Abstract: An apparatus has a processor and a machine-readable storage medium storing machine-readable instructions executable by the processor. The processor is to create a 3D print job defining a spatial arrangement of objects to be printed such that each object or each object portion is arranged in a region or regions having a build material layer thickness corresponding to a user-specified build material layer thickness and such that objects or object portions having different build material layer thicknesses are arranged in different regions. Different build material layer thicknesses may be user-specified for different objects or different object portions.

Abstract: Fibrous structures, and more particularly sanitary tissue products containing fibrous structures having a surface exhibiting a three-dimensional (3D) pattern such that the fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product exhibits novel properties compared to known fibrous structures and/or sanitary tissue products, and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for polishing pads that include at least one endpoint detection (EPD) window disposed through the polishing pad material, and methods of forming thereof. In one embodiment a method of forming a polishing pad includes forming a first layer of the polishing pad by dispensing a first precursor composition and a window precursor composition, the first layer comprising at least portions of each of a first polishing pad element and a window feature, and partially curing the dispensed first precursor composition and the dispensed window precursor composition disposed within the first layer.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus for forming a ceramic part includes a platform to support the ceramic part to be formed and a dispenser to dispense successive layers of feed material over the platform. The feed material includes a curable component. The apparatus further includes a radiation source to emit a radiation toward a top surface of the platform and a microwave source to apply microwaves directed toward the successive layers on the platform. The radiation is configured to cure the curable component of the feed material as or after each layer is dispensed. The microwaves are configured to vaporize the curable component of the feed material and to cause crystallization of the feed material to form the ceramic part.

Abstract: Button assemblies using curable foam shims are disclosed. A button assembly may include a housing, a button positioned within the housing, and a curable foam shim positioned within the housing, the foam shim transformable between a compressible state having a first thickness, to a rigid state having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. In this manner, the foam shim can be used to adaptively fill the interior of a button assembly by adapting to the dimensions of various components within the button assembly. In another example, a button assembly is formed using a foam shim by curing from a first state having a first thickness to a second state having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In this manner, the foam shim can be used to adaptively fill the interior of a button assembly by adapting to the dimensions of various components within the button assembly.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein pertain generally to a porous carbon particle and a producing method of the porous carbon particle, the producing method includes a step of polymerizing an aromatic monomer to form a polymer particle; a step of cross-linking the polymer particle; a step of coating a silica on a surface of the cross-linked polymer particle; a step of carbonizing the polymer particle coated with the silica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a polymer sheet for use as an immobilization element, wherein the sheet is at least partly made of a polymer material comprising a polymer from the group of polycaprolactone, a copolymer of polyethylene with at least one ?-olefin having 3-10 C atoms, or a mixture of two or more of the aforementioned polymers, a photo-initiator, and a photo-cross-linker, wherein the polymer sheet has a thickness of 1.0 to 5 mm and wherein the polymer sheet is at least partially cured by exposing to UV radiation for the at least partially cross-linking of the polymer.

Abstract: A process for forming a vulcanized elastomer composition. An alternating electric field is applied to a first composition comprising vulcanized crosslinked elastomer particles while the composition is compressed to thereby devulcanize the crosslinked elastomer particles and form a second composition comprising devulcanized elastomer particles A crosslinking agent is added to the second composition comprising the devulcanized elastomer particles. The second composition having the crosslinking agent is then vulcanized to form the vulcanized elastomer composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane filter comprising a plurality of pores of substantially the same size. The membrane filter may be supported by at least one support (e.g. in the form of a support grid) and is able to handle a large flux and pressure in use. The invention also relates to a method of fabrication of such a filter membrane using a solvable mold.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a microfluidic device including a substrate having a depressed portion and a cover member, whereby to reduce the dispersion of a geometric individual difference and the possibility that a non-joint area can occur in a joint portion between the substrate and the cover member. At the time of producing the microfluidic device, the depressed portion serving as a channel, a chamber and a reservoir is formed in advance in the substrate and a liquid-state energy ray curable resin is applied to the surface of the substrate in which the depressed portion is formed. The energy ray curable resin is cured by an energy ray irradiation unit and caused to serve as the cover on the depressed portion of the substrate, thereby to form the channel, chamber and reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: A process for curing a porous muffler preform defined by a plurality of glass fibers and a heat-curing thermoset or thermoplastic materials applied to the plurality of glass fibers is disclosed herein. The process includes the step of enclosing the muffler preform in a chamber. The process also includes the step of surrounding the muffler preform with steam. The process also includes the step of causing steam to enter the muffler preform from multiple directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a geogrid, a non-woven or woven fabric and a strapping band, methods for their preparation and their use.

Abstract: A family of functionalized polymers is provided capable of forming membranes having exceptional OH? ionic conductivity as well as advantageous mechanical properties, which may be applied to membranes including such polymers for use in, e.g., AEMFC/HEMFC fuel cells. Preferred functional groups include a quaternary phosphonium, and the polymer may specifically be (tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl) phosphine)3 functionalized phosphonium polysulfone hydroxide, ECL-PVBC-QPOH, or QPOH based on any of the commercial polumers including polycarbonate (PC), poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), polyetherimine (PEI), poly(ether sulfone) (PES), poly(phenylene sulfoxide) PPS, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), or polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyvinyl chloride (PVC). An ionomer membrane may include polysulfone based TPQPOH, ECL-PVBC-QPOH, and/or PPO.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating electric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles under compression. The alternating electric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V, and may be applied between an apparatus that continuously conveys the particles through the field.

Abstract: A curved, three-dimensional, ordered micro-truss structure comprising: a plurality of first struts extending along a first direction; a plurality of second struts extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third struts extending along a third direction, wherein the first, second, and third struts interpenetrate one another at a plurality of nodes, wherein the pluralities of first struts, second struts, third struts, and nodes form a plurality of ordered unit cells within the micro-truss structure, and wherein the plurality of ordered unit cells define a curved surface.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is manufactured from a powder of polymer material by selective sintering process by means of electromagnetic radiation of the powder, wherein the powder comprises a preselected polymer or copolymer and is subjected to selective sintering such that the manufactured three-dimensional object has a final crystallinity which is in such a range that the balance of properties, in particular mechanical properties including Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break, is improved.

Abstract: Porous films with straight pores oriented normal to the plane of the films are produced through solution processing techniques. The production takes advantage of inorganic-surfactant or inorganic-polymer co-assembly and a patterned substrate. The patterned substrate, which is also produced via solution phase self-assembly, forces vertical orientation in a hexagonal cylinder system with no practical limits in substrate size or type. This provides a route to vertically oriented inorganic pores with a pitch ranging from 3 nm to over 15 nm and pore sizes ranging from 2 nm to over 12 nm. The size is tuned by choice the choice of organic templating agents and the deposition conditions. The pores can be produced with or without a capping layer which can be used to seal the nanopores.

Abstract: A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating radio frequency dielectric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles. The alternating radio frequency dielectric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous sheet, including a fine fiber web, wherein the fine fiber web is formed by bonding fine fibers with each other using an adhesive material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition according to the invention comprise those that facilitate continuously providing polymerizable composition comprising one or more monomers to an angled plane at an elevated position thereon; irradiating the polymerizable composition to form the partially polymerized composition; and continuously removing the partially polymerized composition from the angled plane at a lower position thereon, wherein the angle of the angled plane facilitates free flow of polymerizing composition from the elevated position to the lower position.

Abstract: A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a porous composite particulate material includes a plurality of composite particles including an acid-base-resistant core particle at least partially surrounded by one or more layers of acid-base-resistant shell particles. The shell particles are adhered to the core particle by a polymeric material. The shell particles and/or core particles may be made from an acid-base-resistant material that is stable in harsh chemical conditions. During application of the polymeric material/shell particle bilayer, the core particles are sonicated to homogenize the particle size distribution and minimize agglomeration of particles. Multiple bilayers of polymer/shell particles may be applied. In one embodiment, the core particle comprises generally spherical glassy carbon, while the shell particles may comprise nano-sized diamond particles. Other acid-base-resistant materials may be employed.

Abstract: A method and system for surfacing of particle systems is proposed to achieve high surface resolutions and low execution times, comprising partitioning particles into sub-blocks, each sub-block associated linear data arrays, sequentially accessing each array to composite the particles into a respective sub-volume using estimates of grid stencils derived from particle kernels, performing random-access into the sub-volumes, processing each linear array, and lexicographically pushing the corresponding sub-volume into a DT-Grid to convert the sub-volume to a narrow band level set. Further steps to improve the temporal coherence of resulting surface, to reduce artifacts from sparsely sampled regions of space, to enhance artistic expression, and for flexible post processing can be performed.

Abstract: A non woven web containing water insoluble nanofibers and/or microfibers obtained by an electrospinning process using water based solution containing at least two components, a first component having carboxylic acid and/or anhydride functionalities and a second component having primary and/or secondary amino functionalities, the web being cured upon a heat treatment.

Abstract: A composite photonic crystal comprising an inverse opal structure defining an ordered array of voids with a filler composition received within the voids. A property of the filler composition changes in response to a stimulus, such as a temperature change, thereby changing the band gap of radiation that is reflected by the composite photonic crystal.

Abstract: The application of a highly controlled, micron-sized, branched, porous architecture to enhance the handling properties and degradation rate of hydrogels is described in the instant invention. A previously described pattern created through one-step nucleated crystallization in a hydrogel film creates tunable mechanical properties and/or chemical stability for use in tissue engineering applications. The bulk mechanical properties and the degradation rate of the material can be tuned easily by the addition or subtraction of crystalline structure or by the addition and subtraction of backfill material, making this useful for a variety of applications. Relevant mechanical properties that can be tuned through the application of this unique porosity are moduli, elasticity, tensile strength, and compression strength. The method of the present invention can be applied to biopolymers and natural materials as well as synthetic materials.

Abstract: A non-synthetic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, biocompatible polysaccharide based non-toxic anti-adhesion hydrogel barrier is disclosed herein. The barrier of the present invention is formed by constructing a unique interpenetrating, crosslinked network with a unique porosity. Furthermore, the barrier of the present invention is comprised of tunable biopolymers for controllable mechanical robustness and degradation. The barrier of the present invention effectively reduces unwanted adhesions using non-synthetic components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric scaffold containing an antibacterial photoactive drug and optionally comprising seeded cells such as stem cells. The invention also includes methods of using the scaffold for tissue regeneration, prevention or reduction of infection whilst tissue regeneration occurs, methods for improving graft or implant survival, promoting scaffold integration and tissue repair and wound healing.

Abstract: A method for forming a molecularly imprinted polymer biosensor includes: (a) preparing a reaction solution including an imprinting molecule, a functional monomer, an initiator, and a crosslinking agent; (b) disposing the reaction solution in a space between upper and lower substrates each of which is made of a light-transmissible material; (c) disposing on the upper substrate a photomask having a patterned hole; (d) irradiating the reaction solution through the patterned hole of the photomask and the upper substrate so that the reaction solution undergoes polymerization to form a polymer between the upper and lower substrates; (e) removing the upper substrate after the polymer is formed on the lower substrate; and (f) extracting the imprinting molecule from the polymer so that a patterned molecularly imprinted polymer film is formed on the lower substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foam product comprising molding 10 the foam product by injecting liquid material into a mold cavity; de-molding 11 the foam product by removing the foam product from the mold cavity; post-curing 20 the foam product, after de-molding 11 and prior to crushing 40 the foam product, to reduce set damage and form a superficial layer thereon by applying auxiliary heat; and crushing 40 the foam product to obtain a predetermined reduction in thickness of the foam product by mechanically compressing the foam product. The method further comprising cooling 30 the foam product, after post-curing 20 and prior to crushing 40 the foam product, by removing the auxiliary heat applied to the foam product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous membrane obtainable by polymerizing a curable composition comprising at least one type of curable compound, water and at least one type of chain transfer agent having a chain transfer constant of more than 0.1 with styrene, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate or acrylonitrile. The invention further relates to image recording materials, in which these membranes are used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method to activate a binder on a semi-finished fiber material containing carbon fibers or on a preform. The binder is applied to the semi-finished fiber material or the fiber preform and subsequently activated through increasing the temperature by conducting an electrical current through the carbon fibers of the preform.

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 technique for imparting latent elasticity to components of an absorbent article is provided. More specifically, a latent elastic film that contains a crosslinkable semi-crystalline polyolefin is initially incorporated into an absorbent article. The film is not highly elastic prior to crosslinking and is thus dimensionally stable. Consequently, the film need not be maintained in a mechanically stretched condition during attachment to other components of the absorbent article, which provides for greater freedom in the location and manner in which the components are attached together. Once incorporated into the absorbent article, the semi-crystalline polyolefin is crosslinked to form a three-dimensional network having elastic memory. The film may also be heat activated, either through crosslinking or an additional step, to cause the film to shrink and further improve its stretch characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydrogel and a method of making a porous hydrogel by preparing an aqueous mixture of an uncrosslinked polymer and a crystallizable molecule; casting the mixture into a vessel; allowing the cast mixture to dry to form an amorphous hydrogel film; seeding the cast mixture with a seed crystal of the crystallizable molecule; growing the crystallizable molecule into a crystal structure within the uncrosslinked polymer; crosslinking the polymer around the crystal structure under conditions in which the crystal structure within the crosslinked polymer is maintained; and dissolving the crystals within the crosslinked polymer to form the porous hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: A method for forming a bond between a first and a second shell of a blade is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming a cavity between said first and second blade shells and filling an adhesive into said cavity to form a bond line between said first and second blade shells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional objects, comprising producing a three-dimensional structure by sequential selective curing of layers of a composition curable with visible and/or ultraviolet light into a solid polymeric material by sequential exposure of the individual layers to UV and/or visible light, whereafter a three-dimensional object is produced by use of the three-dimensional structure thus formed, followed by removing the three-dimensional structure from or of the three-dimensional object, characterized in that removing the three-dimensional structure is accomplished by chemically cleaving the polymeric material as well as simultaneously or subsequently dissolving the material in a solvent or mixed solvent and/or melting the material.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for changing characteristics of a plastic component, wherein a medium is introduced into the plastic component, which encompasses a porosity and wherein the medium forms a homogenous compound with the plastic component by at least partially dissolving the plastic component.

Abstract: An active energy curing type composition for an in-place shaping gasket is provided which is capable of providing an in-place shaped gasket superior in heat resistance, weather resistance, oil resistance, curability, compression set, and the like. An active energy curing type composition for an in-place shaping gasket, comprising the under-mentioned components (A) and (B) as essential components, wherein the viscosity of the composition is 400 Pa·s or less at 23° C. and the compression set of a cured article which is prescribed in JIS K 6262 is 30% or less: (A) a vinyl polymer having two or more (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule at the molecular ends, and (B) a vinyl polymer having one (meth)acryloyl group per molecule at the molecular end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous membrane obtainable by providing a mixture of at least one type of curable monomer and a solvent, applying said mixture to a support, curing said mixture, thereby causing phase separation between the crosslinked monomer and the solvent, subjecting the resulting porous membrane to a washing and/or drying step to remove said solvent and re-curing the porous membrane after drying or partial drying the membrane. The invention further relates to image recording materials, in which these porous membranes are used.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator is made of a rubber latex foam which has been solidified by microwave irradiation. The foam satisfies (i) a bubble fineness corresponding to 9 bubbles/mm2 or more, (ii) flexibility of 0.7 N/cm2 or less in initial Young's modulus indicated by 50% compressive stress, and (iii) bulk density of 0.14 g/cm3 or less.

Abstract: A thin film composite membrane comprises a core layer and a sheath UV-crosslinked polymer layer. The thin film composite membrane is produced by the co-extrusion of two polymer solutions. The core layer and the sheath layer can be separately optimized. The sheath layer may be UV-crosslinked to provide stability and selectivity at the desired operating temperature of the composite membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising: a) melt processing a blend of thermoplastic polymer and vulcanizable elastomer in a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws, wherein said screws have 3-170 mixing zones, and said extruder having a L/D ratio of 15-100, and a screw profile that has 3 to 17 meshes per L/D; b) adding at least one curing agent to the melt-processed blend of a) in at least one location in the first 46% of the length of said extruder, or adding at least one curing agent to the melt-processed blend of a) in a second extruder, so as to initiate curing of the blend: and, curing at least partially said elastomer by reactive melt processing. Improved processing, reaction kinetics and efficiencies are achieved, as well as thermoplastic vulcanizate products having decreased weight gain when placed in mineral oils.

Abstract: Provided are organic silicon oxide fine particles which can be formed into a porous film having a dielectric constant and mechanical strength expected as a high-performance porous insulating film and having excellent chemical stability, and a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particular multi-layer microporous membrane having a good balance of important properties, including excellent electrochemical stability and low heat shrinkage, while maintaining high permeability and heat resistance, with good mechanical strength, compression resistance and electrolytic solution absorption. Of particular importance when used as a battery separator, the present multi-layer microporous membrane exhibits excellent heat shrinkage, melt down temperature and thermal mechanical properties, i.e. low maximum shrinkage in the molten state. The multi-layer microporous membrane of the present invention can be produced (or manufactured) by layering, such as for example by coextrusion, one or more microporous membrane second layers and one or more microporous membrane first layers, such as on one or both sides of a second layer.

Abstract: A light-activatable polymer composition and polymer composite includes a polymer binder selected from epoxy resins, silica filled epoxy, bismaleimide resins, bismaleimide triazines, fluoropolymers, polyesters, polyphenylene oxide/polyphenylene ether resins, polybutadiene/polyisoprene crosslinkable resins (and copolymers), liquid crystal polymers, polyamides, cyanate esters, or combinations thereof, the polymer binder being present in an amount from 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, or 97 weight-percent of the total weight of the polymer composition; a spinel crystal filler present in an amount from 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 weight-percent of the total weight of the polymer composition, and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particular multi-layer microporous membrane having a good balance of important properties, including excellent electrochemical stability and low heat shrinkage, while maintaining high permeability and heat resistance, with good mechanical strength, compression resistance and electrolytic solution absorption. Of particular importance when used as a battery separator, the present multi-layer microporous membrane exhibits excellent heat shrinkage, melt down temperature and thermal mechanical properties, i.e. low maximum shrinkage in the molten state. The multi-layer microporous membrane of the present invention is manufactured by layering, such as for example by coextrusion, one or more microporous membrane first layers and one or more microporous membrane second layers, such as on one or both sides of a first layer. The invention further relates to battery separators comprising the multi-layer microporous membrane and batteries utilizing the battery separators.