cable incorporating the composition, and a method of producing a cross-linked semiconducting layer of an electric cable are disclosed. The semiconducting composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition, (a) 50-90% by weight of an ethylene copolymer, (b) carbon black in an amount at least sufficient to make the composition semiconducting, (c) 0-8% by weight of a peroxide cross-linking agent, (d) 0-8% by weight of conventional additives, characterised in that the ethylene copolymer (a) is a heterogeneous ethylene-alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymer, which besides ethylene moieties comprises 2-10 mole % of an alkyl(meth)acrylate comonomer moiety, chosen among methyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, (iso-)propyl(meth)acrylate and butyl(meth)acrylate, and the melting point of which is at least 95° C. and is higher than (108.5−1.7×(mole % of alkyl (meth)acrylate comonomer)) degree centigrade.

Abstract: A method of making heat engine components, such as rocket nozzle throats, includes forming a body having at least one surface, wherein the body is made of a refractory metal, and compressing a ceramic powder between a die and the at least one surface of the body, with sufficient heat and pressure to densify and thus form a solid ceramic coating on the at least one surface of the body. Nozzle throats made according to the invention have bodies made of refractory metals, such as tantalum, and ceramic coatings on the inner surfaces of the annular bodies, wherein the ceramic coatings are made of ceramic materials such as tantalum carbide.

Abstract: Novel filaments and yarns for carpets, upholstery and other applications, the spinneret and method for their production and carpets manufactured therefrom. The filaments of the invention are solid multi-lobal filaments of complex convex-concave surface contour possessing low luster, low moment of inertia, high color intensity upon dyeing and high covering power. Carpets manufactured therefrom possess low luster, soft hand, high covering power and high body suitable for premium residential application. The filaments of the invention are produced at high throughput and productivity by the method of the invention.

Abstract: A process for forming certain aqueous polymeric dispersions including a first emulsion polymer having an average particle diameter of 150 to 3000 nanometers and a second emulsion polymer having an average particle diameter of 40 to 600 nanometers where at least the first emulsion polymer particles, when dry, contain at least one void is provided. Also provided are the aqueous polymeric dispersions made by the process and paper or paperboard coatings and paints including the aqueous polymeric dispersions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of chemistry and to a fiber composite material which is used, for example, in aircraft. The invention provides a fiber composite material in which delamination can be significantly reduced. This is achieved by a fiber composite material with multiple layers, each containing a duromer matrix and reinforcing fibers, inner layers contain fibers featuring a high level of adhesion to the duromer matrix, outer layers contain fibers featuring a low level or no adhesion to duromer matrix. There is also provided a method in which the reinforcing fibers include a coating and the layers are structured in such a way that, on the interior of the fiber composite material, layers are arranged which contain fibers with a high level of adhesion to the duromer matrix and that outer layers which contain fibers with a lower or low level of adhesion, or no adhesion to the duromer matrix are arranged on and/or around these inner layers.

Abstract: Biocompatible, lubricious, highly durable coatings for medical devices are formed from a highly adherent base coat and a hydrophilic top-coat which is chemically grafted to the base coat. The base coat includes an aqueous acrylic emulsion polymer, having one or more monomers having alkyl groups of varying number. The monomers are combined such that the “Equivalent Alkyl Number”, essentially a weighted average number of carbon atoms, for the resulting polymer or copolymer, is in a range of about 3.5-4.5. The coating is prepared without using any organic solvents, and thus the final product contains no residue of such solvents. The coated products display an unmatched combination of adhesion, abrasion resistance, water resistance, biocompatibility, and lubricity.

Abstract: To provide the thermosetting powder coating composition which comprises a fluorine-containing copolymer having crosslinkable functional group and a curing agent, in which the fluorine-containing copolymer has a fluoroolefin unit, has a fluorine content of not less than 10% by weight and is not dissolved in tetrahydrofuran substantially. A coating line can be shared with other powder coating composition because even when the composition mixes to other powder coating composition, it causes no coating defects, and yet a coated article having a coating film excellent in physical properties can be provided.

Abstract: A flexure endurant composition of an elastomer reinforced with a continuous phase of microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a ratio of elastomer to PTFE of approximately 1:1 to 50:1 on a volume basis. The composite is prepared by a coating process and the final articles are prepared by molding or vulcanizing. Such materials can be used to fabricate pump tubing, pump diaphragms, gaskets, bellows and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an interlayer film for laminated glass which exerts excellent heat insulation or electromagnetic wave transmittance and which is suitable for producing a laminated glass having excellent fundamental performance characteristics required for the laminated glass, such as transparency, especially good haze, appropriate bond strength between an interlayer film and glass, penetration resistance, impact absorption, weather resistance, and so on. Also, the object of the present invention is to provide a laminated glass produced by using the above-mentioned interlayer film.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel radiation-curable silicone-based release coating composition capable of giving a cured release coating film on a substrate such as a plastic resin film exhibiting excellent adhesion to a variety of substrate materials and excellent releasability. The radiation-curable releasing silicone composition of the invention comprises (A) an aromatic compound having, in a molecule, at least two cationically polymerizable organopolysiloxanyl groups such as epoxy-substituted organopolysiloxanyl groups as the silicone ingredient and (B) a photopolymerization initiator which is an onium salt compound such as diaryliodonium salt compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing sol-gel condensates by A1) reacting an aqueous silica sol with a silicon alkoxide and subsequently A2) converting the condensate obtained from A1) with a polyfunctional organosilane.

Abstract: A method of modifying a surface is disclosed. The method includes contacting the surface with a hydridosilane under conditions and for a time sufficient to form a covalent bond between a silicon atom of the hydridosilane and the oxygen atom of a hydroxyl group on the surface. The hydridosilane has the formula where at least one of Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd is H, and at least one of Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd is not H.

Abstract: A composite structure comprising a metallic sheet and two thermoplastic material layers of a layer (A) and a layer (B) which are placed in turn and integrated with each other, characterized in that the layer (A) comprises a thermoplastic material capable of being thermally fusedly adhered to the thermoplastic material in the layer (B), the metallic sheet and the layer (A) are adhered to each other, and the layers (A) and (B) are thermally fusedly adhered to each other; and a process for producing a composite structure which comprises installing, on a metallic sheet by coating, a layer (A) comprising a thermoplastic material capable of being thermally fusedly adhered to a thermoplastic material in a layer (B) to be placed thereon, and further installing the layer (B) on the layer (A) by thermally fusedly adhering a desirable thermoplastic material on the (A).

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic capacitor is formed by alternately stacking a plurality of dielectric layers and a multiplicity of internal electrodes, which are connected to a pair of external electrodes. Each of the dielectric layers is obtained from a dielectric ceramic compound composed of ceramic grains and a glass component connecting the ceramic grains, and the glass component contains one or more additive elements in a form of a solid solution. The additive elements are selected from the group consisting of Mn, V, Cr, Mo, Fe, Ni, Cu and Co.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency selective plate having a radio wave transparent property. This frequency selective plate includes (a) a transparent substrate; (b) a mixture layer formed on the transparent substrate, the mixture layer containing a mixture of a metal nitride and Ag; and (c) Ag particles formed on the mixture layer, the Ag particles being two-dimensionally distributed on the mixture layer and being separated from each other.

Abstract: A structure material of the present invention consisting essentially of 20 parts by weight or more of a polymer mixture consisting essentially of of a thermoplastic aromatic polyester and a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the structure material. The polymer mixture comprises 3 to 40 parts by weight of the aliphatic polyester on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the polymer mixture.

Abstract: The soft resin composition for injection molding comprises (A) an ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer comprising ethylene and an &agr;-olefin of 3 to 10 carbon atoms and (B) a polyethylene in a specific ratio. The component (A) has a Shore A hardness of 40 to 95, a melt flow rate (MFR2.16) of 1.0 to 20 g/10 min, and a density of 855 to 900 kg/m3; and the component (B) has a melt flow rate (MFR2.16) 0.1 to 100 g/10 min, a density of 910 to 925 kg/m3, and a melt tension measured at 190° C. and the MFR2.16 satisfying the relation: melt tension>2.2×(MFR2.16)−0.84. The injection-molded product of the present invention comprises the above soft resin composition, and may have been subjected to coating on its surface. The toy and the article for daily use of the invention comprise the injection-molded product.

Abstract: The invention is a paper/plastic laminate suitable for use in office, midrange and high-speed traditional laser and digital copiers and digital printers, and other like equipment using heat set fuser toner adhesion as the method for fusing/bonding an ink to a paper. The paper/plastic laminate comprises a paper web laminated to a plastic film using 100% solids adhesives. Employing 100% solids adhesive technology in the laminating process yields a more dimensionally stable paper/plastic laminate when the laminate is re-exposed to heat and the ability to make lighter paper/plastic laminates than otherwise possible using solvated or waterborne adhesives.

Abstract: A housing for a honeycomb body includes a jacket tube with an inner wall surface. The jacket tube has a passivation layer in at least one section of the inner wall surface in order to deliberately modify a connection to the honeycomb body by joining. A method for the production of a catalyst carrier body with a honeycomb body and a housing according to the invention are also indicated. A catalyst carrier body produced in this way reduces thermal stresses between the honeycomb body and the jacket tube and, in particular, ensures a reliable brazing process during production, even in a vacuum.

Abstract: A metallic component exposed to high temperature steam is provided with a coating comprising a thin primer layer deposited on the surface of the metallic component and a thicker overlay layer on top of the primer layer. The primer layer consists of highly ductile, oxidation resistant material such that it remains free of any defects over a long period of exposure. The overlay layer consists of an oxidation resistant, less ductile, and low-cost material. It protects the thin primer layer from mechanical damage and chemical degradation. The primer layer protects the base material of the metallic component from oxidizing steam that may penetrate through cracks of the overlay layer. Due to suitable choice of coating materials and thicknesses of the layers the coating is low-cost.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite material in band or slab form made of two cover plates (1, 2), made of steel, which can be resistance welded together via electrically conductive bodies (4), and an intermediate layer (3) made of a filler material in which the bodies (4) are embedded, with the bodies (4), which are implemented as curved slugs, lying pressed flat between the cover plates (1, 2). This type of composite material is produced in that the filler material (3′) for the intermediate layer (3) is applied as a paste to a band (1′) serving as the first cover plate (1) as it passes by and the curved slugs (4′) are, after being laid on the filler material (3′), pressed into it at least until contact is made via a band (2′) supplied as the second cover plate (2) in a welding gap (8) formed by two roller electrodes (6,7) of a resistance welding device and the slugs are largely pressed flat with the bands (1′, 2′) during welding.

Abstract: Arrangement (1) for decreasing galvanic corrosion between metal components that includes at least a first component (2) in which a first metal is a part, and at least a second component (3) in which a second metal is a part, whereby the first metal has a higher normal-electrode potential (e0) than the second metal. The first component (2) is intended, after mounting, to be in electrical contact with the second component (3). The first component (2) is coated with a substantially continuous surface layer (4) that is adjusted to give the second component (3) an insignificant galvanic corrosion velocity after mounting. The invention is preferably applied in association with attachment elements such as bolt or screw joint reinforcements, which include a more noble metal than the component or the components with which the attachment element should be in contact with after mounting, and is particularly, preferred for vehicle components.

Abstract: A surface treated tin-plated steel sheet which has an alloy layer formed on the surface of a steel sheet, a tin plating layer being formed on said alloy layer with a remaining exposed portion of the alloy layer having an area of 30% or more of that of the alloy layer and, formed on said tin plating layer and said exposed portion of the alloy layer, a coating film containing P and Si in an amount of 0.5 to 100 mg/m2 and 0.1 to 250 mg/m2, respectively; and a chemical treatment solution for use in preparing the steel sheet which comprises a phosphate ion, a tin ion and a silane coupling agent and has a pH of 1.5 to 5.5. The surface treated tin-plated steel sheet is free from chromium which causes problems from an environmental view point, and also is excellent in adhesion with a paint, corrosion resistance after being coated, rust resistance, and formability.

Abstract: A component for use in manufacturing articles such as printed circuit boards, the component comprising: a sheet of copper foil which, in a finished printed circuit board, constitutes a functional element; a substrate sheet of aluminum which constitutes a discardable element, and a protective coating layer on a surface of said substrate, one surface of the copper sheet and the coating layer on said substrate aluminum sheet being essentially uncontaminated and engageable with each other at an interface, and the uncontaminated surfaces of the sheets being manufactured together to define a substantially uncontaminated central zone inwardly of the edges of the sheets and unjoined at the interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot-dip Al-plated steel sheet for fuel tanks excellent in air-tightness after welding and corrosion resistance subsequent to forming. The present invention provides, as concrete means, a hot-dip Al-plated steel sheet comprising a steel sheet comprising up to 0.003% of C, up to 0.03% of Si, up to 0.3% of Mn, up to 0.02% of P, up to 0.006% of N, up to 0.1% of Ti, Ti and Nb in a total amount of at least the atomic equivalent of (C+N) and up to 0.2%, 1 to 30 ppm of B, and the balance Fe and unavoidable impurities, and a plating layer comprising 2 to 13% of Si, and the balance Al and unavoidable impurities on the surface of the steel sheet, the steel sheet showing a total elongation of at least 45% after plating. Alternately, the hot-dip Al-plated steel sheet may have a chromate coating in an amount of 5 to 100 mg/m2 on the surface, and it may also have a resin coating on the top surface. As a result, the Al-plated steel sheet is excellent in elongation after Al plating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display screen, in particular a color display screen, based on a display screen support with a single-layer or multi-layer coating which contains a red luminous substance and a coloring pigment. The invention is furthermore directed towards the display screen coating, means for the production thereof and a coated red luminous substance capable of being used for this purpose. A feature of the invention, is the presence of red tantalum (V) nitride by way of pigment for the purpose of increasing the contrast and decreasing the reflection of the display screen.

Abstract: A medium substrate comprising a borosilicate glass containing silica as a main component and having on the surface thereof a continuous texture derived from the porous structure, the medium substrate being used as a substrate in the production of a magnetic recording medium and other. The method for the production of the textured medium substrate is also disclosed, along with a magnetic recording medium using the medium substrate and a magnetic disk device.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium achieves excellent noise reduction by controlling the crystal orientation of a magnetic layer without thermal processing. The magnetic recording medium includes multiple layers laminated to a substrate. These layers include at least the magnetic layer and a non-magnetic under layer. The magnetic layer has a granular structure consisting of ferromagnetic grains with a hexagonal close-packed structure and non-magnetic grain boundaries composed mainly oxide or a nitride. The non-magnetic under-layer is a material having a body centered cubic crystal structure with a preferential orientation along a (200) plane parallel to a film surface of the under-layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium has a non-magnetic ground layer, a non-magnetic recording layer, a protecting layer formed sequentially on a non-magnetic substrate, one on top of another. A double-layered non-magnetic ground layer consists of a pure chromium layer, positioned closer to a substrate, and a chromium-molybdenum-tungsten ternary alloy layer, positioned closer to a magnetic recording layer. This provides the non-magnetic recording layer formed on such a ground layer with cobalt alloy grains having uniform dimensions. The resulting magnetic recording medium has an excellent SNR.

Abstract: A floppy disk-shaped magnetic recording medium of high recording density comprises a non-magnetic support provided on each side thereof sequentially with a substantially non-magnetic lower layer and a magnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic powder dispersed in a binder, and is used under a condition that a velocity of the medium relative to a magnetic head is at least 14 m/sec: wherein the non-magnetic lower layer has a thickness adjusted to be from five to twenty times as great as a maximum height of projections on the non-magnetic support surface, thereby achieving reduction in error rate increase.

Abstract: In a method of growing a ZnO-containing compound semiconductor single crystal, on a compound single crystal layer of a hexagonal crystal structure having a plurality of (0001) surfaces aligned in a sequence of terraces along a direction of a-axis, a ZnO-containing compound single crystal of a hexagonal crystal structure is grown, having an inclination from the c-axis toward the direction of the a-axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a network communication system and method to enable the real time buying and selling of electricity generated by fuel cell powered vehicles between a fuel cell powered vehicle and a consumer. The method comprises: providing connections to the vehicle for the supply of a fuel and for transfer of electricity; determining the current cost of fuel and price paid for generating electricity; based at least on the cost of fuel and price paid for generating electricity, determining whether to make the fuel cell powered vehicle available for generation of electricity; when fuel is consumed by the vehicle and electricity generated by the vehicle, collecting data on the quantity of fuel consumed and amount of electricity generated, calculating the cost of the fuel and the value of the electricity generated, providing a debit charge for the cost of fuel consumed and a credit charge for the value of electricity generated.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells. At least one of the fuel cells is a sensor cell. The sensor cell has at least one structural dissimilarity with respect to the remaining fuel cells of the plurality. The structural dissimilarity may include, for example, a reduced sensor cell electrochemically active area, reduced electrocatalyst loading, modified anode or cathode flow field, different electrocatalyst composition, or a modified coolant flow field configuration. The sensor cell operates under substantially the same conditions as the remaining cells in the stack. However, in response to a change in a particular stack operating condition, an electrical or thermal response, preferably a voltage change, is induced in the sensor cell which is not simultaneously induced in the remaining fuel cells. Thus, the sensor cell can detect undesirable conditions and its response can be used to initiate corrective action.

Abstract: A vehicle (150) includes a fuel cell stack (151) started when the stack is below freezing, by connection (158) to the vehicle propulsion system (159) within a few seconds of starting the flow of fuel (179) and oxidant (173), or when open circuit voltage (155, 156) is detected. The fuel is in excess of stochiometry requirement and the oxidant is in excess of at least twice stochiometric requirement, either may be at about atmospheric pressure or at 4 kPa (0.6 psi) or more above the pressure of any water in said water passages, and either may be below freezing. Water transport plates (84, 86, 88, 89) have water passages connected to a water circulation loop (170) including a reservoir (164) having an auxiliary heater (161) connected (160) to the stack. Warming of cell stack materials and ice in the water transport plates, heat of fusion of melting ice, warming of melted water, and evaporative cooling of water melted in the water transport plates keep the fuel cell cool until liquid coolant can be circulated.

Abstract: A cooling system for a fuel cell includes a heat exchanger for cooling coolant discharged from the fuel cell and a heat regulator for adjusting a temperature of coolant to be supplied to the fuel cell after mixing coolant that has been cooled by the heat exchanger with coolant that has bypassed the heat exchanger together. The cooling system also includes an ion exchanger for removing ions from the coolant with the use of ion exchange resin, and a supply control means for controlling coolant to be supplied to the ion exchanger. The supply control means supplies the ion exchanger with coolant that has bypassed the heat exchanger when the heat regulator operates beyond a coolant temperature adjustable range, and the supply control means supplies the ion exchanger with coolant that has been cooled by the heat exchanger when the heat regulator operates within the coolant temperature adjustable range.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline electrolyte Ni-MH sealed secondary storage cell includes a bundle of electrodes placed in a container and made up of a plurality of negative and positive electrodes. The space separating the negative electrode from the positive electrode contains a separator. The separator is permeable to gases and a recombination device is placed between two adjacent negative electrodes and has a wetting angle of at least 45°, an average pore section of at least 103 &mgr;m2, and a thickness from 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

Abstract: An IC assembly includes: a circuit board; an IC device mounted on the circuit board, said IC device including an IC placed on the circuit board and a plurality of connecting terminals for fixing the IC onto the circuit board; and a battery cell mounted on the circuit board in such a manner that one of the IC device and the battery cell overlaps the other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the circuit board, wherein a plurality of electrode-connecting terminals are provided to electrically connect the battery cell to the circuit board.

Abstract: A battery module is fabricated as follows. A plurality of elements for electromotive force is accommodated in a one-piece cylindrical case and is arranged in series in an axial direction of the case. The elements for electromotive force are electrically connected through an electric connector passing through a resin partition wall which separates the elements for electromotive force from one another. The both ends of the case are sealed with sealing plates.

Abstract: As activatable battery for an electronic artillery fuse includes an ampoule filled with an electrolyte, and an activation device for rupturing the ampoule in response to the application of an impulse of predetermined minimum magnitude. The activation device includes a timing mechanism for increasing the duration for which the impulse must be applied in order to enable the rupturing to occur, thereby increasing the safety of the fuse.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided comprising a cathode active material provided in at least two different thicknesses. The different thickness cathode structures are then individually pressed on opposite sides of a current collector so that both are in direct contact with the substrate. Preferably, the cathode structure on the side facing the anode is of a lesser thickness than that on the opposite side of the current collector. Such an exemplary cathode design might look like: SVO(x)/current collector/SVO(y)/current collector/SVO(z), wherein x, y and z represent thicknesses and wherein x and z are lesser than y.

Abstract: A battery comprised of a generally rectangular electrochemical cell that has two battery leads attached to current collectors extending from one side thereof. A package formed from a sheet laminate has a cavity formed therein that defines an opening for receiving the cell and portions of the leads. A flange extends around the opening. A cover overlays the cavity and the flange. The cover is joined to the flange and forms a seal that hermetically seals the electrochemical cell within the cavity. The package has two, non-rectangular corners. The cover and the flange in the vicinity of the corners are shaped to allow the flange to be bent along the at least three sides in a manner wherein the flange is positioned adjacent the three sides, but the flange is not tucked or overlapped onto itself at the two, non-rectangular corners.

Abstract: An energy storage device, such as an electrical storage battery, having a unique terminal structure, sealing arrangement and an S-shaped mandrel for the electrode assembly. The battery generally includes a case in which an electrode assembly is dispose, and a cover provided with a fill hole and fill plug, and a terminal structure that forms a battery terminal. The terminal hole and the fill hole have counter bore structure to provide tighter sealing. A nickel layer is provided on the aluminum fill plug to facilitate electrical contact with the external circuit. A mandrel is provided for the rolled electrode assembly, and is electrically coupled to the terminal structure via a push-in tab inserted into a space in the S-shape of the mandrel.

Abstract: A nickel-hydrogen storage battery having improved charge and discharge cycle characteristics even in high temperature, which has a negative electrode comprising a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of electrochemically storing and releasing hydrogen, a positive electrode comprising nickel hydroxide as a main active material, and an alkaline electrolytic solution mainly comprising an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, wherein the positive electrode contains a cobalt compound, a yttrium compound, and 100 ppm or more of lithium based on the total weight of the nickel hydroxide, the cobalt compound, and the yttrium compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cathode electroactive material comprising a composite oxide comprising &bgr;-MnO2 and a spinel oxide predominantly comprising lithium, manganese, and oxygen. The present invention provides a process for producing said material, which process comprises acid treatment of a composite oxide comprising a spinel oxide predominantly comprising lithium, manganese, and oxygen, and heat treatment of the resultant composite oxide at a temperature of about 200° C. or higher and lower than about 400° C. The thus-produced oxide is employed as a cathode electroactive material in a non-aqueous secondary cell.

Abstract: An electrode material for a secondary cell comprising as its essential component a powder of graphite having a crystallinity of 90% or more obtained by graphitizing a highly heat resistant polymer compact in an anaerobic atmosphere and crushing into a powder, and a process for the production of an electrode material for a secondary cell comprising heating and graphitizing a composition in which 0-10 wt % of a boron compound is added to a highly heat-resistant polymer to produce a powder of graphite having crystallinity of 90% or more contained as its essential component. An electrode material for a secondary cell having excellent charge/discharge cycle life and discharge voltage performance is provided.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided comprising a cathode active material mixed with a binder and a conductive diluent in at least two differing formulations. The formulations are then individually pressed on opposite sides of a current collector, so that both are in direct contact with the current collector. Preferably, the active formulation on the side of the current collector facing the anode is of a lesser percentage of the active material than that on the opposite side of the current collector. Such an exemplary cathode design might look like: SVO (100-x % active)/current collector/SVO (100-y % active)/current collector/SVO (100-x % active), wherein x is greater than y.

Abstract: An anode comprises one or more sheets of expanded zinc mesh. The thickness and mesh size of the expanded zinc mesh may vary. A single sheet of zinc mesh may be coiled, forming continuous electrical contact with itself. Alternatively, a single sheet of zinc mesh may be folded into layers, each layer in electrical contact with its adjacent layers. A third alternative is the use of two or more sheets of zinc mesh, layered on top of each other so that each layer is in electrical contact with adjacent layers. These zinc mesh anodes are combined with a casing, a cathode, an electrolyte solution, and a separator between the cathode and anode to manufacture electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Provided are a polymeric electrolyte or a nonaqueous electrolyte that can improve a transport rate of charge carrier ions by adding a compound having boron atoms in the structure, preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following general formulas (1) to (4), and an electric device such as a cell or the like using the same. wherein R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R21, R22, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R31, R32, R33, R34, R35, R36, R37, R38, R39, R310, R41, R42, R43, R44, R45, R46, R47, R48, R49, R410, R411 and R412 each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a monovalent group, or represent groups bound to each other to form a ring, and Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd each represent a group having a site capable of being bound to boron atoms which are the same or different.