Abstract: The present invention is relating to a transparent sheet or film which is good in productivity, high in transparency, excellent in antistatic property and reflection preventing property, high in hardness, and excellent in scratch resistance and solvent resistance. A transparent sheet or film of the present invention is a sheet or film having on one surface of a transparent support, a first electroconductive transparent layer comprising a cured layer of a resin containing fine particles of electroconductive zinc antimonate anhydride, and a second electroconductive transparent layer formed on the first layer, of which a refractive index is lower than that of the first layer.

Abstract: A molded article such as a floor tile is made from recycled carpet waste which includes a polyvinyl chloride component in the backing material and fiber component having a melting point above the melting point of polyvinyl chloride. A mixture of the recycled carpet material is shredded and additional polyvinyl chloride is fed to an extruder where the polyvinyl chloride is melted without melting the carpet fibers. The resulting mixture is discharged and molded, such as by injection molding, to form a molded product. The molded product includes a continuous matrix of polyvinyl chloride having recycled carpet fibers uniformly dispersed therein. The molded article contains about 45% to about 85% of polyvinyl chloride, about 5% to about 20% of recycled carpet fibers, up to about 5% of a plasticizer and up to about 5% of an ethylene copolymer by weight based on the total weight of the product.

Abstract: A thermally conductive molded article is produced by molding a conductive composition into a predetermined shape. The composition includes a polymer matrix and carbon powders. The carbon powders are obtained by graphitizing a polymeric material that has an aromatic ring on its main chain by heating. The carbon powders are aligned in a certain direction in the polymer matrix. Thus, the molded article can be produced easily and effectively that has excellent thermal conductivity in a given direction and that is suitable for use as a heat radiator, heat transfer member, or a component thereof in electronic hardware.

Abstract: The composite material and methods of making the present invention rely upon a fully dense monolayer of molecules attached to an oxygenated surface at one end, and an organic terminal group at the other end, which is in turn bonded to a polymer. Thus, the composite material is a second material chemically bonded to a polymer with fully dense monolayer there between.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayer decorative sheet comprising: (a) an outer heat resistant carrier first carrier sheet, (b) a clear coat, which in one embodiment, comprises a blend of a fluorocarbon polymer and an acrylic or methacrylic resin, coated on the carrier sheet, (c) a tie coat layer on the clear coat layer, (d) fade print coat on the tie coat layer, (e) an optional back coat on the print layer, (e) a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and (f) a second carrier sheet adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive. When used on a vehicle the graphic has an opaque portion, such as a metallic finish, at the topside of the vehicle and the opacity fades over the graphic to clear, thereby revealing the vehicle's color under the decorative sheet. The fading occurs across the width of the graphic. In one embodiment, the fade is gradual and reveals little stark changes in opacity.

Abstract: An anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal synthetic fiber and various products made partially or wholly therefrom. The fiber comprises various thermoplastic polymers and additives in a mono-component form or a bi-component form in either a core-sheath or side-by-side configurations. The anti-microbial synthetic fibers comprise inorganic anti-microbial additives, distributed in certain areas to reduce the amount of the anti-microbial agents being used, and therefore the cost of such fibers. The fibers can incorporate anti-microbial additives so that they are not removed by repeated washing in boiling water and in dry clean cycles and become ineffective and conversely enhance access to the additives by washing or the like. The fibers comprise high tenacity polymers (e.g. PET) in one portion and hydrolysis resistance polymers (e.g. PCT) in another portion with the additives. The fibers can further be blended with non-anti-microbial fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, acrylic, nylon etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing smooth-surface spherical microparticles which are completely or partially made of at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide. This method involves dissolving the at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide in a solvent or a mixture of solvents, introducing the solution into a precipitation agent or a mixture of precipitation agents, optionally cooling the mixture thus obtained, and separating the microparticles thus formed. The precipitation agent used consists of at least one water-soluble cellulose derivative. This invention also relates to microparticles obtained according to this method.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent layer is formed of at least one composite sheet of a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer layer and a water-decomposable fibrous layer, of which the uppermost layer adjacent to the surface layer is the water-decomposable fibrous layer.

Abstract: Multilayer metallized polyolefin film structures having improved barrier properties and reduced water vapor transmission and oxygen transmission properties are provided. The film structures include a polyolefin substrate having a first and second side, a metal layer adjacent to the first side of the substrate and substantially coextensive therewith and a coating layer adjacent to the metal layer and substantially coextensive therewith. The coating layer includes a coating selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol and acrylic coating.

Abstract: An electrode-forming composition comprising a binder component containing a solvent-soluble polyimide silicone and an epoxy compound, and an electrically conductive material can be cured and bonded to a current collector at a relatively low temperature and has excellent adhesion and chemical resistance, facilitating the manufacture of lithium ion batteries and electrical double-layer capacitors of various shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles having a printed surface as well as flexible coating and film compositions that are printable in combination with exhibiting stain resistance. The composition comprises a hard component having an elongation of less than about 150%, a soft component having an elongation of greater than about 200%, and a cross-linking agent. The hard component preferably comprises a hydroxy functional thermoplastic polyurethane, hydroxy functional acrylic polymer, polymeric polyol or mixture thereof. The soft component preferably comprises a hydroxy functional thermoplastic urethane, polymeric polyol, or mixture thereof; whereas the cross-linking agent is preferably an isocyanate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tile for placing on walls, floors or the like using adhesive mortar. The inventive tile comprises a transparent glass layer (1) and a colored layer (4) which is placed on the rear side of the glass layer. In order to obtain a particular optical effect, the glass layer (1) is heat treated and the colored layer (4) is comprised of a lacquer which is compatible with adhesive mortar.

Abstract: Optical fiber preforms can comprise a glass preform structure with an inner cavity. A powder can be placed within the inner cavity having an average primary particle size of less than about one micron. The powder can be in the form of an unagglomerated particles or a powder coating with a degree of agglomeration or hard fusing ranging from none to significant amounts as long as the primary particles are visible in a micrograph. Powders can be placed within a preform structure by forming a slurry with a dispersion of submicron/nanoscale particles within a cavity within the prefrom. In other embodiments, a powder coating is formed within a preform structure by depositing the powder coating directly from a reaction product stream. The formation of the powder coating can be formed within the reaction chamber or outside of the reaction chamber by flowing the product particle stream through a conduit leading to the preform structure. In additional embodiments, a powder coating is placed on an insert, e.g.

Abstract: Electrically active devices are formed using a special conducting material of the form Tm—Ox mixed with SiO2 where the materials are immiscible. The immiscible materials are forced together by using high energy process to form an amorphous phase of the two materials. The amorphous combination of the two materials is electrically conducting but forms an effective barrier.

Abstract: A method for cleaning ceramic workpieces such as SiC boats used in semiconductor fabrication is disclosed. The method comprises washing a virgin or used ceramic workpiece with a strong acid and then using a pelletized CO2 cleaning process on the acid-washed component. The inventive method has been found to produce a workpiece having a very low level of metallic and particulate contaminants on its surface.

Abstract: Protective overlays comprising an at least partially cured overlay thermosettable resin and a substituted polysiloxane. Method for forming a protective overlay on a substrate to protect the substrate comprising (a) providing a substrate having at least one surface, (b) applying to at least part of the surface an overlay thermosettable resin, (c) applying to at least part of the surface a substituted polysiloxane, wherein at least a portion of the overlay thermosettable resin and at least a portion of the polysiloxane are applied to the same part of the surface and then (d) at least partially curing the overlay thermosettable resin. Decorative laminates comprising (a) a decorative inner layer having at least one decorative surface and (b) an overlay layer disposed on at least a portion of the decorative surface wherein the overlay layer comprises an at least partially cured overlay thermosettable resin and a substituted polysiloxane.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane having functional groups capable of condensation reaction at both molecular terminals thereof and (B-1) a hydrophobic silica and a hydrophilic silica. A curable composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane having functional groups capable of condensation reaction at both molecular terminals thereof and (B-2) a hydrophobic silica, wherein the hydrophobic silica (B-2) is thermally treated together with the organopolysiloxane (A).

Abstract: The process comprises, (a) adding to a polymerizable composition containing a component A comprising at least one silane compound containing at least one epoxy group and at least two alkoxy groups directly bonded to the Si atom of the molecule or hydrolysate thereof and a component B comprising fine particles of silica, an effective amount of at least one cationic photopolymerization initiator and an effective amount of at least one thermal polymerization catalyst, (b) coating at least one surface of the substrate with the composition resulting from step (a), (c) submitting the coated substrate to a photopolymerization step for pre-curing the coating layer; and thereafter, (d) submitting the substrate with the pre-cured coating layer thereon to a thermal curing at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time to complete curing of the coating layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin film laminated metal sheet for can, in which both faces of the metal sheet have resin film laminated layers, and a surface free energy &ggr;s of a face of the resin film is 10 dyn/cm or more to less than 30 dyn/cm, the face becoming an inside of can after can-making and being contacted with stuffed food contents. As the resin film, applicable is a polypropylene film or a propylene ethylene based random copolymer film of polypropylene being a main component. Further, a resin film of polyester being a main component and containing a wax component of 0.1 to 2.0% is used in a resin film to be an inside of can after can-making. The resin film laminated metal sheet for can according to the invention has excellent formability and adhesion while can-making and superior taking-out property of stuffed food contents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ceramic material which is suitable for coating a body by way of a thermal spraying method and which has a coefficient of longitudinal thermal expansion that may be matched to that of a metal. The ceramic material includes 10 to 95% by weight of MgAl2O4, 5 to 90% by weight of MgO, up to 20% by weight of Al2O3, remainder standard impurities, and has grains of MgO which are embedded in a matrix of MgAl2O4.

Abstract: This invention relates to blends of nylon homopolymers and copolymers with poly(hydroxyamino ether) polymers. More particularly, there are provided blends of nylon 6 and its copolymers with poly(hydroxyamino ether) which form films having high miscibility, high clarity and good processability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image recording material as well as a protective film and an image display material using the same, the image recording material comprising at least: a transparent substrate; an image-receiving layer for forming an image by an electrophotographic system and disposed on one side of the substrate; and a function controlling means disposed on the other side of the substrate; wherein the image-receiving layer include a polyester resin which comprises a structural unit represented by the structural formula (I) and which has a number average molecular weight of 12,000 to 45,000: wherein n and m represent integers such that a molar ratio n/m is from 1 to 9.

Abstract: Electron transporting materials and organic light emitting devices utilizing the electron transporting materials, wherein the electron transporting materials are dibenzoquinoxaline compounds, and the devices utilize at least one layer incorporating a dibenzoquinoxaline compound. Dibenzoquinoxaline compounds include dipyridyl substituted dibenzoquinoxaline compounds, diphenyl substituted dibenzoquinoxaline compounds, naphthalene substituted dibenzoquinoxaline compounds, anthrene-dibeanzoquinoxaline compounds, bis(methoxy)phenyl substituted dibenzoquinoxaline compounds, dithiophen-dibenzoquinoxaline compounds, and dibenzoquinoxaline compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wrap film or shrink film formed from a resin composition containing [I] a propylene polymer in an amount of 1 to 99 mass %, and [II] an olefin-based polymer in an amount of 99 to 1 mass %, wherein [I] the propylene polymer satisfies the following requirements of: (1) a meso pentad fraction (mmmm) is 0.2 to 0.6, and (2) a racemic pentad fraction (rrrr) and (1−mmmm) satisfy the following relation: [rrrr/(1−mmmm)]≦0.1. The wrap film or shrink film exhibits excellent characteristics, and does not generate a toxic gas derived from chlorine, such as hydrogen chloride gas or dioxin, when being incinerated.

Abstract: A universal assembly machine manufactures button medallions. The machine comprises a rotatably indexable die table to which are mounted pickup and crimp dies. A ram die is advancable and retractable in a pickup stroke and a crimp stroke by means of a handle. Indexing the die table causes a shifter post to rotate a ram outer ring into a pickup mode or a crimp mode to suit the ram pickup and crimp strokes, respectively. The universal assembly machine also manufactures buttons with flat backs. To make a button medallion, a flat back button is loaded into the pickup die. The ram die is advanced in a third press stroke to bend the shell frusto-conical wall of the flat back button inwardly to be flat and parallel to the flat back. The thin edge of the button medallion enables it to be used as an attractive embellishment on flat surfaces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb extrusion die has the steps of: preparing a die base metal in which a plurality of intersecting slits are arranged in a front surface thereof and a plurality of raw material feeding holes communicated with the slits are arranged in a back surface thereof; forming a plating layer on the die base metal by means of electrolytic plating; (1) and forming a TiCN layer on the plating layer by means of CVD (chemical vapor deposition); or (2) forming a TiN layer on the plating layer by means of CVD (chemical vapor deposition); and forming a TiCN layer on the TiN layer by means of CVD. In this manner, the honeycomb extrusion die is obtained.

Abstract: A material for magnetic pole for attaining a writing head generating an intense recording magnetic field, and a structure and a manufacturing method therefor. The thin film magnetic head includes a magnetic pole layer having a plated magnetic layer containing Co, Ni and Fe formed on a plated underlayer of a sputtered magnetic layer containing Co, Ni and Fe. The CoNiFe magnetic layer having a composition: 40 wt %≦Co≦70 wt %, 10 wt %≦Ni≦25 wt % and 10 wt %≦Fe≦30 wt % and a peak intensity ratio in the X-ray diffraction of I(200)/I(111)≧0.5 and I(110)/I(111)≧1 (defining peak intensities for the face-centered cubic fcc (111) face, fcc (200) face and the body-centered cubic bcc (119) face as: I(111), I(200), I(110)).

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium for data storage uses a magnetic recording layer having at least two ferromagnetic films with different remanent magnetization-thickness (Mrt) values that are coupled antiparallel across a nonferromagnetic spacer film predominantly by the dipole field (Hd) from the grains of the higher-Mrt ferromagnetic film. The material compositions and thicknesses of the ferromagnetic films and the nonferromagnetic spacer film are selected so that Hd predominates over any antiferromagnetic exchange coupling field (Haf) and is greater than the coercive field of the lower-Mrt ferromagnetic film. As a result, the magnetizations of the two ferromagnetic films are antiparallel in the two remanent magnetic states, and thus the net remanent magnetization-thickness product (Mrt) of the recording layer is the difference in the Mrt values of the two ferromagnetic films.

Abstract: Wires and cables made from ceramic oxide fibers encapsulated within a matrix that includes aluminum.

Abstract: Epoxy resin compositions comprising (A) an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent of at least 185 and possessing a structure in which two benzene rings can be directly conjugated, carbon atoms having an sp2 type atomic orbital accounting for at least 50% of all the carbon atoms, (B) a &bgr;-naphthol type phenolic resin curing agent, (C) a curing accelerator, and (D) an inorganic filler cure into products having satisfactory solder crack resistance on use of lead-free solder and improved flame retardance despite the absence of halogenated epoxy resins and antimony compounds and are thus suited for semiconductor encapsulation.

Abstract: A welded steel pipe is formed by heating or soaking an untreated welded steel pipe having a steel composition containing, on the basis of mass percent: about 0.05% to about 0.2% C; about 0.2% or less of Si; about 1.5% or less of Mn; about 0.1% or less of P; about 0.01% or less of S; about 0.1% or less of Al; and about 0.01% or less of N; and by reduction-rolling the treated steel pipe at a cumulative reduction rate of at least about 35% and a final rolling temperature of about 500° C. to about 900° C. The welded steel pipe exhibits excellent hydroformability, i.e., has a tensile strength of at least about 400 MPa and an n×r product of at least about 0.22. The treated steel pipe is preferably reduction-rolled at a cumulative reduction rate of at least about 20% below the Ar3 transformation point. The welded steel pipe is suitable for forming structural components.

Abstract: Luminescent device containing a luminescent material comprising organic lanthanide complexes comprising organic ligands of which at least one organic ligand is an aromatic ketone comprising a substituted electron donor group. This material has improved luminescence properties, and may be used in electroluminescent devices.

Abstract: An electro-luminescent element comprising an organic compound layer is disclosed. The organic compound layer contains a compound represented by Formula I or Formula V: wherein R1 and R2 are each a substituent, and Ar is an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic heterocyclic ring each of them may have a substituent, wherein R11 through R16 and X1 through X9 are each a hydrogen atom or a substituent, they may be the same or different; and the sum of the steric parameters EsR1 through EsR16 of R11 through R16 satisfies the following expression: EsR11+EsR12+EsR13+EsR14+EsR15+EsR16≦−2.0.

Abstract: Hematite particles aggregates as non-magnetic particles of the present invention are capable of forming a non-magnetic undercoat layer of a magnetic recording medium having a more excellent surface smoothness, which can exhibit not only an excellent dispersibility but also have an improving ability of a surface smoothness of a coating film produced therefrom by calendering treatment, a non-magnetic undercoat layer for magnetic recording medium which contains the hematite particles aggregates is exhibits a more excellent surface smoothness, and a magnetic recording medium having the non-magnetic undercoat layer, is exhibits a more excellent surface smoothness.

Abstract: Provided are a double-layer perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a high medium S/N at an areal recording density of 50 Gbits or more per square inch, and a magnetic storage apparatus having excellent reliability with a low error rate. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium is formed by sequentially laminating a domain control layer, an amorphous soft magnetic underlayer, an intermediate layer, and a perpendicular recording layer on a substrate. The domain control layer is a triple-layer film formed by laminating a first polycrystalline soft magnetic layer, a disordered antiferromagnetic layer, and a second polycrystalline soft magnetic layer from a substrate side.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium that is capable of recording and reading back information at a higher density by improving the read/write characteristics and thermal stability, a method of manufacture therefor, and a magnetic read/write apparatus are provided. This magnetic recording medium, comprises an orientation control film that controls the orientation of a film provided directly thereabove, a perpendicular magnetic film, of which the axis of easy magnetization is generally oriented perpendicular to a non-magnetic substrate, and a protective film, that are provided on the non-magnetic substrate, wherein the perpendicular magnetic film is made of a material which contains Co, Cr, Pt and Cu, the Cr content being 16 at % to 24 at % and the Cu content being 0.

Abstract: The plant contains high temperature fuel cells which form a battery (1) in which electrochemical reactions can be carried out with a fuel (6) and a gas (5) containing oxygen while producing an electrical current (8) and a hot exhaust gas flow (7) which transports waste heat.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has a fuel cell unit with at least one fuel cell and a gas generation system, which supplies the fuel cell unit with hydrogen from an operating medium, and at least one ion exchanger unit for removing ions from water. The at least one ion exchanger unit is arranged in a flow path for the operating medium, between a condensate separator and the gas generation system and is acted on by a mixture of water and the operating medium.

Abstract: An improved water management system for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers are disposed on both sides of a proton exchange membrane. Porous plates are positioned adjacent the catalyst layers. Water transport plates are positioned adjacent the porous plates and the reactant gas are humidified at their inlets, in one embodiment by fins, while moisture is removed in the fuel flow path and at the oxidant outlet, in one embodiment by other fins.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack having a plurality of substantially planar fuel cell units, each of which comprises an anode electrode, a cathode electrode and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. A metal bipolar plate is disposed between the anode electrode of one fuel cell unit and the cathode electrode of an adjacent fuel cell unit. The metal bipolar plate is made of a chromium-nickel austenitic alloy, in which the chromium and the nickel, on a combined basis, make up at least about 50% by weight of the alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel stack comprising: a plurality of fuel cell units stacked together in a direction of stacking each of which comprises an electrolyte element, a pair of electrodes holding the electrolyte element therebetween, and a pair of separators holding the electrodes therebetween; a pair of terminal plates each of which is disposed outside an end fuel cell unit located at an end of the stacked fuel cell units; and a terminal element extending outwardly in the direction of stacking from the outside surface of at least one of the terminal plates; wherein the location from which the terminal element extends is located within an area on the terminal plate, corresponding to an area in a passage for an oxidizing gas formed in the end fuel cell unit disposed adjacent to the terminal element where the partial pressure of water vapor is lower than the saturated water vapor pressure.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode-assembly with a solid polymer electrolyte, wherein a laminated structure is obtained by a process in which a membrane/catalyst layer conjugate produced by bonding a first catalyst layer containing a catalyst and an ion-conducting resin to a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a gas diffusion layer/catalyst layer conjugate produced by forming a second catalyst layer containing a catalyst and an ion-conducting resin on one side of a gas diffusion layer consisting of a gas-permeable electroconductive sheet material are laminated at least on the anode or cathode side such that the first catalyst layer and second catalyst layer face each other.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte batter includes: an electrode body having at least a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a cylindrical container with its bottom closed, in which the electrode body and a nonaqueous electrolytic solution are contained; and a lid body for closing an opening portion of the container. The lid body has a lid portion which constitutes a peripheral edge portion of the lid body, a projecting portion which constitutes a central portion of the lid body, and a stepped portion which has a vent hole and is positioned between the lid portion and the projecting portion. A metal plate having a through-hole is disposed between the lid body and the electrolyte body. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the movement of the battery by a motive force generated when a decomposition gas generated in an abnormal state is discharged to the outside of the battery.

Abstract: A storage battery includes a rolled, laminated battery element made up of two groups of electrode materials composed of positive and negative electrode materials, laminated together through separators, an outer sheathing enclosing therein the laminated battery element, a spindle around which the laminated battery element is wound and rolled up so that the spindle and the laminated battery element are fixedly connected to each other. One axial end of the spindle is constrained in the axial direction of the laminated battery element by the bottom of the outer sheathing, while the other axial end of the spindle is elastically supported by an upper lid portion hermetically covering the opening end, so as to stably support the laminated battery element by the spindle and to prevent displacement of the laminated battery element from its set position even during application of vibrations to the storage battery.

Abstract: Conventional separators had a function that their melting made minute holes inside the separator smaller, leading to cut off of ion conductivity in temperature increase due to unusual conditions such as short circuit. However, there was a problem that, at a temperature higher than a certain degree, not only the minute holes were closed but also the separator itself was melted to cause deformation of the separator such as shrink and generation of holes due to melting and insulation was broken. The present invention has been carried out in order to solve the above problems. The separator for batteries of the present invention comprises a first porous layer (3a) containing a thermoplastic resin as a main component and a second porous layer (3b) laminated on the first porous layer (3a), which has higher heat resistance than that of the first porous layer (3a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical storage cell (1) comprising a positive terminal (5), a negative terminal (4), a positive electrode (8) and a negative electrode (9) electrically connected to the positive terminal and to the negative terminal, respectively. Additionally, there is a collector of a first polarity (20) having a plane part (21) is electrically connected to the electrode of the first polarity, and bent electrical connection means (26) connecting the plane of the collector to the terminal of the first polarity and having a bending radius of curvature less than that of a part having the same thickness as the plane part. The invention also relates to the method of assembling this kind of electrical storage cell.

Abstract: An alkaline battery comprises a negative electrode having an active material comprised of mercuryless zinc powder, and an electrolyte. In one embodiment, the electrolyte contains one or more indium compounds selected from the group consisting of indium sulfate, indium sulfamate and indium chloride. In another embodiment, the negative electrode contains one or more indium compounds selected from the group consisting of indium sulfate, indium sulfamate and indium chloride. An improved alkaline battery is achieved which does not pose environmental problems, in which corrosion of the zinc powder by the electrolyte during storage of the battery is suppressed, and in which a good discharge performance of the battery is maintained.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: Enhancement of the storage property at a high temperature and discharge characteristics at a low temperature of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell is intended. A negative electrode material which is prepared by covering the surface of a nucleus made of a graphite powder with a carbonaceous matter, the graphite powder having a specified plane interval, spectrum value, mean particle size, specific surface area, tapping density, and (110)/(004) X-ray peak intensity ratio, is used in the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell.

Abstract: Lithium batteries having excellent high rate characteristics and low-temperature characteristics, and less in evolution of gases and superior in discharge characteristics are provided by using LiCoO2 mixed with CaO or Cr2O3 or the like as an active material of positive electrode in combination with a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a mixed electrolyte salt comprising both a fluorine-containing inorganic anion lithium salt and a lithium imide salt.