Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing an article in which a microporous layer is coated on a temporary carrier substrate and a substrate is then laminated to the microporous layer, prior to removing the temporary carrier substrate from the microporous layer. The microporous layer comprises one or more microporous xerogel layers. Optionally, the microporous layer assembly may comprise one or more non-microporous coating layers which are in contact with at least one of the microporous xerogel layers, and one of the non-microporous coating layers may be coated on the temporary carrier substrate prior to coating the microporous layer. Also provided are articles, such as electrochemical cells, capacitors, fuel cells, ink jet ink printing media, and filtration media, prepared by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to laminated high oxygen barrier films for packaging applications and especially for shrinkable lidding applications. The multilayer heat shrinkable plastic film of the present invention comprises a laminate of at least two films 1 and 2, wherein film 1 has a hot glycerine shrinkage of more than 20% at 110° C. for 5 seconds and at least one of MD, TD directions; and film 2 has a hot glycerine shrinkage of less than 20% at 110° C. for 5 seconds in at least one of MD, TD directions.

Abstract: A decorated panel and a process for manufacturing a decorated panel are disclosed. The decorated panel comprises a multi-layered system of linking, printing and finishing films laminated on opposite sides of a structural core formed of a fiber layer impregnated with synthetic resin. The multi-layered system of plastic films allows the creation of new optical effects which include reproduction of the same color tones under different lighting conditions, pre-arranged superimposition of complementary images, double-sided printing, a combination of translucency and opacity, as well as other graphic possibilities. These panels are used for visual communication, advertising, signs, architecture and other applications.

Abstract: A method of treating building materials with boron and boron treated building materials. The method involves introducing boron during manufacture of the building materials in the form of a water soluble copper-borate complex. The copper-borate complex enables a wider range of glues and adhesives to be used, is slower to leach out, and provides enhanced fungicidal properties.

Abstract: A damping structure which dispenses of the connection of a resistor used for a conventional damping structure and undergoes diverse molding processings with a simpler structure, and a laminate damping base material constituting such a damping structure. A laminate damping base material made of a piezoelectric ceramic material or piezoelectric polymer material and a conductive fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composition is prepared. One to a plurality of this base material are stacked to constitute a first damping structure. A second damping structure is constituted by stacking at least a layer of piezoelectric polymer film or piezoelectric ceramic thin film between a multilayer laminate that is a laminate of conductive laminate FRP base materials.

Abstract: A coated paper comprised of a paper substrate, at least one surface of which is provided with at least one coating layer, characterized in that the surface of said coating layer has cracks of a width of 0.2 to 3.0 ?m and a length of 3 to 1000 ?m in an amount of 1 to 1000 cracks per mm2 is provided. In another embodiment, a coated paper comprised of a paper substrate, at least one surface of which is provided with at least two coating layers, characterized in that an inner coating layer adjoining said paper substrate comprises a pigment having a crystal structure selected from the group consisting of acicular crystal, spindle-shape crystal, columnar crystal, and rice-shape granulated crystal, and starches, and an outermost coating layer formed on said inner coating layer comprises crack formation promoting particles and a styrene-butadiene copolymer having a glass transition temperature of 20 to 150° C. is provided.

Abstract: A curable composition comprises an insulating resin and a halogen-free flame retardant. The halogen-free flame retardant has a particulate form, and whose primary particles have an average major axis from 0.01 to 5 ?m, an aspect ratio of 5 or less, and the proportion of a major axis of more than 10 ?m being at most 10% by number. A varnish comprises an insulating resin, a curing agent, a flame retardant and an organic solvent. The flame retardant is a flame retardant in particulate form surface-treated with a coupling agent, and the flame retardant particles present in the varnish have a secondary particle diameter of 30 ?m or less.

Abstract: A decorative material D having an intermediate resin layer and a surface protective layer comprising a crosslinked resin, the layers being laminated in this order on a substrate 1, wherein the temperature dependency characteristics of loss elastic modulus E? (a measuring frequency of 10 Hz) determined by a dynamic viscoelasticity method of the intermediate resin layer has a peak at least at a temperature under room temperature Tr. Further, it is preferable that the value of storage elastic modulus E? is in a range of 1×107 to 2×109 Pa in the region of the room temperature. Also, it is preferable that loss elastic modulus E? has the peak Pb in the temperature range over the room temperature.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive optical film with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer laminated on at least one surface of an optical film, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer has a value of no more than 5 N/25 mm for a P0 which is initial 90° peel strength at 23° C. and by a peeling speed of 300 mm/minute after an autoclave processing under a condition of 50° C.×5 atm×15 minutes, and a ratio (P1/P0) of a P1 to a P0 is no less than 2, which P1 is 90° peel strength after heating by a peeling speed of 300 mm/minute and at 23° C. after the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is given the above-mentioned autoclave processing and is furthermore given a heat-treatment at 80° C. for 2 hours.

Abstract: Multi-component fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of manufacturing thereof are described. In one embodiment, a multi-component fiber includes a fiber body formed from a set of elongated members, and at least one of the set of elongated members includes a temperature regulating material having a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 22° C. to 40° C. The temperature regulating material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature. The multi-component fiber can be formed via a melt spinning process or a solution spinning process and can be used or incorporated in various products where a thermal regulating property is desired. For example, the multi-component fiber can be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal associated with a polydentate ligand. The polydentate ligand stabilizes the nanocrystal.

Abstract: Crystalline superfine particles capable of emitting light depending upon a time-rate-of-change of a stress and controlled in grain size in the range from 5 nm to 100 nm are complexed with another material such as resin. The crystalline superfine particles are manufactured by using aggregates of molecules, i.e. inverted micelles, which orient hydrophilic groups of surfactant molecules inward and hydrophobic groups outward in a nonpolar solvent and which contain metal ions of a metal for forming the crystalline superfine particles dissolved in water inside the inverted micelles. Alternatively, they are manufactured by using inverted micelles enveloping precursor superfine particles, in which precursor superfine particles are enveloped in water inside the inverted micelles. The crystalline superfine particles are excellent in dispersibility in another material to be complexed, enhanced in emission efficiency and usable to make a transparent stress emission material.

Abstract: An electrode sheet of an electric double layer capacitor is produced by using granules for formation of an electrode of an electric double layer capacitor which are obtained by kneading and then crushing materials including an activated material, a conductive filler, and a binder at 50 to 97 mass-%, 1 to 30 mass-%, and 2 to 20 mass-%, respectively, and which are essentially granules whose diameter is in a range of 47 to 840 ?m. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like electrode by mixing and kneading materials including an activated carbon, carbon black, and PTFE into a kneaded material, producing a forming material by converting the kneaded material into granules, and forming and rolling the forming material.

Abstract: The invention describes a device and a process that render possible the production of a layer system for wear protection, corrosion protection and improvement of the slipping properties and the like with an adhesion layer to be arranged on a substrate, a transition layer to be arranged on the adhesion layer and a covering layer of diamond-like carbon, wherein the adhesion layer comprises at least one element of the group of elements that contains the elements of the fourth, fifth and sixth subgroup of the periodic table and silicon, the transition layer comprises carbon and at least one element of the aforesaid groups and covering layer consists essentially of diamond-like carbon, the layer system having a hardness of at least 15 GPa, preferably at least 20 GPa, and an adhesion of at least 3 HF according to VDI 382l, Sheet 4.

Abstract: A layer of single crystal boron doped diamond produced by CVD and having a total boron concentration which is uniform. The layer is formed from a single growth sector, or has a thickness exceeding 100 ?m, or has a volume exceeding 1 mm3, or a combination of such characteristics.

Abstract: Method of improving humidity resistance in a coated article (19) comprising a carbon-carbon composite component (10), a graphite component (10), or a ceramic matrix composite component based on carbon fibers and/or graphite (10). The component (10) is preferably configured as an aircraft landing system brake disc. The method includes the steps of: (A) providing a carbon-carbon composite component (10), a graphite component (10), or a ceramic matrix composite component based on carbon fibers and/or graphite (10); (B) covering the component (10) with a phosphorus-containing antioxidant undercoating (11) having a thickness of approximately 1–10 mil; and (C) covering the resulting undercoated component (10, 11) with a boron-containing glass overcoating (12) having a thickness of approximately 1–10 mil. The overcoating includes 20–50 wt-% alkali or alkaline earth metal silicates, 3–25 wt-% alkali metal hydroxide, up to 10 wt-% boron nitride, and one or both of 5–40 wt-% elemental boron and 5–40 wt-% boron carbide.

Abstract: A heat spreader for an emissive display device, such as a plasma display panel or a light emitting diode, comprising at least one sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite having a surface area greater than the surface area of that part of a discharge cell facing the back surface of the device.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (TIM) includes a macromolecular material and carbon nanotubes embedded in the macromolecular material. The TIM has a first surface and an opposite second surface. Each nanotube is open at opposite ends thereof, and extends from the first surface to the second surface. Two ends of each nanotube extend out from the two surfaces of the thermal interface material and form two bent ends. A method for manufacturing the TIM includes: (a) forming an array of carbon nanotubes on a substrate; (b) submerging the nanotubes in a liquid paraffin; (c) solidifying the liquid paraffin; (d) cutting the paraffin in a direction perpendicular to long axes of the nanotubes, whereby each nanotube is open; and (e) cutting the paraffin in the same direction according to a predetermined thickness to obtain the thermal interface material, whereby each nanotube is open.

Abstract: An article comprises a plurality of auxetic structures wherein the auxetic structures are of size greater than about 1 mm. The article also comprises at least one cell boundary that is structurally coupled to the auxetic structures. The cell boundary is configured to resist a deformation of the auxetic structures. An automotive energy absorber comprises a plurality of auxetic structures wherein the auxetic structures are of size greater than about 1 mm.

Abstract: An oil repelling agent to coat a dynamic pressure device, such as a fluid dynamic pressure bearing device, includes a UV coloring agent, a fluorine-based polymer and a solvent. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the concentration of the UV coloring agent component is about 100 PPM to about 400 PPM, and the concentration of the fluorine polymer is about 0.1% by weight to about 0.6% by weight.

Abstract: Melt-processible, thermoplastic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) compositions are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a laminated glass, which are superior in transparency, heat shield property, electromagnetic wave permeability and weatherability. The present invention is directed to an interlayer film for a laminated glass, wherein a laminated glass, produced by interposing the film between two sheets of glass selected from the group consisting of clear glass, green glass and high heat ray absorbing glass, has an electromagnetic wave shielding performance of 10 dB or less at a frequency of 0.1 to 10 MHz and 2 to 26.5 GHz, a haze of 1.0% or less, a visible light transmittance of 70% or more and a solar radiation transmittance of 85% or less of the visible light transmittance in a wavelength region of 300 nm to 2100 nm.

Abstract: An insulating film material formed by chemical vapor deposition, which contains an organic silane compound having such a structure that at least one secondary hydrocarbon group and/or tertiary hydrocarbon group is directly bonded to a silicon atom.

Abstract: The invention is an coated article composed of a substrate and an organic-inorganic composite film, which is coated on the substrate and has an oxide of a cation atom capable of forming an oxide network coated on the surface of the substrate, and the same has a part of oxygen of the oxide substituted by an organic group, wherein the organic-inorganic composite film includes alkaline metal oxides at a ratio of 0.1 through 30% of the total number of the alkaline metal atoms and the cation atoms expressed in terms of the number of alkaline metal atoms, and the article coated with a high-performance organic-inorganic composite film, is able to withstand outdoor uses and has high hardness.

Abstract: A boron containing ceramic-aluminum metal composite is formed by mixing a boron containing ceramic with a metal powder comprised of aluminum or alloy thereof, shaping the mixture into a porous preform, contacting the preform with an infiltrating metal comprised of aluminum or alloy thereof that melts at a lower temperature than the metal powder and heating to a temperature sufficient to melt the infiltrating metal, but insufficient to melt the metal powder, such that the infiltrating metal infiltrates the porous preform to form the composite. The composite that is formed may be used for vehicular parts.

Abstract: A substrate with a patterned opaque coating formable into an opaque aperture in one process is provided. The opaque coating includes at least a bottom layer and a top layer. The bottom and top layers each include a material selected from the group consisting of chrome and chrome oxide. The top layer has a compressive stress, which makes the opaque coating more resistant to pinhole formation during downstream processing.

Abstract: Electrolyte compositions for the deposition of tin and tin-alloys on a substrate are disclosed, along with methods of electroplating tin and tin-alloys using such compositions. These electrolyte compositions are useful for high speed tin plating.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a corrosion resistant article comprising a metal body and a protective coating applied on at least one surface of said metal body, said protective coating comprising: (a) a zinc layer comprising metallic zinc; (b) a silicate layer comprising at least one silicate; and (c) a lubricant layer comprising at least one lubricant such as, for example, polyethylene wax. In particular, the disclosure relates to a corrosion resistant bolt and/or nut having a protective coating for use in motor vehicles. The protective coating is substantially free of chromates and phosphates and, hence, environmentally acceptable. The article has an excellent coefficient of friction, temperature resistance and anti-corrosion properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a zinc-based coated steel sheet having a zinc-based coating layer and a lubricant film, which is formed on the zinc-based coating layer, containing zinc phosphate particles in an amount of 50 wt. % or more, and having substantially no reaction layer formed by reaction between the zinc-based coating and the zinc phosphate particles, and a method for the manufacture thereof. The zinc-based coated steel sheet according to the present invention has an excellent anti-peeling property, excellent frictional property, even in the non-lubricated condition which occurs at areas where the press oil film is broken, and excellent anti-galling property.

Abstract: The invention provides a material for sliding contacts that is suitable for a small-sized DC motor used in recent downsized CD players and is excellent in durability. A material for sliding contacts used in a commutator of a small-sized DC motor that consists essentially of 0.01 to 3.0% Ni by weight, 0.01 to 6.0% ZnO by weight and/or 0.01 to 3.0% MgO by weight, furthermore, in some cases, 0.01 to 5.0% Cu by weight, and the balance Ag, in which Ni metal particles, ZnO particles or MgO particles are dispersed in the matrix of Ag.

Abstract: Poly-siloxane material may be used to form an insulating structure in an organic light-emitting device (OLED). In addition to the insulating structure, an OLED may have an electro-luminescent organic layer separated into light-emitting elements, e.g., display pixels, arranged between electrode layers. A voltage applied across the electrode layers causes the device to emit light. One type of insulating structure may be a bank structure formed from a thin sheet of poly-siloxane with apertures corresponding to the display pixels. Pixels may be formed with the deposit of one or more layers of organic material into the apertures. Another type of-insulating structure may be one or more insulating strips, which may separate an electrode layer into electrode strips during construction and/or insulate electrode strips while the OLED is in operation.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device having an organic layer between a pair of electrodes. The organic layer (in particular, a hole-transporting layer) has a polymer of a vinyl compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different, each representing a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group. The glass transition temperature of the polymer is about 200 to 250° C., and the polymer has high heat-resistance. Thus, the use of the polymer improves heat resistance of an organic EL device.

Abstract: This invention relates to coatings for the protection of substrates operating at moderately elevated temperatures, and, more particularly, for the protection of titanium-alloy aircraft and stationary gas turbine components as well as engine components for automotive applications, articles having such coatings and a method for their production.

Abstract: A ferrite film is formed by regularly arranging constituents such as magnetized grains or one analogous to that. In the ferrite film, the constituents have at least one of the uniaxial anisotropy and the multiaxial anisotropy. The ferrite film has the magnetic anisotropy or the magnetic isotropy. The ferrite film is formed by the use of the plating method in the presence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, an electromagnetic noise suppressor includes the ferrite film.

Abstract: A miniaturized microbial fuel cell is described deriving electrical power from the biological activity of microbes, typically the metabolism of glucose by baker's yeast. Microfabrication techniques are used to miniaturize the components as well as the overall fuel cell and are capable of integration with other biomedical and implantable devices. Substantial reductions in both the size and the cost of implantable systems are thereby achievable. Electrode structures are used that facilitate electron transfer and power production giving favorable power densities in a miniature fuel cell. In addition, the microbial fuel cell of the present invention extracts glucose or other metabolite(s) from the ambient body fluids as its fuel, thus achieving a renewable, long-term power source for implantable biomedical devices.

Abstract: A fuel-cell system, particularly a fuel-cell system for a drive system of a motor vehicle, includes an autothermic reformer unit configured to generate hydrogen from a raw material. The hydrogen is used to operate a fuel-cell unit disposed downstream of the reformer unit. An oxidation device configured to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide is disposed between the reformer unit and the fuel cell unit. A water injection device is disposed in the oxidation device and is configured to inject water into the oxidation device.

Abstract: An reversible engine (10) is disclosed having a conduit system (11), a first electrochemical cells (12), and a second electrochemical cell (13). The conduit system (11) includes a first conduit (15) extending from the first electrochemical cell (12) to the second electrochemical cell (13), and a second conduit (16) extending from the second electrochemical cell (13) to the first electrochemical cell (12). The heat engine (10) also includes a heater (18) mounted in thermal communication with the conduit system (11) adjacent the second electrochemical cell (13), a cooler (19) mounted in thermal communication with the conduit system (11) adjacent the first electrochemical cell (12), and a regenerative heat exchanger (20) thermally coupled to the first and second conduits (15) and (16) for the transfer of heat therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising a passive end cell heater for heating an end cell or cells within a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack and a resistive heatable element connected in parallel to the fuel cell stack, wherein the resistive heatable element is adapted to heat an end cell of the fuel cell stack. A method for heating an end cell in a fuel cell stack is also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique for rejecting heat from a fuel cell stack. Heated stack coolant from the fuel cell stack is directed to a heat pump module where it is compressed to raise its temperature. The heated and compressed coolant is then directed through a radiator that cools the coolant through interaction with ambient air. The coolant is then sent through an expansion aperture to reduce its pressure, and thus, further reduce its temperature before it is sent back to the fuel cell stack to collect waste heat therefrom. The heated and compressed coolant can be sent to hydride bed to release hydrogen therefrom before it is sent to the radiator. In one embodiment, the coolant is hydrogen.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a plurality of opposing fuel cell stacks. Each of the fuel stacks has a plurality of fuel cells in which each fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. The fuel cell assembly further includes a spacing member disposed between the fuel cell stacks thereby defining a fluidic cavity.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of batteries interlocked linearly through a connector. The connector includes an inner peripheral portion to be welded to one battery, and an outer peripheral portion, provided outside the inner peripheral portion, to be welded to the other battery. The inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion have a step in between, and the step places the inner peripheral portion in a concave portion of the connector. The inner peripheral portion of the connector is located interiorly of a caulking convex strip provided at an end face of one battery, and an inner peripheral portion is connected to the battery end face through welding without coming in contact with the caulking convex strip. The outer peripheral portion is connected to an outer peripheral portion of a battery end face of the other battery through welding.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved battery pack is employed. The battery pack includes a housing with opposing walls, a plurality of cells disposed within the housing, at least two terminals electrically connected to the cells, a latching mechanism disposed on each opposing wall for latching the battery pack to a cordless device, each latching mechanism including a latch and a button disposed on the wall for moving the latch between unlatching and latching positions, the latching buttons being disposed along a first plane, the first plane being substantially vertical, wherein the number of cells disposed along the first plane is smaller than the number of cells disposed along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The battery pack may also include a stacked cell disposed on the plurality of cells. The stacked cell may be disposed along the first plane. However, the stacked cell is not included in the number of cells disposed along the first plane.

Abstract: A process for prolonging the life of a lead-acid battery by adding an organic polymer and ultra fine lignin to its electrolyte and then discharging the battery at a high current rate and the battery so produced.

Abstract: An electrode for lithium secondary battery having a current collector and, deposited thereon, a thin film comprising silicon as a main component, characterized in that the thin film comprising silicon contains at least one of the elements belonging to the groups IIIa, Iva, Va, VIa, VIIa, VIII, Ib and IIb in the fourth, fifth and sixth periods of the Periodic Table (exclusive of copper (Cu)) at least in the surface portion thereof.

Abstract: Batteries are disclosed. In some embodiments, a battery has a cathode that includes CuxMyOzXt, where M is a metal, X includes one or more halides and/or nitrate, x+y is from about 6.8 to about 7.2, and z and t are selected so that the copper in CuxMyOzXt has a formal oxidation state of +2 or greater.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition for improving overcharge safety and a lithium battery using the same are provided. The polymer electrolyte composition includes acrylate, epoxy or isocyanate at both of its terminals, and includes a compound containing an aromatic group such as thiophene, biphenyl or furan in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight based on the amount of the overall organic electrolytic solution. The polymer electrolyte composition further includes at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), and a mixture thereof. A lithium polymer battery using the polymer electrolyte composition can be suppressed from danger of ignition or explosion when the battery is overcharged due to some uncontrolled conditions, such as failure of a charger. Moreover, an additional cutoff device is not necessary, while still exhibiting good life cycle characteristics of the battery.

Abstract: A grayscale mask for imaging operations, including a substrate layer and a mask layer having a plurality of apertures forming a mask pattern to form a grayscale image. Each edge of each aperture includes a plurality segments forming a serrated edge, resulting in mixed edge diffraction. The apertures may be in an irregular and non-symmetric pattern and may be of variable size. A random diffusing layer may be in proximity to or integral with the substrate layer. The grayscale mask may be used for generating an optical element by printing the initial grayscale mask onto a photoresist layer and transferring the photoresist pattern onto a transparent layer and the mask may include areas or layers of variable transmission. Also described are methods for diffractive intensity averaging, diffractive error diffusion, diffractive spatial dithering, and diffractive intensity averaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inspecting a mask comprising the steps: patterning a semiconductor material with a reference mask, patterning the semiconductor material with the mask as the inspection item, inspecting both patterns on the semiconductor material by means of an apparatus suitable for inspecting the semiconductor material, and comparing the pattern generated by the inspection item mask to the pattern generated by the reference mask to detect deviations in the inspection item mask from the reference mask. The invention is particularly suitable for reticule inspection. When a semiconductor wafer is multiply patterned by the reference mask and the inspection item mask alternatingly side-by-side, deviations in the reticules are evident as recurrent discrepancies between the patterns on the wafer.

Abstract: A chromeless APSM structure may be used to enable the pitch of features on the mask to be decreased by removing the chrome line between features, and thus remove the limit based on the size of the chrome line. The chromeless APSM may include primary features surrounded by a boundary region including sub resolution features. A relatively high precision lithography tool may be used in a first lithography step to print the features in the chromeless APSM structure. The boundary region may allow for a less precise lithography tool to be used in a second lithography step.

Abstract: Provided in a photomask for use in production of a hologram element having desired optical characteristics, a method for producing a hologram element, and a hologram element having desired optical characteristics. The first photomask is used for photolithography-based production of a hologram element having a hologram divided into two regions carrying a diffraction grating. The first photomask includes the first, second mask region having the non-light-transmitting mask portion and the light-transmitting portion, for forming the diffraction gratings of the regions of the hologram. The two mask regions differ in alignment-direction-wise arrangement interval for the light-transmitting portions and in ratio of the alignment-direction-wise width to the alignment-direction-wise arrangement interval for the light-transmitting portions.