Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

Abstract: An anode for use in an electrolysis process for production of aluminium in cells of Hail-Héroult type, the anode comprises a body or block (120; 20) of calcinated carbonaceous material connected with an electrical current lead, where said current lead being connected with an anode rod (103; 3) and further being part of an anode hanger (101; 1). The current lead comprises at least one metallic suspension plate(s) (104; 4. 4?) with vertically oriented redding plates (105 105??,5, 5?) at least partly embedded by their lower partly in corresponding recesses (113, 113??, 13. 13?; 100, 100?) in the top of the carbonaceous block (120; 20} and further connected by mechanical fixation means (108; 8; 14, 16). Said recesses are wider than the rodding plates and being filled with an electric conductive particulate material only. It Is also described a method for processing an undercut recess (10) in the an ode top for mechanically fixing the anode block (20) to a protrusion (8) on the current lead.

Abstract: This aluminum smelter comprises a line of electrolytic cells arranged transversely to the line, one of the cells comprising anode assemblies and electrical conductors mounted and connecting the anode assemblies. Rising and connecting conductors extend upwardly along two opposite longitudinal edges of the cell. In addition, the aluminum smelter comprises a first electrical compensating circuit extending under the cell and which can be traversed by a first compensating current in the opposite direction to that of the electrolysis current, a second electrical compensating circuit extending on one side of the line that can be traversed by a second compensating current in the same direction as the electrolysis current.

Abstract: A method to extract and refine metal products from metal-bearing ores, including a method to extract and refine titanium products. Titanium products can be extracted from titanium-bearing ores with TiO2 and impurity levels unsuitable for conventional methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are pre-wetting apparatus designs and methods. In some embodiments, a pre-wetting apparatus includes a degasser, a process chamber, and a controller. The process chamber includes a wafer holder configured to hold a wafer substrate, a vacuum port configured to allow formation of a subatmospheric pressure in the process chamber, and a fluid inlet coupled to the degasser and configured to deliver a degassed pre-wetting fluid onto the wafer substrate at a velocity of at least about 7 meters per second whereby particles on the wafer substrate are dislodged and at a flow rate whereby dislodged particles are removed from the wafer substrate. The controller includes program instructions for forming a wetting layer on the wafer substrate in the process chamber by contacting the wafer substrate with the degassed pre-wetting fluid admitted through the fluid inlet at a flow rate of at least about 0.4 liters per minute.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a colored aluminum product or a colored aluminum alloy product includes the following steps of (i) subjecting a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy to an anodic oxidation in a treatment solution containing phosphoric acid to form an anodic oxidation film having a plurality of pores on a surface of the substrate, (ii) treating the substrate with warm water having a temperature between 40 and 100° C., and (iii) immersing the substrate in a pigment composition for coloration includes pigment particles, a dispersing agent and water to fill the pigment particles into a plurality of the pores in the anodic oxidation film on the surface of the substrate, thereby performing coloration.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal nanoparticle on a surface includes subjecting a metal source to a temperature and a pressure in a carrier gas selected to provide a vapor metal species at a vapor pressure in the range of about 10?4 to about 10?11 atm; contacting the vapor metal species with a heated substrate; and depositing the metal as a nanoparticle on the substrate.

Abstract: Preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and their dispersions in solvents and other media is described. The nanocrystals described herein have small (1-10 nm) particle size with minimal aggregation and can be synthesized with high yield. The capping agents on the as-synthesized nanocrystals as well as nanocrystals which have undergone cap exchange reactions result in the formation of stable suspensions in polar and nonpolar solvents which may then result in the formation of high quality nanocomposite films.

Abstract: Single crystals of the new semiconducting oxychalcogenide phase were synthesized using a novel crystal growth method. The crystals had low defects and homogeneous composition as characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Heat capacity and resistivity measurements were in agreement with the calculated band structure calculations indicating semiconductivity, with a band gap of about 3 eV.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally related to a processing chamber, and more specifically a heat modulator assembly for use in a processing chamber. The heat modulator assembly includes a heat modulator housing and a plurality of heat modulators. The heat modulator housing includes a housing member defining a housing plane, a sidewall, and an annular extension. The sidewall extends perpendicular to the housing plane. The annular extension extends outward from the sidewall. The plurality of heat modulators is positioned in the housing member.

Abstract: A method of bonding a nanofiber web of nanofibers having diameters of between about 50 nanometers and about 2,000 nanometers onto a surface of a woven or nonwoven polymeric media having media fiber diameters of between about 700 nanometers and about 50,000 nanometers utilizes exposing the topmost layer of nanofibers and media fibers to a jet of heated air for a time and at a distance such that substantially only the topmost layer of fibers are bonded. The jet of heated air exits through a nozzle slot having a length of less than about 2 inches in the nanofiber web travel direction. The temperature of the heated air ranges from about 2 to about 10 times the nanofiber melting temperature, and heat air has a nozzle slot velocity of greater than about 500 feet/minute. An adhesive may bond the nanofibers, to a media, which may be bi-component fiber fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molded cellulose body which includes a functional substance having low impregnation efficiency, to the use thereof and to a method for introducing functional substances of low impregnation efficiency into a molded cellulose body during its production and after the molding step.

Abstract: Fibers for generating antimicrobial activity are described. The fibers comprise an enzyme that is able to convert a substrate to release hydrogen peroxide, and an unrefined natural substance that includes a substrate for the enzyme, wherein the enzyme is additional to any enzyme activity able to convert the substrate to release hydrogen peroxide that may be present in the unrefined natural substance. In the presence of sufficient free water, the enzyme converts the substrate to release hydrogen peroxide, which is effective against a wide range of microbes. Wound dressings and compositions comprising the fibers are also described, as is use of the fibers, wound dressings and compositions, particularly for wound healing.

Abstract: An improved process for solution spinning of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE) filaments, wherein the 10 wt % solution of the UHMW PE in mineral oil at 250° C. has a Cogswell extensional viscosity and a shear viscosity within select ranges.

Abstract: A resin powder for solid freeform fabrication includes a particle having a pillar-like form, wherein the ratio of the height of the particle to the diameter or the long side of the bottom of the particle is 0.5 to 2.0, the particle has a 50 percent cumulative volume particle diameter of from 5 to 200 ?m, and the ratio (Mv/Mn) of the volume average particle diameter (Mv) to the number average particle diameter (Mn) of the particle is 2.00 or less.

Abstract: Provided are a carbon fiber composite material and a producing method thereof comprising an adhesive layer having excellent conductivity and high peeling strength. A carbon fiber composite material according to the present application includes a first carbon fiber dispersion layer having carbon fibers dispersed in a thermosetting resin, a carbon nanotube dispersion layer having carbon nanotubes dispersed in a thermosetting resin, and a second carbon fiber dispersion layer having carbon fibers dispersed in a thermosetting resin, wherein the carbon nanotube dispersion layer is arranged between the first carbon fiber dispersion layer and the second carbon fiber dispersion layer, and the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube dispersion layer are arranged in close contact with the carbon fibers of the first carbon fiber dispersion layer and the carbon fibers of the second carbon fiber dispersion layer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a yarn construction comprising fibres A and at least one indicator fibre, wherein the indicator fibre comprises fibre B and an elemental metal at least partially coating the surface of the fibre B, wherein fibre A and fibre B are dissimilar ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres. The yarn constructions may be available in different forms, amongst others in ropes, straps, slings, fabrics and synthetic chains.

Abstract: A knit sleeve for providing thermal protection about an elongate member contained therein and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes a knit inner wall with opposite edges extending lengthwise between opposite ends and a circumferentially continuous tubular outer wall knit integrally with the inner wall. The outer wall bounds a central cavity that extends lengthwise along a central axis between open opposite ends of the outer wall. The opposite edges of the inner wall are substantially parallel to the central axis and are wrappable toward one another to form the inner wall as being tubular. The circumferentially continuous tubular outer wall is configured to be everted about the wrapped inner wall to circumferentially surround and protect the inner wall from abrasion and provide the sleeve with a dual layer wall.

Abstract: This machine for forming the shed, of the dobby or cam machine type for a weaving loom comprises output levers performing, during the weaving, an alternating oscillation movement around another common shaft, a casing (12) with an output aperture crossed by the levers, as well as a frame (6) which delimits, with the casing (12), an inner volume (V) of the machine, comprising an area for receiving torque transmission members between a driving shaft and a shaft for actuating the output levers as well as an area for receiving the output levers, this receiving area being adjacent to the area for receiving the torque transmission members, while the frame (6) supports the actuation shaft. The casing (12) and the frame (6) are in sealed contact, via at least one seal gasket (16, 18), at both external (16) and internal (18) seal barriers (B1, B2) respectively distant from each other, both seal barriers each extending over the whole periphery of the casing (12) except at the output aperture.

Abstract: This heddle for a harness of a Jacquard weaving loom comprises two strands (32, 34) each equipped at a first end with a member for hooking-up the heddle to an element of the harness, as well as a link (30) with an eyelet (36) for guiding a warp thread, this eyelet (36) being positioned, along a longitudinal axis (X10) of the heddle, between both strands (32, 34). The link (30) is in a synthetic material and comprises two branches (52, 54) positioned on either side of the eyelet (36) along the longitudinal axis (X10). A portion (522, 542) of each branch (52, 54) is over-molded on a second end (324, 344) of a strand (32, 34) opposite to its first end and shifted longitudinally from the eyelet (36). Further, each branch (52, 54) of the link completely surrounds the second end (324, 344) of the corresponding strand (32, 34).

Abstract: A glass fiber cloth includes a first warp glass fiber, a second warp glass fiber, and a weft glass fiber. The second warp glass fiber is adjacent to the first warp glass fiber. The weft glass fiber is overlaid over the first warp glass fiber and the second warp glass fiber. The weft glass fiber is attached to the first warp glass fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled run-up of a weaving and shedding machine, wherein the weaving and the shedding machine are connected with a controller, wherein the weaving machine is driven by means of a main drive, wherein the shedding machine is driven by means of an electric motor auxiliary drive, wherein the weaving and the shedding machine are connected by means of a common converter intermediate circuit for the energy flow transmission, wherein the shedding machine is started at a time point t0 and is run-up until to a time point t1 to an overspeed that lies above its operating rotational speed, wherein the time point t1 lies before a time point t3, wherein the weaving machine is started at a time point t2 and wherein the start phase of the weaving machine lies in the time interval from the time point t2 to the time point t3, and wherein a power transmission (feedback) by means of the converter intermediate circuit from the shedding machine to the weaving machine is carried out in t

Abstract: A knitting needle assembly has a needle body including a tip at one end and a cord connected to the needle body at other end. An adjustable slider is disposed on the cord. The cord stabilizes and holds stitches of yarn used to create a knitted workpiece. The distance between the needle tip and the slider can be adjusted by the user to accommodate the width of the knitted workpiece. Two such assemblies are used to knit. The sliders on each assembly can be adjusted to compress previously formed stiches of the workpiece so that the stitches are delivered to the needle body under a resiliency force. The sliders can also be adjusted to accommodate newly formed stitches without compression so they move freely away from the needle tip once they are formed.

Abstract: A jacquard warp tensioning device for a warp knitting machine, comprising a pair of side panels (1) disposed on two sides of the machine casing, a warp beam (2) positioned at the upper portions of the side panels (1), a plurality of warp guide rods (3, 4, 5) disposed at positions lower than that of the warp beam (2) and a flat spring warp dividing device (16), wherein an upper tension balancing device (6) and a lower tension balancing device (11) are disposed between the warp beam (2) and the warp guide rods (3, 4, 5), the upper tension balancing device (6) comprising an upper rotating shaft (7) with two ends thereof disposed on the side panels (1), an upper servo motor (8) disposed at one end of the upper rotating shaft (7) and an upper tensioning rod (9) fixedly disposed on the upper rotating shaft (7) by means of a plurality of upper connecting rods (10), the lower tension balancing device (11) comprising a lower rotating shaft (12) with two ends thereof disposed on the side panels (1), a lower servo motor

Abstract: To ensure during the braiding of braiding cores, which have a complex braiding core geometry or vastly different side lengths, that the braiding threads are always correctly following the braiding core contour in terms of storage, at least two braiding rings are provided, which have a constant opening cross-section and are arranged in series directly adjacent to one another. The opening cross-sections delimited by the braiding rings overlap at least partially. The braiding rings are adjustable independently of one another.

Abstract: A device for producing a three dimensional shaped consolidated product. The device includes a rotary drum, defined as a rotary conveyor with a peripheral surface extending in circumferential direction with at least one product shaping area in the form of a cavity on said peripheral surface, the peripheral surface is pervious to air at least in the product shaping area, at least one material feed device to feed a base material into the at least one cavity, a vacuum device designed to generate a negative pressure at least in the at least one cavity, whereby the generated suction is directed towards the interior of the rotary conveyor, and whereby downstream of the material feed device at least one consolidating device is located such that at least a part of the filled cavity is subjected to a consolidating treatment whereby the base material at least partly will adhere to neighboring material.

Abstract: A multi-lobed fiber includes a fiber and additives. The fiber has a cross-section including a core portion and a plurality of lobes. Each of the lobes includes an inner end connected to the core portion, and an outer end protruding from the core portion. The additives are disposed in the fiber. Each of the additives includes an outer point distal to the core portion, and the outer point of the additive is closer to the core portion than the outer end of the lobe.

Abstract: Provided is a sewing machine including: a cylinder unit 3 configured to support two materials Fi and Fo having annular edges by being inserted therethrough while they are stacked, with one being located on the inner wheel side and the other being located on the outer wheel side; a stitch plate 12 configured to support the material Fi on the inner wheel side supported by the cylinder unit 3 by abutting it from below; a material presser 13 configured to press the material Fo on the outer wheel side supported by the cylinder unit 3 above the stitch plate 12; and a material sandwiching unit 41 provided on the near side of the stitch plate 12 and the material presser 13 and configured to sandwich, from above and below, the two materials Fi and Fo stacked, with the material Fi on the inner wheel side being located on the lower side and the material Fo on the outer wheel side being located on the upper side.

Abstract: A loop gripper (10) for a tufting machine has a gripper body (11) with a gripper finger (12) extending in an extension direction E from a retained end (13) to a free end (14). On the gripper finger (12) underside (16), a cutting region (20) transitions into a sliding surface (19) at a transition point (21). A retaining element (35) near the transition point (21) is mounted to be pivotable about a pivot axis S relative to the gripper finger (12). The pivot axis S extends in a transverse direction Q at right angles to the extension direction E. The retaining element (35) is urged into a starting position A by a force, for example a spring force and/or a weight force. In the starting position A, a retaining surface (37) of the retaining element (35) extends obliquely or at right angles away from the sliding surface (19).

Abstract: According to some aspects, water repellent treatments for fabrics. More particularly, systems and methods for water repellant treatment of protective fabrics for ballistic and other applications, and protective fabrics made using such techniques.

Abstract: A dual-stroke safety switch of a washing machine has a control switch mounted in a base, and a control rod movably connected to the base. The control switch comprises a first control switch and a second switch. The control rod has two motion strokes respectively for controlling the switch-off of the first control switch and the second switch, and the motion stroke for the switch-off of the first control switch is less than the motion stroke for the switch-off of the second control switch. The different strokes of the control rod substantially reflect different degrees of eccentricity of a water tub. The switch-off of the first control switch indicates that small eccentricity of the water tub takes place, and the switch-off of the second control switch indicates that there is serious eccentricity.

Abstract: A sensor data learning method executed by a computer, includes acquiring sensor data, collecting the acquired sensor data at each representative point of a plurality of pieces of similar sensor data, and calculating reliability of a data type associated with the representative point based on the data type granted to each of the plurality of pieces of sensor data.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating laundry according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a treating chamber and a dispenser fluidly coupled to the treating chamber. The dispenser has a single dose reservoir, a bulk dispensing reservoir, and an overflow fluidly coupling the single dose reservoir to the bulk dispensing reservoir.

Abstract: A control system includes a motor, first and second movable members, which can be rotated by the motor and which are adapted to interact with a first and a second controlled apparatus, respectively, and a transmission mechanism configured for controlling the movable members. The motor is bidirectional and is configured for selectively rotating, through the transmission mechanism, the first and second movable members, respectively, when the motor turns in a first direction and a second direction of rotation, respectively, opposite to each other. The transmission mechanism includes a first and a second unidirectional clutch selectively cooperating with the motor.

Abstract: A double-head drainage pump of a washing machine includes a pump housing in which a water inlet is formed. A first water outlet and a second water outlet are formed in the pump housing. A first drainage motor is mounted on the pump housing corresponding to the first water outlet and a second drainage motor is mounted on the pump housing corresponding to the second water outlet. The first drainage motor controls opening/closing of the first water outlet, and the second drainage motor controls opening/closing of the second water outlet. The first water outlet and the second water outlet which share one water inlet are formed in the pump housing, the first water outlet is used for drainage of the washing machine, and the second water outlet is used for water reuse drainage.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a mounting damping device of a double-head drainage pump of a washing machine. The double-head drainage pump comprises at least two drainage pumps sharing one water inlet, the two drainage pumps are integrally connected with each other through a strengthened connector, the strengthened connector is mounted on a washing machine mounting plate, and the mounting damping device used for relieving vibration of the double-head drainage pump is arranged between the strengthened connector and the washing machine mounting plate. The mounting damping device disclosed by the present disclosure is easy to mount, has very good damping effects and limiting action, reduces the noise of the washing machine, brings user good feelings and increases the recognition degree of the user to a brand.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a receiving unit for providing a laundry receiving space, an introduction port for allowing the receiving unit to communicate with the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus, a door for opening and closing the introduction port, an actuation unit provided at the door such that the actuation unit reciprocates between a first position and a second position, and a fixing unit for fixing the door to the introduction port using an attractive force when the actuation unit is positioned at the first position and for separating the door from the introduction port when the actuation unit is positioned at the second position.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a main body, a first drying tub having a rotary drum provided rotatably inside the main body, and a second drying tub provided separately from the first drying tub inside the main body. A first supply flow path is provided to supply air to the first drying tub and a second supply flow path branches from the first supply flow path to supply air to the second drying tub. A first discharge flow path is provided to discharge air from the first drying tub, and a second discharge flow path is provided to discharge the air of the second drying tub through the first drying tub. The user can selectively apply a rotating method having a rapid drying speed and a non-rotating method capable of minimizing damage to clothes according to the characteristics of clothes.

Abstract: A washing and drying system is disclosed. The system includes a washing machine that has a washing function. The system further includes a dryer that has a drying function. The dryer includes a drying unit that is configured to increase a temperature within a drying chamber that is configured to receive clothing. The dryer further includes a controller that is configured to set a capacity of the drying unit according to an operation termination time of the washing machine based on operation of the washing machine, and operate the drying unit according to the set capacity.

Abstract: A composite carbon fiber having a carbon fiber to which an amine-functionalized polymer is electro-grafted onto a surface thereof is provided. Electro-grafting the amine-functionalized polymer onto the surface of the carbon fiber results in a composite carbon fiber in which the polymer is covalently bonded to the fiber, and in which a significant number of reactive amine groups are available for subsequent reactions, such as for reacting with a resin matrix in the production of a fiber reinforced composite. As a result, the composite carbon fibers may be particularly useful in producing fibers reinforced composites that exhibit improved interlaminar strength. Fiber reinforced composites are also provided.

Abstract: A fluorine-free composition includes one or more compounds derived from a reaction mixture that includes: (i) at least one isocyanate-reactive (i.e., functionalized) oligomer comprising 2 to 20 repeating units; (ii) at least one polyisocyanate; (iii) optionally at least one additional isocyanate-reactive compound; and (iv) optionally at least one isocyanate blocking agent; wherein the isocyanate-reactive oligomer is made by the radical-initiated reaction of a reaction mixture comprising at least one mercaptan and Sat least one (meth)acrylate monomer, wherein the at least one (meth)acrylate monomer comprises at least one isocyanate-derived group (e.g., a urethane group or a urea group) and at least one hydrocarbon group having at least 16 carbon atoms (and in some embodiments, up to 60 carbon atoms). Such compositions are useful for treating fibrous substrates to enhance their water-repellency.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating textile material to inhibit or reduce release of formaldehyde from the textile material. The invention also provides a method for treating textile material without the use of formaldehyde or formaldehydic compounds in the treatment compositions. The resulting textile material is environmentally friendly and can exhibit a high degree of oleophobic, hydrophobic, superoleophobic, superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, omniphobic, hydrophilic/wicking, abrasion resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial properties textile surfaces. In some cases, the resulting textile material exhibits multivalued oleophobic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, superoleophobic, superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic and/or omniphobic textile surfaces which can repel soil and/or water at extremely low-surface-tension without sacrificing aesthetic qualities.

Abstract: A Dyed textile article including raw fiber, yarn, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics pre-treated with natural components citrus limonum francais, sapindus mukorossi or acetic acid in the ratio of 1/20 (bleaching agent/weight of cloth); treated with treating component like tannic acid; dyed with the extracts of the herbs wherein the raw fiber, yarn, woven fabrics, knitted/non-woven textile articles is blended with the herbs and; wherein the herbal extract is commingled, stuffed between the raw fibers of the textile article or the yarn and; the said raw fiber/yarn is used for preparing textile articles wherein the said raw fiber is carefully and hygienically stuffed in between the layers of textile articles; wherein the said raw fiber/yarn is capable of providing health benefits along with feel and hue of the naturally dyed textile articles. Stuffing or comingling the herbs to make the pads used for various purposes.

Abstract: A silicone cable jacket and a cable assembly formed therefrom exhibits lubricious properties. The silicone cable jacket includes a silicone elastomer and a PSQ additive. The PSQ additive is selected as a polyalkylsilsesquioxane, a polyarylsilsesquioxane, a polyalkylaryl-silsesquioxane, or a mixture thereof. The silicone cable jacket exhibits a lower static and dynamic coefficient of friction (COF) as measured according to ASTM D 1894-14 and an enhanced level of abrasion resistance in a DIN 53516 test as compared to a similar cable jacket without the PSQ additive.

Abstract: It is disclosed a process to transfer a ligno-cellulosic feedstock from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone. A slurry the ligno-cellulosic feedstock is first provided, which is then subjected to a multi-step liquid removal process comprising draining by gravity at least a portion of the free liquid; removing a first portion of the capillary liquid in a low pressure zone by continuously compressing a stream of the ligno-cellulosic feedstock to reach a moisture content in a first target range; removing a second portion of the capillary liquid by shearing and compressing the ligno-cellulosic stream in a plug forming device, to form a ligno-cellulosic feedstock plug having a moisture content in a second target range at an outlet of the plug forming device connected to the high pressure zone.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method relates to removal of optical brightening agents (OBA) from a substrate using peracetate oxidant solutions. A method may include reducing the microbial load in white water of water recycle loops. The methods may include providing a peracetate oxidant solution. The peracetate solution may include peracetate anions and a peracid. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution may include a pH from about pH 10 to about pH 12. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution has a molar ratio of peracetate anions to peracid ranging from about 60:1 to about 6000:1. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution has a molar ratio of peracetate to hydrogen peroxide of greater than about 16:1. The peracetate solution may provide bleaching, sanitizing and/or disinfection of water, pulp, substrates and/or surfaces. The peracetate oxidant solution may provide enhanced separation of dyeing agents from a substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for directed fouling of a substance onto a selected surface. Also provided is an apparatus suitable for directed fouling of a substance onto a selected surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing the surface hydrophobicity of the surface of a cellulosic article involving applying a solution of amylose-fatty ammonium salt inclusion complex in water to the article and then optionally applying an alkaline solution to the article to neutralize said amylose fatty ammonium salt inclusion complex to form an insoluble amylose fatty amine inclusion complex. Also disclosed are cellulosic articles produced by the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) material comprising microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), microfib-rillated cellulose (MFC) or a mixture thereof, and at least one polymer forming an IPN together with the MCC, MFC or mixture thereof. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the IPN material, and to use of the IPN material in paper industry.

Abstract: Compositions and methods related to new wet strength resins are provided. By using functionally-symmetrical cross-linkers and mono-functional modifiers, and separating the steps of reacting a prepolymer with the cross-linkers from the reaction of intermediate cross-linked prepolymer with epichlorohydrin, new wet strength resin products are provided having improved properties.