Abstract: A microporous membrane includes polyolefin, and has a shutdown temperature ?133.0° C. and a self-discharge capacity ?110.0 mAh.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for the production of polyurethane clock foam, in which the reaction mixture, after flowing through a mixer, flows freely from an outflow opening and then flows through an accumulation chamber, in which a static pressure is built up, a gap and finally an expansion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Fused Deposition Modeling to construct three-dimensional (3D) bioresorbable scaffolds from bioresorbable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL), or from composites of bioresorbable polymers and ceramics, such as polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA). Incorporation of a bioresorbable ceramic to produce a hybrid/composite material support provides the desired degradation and resorption kinetics. Such a composite material improves the biocompatibility and hard tissue integration and allows for increased initial flash spread of serum proteins. The basic resorption products of the composite also avoids the formation of an unfavorable environment for hard tissue cells due to a decreased pH. The scaffolds have applications in tissue engineering, e.g., in tissue engineering bone and cartilage.

Abstract: A method of preventing the accumulation of debris within cavities or voids of crop engaging components of an agricultural combine is provided. To prevent debris accumulation within such cavities, the cavities of such crop engaging components are first identified. Then, the cavities are injected with a fill material, such as self-expanding foam to fill the cavity and adhere thereto. A rasp bar for mounting to a rotor of an agricultural combine is also provided. The rasp bar includes a rasp bar element, a mounting bracket, a fastener, and a fill material for filling a cavity formed by the rasp bar.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an internal panel component for motor vehicles comprising an integrated air bag cover (1) and a method and device for the manufacture thereof. The internal panel component is characterized in that the area of the air bag cover 91) the decorative layer (2) is adapted as a multifunctional layer that enclosed the air bag cover (1) on both sides. The manufacture of the internal panel component according to the invention is done in an at least two-stage molding tool comprising a slide (16) integrated into the molding tool core (5) in the area of the air bag cover (1), said slide being shifted for expanding the cavity (14) provided in the area of the air bag cover (1) for the formation of a decorative layer (2), said cavity being expandable up to the back side of the support (3) of the air bag cover (1).

Abstract: Methods for making composite anodes, such as macroporous composite anodes, are disclosed. Embodiments of the methods may include forming a tape from a slurry including a substrate metal precursor, an anode active material, a pore-forming agent, a binder, and a solvent. A laminated structure may be prepared from the tape and sintered to produce a porous structure, such as a macroporous structure. The macroporous structure may be heated to reduce a substrate metal precursor and/or anode active material. Macroporous composite anodes formed by some embodiments of the disclosed methods comprise a porous metal and an anode active material, wherein the anode active material is both externally and internally incorporated throughout and on the surface of the macroporous structure.

Abstract: The invention presents a new method to prepare biomedical polyurethanes with high tensile and tear strengths. Such polyurethanes are especially interesting for making foams thereof, e.g. as meniscus implants. A new method, applicable to the biomedical polyurethanes, has been found to make such foams, that can be used as scaffolds. This method is based on salt leaching and phase separation.

Abstract: The invention provides a molded foam molding method capable of obtaining a molded foam in which pinholes may not be formed with ease even when a blow ratio is high and which has a high expansion ratio. The invention also provides a molded foam which includes no pinholes, is reduced in weight, and is excellent in heat insulating property. The molding method includes blending a polypropylene-based resin having an equilibrium compliance from 2.0 to 6.0 (10?3×Pa?1) with a foaming agent and kneading the blend in an extruder. The extruded foamed resin is molded so as to be fit along a mold by a pressurized fluid. Moreover, the molded foam is formed by the method described above, and has an expansion ratio from 1.5 to 5.0 times and an impact strength of not less than 30 kg·cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of porous polymeric fibres comprising functionalized or active particles. By extruding a mixture of one or more dissolved polymers with particulate material a porous fibre is obtained in which the particulate material is entrapped. Extrusion of the fibre occurs under two-step phase inversion conditions. In particular the porous fibres can be used for the isolation of macromolecules such as peptides, proteins, nucleic acids or other organic compounds from complex reaction mixtures, in particular from fermentation broths. Another application is the immobilization of a catalyst in a reaction mixture.

Abstract: Nano-composite membranes and methods for making them are described. The nano-composite membranes a made from a layer of oriented carbon nanotubes fixed in a polymeric matrix. Methods for efficient, facile, and inexpensive fabrication of the nano-composite membranes using a filtration method are also described. The carbon nanotubes may also be modified with chemical functional groups to promote their orientation in the carbon nanotube layer or to confer to them other properties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymer composition, its manufacture and use, said composition may comprise greater than about 90 mole % propylene monomer, and having a unique combination of properties, including one or more of the following: a heat of fusion of more than about 108 J/g, a melting point of 165° C. or higher, a Melt Flow Rate so low that it is essentially not measurable and a molecular weight of greater than about 1.5×106. Further disclosed herein are blends or mixtures of the present novel polymer composition and products, such as, for example, microporous film structures and the like comprising same.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of pores; and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is at least partially filled with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; disposing a second layer on the first layer, and filling at least a portion of the unconnected pores of the second layer with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler.

Abstract: To provide a crystalline polymer microporous membrane, which contains a crystalline polymer microporous film containing a crystalline polymer; and a fluorosurfactant covering at least part of the exposed surface of the crystalline polymer microporous film, wherein the crystalline polymer microporous membrane has a plurality of pores, where the average pore diameter of a first surface of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane is larger than that of a second surface thereof, and the average pore diameter of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane continuously changes from the first surface thereof to the second surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a climate control duct, the method capable of improving a characteristic of transferring a shape of a protrusion onto a surface of a duct and capable of preventing reduction in ventilation efficiency. In order to manufacture a climate control duct having a protrusion formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the method includes subjecting an extruded foamed resin to blow molding by use of a duct-shaped mold in which a groove for transfer of a shape of the protrusion is formed on at least part of a surface thereof. Herein, the following relations are satisfied: 0.5 mm<D<5 mm, D<W<4×D, and W<2×T, in which W represents a width of the groove, D represents a depth of the groove, and T represents a thickness of the foamed resin.

Abstract: A porous membrane, made of polyvinylidene fluoride which is excellent in fractionating capability, permeating capability and physical strength and suitable for use in water treatment such as water purification, preparation of drinking water, preparation of water for industrial use and wastewater treatment, and which can be manufactured inexpensively and easily. The porous membrane has one surface formed with round or oval micropores and the opposite surface formed with substantially slit shaped micropores. The round or oval micropores have an average ratio between the major axis and the minor axis, which is within the range of 1:1 to 5:1, and the substantially slit shaped micropores have an average ratio between the major axis and the minor axis, which is not smaller than 5:1 and the particle cutoff of the membrane is not smaller than 0.2 ?m.

Abstract: A mold for foam molding which can sufficiently prevent burrs from being formed on a molded product, and a foam molding method using the mold are provided. A groove 6 into which a packing seal is to be fitted is formed in a mating surface 3a of a lower mold 3 so as to extend around a cavity 7. The groove 6 has a deep groove portion 6a which is deeply recessed from the mating surface 3a, and a shallow groove portion 6b which is located on the cavity 7 side with respect to the deep groove portion 6a and which continues to the deep groove portion 6a. A portion of the mating surface 3a that extends from its edge on the cavity 7 side down to the groove 6 has a width “a” of from 0.1 mm to 10 mm. A packing seal 5 has a base portion 5a which is inserted into the deep groove portion 6a, and an overhang portion 5b which continues to the base portion 5a and is engaged with the shallow groove portion 6b.

Abstract: Provided is a mold which can be configured to be able to properly exhaust gas from a cavity and to prevent resin from entering into a vent hole, and a method for molding resin foamed molding using the mold. The mold 1 includes a lower mold 2, an upper mold 4, and a core mold 3 mounted directly under the upper mold 4. The core mold 3 is provided at wall portions 3b, 3c thereof with respective vent holes 6. Annexed members 7 are detachably attached to the outer surface sides of the wall portions 3b, 3c. Each of the annexed members 7 has a tubular shape having an air passage with a shape of a small passage which is in communication with the vent hole, and the sectional dimension of the passage of at least a part of the air passage is smaller than that of the vent hole 6. A nonwoven cloth 10 is attached to the core mold 3 so as to cover each surface thereof facing the cavity. The end portions of the nonwoven cloth 10 also cover the wall portions 3b, 3c, thereby covering the vent hole 6 from the cavity side.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanochannel-array and a method of fabricating a nanodot using the nanochannel-array are provided. The nanochannel-array manufacturing method includes: performing first anodizing to form a first alumina layer having a channel array formed by a plurality of cavities on an aluminum substrate; etching the first alumina layer to a predetermined depth and forming a plurality of concave portions on the aluminum substrate, wherein each concave portion corresponds to the bottom of each channel of the first alumina layer; and performing second anodizing to form a second alumina layer having an array of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of concave portions on the aluminum substrate. The array manufacturing method makes it possible to obtain finely ordered cavities and form nanoscale dots using the cavities.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive microcoil for therapeutic treatment of a patient's vasculature includes a surface with a plurality of voids or pores therein that operates to accelerate a healing process in the patient's vasculature when the microcoil is introduced into the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which can easily and selectively modify specific sites on indentations or protrusions of indentation/protrusion structures fabricated by nano-imprinting. Pressing a mold having indentation/protrusion structures onto a polymer substrate comprising at least two layers of different chemical composition exposes the second layer, which has been covered by the outermost layer, in pillars formed as a result of the pressing. Site-specific chemical modification of the pillars can be achieved by formulating a desired chemical composition for the second layer beforehand, or by chemical modification of the exposed second layer cross-sections in the pillars.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite membranes for membrane distillation and related methods of manufacture. In particular, there is provided a composite hydrophilic/hydrophobic membrane comprising a hydrophilic polymer layer and a hydrophobic polymer layer comprising fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules, wherein said composite membrane has a high vapour flux. Also provided herein are methods of manufacturing and optimizing the composite membranes and a membrane distillation system comprising the composite membranes.

Abstract: A broadly applicable method requiring no more than a single step facilitates the preparation of large area super hydrophobic or super hydrophilic surfaces on a variety of substrates such as such as glass, metal, plastic, paper, wood, concrete and masonry. The technique involves the free radical polymerization of common acrylic or styrenic monomers in the presence of porogenic solvents in a mold or on a free surface. The material can be semi- or fully-transparent and either super hydrophobic or super hydrophilic depending on the choice of the monomers. Because porosity and dual scale roughness are intrinsic bulk properties of the monolithic materials and not only a surface characteristic, the polymers can be powdered to produce a super hydrophobic powder or otherwise fragmented and attached to the surface of any object to render it super hydrophobic or super hydrophilic. The surface properties of the porous material may also be altered locally by photografting with selected monomers.

Abstract: Hydrophilic porous polymeric membranes with high permeabilities, and processes for the preparation thereof are disclosed. Membranes may be prepared by including a preferably hydrophilic cross-linkable component such as PVP (either by inclusion into the polymer dope prior to casting, or coating or quenching cast membranes); and treating the polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane with a crosslinking agent to cross-link said cross-linkable component. Preferred cross-linking agents include Fenton's reagent.

Abstract: The problem addressed by this invention is to provide an aromatic polyamide porous film excellent in the capability of being thinned and capable of easily exhibiting stable porosity properties even if it is used for a long period of time at high temperature. This invention can be achieved by an aromatic polyamide porous film that contains an aromatic polyamide as a main component and is such that when an atomic force microscope is used to measure a range of S ?m2 at least on one surface, the sectional area S(10) ?m2 obtained at a depth of 10 nm from the surface and the sectional area S(20) ?m2 obtained at a depth of 20 nm from the surface satisfy the following formulae simultaneously. 0.01?S(10)/S?0.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing asymmetric braid reinforced capillary ultra- or micro-filtration membranes (1), including the subsequent steps of pulling a tubular braid (5) through a spinneret (7) and coating the braid with a dope. Prior to the coating step, the braid is impregnated with a non-coagulation liquid, being a liquid which does not cause coagulation of the dope, when brought in contact with the dope. The result is a membrane with an outer skin, i.e. smaller pores near the outside diameter than near the inside diameter, and a coating which is closely arranged around the outside diameter of the braid, without any substantial penetration of the coating into the braid.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of foamed or foamable polymer particles employs a mixture of a polymer melt and a recycled polymer melt produced from recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles. The associated plant for the manufacture of the foamed or foamable polymer particles is provided with an apparatus for the processing of recycled, propellant-containing polymer particles.

Abstract: A method of making mesoporous carbon beads comprises steps of providing a nucleophilic component such as phenolic compound or phenol condensation prepolymer, dissolving the nucleophilic component in a pore former, together with at least one electrophilic cross-linking agent such as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, furfural and hexamethylene tetramine, dispersing the resulting solution into a mineral oil to form beads, condensing both the component and the agent in the presence of the pore former to form beads of porous resin, removing the beads from the mineral oil and carbonizing the beads to form mesoporous carbon beads.

Abstract: An apparatus for injection molding products from a mass including at least natural mono or polymers, provided with at least one mold cavity (2) and a deaeration channel (10) at least partly surrounding the mold cavity (2), wherein, between the deaeration channel and the mold cavity an overflow (8) space is provided which, on the one side, is in communication with the deaeration channel and, on the other side, with the mold cavity (2).

Abstract: The invention provides a molding producible by a process comprising the following steps: a) introduction of a foamable reactive resin into a support material and b) compressive deformation of the support material comprising the foamable reactive resin.

Abstract: A porous media, a housing containing a porous media and methods for fabricating the housing containing a porous media are provided. The porous media is composed of varying amounts of sorptive binding particles in combination with polymer particles, for example silica particles mixed with polyethylene beads. The porous media is sintered into target housings, for example pipette tips, for use in desalting, purifying and separating biomolecules in target samples. The porous media is also formed into porous media discs via pressure and heating for insertion into housing devices.

Abstract: Foamed, aqueous adhesive compositions are used to manufacture tissue laminate products including or especially as bathroom tissue, facial tissue, paper towels, and the like. Foaming typically occurs by introducing pressurized gas and adhesive flows in a nozzle chamber on demand, wherein the kinetic energy of the flows is used to provide mixing energy. The adhesive preferably is dispensed as a plurality of discrete, foamed adhesive particles. The foamed adhesive can be used for intralamina bonds, interlaminate bonds, bonding loose sheet extremities, bonding roll to roll, and the like. The invention provides a reliable, straightforward way to accomplish in-nozzle foaming of an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition comprising a) from 20 to 70% by weight, in particular from 30 to 50% by weight, of a clay mineral, b) from 20 to 70% by weight, in particular from 30 to 50% by weight, of an alkali metal silicate, c) from 1 to 30% by weight, in particular from 5 to 20% by weight, of a film-forming polymer, and also to a process for producing coated foam particles and foam moldings produced therefrom and their use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a material having a controlled microstructure, the method including providing particles of a ceramic mineral material, the particles having a metal oxide dopant therein. The particles of the ceramic mineral material are consolidated into larger aggregates of a size relevant to the desired application using standard industrial mixing and pelletizing technology. The aggregates are heated under reducing conditions so that at least part of the dopant is reduced to form a transient, metastable liquid phase among the particles. The liquid phase includes at least part of the reduced dopant and promotes sintering of the particles and forms islands of reduced metal within the material and on the surface of the aggregates.

Abstract: An electrical box includes a top side wall, a right side wall, a bottom side wall, a left side wall, and a rear side wall. At least one check valve is disposed in an opening through at least one of the top side wall, the right side wall, the bottom side wall, the left side wall, or the rear side wall. The check valve defines a central opening through which insulation may be introduced to fill an air gap at least one of behind or around the electrical box. A method for introducing insulation through the electrical box also is described.

Abstract: A superabsorbent foam which comprises at least 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the dry foam, of inorganic pulverulent solid and bears graphics on at least one of its surfaces is obtainable by a process in which a foamed monomer mixture which comprises an appropriate amount of inorganic solid is polymerized in a mold which bears graphics on at least one inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microporous polyolefin membrane of high permeability and novel structure, and also provides a method of producing the same, wherein its average pore size is gradually decreases from at least one membrane surface towards its center. The method of producing the microporous polyolefin membrane comprises the steps of extruding the solution, composed of 10 to 50 weight % of (A) a polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 5×105 or more or (B) a composition containing this polyolefin and 50 to 90 weight % of a solvent, into a gel-like formed article and removing the solvent therefrom, wherein a treatment step with a hot solvent is incorporated.

Abstract: A hydrophilic semipermeable hollow-fibre membrane for blood treatment, with an integrally asymmetric structure based on a synthetic polymer. The hollow-fiber membrane possess on its inner surface a separating layer and an adjoining open-pored supporting layer, and has an ultrafiltration rate in albumin solution of 5 to ?25 ml/(h·m2·mmHg). The hollow fiber membrane is free from pore-stabilizing additives and has a maximum sieving coefficient for albumin of 0.005 and a sieving coefficient of cytochrome c that satisfies the equation SCcc?5·10?5·UFRAlb3?0.004·UFRAlb2+0.1081·UFRAlb?0.25.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composite porous membrane, which has not only excellent filtration capacity, but also excellent adhesion between a porous membrane and a braid and mechanical properties, and a method for producing the composite porous membrane. The present invention relates to a composite porous membrane comprising a braid, and a membrane material; wherein the membrane material comprises a first porous layer comprising a dense layer which is arranged on the outer surface of the braid, and a second porous layer comprising a dense layer which is arranged on the first porous layer, and a method for producing the composite porous membrane.

Abstract: A porous balloon or other catheter structure is formed by creating specific size pores for delivering an agent to a body lumen. The pores can be created by passing matter or energy through the surface of the catheter structure, as by a laser or a projectile. In the case of a laser, the catheter structure can be reversed so that the inner surface becomes the outer surface to convert diverging pores into converging pores. In the case of projectiles, a pore size can be achieved by selecting an appropriate size and shaped projectile to obtain the desired characteristic. Alternatively, a material to make the catheter structure can include impurities that can be removed once the catheter structure is set, leaving pores where the material formed around the impurities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making polyimide articles that are suitable for high temperature applications. The articles disclosed herein are rigid, oxidatively stable, wear-resistant, and permeable to heated moisture and gases, and comprise co-polymer based polyimide, and at least one additive or filler, and are made using 20,000 to 50,000 psi of compression pressure.

Abstract: Molded polyurethane foams are provided which are useful as seals and have an ultimate elongation of at least about 300%. The foams may be formed from a first composition including a polyol, a chain extender, optional surfactants, catalysts, and blowing agents, in combination with a second composition including a polyol and an isocyanate.

Abstract: Method for producing this membrane from a casting solution comprising the hydrophobic first sulfone polymer and the hydrophilic second polymer in a solvent system, the method comprising the steps of pouring the casting solution, conditioned to a molding temperature, onto a carrier to form a film, which carrier has a temperature that is higher in comparison to the molding temperature, conveying the film through a climate-controlled zone, initiating the coagulation in a coagulation bath for the formation of a membrane structure, withdrawing the membrane structure from the carrier with a speed that is increased in comparison to the carrier speed, stabilizing, extracting, and subsequently drying the membrane.

Abstract: A foam insulating liner includes a liner frame comprising a first side, a second side and a perimeter disposed about an injected foam insulating core. The method of its manufacture includes the steps of placing a first side of an insulating liner frame in a first half of a mold; placing a second side of said insulating liner frame in a second half of said mold; sealing together said first half and said second half of said mold; disposing a quantity of foam material between said first side and said second side of said insulating liner frame within said sealed mold; and removing a foam insulating liner from said mold.

Abstract: A protective covering constructed from an electrostatically charged sheet having a top and bottom surface and an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer has top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of the absorbent layer being bonded to the top surface of the electrostatically charged sheet. The absorbent layer is divided into a plurality of cells for containing liquid spilled on the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can be constructed from paper, open cell foam, fibrous mat, or any other absorbent material. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cells are constructed by providing hydrophobic barriers in the absorbent layer. The barriers can be constructed from paraffin, plastic, or any other material that can penetrate the absorbent layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophobic layer is bonded to the top surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to photonic materials having regularly arranged cavities containing at least one colorant, where the wall material of the photonic material has dielectric properties and as such is essentially non-absorbent for the wavelength of an absorption band of the respective colorant and is essentially transparent for the wavelength of a colorant emission which can be stimulated by the absorption wavelength, and the cavities are shaped in such a way that radiation having the wavelength of the weak absorption band of the colorant is stored in the photonic material, to the use thereof as phosphor system in an illuminant, to corresponding illuminants and production processes.

Abstract: A polishing pad is provided. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer composed of a polymeric matrix and liquid microelements embedded in the polymeric matrix. Open pores defined by the embedded liquid microelements are distributed across a surface of the polishing layer. Due to the microstructural open pores uniformly distributed across a surface of the polishing pad, a polishing operation can be performed at high precision. The polishing pad shows constant polishing performance during the polishing operation, can be stably used, and does not cause a wafer to be scratched. In addition, a method of manufacturing the polishing pad is provided. Since all components used to manufacture the polishing pad are in a liquid phase, manufacturing can be easily performed.

Abstract: An auxetic fiber and corresponding material that not only responds to an external force, but also responds to moisture. The auxetic fiber is made in part from a moisture activated shrinking filament. Even if no external force is applied to the fiber, a pseudo tensile force is created by wetting the auxetic fiber.

Abstract: A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing.

Abstract: A combined subgasket and membrane support for a fuel cell is provided. The combined subgasket and membrane support includes a substantially fluid impermeable feed region circumscribing a porous membrane support region. The membrane support region is integrally formed with the feed region. At least one of the membrane support region and the feed region is at least partially formed by a radiation-cured structure. A method for fabricating the subgasket and membrane support for the fuel cell is also provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a vibration damping and sound absorbing material containing a plant-derived polyol which material largely contributes a decrease of environmental load and has excellent vibration damping and sound absorbing properties, and it is another object of the invention to provide a production process of the material. Specifically, disclosed is a vibration damping and sound absorbing material which is suitably used for cars. A vibration damping and sound absorbing material comprises a polyurethane foam which comprises, as raw materials, a polyol and/or a polymer-dispersed polyol in which polymer fine particles obtainable by polymerizing an unsaturated bond-containing compound are dispersed in a polyol, and water, a catalyst and a polyisocyanate, wherein the polyol comprises (A) a plant-derived polyol produced using a raw material obtainable by a plant.