Abstract: To accommodate recent progress in printing technologies including conversion to offset printing, color printing, high-speed mass printing and automation of printing, by providing a coating layer containing an inorganic surface preparation agent mainly comprising silica sol and colloidal silica or a coating layer containing an inorganic surface preparation agent, to which an inorganic pigment, surface-sizing agent, inorganic salt and/or organic binder accordingly added in addition to silica sol or colloidal silica, offset paper serviceable for newsprint paper, which has improved qualities such as high whiteness, excellent water absorption resistance and ink acceptability, few adhesion troubles such as surface tack and curling caused by adhesion, and low chemical oxygen demand COD) load in wastewater when recycled, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a matte biaxially oriented polypropylene film having improved matte characteristic and processability. The film comprises one or more surface layers made of a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a resin blend of 40-60 wt % of polyethylene (I) and 60-40 wt % of polypropylene (II), 0.005-0.04 parts by weight of a peroxide (III) and 0.1-0.5 parts by weight of a fluoroelastomer or a metal stearate (IV). The matte biaxially oriented film has low gloss (45°, <10%) and high haze (>70%), and solves problems related to increase of silver (or bright) spots and roughness of a matte pattern, and a shortened die cleaning cycle due to die build-up.

Abstract: Organic superlattices fromed by molecular layer epitaxy (MLE), and a novel MLE method of forming organic molecular monolayers are disclosed. The method utilized covalent linkage, combined with self-cleaning layer growth, to form pi-stacked, ordered, oritented monomolecular layers for use in a variety of electronic applications.

Abstract: An acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising 5 to 75 parts by weight of an adherent polymer (a) comprising (meth)acrylic ester component units as principal structural units and having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 or more; 5 to 40 parts by weight of a tackifier resin (b) comprising (meth)acrylic ester component units as principal structural units and having a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 or less; and 20 to 90 parts by weight of monomers (c) whose principal component is a (meth)acrylic ester, wherein substantially no solvent is contained is provided. Further, a pressure sensitive adhesive tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer superimposed on a support surface is provided by coating the support surface with the above acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive composition, which contain a partial polymerizate, and carrying out a polymerization reaction on the support surface.

Abstract: A pitch precursor yarn, which is stretch broken and formed into a fabric or felt which is heat treated into graphitic fiber media for fuel cell gas diffusion layer substrates and high thermal conductivity reinforced composites.

Abstract: Cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol fibers prepared from a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, which satisfy the following requirements: (1) a water absorption in water at 30° C. ranging from 10 to 100 times the weight of the fibers; (2) a fiber diameter in water at 30° C. as a result of absorbing water ranging from 2 to 10 times the diameter of the fibers not having absorbed water; and (3) a melting point ranging from 160 to 220° C., and a heat of fusion ranging from 40 to 100 J/g.

Abstract: A hetero-composite yarn useful in making garments comprises a combined biconstituent yarn and a companion yarn, wherein the biconstituent yarn comprises an axial core comprising a thermoplastic elastomeric polymer, and a plurality of wings attached to the core and comprising a thermoplastic, non-elastomeric polymer.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber comprising one thermoplastic polymer component comprising nonstarch, thermoplastic polymer and one thermoplastic starch component comprising a destructured starch and a plasticizer. The thermoplastic polymer component surrounds the thermoplastic starch component. Also provided are nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: A process for preparing phosphor particles of a host oxide doped with a rare earth or manganese which comprises: preparing an aqueous solution of salts of the host ion and of the dopant ion and a water soluble compound which decomposes under the reaction conditions to convert said salts into hydroxycarbonate, heating the solution so as to cause said compound to decompose, recovering the resulting precipitate and calcining it at a temperature of at least 500° C. Substantially monocrystalline particles can be obtained by this process.

Abstract: Metal oxyanion coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three dimensional inorganic porous substrate having a coating of metal oxyanion on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of metal oxysulfide, oxycarbide and oxynitride coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as diatomite porous substrates are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymers, catalysis, heat dissipation and shielding applications.

Abstract: Using a gas barrier resin composition including 83 to 15% by mass of a compound (A) having two or more hydroxyl groups in a molecule thereof and 17 to 85% by mass of a compound (B) in which at least one carboxyl group is bound to each of three or more consecutive carbon atoms in a molecule thereof, wherein the compound (B) is any one of a compound in which no anhydrous structure is made among the carboxyl groups and a compound in which at least one anhydrous structure is made among the carboxyl groups, or using a gas barrier coating agent including the compound (A), the compound (B) and a solvent, the present invention provides a gas barrier molded material, which has high gas barrier property in that it has less reduction of gas barrier property even in a high humidity atmosphere, has excellent transparency, does not generate poisonous gas when it is subjected to an incineration treatment, is friendly to the natural environment because of the non-use of organic solvents, and has good productivity.

Abstract: Organopolysiloxane compositions that cure by the addition reaction of silicon-bonded lower alkenyl radicals with silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms and which exhibit select adhesion to a variety of substrates. The compositions comprise an adhesion promoting mixture comprising an epoxy-functional compound, soluble polydiorganosiloxanes, polycycloorganosiloxanes (linear and cyclic) and and hydroxy end blocked hydrocarbons (glycols) thus giving release characteristics to metal substrates while maintaining adhesion to a thermoplastic substrate. Additionally, an additive may be used to produce surface lubricity after curing.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition comprising an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin curing agent, an inorganic filler, zinc molybdate on an inorganic support, and a complementary combination of two phosphazene compounds is effectively moldable, flame retardant and suitable for semiconductor encapsulation. A semiconductor device encapsulated with the cured epoxy resin composition is improved in flame retardance and moisture-proof reliability.

Abstract: A laminated entry and exit material for drilling planar sheets such as printed circuit boards having a metal foil layer bonded to a fibrous core layer with an adhesive containing a particulate lubricant such as graphite or polyethylene glycol and cold or hot pressed. A second metal layer is preferably bonded to the fibrous core layer. The core of one embodiment of the exit material includes a particulate lubricant such as graphite or polyethylene glycol incorporated in the core at the time of manufacture of the core. The circuit board is placed between the entry and exit materials. Drill friction and heat are reduced by the lubricants and the heat sink provided by the foil thereby extending the service life of a drill.

Abstract: A glazing panel carrying a coating stack comprises in sequence at least: a glass substrate a base antireflective layer an infra-red reflecting layer, and a top antireflective layer and is characterised in that at least one of the antireflective layers comprises at least one mixed oxide layer which comprises an oxide which is a mixture of Zn and at least one additional material X, in which the atomic ratio X/Zn is greater than or equal to 0.12 and in which X is one or more of the materials selected from the group comprising the elements of groups 2a, 3a, 5a, 4b, 5b, 6b of the periodic table. The glazing panel exhibits a combination of advantageous properties, particularly thermal stability.

Abstract: A structure useful for electrical interconnection comprises a substrate; a plurality of porous dielectric layers disposed on the substrate; an etch stop layer disposed between a first of the dielectric layers and a second of the dielectric layers; and at least one thin, tough, non-porous dielectric layer disposed between at least one of the porous dielectric layers and the etch stop layer. A method for forming the structure comprising forming a multilayer stack of porous dielectric layers on the substrate, the stack including the plurality of porous dielectric layers, and forming a plurality of patterned metal conductors within the multilayer stack. Curing of the multilayer dielectric stack may be in a single cure step in a furnace. The application and hot plate baking of the individual layers of the multi layer dielectric stack may be accomplished in a single spin-coat tool, without being removed, to fully cure the stack until all dielectric layers have been deposited.

Abstract: It is to propose an internal member for a plasma treating vessel having excellent resistances to chemical corrosion and plasma erosion under an environment containing a halogen gas and an advantageous method of producing the same, which is a member formed by covering a surface of a substrate with a multilayer composite layer consisting of a metal coating formed as an undercoat, Al2O3 film formed on the undercoat as a middle layer and Y2O3 sprayed coating formed on the middle layer as a top coat.

Abstract: Film for the manufacture of self-adhesive, especially label films laminates, which may be stamped, consisting of at least three layers, by which the inner layer contains polyolefine and/or olefin-copolymers and at least one additional layer each is present on both sides of the inner layer. This additional layer should contain a mixture of styrene-butadiene-styrene-blockcopolymers and polystyrene-homopolymers. The invention also refers to a process for the manufacture and the use of such a film.

Abstract: Surface modified solid polyethylene and high density polyethylene products, together with compositions and methods for producing these products, are provided. Polymer coatings comprising vinyl, urethane, and/or epoxy are covalently grafted to polyethylene substrates. The grafted coatings optionally colorants, flame retardants, and the like, that impart desired improved properties to polyethylene substrates. Grafted substrates include, for example, boards, sheets, tubing, pipes and the like. The treated products are more fire resistant than untreated polyethylene and unlike untreated polyethylene, are also capable of retaining post-manufacturing paint, markings, or adhesives, as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer ceramic composite materials with a virtually zero shrinkage compared to the original model after concluding partial pyrolysis and with a comparable thermal expansion behavior (preferably in an application range of 400° C. or less) to metal construction materials, in particular gray cast iron or steel, which are obtainable by methods described below; corresponding composite constructions and molded parts; and methods for producing and using these materials, composite constructions and molded parts. The polymer ceramic composite materials can for instance be used instead of or in contact with steel or gray cast iron temperature-proof molded parts, predominantly in mechanical engineering, without postmachining after the creative forming.

Abstract: A highly reliable member for a semiconductor device, in which a high melting point metallizing layer, which consists mainly of a high melting point metal such as W and/or Mo, and an intervening metal layer, which has a melting point of not greater than 1,000° C. and consists mainly of at least one selected from among Ni, Cu and Fe, are provided on an AlN substrate material in this order on the AlN substrate material, and a conductor layer consisting mainly of copper is directly bonded to the intervening metal layer without intervention of a solder material layer. A semiconductor element or the like is mounted on the member for a semiconductor device, thereby fabricating a semiconductor device. The high melting point metallizing layer is formed on an aluminum nitride substrate by post-fire or co-fire metallization.

Abstract: A process is described for depositing a copper film on a substrate surface by chemical vapor deposition of a copper precursor. The process includes treating a diffusion barrier layer surface and/or a deposited film with an adhesion-promoting agent and annealing the copper film to the substrate. Suitable adhesion-promoting agents include, e.g., organic halides, such as methylene chloride, diatomic chlorine, diatomic bromine, diatomic iodine, HCl, HBr and HI. Processes of the invention provide copper-based films, wherein a texture of the copper-based films is predominantly (111). Such films provide substrates having enhanced adhesion between the diffusion barrier layer underlying the (111) film and the copper overlying the (111) film.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminium alloy for an anti-friction element containing respectively, as a % by weight, 4.2% to 4.8% Zn, 3.0% to 7.0% Si, 0.8% to 1.2% Cu, 0.7% to 1.3% Pb, 0.12% to 0.18% Mg, 0% to 0.3% Mn and 0% to 0.2% Ni. Also incorporated, based on % by weight, are 0.05% to 0.1% Zr, 0% to 0.05% Ti, 0% to 0.4% Fe, 0% to 0.2% Sn. The rest is formed by Al with the usual incidental impurities depending on the melt.

Abstract: This invention describes the roll bonding of Al and Ni-bearing Cu alloys to suitable substrates to produce self-brazing materials for the elevated temperature, aggressive environment application. The Al and Ni-bearing Cu alloy for the self-brazing layers can be obtained by cladding layers of elemental Ni and Al to Cu. The Al content in the self-brazing layers can be varied from 2 to 100%. The Ni content in the self-brazing Cu alloy can be varied from 10 to 100%. Additional alloying elements in the commercial Cu alloys such as Fe, Cr, Si, Mn, Sn and Zn are unavoidable. Trace elements in the commercial alloys such as Pb, Ag and As will also affect the brazing and shall be reduced.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a bonded product, such as a manifold, for gas or liquid chromatographs, and a method for making the same. The bonded product is made using the following steps: (i) contacting two or more steel sheets; (ii) heating the contacted sheets to a temperature substantially below the melting temperature of the sheets; (iii) applying pressure to the contacted sheets; and (iv) cooling the contacted sheets. No intermediate foreign material is used to bond the steel sheets, e.g., no welding material or TLP diffusion bonding plate is utilized. Nonetheless, a strong, leak free bond is generated at temperatures as low as 1700° F. (926.6° C.). The bond is molecular in nature, as evidenced by grains that grow from one sheet to another across the interface between the two sheets.

Abstract: An organic EL element utilizes a dinaphthopyrene compound that has a high color purity of green light, excellent light-emitting efficiency, light-emitting luminance. The organic EL element has, in between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, an organic thin-film layer including a light-emitting layer. The organic thin-film layer contains the dinaphthopyrene compound comprising a structure expressed by the following structural formula: where R1 through R18 may be the same or may be different, and represent hydrogen atoms or substituents. At least one of R1 through R18 preferably is selected from aryl groups, arylamino groups and diarylamino groups.

Abstract: A metal coordination compound having a binuclear molecular structure represented by the following formula (1): wherein M1 and M2 independently denotes a metal atom selected from the group consisting of Ir, Pt, Rh, Pd, Ru and Os; P is a quadridentate ligand connected to M1 and M1; Q1 is a bidentate ligand connected to M1; Q2 is a bidentate ligand connected to M2; and n is 1 or 2.

Abstract: First electrode layers are formed on second antiferromagnetic layers, and in a step separate from the above, second electrode layers are formed above internal end surfaces of the second antiferromagnetic layers and the first electrode layers and parts of the upper surface of the multilayer film with an additional film provided therebetween. Since the first and the second electrode layers are formed separately, it is not necessary to perform mask alignment twice, and hence an overlap structure can be precisely formed in which the thickness of the second electrode layer at the left side is equivalent to that at the right side.

Abstract: A halogen gas plasma-resistant member to be exposed to a halogen gas plasma, includes a main body of said member, and a corrosion-resistant film formed at least a surface of said main body, wherein a peeling resistance of the corrosive film to said main body is not less than 15 MPa.

Abstract: A layer stack for the surface coating of transparent substrates, in particular panes of glass, has at least one metal oxide composite layer produced by reactive cathodic sputtering and contains Zn oxide and Sn oxide. Relative to the total amount of metal, this metal oxide composite layer contains from 0.5 to 6.5% by weight of one or more of the elements Al, Ga, In, B, Y, La, Ge, Si, P, As, Sb, Bi, Ce, Ti, Zr, Nb and Ta. In a layer stack which has a silver layer as a functional layer, the metal oxide composite layer may be used as an upper and/or lower antireflection layer, as a diffusion barrier layer, as a sublayer of an antireflection layer and/or as an upper cover layer.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system 10, a cracking unit 20 is provided upstream of a reformer 36. When the cracking unit 20 is supplied with oxygen and gasoline as a hydrocarbon-based fuel, the gasoline is partially oxidized and decomposed using oxidation-generated heat to give a hydrocarbon with a lower carbon number. The hydrocarbon with the lower carbon number obtained by such gasoline pyrolysis is fed to the reformer 36 and supplied to a reforming reaction zone.

Abstract: Reactant gas supply streams for solid polymer fuel cells may be heated and humidified using heat generated by the fuel cell and water vapor from the fuel cell exhaust. The heat and water vapor in the oxidant exhaust stream are sufficient to heat and humidify a reactant gas supply stream, preferably the oxidant supply stream. The heating and humidifying can be accomplished by flowing a reactant gas supply stream and a fuel cell exhaust gas stream on opposite sides of a water permeable membrane in a combined heat and humidity exchange apparatus. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for use with air-cooled fuel cell systems and systems which employ near ambient pressure air as the oxidant gas supply.

Abstract: A fuel processor control system for a fuel cell stack includes water and fuel metering devices that control water and fuel provided to the fuel processor. An air flow rate sensor generates an air flow rate signal based on air flowing from a compressor to the fuel processor. A valve is located between the fuel processor and the fuel cell stack. A controller controls the valve and the water and fuel metering devices based on the air flow rate sensor. Other feedback signals such as stack voltage, stack cell voltage variation, pressure differential across the valve, and mass flow rate between the valve and the fuel cell stack can augment or be substituted for the air flow rate feedback signal. The fuel processor can be a partial oxidation reformer a steam reforming reactor, an auto thermal reformer or any combination thereof. The system may also include a water as shift reactor and a preferential oxidation reactor for carbon monoxide reduction.

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cell with a planar support in form of a porous plate structure supporting on one planar surface a layer of electrode active material and with internally elongated gas supply channels formed inside the structure.

Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants and chemical contaminants from an incoming dirty air stream for a fuel cell. The filter assembly also includes a noise suppression element that reduces noise emanating from any equipment, such as a compressor. The filter assembly can include a particulate filter portion for removing physical or particulate contaminants, a chemical filter portion for removing chemical contaminants, or can have both portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining fuel cell cathode air quality are provided. In particular, the method and the apparatus of the present invention provide air filtration that excludes liquids and solids from a fuel cell enclosure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell enclosure can withstand being submerged in water, without allowing contaminants to enter the fuel cell enclosure. The depth at which the fuel cell could be submerged is dependant upon the pore size of the filter membrane. The present invention provides a filter having a gas permeable, hydrophobic, microporous polymer film to exclude material detrimental to the operation of the fuel cell. The invention allows a fuel cell apparatus to be provided that is capable of being submerged in water and exposed to environmental contaminants without damage to the fuel cell.

Abstract: According to known methods, gas chambers of fuel cells are sealed by applying pressure. A small space always remains between the electrode and the membrane. According to the inventive sealing method, the bipolar plate and the membrane-electrode unit are bonded with a curable polymer. A gas-proof assembly is obtained by applying an adhesive bead on the outer periphery of the gas chamber and around the inner gas ducts. These assemblies can be stacked and bonded together according to the present invention to form a stack of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The inventive assemblies which are composed of a bipolar plate and a membrane-electrode unit can be used in polymer electrolyte fuel cells and in corresponding electrolytic cells. These assemblies have such a small weight that they can be used in mobile devices in a particularly advantageous manner.

Abstract: A flow field plate assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell comprises two flow field plates, each of which has channels formed on an inner surface of the plate. The plates are alignable with and engage each other such that their cooperating inner surfaces form at least one inner coolant fluid channel. The coolant channel has an essentially constant cross-sectional perimeter along its length, which is defined by the perimeters of the channels of the two plates and their difference in width at the cooperating plate surfaces. Additionally, a flow field plate assembly, which comprises a corrugated flow field plate and a staggered flow field plate, is structurally stronger under compressive load during the fuel cell operation.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; a membrane disposed between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode; and a compartmentalized storage tank. The compartmentalized storage tank has a first fluid storage section and a second fluid storage section separated by a movable divider. The compartmentalized storage tank is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell. Further, an electrochemical cell includes a hydrogen electrode; an oxygen electrode; an electrolyte membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode and said oxygen electrode; an oxygen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the oxygen electrode; a hydrogen flow field disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the hydrogen electrode; a water flow field disposed in fluid communication with the oxygen flow field; and a media divider disposed between the oxygen flow field and the water flow field.

Abstract: A battery pack (1) includes an outer enclosure (2) and a forked air passage (72) for introducing cooling air via the intake port (9) formed in an outer enclosure (2), sending the air between cell groups (70) and (71) which contain cells (14a-14f), and discharging it from the outer enclosure at discharge ports (11). Two metallic radiator plates (73) partially define the air passage so as to be in contact with the side cells (14a-14d), whereas a circular radiator plate (74) made of synthetic resin also partially define the air passage so as to be in contact with the center cells (14e, 14f). The contact areas of the side cells with the metallic radiator plates (73) are varied in order to achieve even cooling of the cells. The upstream portion of the synthetic resin radiator plate has a thicker wall than the downstream portion to achieve the same purpose.

Abstract: In the method for manufacturing the battery module according to this invention, after a pair of welding upper/lower electrodes 21, 22 or 23, 24 are arranged in contact on the cases 16, 16 of adjacent unit cells 10a, 10b of a plurality of unit cells aligned in a line, a welding current is passed between the pair of welding upper electrodes 21, 23 from a welding power source while both ends of the unit cells 10a, 10b, 10c are pressurized by pressurizing members 31, 32 under a prescribed pressure. Thus, Joule heat is generated at the contact portion between the bottom of the outer case 16 of the unit cell 10a and the positive polarity terminal 18 of the unit cell 10b so that the contact portion melts. Accordingly, the bottom of the outer case 16 of the unit cell 10a and the positive polarity terminal 18 of the unit cell 10b are welded to each other at the contact portion.

Abstract: The minimization or elimination of swelling in lithium cells containing CFx as part of the cathode electrode and discharged under high rate applications is described. When CFx materials are synthesized from fibrous carbonaceous materials, in comparison to petroleum coke, cell swelling is greatly reduced, and in some cases eliminated. Preferred precursors are carbon fibers and MCMB.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyester film, which is composed of a polyester resin and a polyimide resin, having superior oligomer-restraining property and dimensional stability. This polyester film also has improved surface conditions, that is, has a reduced number of projections on the surface, and hence, the polyester film shows superior electromagnetic conversion characteristics when used for magnetic recording media. In particular, this polyester film is effectively used for high-density magnetic recording media. This film is composed of a polyester resin and a thermoplastic resin other than a polyester resin, and has a number H1 of coarse projections 0.28 &mgr;m or more in height of 0 to 100/100 cm2 on at least one surface of the polyester film and a number H2 of coarse projections 0.56 &mgr;m or more in height of 0 to 10/100 cm2 on the same surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery. The positive active material includes a core including at least one compound represented by Formula 1 and an active metal oxide shell formed on the core. Formula 1 LiA1−x−yBxCyO2 where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.01, and A is an element selected from the group consisting of Co and Mn; B is an element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, B, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Cu and Al; and C is an element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, B, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Cu and Al.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.

Abstract: In order to provide a positive electrode active material capable of producing an alkaline storage battery having a high discharge voltage and an excellent discharge characteristic and also provide a positive electrode and alkaline storage battery containing thereof, a positive electrode active material for an alkaline storage battery comprising a nickel hydroxide powder is used, in which the nickel hydroxide is a solid solution containing magnesium, the magnesium content in the nickel hydroxide is 2 to 7 mol % of all metallic elements contained in the nickel hydroxide, the tap density of the nickel hydroxide is 1.9 g/cm3 or more, the half-width of a peak attributed to (101) face near 2&thgr;=37 to 40° in a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of the nickel hydroxide by CuK&agr; radiation is 0.7 to 1.2° and the sulfate ion content in the nickel hydroxide is 0.5 wt % or less.

Abstract: An alkaline battery includes a cathode including lambda-manganese dioxide, an anode including zinc, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an alkaline electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous sintered positive electrode for a secondary battery. The steps include: (a) calcining a raw material containing a lithium compound under an oxidizing atmosphere to form calcined powders; (b) mixing the calcined powders with organic fibers or organic polymer particles to form a raw mixture; (c) forming the raw mixture into a raw electrode; and (d) heating the raw electrode to remove any organic fibers or any organic polymer particles.

Abstract: A hydrophilic collector for alkaline secondary batteries is formed of a nonwoven fabric plated with nickel in which the nonwoven fabric is hydrophilized by sulfonation, a gaseous fluorine treatment, or vinyl monomer grafting. A method for making the collector includes a hydrophilizing step of a nonwoven fabric comprising at least one of a polyolefin fiber and a polyamide fiber, and a plating step of applying nickel plating to the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the nickel plating is electroless plating, and the nonwoven fabric has a plurality of micropores extending from one surface to the other surface thereof. An electroplating film may be deposited on the electroless plated film, if necessary. This collector facilitates assembling a battery which exhibits improved high-rate discharge characteristics due to improved adhesiveness of the plated nickel film to the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolyte for an electrochemical device. This electrolyte includes a first compound that is an ionic metal complex represented by the general formula (1). The electrolyte may further include at least one compound selected from second to sixth compounds respectively represented by the general formulas Aa+(PF6−)a, Aa+(ClO4−)a, Aa+(BF4−)a, Aa+(AsF6−)a, and Aa+(SbF6−)a, and special seventh to twelfth compounds. The electrolyte can be superior in heat resistance, hydrolysis resistance, cycle characteristics and shelf life as compared with conventional electrolytes.