Abstract: A method for making a conducting structure comprising steps of: forming on a given face of the support comprising at least one conducting element, at least one area for absorbing stresses based on a dielectric material, forming at least one aperture in said dielectric material by applying a mold on said dielectric material, said aperture being provided with inclined walls relatively to a normal to the main plane of said support, the bottom of said aperture revealing said conducting element, filling said aperture with a conducting material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating composite filaments is provided. An initial composite filament including a core and a cladding (such as a Pt-group metal) is cut into smaller pieces (or is first mechanically reduced and then cut into smaller pieces). The smaller pieces of the filaments are inserted into a metal matrix, and the entire structure is then further reduced mechanically in a series of reduction steps. The process can be repeated until the desired cross sectional dimension of the filaments is achieved. The matrix can then be chemically removed to isolate the final composite filaments with the cladding thickness down to the nanometer range. The process allows the organization and integration of filaments of different sizes, compositions, and functionalities into arrays suitable for various applications.

Abstract: An integrated LED lamp housing can include a heat radiation section and a light transmission section. The integrated LED lamp housing can be prepared by co-extruding different polycarbonate resin compositions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor is disclosed. A mold is providing having an interior defining a planar capillary space. A measure of precursor is placed in fluid communication with the capillary space. The precursor is then melted, and the melted precursor is allowed to flow into the capillary space. The melted precursor is then allowed to cool to form a semiconductor.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an energy storage device with a large surface area electrode comprises: providing an electrically conductive substrate; depositing a semiconductor layer on the electrically conductive substrate, the semiconductor layer being a first electrode; anodizing the semiconductor layer, wherein the anodization forms pores in the semiconductor layer, increasing the surface area of the first electrode; after the anodization, providing an electrolyte and a second electrode to form the energy storage device. The substrate may be a continuous film and the electrode of the energy storage device may be fabricated using linear processing tools. The semiconductor may be silicon and the deposition tool may be a thermal spray tool. Furthermore, the semiconductor layer may be amorphous. The energy storage device may be rolled into a cylindrical shape. The energy storage device may be a battery, a capacitor or an ultracapacitor.

Abstract: A microelectrode array having one or more electrical conduits surrounded and insulated from each other by only a single layer of polymer (e.g. polyimide), and a method of fabricating the same. Multiple layers of an uncured polymer precursor (such as polyamic acid) are separately formed with metal layers sandwiched in between. Formation of the uncured polymer precursor layers includes deposition and heating to remove solvent only but not polymerize the precursor. Upon completing construction, the array is subjected to a high-temperature curing process that converts the uncured polymer precursor layers into the polymer. The different layers of the polymer precursor are thus covalently bonded together during the curing process to create a single continuous layer (e.g. monolithic block) of polymer, with no polymer-polymer interfaces.

Abstract: Flexible electronically functional fibers are described that allow for the placement of electronic functionality in traditional fabrics. The fibers can be interwoven with natural fibers to produce electrically functional fabrics and devices that can retain their original appearance.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles includes providing a template that has a plurality of discrete surface portions, each discrete surface portion having a surface geometry selected to impart a desired geometrical property to a particle while being produced; depositing a constituent material of the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles being produced onto the plurality of discrete surface portions of the template to form at least portions of the particles; separating the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles comprising the constituent material from the template into a fluid material, the particles being separate from each other at respective discrete surface portions of the template; and processing the template for subsequent use in producing additional at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles.

Abstract: A low dielectric constant, a low dielectric loss tangent, and heat resistance are achieved. An active ester resin that has a resin structure produced by reacting a polyfunctional phenolic compound (a1) with a monofunctional aromatic carboxylic acid or its chloride (a2) and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or its chloride (a3). The polyfunctional phenolic compound (a1) is represented by structural formula (1) below: (where Ar represents a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, a benzene ring nuclear-substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a naphthalene ring nuclear-substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X represents a methylene group, a divalent cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a phenylene dimethylene group, or a biphenylene-dimethylene group, and n represents the number of repeating units and the average thereof is in a range of 0.5 to 10).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing silk-based piezoelectric materials and methods for increasing piezoelectricity in silk matrices.

Abstract: Provided is a phosphor for a dispersion-type EL that may be manufactured in a simple process and may provide stable, high brightness and light emission efficiency. The phosphor for a dispersion-type EL according to the present invention includes a mixture of an electron-accepting phosphor particle (4A) and an electron-donating phosphor particle (4B). The electron-accepting phosphor particle (4A) includes a base particle and an acceptor element added thereto, and the electron-donating phosphor particle (4B) includes a base particle and a donor element added thereto. For example, the base particle is a ZnS particle, the acceptor element is Cu, and the donor element is Cl or Al.

Abstract: The detrimental effect of oxygen exposure on the formation of polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels in oxygen-permeable plastic cassettes is reduced or eliminated either by the use of an oxygen barrier material over the surfaces of the plastic walls of the cassette through which oxygen would otherwise pass into the cassette cavity, or by the incorporation of an oxygen scavenger in the plastic from which the cassette walls are made, or both.

Abstract: The following invention relates to high energy capacitors with increased thermal resilience over conventional bulk ceramic capacitors, particularly capacitors that may be formed into a three dimensional shape to fit inside an existing device. The capacitor is provided with first and second electrodes which have a plurality of interlocating protrusions, which increase the relative surface area of the electrodes. The first and second electrodes and interlocating protrusions are provided with through holes. The devices are filled with a flowable dielectric material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a component of a secondary battery, said process comprising the following steps: (i) preparing a liquid composition comprising: —a liquid medium selected from the group consisting of aliphatic ketones, cycloaliphatic ketones, cycloaliphatic esters and mixtures thereof, and —at least one fluorinated polymer [polymer (F)] comprising recurring units derived from vinylidene fluoride (VDF), hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and at least one (meth)acrylic monomer (MA) having formula (I), wherein: —R1, R2 and R3, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from a hydrogen atom and a C1-C3 hydrocarbon group, and —Rx, is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C5 hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one functional group selected from a hydroxyl, a carboxyl, an epoxide, an ester and an ether group; and (ii) processing said liquid composition to provide a film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to patterned graphite oxide films and methods to make and use same. The present invention includes a novel strategy developed to imprint any required conductive patterns onto self-assembled graphene oxide (GO) membranes.

Abstract: A fiber of carbon nanotubes was prepared by a wet-spinning method involving drawing carbon nanotubes away from a substantially aligned, supported array of carbon nanotubes to form a ribbon, wetting the ribbon with a liquid, and spinning a fiber from the wetted ribbon. The liquid can be a polymer solution and after forming the fiber, the polymer can be cured. The resulting fiber has a higher tensile strength and higher conductivity compared to dry-spun fibers and to wet-spun fibers prepared by other methods.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous layer for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a perfuorocyclobutyl-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then shaped to form a shaped resinous mixture. The shaped resinous mixture includes perfuorocyclobutyl-containing structures within the carrier resin. The shaped resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the perfuorocyclobutyl-containing structures from the carrier resin. Optional protogenic groups and then a catalyst are added to the perfuorocyclobutyl-containing structures.

Abstract: A spiral probe includes a tapered distal end portion (2) configured to be brought into direct contact with an inspection object, a hollow, nearly cylindrical distal body (3) extending in one direction from the base of the distal end portion (2), a hollow, nearly cylindrical flexible portion (4) integral with and continuously extending in the one direction from the distal body (3) and having a spiral outer peripheral surface, and a hollow, nearly cylindrical proximal end portion (5) integral with and continuously extending in the one direction from the flexible portion (4), wherein the distal body (3), the flexible portion (4) and the proximal end portion (5) have outer peripheral surfaces aligned with each other in the one direction.

Abstract: A nerve electrode that is inserted into a living body and that is configured to attach to nerves is provided. The nerve electrode that is inserted into a living body and that is configured to attach to nerves includes: i) a flexible substrate; ii) a plurality of electrodes that are separately positioned on the flexible substrate; and iii) an insulating layer that is positioned at a separation space of the plurality of electrodes and that insulates the plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes include i) at least one linear electrode, and ii) a planar electrode that is separated from the linear electrode. An anti-inflammatory drug transfer layer is positioned on the planar electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric piezoelectric material comprising an aliphatic polyester (A) with a weight-average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and having optical activity, and a stabilizing agent (B) with a weight-average molecular weight of from 200 to 60,000 having at least one kind of functional group selected from the group consisting of a carbodiimide group, an epoxy group and an isocyanate group, wherein the crystallinity of the material obtained by a DSC method is from 20% to 80%, and a content of the stabilizing agent (B) is from 0.01 part by mass to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the aliphatic polyester (A), as well as a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A composite particle for a lithium secondary battery positive electrode including a coated active material particle and a binder, wherein the coated active material particle includes a positive electrode active material particle and a coating material that coats a surface of the positive electrode active material particle, and the coating material contains a coating polymer having a specific SP value and optionally a conducting agent; and constituents of the secondary battery and a secondary battery using the same, and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A reticle comprising isolated pillars is configured for use in imprint lithography. In some embodiments, on a first substrate a pattern of pillars pitch-multiplied in two dimensions is formed in an imprint reticle. The imprint reticle is brought in contact with a transfer layer overlying a series of mask layers, which in turn overlie a second substrate. The pattern in the reticle is transferred to the transfer layer, forming an imprinted pattern. The imprinted pattern is transferred to the second substrate to form densely-spaced holes in the substrate. In other embodiments, a reticle is patterned by e-beam lithography and spacer formations. The resultant pattern of closely-spaced pillars is used to form containers in an active integrated circuit substrate.

Abstract: An ionic liquid ion source can include a microfabricated body including a base and a tip. The body can be formed of a porous material compatible with at least one of an ionic liquid or room-temperature molten salt. The body can have a pore size gradient that decreases from the base of the body to the tip of the body, such that the at least one of an ionic liquid or room-temperature molten salt is capable of being transported through capillarity from the base to the tip.

Abstract: A method for producing a lithium titanate precursor includes the step of grinding a lithium compound and a titanium compound in a state where these compounds coexist. More preferably, a method for producing a lithium titanate precursor includes the steps of; mixing a lithium compound and a titanium compound; and grinding the lithium compound and the titanium compound in a state where these compounds coexist by the mixing.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric piezoelectric material including a helical chiral polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and having optical activity, wherein a crystallinity of the material measured by a DSC method is from 20% to 80%, and a product of a standardized molecular orientation MORc measured by a microwave transmission type molecular orientation meter based on a reference thickness of 50 ?m and the crystallinity is from 25 to 250.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite electrode material consisting of a carbon coated complex oxide, fibrous carbon and a binder. Said material is prepared by a method which comprises co-grinding an active electrode material and fibrous carbon, and adding a binder to the co-grinded mixture to lower the viscosity of the mixture. The fibrous carbon is preferably vapor grown carbon fibers.

Abstract: A metal electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and an ion-conducting membrane disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The ion-conducting membrane includes a first polymer and polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures dispersed within the first polymer, the first polymer including protogenic groups. A method for making the ion-conducting membrane is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention including the disclosed embodiments thereof generally relate to extruding multiple laminated flow streams using microlayer extrusion, and in particular to creating and forming products with electrical properties that are formed from layers and particles with dimensions in the micro to nanometer range.

Abstract: A practical implementation of a flexible and transparent capacitive sensor is disclosed. The results show that, while PDMS is an inherently nonlinear material, linear behavior with minimal hysteresis can be obtained over an appropriately small range of operation. Moreover, high resolution has been achieved during these tests.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods or manufacturing a metal wiring buried flexible substrate by using plasma and flexible substrates manufactured by the same. The method includes pre-treating a substrate by irradiating the plasma on the surface of the substrate (Step 1), forming a metal wiring on the pre-treated substrate in Step 1 (Step 2), forming a metal wiring buried polymer layer by coating a curable polymer on the substrate including the metal wiring formed thereon in Step 2 and curing (Step 3), and separating the polymer layer formed in Step 3 from the substrate in Step 1 (Step 4), The metal wiring may be inserted into the flexible substrate, and the resistance of the wiring may be decreased. The metal wiring may be clearly separated from the substrate, and impurities on the substrate surface may be clearly removed. The flexible substrate may be easily separated by applying only physical force.

Abstract: Rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxides provide a material that is transparent in the visible range and has a high magnetic response to external magnetic fields. The material can be manufactured using current activated pressure assisted densification (CAPAD). The result is a rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxide having an average grain size of less than about 100 nm and a Verdet constant greater than or equal to about 300 rad T?1 m?1 for light having a wavelength of about 632.8 nm.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates that weak scattering of carriers leads to a high mobility and therefore helps achieve low electric resistivity with high Seebeck coefficient for a thermoelectric material. The inventors demonstrate this effect by obtaining a thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, higher than 1.3 at high temperatures in n-type PbSe, because of the weak scattering of carriers in the conduction band as compared with that in the valence band. The invention further demonstrates favorable thermoelectric transport properties of n-type PbTe1-xIx with carrier concentrations ranging from 5.8×1018-1.4×1020 cm?3.

Abstract: A printed circuit board that includes a dielectric polymer layer having a thermally conductive agglomerate filler and an electrically conductive layer bonded to the dielectric polymer layer is provided. Methods of producing the printed circuit board are also provided. The subject printed circuit board and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including electronics applications.

Abstract: A method of fabricating electrical feedthroughs selectively removes substrate material from a first side of an electrically conductive substrate (e.g. a bio-compatible metal) to form an array :of electrically conductive posts in a substrate cavity. An electrically insulating material (e.g. a bio-compatible sealing glass) is then flowed to fill the substrate cavity and surround each post, and solidified. The solidified insulating material is then exposed from an opposite second side of the substrate so that each post is electrically isolated from each other as well as the bulk substrate. In this manner a hermetic electrically conductive feedthrough construction is formed having an array of electrical feedthroughs extending between the first and second sides of the substrate from which it was formed.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a method for forming a graphene composite structure. Initially, an encapsulating film is formed on a substrate. The encapsulating film comprises graphene. Subsequently, a plurality of particles are deposited on the encapsulating film, and then a temporary layer is deposited on the plurality of active particles and the encapsulating film. The substrate is then removed. Lastly, the temporary layer is also removed so as to cause the plurality of particles to form a cluster that is at least partially encapsulated by the encapsulating film.

Abstract: An MgB2 superconducting wire excellent in critical current density property is supplied by using a crystalline boron powder which is low in costs and easy to obtain. For the wire, a precursor of the MgB2 superconducting wire is used, the precursor having a linear structure including a core region containing a magnesium powder and a boron powder, and a sheath region formed of a metal covering an outer circumferential portion of the core region. The boron powder is crystalline, and has a volume-mean particle size of 2 ?m or less.

Abstract: A nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material includes a matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material; and a dispersed material that is dispersed in the matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material, and that is in a form of nanoparticles. Roughness of an interface between the matrix of the thermoelectric conversion material and the nanoparticles of the dispersed material is equal to or larger than 0.1 nm.

Abstract: A system for making carbon foam anodes including a digestion vessel in communication with a coal feedstock unit for producing a digested coal; a mold having an interior for accepting the digested coal to produce an ungraphitized carbon foam anode having a desired shape; a pressure unit in communication with the mold for producing an increased pressure within the interior of said mold; a heating element in communication with the mold to provide heat to the mold sufficient to convert the digested coal into the ungraphitized carbon foam anode; and a graphitization oven for graphitizing the ungraphitized carbon foam anode to produce the carbon foam anode. The present invention further includes methods for making carbon foam anodes.

Abstract: A process for producing an IPA/PET copolymer fiber that is homogenous having a substantially level, single IPA copolymer content, said fiber having improved pilling resistance and dye uptake.

Abstract: A photoelectrode (100) of the present invention includes a conductive layer (12) and a photocatalytic layer (13) provided on the conductive layer (12). The conductive layer (12) is made of a metal nitride. The photocatalytic layer (13) is made of at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitride semiconductor and an oxynitride semiconductor. When the photocatalytic layer (13) is made of a n-type semiconductor, the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the conductive layer (12) is smaller than the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the photocatalytic layer (13). When the photocatalytic layer (13) is made of a p-type semiconductor, the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the conductive layer (12) is larger than the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the photocatalytic layer (13).

Abstract: A heating plate for a substrate support assembly in a semiconductor plasma processing apparatus, comprises multiple independently controllable planar heater zones arranged in a scalable multiplexing layout, and electronics to independently control and power the planar heater zones. Each planar heater zone includes one or more heater element made of an insulator-conductor composite. A substrate support assembly in which the heating plate is incorporated includes an electrostatic clamping electrode and a temperature controlled base plate. Methods for manufacturing the heating plate include bonding together ceramic having planar heater zones, power supply lines, power return lines and vias.

Abstract: A device for the high pressure densification of superconducting wire from compacted superconductor material or superconductor precursor powder particles, has four hard metal anvils (5, 6, 7, 8) with a total length (L2) parallel to the superconducting wire, the hard metal anvils borne in external independent pressure blocks (9, 10, 11), which are in turn either fixed or connected to high pressure devices, preferably hydraulic presses. At least one of the hard metal anvils is a free moving anvil (6) having clearances of at least 0.01 mm up to 0.2 mm towards the neighboring hard metal anvils (5, 8), so that no wall friction occurs between the free moving anvil and the neighboring anvils. This allows for high critical current densities Jc at reduced pressure applied to the hard metal anvils.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to semi-solid suspensions, and more particularly to systems and methods for preparing semi-solid suspensions for use as electrodes in electrochemical devices such as, for example batteries. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a semi-solid electrode includes combining a quantity of an active material with a quantity of an electrolyte to form an intermediate material. The intermediate material is then combined with a conductive additive to form an electrode material. The electrode material is mixed to form a suspension having a mixing index of at least about 0.80 and is then formed into a semi-solid electrode.

Abstract: A compression-molded part has a conductive layer embedded in the part during molding of the part. The conductive layer is generally adjacent an outer surface of the part and is preferably formed from a mesh, a foil, a pulled screen, or multiple layers of conductive elements. The part is preferably optimized for use on the exterior of an aircraft for lightning-strike or EMI protection or for use as an antenna. Methods for forming the panels of the invention include placing the conductive layer against a mold surface of a compression mold, then forming the compression-molded part with the conductive layer embedded in the part.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a material having a textured surface and exhibiting absorption of electromagnetic waves with gigahertz frequencies. The textured surface can comprise a plurality of protrusions that can permit absorption of such waves. Morphology of the plurality of protrusions can control the absorption properties, e.g., absorption coefficients or specific frequency of absorbed electromagnetic radiation, of such materials. The material can comprise an electrically conductive thermoplastic composite. At least some of the protrusions can be formed of such composite. The material having the texture surface can exhibit broadband absorption.

Abstract: Provided are electrode layers for use in rechargeable batteries, such as lithium ion batteries, and related fabrication techniques. These electrode layers have interconnected hollow nanostructures that contain high capacity electrochemically active materials, such as silicon, tin, and germanium. In certain embodiments, a fabrication technique involves forming a nanoscale coating around multiple template structures and at least partially removing and/or shrinking these structures to form hollow cavities. These cavities provide space for the active materials of the nanostructures to swell into during battery cycling. This design helps to reduce the risk of pulverization and to maintain electrical contacts among the nanostructures. It also provides a very high surface area available ionic communication with the electrolyte. The nanostructures have nanoscale shells but may be substantially larger in other dimensions.

Abstract: Resinous fibers of nanometer to micrometer width dimensions are drawn from a multi-component system by a melt extrusion process. The process includes a step of combining a fiber resin with a water-soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is extruded to form an extruded resinous mixture, the extruded resinous mixture having strands of the fiber resin with the carrier resin. The extruded resinous mixture is then contacted with water to separate the strands of the fiber resin from the carrier resin. An electrically conductive fibrous sheet is then formed from the strands of fiber resin. The fibrous sheets are useful as diffusion layers in fuel cells.

Abstract: A low-cost method for thermoplastic injection molding of thermoplastic/fiber composite structures which are imparted with the desired properties of electrical conductivity, radio frequency (RF) energy reflectivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, while also possessing the basic physical and structural properties of the same part produced by traditional resin/fiber composite means such as expoxy/carbon fiber lay-up or infusion.

Abstract: Silicon oxide particles each comprising an inner portion having an iron content of 10-1,000 ppm and an outer portion having an iron content of up to 30 ppm are suitable as negative electrode active material in nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. Using a negative electrode comprising the silicon oxide particles as active material, a lithium ion secondary battery or electrochemical capacitor having a high capacity and improved cycle performance can be constructed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating three-dimensional electrically conductive structures. Three-dimensional electrically conductive microstructures are also provided. The method may include providing a mold having at least one microdepression which defines a three-dimensional structure; filling the microdepression of the mold with at least one substrate material; molding the at least one substrate material to form a substrate; and depositing and patterning of at least one electrically conductive layer either during the molding process or subsequent to the molding process to form an electrically conductive structure. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional electrically conductive microstructure comprises an electrically functional microneedle array comprising two or more microneedles, each including a high aspect ratio, polymeric three dimensional substrate structure which is at least substantially coated by an electrically conductive layer.