Abstract: What are described are magnetocaloric materials of the general formula (MnxFe1?x)2+zP1?ySiy where 0.20?x?0.40 0.4?y?0.8 ?0.1?z?0.1.

Abstract: A method for synthesis of a ferroelectric material characterized by the general formula AxByFz where A is an alkaline earth metal, B is transition metal or a main group metal, x and y each range from about 1 to about 5, and z ranges from about 1 to about 20 comprising contacting an alkaline earth metal fluoride, a difluorometal compound and a fluoroorganic acid in a medium to form a reaction mixture; and subjecting the reaction mixture to conditions suitable for hydrothermal crystal growth.

Abstract: A solvent-dispersible particle including, a nanoparticle including two or more metallic components, and surface modifiers for covering the surface of the nanoparticle. The surface modifier includes, within its one molecule, two or more functional groups interacting with the two or more metallic components in the nanoparticle, respectively, and one or more functional groups having affinity for a solvent in which the nanoparticle is dispersed.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a method for forming alginate microbeads. The method includes using a needle connected to a vibrator to continuously spot tiny alginate microdroplets in an oil layer. Subsequently, the temporarily formed alginate microdroplets sink into a CaCl2 solution to become gelled microbeads. As a whole, the method has opened up a route to perform alginate-microbead formation in a simple, continuous, controllable, uniform, cell-friendly, and less-contaminated manner.

Abstract: Novel dispersions of nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, boron nanotubes, clay nanotubes, other nanotube species, buckminster fullerenes, graphene, graphene nanoplatelets, elements, oxides, nanoparticles, nanoclusters, nanopowders, nanocrystals, nanoscale molecules, other nanoscale materials, as well as products produced therefrom are described. These dispersions can then be further processed into a wide variety of products including but not limited to composite materials, polymers, resins, epoxies, emulsions, cements, coatings, clays, films, membranes, paper, fibers, inks, paints, pastes, electronics, spintronics, optics, biotechnology materials, electrodes, field emission or other displays, plating, capacitance, ceramics, catalysts, clays, ballistic materials, drug delivery, doping, magnetics, dielectrics, barrier layers, selective ion flow membranes, batteries, fuel cells, solar and other applications.

Abstract: Multilayer carbon nanotube capacitors, and methods and printable compositions for manufacturing multilayer carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are disclosed. A first capacitor embodiment comprises: a first conductor; a plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid, each fixed CNT comprising a magnetic catalyst nanoparticle coupled to a carbon nanotube and further coupled to the first conductor; and a first plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Another capacitor embodiment comprises: a first conductor; a conductive nanomesh coupled to the first conductor; a first plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid and further coupled to the conductive nanomesh; and a plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Various methods of printing the CNTs and other structures, and methods of aligning and moving the CNTs using applied electric and magnetic fields, are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided titanium oxide particles capable of manifesting an unprecedented property, a manufacturing method thereof and a magnetic memory as well as a charge storage type memory employing the titanium oxide particles. Unlike-conventional bulk bodies phase-transited between nonmagnetic semiconductors and paramagnetic metals around about 460K, provided are titanium oxide particles 3 capable of manifesting an unprecedented property that Ti3O5 particles do not undergo phase transitions at room temperature and allow a paramagnetic metal property thereof to be consistently maintained in any temperature range.

Abstract: Particle populations and assays are provided which have varying amounts of magnetic material and varying particle concentrations among different subsets of particles. In particular, the particle populations and assays include at least two particle sets with distinct sums of particles which are inversely related to the magnetic material concentration comprising each of the particles within the two particle sets, respectively. A method for processing an assay having such particle sets includes routing the assay in proximity to an imaging plane within a static imaging optical analysis system and generating a magnetic field in proximity to the imaging plane. The magnetic field is sufficient to attract and immobilize a ratio of particles from the at least two discrete particle sets that is different from the ratio of particles comprising the at least two discrete particle sets in the assay as the assay is introduced into the static imaging optical analysis system.

Abstract: The present invention provides partially fluorescent nanoparticles and methods of making and using the partially fluorescent nanoparticle having a nanoparticle with a matrix and a fluorescent dye dispersed in or about the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the fluorescent dye has been anisotropically bleached.

Abstract: A soft magnetic material includes: a plurality of composite magnetic particles formed from a metal magnetic particle and an insulative coating surrounding a surface of the metal magnetic particle and containing metallic salt phosphate and/or oxide; and a lubricant formed as fine particles added at a proportion of at least 0.001 percent by mass and no more than 0.1 percent by mass relative to the plurality of composite magnetic particles. With this structure, superior lubrication is provided during compacting and desired magnetic characteristics can be obtained after compacting.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the preparation and use of a class of nanoparticles that contain a single Quantum Confined dopant. A QCA nanocrystal comprises of a plurality of host atoms in a nanocrystal of a size of less than 10 nm with a single atom of a dopant (or activator). This single QCA dopant, when confined, becomes polarized and creates a large magnetic-moment in a nanosize host that contains atoms of unpaired spins. The quantum confined atom (QCA) which is now pinned, triggers the alignment of the host atoms resulting in nanosize magnetic domain. Engineering of nanomagnets based on QCA nanoparticles can be used in different applications such as: sensors, drug delivery, bio-tagging, cell/DNA tagging, magnetic memories and others.

Abstract: A composite materil comprises magnetic particles dispersed in electrically insulating material. The magnetic particles have an aspect ratio greater than 1 (preferably greater than 10) and a concentration sufficiently high to produce negative permeability. The magnetic particles may be magnetic flakes of reduced carbonyl iron of average diameter 50 ?m, average thickness 1 ?m and aspect ratio 50, the magnetic flakes being at least 25% by volume of the composite material. The magnetic flakes may be aligned to produce enhanced permeability. The electrically insulating material may be paraffin wax, particulate PTFE, or another polymer. To control permittivity, the composite material may include an electrically conducting component such as graphite or conductive coatings upon the magnetic flakes.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic wave absorbent material comprising a magnetic film as the main constituent thereof. The magnetic film comprises a titania nanosheet where a 3d magnetic metal element is substituted at the titanium lattice position. The electromagnetic wave absorbent material stably and continuously exhibits electromagnetic wave absorption performance in a range of from 1 to 15 GHz band and is useful as mobile telephones, wireless LANs and other mobile electronic instruments. The absorbent material can be fused with a transparent medium and is applicable to transparent electronic devices such as large-sized liquid crystal TVs, electronic papers, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microcapsule, a system comprising microcapsules, and a corresponding method and apparatus, the microcapsule (11) comprising a core (12) which is encapsulated by an envelope (14) and in which at least one particle (16) having a motion component (17) and an indication component (18) is provided, the substance of the core (12) being capable of being transferred, at least for a short time, by an input of energy from a solid state or higher-viscosity state to a low-viscosity state, the at least one particle (16) being capable of undergoing a change in its position and/or orientation due to an input of energy occurring during the low-viscosity state of the substance of the core (12), and the substance of the core (12) reverting back, upon completion of the energy input, to the solid state or higher-viscosity state, thereby immobilising the at least one particle (16) in its new position and/or orientation. (Cf. FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method of producing a nanostructure composition from a solid powder is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) heating the solid powder, thereby providing a heated solid powder; (b) immersing the heated solid powder in a liquid in the presence of a gas medium, the liquid being colder than the heated powder, and (c) irradiating the cold liquid, the heated solid powder and the gas medium by electromagnetic radiation selected such that nanostructures are formed from particles of the solid powder and a stable gas phase is formed from the gas medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of an application buffer for the purification of proteins by means of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) under denaturing conditions, which is characterized in that a defined amount of a buffer concentrate having a defined pH value is mixed with a defined amount of a urea concentrate, whereby an application buffer having a defined pH value is provided. According to the invention, a corresponding kit is provided in addition. The components are stable in storage and by mixing produce an application buffer having a defined composition and a defined pH value. The need for pH adjustment or a new preparation is eliminated. The invention can thus be used in an automated manner and as a closed kit concept.

Abstract: The practical application of incorporating magnetic receptive printing media coupled with the use of an underlying specifically referenced magnet allows the multi layering of magnetic media while maintaining the reference of position on said surface. This is achieved by aligning the polarity lines to the benefit of the intended design while fabricating the first layer to receive the second or subsequent layers to interact with the intended design.

Abstract: Disclosed are a chaotropic agent; a reagent including a chaotropic agent and a lithium salt; a reagent kit including a chaotropic agent; a chaotropic agent, a reagent, a reagent kit, and a method for isolating a nucleic acid by use of a magnetic cellulose material; a method for binding a nucleic acid to a magnetic cellulose material; a method for isolating a nucleic acid; and a method for purifying a chromosome DNA. It is required that each of the chaotropic agents, the reagents, and the reagent kits works with at least one solid-phase, magnetic cellulose-containing carrier to isolate a nucleic acid from non-nucleic acid substances. In addition, each chaotropic agent includes an alcohol substance and a substrate solution for adjusting the alcohol substance to an appropriate concentration and thereby promoting binding of the nucleic acid in a sample to the magnetic cellulose.

Abstract: An aromatic ring-containing compound for a resist underlayer and a resist underlayer composition, the aromatic ring-containing compound being represented by the following Chemical Formula 1: wherein, in Chemical Formula 1, R1 to R6 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C10 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C5 to C20 aromatic ring group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3 to C20 cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3 to C20 cycloalkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C20 heteroaryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C20 heterocycloalkyl group, X1 to X6 are each independently hydrogen, a hydroxy group (—OH), a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl amine group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, or an amino group (—NH2), n1 to n6 are each independently 0 or 1, and 1?n1+n2+n3+n4+n5+n6?6.

Abstract: Surface-modified superparamagnetic oxidic particles, characterized by the following physicochemical characteristics: BET surface area 20 to 75 m2/g; Carbon content 0.5 to 6.0% by weight; Tamped density 150 to 500 g/l; Chlorine content 50 to 1000 ppm; Drying loss 0.1 to 4.0% by weight are prepared by contacting the oxides with the surface modifier either by spraying or vapour deposition and then heat-treating them. The surface-modified oxidic particles can be used as a filler in adhesives. Further fields of application are use for data carriers, as a contrast agent in imaging processes, for biochemical separation and analysis processes, for medical applications, as an abrasive, as a catalyst or as a catalyst support, as a thickener, for thermal insulation, as a dispersing assistant, as a flow assistant and in ferrofluids.

Abstract: Article comprising at least one magnetocalorically active phase and method of working an article comprising at least one magnetocalorically active phase A method of working an article comprises providing an article comprising at least one magnetocalorically active phase having a magnetic phase transition temperature Tc and removing at least one portion of the article whilst the article remains at a temperature above the magnetic phase transition temperature Tc or below the magnetic phase transition temperature Tc.

Abstract: Article for use in magnetic heat exchange, intermediate article and method for producing an article for use in magnetic heat exchange An article for magnetic heat exchange is produced by heat treating an intermediate article comprising, in total, elements in amounts capable of providing at least one magnetocalorically active LaFe13-based phase and less than 5 Vol % impurities, wherein the intermediate article comprises a permanent magnet. The intermediate article is worked by removing at least one portion of the intermediate article. The intermediate article is then heat treated to produce a final product comprising at least one magnetocalorically active LaFe13-based phase.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic particle which can immobilize the intended substance easily and efficiently; and a method for producing thereof. The invention relates to a magnetic particle, comprising an aggregate which comprises a magnetic substance and a compound having an alkyl group, and a gel layer which covers the aggregate, in which the gel layer has a hydrophilic group.

Abstract: An electromagnetism suppressing material has an increased electromagnetism suppressing effect, can be flexibly formed in various shapes, and is inexpensive. An electromagnetism suppressing device uses the electromagnetism suppressing material, and an electronic appliance uses the electromagnetism suppressing material or the electromagnetism suppressing device. The electromagnetism suppressing material is a liquid material and/or gel material with electrical polarity.

Abstract: An oxide is provided that contains the oxide represented by Formula (I) as the main component thereof, that has a Verdet constant at a wavelength of 1.06 ?m of at least 0.18 min/(Oe·cm), and that has a transmittance at a wavelength of 1.06 ?m and for an optical length of 3 mm of at least 70%, (TbxR1-x)2O3??(I) wherein x is 0.4?x?1.0; R includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, europium, gadolinium, ytterbium, holmium and lutetium.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprises: (a) a non-magnetic substrate having a surface; and (b) a stack of thin film layers on the substrate surface, including a layer of a magnetic alloy material with a stabilized hexagonal close-packed (“hcp”) crystal structure, comprising: (i) a major amount of a ferromagnetic element with a first hcp crystal structure having a first c/a ratio, where “c” is a lattice parameter of the unique symmetry axis of the hcp structure along which a preferred direction of magnetization lies and “a” is a lattice parameter along a direction perpendicular to the c axis; (ii) a minor amount of a non-magnetic element with a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure; and (iii) a minor amount of at least one hcp-stabilizing element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to an magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.

Abstract: According to a method for producing a metallic magnetic powder for magnetic recording, which comprises treatment including, in sequence, a step of allowing a reducing agent to act on a metallic magnetic powder comprising particles having a metallic magnetic phase composed mainly of Fe or Fe and Co and containing one or more of rare earth elements (including Y), Al and Si (these are hereinafter referred to as “nonmagnetic ingredient”), in a liquid containing a complexing agent capable of forming a complex with at least one or more of the nonmagnetic ingredients, to thereby make the nonmagnetic ingredient in the powder particles dissolve out into the liquid (dissolution treatment step), a step of heat treatment in a reducing gas atmosphere (re-reduction treatment step), and a step of heat treatment in an oxidizing gas atmosphere (stabilization treatment step), a metallic magnetic powder for magnetic recording, which comprises particles having a particle length of from 10 nm to 45 nm and an axial ratio of 2 or m

Abstract: A magnetic particle comprises a polysaccharide matrix and a plurality of magnetic crystals dispersed in the matrix. A method for making magnetic particles comprises combining a basic solution with a metal ion solution and allowing the metal ions to oxidize to form magnetic crystals, and combining the magnetic crystals with a polysaccharide solution to form the magnetic particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are an oligomer and a phthalonitrile monomer having the formulas: M is a metal or H. The value n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 for the oligomer and greater than or equal to 0 for the phthalonitrile monomer. Ar1 and Ar2 are independently selected aromatic- or heterocyclic-containing groups. Ar1, Ar2, or both are heteroaromatic or heterocyclic groups containing a nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen heteroatom. Also disclosed are thermosets and pyrolyzed materials made from the phthalonitrile monomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic nanocomposite, a process for production thereof, a reusable protein-binding agent for separation of a protein including the magnetic nanocomposite, and a process for selective binding, separation and purification of a protein using the magnetic nanocomposite. In particular, the present invention is directed to a magnetic nanocomposite with a magnetic nanoparticle core of a magnetic nanoparticle, a silica shell coating said core, and a nanoparticle layer of a fourth period transition metal oxide, which coats said silica shell, a process for production of the magnetic nanocomposite, a reusable protein-binding agent the magnetic nanocomposite, and a process for selective binding, separation and purification of a protein using the magnetic nanocomposite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filtering nucleic acids, to a kit for carrying out the method according to the invention and to a novel use of magnetic particles for filtering a biological sample. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) the sample is held in an aqueous solution; b) lysing of the sample; c) separation of cellular debris; and d) the nucleic acids are isolated from the solution, steps (a) to (c) taking place under non-chaotropic conditions.

Abstract: A value document authentication system comprising a value document substrate having a luminescent compound disposed on or in at least a portion of the value document substrate, wherein the luminescent compound (i) comprises a host lattice having at least one metallic ion with magnetic properties and is doped with at least one rare earth ion capable of emitting infrared radiation with at least one distinct infrared wavelength when excited with an exciting light source having sufficient energy to excite emission from the luminescent compound and (ii) has a pre-determined ratio of metallic ions to rare earth ions such that the ratio corresponds to a parameter of a pre-selected decision criteria, both of which properties are measured at the same location on the value document and used to authenticate the value document.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, systems and methods for the chemical and electrochemical modification of the electronic structure of graphene and especially epitaxial graphene (EG) are presented. Beneficially, such systems and methods allow the large-scale fabrication of electronic EG devices. Vigorous oxidative conditions may allow substantially complete removal of the EG carbon atoms and the generation of insulating regions; such processing is equivalent to that which is currently used in the semiconductor industry to lithographically etch or oxidize silicon and thereby define the physical features and electronic structure of the devices. However graphene offers an excellent opportunity for controlled modification of the hybridization of the carbon atoms from sp2 to sp3 states by chemical addition of organic functional groups.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is described herein. The MR fluid includes a plurality of magnetizable particles having a particle density. The fluid also includes a carrier fluid having a fluid density, and the plurality of magnetizable particles is dispersed within the carrier fluid. A portion of the plurality of magnetizable particles has a particle density that is substantially the same as the fluid density. The MR fluid may include a plurality of magnetizable particles having an outer shell of a magnetizable material and a hollow core. The MR fluid may also include a plurality of magnetizable particles having an outer shell of a magnetizable material and a solid core. The MR fluid may include a plurality of magnetizable particles having a matrix and a plurality of sub-particles embedded therein. The core or matrix of these particles may include a ceramic, glass or polymer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a metallo-organic system that includes: a metal ion salt or complex; at least one organic ligand; and a substance of interest to be encapsulated, belonging to the group comprising a biological entity, a drug, a vaccine, a diagnostic contrast agent, a marker, an organic compound, an inorganic compound, a metallo-organic compound or a nanomaterial or nanodevices. Also disclose is the process for obtaining same and the uses thereof for the release and/or protection and/or storage of said substances in the pharmaceutical, chemical, environmental, medical and industrial sectors.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing dendrimer-modified magnetic fine particles wherein such particles can be made within a shorter time and more inexpensively than in the above-stated prior art processes and lot-to-lot variations in properties are lessened. The method for preparing dendrimer-fixed magnetic fine particles comprises the steps of providing magnetic particles having a functional group at a surface thereof, providing a dendrimer having a functional group at a base end portion thereof and synthesized to a desired generation and binding the functional group of the magnetic particles and the functional group of the dendrimer directly or indirectly through a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silica magnetic particles having a spherical form and a process for preparing the same. The silica magnetic particles prepared according to the present invention, which are silica particles that includes the magnetic particles and additionally have the functional group on the surfaces, has an advantage that the particle size distribution is uniform. Further, the silica magnetic particles prepared according to the present invention can be used as a reagent for separating biomaterials and a reagent for detecting biomaterials.

Abstract: A display article comprising one of a magnetic and magnet attractive material disposed such that the material defines an area, a substrate for the material, the substrate optionally being permeable to a pushpin, the material allowing a magnet or magnet attractive material to be secured thereto, the material be integrally secured to the substrate so as to form a composite article whereby an item to be displayed can be secured to the composite article by a magnet or magnet attractive material and optionally by a pushpin. The composite article is suitable for use as a display surface, allowing securement of articles to be displayed by a magnet or optionally by pushpin. The composite article may be used as wallpaper or a wall covering, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent particles. The particles include a core nano-sized particle of carbon and a passivation agent bound to the surface of the nanoparticle. The passivation agent can be, for instance, a polymeric material. The passivation agent can also be derivatized for particular applications. For example, the photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles can be derivatized to recognize and bind to a target material, for instance a biologically active material, a pollutant, or a surface receptor on a tissue or cell surface, such as in a tagging or staining protocol.

Abstract: The present invention is within the field of chromatography. More precisely, it relates to a novel chromatography medium, namely a hydrophobic medium provided with different lids excluding molecules over a certain size due to the porosity of the hydrophobic medium and/or the porosity of the lid. The invention also relates to use of the separation medium for purification of large molecules, which do not enter the separation medium, as well as small molecules, which enter the separation medium and are eluted from there.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles having a mean diameter of <500 nm and comprising, at their surface, a selected material. The nanoparticles are taken up by cells under physiological conditions and can be used to isolate interaction partners of the selected material within the cells. The present invention provides important advantages in that it opens up new ways of identifying cellular components and of delivering a substance of interest specifically to a selected cell compartment. The nanoparticles are also useful as a tool of diagnosis and for the constitution of chemical libraries.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a new type of gapless semiconductor material having electronic properties that can be characterized by an electronic band structure which comprises valence and conduction band portions VB1 and CB1, respectively, for a first electron spin polarisation, and valence and conducting band portions VB2 and CB2, respectively, for a second electron spin polarisation. The valence band portion VB1 has a first energy level and one of CB1 and CB2 have a second energy level that are positioned so that gapless electronic transitions are possible between VB1 and the one of CB1 and CB2, and wherein the gapless semiconductor material is arranged so that an energy bandgap is defined between VB2 and the other one of CB1 and CB2.

Abstract: Novel water soluble paramagnetic organic nanoparticles are formed by a novel method where an organic solution of an organic compound is injected into water under agitation that is maintained for a desired period of time for nanoparticle growth followed by termination of the growth by the addition of an aqueous surfactant solution. The size of the nanoparticles depends on the time between injection and addition of the surfactant solution. In embodiments of the invention, the water soluble paramagnetic organic nanoparticles can be DPPH nanoparticles, DPPH nanoparticles doped with DPPH-H, or core/shell nanoparticles where a DPPH core is covered by a DPPH-H shell.

Abstract: Magnetic fiber structures include a fiber and a plurality of permanent magnet particles carried by the fiber.

Abstract: A process for mechanically strengthening a permanent magnet includes providing nanofibers or nanotubes, providing a ferromagnetic metal, defining a mixture by mixing the ferromagnetic metal with the nanofibers or nanotubes and sintering the mixture.

Abstract: A method for concentrating viruses includes applying a magnetic force to a mixture containing: sugar chain-immobilized magnetic metal nano-particles each having a structure in which a sugar chain-immobilized metal nano-particle is bound to a first magnetic nano-particle; second magnetic particles with mean particle size larger than that of the sugar chain-immobilized magnetic metal nano-particles; and a specimen. Each sugar chain-immobilized metal nano-particle has a structure where a ligand-conjugate is bound to a metal nano-particle via sulfur atoms. The ligand-conjugate has a structure where a linker compound's amino group is connected to a sugar chain having a reducing terminal. The linker compound includes, in molecules thereof, an amino group, sulfur atoms, and a hydrocarbon chain having carbon-nitrogen bonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink composition for printing capable of inking materials for an optoelectronic device and directly applying the inked materials to a patterning process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a printing ink composition for manufacturing an optoelectronic device capable of direct patterning by adjusting the physical property of a core material so as to be suitable for a printing method in the manufacturing of optoelectronic devices, for example, an organic electroluminescent device or an organic thin film transistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method which uses magnetic ionic liquids for the liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, or liquid-gas extraction, wherein the partition of the phases occurs in a magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of detecting illicit offensive weapons fabricated from plastics articles by felons is disclosed. Electrically conductive and/or magnetically permeable particles are incorporated in the plastics material prior to moulding. The felons are then scanned from time to time using a metal detector. A moulded plastics article and a method of fabricating a moulded plastics article are also disclosed.