Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly applied to a polymer electrolyte water electrolysis device (or system) that generates hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of pure water and to a polymer electrolyte water electrolysis stack comprising same. The present invention can accelerate entry into a hydrogen economy society by optimizing the compositions of an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer among constituent elements of the membrane-electrode assembly to minimize the amount of a catalyst in the catalyst layers and reducing the power consumption to lower the production cost of hydrogen.

Abstract: A water electrolysis cell includes an anode-side porous channel, a membrane electrode assembly, a cathode-side porous channel, and a separator disposed on at least any one of a side of the anode-side porous channel opposite to the membrane electrode assembly side and a side of the cathode-side porous channel opposite to the membrane electrode assembly side. The anode-side porous channel, the membrane electrode assembly, and the cathode-side porous channel are provided in this order. The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode catalyst layer, an electrolyte membrane, and a cathode catalyst layer in order from the anode-side porous channel side. An area in a plane direction of the anode-side porous channel is greater than an area in the plane direction of the cathode-side porous channel in a plan view.

Abstract: In the water electrolysis system, the water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis cell stack and a reaction water supply device, and the water electrolysis system gradually increases the supply amount of the reaction water to the oxygen electrode by the reaction water supply device so that a pressure value on an oxygen electrode side of the water electrolysis cell stack does not become higher than a pressure value on a hydrogen electrode side of the water electrolysis cell stack when the water electrolysis system is activated.

Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis stack, a gas-liquid separator, a hydrogen pressure boosting stack, a first power supply device, a second power supply device, and a control device. The control device acquires an electric resistance value of the second power supply device that applies a predetermined voltage to an anode and a cathode of the hydrogen pressure boosting stack, and controls a value of a current to be applied to the water electrolysis stack, based on the electric resistance value and the temperature of water in the gas-liquid separator.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrolyte solution production can be provided so that a modular production can be provided. The modular electrolyte production can be provided so that the production system is mobile for being used in multiple different plants at different geographical locations that are remote from each other. Embodiments can be configured so that electrolyte production is made for a plant specific application that provides an electrolyte solution having a pre-selected concentration of at least one electrolyte for use in at least one electrolyzer of the plant. The production can be mobile so it can be provided at different sites to make the same type of solutions or different solutions specific to the needs of the plants it may support. Some embodiments can utilize an electrolyte material handling device that also modular and mobile. Other embodiments can be configured to utilize an on-site electrolyte material handling device.

Abstract: An electrosynthesis system is equipped with an electrolysis device that carries out electrolysis on carbon dioxide gas and water vapor, a synthesizing device that synthesizes a hydrocarbon gas from hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas that are generated by the electrolysis, and a control device. The control device adjusts a flow rate of the water vapor supplied to the electrolysis device, in a manner so that a first concentration ratio, which is a concentration ratio between the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas in a mixed gas discharged from the electrolysis device and containing the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas, becomes a predetermined target concentration ratio.

Abstract: Methods comprise generating chlorine gas in a conversion process that converts metal chloride from an aqueous medium derived from a metal containing aqueous source into a hydroxide material; recovering the chlorine gas; and recovering bromine by reacting the chlorine gas with a bromide containing aqueous source. The methods and apparatus described herein also provide for removing sulfide species and/or organic species and/or transition metals, among others. The methods may be applicable for instance to lithium conversion and may be coupled to a direct extraction process for lithium extraction.

Abstract: A method of using an electrochemical cell includes sparging a gas including oxygen into an anolyte using an anolyte oxygen sparger, wherein the anolyte is circulated to contact an anode of an electrochemical cell including the anode, a cathode, and a membrane between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for efficient metal distillation, and for related primary product process. Vertically stacked and gravity-driven evaporators and condensers are employed to distill metals, such metals having different volatilities. A multiple-effect thermal system of magnesium and other volatile metals is used to efficiently distill and separate metals from multiple metal alloys.

Abstract: A method for producing metal aluminum by molten salt electrolysis of aluminum oxide is provided. The method for producing metal aluminum by molten salt electrolysis of aluminum oxide uses an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell is divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, and is filled with melts such as anolyte, catholyte and an alloy medium. The electrolytic cell is powered on to operate and an aluminum oxide raw material is added to the anode chamber to obtain high-purity metal aluminum in the cathode chamber. The disclosure provides an aluminum electrolysis method having the advantages of strong electrolysis operation adaptability, large selectivity of electrolysis materials and raw materials, being energy saving and environmentally friendly, and being capable of directly producing refined aluminum or high-purity aluminum.

Abstract: A method for producing a copper composite structure is disclosed. The method for producing a copper composite structure includes a first step of forming a copper pillar structure; and a second step of annealing the copper pillar structure under a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for galvanically growing a plurality of nanowires on a substrate, comprising a substrate holder and a receptacle for the substrate holder, the apparatus being designed to grow the plurality of nanowires on the substrate when the substrate holder with the substrate has been received in the receptacle, the substrate holder having electronics which are designed to influence the growing of the nanowires.

Abstract: A negative electrode composite current collector including a copper plating solution is described. The copper plating solution includes a leveling agent represented by a general formula (1) where an anion X is F?, Cl?, or Br?; R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from O or S; and R4, R5, and R6 are each independently selected from hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

Abstract: The masking material includes a penetrating portion according to a predetermined pattern. The masking material includes a mask portion and at least the mask portion contacting the substrate is made of an elastic material. The penetrating portion includes an expanded portion that is expanded outwardly from a portion contacting the substrate toward the electrolyte membrane in a thickness direction of the mask portion such that in a state where the mask portion is elastically deformed by a pressing force of the electrolyte membrane, a shape of a cross section of a formation space of the penetrating portion in which the metal film is to be formed becomes rectangular.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a distribution system for a process fluid for a chemical and/or electrolytic surface treatment of a substrate, comprising: a distribution body, and a substrate holder, wherein the substrate holder has a substrate holder length (L) and a substrate holder width (W) and is configured to hold the substrate to be treated, wherein the distribution body comprises several openings for a process fluid and/or an electric current, wherein the distribution body and the substrate holder are moveable relative to each other, wherein the distribution body has a distribution body length (l) and a distribution body width (w), and wherein the distribution body length (l) is smaller than the substrate holder length (L).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of at least two distribution body elements for a chemical and/or electric surface treatment of a substrate, a modular distribution body comprising such a system and a manufacturing method for at least two distribution body elements. In the system of at least two distribution body elements, each distribution body element has a plate shape and comprises jet openings for distributing a process fluid from inside the distribution body element to the substrate to be treated and drain openings for distributing the process fluid and an electric current through the distribution body element. Each distribution body element has a connecting area configured to be connected to a connecting area of another distribution body element to form a modular distribution body comprising at least two distribution body elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anodizing apparatus that may include: a body; a jig tray disposed inside the body and having a plurality of coupling holes formed to pass therethrough in an upward and downward direction thereof; a plurality of jigs detachably coupled correspondingly to the plurality of coupling holes of the jig tray to fix a plurality of objects to be anodized thereto at a time; and an anodizing unit adapted to perform an anodizing process for the plurality of objects to be anodized and having a plurality of accommodation parts for storing electrolytes therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a superhydrophobic and self-cleaning anticoagulant composite coating material and a preparation method and use thereof, and relates to the technical field of biomedical materials. In the coating material provided by the present disclosure, a titanium dioxide nanotube-based structure increases microscopic roughness of a surface of a titanium-based metal substrate, and a hydrophobic modification layer reduces surface energy of the material. The rough structure and the hydrophobic modification layer have a synergistic effect to construct a superhydrophobic surface, making the surface of the material have self-cleaning characteristics and low adhesion. Air can be retained on the surface of the material to form an air layer, thereby reducing the contact area between the material and bacteria and platelets in the blood, and inhibiting adhesion of the bacteria, platelets, and plasma proteins to the material.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrodepositable coating composition comprising a resinous phase dispersed in an aqueous medium, said resinous phase comprising: (1) an ungelled active hydrogen-containing, cationic salt group-containing resin; (2) an at least partially blocked polyisocyanate curing agent; and (3) a pigment component, wherein the pigment component comprises an inorganic, platelike pigment present in the resinous phase, wherein the electrodepositable coating composition contains less than 8 percent by weight of a grind vehicle, based on the total weight of solids in the electrodepositable coating composition. The invention also provides methods of improving the corrosion resistance of a metal substrate and coated substrates.

Abstract: A disclosed method for operating a treatment system and to a treatment system for electrophoretic dip coating, more particularly dip painting of a metal workpiece, more particularly of a vehicle body, in a dipping tank filled with a paint, wherein: a relative movement between the workpiece and a bus bar is carried out in the dipping tank; a voltage is applied to the workpiece; and, while the workpiece is in the effective range of at least one bus bar portion of the bus bar, electric current is fed to the workpiece from the at least one bus bar portion at least some of the time. Examples disclosed herein also relate to a treatment system and to a computer program product.

Abstract: Methods and electroplating systems for controlling plating electrolyte concentration on an electrochemical plating apparatus for substrates are disclosed. A method involves: (a) providing an electroplating solution to an electroplating system; (b) electroplating the metal onto the substrate while the substrate is held in a cathode chamber of an electroplating cell of electroplating system; (c) supplying the make-up solution to the electroplating system via a make-up solution inlet; and (d) supplying the secondary electroplating solution to the electroplating system via a secondary electroplating solution inlet. The secondary electroplating solution includes some or all components of the electroplating solution. At least one component of the secondary electroplating solution has a concentration that significantly deviates from its target concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a metal on a semiconductor substrate with high control over plated thickness on a die-level includes an ionically resistive ionically permeable element (e.g., a plate with channels), where the element allows for flow of ionic current through the element towards the substrate during electroplating, where the element includes a plurality of regions, each region having a pattern of varied local resistance, and where the pattern of varied local resistance repeats in at least two regions. An electroplating method includes providing a semiconductor substrate to an electroplating apparatus having an ionically resistive ionically permeable element or a grid-like shield having a pattern correlating with a pattern of features on the substrate, and plating metal, while the pattern on the substrate remains spatially aligned with the pattern of the element or the grid-like shield for at least a portion of the total electroplating time.

Abstract: Method for galvanically growing a plurality of nanowires on a substrate, comprising a) placing a foil onto the surface, the foil having a plurality of passing-through pores, in which the nanowires can be grown from an electrolyte, b) placing an elastic element that is permeable to the electrolyte onto the foil, the electrolyte being brought into contact with the foil by way of the elastic element, c) for a first growing time period, galvanically growing the plurality of nanowires, d) removing the elastic element, and e) for a second growing time period, continuing the galvanic growing of the plurality of nanowires.

Abstract: Articles such as substrates for semiconductor products comprising metal and resin portions with adhesion promoter material are processed in a plating bath, wherein the adhesion promoter material is exposed to dissolution as a result of prolonged exposure to the plating bath. The articles are processed by dipping them in the processing bath so that they have opposed surfaces exposed to the processing bath. The movement of the articles through the processing bath B may occur to be halted. In that case a gas flow is provided lapping the opposed surfaces of the articles to shield the opposed surfaces of the articles from exposure to the processing bath.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing SiC single crystal substrate including placing a SiC single crystal serving as a seed crystal and a SiC powder layer in a container in a state in which the SiC single crystal and the SiC powder layer are in contact with each other and performing a heat treatment by placing the container in an effective working zone of a firing furnace controlled to a temperature range within ±50° C. of a preset temperature to grow a SiC single crystal on the seed crystal.

Abstract: A two-step process is provided for forming large photonic single crystals of about 0.1 millimeter and greater via DNA coated colloidal particles. The two-step process generally include decoupling the nucleation and growth steps. In particular, DNA colloidal particles are partitioned in nanoliter droplets formed in a water in oil emulsion using microfluidics. Once a crystal nucleates within a droplet, depletion of particles occurs as the crystal grows inhibit formation of more crystals within the droplet. A small number of droplets containing these seed crystals are then mixed with droplets containing weak DNA coated colloidal particles. The emulsion is then broken and heated at a temperature effective to cause dissociation of the weak particles while the seeds remain stable. The system is further cooled at a temperature effective that the particles stably adhere to the seed crystals resulting in growth while inhibiting nucleation of new crystals.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a quartz glass crucible constituted by an outer layer formed of an opaque quartz glass containing a bubble, and an inner layer formed of a transparent quartz glass. The method includes steps of preparing a quartz glass crucible to be evaluated, irradiating the quartz glass crucible to be evaluated with ultraviolet rays as an excitation light, detecting a blue fluorescence emitted from the quartz glass crucible irradiated with the ultraviolet rays, and evaluating a state of oxygen deficiency defects in the outer layer of the quartz glass crucible on the basis of existence or non-existence of the blue fluorescence. The method allows hydrogen doping and water vapor introduction to attain nondestructive and easy evaluation on the state of the oxygen deficiency defects generated in the quartz glass crucible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method of a P-type high-resistance and ultra-high-resistance Czochralski monocrystalline silicon substrate. According to the present invention, an oxygen concentration in a silicon wafer is controlled to match with a resistivity, so as to realize that a conductive type of the silicon substrate does not change after a device is manufactured, and that the silicon substrate has a high resistivity. The oxygen concentration and the resistivity in silicon crystal can be adjusted separately or together; and operation is flexible, and a yield of a high-resistance silicon crystal is greatly improved.

Abstract: The present invention is a single crystal pulling apparatus which includes a pulling furnace having a central axis and a magnetic field generating apparatus having coils, and applies a horizontal magnetic field to a molten semiconductor raw material, wherein the coils are saddle-shaped, two pairs of the coils are provided with the coils of each pair arranged facing each other, two coil axes in the two pairs of coils are included in the same horizontal plane, when a magnetic force line direction on the central axis of the pulling furnace in the horizontal plane is defined as a X-axis, and a direction perpendicular to the X-axis in the horizontal plane is defined as a Y-axis, a center angle ? between the two coil axes sandwiching the X-axis is 90 degrees or less and an inter-coil angle ? between adjacent superconducting coils sandwiching the Y-axis is 20 degrees or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a preparation method of an aluminum nitride (AlN) composite structure based on a two-dimensional (2D) crystal transition layer. The preparation method of the present disclosure includes: transferring the 2D crystal transition layer on a first periodic groove of an epitaxial substrate; forming a second periodic groove staggered with the first periodic groove on the 2D crystal transition layer; depositing a supporting protective layer; depositing a functional layer of a required AlN-based material; and removing the 2D crystal transition layer through thermal oxidation to obtain a semi-suspended AlN composite structure. The preparation method of the present disclosure has low difficulty and is suitable for large-scale industrial production.

Abstract: A silicon carbide wafer manufacturing apparatus includes a mounting unit disposed in a reaction chamber. The mounting unit includes a susceptor portion having a mounting surface on which a rear surface of a seed substrate is to be mounted, and a guide portion disposed on the susceptor portion in a state of surrounding the seed substrate. The mounting unit is configured such that a first interval between the seed substrate and the guide portion on an upstream side in a step-flow growth direction is narrower than a second interval between the seed substrate and the guide portion on a downstream side in the step-flow growth direction when an epitaxial layer is grown. The guide portion is configured such that a temperature of the guide portion is lower than a temperature of the seed substrate when the epitaxial layer is grown.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and systems for in-situ film growth rate monitoring and include a system to monitor film growth on a substrate including a light source, a collimator, a dichroic mirror, and a filter all along a propagation path and in optical communication along the propagation path. The propagation path splits into a first sub-path and second sub-path at the dichroic mirror. The first sub-path is directed to a pyrometer, and the second sub-path is directed to a spectrometer.

Abstract: A seed substrate for epitaxial growth has a support substrate, a planarizing layer of 0.5 to 3 ?m provided on the top surface of the support substrate, and a seed crystal layer provided on the top surface of the planarizing layer. The support substrate includes a core of group III nitride polycrystalline ceramics and a 0.05 to 1.5 ?m encapsulating layer that encapsulates the core. The seed crystal layer is provided by thin-film transfer of 0.1 to 1.5 ?m of the surface layer of Si<111> single crystal with oxidation-induced stacking faults (OSF) of 10 defects/cm2 or less. High-quality, inexpensive seed substrates with few crystal defects for epitaxial growth of epitaxial substrates and solid substrates of group III nitrides such as AlN, AlxGa1-xN (0<X<1) and GaN are obtained.

Abstract: A manufacturing process is described to evaluate and select raw semiconductor wafers in preparation for epitaxial layer formation. The manufacturing process first produces a single crystal ingot during which a seed pulling velocity and temperature gradient are closely controlled. The resulting ingot is vacancy-rich with relatively few self-interstitial defects. Selected wafers can advance to a high-temperature nitridation annealing operation that further reduces the number of interstitials while increasing the vacancies. Substrates characterized by a high vacancy density can then be used to optimize an epitaxial layer deposition process.

Abstract: The application relates to a wickerwork fibre, in particular for the production of furniture and/or furniture parts, including a main body produced by extrusion and composed of a plastic material with a flat cross section, the width of which is a multiple of the height, and wherein the main body has elevations running parallel to one another at least on one broad side. In order to create a wickerwork fibre which closely resembles a natural fibre in terms of haptic and optical perception and can be produced in a simple manner, it is proposed that the elevations are triangular in cross section. The application also relates to a method for producing a wickerwork fibre of this kind.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid colored oil and a colored polyamide fiber. The liquid colored oil contains a colorant and a base oil agent. The base oil agent is a liquid at normal temperature and normal pressure, and a solubility parameter (SP) value thereof is 7.5 to 15.0. The colored polyamide fiber contains the aforementioned liquid colored oil. The liquid color oil can be stably added into polymers and dye them during the spinning process. The colored polyamide fiber has excellent spinning and dyeing properties.

Abstract: A process for making a garment from a recycled dope-dyed synthetic yarn comprises the incorporation of a recycled carbon black into the yarn for making an environmentally friendly garment for lowering emission of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a product formed from intelligent fibers that includes at least one of a mono-material fiber; a coaxial fiber; and a continuous fiber. The fibers react to an environmental stimulus such as a mechanical, thermal, chemical, biological, or magnetic stimulus to provide a feedback to a user. The feedback may be change in color, shape, or material property. The fibers may comprise chromophores, force detection wires, and/or fiber optics. The invention can be used to prepare products such as a shoe, garment, textile, building material, or engineered hybrid plant product.

Abstract: Disclosed are porous multi-metal oxide nanotubes and a production method therefor. In one aspect, methods for producing porous multi-metal oxide nanotubes are provided comprising: (a) preparing an admixture comprising metal-acetylacetonate precursors, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and a solvent component; and (b) producing a nanocomposite from the admixture, wherein metals of the metal-acetylacetonate precursors comprise a non-radioactive alkali metal stable isotope and a non-radioactive alkaline earth metal stable isotope. As such, porous multi-metal oxide nanotubes having a single-phase multivalence may be obtained in high yield without using harmful chemical substances. In addition, the polymer electrolyte membrane including the porous multi-metal oxide nanotubes may have maintained and improved mechanical strength, and thus may have maintained durability even during cell operation and may also have improved proton conductivity even at low humidity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating carbon fibers includes the steps of: (a) melting asphaltene solids in a sealed vessel; (b) spinning melted asphaltenes to fabricate green fibers; (c) stabilizing the green fibers; (d) carbonizing the stabilized green fibers; and (e) optionally graphitizing carbonized fibers.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of producing a lignin-based carbon fiber. This method comprises providing a lignin-containing material; producing a lignin fiber from the lignin-containing material; stabilizing the lignin fiber under tension, where the tension is adjusted during said stabilizing such that the maximum bearable tension is applied to the lignin fiber; and carbonizing the lignin fiber under tension to produce a carbon fiber, where said carbonizing is carried out at a temperature below 1200° C. and where the tension during said carbonizing is adjusted to avoid shrinkage. The present application is also directed to a lignin-based carbon fiber and molded articles containing such fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for a yarn forming element of an air-spinning nozzle, to a spinning position of an air-spinning machine and to a method for cleaning a yarn forming element of this type. In order to provide a spinning position of an air-spinning machine and a method for cleaning a yarn forming element of an air-spinning machine which allow long and trouble-free operation with constant quality and strength of the yarn produced, it is provided that the cleaning device has a cleaning strip and a storage unit for providing and retracting the cleaning strip, a fixed end of the cleaning strip being fastened to the storage unit, and a free end of the cleaning strip being able to be provided for cleaning and retracted again after the cleaning. Furthermore, the cleaning device has a cleaning strip guide for feeding the free end of the cleaning strip to the yarn forming element of the air-spinning nozzle for mechanical cleaning.

Abstract: A fabric-based item may include a housing that is covered in fabric. Areas of the fabric may overlap input circuitry such as button switches, touch sensors, force sensors, proximity sensors, and other sensing circuitry and may overlap other components such as light-emitting components and haptic output devices. The fabric-based item may include control circuitry that gathers user input from the input circuitry and wireless communications circuitry that the control circuitry uses to transmit remote control commands and other wireless signals in response information from the input circuitry. The fabric-based item may have a weight that is located in the housing to orient the housing in a desired direction when the housing rests on a surface. A movable weight may tilt the housing in response to proximity sensor signals or other input. Portions of the fabric may overlap light-emitting components and optical fiber configured to emit light.

Abstract: A method of making a deep pile fabric that closely resembles natural sheepskin fleece, that includes forming a plurality of straight fiber strands and a plurality of looped fiber strands and simultaneously knitting the straight fiber strands and the looped fiber strands and the scrim together, wherein the straight fiber strands and the looped fiber strands are knit on the scrim in rows, wherein each row includes alternatingly knitting one of the straight fiber strands and one of the looped fiber strands to the scrim.

Abstract: A monolayer, plant protein based imitation leather material and methods of making same. Embodiments of the method comprise 1) creating a mixture of a one or more plant protein powder, a one or more non-proteinaceous polymer or toughening elastomer, a one or more plasticizer, a one or more cross-linking agent, and a one or more curing agent in an; 2) calendering the mixture into a flat, monolayer sheet at a controlled roll temperature and affixing the sheet onto a surface of a carrier fabric and 3) curing the calendered monolayer sheet by applying heat and pressure for a period of time.

Abstract: A facility for producing mineral wool, including at least one supply device for supplying mineral fibers and a fiber-distribution station including a conveyor belt which can move in a longitudinal direction and on which the mineral fibers can be received so as to form a mineral fiber mat, wherein the fiber distribution station includes a roller table arranged on the passage of the mineral fibers that are intended to fall by gravity onto the conveyor belt, wherein each roller can be driven in rotation about a transverse axis of rotation, the rollers being configured to orient the mineral fibers longitudinally on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Sulfonated polystyrene fibers having an average diameter from 450 nm to 2000 nm and a capacity from 0.05 meq/g to 2.0 meq/g.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a spunbond nonwoven laminate having a plurality of spunbond nonwoven layers has a row extending in a travel direction of two, three, or four spinning beams each emitting a multiplicity of multicomponent crimped continuous filaments with the filaments of each beam having a degree of crimp different from that of the filaments of each of the other beams. Respective extruders supply each beam with the components of the respective filaments and respective supply units feed each of the extruders with the respective components. The rate at which the components are supplied to the extruders is adjusted for varying the proportions of the components in each filament. A conveyor extends in the direction below the beams and receives the filaments as respective layers from the respective beams.

Abstract: A method for producing an air-laid product or a non-woven product from a starting material includes: comminuting starting material into a comminuted material in at least one comminution line by at least one comminuting device; feeding the comminuted material into at least one material buffer; removing the comminuted material from the at least one material buffer; metering the comminuted material by at least one metering device; supplying the comminuted material to at least one processing line with at least one defibration system in which the comminuted material is defiberized into a defiberized material; and feeding the defiberized material into a production machine and processing the defiberized material into an air-laid product or a non-woven fabric. The at least one metering device is controlled in such a way that a continuous mass flow of defiberized material is supplied to the production machine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sheet molding compound (SMC) according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: (i) drawing out a carrier film from a roll to travel on a conveyance path such that the surface of the carrier film is horizontal; (ii) cutting a continuous carbon fiber bundle into short carbon fiber bundles with a chopper disposed above the conveyance path; (iii) allowing the short carbon fiber bundles to fall onto the carrier film traveling on the conveyance path while dispersing them using a dispersing roll disposed below the chopper to deposit a carbon fiber mat on the carrier film; (iv) impregnating the carbon fiber mat with a thermosetting resin composition to obtain a resin-impregnated carbon fiber mat; and v) concurrently with the deposition of the carbon fiber mat, removing fiber dust generated from the short carbon fiber bundles due to contact with the dispersing roll using a dust collector.