Abstract: The disclosure provides a nanodispersion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in monoethylene glycol (MEG) as well as a method for dispersing CNCs in MEG and a process for preparing a polymer composites comprising a CNC nanodispersion in MEG comprising copolymerizing said nanodispersion of CNCs and at least one monomer polymerizable with said MEG and/or CNCs.

Abstract: A perfluorocarbon-free membrane composed of a non-perfluorocarbon material having a first side and a second side opposite of the first side. The perfluorocarbon-free membrane also includes a plurality of pores, each having an inlet and outlet and each passing through the non-perfluorocarbon material so that each pore provides fluidic communication between the first and second sides of the non-perfluorocarbon material. A portion of the non-perfluorocarbon material extends over the inlet and outlet of each the plurality of pores so that a cross-sectional area of the inlets and outlets in a direction of the extension of the non-perfluorocarbon material is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the respective pore in the direction of the extension of the non-perfluorocarbon material. The perfluorocarbon-free membrane does not include a hydrophobic perfluorocarbon coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a positively charged membrane. Furthermore the present invention relates to a positively charged membrane obtainable by the methods of present invention and the use of these positively charged membranes.

Abstract: A filtration media is disclosed comprising a hydrophobic monomer grafted onto a support, the hydrophobic monomer having the structure: CH2?CR4C(O)NHC(R1R1)(C(R1R1))nC(O)XR3 wherein n is an integer of 0 or 1; R1 is independently selected from at least one of: a hydrogen atom, alkyls, aryls, and alkylaryls, wherein the alkyls, aryls, and alkylaryls have a total of 10 carbon atoms or less; R3 is a hydrophobic group selected from at least one of: alkyls, aryls, alkylaryls and ethers, wherein the alkyls, aryls, alkylaryls and ethers have a total number of carbon atoms ranging from 4 to 30; R4 is H or CH3; X is O or NH. In some embodiments the hydrophobic monomer is derived from an amine or an alcohol (HXR3) that has a hydrophilicity index of 25 or less. Such media may be used in applications such as hydrophobic interaction chromatography.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are forward osmosis (FO) membranes comprising polyaniline. Methods of making the membranes, including methods of tuning the properties of the membranes by post-casting treatments, and methods of using the membranes in FO applications are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for etching polymeric materials comprising an aqueous solution including an alkali metal salt and glycine.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions having a slip agent comprising a silicone and a fatty acid amide. Such polymeric compositions can exhibit lower coefficients of friction when compared to polymeric compositions containing either silicone or fatty acid amide alone. Such polymeric compositions are suitable for use in various articles of manufacture, including, for example, wire and cable jackets.

Abstract: There is provided an ion-exchange membrane comprising an ion-exchange layer made of a cationic polymer and/or an anionic polymer and a supporting layer, wherein the ion-exchange layer is formed on the supporting layer by printing. Such an ion-exchange membrane exhibits excellent anti-organic fouling and low membrane resistance, thereby high efficient and long-time stable electrodialysis can be achieved. Formation of the ion-exchange layer as a charge-mosaic layer consisting of the cationic polymer domains and the anionic polymer domains provides a charge-mosaic membrane exhibiting excellent electrolyte permselectivity and mechanical strength.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively measuring white blood cell (leukocyte) count and/or white blood cell (leukocyte) subsets count involves adding specific antibodies labeled with a marker to the biological fluid sample, capture of white blood cells from a fluid sample by a retainer, removal of other than leukocyte cells and other interfering substances by washing or using specific magnetic beads, and reading the result. The device for use in the present method includes a retainer for leukocyte cells and an absorption pad for taking up all excess washing solution flowing past the sample.

Abstract: Membranes including functionalized carbon nanotubes, nanodiamonds and/or graphene oxide immobilized in or on the membranes are disclosed. The membranes including the immobilized nanocarbons increase interactions with water vapor to improve desalination efficiency in membrane distillation. The membranes may be deployed in all modes of membrane distillation such as air gap membrane distillation, direct contact membrane distillation, vacuum membrane distillation and other separations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymeric matrices composed of protected amine compound residues and membranes composed from such polymeric matrices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a polymeric matrix comprising amine compound residues, acyl compound residues and protected amine compound residues.

Abstract: PURPOSE: To provide a polymeric porous hollow fiber membrane which exhibits excellent fractionation performance and excellent permeability in treatment of a variety of aqueous fluids and also shows sufficient strength when incorporated into a module or used to treat a fluid, and which is excellent in aging stability in these performances and characteristics and is also excellent in membrane performance recoverability by washing, and which is especially suitable for treatment of a polyphenol-containing beverage and is expected to effectively harmonize the flavor of such a beverage.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a filtration material and a method for fabricating the same. The filtration material includes a supporting layer, and a composite layer, wherein the composite layer includes an ionic polymer and an interfacial polymer. Particularly, the ionic polymer and the interfacial polymer are intertwined with each other, resulting from ionic bonds formed between the ionic polymer and the interfacial polymer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biosensor comprising a hydrogel capable of immobilizing a physiologically active substance thereon, which can be produced conveniently by use of a safe material, and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides a method for producing a biosensor, which comprises bringing a polymer containing an activated carboxyl group into contact with a substrate surface coated with an organic layer having an amino group to thereby bind the polymer to the organic layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses antimicrobial water treatment membranes, comprising a water treatment membrane, covalently attached to one or more antimicrobial polymers or derivatives thereof, either directly or via one or more tether molecules. There are also provided a process for preparing these antimicrobial membranes, and uses thereof in water treatment applications.

Abstract: A process for preparing a reverse osmosis membrane that includes: (A) providing a polyamine, a polyfunctional acid halide, and a flux increasing additive having the formula Z+B? where Z+ is an easily dissociable cation and B? is a beta-diketonate; (B) combining the polyamine, polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of a porous support membrane; and (C) interfacially polymerizing the polyamine and the polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of the porous support membrane to form a reverse osmosis membrane comprising (i) the porous support membrane and (ii) a discrimination layer comprising a polyamide. The reverse osmosis membrane is characterized by a flux that is greater than the flux of the same membrane prepared in the absence of the flux increasing additive.

Abstract: A membrane comprising a blend of a sulfonated poly(aryl ether) and a phenyl amine compound along with methods for making and using the same. Many additional embodiments are described including applications for such membranes.

Abstract: A crystalline polymer microporous membrane containing a crystalline polymer microporous film containing a crystalline polymer, and having an asymmetric pore structure; fluorine alcohol covering at least part of an exposed surface of the crystalline polymer microporous film; and a crosslinking agent, wherein the fluorine alcohol is crosslinked with assistance of the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A polyamide membrane including reaction product of an anhydrous solution comprising an anhydrous solvent, at least one polyfunctional secondary amine and a pre-polymer deposition catalyst, and an anhydrous, organic solvent solution comprising a polyfunctional aromatic amine-reactive reactant having one ring. A composite semipermeable membrane including the polyamide membrane on a porous support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes comprising a microporous material. The microporous material comprises: (a) a polyolefin matrix present in an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, (b) finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble silica filler distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 10 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said coated microporous material substrate, (c) at least 20 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the coated microporous material, and (d) at least one coating composition applied to at least one surface of the membrane to adjust the surface energy of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane including a reaction product of an epoxy-functional organopolysiloxane and an amino-functional curing agent, wherein the organopolysiloxane has an average of at least two silicon-bonded epoxy-substituted organic groups per molecule and the curing agent has an average of at least two nitrogen-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule. The invention further relates to a method of separating gas components in a feed gas mixture by use of the membrane.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a filter medium for a water treatment filter having contradictory characteristics, that is, hydrophilicity and chemical resistance, and a long life, and to provide the production method thereof. A filter medium for a water treatment filter according to the present invention is characterized in comprising a porous base material having a hydrophilic coating layer; wherein the hydrophilic coating layer has a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer and a high electron density part; a hydrophilic polymer in the cross-linked hydrophilic polymer is cross-linked with an aliphatic saturated hydrocarbon group which may contain one or more functional groups selected from a group consisting of an ether group, a hydroxy group and an amino group; the high electron density part has ? electrons; and the high electron density part is covalently bonded to the cross-linked hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sugar-immobilized polymer substrate for removing a virus, the polymer substrate allowing efficient removal of a hepatitis virus or the like in a fluid, and a method for removing a virus. In particular, the present invention provides a sugar-immobilized polymer substrate for removing a hepatitis virus or the like, the polymer substrate allowing, in the case of an application to blood of a living body, reduction in the amount of blood taken out of the body, reduction in the removal amount of blood useful components, low invasiveness, and shortening of the operation cycle; and a method for removing a virus. A hollow fiber membrane according to the present invention can be used as a module having a function of effectively removing a virus and a function of not removing useful plasma components.

Abstract: A membrane with rejection properties for mono and divalent-salts, BOD and COD good resistance to cleaning chemicals and maintaining high permeability for water. A polymeric coating prepared from polydopamine or hydroquinone or catechol or mixtures thereof, is deposited. In another embodiment, coating process steps and conditions are taught to achieve thickness control to tune the rejection properties of the membranes.

Abstract: A filtration membrane (4) including a porous base layer (8) arranged adjacent to a filtration layer (6) having pores (10) extending through the filtration layer (6) is provided. The filtration layer is electrically conductive and at least one compound (24, 26) is attached on the filtration layer (6), thereby providing a protective surface layer (40). The at least one compound (24, 26) is configured to be at least partially cleaved off of the filtration layer (6) by a predefined cleave-off process.

Abstract: A hydrophilic semipermeable hollow-fiber membrane for blood treatment, with an integrally asymmetric structure based on a synthetic polymer. The hollow-fiber membrane possesses on its inner surface a separating layer and an adjoining open-pored supporting layer, and has an ultrafiltration rate in albumin solution of 5 to 25 ml/(h·m2·mmHg). The hollow-fiber membrane is free from pore-stabilizing additives and has a maximum sieving coefficient for albumin of 0.005 and a sieving coefficient for cytochrome c that satisfies the equation SCCC?5·10?5·UFRAlb3?0.004·UFRAlb2+1.081·UFRAlb?0.25.

Abstract: Composite membranes including a coating comprising a combination of polyalkylene oxide and imidazol compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and an imidazol compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more imidazol functional groups.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane comprising a porous support membrane on which a separating functional polyamide layer resulting from the polycondensation reaction of polyfunctional aromatic amines with polyfunctional acid halides is formed, wherein the separating functional polyamide layer has carboxy groups, amino groups, phenolic hydroxyl groups, and azo groups, wherein XA, the ratio of the amino groups (molar equivalent of the amino groups/(molar equivalent of the azo groups+molar equivalent of the phenolic hydroxyl groups+molar equivalent of the amino groups)) on a feed water contact surface of the separating functional polyamide layer (an A surface), is in the range 0.5 or less, and XB, the ratio of the amino groups (molar equivalent of the amino groups/(molar equivalent of the azo groups+molar equivalent of the phenolic hydroxyl groups+molar equivalent of the amino groups)) on a permeate-side surface of the separating functional polyamide layer (a B surface), i.e.

Abstract: A conformal coating that resists fouling by waterborne contamination in aquatic environments, a method for fabricating the coating, and a filter having such a coating are disclosed. The coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a surfactant wherein the surfactant undergoes a phase change upon exposure to a saline solution. Also disclosed are in situ methods for regenerating anti-fouling filters having the fouling resistant coating.

Abstract: A process for producing a resilient ion exchange membrane. The process comprises the steps of (1) selecting a porous matrix, (2) saturating the porous matrix with a homogenous solution comprising a mixture of: (i) a hydrophilic ionic monomer, (ii) a hydrophobic cross-linking oligomer and/or a comonomer, (iii) a free radical initiator, and (iii) a solvent for solubilizing the hydrophilic ionic monomer, the hydrophobic cross-linking oligomer and/or comonomer, and the free radical initiator into a homogenous mixture.

Abstract: The invention discloses a filtration material for desalination, including a support layer, and a desalination layer formed on the support layer, wherein the desalination layer is a fiber composite membrane and includes at least one water-swellable polymer. The water-swellable polymer is made of hydrophilic monomers and hydrophobic monomers, and the hydrophilic monomers include ionic monomers and non-ionic monomers, and the ionic monomers include cationic monomers and anionic monomers.

Abstract: A porous membrane can include a nanoparticle.

Abstract: A substrate having compounds disposed thereon for immobilizing a functional molecule, each compound having a chain including: a moiety R that is chemically coupled to the substrate, the moiety R being selected from the group consisting of an ether, ester, carbonyl, carbonate ester, thioether, disulfide, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, and carbonothioyl; and an epoxide-containing moiety that is coupled to the moiety R by a linker including at least one nucleophilic group. Methods of preparing the substrate and use of the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof. The separation membrane for water treatment according to the present invention includes a nanofiber wherein the separation membrane has a surface electric charge. According to the present invention, a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof may be implemented.

Abstract: A separation membrane is provided containing hydrophilic molecules and having, as formed on at least one surface of a feed side and a permeate side thereof, a height difference of from 80 ?m to 2000 ?m, in which a weight of the hydrophilic molecules in a bone-dry separation membrane is from 0.1% to 40% based on a weight of the bone-dry separation membrane from which the weight of the hydrophilic molecules has been subtracted.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed towards polyacrylonitrile- (PAN-) based, amphophilic graft copolymers, for example, for the production of membranes for liquid filtration. In one aspect, the present invention provides systems and methods for preparing high flux, fouling resistant nanofiltration membranes whose pore size can be readily tuned. In some cases, microphase separation of a graft copolymer comprising a backbone comprising polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and hydrophilic side-chains is used. In some cases, nanochannels of tunable width are formed, which may give the membrane permselective properties and/or anti-fouling character. In some cases, a copolymer may be used as an additive in the immersion precipitation casting of ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes. In certain instances, the additive can segregate to the membrane exterior and/or pore surfaces, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane having a pore-free separating laye including a polymer mixture for separating simple alcohols and water fr their mixtures with other organic fluids by means of pervaporation or vapor permeation. In accordance with the invention, the polymer mixtu is composed of at least two polymer components which are taken from t group of polymer components which includes of the following polymer components: Polyvinyl alcohol, other polymers such as poly N-N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (poly DMAEMA), a copolymer of DMAEMA and N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) or of DMAEMA and N-vinyl caprolactam (NVCL), a terpolymer of DMAE, NVP and NVCL or of vinyl acetate ethylene vinyl chloride or from vinyl chloride ethylene acrylic es or from vinyl acetate vinyl chloride acrylic ester. The invention further relates to the use and to a method for manufacturing a membrane in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a membrane. The membrane includes a porous support and a polymeric layer disposed on the porous support. The membrane further includes a plurality of substantially hydrophobic mesoporous nanoparticles disposed within the polymeric layer. A water treatment system and a method of making a membrane are also presented.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane that can maintain high permeability for a longer time, a reverse osmosis membrane apparatus, and a hydrophilic treatment method for a reverse osmosis membrane. A reverse osmosis membrane to which poly(vinyl alcohol) is absorbed, wherein the poly(vinyl alcohol) is an ionic poly(vinyl alcohol). Preferably, adsorption of a cationic PVA to the reverse osmosis membrane is followed by adsorption of an anionic PVA. More preferably, an ionic polymer other than PVA is also absorbed to the reverse osmosis membrane. A reverse osmosis membrane apparatus including the reverse osmosis membrane. A hydrophilic treatment method for a reverse osmosis membrane, involving bringing the reverse osmosis membrane into contact with an ionic poly(vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: Filtration membrane comprising polymeric nanofibers and/or microfibers attaching dendrimer component presenting reactive sites selective for chemicals to be filtered, and related nanofibers and microfibers, composite materials, compositions, methods and system.

Abstract: A separating material formed by a solid substrate having a substrate surface, primary or secondary amines coupled to the substrate surface, and a graft polymer formed on the substrate by covalently coupling the primary or secondary amines with a thermally labile radical initiator and subsequently contacting the substrate surface with a solution of one or more polymerizable monomers. Methods for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, blood plasma or blood serum employing the separating material, for affinity adsorption, ion-exchange adsorption, hydrophobic adsorption, or hydrophilic adsorption employing the separating material, and a separating column employing the separating material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention pertain to porous membranes that comprise: (1) a plurality of pores with pore sizes of more than about 0.1 ?m in diameter; and (2) a plurality of hydrophilic molecules. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of separating organic compounds from a liquid sample by: (1) providing the porous membrane; and (2) flowing the liquid sample through the porous membrane in order to retain organic compounds on the porous membrane. Further aspects of the present invention pertain to systems for separating organic compounds from a liquid sample. Such systems comprises: (1) the porous membrane; and (2) a flowing unit that enables the liquid sample to flow through the porous membrane. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of making the above-described porous membranes by: (1) coating a surface of a porous membrane containing 0.

Abstract: Reverse osmosis membranes made by interfacial polymerization of a monomer in a nonpolar (e.g. organic) phase together with a monomer in a polar (e.g. aqueous) phase on a porous support membrane. Interfacial polymerization process is disclosed for preparing a highly permeable RO membrane, comprising: contacting on a porous support membrane, a) a first solution containing 1,3-diaminobenzene, and b) a second solution containing trimesoyl chloride, wherein at least one of solutions a) and b) contains nanoparticles when said solutions are first contacted, and recovering a highly permeable RO membrane.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reverse osmosis membrane is described. The method includes aligning a plurality of carbon nanotubes at the interface of two liquids, the first liquid being an aqueous layer, and the second layer being an organic layer that is immiscible to the aqueous layer, forming a thin layer selective membrane around the aligned carbon nanotubes at the interface of the two liquids, and bonding the thin layer selective membrane/carbon nanotube composite onto a structural support layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are filter media constituents, filter media, filter constructions, and methods of employing the filter media and filter constructions for fluid filtration. The filter media and filter media constituents of the invention have unique properties enabling the efficient capture of microbes or microbial generating units. Fluids usefully filtered using the filter media and filter constructions include air and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a structure for a diffused aeration system. More particularly, the invention encompasses a diffuser membrane where at least a portion of the surface has been treated with at least one layer of fluorine, to form a fluorinated elastomeric gas diffuser membrane. The invention also includes the deposition of fluorine atoms on the surface of a non-fluorine containing membrane to create a permanent fluoro-elastomeric surface layer. Tubular and disc diffuser members are also disclosed that have at least a portion of them treated with at least one layer of fluorine. A process of making the inventive diffuser membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A separating material formed by a solid substrate having a substrate surface, primary or secondary amines coupled to the substrate surface, and a graft polymer formed on the substrate by covalently coupling the primary or secondary amines with a thermally labile radical initiator and subsequently contacting the substrate surface with a solution of one or more polymerizable monomers. Methods for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, blood plasma or blood serum employing the separating material, for affinity adsorption, ion-exchange adsorption, hydrophobic adsorption, or hydrophilic adsorption employing the separating material, and a separating column employing the separating material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for culturing, storing and expanding adherent renal cells. The device permits the adhesion and proliferation of the cells and the surface characteristics of the membrane material used in said device further permit the cellular matrix components (EMC). A method for expanding adherent renal cells and methods of using particular membranes for culturing, storing and expanding adherent renal cells. The membranes comprise a copolymer of acrylonitrile and sodium methallyl sulfonate as well as polyethylenimine.

Abstract: An interfacial polymerization process (IFP) for preparing a highly permeable TFC RO membrane by contacting on a porous support membrane for IFP, a polyfunctional acyl halide monomer and a polyamine monomer and recovering a highly permeable thin film (TFC) reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. At least one of solutions may contain nanoparticle additives which may release ions into solution and at least one of the solutions may contain additional ions from a second additive. The presence of the nanoparticle additives during IFP may increase the hydrophilicity and/or permeability of the recovered membrane compared to a control membrane. The presence of the additional ions from the second additive may also increase the permeability of the recovered membrane.

Abstract: Provided is a water separation membrane capable of effectively separating water from a water solution of ethanol, saccharide or the like. The water separation membrane is composed of polypyrrole doped with a sulfonate ion. The sulfonate ion may be an aromatic or aliphatic sulfonate ion.