Abstract: Novel particulate materials that have been made by a spray process have at least 80% of particles of the same morphology. The particulate materials also have a mono-dispersivity index of not more than 1.2. In preferred particulate materials, the particles have at least two components, a first component being a matrix material and a second component being an active ingredient retained by said first component. Methods of making such particulate materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous zirconium powder having improved heat resistance of total pore volume, and a simple production method thereof. More specifically, the present invention provides: (1) a porous zirconium powder in which total pore volume following heat treatment for three hours at 1000° C. is at least 0.75 ml/g, and total volume of pores having a diameter of 10 to 100 nm following heat treatment for three hours at 1000° C. is at least 30% of the total pore volume, and (2) a production method of a porous zirconia powder comprising: forming a basic zirconium sulfate by adding a sulfating agent to a zirconium salt solution; forming zirconium hydroxide by neutralizing the basic zirconium sulfate; and heat-treating the zirconium hydroxide, wherein, when adding the sulfating agent to the zirconium salt solution, the sulfating agent is added to the zirconium salt solution having a temperature of 100° C. or higher in an autoclave.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrically conductive pigments, wherein the pigments exhibit a ferromagnetic core and at least one electrically conductive coating, and the electrically conductive coating is or comprises a metal or a metal alloy or the electrically conductive coating is or comprises electrically conductive polymers or plastics materials containing electrically conductive polymers. The invention further relates to a process for the production of said electrically conductive pigments, and to the use of said electrically conductive pigments.

Abstract: A ZnO-based transparent conductive film has practicable moisture resistance, desired characteristics of a transparent conductive film, and excellent economy. The transparent conductive film is produced by growing ZnO doped with a group III element oxide on a substrate and has a region with a crystal structure in which a c-axis grows along a plurality of different directions. The transparent conductive film produced by growing ZnO doped with a group III element oxide on a substrate has a ZnO (002) rocking curve full width at half maximum of about 13.5° or more. ZnO is doped with a group III element oxide so that the ratio of the group III element oxide in the transparent conductive film is about 7% to about 40% by weight. The transparent conductive film is formed on the substrate with a SiNx thin film provided therebetween. The transparent conductive film is formed on the substrate by a thin film formation method with a bias voltage applied to the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame-retardant epoxy resin composition characterized by containing (A) an epoxy resin containing 0.5-10 equivalent/kg of oxazolidone rings, (B) an epoxy group-containing phosphazene compound, (C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phosphates, condensed phosphates, quinone derivatives of phosphine compounds, and polyphenylene ethers, and (D) at least one curing agent selected from the group consisting of guanidine derivatives, phenol novolacs, bisphenol A novolacs, cresol novolacs and naphthol novolacs.

Abstract: Multilayer fluoropolymer-containing films having improved interlayer adhesion. More particularly, multilayer films including a fluoropolymer layer attached to a thermoplastic polymer layer via an intermediate poly(ester-urethane) copolymer containing adhesive layer, articles produced therefrom, and products which are encased by the multilayer films. The films are suitable for encasing the sensitive luminescent components of electroluminescent lamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of activating an organic coating to enhance adhesion of the coating to a further coating and/or to other entities comprising applying a solvent and a surface chemistry and/or surface topography modifying agent to the organic coating. The invention also relates to a coated substrate having an activated coating, wherein the adhesion of the coating to a further coating and/or other entities has been enhanced by application of a solvent and a surface chemistry and/or surface topography modifying agent to the coating. The invention further relates to an activation treatment for an organic coating to enhance adhesion of the coating to a further coating and/or to other entities comprising a solvent and a surface chemistry and/or surface topography modifying agent and a method for the preparation of the activation treatment.

Abstract: A crystal foundation having dislocations is used to obtain a crystal film of low dislocation density, a crystal substrate, and a semiconductor device. One side of a growth substrate (11) is provided with a crystal layer (13) with a buffer layer (12) in between. The crystal layer (13) has spaces (13a), (13b) in an end of each threading dislocation D1 elongating from below. The threading dislocation D1 is separated from the upper layer by the spaces (13a), (13b), so that each threading dislocation D1 is blocked from propagating to the upper layer. When the displacement of the threading dislocation D1 expressed by Burgers vector is preserved to develop another dislocation, the spaces (13a), (13b) vary the direction of its displacement. As a result, the upper layer above the spaces (13a), (13b) turns crystalline with a low dislocation density.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel perfluoropolyether silanes, compositions containing the novel perfluoropolyether silanes and method of treating substrates, in particular substrates having a hard surface such as ceramics or glass, to render them water, oil, stain, and/or dirt repellent.

Abstract: Applying liquid for hard coating that is made of organic silane compounds, the fine particles of composite mainly based on titanium-oxide, which also includes zirconium-oxide and silicon-oxide etc., dicyandiamide, itaconic acid, and Co(II) acetylacetonate compound on plastic lenses in order to form a hard coating layer after hardening.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions containing polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resins (PAE resins) of low molecular weight and a soy protein or lignin in which the weight ratio of protein or lignin to PAE is 100:0.1 to 0.1:100. The invention is also directed to the use of the compositions as adhesives for binding wood materials. The lower adhesive viscosity provides better handling properties, as well as allowing for less water in the adhesive formulation.

Abstract: Polylactide polymers are reacted with an epoxy-functional acrylate polymer to introduce long-chain branching into the polymer. The acrylate polymer provides a flexible means for introducing a controllable amount of branching into the polylactide polymer, with little risk of forming gelled or highly crosslinked structures. The branched polylactide polymers have excellent melt rheological properties that make them more easily processable in various melt-processing applications.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic polymer light-emitting material, which is obtained by (co)polymerizing one or more polymerizable compounds having a substituent in which a polymerizable double bond moiety represented by formula (2): (the symbols have the same meanings as defined in the Description) is bonded to one of the carbon atoms of an aromatic ring, wherein at least one of the polymerizable compounds is an iridium complex represented by formula (1): (the symbols have the same meanings as defined in the Description). The material has a high emission efficiency and an good film-formability, and is suitably used for production of large-area device and mass-production thereof. Further, the invention provides organic light-emitting elements using the material in its light-emitting layer, and area light sources and image display devices using the element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved pan coating processes and to coated products produced thereby.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy plate to be subjected to a bake coating contains silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) with the balance being aluminum (Al) and inevitable impurities. In order to set the content of Mg2Si in a range of 0.50% by weight?Mg2Si?1.00% by weight, when the Si content by weight percent is taken on an x-axis of rectangular coordinates and the Mg content by weight percent is taken on a y-axis of the rectangular coordinates, the Si and Mg contents are set in a region in a diagram formed by sequentially connecting a point A (0.18, 0.31), a point B (1.3, 0.31), a point C (1.3, 0.64), a point D (0.37, 0.64), a point E (0.37, 1.0), a point F (0.18, 1.0) and the point A (0.18, 0.31). Thus, a bake-hard effect can be obtained, and the aluminum alloy plate can be produced at a relatively low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A method of casting a multi-layered metal ingot including the steps of delivering a metallic divider member into a direct chill mold, pouring a first molten metal into the mold on one side of the divider member, and pouring a second molten metal into the mold on the other side of the divider member, and allowing the first molten metal and the second molten metal solidify to form a metal ingot which includes the divider metal layer disposed there between.

Abstract: A process for coating a metal part with a magnetron-sputtered material to provide corrosion protection. The process results in a part having a uniform coating. Coating materials include corrosion resistant zinc with various options for appearances and levels or corrosion protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platinum or a platinum alloy structure suitable as a conduit tube for molten glass, and a molten-glass-producing apparatus employing the structure as a conduit tube for molten glass. A platinum or platinum alloy structure to be used under high-temperature environment, comprising a hollow tube body and a flange provided on the outer periphery of the hollow tube body so as to extend radially therefrom, wherein the flange is provided with a stress-strain-absorbing structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an at least partially porous, hollow silicon body, including the steps of vertical, anisotropic etching, porosifying, and electropolishing. Hollow silicon bodies manufactured using this method; the body wall including an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer, and the porosity of the intermediate layer being greater than those of the inner and outer layers. The use of the hollow silicon bodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tin-based two-layered plating film exhibiting suppressed whisker growth comprising a lower layer of a tin plating film or tin alloy plating film comprising 5% by weight or less of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, bismuth, silver, and indium, and 95% by weight or more of tin, and an upper layer of a tin plating film or tin alloy plating film comprising 5% by weight or less of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, bismuth, silver and indium, and 95% by weight or more of tin. The tin-based plating film of the present invention is a lead-free tin plating film or tin alloy plating film, exhibits suppressed whisker growth over an extended period, and can further be formed relatively easily without complicated steps.

Abstract: Self-repairing, fiber reinforced matrix materials include a matrix material including inorganic as well as organic matrices. Disposed within the matrix are hollow fibers having a selectively releasable modifying agent contained therein. The hollow fibers may be inorganic or organic and of any desired length, wall thickness or cross-sectional configuration. The modifying agent is selected from materials capable of beneficially modifying the matrix fiber composite after curing. The modifying agents are selectively released into the surrounding matrix in use in response to a predetermined stimulus be it internal or externally applied. The hollow fibers may be closed off or even coated to provide a way to keep the modifying agent in the fibers until the appropriate time for selective release occurs.

Abstract: A dielectric composition for a plasma display panel and a plasma display panel including a dielectric layer formed of the dielectric composition are provided. The dielectric composition comprises PbO, B2O3, SiO2, Al2O3 and RO (BaO+MgO+ZnO). Contents of PbO, B2O3, SiO2, Al2O3 and RO (BaO+MgO+ZnO) range from 60 wt % to 75 wt %, 3 wt % to 20 wt %, 5 wt % to 30 wt %, 0.0001 wt % to 6 wt % and 0.0001 wt % to 5 wt %, respectively.

Abstract: The layer structure of a cutting plate produced according to a chemical vapor deposition CVD method contains a thick outer covering layer of medium temperature (MT) TiCN, and a multilayer Al2O3 layer arranged beneath the covering layer. Said multilayer Al2O3 layer consists of, at least, two aluminum oxide layers between which TiCN layers, and optionally TiAlC—NO layers for improving adhesion, are arranged. One such overall design has especially good chip removal properties.

Abstract: The series resistance of a CPP GMR stack can be reduced by shaping it into a small upper, on a somewhat larger, lower part. Because of the sub-micron dimensions involved, good alignment between these is normally difficult to achieve. The present invention discloses a self-alignment process based on first laying down a mask that will determine the shape of the top part. Ion beam etching is then initiated, the ion beam being initially applied from one side only at an angle to the surface normal. During etching, all material on the near side of the mask gets etched but, on the far side, only material that is outside the mask's shadow gets removed so, depending on the beam's angle, the size of the lower part is controlled and the upper part is precisely centrally aligned above it.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a magnetic layer, a patterned magnetic recording medium including magnetic layers formed using the method, and a method of manufacturing the patterned magnetic recording medium. The method of manufacturing the magnetic layers includes: forming a template provided with an opening; forming a seed layer on a bottom of the opening; and inserting a magnetic material onto the seed layer to form a magnetic layer. The patterned magnetic recording medium includes a lower layer formed on a substrate; a template formed on the lower layer and including a plurality of holes exposing the lower layer; seed layers covering the lower layer exposed through the holes; and magnetic layers formed on the seed layers to fill the holes.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide oxidizing catalyst for a reformer of a fuel cell system comprises: a compound including selenium oxide, tellurium oxide, bismuth oxide, or a combination thereof; copper oxide; and cesium oxide.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell bipolar plate molded from a composition that includes a graphite powder, a thermosetting resin and an internal mold release agent has specific surface characteristics which endow the bipolar plate with a high hydrophilicity that enables water formed during power generation by the fuel cell to be easily removed. The bipolar plate also has a low contact resistance with electrodes in the fuel cell, and the shapes of flow channels on the bipolar plate remain intact.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell life counter is configured to determine membrane degradation using fuel cell cycling data and S-N curve data for the membrane. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of managing remaining fuel cell life is provided where variables like membrane dehydration rate, water content, temperature, and heating/cooling rate are controlled as a function of the remaining life of the fuel cell. Additional embodiments are provided where fuel cell life counters and methods of managing remaining life are independent of S-N curve data and the use of fatigue life contour plots.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing low performing cells in a fuel cell stack. The method includes periodically providing a pulse of the cathode input airflow at low stack current densities, and comparing the current density output of each cell in response to the pulse. Those cells that do not have significant water accumulation will provide one voltage signature and those cells that do have a significant water accumulation will provide another voltage signature. If one or more of the cells exhibit the voltage signature for water accumulation, then the cathode inlet airflow pulses can be provided more often to prevent the cells from failing.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating an electrochemical conversion cell is provided wherein the method comprises the steps of (i) initiating a membrane dehydration sequence when the membrane is characterized by an initial membrane hydration ?WET and (ii) maintaining the membrane dehydration sequence until the membrane is characterized by a target membrane hydration ?DRY. According to the method, the membrane dehydration sequence is characterized by a drying rate that varies in a manner that substantially corresponds to a fatigue life contour map of the membrane. Additional methods and corresponding systems are contemplated.

Abstract: A system used to generate energy by utilizing the effects of gravity on the lighter “supplied molecules” and the heavier “produced modules” in relation to the air pressure and gravity surrounding the system. While there are many applications to this concept, the example provided utilizes the electrolysis of distilled water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The hydrogen molecules are allowed to rise (due to their relatively lighter composition) up to a water vapor extractor component which is situated above (relative to the earths gravity) the electrolyser and/or source of the hydrogen modules. Once the hydrogen reaches the water vapor extractor component it is recombined with oxygen (another light molecule) to produce electricity, heat, and water vapor (a heavier molecule produced by the combination of the two lighter molecules). The water vapor (or heavier byproduct) is then condensed to the point that gravity begins to accelerate the water modules downward towards the earth.

Abstract: A method for recovering a catalyst for a fuel cell includes a collection step in which a catalyst is collected by attracting, using a magnetic force, a magnetic material contained in at least one of the catalyst and a carrier on which the catalyst is supported. A system for recovering a catalyst for a fuel cell includes a collection device that attracts, using a magnetic force, a magnetic material contained in at least one of a catalyst and a carrier on which the catalyst is supported.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electric generator for a motor vehicle, comprising: a reformer (60) for producing a reformate from a primary fuel, water and air; circuits supplying the reformer with primary fuel (64), air (36, 40, 38, 62) and water (82, 86, 90, 66), a fuel cell (20) for production electric power from the reformate and air, a compressor (36, 38) for compressing the air for the fuel cell (20) and/or the reformer (60), circuits for supplying the fuel cell with reformate (80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 22) and air (24), connecting the fuel cell to the reformer and the compressor (36, 38), respectively. The inventive generator is characterized in that the circuits (82, 86, 90, 66) supplying water to the reformer comprises a first heat exchanger (130; 40; 50) for establishing heat exchange relationship between said water and the air compressed by said compressor (35; 38).

Abstract: A product including a control valve. The control valve includes a body having a passage therethrough defined by an inner surface. A movable part is provided for closing the passage. At least one of the inner surface or the movable part includes a hydrophobically enhanced surface.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing RH cycling of the membranes in a fuel cell stack. A control algorithm damps a power request signal using a first order filter during low power transients so that the fuel cell stack continues generating power at a higher rate than is requested. The excess power generated by the stack is used to recharge a battery in the fuel cell system. The damped power signal is weighted so that more fuel cell stack power is provided for a low battery state of charge unless stack power is provided for a high battery state of charge.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs one or more PTC ceramic heaters that do not need to be self-regulated, and thus will not require various control components, such as temperature sensors. The PTC ceramic heaters include a ceramic material that is designed for a particular temperature depending on the particular application. An electrical current is applied to the ceramic heater that generates heat as long as the temperature of the ceramic heater is below the designed temperature. If the ceramic heater reaches the designed temperature, then the resistance of the ceramic material goes up, and the current through the ceramic material goes down, so that the heater does not provide significant heating. Therefore, it does not need to be regulated.

Abstract: A passive cooling system for a fuel cell stack is provided. The passive cooling system includes a plurality of cooling plates, each installed between every few unit cells, each having flow channels for flowing a primary coolant on at least one surface, and each comprising an inlet hole through which the primary coolant enters and an outlet hole through which the primary coolant that has passed the flow channels leaves; and a heat exchanger installed on a primary coolant flow line connected from the outlet holes to the inlet holes of the cooling plates to change a vapor state primary coolant to a liquid state primary coolant by cooling the primary coolant, wherein a path through which the primary coolant passes is a closed circuit, and the flow of the primary coolant is achieved by natural convection caused by vaporization of the primary coolant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing cooling characteristics of a fuel cell stack in distinct regions thereof, the fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, each fuel cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), at least one flow field plate interposed between the MEAs of adjacent fuel cells, the flow field plates forming coolant flow field channels on a side of the flow field plates opposing the MEAs and reactant flow field channels on a side of the flow field plates adjacent the MEAs, comprises selectively isolating two distinct volumes in each coolant flow field channel, for example via at least one fluid-tight dividing member, and circulating and/or sealing at least two fluids respectively having distinct characteristics in distinct volumes of the coolant flow field channels to variably manage a rate of cooling in distinct regions of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Fuel cell incorporating membrane-electrode assembly, methods for preparing the latter and their use in fuel cells are described.

Abstract: According to the invention, a fuel cell system features a fuel cell (1) having an electrode (5, 6), and an antioxidant residing in or contacting the electrode (5, 6), for inactivating active oxygen.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell has a unit cell assembly including an anode side and a cathode side. The anode side has a cooling base plate, a conductor assembly, a hydrogen flow field, a water absorbing element, and a hydrogen duct assembly. The cathode side has an air flow field, a conductor assembly, an air flow distributor, and an insulating compression plate with wing extensions. A membrane electrode assembly is disposed between the anode side and the cathode side physically connecting the flow fields on both the anode and cathode sides. A sealed anode assembly creates a sealed hydrogen volume and includes the anode conductor assembly, the hydrogen duct assembly, and the membrane electrode assembly all disposed between the insulating compression plate and the cooling base plate. The fuel cell may comprise multiple unit cell assemblies arranged in planar, folded, stacked, or pancake configurations.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell employing the same. The membrane electrode assembly includes: a cathode; an anode; and a polymer electrolyte membrane that is interposed between the cathode and the anode, and comprises a proton conductive polymer that is doped with acid to a doping level of less than 200 mole %. The membrane electrode assembly for the fuel cell exhibits an improved efficiency of performance when acid is doped in the polymer electrolyte membrane at a doping level of less than 200 mole. In addition, the performance of the fuel cell can be optimized by separately adjusting the amount of acid doped in the cathode and anode. The fuel cell employing the membrane electrode assembly can be operated at a high temperature in a dry environment and exhibits an improved power generating performance.

Abstract: A heater has microchannels for uniform heating, and includes an upper plate having an inlet of material to be heated, a fuel inlet and an oxidant inlet. A lower plate has a heated material outlet and an exhaust gas outlet. A plurality of combustion thin plates and a plurality of heat transfer thin plates are alternately layered between the upper and lower plates. Each of the combustion thin plates and the heat transfer thin plates has an inlet hole of material to be heated, a heated material outlet hole, an oxidant hole, an exhaust gas hole, a fuel hole, and microchannels formed at respective corresponding positions. The upper plate is aligned with the combustion thin plate contacting the lower surface thereof, and the lower plate is aligned with the heat transfer thin plate contacting the upper surface thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator having excellent corrosion resistance, electric conductivity and durability comprising a substrate made of austenitic stainless steel, and a nitride layer formed on a surface of the substrate in contact with an oxygen electrode or a current collector on the oxygen electrode side, the nitride layer comprising a solid solution compound phase composed of an Fe4N crystal, in which part of Fe is substituted by at least Cr and Ni.

Abstract: A liquid fuel mixer is disclosed, which is used to store liquid fuels for a fuel cell. The liquid fuel mixer includes a casing, one or more radiators and a gas permeable but liquid impermeable film. The casing forms a first internal compartment and a second internal compartment, and the first internal compartment is adjacent to the second internal compartment. The casing next to and separating the first internal compartment from the second internal compartment includes at least one vent and at least one drain. The second internal compartment contains the liquid fuels. The radiators are disposed in the first internal compartment. The gas permeable but liquid impermeable film is disposed on the vent. To avoid water condensing on the walls, the bottom of the first internal compartment includes a slopping channel and/or a flow-guilding channel, and the drain is disposed on the end of the lower portion of the slopping channel or the flow-guilding channel.

Abstract: One or more microfabricated fuel cells may be integrated into a printed circuit board or a printed wiring board within an electronic device. The electrical energy created by the integrated microfabricated fuel cells within the metal wiring on the PWB may then be used by the electronic components within and on the PWB.

Abstract: A structure of a bipolar plate for a fuel cell to ensure continuous flow of fluids to flow channels. The bipolar plate includes a plate main body having a surface and an opposite surface, each surface having reaction flow channels through which fluids pass; manifolds formed on the plate main body in the form of an inlet for introducing to and an outlet for discharging a fluid from the reaction flow channel, and connection channels that are formed on the plate main body as connection units between the reaction flow channels and the manifold, wherein the connection channels are formed such that flat regions of both a surface and an opposite surface of the plate main body face each other when the plate main bodies are stacked. The gasket is attached to the flat surface of the plate main body.

Abstract: A bipolar flow field plate assembly comprising an anode plate assembly and a cathode plate assembly, each further comprising an anode flow field plate and a cathode flow field plate, respectively. The anode and cathode flow field plates each comprise an active surface and an inactive surface. The anode and cathode plate assemblies comprise an electrically-insulating frame attached to the active surfaces of the anode and cathode flow field plates around a peripheral edge thereof, and an inner frame attached to the inactive surfaces of the anode and cathode flow field plates around an opposing peripheral edge thereof. The inactive surfaces of the anode ad cathode flow field plates cooperate to form a coolant field therebetween. Methods for making the bipolar flow field plate assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst including an active catalyst component and an additive including a transitional metal, transitional metal oxide or complex precursor thereof, products including such an electrocatalyst and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A catalyst nanoparticle covalently bonded to a surface ligand wherein the surface ligand has a peripheral functional group having a property suitable to ensure solubility in a fluid such as a hydroxylic solvent, water, lower molecular weight alcohol, methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, or and mixtures thereof. The peripheral functional group can have an ability to couple the catalyst nanoparticle to a second catalyst nanoparticle or to a bridging material. The peripheral functional group can be capable of interacting with a surface functional group on a conductive electrode substrate. The covalently-bound ligand bearing a peripheral functional group can have a charge opposite to or chemical reactivity amenable with that of the surface functional group. A method of making a catalyst nanoparticle comprising bonding a surface ligand to a catalyst nanoparticle wherein the bonding is via a covalent bond and the surface ligand has a peripheral functional group.