Abstract: A multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane comprising first microporous layers constituting at least both surface layers, and at least one second microporous layer disposed between both surface layers, the first microporous layer comprising a first polyethylene resin containing 8% or more by mass of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 1×106 or more, the second microporous layer comprising a second polyethylene resin containing 7% or less by mass of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and having a structure in which a pore diameter distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, and the total thickness of the first microporous layers being 15-60% per 100% of the total thickness of the first and second microporous layers.

Abstract: A fire retardant thermally insulative, vandalism and damage resistant panel for the building exteriors includes a relatively low density foam layer having relatively high thermal resistivity, a relatively high density foam layer having relatively high impact strength and resistance to bending facingly contacting the low density foam layer, a porous fabric contacting the high density foam layer at a surface thereof facing oppositely from the low density foam, and a weather resistant, water impermeable exterior layer contacting the fabric at a surface facing in a direction opposite from where the high density foam contacts the fabric, where the high density foam substantially occupies at least parts of some of the pores of the fabric and the exterior layer material substantially occupies at least parts of at least some of the pores of the fabric such that sufficient pores of the fabric are filled with the high density foam, the exterior surface material and chemical reaction products thereof to create a bond be

Abstract: A method of fabricating a formed structure with expandable polymeric shell microspheres. A first plurality of polymeric shell microspheres are heated from an unexpanded state to an expanded state to form a plurality of expanded microspheres. The plurality of expanded microspheres are mixed with an epoxy resin and a second plurality of unexpanded polymeric shell microspheres. The mixture is formed in a shape to create a preform. The preform is wrapped with fiber tape to create a wrapped preform. The wrapped preform is placed in a mold. The mold is heated and the second plurality of unexpanded microspheres expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state. The mold is cooled and the formed structure is removed from the mold.

Abstract: Method for preparing a filtration membrane and a filtration membrane prepared by the method. According to one embodiment, the method involves casting a polymer solution onto a porous support to form a coated support. The coated support is then quenched to form a membrane/support composite, and the membrane/support composite is then dried. Next, a first end of a first piece of adhesive tape is applied to the membrane side of the composite, and the second end of the first piece of adhesive tape is applied to a first rotatable winder. In addition, a first end of a second piece of adhesive tape is applied to the support side of the composite, and the second end of the second piece of adhesive tape is applied to a second rotatable winder. The two winders are then rotated so as to pull apart the membrane from the support.

Abstract: A transmission electron microscope (TEM) micro-grid includes a pure carbon grid having a plurality of holes defined therein and at least one carbon nanotube film covering the holes. A method for manufacturing a TEM micro-grid includes following steps. A pure carbon grid precursor and at least one carbon nanotube film are first provided. The at least one carbon nanotube film is disposed on a surface of the pure carbon grid precursor. The pure carbon grid precursor and the at least one carbon nanotube film are then cut to form the TEM micro-grid in desired shape.

Abstract: A method for applying reactive films containing solids to microporous membranes is provided wherein the membrane is firstly moistened and the reactive film containing solids is applied to the membrane while it is still moist. Membranes produced in this manner can contain reactive films having a high proportion of film openers and can be used advantageously in diagnostic elements for detecting constituents and, in particular, large hydrophobic analytes in body fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane comprising at least one molecular monolayer composed of low-molecular aromatics and cross-linked in the lateral direction, wherein the membrane has a thickness in the range from 1 to 200 nm and a perforation in the form of openings having a diameter in the range from 0.1 nm to 1 ?m, to a method for the production thereof, and to a use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile multi-layer elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer based thermal and/or sound insulation material with improved fire retardant properties together with low smoke generation, the process for manufacturing of such material and the use of such material and resulting composites.

Abstract: A back protective sheet for a solar cell module in which a thermoplastic resin sheet containing heat-expandable particles is formed on at least one side of a base sheet, a solar cell module having this back protective sheet for a solar cell module, and a production method of this solar cell module.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a panel capable of obtaining sufficient strength, weight reduction and sound absorbing performance. A space is formed by an inner thin plate fixed to the inner surface of an outer thin plate, and a foam material is filled in the space. The foam material is preferably a highly foamable rubber sound absorbing material. In the inner thin plate, a perimetrical side part and perimetrical edge part for forming the space, and a concave part for enhancing the strength of the panel are drawn to the side of the outer thin plate. The bottom faces of the perimetrical edge part and concave part of the inner thin plate are bonded to the outer thin plate using a thermosetting adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a duct molding method by which it is possible to improve the adhesion of a sheet. In the duct molding method of the present invention, a molten thermoplastic resin sheet is positioned between molds. Subsequently, the thermoplastic resin sheet (P) is absorbed onto cavity surfaces of the molds and the molds are closed. Thereby, a duct is molded.

Abstract: A shrinkage suppression layer used in the production of a ceramic substrate according to a non-shrinkage process provides favorable removal performance while sufficiently ensuring the restraining performance of the shrinkage suppression layer. Resin beads, which disappear at a temperature lower than the sintering temperature of a low-temperature sintering ceramic material of a base material layer to form open bores in a shrinkage suppression layer, are added to the shrinkage suppression layer and dispersed uniformly at least in a principal surface direction. The shrinkage suppression layer provides sufficient restraining performance to the base material layer in the step of firing, and after the firing, forms open bores, thereby improving the removal performance of the shrinkage suppression layer.

Abstract: A layered filter membrane with improved anti-clogging characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, a filter membrane includes multiple polymer layers, each with different pore diameters formed by stretching the polymer layers. Furthermore, the multiple filter layers are coupled together before being stretched and the different pore sizes are formed during co-stretching of the filter layers.

Abstract: A procedure for making an implant having a textured silicone surface is disclosed. The method may include the steps of providing a conventional mandrel and applying a pre-formed, polymeric mesh sock to the mandrel. The sock is contacted with a silicone dispersion and the silicone dispersion is at least partially cured with the sock in contact therewith. The silicone dispersion is at least partially cured while the sock is in contact therewith and the sock is them removed, for example, by dissolution, to leave a textured elastomeric material useful as a component of a breast implant shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane filter comprising a plurality of pores of substantially the same size. The membrane filter may be supported by at least one support (e.g. in the form of a support grid) and is able to handle a large flux and pressure in use. The invention also relates to a method of fabrication of such a filter membrane using a solvable mold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multilayer foam where easy generation of dead air and improvement in foam magnification is offered. Multilayer resin that has non-foam layer outside foam layer is pushed out, the innermost side of the multilayer resin is bonded mutually, and multilayer resin laminating body is formed. Multilayer resin laminating body is clamped in the empty space between outermost side of multilayer resin laminating body and cavity side with metal mold. Multilayer resin laminating body is molded in the shape along cavity side, and the multilayer foam is molded.

Abstract: A method of making a breathable film laminate includes: (a) providing a TPU film; (b) applying to a release substrate a layer of a film-formable liquid composition containing a volatile component; (c) heating the liquid composition on the release substrate to expel the volatile component, thereby forming a porous film; (d) transferring the porous film to a surface of the TPU film from the release substrate and pressing the porous film against the TPU film while the porous film is hot, thereby bonding thermally the porous film to the TPU film; and (e) cooling the porous film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminated separator including a first polyolefin microporous layer and a second polyolefin microporous layer which is laminated on the first polyolefin microporous layer and which is different from the first polyolefin microporous layer, wherein at least one of the first microporous layer and the second microporous layer includes an inorganic particle having a primary particle size of 1 nm or more and 80 nm or less.

Abstract: A sealing gasket includes a liner and a polyurethane foam layer disposed on the liner. The polyurethane foam layer can have a density of 50 kg/m3 to 250 kg/m3, a force-to-compress at 25% compression of not greater than 5.0 psi, and an 50% springback parameter of not greater than 2.0 seconds. The polyurethane foam has a thickness in a range of 0.3 mm to 10.0 mm. A surface of the polyurethane foam layer has a skin.

Abstract: In a method for producing a ceramic filter element for an exhaust gas filter for an internal combustion engine or a catalyst support, a combustible non-ceramic support web is used and holes or recesses are introduced into the non-ceramic support web at defined locations.

Abstract: Stabilized surfactant-based membranes and methods of manufacture thereof. Membranes comprising a stabilized surfactant mesostructure on a porous support may be used for various separations, including reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. The membranes are stabilized after evaporation of solvents; in some embodiments no removal of the surfactant is required. The surfactant solution may or may not comprise a hydrophilic compound such as an acid or base. The surface of the porous support is preferably modified prior to formation of the stabilized surfactant mesostructure. The membrane is sufficiently stable to be utilized in commercial separations devices such as spiral wound modules.

Abstract: A method for making an elastic laminate includes providing adhesive on each of two sides of a highly porous foil to form a polygonal reticulate adhesive film which includes a plurality of polygonal adhesive dots spaced from one another by a plurality of adhesive-free linear gaps, or which includes a plurality of hollow polygonal adhesive units connected to one another and each encloses a polygonal adhesive-free gap. Two sheets of elastic layers are adhered by the adhesive to the sides of the highly porous foil so that polygonal reticulate gaps exist between the highly porous foil and the elastic layer, providing a laminate with moisture-absorbing, permeable, quick drying, thermally insulating, and elastic properties.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a seat element (1; 101) is disclosed, comprising a body (2) obtained from moulding polyolefin plastic materials of expandable and reticulable type, and a template (3; 103) made of rigid material, which is coupled with the body (2) when it is still hot, in such a way to control the shrinking of the material of the body during cooling.

Abstract: Laminated metallic sheets which comprise an interior layer of a viscoelastic polymeric compound sandwiched between outer layers of metallic sheet may exhibit enhanced properties through modification of the viscoelastic phase. In a first embodiment the elastic modulus of the viscoelastic polymeric compound may be reduced by incorporating voids, bubbles or pores within the compound. These voids which may be introduced by introduction of polymeric microspheres are effective in reducing the internal stresses induced in the laminate by temperature changes. In a second embodiment, coating the microspheres with an electrically-conductive layer may be effective in enabling resistance spot welding of such laminated materials.

Abstract: A membrane selectively permeable to light gases comprises a membrane body formed by a first plate and a second plate. The second plate comprises a thin layer that is selectively gas-permeable. In the region of windows, this layer is exposed. There, support is provided by a porous bottom wall in the first plate or by narrow bores in the second plate. A heating device causes a radiation heating of the windows.

Abstract: A method for producing a crystalline polymer microporous membrane, which contains: placing a first crystalline polymer in a metal mold, and compressing the first crystalline polymer to form a first preforming body; placing a second crystalline polymer in a metal mold, and compressing the second crystalline polymer to form a second preforming body; extruding each of the first preforming body and the second preforming body to form a first extrusion body and a second extrusion body, respectively; laminating the first extrusion body and the second extrusion body to form a laminate; rolling the laminate; heating a surface of the laminate to perform asymmetric heating to thereby give a temperature gradient in a thickness direction of the laminate; and drawing the laminate.

Abstract: A method for producing a crystalline polymer microporous membrane, which contains: placing a first crystalline polymer in a metal mold, and compressing the first crystalline polymer to form a first preforming body; placing a second crystalline polymer in a metal mold, and compressing the second crystalline polymer to form a second preforming body; extruding the first and second preforming bodies to form first and second extrusion bodies, respectively; rolling the first and second extrusion bodies to form first and second crystalline polymer films, respectively; heating a surface of the first crystalline polymer film or second crystalline polymer film, or both to perform asymmetric heating to give temperature gradient in a thickness direction thereof; drawing each of the first crystalline polymer film and the second crystalline polymer film; laminating the drawn first and second crystalline polymer films to form a laminate; and heating the laminate to perform heat setting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.

Abstract: A waterproof roofing laminate comprises a cellular plastic support layer, an insulation layer located thereon, and a cover layer that reflects radiant energy such as infrared light, visible sunlight, and ultraviolet light. The cellular support layer contains a plurality of cavities therein that can be open or closed cell. The support layer can also have a solid continuous top and/or bottom surface layer. The insulation layer is located on the support layer and can be formed of numerous materials including natural or synthetic fibers, organic or inorganic material, and is free of cement and styrofoam. The waterproof cover layer is located on the insulation layer and is capable of reflecting radiant energy by being of a light color and/or containing radiant reflective materials therein.

Abstract: A transmission electron microscope (TEM) micro-grid includes a pure carbon grid having a plurality of holes defined therein and at least one carbon nanotube film covering the holes. A method for manufacturing a TEM micro-grid includes following steps. A pure carbon grid precursor and at least one carbon nanotube film are first provided. The at least one carbon nanotube film is disposed on a surface of the pure carbon grid precursor. The pure carbon grid precursor and the at least one carbon nanotube film are then cut to form the TEM micro-grid in desired shape.

Abstract: Thin, porous metal sheets and methods for forming them are presented to enable a variety of applications and devices. The thin, porous metal sheets are less than or equal to approximately 200 ?m thick, have a porosity between 25% and 75% by volume, and have pores with an average diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 ?m. The thin, porous metal sheets can be fabricated by preparing a slurry having between 10 and 50 wt % solvent and between 20 and 80 wt % powder of a metal precursor. The average particle size in the metal precursor powder should be between 100 nm and 5 ?m.

Abstract: There is provided a gas chromatograph column. The gas chromatograph column includes: a flow passage through which gas subjected to gas chromatography is absorbed, wherein an inner wall surface of the flow passage is at least partially provided with a plurality of pores whose sizes are substantially uniform. The gas chromatograph column further includes: a first substrate made of silicon and provided with a groove therein; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate to cover the groove; and a porous layer having the pores therein and formed on an inner wall surface of the groove.

Abstract: A method for applying reactive films containing solids to microporous membranes is provided wherein the membrane is firstly moistened and the reactive film containing solids is applied to the membrane while it is still moist. Membranes produced in this manner can contain reactive films having a high proportion of film openers and can be used advantageously in diagnostic elements for detecting constituents and, in particular, large hydrophobic analytes in body fluid.

Abstract: Described herein are composite materials and methods of using them for hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). In certain embodiments, the composite material comprises a support member, comprising a plurality of pores extending through the support member; and a macroporous cross-linked gel, comprising a plurality of macropores, and a plurality of pendant hydrophobic moieties. In certain embodiments, the composite materials may be used in the separation or purification of a biological molecule or biological ion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic polarizing element includes a first transparent electrode, an electron collector, dichroic dye molecules, a second transparent electrode and an electron supplier. The first transparent electrode is formed on a first transparent substrate. The electron collector is formed on the first transparent electrode. The dichroic dye molecules are arranged in and/or on the electron collector and aligned in a predetermined direction. The second transparent electrode is formed on a second transparent substrate. The electron collector and the second transparent electrode face each other with a gap having a predetermined thickness. The electron supplier arranged between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. An energy level of the dichroic dye molecules in an excited state is higher than that of the electron collector, and the energy level of the dichroic dye molecules in a ground state is lower than that of the electron supplier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a composite part, in particular an internal paneling part for vehicles, having a multipart cover layer, and a composite part.

Abstract: A shrinkage suppression layer used in the production of a ceramic substrate according to a non-shrinkage process provides favorable removal performance while sufficiently ensuring the restraining performance of the shrinkage suppression layer. Resin beads, which disappear at a temperature lower than the sintering temperature of a low-temperature sintering ceramic material of a base material layer to form open bores in a shrinkage suppression layer, are added to the shrinkage suppression layer and dispersed uniformly at least in a principal surface direction. The shrinkage suppression layer provides sufficient restraining performance to the base material layer in the step of firing, and after the firing, forms open bores, thereby improving the removal performance of the shrinkage suppression layer.

Abstract: A method for making a transmission electron microscope (TEM) micro-grid includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube film and a metallic grid are provided. The carbon nantoube film is laid on the metallic gird. The carbon nanotube film with the metallic gird is treated with an organic solvent. Wherein, the carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotube bundles substantially arranged at the same direction.

Abstract: An inkjet recording element comprising a support extrusion coated with a porous hydrophilic material. The composition comprises a hydrophilic thermoplastic polymer and blends thereof. Also disclosed are methods for making and a method of printing on the inkjet recording element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer microporous membrane comprising polyethylene and polypropylene and having an improved balance of properties including improved thickness variation in at least one planar direction. The invention also relates to a system and method for producing such a membrane, the use of such a membrane as a battery separator film, and batteries containing such a membrane.

Abstract: To provide an ionic electrolyte membrane structure that enables contact between the air pole and the fuel pole in which structure an edge face of the interface between an ion conducting layer and an ion non-conducting layer stands bare on a plane, an ionic electrolyte membrane structure which transmits ions only is made up of i) a substrate having a plurality of pores which have been made through the substrate in the thickness direction thereof and ii) a plurality of multi-layer membranes each comprising an ion conducting layer formed of an ion conductive material and an ion non-conducting layer formed of an ion non-conductive material which have alternately been formed in laminae a plurality of times on each inner wall surface of the pores of the substrate in such a way that the multi-layer membranes fill up the pores completely; the ions only being transmitted in the through direction by way of the multi-layer membranes provided on the inner wall surfaces of the pores.

Abstract: A layered filter membrane with improved anti-clogging characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, a filter membrane includes multiple polymer layers, each with different pore diameters formed by stretching the polymer layers. Furthermore, the multiple filter layers are coupled together before being stretched and the different pore sizes are formed during co-stretching of the filter layers.

Abstract: A method for making antimicrobial rebonded carpet pad includes mixing zinc pyrithione with a polyol to form an antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate, blending the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with a binder stream, mixing the binder with foam particles and curing the binder. The percentage of zinc pyrithione mixed with the polyol and the addition ratio of the antimicrobial polyol mixture concentrate with the binder stream are selected to provide an overall concentration of zinc pyrithione in the binder of at least about 7500 ppm. The particles and binder are cured into a block and sliced to form carpet pad.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compressible plate for flexographic printing, designed to be positioned on a support cylinder of a printing machine. The invention is characterized in that said plate (1) comprises a photopolymer layer (10) and a compressible layer (11) made of a material exhibiting voids forming between 10 and 60% by volume of said compressible layer, the material comprising at least 70% by weight of a polymer or a mixture of polymers chemically compatible with the photopolymer.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition comprises a porous-coated substrate, the porous coating comprising a reticulated particle coating, the coating being formed by fusing the reticulated particle to the surface, preferably by sintering.

Abstract: A porous body (28, 29) for a fuel cell (1000), a fuel cell component including the porous body and a method of manufacturing the fuel cell component is provided. The porosity in at least a portion (15) in the vicinity of the periphery of the porous body (28, 29) is lower than the porosity in an interior portion of the porous body. When a seal member (30) is arranged on the periphery of the porous body (28, 29) to be integrated with the porous body, the interior portion of the porous body (28, 29), is prevented from being impregnated with the seal member.

Abstract: A covering for use with a paper, cardboard, tissue or fibrous web making machine, the covering including a plurality of films laminated together, the films including a polymer material. The plurality of films each having a plurality of perforations penetrating a thickness of each film. The perforations being configured to form drainage channels through the covering. At least one of the films having perforations had filler particulates distributed through the polymer material of the film. The filler particulates having been substantially removed from the polymer material to form the perforations in the films.

Abstract: The invention described here provides different embodiments of a component part which exhibits high heat insulation and high heat energy storage for use in residential and industrial constructions. It is based on a latent heat storage by phase changes of particular materials in a temperature range equal to room temperature. The component part can be packaged in mats which are similar to films with air chambers (known as bubble wrap) used for packaging sensitive and fragile articles. Moreover, the component part can be rendered fire-resistant. In its most simple embodiment, it can bring about significant energy savings for heating and cooling when incorporated in walls, ceilings and floors of buildings. By integrating the material with geothermal heat pumps and solar collectors, said energy savings for heating and cooling can be increased by up to 80 percent, compared to conventional construction methods.

Abstract: The methods for producing microchannel chips of the present invention comprise the steps of shielding substrate surfaces on which groove-like channels have been formed, using a mask that exposes the channels, and then forming polymer membranes on the exposed surfaces of the substrates; and the step of laminating cover materials onto the side of the substrate surfaces on which the channels have been formed.

Abstract: A cathode of a solid-oxide fuel cell includes a first ionic conducting layer, a second layer deposited over the first layer and formed from a mixed ionic and electronic conductor layer including an oxygen ion conducting phase, and a third layer deposited over the second layer and formed from a mixed ionic and electronic conductor layer. A sintering aid and pore formers are added to the second layer and the third layer to establish ionic, electronic, and gas diffusion paths that are contiguous. By adjusting the microstructure of the second and the third layer, a high performance low resistance cathode is formed that bonds well to the electrolyte, is highly electro-catalytic, and has a relatively low overall resistance. By using inexpensive and readily available substances as sintering aid and as pore formers, a low-cost cathode is provided.