Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to an electrode (e.g., front electrode) for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. In certain example embodiments, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) based front electrode for use in a photovoltaic device is of or includes zinc oxide, or zinc aluminum oxide, doped with yttrium (Y). In certain example embodiments, the addition of the yttrium (Y) to the conductive zinc oxide or zinc aluminum oxide is advantageous in that potential conductivity loss of the electrode can be reduced or prevented. In other example embodiments, a low-E coating may include a layer of or including zinc oxide, or zinc aluminum oxide, doped with yttrium (Y).

Abstract: A nitrile-rubber medical exam glove composed of a glove body which is a flexible layer of nitrile-butadiene rubber having a chlorinated first surface forming a donning side and an un-chlorinated second surface forming a grip side. The elastomeric glove also includes a substantially uniform distribution of a release agent distributed over the un-chlorinated second surface of the glove body. The elastomeric glove has: (a) an average thickness of between about 0.03 to 0.12 mm in a palm region of the glove body as measured in accordance with ASTM D3767, procedure A; (b) an un-chlorinated second surface of the glove body characterized by a Surface Root Mean Square Roughness of from about 3.00 ?m to about 6.55 ?m; and (c) a failure rate of less than about 1 percent when the elastomeric glove is subjected to pinhole leak testing generally in accordance with ASTM D5151-06.

Abstract: A composite chassis frame may include a primarily-formed core material having a steel core material and internal composite materials laminated on both surfaces of the steel core material, an internal core material disposed between the primarily-formed core materials, wherein the primarily-formed core materials may be laminated on both surfaces of the internal core material, and a secondarily-formed external composite material covering outer surfaces of the primarily-formed core materials and the internal core material as a skin material.

Abstract: A multiply thin paper sheet having a press-to-bond structure is disclosed, including a first thin paper layer having a first stacking surface and at least one second thin paper layer having a second stacking surface. The first and second stacking surfaces are partially overlapped with each other to define a stacking zone provided between the first thin paper layer and the second thin paper layer. After the stacking zone is subjected to a rolling operation by a rolling pressure, a plurality of first pressed sections are formed on the first thin paper layer, having a predetermined height extended according to a given direction, and a plurality of second pressed sections are formed on the second thin paper layer according to the given direction and respectively corresponding to the first pressed sections of the first thin paper layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, especially a banknote, having a sequence of layers into which visually and/or mechanically perceptible identifiers in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced by the action of laser radiation. According to the present invention, the sequence of layers includes a marking layer (22) composed of an ink mixture (24, 26) exhibiting a laser-radiation-absorbing mixture component (26) and a laser-radiation-transparent mixture component (24), the identifiers being visually and/or mechanically perceptible due to an irreversible change in the optical properties of the ink mixture (24, 26), effected by the action of the laser radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective insulation material product including a metallized polymeric film laminated to an insulation material with the metallized polymeric film having its exposed metallic surface facing away from the insulation material. The product can meet Class A standard thermal insulation material standards characterized by a flame speed rating of from 0 to 25 and a smoke developed rating value of 0 to 450.

Abstract: A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of yttria through a thickness of the green body. The green body is substantially opaque with a substantially consistent optical characteristic of non-translucency with respect to visible light across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of increasing translucency through a thickness of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: Provided are a polyamide combination that includes: a first polyamide including a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1, a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2, or a combination thereof; and a second polyamide including a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3, and a film prepared using the polyamide combination.

Abstract: Foam glass may include natural glass, wherein the foam glass includes greater than 5% alumina by weight of the foam glass and has a coefficient of thermal expansion ranging between 4×10?6 ppm/° C. and 6×10?6 ppm/° C. A composition for making foam glass may include natural glass including at least 5% alumina by weight of the composition, soda ash including less than 10% by weight of the composition, and boric acid including at least 5% by weight of the composition. A method for making foam glass may include mixing natural glass with boron to form a mixture, milling the mixture, melting the mixture at a temperature of at least 900° C., and allowing the melted mixture to cool, such that the foam glass includes at least 5% alumina by weight of the foam glass and at least 5% boron oxide by weight of the foam glass.

Abstract: A flame retardant polymeric foam material and its manufacturing method are provided. The flame retardant polymeric foam material comprises a polymeric foam, and an organic flame retardant coating on the surface of the polymeric foam which is obtained by spraying, coating or by impregnating after the organic flame retardant melts. The present invention selects those types of flame retardants which are very effective in improving the flame retardancy of the polymeric foams; especially those effective for extruded polystyrene foams, and provides a simple and feasible approach to obtain polymeric foams with excellent flame retardant property. The methods can effectively increase the amount of the flame retardants added without affecting foaminess of the foam products and reducing strength or insulation properties of polymeric foams. Different flame retardancy requirements can be satisfied by simply varying the amount of the flame retardants coated on the polymeric foam surface.

Abstract: A breathable, heat-sealable composite film comprising first and second layers of polymeric material wherein (i) the polymeric material of the first layer comprises copolyester comprising monomeric units derived from one or more diol(s); one or more dicarboxylic acid(s); and one or more poly(alkylene oxide)glycol(s); and (ii) the second layer is a heat-sealable polymeric layer, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastisols which even without the addition of adhesion promoters exhibit high adhesion to metallic and cathodically deposition-coated substrates.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming an antifouling coating film including the steps of [1] preparing a colored antifouling paint containing a prescribed Si-containing hydrolyzable resin and a color pigment such that a coating film having a target dry film thickness T completely hides a surface of an object to be coated, the colored antifouling paint has a color difference ?E1 between the coating film having the thickness T and a coating film having a dry film thickness of 0.8 T, at least 2.0, and preferably the colored antifouling paint has a color difference ?E2 between the coating film having the thickness T and a coating film having a dry film thickness of 1.2 T, less than 1, and [2] coating a surface of the object with the colored antifouling paint until the surface of the object is completely hidden by the coating film formed from the colored antifouling paint.

Abstract: Provided is a wood fiber board, and a production method thereof, such that the wood fiber board contains no phenolic resin, is simple to produce, and exhibits flexural strength and water resistance comparable to those of wood fiber boards produced by incorporating a phenolic resin. The wood fiber board of the present invention has only wood fibers; a polyacrylamide resin being an amphoteric-ionic resin, which has monomers having cationic groups and monomers having anionic groups at a ratio of 7:3 to 3:7 on a mole ratio basis, and which has a molecular weight ranging from 800,000 to 3,000,000; and cationic paraffin. A method of producing a wood fiber board of the present invention involves preparing a slurry to a solids concentration ranging from 2 to 3 wt % and pH of 3 to 5, and adding only the polyacrylamide resin and paraffin to the slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Ag alloy film. Particularly, it is preferably used as a reflective film or semi-transmissive reflective film for an optical information recording medium having high thermal conductivity/high reflectance/high durability in the field of optical information recording media, an electromagnetic-shielding film excellent in Ag aggregation resistance, and an optical reflective film on the back of a reflection type liquid crystal display device, or the like. The Ag alloy film of the present invention comprises an Ag base alloy containing Bi and/or Sb in a total amount of 0.005 to 10% (in terms of at %). Further, the present invention relates to a sputtering target used for the deposition of such an Ag alloy film.

Abstract: Coated articles and methods for applying coatings are described. The article may include a base material and a coating comprising silver formed thereon. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a silver-based alloy, such as a silver-tungsten alloy. The coating may, in some instances, include at least two layers. For example, the coating may include a first layer comprising a silver-based alloy and a second layer comprising a precious metal. The coating can exhibit desirable properties and characteristics such as durability (e.g., wear), hardness, corrosion resistance, and high conductivity, which may be beneficial, for example, in electrical and/or electronic applications. In some cases, the coating may be applied using an electrodeposition process.

Abstract: Provided is an organic electroluminescent element which includes a pair of electrodes composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, with at least one of the electrodes being transparent or semi-transparent, and an organic compound layer interposed between the pair of electrodes and containing one or more charge transporting polyesters represented by the following formula (I) [in the formula (I), A1 represents at least one selected from structures represented by the following formula (II); and in the formula (II), X represents a group represented by the following formula (III)]:

Abstract: A cyclophosphazene compound of the formula (I), and lubricants and magnetic disks using the compound wherein n is 2, 3 or 4, m is an integer of 1 to 12, R is C1-4 fluoroalkyl and Rf is —CF2O(CF2CF2O)x(CF2O)yCF2— or —CF2CF2O(CF2CF2CF2O)zCF2CF2— in which x, y and z are each 0 or a positive real number to give a number average molecular weight of 500 to 4000 to a fluoropolyether of the formula HOCH2—Rf—CH2OH including said Rf, the fluoropolyether having a molecular weight distribution (PD) of 1.0 to 1.5.

Abstract: A battery pack that can prevent deformation caused by external impact as well as leakage of an electrolyte. The battery pack includes a bare cell including a pouch type casing, an electrode assembly accommodated in the pouch type casing, and positive and negative electrode tabs extending from one side of the pouch type casing, a protection circuit board electrically connected to the bare cell, and a main body accommodating the bare cell and the protection circuit board. The battery pack also includes at least one reinforcing plate, wherein ends of the reinforcing plate are in contact with a surface of a front end portion of the bare cell or an inner surface of the main body. The reinforcing plate can be formed integrally with an upper or lower case of the main body or can be formed separately and disposed in the upper case or lower case.

Abstract: A sealed battery (10) provided by the present invention includes: a current cut-off valve (22); and a connecting member (30) having an engagement hole (34) formed in a location adjacent to the current cut-off valve. The current cut-off valve is conductively connected to the connecting member by joining linearly to a peripheral edge of the engagement hole and/or joining at a surface that is in contact with an inner wall of the engagement hole in a state in which part of the current cut-off valve is fitted into the engagement hole. When an internal pressure of a battery case (40) rises above a predetermined level, the current cut-off valve is deformed outward of the case by the internal pressure, the current cut-off valve is separated from the connecting member, and the electric connection between the connecting member and the current cut-off valve is broken.

Abstract: A cylindrical nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: a wound electrode unit as a wound electrode laminate of belt-like positive and negative electrodes laminated via a separator, the positive electrode including a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode including a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material layer; an adhesive member provided to cover the wound electrode laminate at a terminating end portion lying on an outer side of the wound electrode unit; and a battery canister housing the wound electrode unit, the adhesive member including a base material, and an adhesive layer provided on a whole surface or on at least a part of the surface on one side of the base material, and the base material being a mixture of a resin material of high swellability and a resin material of high melting point.

Abstract: A secondary battery comprises: an electrode assembly comprising a first plate, a second plate, and a separator disposed between the first and second plates, wherein the first plate comprises an active portion and a non-active portion extending from the active portion, wherein the second plate comprises an active portion and a non-active portion extending from the active portion; a ceramic material disposed on the non-active portion of the first plate; and a battery case housing the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A battery pack with phase change materials (PCM). The PCM would improve the heating and cooling capabilities under various vehicle operating conditions. Methods of controlling the temperature in battery packs are also described.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of unit batteries; at least one bus bar electrically connecting electrode terminals of unit batteries of the plurality of unit batteries; and a bus bar holder including a holder body extending in a lengthwise direction, and at least one bus bar receiver on the holder body and mounting a respective bus bar of the at least one bus bar thereon, the at least one bus bar receiver having at least one connection hole formed therethrough, wherein the at least one bus bar is connected to an electrode terminal of the electrode terminals through the at least one connection hole.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having at least one tab which projects from one side of the electrode assembly, an external finishing material surrounding and sealing the tab except a distal end portion thereof and the electrode assembly, and polymer films interposed between the external finishing material and the tab to improve adhesion therebetween. When the tab has a thickness no less than a predetermined thickness, the tab is formed to have a sectional shape which ensures that an inside angle defined by one of upper and lower surfaces of the tab and an adjacent side surface of the tab becomes an obtuse angle, and the polymer films are formed to have protuberances on the inner surfaces thereof, so as to improve bondability between the tab and the polymer films.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery pack including a battery cell, a protection circuit module (PCM) assembly having a connection member (A), an insulative mounting member having a connection member (B) embedded therein, and an insulative cap. The connection member (B) is coupled to a second electrode terminal of the battery cell by welding, such that the connection member (B) is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal of the battery cell, in a state in which the insulative mounting member is mounted on the battery cell. The connection member (A) is coupled to a first electrode terminal of the battery cell upward from a PCM, such that the connection member (A) is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell. The electrical connection between the PCM assembly and the connection member (B) is achieved in a physical contact fashion.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery is provided, which can prevent incompatibility of rechargeable batteries with existing charging/discharging equipment by extending an electrode terminal to the center of a cap plate. In one exemplary embodiment, the rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab, a can accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap plate sealing a top opening of the can and having a terminal through-hole at a first location offset toward one side of the cap plate with respect to the center of the cap plate, and an electrode terminal inserted into the terminal through-hole, wherein the electrode terminal extends along a top surface of the cap plate from the first location to the center of the cap plate.

Abstract: A flange 37b of a cap case 37 is provided with protrusions 37c that, before being swaging, project upward from the flange 37b. When the flange 37b is swaged along an upper surface of the cap 3, the protrusion 37c projects along the upper surface of the cap 3 from the flange 37b toward a center of the cap 3. The cap case 37 is welded to the cap 3 by friction stir welding at a welding portion 37d located at a substantially center of the protrusion 37c. The protrusions 37c are formed approximately in a letter-T shape that is symmetric left and right, and width W2 of a connecting portion 37r in a cap circumferential direction is smaller than the maximum width W1. The rigidity of the connecting portion 37r against deformation is reduced by forming a portion with small width W1 at the connecting portion 37r.

Abstract: Electrode structures, and more specifically, electrode structures for use in electrochemical cells, are provided. The electrode structures described herein may include one or more protective layers. In one set of embodiments, a protective layer may be formed by exposing a lithium metal surface to a plasma comprising ions of a gas to form a ceramic layer on top of the lithium metal. The ceramic layer may be highly conductive to lithium ions and may protect the underlying lithium metal surface from reaction with components in the electrolyte. In some cases, the ions may be nitrogen ions and a lithium nitride layer may be formed on the lithium metal surface. In other embodiments, the protective layer may be formed by converting lithium to lithium nitride at high pressures. Other methods for forming protective layers are also provided.

Abstract: An active material contains a triclinic LiVOPO4 crystal particle, while the crystal particle has a spherical form and an average particle size of 20 to 200 nm.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a lithium-ion secondary battery with small internal resistance, excellent load characteristics and low reduction in capacitance due to repeated discharge and charge. The lithium-ion secondary battery of the present invention attaining the above purpose comprises a positive electrode, negative electrode and electrolyte; said positive electrode and negative electrode are configured by binding an active material layer, including an electrode active material and a binder, to a collector; the binder used for at least one of the positive electrode or negative electrode includes polymer particles; and the polymer particles satisfy the following properties: swelling degree in the electrolyte of a sheet-like molded body, obtained by pressure molding of only the polymer particles, is 5 to 50%, and lithium ion conductivity of the sheet-like molded body swollen by the electrolyte is 1×10?4 S·cm or more.

Abstract: Provided is a non-aqueous electrolyte-based, high-power lithium secondary battery having a long service life and superior safety at both room temperature and high temperature, even after repeated high-current charging and discharging. The battery comprises a mixture of a lithium/manganese spinel oxide having a substitution of a manganese (Mn) site with a certain metal ion and a lithium/nickel/cobalt/manganese composite oxide, as a cathode active material.

Abstract: This invention provides a nanocomposite-based lithium battery electrode comprising: (a) A porous aggregate of electrically conductive nano-filaments that are substantially interconnected, intersected, physically contacted, or chemically bonded to form a three-dimensional network of electron-conducting paths, wherein the nano-filaments have a diameter or thickness less than 1 ?m (preferably less than 500 nm); and (b) Sub-micron or nanometer-scale electro-active particles that are bonded to a surface of the nano-filaments with a conductive binder material, wherein the particles comprise an electro-active material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions and wherein the electro-active material content is no less than 25% by weight based on the total weight of the particles, the binder material, and the filaments. Preferably, these electro-active particles are coated with a thin carbon layer. This electrode can be an anode or a cathode.

Abstract: In a lithium ion secondary battery, an electrode assembly, in which a positive electrode sheet having a positive electrode mixture layer and a negative electrode sheet having a negative electrode mixture layer are overlain each other, is housed in a container together with a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. The negative electrode mixture layer includes a carbon material having at least in part a graphite structure as a negative active material.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a carbon material for a nonaqueous secondary battery having a high capacity and excellent charging/discharging load characteristics, which is used as a negative electrode material for a nonaqueous secondary battery. This invention relates to a carbon material for a nonaqueous secondary battery, which has a specific (1) Raman R value, (2) N atom concentration/C atom concentration ratio, and (3) S atom concentration/C atom concentration ratio.

Abstract: An insulating (nonconductive) microporous polymeric battery separator comprised of a single layer of enmeshed microfibers and nanofibers is provided. Such a separator accords the ability to attune the porosity and pore size to any desired level through a single nonwoven fabric. Through a proper selection of materials as well as production processes, the resultant battery separator exhibits isotropic strengths, low shrinkage, high wettability levels, and pore sizes related directly to layer thickness. The overall production method is highly efficient and yields a combination of polymeric nanofibers within a polymeric microfiber matrix and/or onto such a substrate through high shear processing that is cost effective as well. The separator, a battery including such a separator, the method of manufacturing such a separator, and the method of utilizing such a separator within a battery device, are all encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A composite cathode active material, a cathode including the composite cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode. The composite cathode active material includes: a lithium transition metal oxide; and a lithium-containing impurity on a surface of the lithium transition metal oxide. The lithium-containing impurity includes free lithium in an amount of about 0.050 wt % or less based on a total weight of the composite cathode active material, and LiOH and Li2CO3 in a mole ratio of LiOH to Li2CO3 of about 0.50 or less.

Abstract: A cylindrical lithium secondary battery includes an anode and a cathode, capable of occluding or emitting lithium ions; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a CID (Current Interrupt Device) for intercepting electric current and lowering inner pressure when the inner pressure of the secondary battery is increased. The cylindrical lithium secondary battery may ensure the safety of the battery with respect to overcharging and also at the same time prevent the problem wherein the CID is activated too early, such that the battery stops its operation when the battery is used in a high-temperature environment.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium battery including a negative electrode, a positive electrode, the positive electrode including a lithium manganese oxide represented by the following Chemical Formula 1a or 1b, and an electrolyte, the electrolyte including an alkylsilyl phosphate represented by the following Chemical Formula 2:

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte composition for a lithium or lithium-ion battery comprising a lithium salt in a liquid carrier comprising (a) a linear alkyl carbonate solvent, a cyclic alkyl carbonate solvent, or a combination thereof, and (b) a glycerol carbonate derivative compound of Formula (I): wherein X is selected from O, O(CO)O, S, N, P, P(?O), B, and Si; n is 1 when X is O, O(CO)O, or S; n is 2 when x is N, P, P(?O), or B; n is 3 when X is Si; and each R independently is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, acyl, heteroaryl, a 5-member ring heterocyclic group, a 5-member ring heterocycle-substituted methyl group, trialkylsilyl, and any of the foregoing substituted with one or more fluoro substituents, provided that R is acyl only when X is O, S, or N, and R is not alkyl when X is O(CO)O.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method are provided for generating hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuel, wherein hydrocarbon fuel is supplied to a fuel reformer for producing hydrogen rich gas including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and possibly unconverted fuel compounds, wherein the amount of carbon monoxide and/or the unconverted fuel compounds is reduced with the help of a molten salt reactor arranged downstream the fuel reformer. An auxiliary power unit including such an arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: An oxygen/hydrogen fuel cell including a package having, on the side of the cell intended to be exposed to air, an enclosure provided with a mobile cap; an element made of a material which deforms according to the humidity ratio in the package; circuitry for controlling the opening and the closing of the mobile cap; and a switch which opens and closes according to the deformation of said material, said switch being associated with control means.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells, and an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell. The oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus includes an oxygen-containing gas supply channel connected to an oxygen-containing gas inlet of the fuel cell for allowing the oxygen-containing gas to flow from an air pump into the oxygen-containing gas inlet, a branch supply channel branched from the oxygen-containing gas supply channel and which is opened to the inside of a fuel cell chamber, an oxygen-containing gas discharge channel for discharging an oxygen-containing off gas from the fuel cell, and an oxygen-containing off gas circulation channel one end of which is connected to the oxygen-containing gas discharge channel, and another end of which is connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply channel at a position upstream from the air pump.

Abstract: Biomass is gasified to generate syngas. The syngas is subjected to thermal cracking. Heat from syngas exiting a thermal cracking stage is transferred to syngas entering the thermal cracking stage. Biomass gasification apparatus may include a thermal pathway connected to transfer heat from an outlet of a thermal cracking process to an inlet of the thermal cracking process. Energy efficiency is enhanced. Syngas may be used as fuel for engines or fuel cells, burned to yield heat, or processed into a fuel.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell with a controlled phosphoric acid-based material retention ratio. The composite electrolyte membrane includes an electrolyte membrane containing a compound having a phosphoric acid-based material-containing functional group. Also disclosed are a method for manufacturing the composite electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell including the composite electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell tube, a flame tip protection member and a current conduction member. The first fuel cell tube has a flame end. The flame end has exit opening. The fuel cell tube is configured to deliver combustible gas to the flame tip region generating a flame kernel. The flame protection member is configured to inhibit at least one of mass transfer and heat transfer between the fuel cell tube and the flame tip region. The current conduction member is disposed through the exit opening of the flame end of the first fuel cell tube.

Abstract: A photomask is provide. The photomask includes a substrate having a multi-layer stack disposed over the substrate. The multilayer stack has alternating first second and third layers disposed over each other, wherein the first, second and third layers are composed of first, second and third materials, respectively, and wherein at least the second layer is formed through an atomic layer deposition process. A capping layer is disposed over the multilayer stack; and an absorber layer disposed over the capping layer. A method for evaluating materials, unit processes, and process sequences for manufacturing a photomask is also provided.

Abstract: A pattern is formed in a polymeric layer comprising (a) a reactive polymer comprising -A- recurring units comprising pendant tertiary alkyl ester groups, (b) a compound that provides an acid upon exposure to radiation having a ?max of 150 nm to 450 nm, and (c) a crosslinking agent that is capable of reacting in the presence of the acid to provide crosslinking in the (a) reactive polymer. The polymeric layer is patternwise exposed to the radiation to provide a polymeric layer comprising exposed regions comprising a polymer comprising carboxylic acid groups. The exposed regions are contacted with a reducing agent to incorporate reducing agent, and then contacted with electroless seed metal ions to oxidize the reducing agent and to form corresponding electroless seed metal nuclei. The electroless seed metal nuclei are then electrolessly plated with a metal to form a conductive metal pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photosensitive polysiloxane composition that has good thermal transmittance, good chemical resistance and good sensitivity and good refractivity. The invention also provides a method for forming a thin film on a substrate, a thin film on a substrate and an apparatus.

Abstract: In order to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which the dark-area potential does not easily change even when repeatedly used for a long period of time under a normal temperature/low humidity environment, a method of producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus, each comprising the electrophotographic photosensitive member, an undercoat layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is incorporated with an organic resin, a metal oxide particle, and a specific compound (phosphine oxide compound).