Abstract: A method to produce an electrically conductive floor covering made of first particles of a polymer material which are surrounded with electrically conductive second particles and compressed in the intermediate space between the top and bottom sides of the floor covering, with the floor covering having at least one cut surface and the electrically conductive second particles forming conductive paths which connect the upper side and the lower side of the floor covering in an electrically conductive way, in which the first particles comprise at least one granulated elastomer material and form a matrix, in which the second particles form electric conductive paths along the particle boundaries of the first particles.

Abstract: A plastic closure that includes a cap having a base with a peripheral skirt defining a cap interior and threads on the skirt for securing the closure to a container. A liner is secured to the interior of the cap, preferably by compression molding in situ. The liner preferably consists essentially of a blend of matrix polymer material, particulate barrier polymer material and compatibilizer material. The heat and pressure of compression forms the particles of barrier polymer material into platelets that are oriented essentially parallel to the plane of the closure base.

Abstract: A process for forming particulate materials and binders into articles that are reusable after comminution, wherein the particulate materials are treated with a binder composition containing. A) one or more copolymers containing one or more comonomer units selected from the group consisting of vinyl esters of branched or unbranched alkyl carboxylic acids of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, acrylic or methacrylic esters of branched or unbranched alcohols of 1 to 15 carbon atoms, dienes, olefins, vinyl aromatics and vinyl halides, and further containing 4 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the copolymer, of one or more comonomer units containing polar groups, and B) one or more fillers having a polar surface capable of interaction with the polar groups of copolymer A), and formed into articles and consolidated, and, if appropriate, the formed article obtained thereby is comminuted for recycling and the material obtained thereby is reused for forming new articles.

Abstract: A raw material composition of environmental protection coffin comprises a composite material, a filling material, and an adhesive. The composite material is made of powders formed by crushing an agricultural waste. The filling material is a natural amylum material, and is used to fill gaps of the composite material. The adhesive is polyvinylalcohol, and uses water as the medium for adhesion to bind the filling material and the composite material together. A manufacturing method of an environmental protection coffin comprises the steps of: raw material baking, raw material crushing, material mixing, mold pressing, drying by air, waterproof processing, assembly, and painting.

Abstract: Used and manufacturing scrap asphalt shingle material is processed into a relatively coarse material comprising pieces or flakes of a maximum predetermined size. The flakes are finish processed into a composite board product in a method that includes (i) mixing the flakes with a relatively high percentage content of solvent suffused fiber, (ii) grinding and heating the flakes and fiber to form a homogenous semi-liquid mixture, (iii) extruding and conveying the homogenous mixture to a board forming station, and (iv) compressing the mixture into the composite board product.

Abstract: A moldable batt is disclosed that comprises a fire-retardant cellulose, a fiber component, and a binder component. In one version of the invention, the fiber and binder components are provided as a conjugate fiber material. The batt is compressed and heated to form panels or other products that are particularly useful in the office furniture industry.

Abstract: A bed of particulate solids including some hydrated materials can be converted by controlled irradiation with subinfrared electromagnetic radiation into a unitary porous solid that is mechanically strong enough for easy handling. When the particulate solids include typical mildly acid to alkaline cleaner materials, a block or tablet especially suitable for automatic cleaning machinery, with a very fast dissolution rate in water, can readily be obtained.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprised of a self-sustaining pre-bonded web formed by carding together first relatively thin monocomponent fibers, second relatively thicker monocomponent fibers, and 1-5% bicomponent fibers with the low softening point component thereof bonding together the first, second and bicomponent fibers to form the self-sustaining web. Six to ten percent by weight of cured latex particles are disposed within the fabric and smeared on the outer surfaces of the fabric, the particles being cured in situ to provide enhanced tensile strength to the fabric.

Abstract: Two types of synthetic resin are used with fibers (2) made from a wide range of bamboo canes from undried to dried. An appropriate amount of special thread (4) comprising a core thread (5) having a high melting point and a core-thread covering skin (6) having a low melting point are added to the fibers and kneaded together. When molding the kneaded material, it is heated to the temperature at which the skin starts to melt and pressed. Then the skin works as a binder that binds the fibers and the core thread. The core thread supplements the strength and the flexibility of the bamboo fiber board.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container that may be dissolved naturally is essentially used to make a natural biological fiber into a biological dissolvable container. The method especially includes adding a gum material to make the container, so that the container may be made of a harmless material (the foodstuff's formula). Thus, the container product has a lower cost of fabrication. In addition, the container product may be dissolved naturally, is heat resistant, is waterproof, does not have poison, and may be dissolved into an organic fertilizer.

Abstract: A method for producing self-supporting activated carbon structures is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of mixing a granular activated carbon, a binder material, a carbonization agent, and a liquid to produce a semi-plastic mixture; compacting the mixture using compacting pressures of or greater than about 100 pounds per square inch to form a three-dimensional structure; and heating the structure to an elevated temperature of or greater than about 300° C. to produce a self-supporting activated carbon structure. The granular activated carbon is of any particle size between approximately 4 and 325 mesh U.S. Sieve Series, and the binder is a ground cereal grain, cereal rain flour or a tuber flour. The resultant structure may then be cooled to near-ambient temperatures under an essentially inert atmosphere. Such structures can exhibit good mechanical strengths, adsorption capacities nearly equivalent to those of the activated carbon used in their preparation, and appreciable electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A process for producing roundish alumina particles includes heating at 1,000 to 1,600° C. a composition containing at least one of electrofused alumina and sintered alumina having a mean particle size greater than 35 &mgr;m, and at least one species selected from the group consisting of a halogen compound, a boron compound and an alumina hydrate; and crushing the composition.

Abstract: A PTFE seal and method of fabrication therefor includes preparing a mixture of PTFE resin powder and a susceptor material which is then compacted and sintered by exciting the susceptor material with microwave energy. Preferably, the compaction and sintering of the mixture is carried out in a continuous process and a vacuum is drawn on the mixture in the heating zone to extract any air from the mixture. The sintered mixture is advanced, preferably continuously, to a cutting zone where PTFE wafers are cut from the sintered mixture, preferably while the mixture is still warm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a board product with fiber scrap materials, including the steps of adding a binder powder to the fiber scrap materials, processing the scrap fiber into pieces and mixing the fiber scrap materials with the binder powder, distributing the fiber and binder combination across the width of a forming conveyor, and melting the combination to fix the fiber with the binder.

Abstract: The manufacture of porous molded bodies by sintering of a mixture of powderous thermoplastic polymers and a liquid is described, the boiling point of the latter being at least equal to or higher than the sintering temperature. Sintering takes places in a mould, the process may be performed continuously and is suitable for the manufacture of porous molded bodies such as pipes, panels and the like which can be used as filter, gas distribution, air distribution, coalescing elements, as suction elements for oil, as carriers of active substances etc.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric, and method of production, are disclosed, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises textile length fibers with a portion being thermally fusible. The fabric exhibits sufficient durability to withstand commercial dyeing processes, with the resultant fabric finding widespread applicability by virtue of its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A composite molding compound comprising a combination of metal and ceramic powders is disclosed. The powders are combined with a binder, a liquid carrier and other processing additives in a manner to provide uniform distribution of two phases in a material format that facilitates the molding of complex parts at relatively low pressures and temperatures using conventional injection molding machines. The products formed from these molding compounds may be designed with tailored physical and mechanical properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, density, elastic modulus and wear properties.

Abstract: An absorbent material is provided with improved characteristics. A process is provided for making the absorbent material. A web is formed with at least one layer of absorbent material, and it may include a mixture of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent material. The moisture content of the web is increased so as to increase the web density. Then, the web is compacted at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also effect hydrogen bonding within the web. In one embodiment a tissue layer is provided, is wetted with water, and is bonded to the layer of absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a board product with fiber scrap materials, including the steps of adding a binder powder to the fiber scrap materials, processing the scrap fiber into pieces and mixing the fiber scrap materials with the binder powder, distributing the fiber and binder combination across the width of a forming conveyor, and melting the combination to fix the fiber with the binder.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer materials containing tetrafluoroethylene monomers, such as PTFE, are significantly swollen by supercritical carbon dioxide at high temperatures and pressures. The swollen fluoropolymer is processable by molding, extrusion, and other techniques. In addition, the fluoropolymer may be sintered at significantly lower temperatures compared to a nonswollen fluoropolymer material. The melting temperature of fluorinated polymers containing tetrafluoroethylene and triflouroethylene monomers which are swollen with supercritical carbon dioxide is significantly reduced, thereby permitting manufacturing operations such as extruding and molding to be performed at lower temperatures and with reduced risk of decomposition.

Abstract: A porcelain composition for dental restorations comprising a leucite crystallite phase and a glass matrix phase, wherein the leucite crystallites possess diameters not exceeding about 10 micron. Preferably, the porcelain composition has a maturing temperature from about 750° to about 1050° C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion from about 12×10−6/° C. to about 17.5×10−6/° C., and comprises: Component Amount (wt. %) SiO2 57-66 Al2O3  7-15 K2O  7-15 Na2O  7-12 Li2O 0.5-3.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating an additive material into a fibrous web to be bonded into an elongated porous element by heating the fibers in a confined forming die with a heating medium adapted to bond the fibers to each other at spaced points of contact. An additive material is admixed with the heating medium and then the web of fibers is contacted with the heating medium/additive material mixture whereby the heating medium simultaneously carries the additive material into the fibrous web and heats the fibers to bond them into the porous element. The apparatus includes an adjustable venturi assembly through which the heating medium passes to create a pressure gradient adapted to aspirate a quantity of additive material and entrain a metered quantity of same in the heating medium.

Abstract: Shaped bodies, such as boards, are manufactured from particles having a surface with a wax layer, such as straw, hemp stalks, maize stalks, grapevine stalks and the like. The particles are first comminuted, then heated and then further comminuted. Thereafter the particles are admixed with a binder to form a mixture, the mixture is scattered into a mat, and the mat is then pressed into the shaped body of the desired size.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor is formed with an electrolyte body having a first electrolyte surface with a reference electrode depending therefrom and a metal oxide electrode body contained within the electrolyte body and having a first electrode surface coplanar with the first electrolyte surface. The sensor was formed by forming a sintered metal-oxide electrode body and placing the metal-oxide electrode body within an electrolyte powder. The electrolyte powder with the metal-oxide electrode body was pressed to form a pressed electrolyte body containing the metal-oxide electrode body. The electrolyte was removed from an electrolyte surface above the metal-oxide electrode body to expose a metal-oxide electrode surface that is coplanar with the electrolyte surface. The electrolyte body and the metal-oxide electrode body were then sintered to form the hydrocarbon sensor.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing negative-thermal-expansion ceramics of synthesizing Zr(1−x)XxW2O8 in which X represents a substituent element for zirconium Zr, and 0≦x <<1, having a negative thermal expansion coefficient, the method comprising mixing two mols of tungsten trioxide WO3 and one mol of the sum of zirconium oxide ZrO2 and a substituent element X in accordance with substitution amount x at a stoichiometrical ratio, further mixing the thus obtained starting material in a powdery form having a particle size distribution including two groups of particles comprising smaller diameter particles with a particle size of 0.

Abstract: A method of fabricating large bulk high temperature superconducting articles which comprises the steps of selecting predetermined sizes of crystalline superconducting materials and mixing these specific sizes of particles into a homogeneous mixture which is then poured into a die. The die is placed in a press and pressurized to predetermined pressure for a predetermined time and is heat treated in the furnace at predetermined temperatures for a predetermined time. The article is left in the furnace to soak at predetermined temperatures for a predetermined period of time and is oxygenated by an oxygen source during the soaking period.

Abstract: Highly filled composite materials, e.g. comprising approximately 60 volume % or greater of finely powdered particles of filler in a polymer matrix, are made by dissolving polymer in a volatilisable solvent, adding filler and forming a homogeneous mixture by high shear mixing. Most solvent is then removed while maintaining homogeneity in the mixture, preferably by evaporation in a high shear mill. Then, extruding a thin layer of the composite material and removing remaining solvent, as by heating. Bodies are formed from the dried layer, which are heated and pressed to melt and disperse melted polymer into the interstices between filler particles. Thereby, certain polymers unusable at low solids contents become effective bonding materials at high solids contents. Filler materials are chosen to tailor electrical and physical properties of the articles, which may comprise substrates for electronic circuits. Suitable polymers are certain polyarylene ethers soluble in cyclohexanone.

Abstract: In a two-layer brush for a commutator, the plane form projected on a commutator surface is nearly similar to the plane form of the segment. A molding die used in brush fabrication has a lower punch which slides obliquely up and down along a sliding groove provided in the lower die, and an upper punch which can slide obliquely up and down in relation to the lower punch. The pressure applying face of the upper punch is formed nearly level, while the pressure receiving face of the lower punch is inclined by a predetermined angle relative to the pressure applying face of the upper punch. It is, therefore, possible to form a first brush material to a predetermined shape, and to apply a uniformly pressure to the second brush powder, to thereby form a second brush material having nearly fixed thickness.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent composite including absorbent fibers, superabsorbent polymer and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers and other ingredients is provided. The synthesis (i.e., polymerization) of the superabsorbent is completely integrated into the process for forming the absorbent composite. Specifically, the polymerization of superabsorbent is initiated from within a plurality of absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, which are then formed into a web. The integrated process eliminates the need for separate manufacture of superabsorbent polymer prior to the fiber forming and web forming processes. Also, the superabsorbent polymer thus formed tends to disperse better and remain adhered to the absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, providing a stable and uniform absorbent composite for various end use applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of composite wood products. This process comprises a) applying a binder composition to wood particles, and b) molding or compressing the wood particles treated with the binder to form a composite wood product. Suitable binder compositions comprise a polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate) and a solid novolac resin.

Abstract: Powder of a polymer active material 1 exhibiting an electro-chemical oxidation-reduction reaction is mixed with powder of a conductivity assisting agent 2 to obtain a mixture. The mixture is molded by a thermal press into a unitary block. Thus, a cell electrode having a large film thickness is produced without causing cracks or breakage. The electrode having a large film thickness improves the energy density of the polymer secondary cell.

Abstract: A film is made of an insulating matrix resin and an electroconductive material, in which the electroconductive material is dispersed in the insulating matrix resin in such a manner that a surface resistivity of A [&OHgr;] of the film and a volume resistivity of B [&OHgr;·cm] of the film in the direction of a thickness thereof normal to the surface of the film satisfy a relationship of: A>B, and when the film has a thickness of T [cm], the electroconductive material is dispersed in the insulating matrix resin in such a manner that the surface resistivity of A [&OHgr;] of the film and the volume resistivity of B [&OHgr;·cm] of the film satisfy a relationship of; A[&OHgr;]'T [cm]>B [&OHgr;·cm]. This film can be prepared by a centrifugal molding method.

Abstract: A forming method for a fiber aggregate in which fibers are heated to be welded with each other includes a heating step of applying upward heated air to a bottom of a block of the fibers to pass the heated air therethrough and to cause the block of fibers to float, wherein at least parts of fibers are melted while the block of fibers float, and a compression step of compressing substantially in a vertical direction the heated block of fibers into a desired height. The compressed block of fibers is cooled to solidify melted portions of the fibers at portions where the fibers intersect with each other.

Abstract: A method of forming a structural member from hemp hurd and the structural member produced which is substantially free of hemp bats fibers is made by providing hemp stalks which have been decorticated and hurd material is divided into hurd strands which are then mixed with a binder and then pressed into a structural member. The hemp hurd strands can be mixed with wood strands to form wood/hurd structural members.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for forming an absorbent garment and an absorbent composite core. The absorbent composite core preferably is comprised of at least four layers, whereby two of the layers are outer layers, (an upper layer and a lower layer), one of the inner layers is a central fibrous layer containing a mixture of tow fibers and SAP, and the other inner layer is at least one layer selected from an acquisition layer, a distribution layer, an additional fibrous layer optionally containing SAP, a wicking layer, a storage layer, a dryness layer, a softness layer, or combinations and fragments thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of composite wood products. This process comprises a) applying a binder composition to wood particles, and b) molding or compressing the wood particles treated with the binder to form a composite wood product. Suitable binder compositions comprise a polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate) and a solid resole resin.

Abstract: Process for recycling of powder coating waste, wherein powder coating waste is moved in a vessel rotating about a rotational axis inclined at an angle of 20 to 70 degrees to the horizontal and is thereby exposed to heat, until powder coating agglomerates with a size of 1 mm to 3 cm or 1 to 10 mm or powder coating pearls with a size of 1 to 10 mm are formed.

Abstract: A cellulose/polyolefin pellet comprising polyolefin material and cellulosic material. The pellet may be concentrated such that it contains less than about 20% by weight of the polyolefin material and at least about 55% by weight of the cellulosic material. The pellet may be shipped to a remote manufacturing location where it may be blended with additional polyolefin material to make a synthetic wood component.

Abstract: A method of preparing wood and plastic to produce a composite material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium comprising a microporous structure having a mean flow path of less than about 2 microns and made of an array of active particles. At least a portion of the surface of microporous structure has formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic material in combination with a biologically active metal. A microbiological interception enhanced filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: According to the invention, a synthetic resin composition having a desirable a low coefficient of friction when submersed in a liquid is provided. In addition, a method of making a low friction bearing for use under liquid is provided as well as a low friction bearing or use underwater.

Abstract: Composite materials of the invention contain a bulk resin and a filler material. The filler material is in the form of a particle having a particle size less than about 10 micrometers, preferably less than about 1 micrometer, and more preferably less than about 500 nanometers. The composite material is made of three phases—a bulk resin phase, a filler particle phase, and an interphase. The size and extent of the interphase is dependent on the amount and particle size of the filler material and the nature of the resin. The coefficient of thermal expansion or other property of the interphase region is intermediate between that of the bulk resin and the filler particles, and tend to be biased toward those of the filler particles. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material has a coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the bulk resin.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite panel includes the steps of supplying a material to a forming station, supplying a dry additive to the material at the forming station, producing a mat comprising the material and the additive at the forming station, and applying heat and pressure to the mat to produce a composite panel.

Abstract: A continuous sheet having a combination of acidic and basic water-absorbing resin particles that are essentially not neutralized and can be continuously manufactured on conventional papermaking apparatus, using a wet, dry, or wet-dry process to manufacture a water-absorbent sheet-like substrate containing 50%-100% by weight of the combination of acidic and basic water-absorbent particles. The acidic and basic essentially unneutralized resins can be contained in the sheet material articles of the present invention as separate acidic and basic resin particles, or as multicomponent particles containing both the acidic and basic resins. The sheet materials can be manufactured having new and unexpected structural integrity, with little or no shakeout or loss of superabsorbent particles during or after manufacture while exhibiting exceptional water absorption and retention properties.

Abstract: A method of compacting aerogels into larger aerogel particles is disclosed. The method provides for molding small aerogel particles into larger aerogel particles and selecting a desired granular range of the molded aerogel particles. Additives, fillers, and binders may be added to the aerogel particles to achieve specific desired properties of the molded aerogel particles.

Abstract: A core component is molded to include surface depressions to compensate for varying widths and depths of the shell or framing of a building or structural member. The component includes two major surfaces defining respective front and rear sides of the component, and the rear side of the component is preferably the mirror image of the front side. The core component is preferably pre-formed and the surface layers are wetted to contain at least 2%, preferably about 4% to 20%, more moisture than at the thickness center of the mat to provide surfaces capable of adhesive coating for adherence to surrounding structural members, preferably two prefabricated molded doorskins. The core component is preferably made from a composite soft board material.

Abstract: A method for producing environment-protective paper based plastic material is proposed to treat recollected waste paper by dipping, crashing, and dewatering to make it become pulp, then add to the pulp with mucilage and plaster in volume ratio of 2.4˜1.6:1.2˜0.8:0.3˜0.7 and agitate it uniformly to become a soft plastic material for people to knead freely and form into a profile desired or stuff it into a mold module with hands. Then, after being dried and cured, a straightforward stony decorative article, such as an indoor doll statue or an outdoor flower holder, can be obtained. Moreover, it is particularly important that the product made by this method is decomposable by the nature without polluting our environments if discarded.

Abstract: A decomposable product fabrication method includes the steps of a) preparing a plant powder obtained by crushing plant fibers and a viscous fluid additive containing a bonding agent, (b) mixing the prepared materials into a viscous mixture, c) drying the viscous mixture by baking, d) using a compression molding machine to mold the viscous mixture into a green ware and discharging steamy air out of the mold during compression molding, e) covering the green ware with a layer of waterproof coating, and f) baking the semi-finished product thus obtained from step e) to a dry status, so as to obtain a finished product after cooling.

Abstract: Particles of silica-rich plant material are bonded into a rigid unitary body. The silica content of such materials is believed to enter into bonding reactions when the materials are combined with a polymeric resin base material such as PAPI that has been previously converted by reaction with a colloidal gel formed from silica and a basic solution. The resulting product exhibits characteristics superior to most engineered wood products. A theoretical analysis of the bonding chemistry is proposed.

Abstract: A method for forming a product from cellulosic material and thermoactive material is described. A mat is formed from a mixture having cellulosic material and thermoplastic material. The mat is consolidated and pressed to a final thickness. At least a portion of a surface of the mat or product may be surface modified. Consolidating the mixture may include forming a first face layer, forming a core layer on the first face layer, and forming a second face layer on the core layer. Forming the core layer may include depositing mixtures of wood flakes and plastic flakes according to mixture flake size in successive layers such that the core layer has larger flakes adjacent the first face layer and adjacent the second face layer, and smaller flakes in a middle portion of the core layer. Consolidation can occur as a mat or composite moves through a hot-gas consolidation zone.