Abstract: [Problems] To provide a method for producing a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet having on the surface thereof a copper plating film by using a novel plating solution for use in a copper electroplating treatment capable of forming a copper plating film having excellent adhesiveness on the surface of a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet. [Means for Resolution] The method for producing a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet having a copper plating film on the surface thereof according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises forming a copper plating film on the surface of a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet by means of a copper electroplating treatment by using a plating solution having its pH adjusted to a range from 9.0 to 11.5 and containing at least the following three components: (1) Cu2+ ions, (2) a chelating agent having a chelate stability constant of 10.0 or higher for Cu2+ ions, and (3) a chelating agent having a chelate stability constant of 16.

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrodesulfurization of a naphtha containing olefins and organosulfur compounds is disclosed, which minimizes the hydrogenation of the olefins and results in a product with a low sulfur content. The process involves a two-stage hydrodesulfurization with H2S removed from the first stage effluent. A flow of hydrogen and at least one added non-reactive compound is fed into the first stage, wherein the H2 molar fraction ranges from 0.2 to 1.0, and with H2S at the reactor intake limited to a maximum of 0.1% by volume. The second stage involves a feedstream of hydrogen and at least one added non-reactive compound, wherein the H2 molar fraction ranges from 0.2 to 0.7 and with H2S at the reactor intake limited to a maximum of 0.05% by volume.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for separating bitumen from oil sands in an efficient and environmentally acceptable manner, and for recovering residual bitumen from existing tailings ponds.

Abstract: A system, program product and method continuously optimize an ultrafiltration rate during an extracorporeal renal replacement process by modeling physiological and actual rate data. The system maps the sensed, physiological data to a mathematical model to assess the data in terms of the ultrafiltration rate. The model provides parameters used to predict where the treatment is headed based on current conditions. The system processes the parameters in terms of preset criteria to generate the optimized ultrafiltration rate. Where the system is networked, communication of the data may be accomplished using remote and online communication techniques.

Abstract: A flocculate dosing tray apparatus for placement in a storm water drain inlet under the inlet grate captures water entering the storm water drain inlet and dispenses a flocculate into the water for treatment of the interior storm water as the storm water enters the storm water drain system.

Abstract: This invention relates to the removal by centrifugal force and by coalescence of water and other impurities from diesel fuel, jet fuel, gasoline, kerosene, bio-diesel fuel, ethanol enriched fuel, heating oil, hydraulic oil, cutting oils, and other liquids with a specific gravity of less than one. The invention provides a contaminate removing apparatus, in particular for de-watering and purifying fuel liquids, comprising modular components consisting of but not limited to a water-separator module, a filter module, a pump module, and a control module to be used in plurality or as standalone components to de-water and purify fuel oils and other liquids.

Abstract: An injection molded assembly forming a Membrane Pipette Tip having at least one bottom portion including a apex end for receiving a calibrated first volume of fluid, a cavity for holding said volume of fluid and a opening with shoulder for receiving the filter membrane. The pipette tip includes at least one upper body having a first opening for communication to a pipetter and a second opening for receiving the shoulder of the bottom portion. The bottom portion fused at the shoulder to the second opening of the upper body with the membrane therebetween to permanently attach the membrane filter to the pipette tip. The 2 part Membrane Pipette Tip can be constructed as a single tip or a plurality of upper and bottom portions with optional tubular members that can include overflow wells for containing fluid in excess of the first volume of fluid drawn into the Membrane Pipette Tip cavity.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus for the production of methane gas from poultry litter are provided. Particular features are selection of methanogens, well stirring of the digester, and control of critical parameters of digester temperature, pH, and solids content resulting in enhanced methane production and reduced nitrogen compositions. A benefit of the invention is the capability to maintain a closed system without waste by-products.

Abstract: Compositions for bioremediation are described. Systems and methods of using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aerated biological filtration system (10) for treating waste water includes a treatment vessel (11) of elongated configuration which incorporates a circulating filter bed (23) and a static filter bed (24). The circulating filter bed incorporates a particulate material such as granulated activated carbon having a specific gravity in the range of 1.2 to 1.4 and effective size of 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm. The circulating filter bed is disposed above the static filter bed and an aeration system (27) is disposed between the filter beds. The aeration system is arranged to diffuse air through the circulating bed either continuously or intermittently so as to provide oxygen to micro-organisms attaching to the particulate material and to cause slow circulation of that particulate material. The system has particular application for domestic recycling of grey water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer membrane assembly for selective separation of permeate compositions by carbon weight. This invention also relates to a process for utilizing these polymer membrane assemblies in separation processes for selective carbon weight separation of hydrocarbon feedstreams components. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the use membrane assemblies for the selective separation by carbon weight of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream.

Abstract: A method of separating, concentrating or purifying uniform carbon nanotubes with desired properties (diameter, chiral vector, etc) in a highly sensitive manner by the use of structure-sensitive properties peculiar to carbon nanotubes; and an apparatus therefor. There is provided a method of separating, concentrating, or purifying carbon nanotubes with the desired properties contained in a sample, comprising the steps of (a) irradiating a sample containing carbon nanotubes with light; and (b) selecting carbon nanotubes with desired properties. In a preferred embodiment, the light irradiation of the step (a) can be carried out in the presence of a metal so as to cause specified carbon nanotubes to selectively induce a photocatalytic reaction, resulting in metal deposition. Further, in a preferred embodiment, a given magnetic filed can be applied in the steps (b) so as to attain accumulation or concentration or carbon nanotubes with metal deposited.

Abstract: A chromatography column and method of maintenance is described which does not require the use of a hoist or crane for disassembly. The method provides improved operator safety by reducing the need for the operator to work below a suspended or supported load within the column. Furthermore, the removal or replacement of column components is facilitated by providing access to the interior of the column and by the provision of a handling device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for contacting liquid with an ion exchange resin comprising introducing liquid into a process tank containing ion exchange resin at an inlet (2) and removing liquid that has been contacted with resin from the process tank at an outlet, the outlet being located above the inlet (2), the process tank including a resin containment region (7, 9) disposed between the inlet (2) and the outlet to impede the upward flow of the resin as it becomes entrained in the liquid flowing from the inlet to the outlet, and a contactor region for promoting contact between the resin and the liquid located below the containment region (7, 9), said containment region (7, 9) containing an array of settling members through which the liquid and resin upflow and which impede the flow of the resin to a sufficient extent that it is substantially contained within or below the containment region (7, 9). Apparatus for performing this method is also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic separation purifying apparatus includes a cylindrical-shaped sludge recovery rotating body rotating to place sludge and a magnetic substance on a surface thereof to convey the same; a magnetic rotating body, which has an axis in the sludge recovery rotating body and includes a rotating body and a plurality of magnets mounted on its circumference, at least a side of which is arranged close to an inner peripheral surface of the sludge recovery rotating body, by which a magnetic substance is magnetically attracted to a surface of the sludge recovery rotating body whereby sludge is transported onto the surface of the sludge recovery rotating body; and a scraping device that scrapes sludge and a magnetic substance being transported on the surface of the sludge recovery rotating body.

Abstract: A protein skimmer having a water column chamber and a fixed deflector. The fixed deflector including a plurality of blades that impart a swirling action on water flowing through the deflector. The deflector further providing an even distribution of bubbles within the water column chamber during protein filtering operation. The deflector including a central hub that aids in maintaining the velocity of water flowing through the deflector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration system and method for carrying out a process for the filtration of fluids, comprising at least one filtration device with at least one filtration element comprising readable data and a check and/or test apparatus to which the filtration device may be connected, by means of data and testing means lines. The check and/or testing device is connected to a process controller, by data exchange means, for regulation and control of the filtration process and the process controller is connected to a filtration databank, by means of data exchange means, which comprises data sets for at least one filter element and/or for each filtration device and/or for the filtration process. The invention further relates to a computer program product for carrying out a filtration process on fluids whereby program components may be called up from a program memory which support the carrying out of the filtration process.

Abstract: A method for controlling protozoa trophozites and cysts wherein biocides or control agents are encapsulated within microcapsules or manufactured into the core of liposomes, thereafter the biocide containing microcapsules or liposomes are then introduced into an aqueous system.

Abstract: The present invention advances tank-based aquaculture by providing a low cost, high efficiency solid waste separator. The invention combines the simplicity of centrifugal-gravitational separation with the practicality of automatic separator cleaning. Low-pressure air from a blower or air pump induces water flow through the separator. The compressed air source is also used to purge accumulated sludge from the separator and to scour internal separator surfaces. Installation of a captive floating granular media bed within the separator further stabilizes the centrifugal flow pattern, enhances the scouring action during sludge flushing events, and provides substrate for nitrifying bacteria colonization. Separator purging and scouring processes are simply and easily automated with small, low-voltage electric valves and timers. Operational cost-savings are magnified in multiple tank systems where multiple separators are operated by a centralized compressed air system and controller.

Abstract: A filter system has a first filter from which solvent is recovered in a cleaning cycle using a rinse fluid in forward flow, and from which particulates are removed using flush gas in reverse flow. At least part of the solvent and the flush gas are recycled to the system, and in still further preferred aspects, filtration of the solvent continues during the cleaning cycle via a bypass circuit through which the solvent is routed to a second filter.

Abstract: A method for fabricating micromachined structures is provided. At least one cavity is formed on a substrate and then a dielectric material different from the material of the substrate is filled in the at least one cavity. Next, a circuitry layer including a first etch-resistant layer and a dielectric layer is formed above the at least one cavity filled with the dielectric material. A portion of the circuitry layer exposed by the first etch-resistant layer is then etched. Finally, the dielectric material in the at least one cavity is etched out.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ignition device is provided. The method includes patterning a plurality of resistors on a membrane to form heating elements and thermally isolating the heating elements from an external environment via a cavity disposed adjacent to the heating elements.

Abstract: An exposure mask for recess gate includes a transparent substrate and a recess gate pattern. The recess gate pattern is disposed over the transparent substrate. The recess gate pattern includes a first portion having a first line width and a second portion having a second line width smaller than the first line width. In the second portion, elements of the recess gate pattern are separated.

Abstract: A method for etching a dielectric layer disposed below an antireflection layer (ARL) is provided. The method comprises (a) forming a patterned mask with mask features over the ARL, the mask having isolated areas and dense areas of the mask features, (b) trimming and opening, and (c) etching the dielectric layer using the trimmed mask. The trimming and opening comprises a plurality of cycles, where each cycle includes (b1) a trim-etch phase which etches the ARL in a bottom of the mask features and selectively trims the isolated areas of the mask with respect to the dense areas, and (b2) a deposition-etch phase which deposits a deposition layer on the mask while further etching the ARL in the bottom of the mask features. The trimming and opening result in a net trimming of the mask in the isolated areas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing blades for surgical and other uses from either a crystalline or polycrystalline material, preferably in the form of a wafer, comprises preparing the crystalline or polycrystalline wafers by mounting them and machining trenches into the wafers. The methods for machining the trenches, which form the bevel blade surfaces, include a diamond blade saw, laser system, ultrasonic machine, a hot forge press and a router. When a router is used, through-holes are drilled in the wafer to define the starting locations of the trenches. After the trenches are formed, the wafers are placed in an etchant solution which isotropically etches the wafers in a uniform manner, such that layers of crystalline or polycrystalline material are removed uniformly, producing single or double bevel blades, with each bevel having one or more facets. Nearly any bevel angle can be machined into the wafer which remains after etching.

Abstract: Additional variants of the method of etching structures into an etching body, in particular recesses in a silicon body that are laterally defined in a precise manner by an etching mask, using a plasma, is described. In addition, the use of this method in the introduction of structures, in particular trenches having a high aspect ratio, into a dielectric layer or a dielectric base body and in a layer of silicon is described, isotropic underetching and/or isotropic, sacrificial-layer etching, in particular using fluorine radicals or a highly oxidizing fluorine compound such as ClF3, being performed after the production of the structures in at least some areas in the case of the layer made of silicon.

Abstract: The aqueous slurry is useful for chemical mechanical polishing semiconductor substrates having copper interconnects. The aqueous slurry includes by weight percent, 0.01 to 25 oxidizing agent, 0.1 to 50 abrasive particles, 0.001 to 3 polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 0.01 to 10 inhibitor for decreasing static etch of the copper interconnects, 0.001 to 5 phosphorus-containing compound for increasing removal rate of the copper interconnects, 0.001 to 10 complexing agent formed during polishing and balance water; and the aqueous slurry has a pH of at least 8.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Formula (1): wherein Ra is alkyl or the like; Rb is hydrogen, alkyl or the like; A is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like; Z is a single bond, alkylene or the like; Y is a single bond, alkylene or the like; and m and n are each an integer of approximately 0 to approximately 5.

Abstract: Compositions for improved liquid deposition of active material in manufacturing processes of electronic devices are provided. The compositions comprise at least one active material for liquid deposition, at least one first solvent, at least one second solvent, and at least one third solvent, with a fourth solvent optional. The solvents are selected on the basis of their co-miscibility, ability to form a composition with each other and with active material without significant precipitation of active material from the composition, and at least one of the solvents having a surface tension equal to or less than that of the substrate upon which active material is to be deposited.

Abstract: A Pr-doped inorganic compound contains a solid solution having been formed by substitution of at least a part of at least one kind of substitutable ions, which are contained at a substitutable ion site in a matrix oxide, by Pr. The Pr-doped inorganic compound satisfies the condition represented by the formula: 0.91r2?r1?1.05r2 wherein r1 represents the mean ionic radius of ionic radiuses of all of elements, including Pr, which elements constitute the substitutable ion site having been doped with Pr, and r2 represents the ionic radius of Pr.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon partial oxidation process for obtaining gaseous mixtures comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide is carried out through a burner (10) comprising a mixing chamber (12) that has an inner side wall (12a) extending between at least one inlet opening (23, 23a) and an outlet opening (24), independent gaseous flows of hydrocarbons and oxygen, respectively, being continuously fed into said mixing chamber (12) to form a gaseous mixture advancing towards said outlet opening (24) to be fed into a combustion chamber (14) of the gaseous mixture itself, into said mixing chamber (12) and substantially in contact with the inner side wall (12a) thereof, a flow of an inert fluid is also fed in equicurrent to said gaseous mixture, with formation of a respective annular flow of inert fluid, enveloping said gaseous mixture from which it is substantially separated by a respective inner limit layer, said annular flow of inert fluid having, at said limit layer, an advancing speed at least equal to the speed of propagat

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for exfoliating a layered material to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The process comprises: (a) charging a layered material to an intercalation chamber comprising a gaseous environment at a first temperature and a first pressure sufficient to cause gas species to penetrate into the interstitial space between layers of the layered material, forming a gas-intercalated layered material; and (b) operating a discharge valve to rapidly eject the gas-intercalated layered material through a nozzle into an exfoliation zone at a second pressure and a second temperature, allowing gas species residing in the interstitial space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets. The gaseous environment preferably contains only environmentally benign gases that are reactive (e.g., oxygen) or non-reactive (e.g., noble gases) with the layered material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings comprising electrically conductive polymers and melamine derivatives, their preparation and use, and dispersions for the preparation of such coatings.

Abstract: Compositions consisting of a mixture of filamentary nickel powder(s) and a thermosetting epoxy resin form the basis of anisotropic conductive materials. The filamentary nickel powder has a three-dimensional chain-like network structure. When such filamentary nickel powder is dispersed in a polymer thin film, such as an epoxy resin, it exhibits anisotropic conductivity.

Abstract: An activated carbon comprising a carbonized and activated compound represented by the formula (1): (wherein, R represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, said hydrocarbon group may be optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, alkyl group, alkoxy group, aryl group, aryloxy group, sulfonyl group, halogen atoms, nitro group, thioalkyl group, cyano group, carboxyl group, amino group or amide group, R? represents hydrogen atom or methyl group, and n represents an integer of 4, 6, or 8).

Abstract: Disclosed are electrochromic inks and devices incorporating the inks as well as methods for forming the inks and the devices. The disclosed inks include a dispersion of colloidal nanocomposite particles in a liquid carrier. The colloidal nanocomposites of the disclosed inks include nanoparticle templates, e.g., silica nanoparticles, and an intrinsically conductive polymer polymerized at the template nanoparticles. The inks can include a dispersion of the colloidal nanocomposites in a liquid carrier such as an aprotic polar organic solvent. The disclosed inks can be formulated to be utilized in any desired printing process such as inkjet printing processes. Products encompassed by the invention include all-polymer electronic, optic, photonic, electro-optic, and energy devices such as sensors, OFETs, RFID tags, printed circuit board, electrochromic devices, non-volatile memory devices, photovoltaics, and the like.

Abstract: A new ramming paste for aluminum reduction cell cathodes is a high swelling cold ramming paste made of a blend of pitch, light oil diluent and an aggregate comprising a mixture of anthracite and crushed anode butts or calcined coke. The presence of the crushed anode butts or calcined coke increases the sodium swelling index of the paste by about four times higher than that of regular ramming pastes. This new high swelling cold ramming paste may also contain an amount of a refractory hard material, such as TiB2.

Abstract: A method of producing an electro-catalyst composition for use as an electrode, gas diffusion layer-supported electrode, catalyst-coated solid electrolyte layer, and membrane-electrode assembly in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) type fuel cell. The method comprises: (a) preparing a proton- and electron-conducting polymer having an electronic conductivity no less than 10?3 S/cm and a proton conductivity no less than 10?4 S/cm; (b) mixing and reacting this conducting polymer with a plurality of transition metal coordination complexes to produce the desired electro-catalyst composition having at least one heteroatom per backbone monomer unit thereof and a plurality of neutral transition metal atoms covalently bonded to at least a portion of the heteroatoms.

Abstract: The invention provides a nickel-rhenium alloy powder that contains nickel as a main component, 0.1 to 10% by weight of rhenium and 50 to 10,000 ppm of silicon in terms of silicon atoms, and that is suitable, in particular, for the formation of an internal electrode layer for a multilayer ceramic electronic component. The obtained powder is homogeneously mixed and dispersed in an organic vehicle, together with other additives as needed, to prepare a conductor paste. When used in particular for forming an internal electrode of a multilayer ceramic electronic component, the nickel-rhenium alloy powder of the invention delays sintering initiation and slows down the progress of sintering during firing, even for extremely fine powders, while bringing the sintering shrinkage behaviors of electrode layers and ceramic layers closer to each other. Moreover, there occurs no electrode spheroidizing caused by oversintering. A thinner, dense internal electrode having excellent continuity can be formed as a result.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive adhesive which prevents migration and sulfuration of a metal component in electronic component mounting. The electrically conductive adhesive includes a thermosetting resin and metal filler particles dispersed in the thermosetting resin. It is possible to use, as the metal filler particles, metal filler particles having a composition including an alloy of Ag with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sn, Cu, In, Bi and Ni, a mixture of such metal filler particles and Ag filler particles, and metal filler particles including Ag filler particles and a coating layer formed on the surface of the Ag filler particles using a metal such as Sn.

Abstract: A black resin composition for a display device, which can achieve a high optical density even when its light-blocking agent content is relatively low and can achieve a high optical density even when it is formed into a thin film, and a member for display device which can reduce unevenness of display caused by a level difference in a pixel part resulting from the film thickness of the black resin composition. The black resin composition for a display device has a black titanium oxynitride represented by composition formula: TiNxOy-nSiO2 (wherein x and y each are a real number of larger than 0 but less than 2, and n is a real number within the range of 0 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 0.05), containing a nitrogen atom represented by N in an amount of 17 wt % or more but less than 23 wt %, and having a specific surface area of 5 to 30 m2/g and a crystalline size as measured with an X-ray diffractometer of 17 to 25 nm, and a curable binder system.

Abstract: A method of enabling entry of data into a computer system via a printed form is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing the printed form, the form containing human-readable information and machine-readable coded data, the coded data being indicative of an identity of the form and of a plurality of locations on the form; (ii) operatively positioning a sensing device relative to the form; (iii) sensing at least some of the coded data; (iv) generating indicating data using the sensed coded data, the indicating data being indicative of the identity of the form and the position of the sensing device relative to the form; and (v) sending the indicating data to a computer system, thereby enabling the computer system to identify the data for entry. The coded data comprises an ink composition containing an IR-absorbing dye and a singlet oxygen quencher.

Abstract: An optical film composed of a thermoplastic resin film obtained by using a melt extruding machine, characterized in that said thermoplastic resin film satisfies a relation of the formula below over the whole surface of the film when an angle made by the extruding direction of the thermoplastic resin film from the melt extruding machine and a slow phase axis at each point is ?, and a retardation amount at each point is Re, is provided. [sin2 2?]×[sin2(?·Re/550)]?4.0×10?5. According to the present invention, an optical film wherein there is no problem on a residual solvent, optical distortion is small, and there is no problem of color unevenness and color absence of a liquid crystal display obtained by using the optical film as a protective film of a polarizer is provided.

Abstract: A fabricating method of a color filter array substrate includes the steps of forming a black matrix on a substrate, forming red, green, blue color filters on the substrate on which the black matrix is formed, forming an overcoat layer including a white color filter on the substrate on which the red, green, and blue color filters are formed, aligning a flat panel soft mold to the overcoat layer; and smoothing the overcoat layer using the flat panel soft mold.

Abstract: Methods for use of functionalized fluorescent nanoparticles in the non-destructive, direct and dynamic determination of free volume and glass transition changes and mechanical property changes of polymers and polymer composites are provided. Also provided are methods for use of functionalized fluorescent nanoparticles in tracking changes occurring in an individual component or components of a polymer composite. Methods for use of functionalized fluorescent nanoparticles in the quantitation and dynamic monitoring of crack propagation and fatigue of polymers and/or polymer composites and in the delivery of repair agents such as adhesives and/or cross-linking agents to cracks of polymers and polymer composites are provided.

Abstract: A foam layer is formed by rotomoulding including heating a foaming polymer, and wherein the heating is interrupted before the foaming temperature is reached. A thermal inertia of the system also composed of the mold and previously placed layers assures completion of heating, but not sufficient to cause disorderly foaming. The foam layer is uniform and bonding. Dense layers surrounding the foam layer may be different.

Abstract: A novel process is provided for making spin-drawn yarn from poly(trimethylene terephthalate). The yarn, when packaged on a cheese-shaped spindle, can be produced in large sizes without crushing.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant or medical implant part comprising a body and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer comprises a mixture comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of about 400,000 atomic mass units or more. The invention also provides a method for producing such a medical implant or medical implant.

Abstract: A precursor yarn or thread is made by passing a central element, e.g., a filament, a tow, or a flat member, through a bath of a binder, such as a low-temperature hot-melt adhesive, and aqueous urethane, or an acrylic material, with which is mixed a quantity of hard-shelled microspheres which expand when heated to a higher temperature. This is then covered by a sheath, e.g, of PVC, polyurethane, polyester, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyethylene in a second bath. When this product is heated to a transition temperature which is characteristic of the microspheres chosen, the microspheres expand, swelling the sheath. Such a precursor could be woven into a fabric and then heated, so that as the yarn expands the fabric mesh becomes tighter, reducing its porosity. This would be useful as a yarn in making papermaker's felts.