Abstract: A conductive mesoporous carbon composite comprising conductive carbon nanoparticles contained within a mesoporous carbon matrix, wherein the conductive mesoporous carbon composite possesses at least a portion of mesopores having a pore size of at least 10 nm and up to 50 nm, and wherein the mesopores are either within the mesoporous carbon matrix, or are spacings delineated by surfaces of said conductive carbon nanoparticles when said conductive carbon nanoparticles are fused with each other, or both. Methods for producing the above-described composite, devices incorporating them (e.g., lithium batteries), and methods of using them, are also described.

Abstract: A process for preparing a reverse osmosis membrane that includes: (A) providing a polyamine, a polyfunctional acid halide, and a flux increasing additive having the formula Z+B? where Z+ is an easily dissociable cation and B? is a beta-diketonate; (B) combining the polyamine, polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of a porous support membrane; and (C) interfacially polymerizing the polyamine and the polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of the porous support membrane to form a reverse osmosis membrane comprising (i) the porous support membrane and (ii) a discrimination layer comprising a polyamide. The reverse osmosis membrane is characterized by a flux that is greater than the flux of the same membrane prepared in the absence of the flux increasing additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered microporous polyolefin film for a battery separator and a method for preparing the same. The microporous multi-layered film of the present invention has a characteristics to have both the low shutdown temperature conferred by the polyethylene and the high melt fracture temperature conferred by the polypropylene and heat-resistant filler. In addition, it has the high strength and stability conferred by the micropores prepared under wet process and the high permeability and high strength conferred by the macropores prepared under dry process. Therefore, this multi-layered film can be used effectively to manufacture a secondary battery with high capacity and high power.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a self-extinguishing cable including at least one transmissive element and at least one flame-retardant coating in a position radially external to the at least one transmissive element, wherein the at least one coating includes an expanded flame-retardant polymeric material having (a) at least one expandable polymer; (b) at least one expanding agent; (c) at least one flame-retardant inorganic filler, in an amount of 100 parts by weight of 250 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the at least one expandable polymer. The process includes the following steps: (i) feeding the flame-retardant polymeric material to an extruding apparatus, therein melting and mixing it; (ii) passing the flame-retardant polymeric material obtained in step (i) through at least one static mixer; and (iii) depositing by extrusion the flame-retardant polymeric material obtained in step (ii) onto the at least one transmissive element conveyed to the extruding apparatus.

Abstract: Polishing pads with multi-modal distributions of pore diameters are described. Methods of fabricating polishing pads with multi-modal distributions of pore diameters are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane distillation system comprising a flat-sheet composite mixed matrix hydrophilic/hydrophobic membrane having at least a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer. The hydrophilic layer comprises a hydrophilic polymer and inorganic nanoparticles having high thermal conductivity. The hydrophobic layer comprises fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules (SMM). Also disclosed is a phase inversion method for manufacturing the membrane.

Abstract: A sole assembly is formed by preheating a mold assembly, placing a quantity of rubber in a first portion of a lower recess of a mold assembly; placing a middle plate in contact with a bottom plate, and an upper plate in contact with the middle plate; subjecting the top, middle, and bottom plates to heat to semi-cure the rubber in the lower recess to form an outsole member; separating the top plate, the middle plate, and the bottom plate; placing the top plate in contact with the bottom plate, with polyolefin forming a midsole above the semi-cured rubber; subjecting the top and bottom plates to heat such that the polyolefin expands within the sole recess and the polyolefin and rubber in the sole recess fully cure, cross-link, and bond to one another to form a sole assembly; cooling the top and bottom plates; and removing the sole assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed, among others, are a multilayer film that permits thermal printing or printing by application of pressure from pressure-applying devices. The structure includes an extruded, outer skin layer and an extruded internal pigment layer. Further, the structure includes an extruded image-rendering layer intermediate to the outer skin layer and the pigment layer, the image-rendering layer including a collapsible layer structure, sensitive to the application of temperature and/or pressure, having dispersed therein a plurality of voids, the collapsible layer structure in uncollapsed condition being substantially opaque to obscure from view the pigment layer there beneath.

Abstract: A body may be provided having first and second ends having threaded outer surfaces. A bore may extend between the first and second ends. A tool may be provided having a first outer mold-line surface, a second opposing surface, and a hole extending between the first and second opposing surfaces. The first end may be threadedly attached and sealed, at the second opposing surface, to an inner surface of the hole. A cap may be threadedly attached and sealed to the second end of the body. A composite may be consolidated against the first outer mold-line surface of the tool. The cap may be unthreadedly removed from the second end. A drill bit may be inserted into the bore, through the tool hole, and against the composite to drill a composite hole.

Abstract: A foam form sheet material having a first large surface comprising substantially only closed cells and an opposite large surface and an interior comprising substantially only open cells. This material comprises a cross linked olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer. The foam is made by mixing the polymer with a blowing agent and a cross linking agent. The mixture is maintained in a two roll mill means for a time sufficient to initiate cross linking and to initiate foaming to form closed cells. The sheet material is then disposed in a second two roll mill means having a nip that is larger than the thickness of the foamed sheet material and maintained under elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to initiate further cross linking and foaming. The fully cross linked cell foam is then compressed to rupture the closed cells that are disposed in the interior to form open cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions composed of the following components: (A) at least one polyarylene ether (A1) having an average of at most 0.1 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, and at least one polyarylene ether (A2) having an average of at least 1.5 phenolic end groups per polymer chain, (B) at least one fibrous or particulate filler, and (C) optionally further additives and/or processing aids. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding compositions of the invention, the use of these for producing moldings, fibers, foams, or films, and to the resultant moldings, fibers, foams, and films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing an immunoassay, the device including a) a support, b) a porous matrix, fixed on the support, the matrix including (i) a liquid sample application area, (ii) a labeling area and (iii) at least one reaction area which includes a test results display area and a verification area, said liquid sample application area labeling area and reaction area being in fluid communication; the device including, at the verification area, at least a part of the porous matrix has pores with dimensions smaller than those of the labeled particles, such that at least a proportion of the labeled particles from the labeling area is stopped at said verification area forming a symbol which is visible or displayable for a user; and a method for manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sliding-roof frame of a roof-opening system of a motor vehicle in a tool having at least one mold cavity. One embodiment comprises the steps of: inserting at least one semifinished part configured in the shape of a panel into the tool; deep-drawing the semifinished part in the tool for configuring at least one deep-drawn section of the sliding-roof frame, wherein the semifinished part is formed from a glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic and the step of deep drawing is a thermoforming process; then, introducing a plastic material into the mold cavity of the tool for forming at least one formed section, which is injection-molded or foamed, and for bonding said formed section to the deep-drawn section; and demolding the sliding-roof frame from the tool.

Abstract: Foam earplugs (90) are produced by extruding foamable material through a nozzle (12) having a throat (30) where the nozzle diameter is smallest, to produce an extrusion (34) that expands in diameter along an expansion zone (D) as the extrusion moves forward. Applicant moves dies (70, 72) against opposite sides of the extrusion and then moves the dies forward with the moving extrusion while the foam solidifies into earplugs. The earplugs to be formed have sealing portions that seal to a person's ear canal, of a maximum diameter G of about 0.4 inch, and the nozzle throat has a diameter B no more than 0.1 inch to provide a long expansion zone so the dies can begin to mold the extrusion while the extrusion is still expanding in diameter.

Abstract: A foam fiber product may be used for the manufacture of various bedding products, such as mattresses, pillows, mattress toppers, seat cushions, and the like. The foam fiber product includes foam particles dispersed with fiber strands. The pleats provide extra support and durability to the structure of the foam fiber product. The product may be made by a process that includes mixing foam particles with fiber strands, processing the mixture into a layer using processes such as garnetting and carding, using a vertical lapping process to form pleats in the layer, and heating the structure to secure the pleats together to provide a pleated foam fiber structure.

Abstract: A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal insulation foamed sheet whose foaming height can be kept high by increasing an expansion ratio of foaming cells, thermal insulation foamed container using this and method for producing the same. In the thermal insulation foamed sheet according to the present invention, a foaming plane made of a foaming cell group is formed by heating the sheet in which a synthetic resin film is laminated on base paper and foaming the synthetic resin film using moisture contained in the base paper, and at least a part of the foaming plane is vacuum-suctioned so as to increase the foaming height of the foaming cell. Also, there can be made a thermal insulation foamed container having this foaming plane on at least its body section.

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

Abstract: A process for 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: A fire-resistant polyurethane foam is provided. A hydroxyl-containing inorganic fire retardant is premixed with a polyisocyanate and a polyol, respectively, to form two premixtures. Then, the two premixtures are mixed for reaction to form a fire-resistant polyurethane foam. Preferably, a combination of different particle sizes of the fire retardant is employed to maximize the amount of the fire retardant and increase the fire resistance of the foam.

Abstract: A method of producing a honeycomb structure includes a step of forming a ceramic block by bonding a plurality of honeycomb units that have a plurality of cells partitioned by cell walls using a bonding layer, or steps of forming a ceramic block of a single honeycomb unit and providing a coating layer on an outer peripheral portion of the ceramic block. The bonding layer or coating layer is provided as a paste of a bonding material or a coating material including particles of a foaming material having a diameter in a range of approximately 1 ?m to approximately 50 ?m. The method further includes a step of blowing up the foaming material, and a step of evaporating the foaming material and forming bubble marks having a diameter in a range of approximately 100 ?m to approximately 300 ?m.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on fibers and on a crosslinkable resin, by continuous winding and superposition of several layers of a tape of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising a crosslinkable resin. The process comprises from upstream to downstream, the following steps: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcement fibers (11) and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement (12) of fibers by the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating said arrangement (12) of fibers under vacuum with said resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to make said pre-preg into the form of a tape (21) composed of reinforcement fibers (11) in their liquid resin (17) matrix, the thickness of said tape being less than 0.

Abstract: A foam assembly for use as an interior component in an automobile includes a foam core having a hard foam portion and a soft foam portion. The hard foam has a first density to provide firmness and support to the foam core and the soft foam has a second density that is less than the first density, to provide comfort and feel to the foam core. The foam assembly may further including an impervious barrier that is disposed between the hard foam and the soft foam to maintain separation between the hard foam and the soft foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copolymer polyester resin and a molded product using the same, and more specifically to a copolymer polyester resin that contains 10˜80 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, 0.1˜50 mol % of a diol compound expressed as HO—(CH2)a—CO—(CH2)b—OH (where a and b are integers in the range 1˜5), and ethylene glycol or other diols so that the sum of its entire diol composition is 100 mol % based on dicarboxylic acid. The copolymer polyester resin of the present invention enables reduction of cycle time, improvement of product processability and prevention of PET bottle deformation during mold processing with a heat-shrinking label by complementing low temperature shrinkage, maintaining a high shrinkage rate, and reducing shrinkage stress.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement material for forming reinforced members. The reinforcement material includes a strengthening material which is preferably a fabric disposed at least partially between portions of matrix material.

Abstract: A porous membrane with the membrane wall constructed of a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer, wherein when the membrane wall is divided into 3 sections in the film thickness direction to form region “a” containing one wall surface A of the membrane wall, region “c” containing the other wall surface C and region “b” between region “a” and region “c”, the hydrophilic polymer content ratio Ca in region “a” is greater than the hydrophilic polymer content ratio Cc in region “c”, and the mean pore size of the wall surface C is larger than the mean pore size of the wall surface A.

Abstract: A method of deforming a component includes the step of forming the component from thermosetting, elastomeric microcellular polyurethane. The method further includes the step of heating at least a first portion of the component to a first temperature. The method further includes the step of compressing the first portion of the component while maintaining the first portion at the first temperature and while maintaining the second portion of the component at an undeformable state. The method of deforming the component shapes the first portion of the component. Preferably the method shapes the first portion of the component into a thin and/or complexly shape. The method of deforming the component also increases the first portion of the component relative to the second portion of the component, i.e. to densifying the component such that the component has varying density.

Abstract: Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus including an open interconnected wall structure having one or more pores, the open interconnected wall structure including a first electrode material, the pores including an electrolyte and a second electrode material, wherein the electrolyte and second electrode material are supported on the first electrode material within the pores such that the first electrode material is separated from the second electrode material by the electrolyte to enable the generation and/or storage of electrical energy using the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel, innovative industrial method for producing polystyrene (EPS) foam parts of arbitrary length and having a constant cross-section, with mixed densities located in accordance with the mechanical and thermal properties required for each application. The invention also relates to a machine (apparatus) for producing said solid parts having localized densities defined by the mechanical and thermal requirements of the application. The aforementioned products are produced by joined both longitudinally and transversely. The invention can be used to reduce the standard method to three steps, thereby resulting in a significant saving in terms of production. Moreover, unlike with the standard method, variants can be produced using the above-mentioned method, thereby increasing the range of application said type of products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rigid polyurethane foam comprising reinforcing materials which can be obtained by mixing (a) isocyanates which have a viscosity at 25° C. of less than 500 mPas with (b) compounds having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates, (c) blowing agents comprising water, (d) catalysts and, if appropriate, (e) further additives to form a reaction mixture and applying the reaction mixture to a reinforcing material, wherein the compounds (b) having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates comprise a polyetherol (b1) having a functionality of 4 or more and a viscosity at 25° C. of 10 000 mPas or less and a polyetherol (b2) having a functionality of 3 or less and a viscosity at 25° C. of 500 mPas or less. The present invention further relates to a process for producing such rigid polyurethane foams and the use of the rigid polyurethane foams for the insulation of liquefied natural gas tanks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing foam, including the steps of sealing a mold by providing a lower mold having an arbitrarily-shaped molding surface, and then sequentially placing a middle mold having at least one arbitrarily-shaped protrusion formed on one side thereof or both sides thereof and an upper mold having an arbitrarily-shaped molding surface on the lower mold; simultaneously forming an upper preform and a lower preform, which are prevented from foaming, by charging a foaming material in an inner molding space of each of the upper mold and the lower mold, which are divided by the middle mold; opening the mold and removing the middle mold from the mold; placing an interface material in grooves formed in the preform by the protrusion of the middle mold such that the upper preform and the lower preform are prevented from cross-linking with each other; and simultaneously cross-linking and foaming the upper preform and the lower preform by sealing the mold.

Abstract: A method of producing a foam is disclosed. The method includes providing an epoxy-containing compound, a cationic catalyst, an optional blowing agent, and at least one additive. The method further includes combining the epoxy-containing compound with the cationic catalyst, the optional blowing agent, and the at least one additive, wherein the epoxy-containing compound and the cationic catalyst react to polymerize the epoxy-containing compound to provide the foam having a density from about 0.3 lbs/ft3 to about 5.0 lbs/ft3 as measured by ASTM D1622. Further disclosed are the foam and a method for installing the foam.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous laminate having many micropores interconnected in the thickness direction, which comprises: a step in which a laminate is produced which comprises at least three layers comprising an interlayer made of a thermoplastic resin having a hard segment and a soft segment and two nonporous outer layers made of a filler-containing resin and located as outer layers respectively on both sides of the interlayer; a step in which the laminate obtained is impregnated with a supercritical or subcritical fluid and this state is relieved to vaporize the fluid and thereby make the interlayer porous; and a step in which the two nonporous outer layers located respectively on both sides are made porous by stretching.

Abstract: A downhole filter comprising includes an open cell foam; and nanoparticles disposed in the open cell foam and exposed within pores of the open cell foam. A method of preparing the downhole filter includes combining a polyisocyanate and polyol to form a polymer composition; introducing nanoparticles into the polymer composition; and foaming the polymer composition to produce the downhole filter comprising an open cell foam having nanoparticles exposed within pores of the open cell foam. The nanoparticles can be derivatized with functional groups.

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: A device housing for electronic device includes a substrate comprising activated carbon particles and adhesive material for bonding and rigidifying the activated carbon particles; and a decorative coating directly formed on a surface of the substrate. A method for manufacturing the device housing is also described.

Abstract: This invention provides composite semiconductor substrates and methods for fabricating such substrates. The composite structures include a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor superstrate and an intermediate layer interposed between the substrate and the superstrate that comprises a material that undergoes a structural transformation when subject to a suitable heat treatment. The methods provide such a heat treatment so that the intermediate layer becomes spongy or porous, being filled with numerous micro-bubbles or micro-cavities containing a gaseous phase. The composite semiconductor substrates with structurally-transformed intermediate layers have numerous applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing composite materials containing as a first layer a foamed thermoplastic support and as a second layer polyurethane (PU), the resulting composite materials being characterized by improved foam adhesion, wherein (i) a foamed polycarbonate molding composition is produced by injection molding using chemical or physical foaming techniques, and (ii) the polyurethane reaction system is applied on top and allowed to cure. The disclosure also provides the composite systems produced by this method and their use as a component, in particular in the automotive sector.

Abstract: Articles, compositions, and methods for growing tissues and organs using bioreactors, including rotating bioreactors, are provided. Synthetic scaffolds for growing artificial tissue and organ transplants are also provided.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of 3D patterned foam sheet, a foaming material is placed in a foaming mold for a foaming process, and the foaming mold has lines in a predetermined pattern formed on upper and lower walls of the foaming mold, such that after the foaming material is formed, the foaming sheet with the lines in a predetermined pattern can be produced, and matching molds engaged with each other can be used for an extrusion, and the pattern formed on the foam sheet is twisted, and a 3D stylish model with a shape matched to the shape of the mold is formed on the foam sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a backrest and a seat part, at least one of which has a structural element with a cavity. The cavity is formed by a base plate and at least two profiles secured to the base plate. A corner region of the two profiles has provided in it a filling configured to influence the stability and/or the deformation behavior of the backrest and/or the seat part. The filling has a foam support and a foam material at least partially surrounding the foam support.

Abstract: A filler composition comprising one or more ester-containing compounds and one or more ether-containing compounds.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite component for a power generation system includes a ceramic foam core and a ceramic matrix composite material surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic foam core. The ceramic foam core remains in place during operation of the component in the power generation system. Additionally, a method of forming the ceramic matrix composite component is provided.

Abstract: SAPO-34 membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO-34 membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with a synthesis gel. The Si/Al ratio of the synthesis gel can be from 0.3 to 0.15. SAPO-34 crystals are optionally applied to the surface of the support prior to synthesis. A layer of SAPO-34 crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO-34 crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: A process for producing silicone foam, involves a reaction mixture in which hydrogen is released in a first reaction of compounds with at least one Si—H group in the presence of a basic catalyst. The reaction mixture is crosslinked in a second reaction in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Abstract: A soft and resilient, cold-water dispersible polyurethane foam suitable for disposable personal care products is produced by the combination of corn syrup, glycerin, polyether diamine, PEG, a diisocyanate, water and a catalyst. The formulation and reaction conditions for forming the inventive foam are judiciously selected and carefully controlled to achieve water dispersibility and the desired mechanical properties. The characteristic resiliency, or percent rebound for the foams was generally over 75% and the foams are readily produced as soft foams, exhibiting a relative compression value of from 20% to 150% of that of a commercial polyurethane foam cosmetic pad which is not water dispersible. The foam may be incorporated into webs or stackable products or nestable three-dimensional products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcellular foam of a thermoplastic resin and a method for preparing the same, and more particularly to a microcellular foam comprising a skin layer having a porosity of below 5% and a core layer having a porosity of at least 5%, wherein the thickness of the skin layer accounts for 5 to 50% of the entire foam, and a method for preparing the same. The microcellular foam of the present invention is advantageous in that it has a thicker skin layer and smaller and uniform micropores in the core layer, compared with conventional microcellular foams, while having mechanical properties comparable to those of conventional non-foamed sheets.

Abstract: The invention provides a high performance porous bioceramic composite that has a high compression strength resulting from the ability to compression form a bioceramic precursor material and a pore forming agent under a high pressure load prior to sintering and/or removing the pore forming agent. Methods of making and using the same are also provided. Optionally, a biopolymer and/or therapeutic agent may be infused into the pores thereby forming the bioceramic composite.

Abstract: Polyurethane floor covering products are formed from a web layer containing at least 30% by weight fibers. A cooled polyurethane foam formulation which includes at least one polyisocyanate, water and at least one polyol having an equivalent weight of at least 500 is applied to the web layer. The wetted web layer is then compressed to mechanically wet out the fibers, gauged and heated to cure the foam formulation.