Abstract: A heat insulation sheet includes: a heat insulation layer formed as a nanofiber web form having a plurality of pores by electrospinning a polymeric material; and an adhesion layer laminated on one or both sides of the heat insulation layer and formed as a nanofiber web form by electrospinning an adhesion material, to thereby be made thin and have a plurality of fine pores, and to thus improve heat insulation performance.

Abstract: A fiber that has a unique surface topography in that it contains a plurality of nanohairs extending outwardly from an external surface of an elongate structure of the fiber is provided. To form the nanohairs, a polymer composition is spun that includes organofunctional nanoparticles (e.g., polyhedral organofunctional silsesquioxanes) embedded within a matrix of a base polymer. Despite being initially embedded within the polymer, the present inventors have discovered that, through selective control over the nature and relative concentration of the components of the composition, as well as the method in which the fiber is formed, a substantial portion of the nanoparticles can migrate to the surface of the fiber as it is formed and thus become arranged in the form of nanohairs.

Abstract: A method for making natural fibre products comprising embrittling natural fibres and breaking the embrittled fibres into nanoparticles, forming a suspension of the fibre nanoparticles in a spinnable liquid, and spinning fibre from the suspension. The method may be used to make fibres having the dimensions and properties of cashmere.

Abstract: Biocompatible nanomatrices composed of peptide amphiphiles are provided for the embedding of cell populations for their implantation into a recipient animal or human. To confine the nanomatrix to a site of implantation, the nanomatrix can be encapsulated in a nanofiber sack formed from an electrospun nanofiber sheet. The nanofiber sheets are porous and have surface indentations that promote the vascularization of the implant, thereby maintain the viability and biofunctions of the cells, as wells as delivering cell-product products to the circulatory system to the benefit of the recipient subject. The implants may further include cell growth factors that can be beneficial to the survival of the cells as to promote angiogenesis and infiltration of the implant by new blood vessels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electret filter element includes preparing fibers and producing, by a spray device, a spray mist of fluid droplets which include an electrical charge formed by an electric field between detaching fluid droplets and a counter-electrode. The fibers are passed through the spray mist so as to wet the fibers with the fluid droplets. The fibers are laid down to form a fibrous layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing foamed thermoplastic films and trash bags wherein a foaming agent is added to a base thermoplastic resin. The resultant foaming agent/base resin mixture is extruded to form a single-ply foamed thermoplastic film. The film may be formed into bag, such as a trash bag.

Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include a heterocyclic imide material which is free of fluorinated groups. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for placement within a body vessel may include a tubular support structure including a proximal end segment, a distal end segment, an intermediate segment positioned between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment, a lumen extending longitudinally within the support structure, a luminal surface, and an abluminal surface opposite the luminal surface. The prosthesis may include a first layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers positioned on the luminal surface of the support structure. The prosthesis may include a second layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers positioned on the abluminal surface of the support structure. At least one of the proximal end segment or the distal end segment of the support structure may be encapsulated within a covering including the first layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers and the second layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers. The intermediate segment of the support structure may be unencapsulated within the covering.

Abstract: There are provided a super hydrophobic membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, the super hydrophobic membrane including a base layer containing a base polymer and a water-repellent additive containing fluorine, and having a nano-fiber structure. The super hydrophobic membrane capable of having water-repellency even with respect to liquid such as a surfactant, having relatively low surface energy, may be implemented.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using a unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a non-biodegradable durable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. These biologically-active agents are chemical compounds which retain their recognized biological activity both before and after becoming non-permanently bound to the formed textile material; and will become subsequently released in-situ as discrete freely mobile agents from the fabric upon uptake of water from the ambient environment.

Abstract: A method for producing a sheet material is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a carrier material solution comprising a carrier material, and depositing the carrier material onto a collector by electrospinning the carrier material solution out of a spinning device, the collector having a first electrical polarity and the spinning device having a second electrical polarity being opposite to the first polarity. The collector comprises at least one differential section, the electrical polarity of which is adjusted during deposition of the carrier material in such a manner that it either resembles the electrical polarity of the remaining sections of the collector or differs from it. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out said method and a sheet material which can be produced by said method.

Abstract: A process for production of a nonwoven fabric, which comprises a step wherein a thermoplastic polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent composed of a volatile good solvent and a volatile poor solvent, a step wherein the resulting solution is spun by an electrospinning method and a step wherein a nonwoven fabric accumulated on a collecting sheet is obtained, is employed to provide a nonwoven fabric having a surface area sufficiently large as a matrix for cell culturing in the field of regenerative medicine, with large gaps between filaments and a low apparent density suitable for cell culturing.

Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include N-substituted amino carbocyclic aromatic materials. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered fibrous construct for use as a scaffold for repairing or replacing cartilage or cartilage-like tissue, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a molten plastic film pinning apparatus for polyamide (PA) or polylactic acid (PLA) film manufacturing process. The apparatus includes a die for extruding a molten plastic, a chill roll placed under the die for forming and quenching the molten plastic film to the plastic film, an air knife positioned between the die and the chill roll and above the molten plastic film first contacting the chill roll parallelly along the molten plastic film's width, and an electrostatic pinning electrode placed parallel to the air knife. This invention also relates to a molten plastic film pinning method for polyamide (PA) or polylactic acid (PLA) film manufacturing process.

Abstract: A polymer-based sausage casing suitable for use with uncooked meats such as chorizo is disclosed. A polymer resin is blended with a silicon-based barrier control agent, preferably a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, to increase the permeability of the sausage casing. The resultant blend can be biaxially stretch-oriented to produce a single-layered polymer-based sausage casing suitable for use with uncooked sausage meats such as chorizo, and specifically suitable for the gas and moisture permeability needed during the curing process for uncooked sausage meats. Such polymer-based casings can also be employed for cooked sausages by choosing a silicon-based barrier control agent that increases gas and moisture barrier, thereby increasing shelf-life for unpeeled sausages. A method for improving the peelability of cooked sausage casings by injecting a thin coating of a releasing agent, without the addition of a surfactant, into the sausage casing during the shirring process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a film for a film capacitor making it possible to produce a film for a film capacitor which has a thickness of 10 ?m or less and which is excellent in a heat resistance and a voltage resistance at a high thickness accuracy by using a polyetherimide resin and provides as well a film for a film capacitor.

Abstract: A method of making a separator for an electrochemical battery cell of a lithium ion battery includes electrospinning a non-woven polymer fiber mat onto a collection face of a collector substrate. The separator may be formed entirely of the electrospun non-woven polymer fiber mat or it may be a multi-layer composite that contains other components in addition to the electrospun non-woven polymer fiber mat. The collector substrate comprises an electrode (positive or negative) optionally covered with a ceramic particle layer such that electrospinning of the non-woven polymer fiber mat forms an electrode-separator integral segment. The electrode-separator integral segment may then be assembled into an electrochemical battery cell of a lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A substrate of polymeric material for wound care contains at least one oleous antimicrobial and/or helping tissue regeneration substance that is selected from Hyperforin, Adhyperforin, 1-3 Diapigenin, 11-8 Diapigenin, Rutin, Quercetin, Hypericin, Azadirachtin ?-?, Nimbin, Nimbidin, Salanin, Gallic Acid, Gedunin and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device is made by forming sacrificial fibers on a substrate mold. The fibers and mold are covered with a first material. The substrate mold is removed, and the covered fibers are then removed to form channels in the first material.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis and systems and methods for making the prosthesis are provided. In one example, a patterned graft material for a prosthesis includes a network of electrospun fibers. The network of electrospun fibers may include a plurality of continuous electrospun fibers. The fibers may be collected on a collector plate using an electrospinning process to form the network of fibers. The patterned graft material also may include a plurality of openings in the network of electrospun fibers. The plurality of openings may be arranged in a pattern. The network of electrospun fibers may include a plurality of edges, each surrounding a corresponding one of the plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of edges may include at least one electrospun fiber of the network of electrospun fibers. A majority of the electrospun fibers of the plurality of edges may be continuous at the edges.

Abstract: A nanofiber-containing membrane has a specific surface area of 0.1 to 1000 m2/g, porosity of 10 to 99.5% and a pore size of 0.01 to 10 ?m. This provides a nanofiber-containing membrane having properties of high specific surface area, high porosity, nanoscale pore size, high pore uniformity and so on. A process for producing a nanofiber-containing membrane comprising producing a membrane from a polymer solution by electrospinning technology under optimal operation conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing flexible, stretchable transparent and highly electrically conducting hybrid polymer films comprising electrically conductive electrospun nanofibers embedded in solution cast dielectric polymer films. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an electrically conductive nanofiber, or nanofiber structure, that is embedded in a suitable polymer film. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive nanofiber, or nanofiber structure, can be electrospun from a suitable polymer solution that contains a suitable amount of, for example, at least one conductive material. In one embodiment, the flexible polymer film portion of the present invention can be formed from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or polyimide.

Abstract: A fibrous sheet for fuel cell or battery applications is formed by electrospinning a fluorinated ion-conducting polymer solution to form an agglomeration of fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrospinning device for fabricating a membrane, in particular, to an electrospinning device for fabricating membrane by using spinnerets aligned in machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) in a high-voltage DC electric field, and to method for using the same. In addition to producing a single-layer nanofiber membrane from a polymer composite, the electrospinning device according to the present invention can also conveniently produce a multilayer composite nanofiber membrane from more than one polymer composites. The electrospinning device comprises a control section, an electrospinning section and an ancillary section. The electrospinning section comprises a MD spinnerets set and a TD spinnerets set that are alternately arranged and moves above a membrane collecting device in a to-and-fro scanning manner so as to improve the evenness and strength of the obtained membrane.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an optical film which suffers neither flatness deterioration nor film breakage and is free from problems concerning undulating undulation and partial light leakage. The process for optical film production comprises laminating a cellulose ester resin layer (A) to an acrylic resin layer (B) by coextrusion. The process is characterized in that the cellulose ester resin layer (A) contains 55 to 99 mass % cellulose ester resin and the acrylic resin layer (B) contains 55 to 99 mass % acrylic resin, that the web is conveyed while keeping the layer (A) and the layer (B) in contact with the surface of a first cooling roll and the surface of a second cooling roll, respectively, and that when the surface temperature of the first cooling roll and the surface temperature of the second cooling roll are expressed by Ta (° C.) and Tb (° C.), respectively, then the Ta (° C.) and Tb (° C.) satisfy the following relationship (1). (Ta?80)° C.<Tb(° C.)<(Ta?5)° C.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester film is obtained by melt-extruding an aliphatic polyester as a film, controlling the entrained air stream between a casting drum and the film while inhibiting the variations of the film edge portion landing points on the casting drum, and subsequently bringing the film into contact with the casting drum over the entire width of the film.

Abstract: The present invention is a bioactive, nanofibrous material construct which is manufactured using a unique electrospinning perfusion methodology. One embodiment provides a nanofibrous biocomposite material formed as a discrete textile fabric from a prepared liquid admixture of (i) a non-biodegradable durable synthetic polymer; (ii) a biologically active agent; and (iii) a liquid organic carrier. These biologically-active agents are chemical compounds which retain their recognized biological activity both before and after becoming non-permanently bound to the formed textile material; and will become subsequently released in-situ as discrete freely mobile agents from the fabric upon uptake of water from the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a bioactive ceramic component and a polymer component. The matrix provides an osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffold supporting osteogenesis and thereby facilitates bone repair.

Abstract: A yarn spun from a plurality of nano-fibres is provided and is characterized in that at least some of the nano-fibres are folded with the folds occurring at predeterminable distances which are integer multiples of a specific spacing. The folds result from spinning the nano-fibres onto a plurality of moving conductive strips which are inclined to their direction of movement. A process and apparatus for producing such yarn is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrous separation membrane for secondary batteries, comprising: a support layer containing cellulose fiber; and a first heat-resistant resin layer applied on one side of the support layer.

Abstract: A plasticized ceramic-forming mixture and a method for stiffening the mixture, the mixture comprising a combination of inorganic powder, one or more plasticizing organic binders, a radiation-curable monomer, a photoinitiator, and water, and the method comprising stiffening the surfaces of extruded shapes of the mixture by applying electromagnetic energy to the surfaces following extrusion.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for ink jet printhead nozzle plate and related printing apparatus, wherein the ink jet printhead nozzle plate can include a coaxially electrospun layer to provide a low adhesion oleophobic textile surface exhibiting a low sliding angle and a high contact angle with ultra-violet gel ink and/or solid ink.

Abstract: A container having a plurality of orifices in an outer peripheral wall and having a space communicating with the orifices is rotated to extrude an electrically charged raw material liquid containing a polymer material from the space through the orifices by centrifugal force. This allows the electrically charged raw material liquid to form a fibrous material. At this time, the raw material liquid is supplied to the space in which the raw material liquid is filled by a raw material liquid pump so that the raw material liquid is extruded from the orifices at a predetermined pressure. That is, the raw material liquid in the space is pressurized. Also, the shape of the space in the container is set so that the centrifugal force exerted on the raw material liquid is constant.

Abstract: A guided bone regeneration membrane has a bilayer structure including a first nonwoven fabric layer and a second nonwoven fabric layer. The first nonwoven fabric layer includes a fibrous substance containing a biodegradable resin as a principal component and further containing a siloxane, and the second nonwoven fabric layer includes a fibrous substance containing a biodegradable resin as a principal component. The first and second nonwoven fabric layers are electrospun nonwoven fabric layers, and the fibrous substance constituting the second nonwoven fabric layer has an average diameter smaller than that of the fibrous substance constituting the first nonwoven fabric layer. Specifically, the fibrous substance constituting the second nonwoven fabric layer preferably has an average diameter of more than 0 ?m and equal to or less than 5 ?m.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for fabricating multi-layer fibrous scaffolds with a well-defined pore geometry is provided. The method includes electrospinning generally parallel rows of biodegradable synthetic polymer fibers onto a collector plate, wherein the fibers of each generally parallel row on the collector plate are generally aligned as they are electrospun onto the collector plate. The collector plate is rotated and additional generally parallel rows of biodegradable synthetic polymer fibers are electrospun onto the collector plate, wherein the additional fibers on the collector plate are generally aligned as they are electrospun onto the collector plate and a multi-layer scaffold is formed. The process can be continued to form a multi-layer fibrous scaffold with macropores of well-defined geometry.

Abstract: Methods for electrospinning a hydrophobic coaxial fiber into a superhydrophobic coaxial fiber mat can include providing an electrospinning coaxial nozzle comprising a core outlet coaxial with a sheath outlet, ejecting an electrospinnable core solution from the core outlet of the electrospinning coaxial nozzle, ejecting a hydrophobic sheath solution from the sheath outlet of the electrospinning coaxial nozzle, wherein the hydrophobic sheath solution annularly surrounds the core solution, applying a voltage between the electrospinning coaxial nozzle and a collection plate, wherein the voltage induces a jet of the electrospinnable core solution annularly surrounded by the hydrophobic sheath solution to travel from the electrospinning coaxial nozzle to the collection plate to form the hydrophobic coaxial fiber comprising an electrospinnable polymer core coated with a hydrophobic sheath material, and wherein collection of the hydrophobic coaxial fiber on the collection plate yields the superhydrophobic coaxial fib

Abstract: A multi-layer, fluid transmissive structure is provided that comprises first and second fiber layers each comprising a plurality of polymeric fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. The polymeric fibers of these fiber layers have diameters greater than one micron and collectively define interconnected interstitial spaces providing tortuous fluid flow paths through the first and second fiber layers. The structure also comprises a plurality of nanofibers disposed intermediate at least a portion of the first fiber layer and at least a portion of the second fiber layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanofiber web using an electrospinning method is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a polymer solution to the surface of a metal roller 10 with a direct current high voltage applied thereto; spinning the polymer solution supplied to the surface of the metal roller 10 toward a collector 40 of a metal plate with a direct current high voltage applied thereto having a different charge from that of the metal roller 10 to volatilize nanofibers, wherein the collector of the metal plate is located on the horizontal surface of the metal roller 10; and coating the volatilized nanofibers 70 on the collector 40. This method can improve the uniformity of the web, make the management of a production process easier, freely change type of web to be produced, make the maintenance and repair of facilities convenient, and simplify the facilities.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus is described. The electrospinning apparatus has a rotary nozzle mechanism that moves simultaneously along a non-linear track for forming polymeric fibrils, so that the polymeric fibrils can be piled to form a uniform web on a receiving carrier from any receiving angle. Therefore, the electrospinning apparatus resolves problems of the prior polymeric fibrils, such as various distribution and slow production rate. In addition, a method of manufacturing polymeric fibrils in the aforementioned electrospinning apparatus is further described.

Abstract: A process of forming a microperforated plastic film includes providing a post tool having multiple posts, bringing plastic into contact with the post tool such that the plastic conforms to the shape of the posts, and solidifying the plastic into a solidified plastic film having a plurality of microperforations in the shape of the posts. Another step in the process is displacing any skins formed over the holes after solidifying the plastic. The process may be used to form a film for sound absorption where the posts are shaped and arranged to provide microperforations that provide a particular sound absorption spectrum. In one embodiment, the microperforations each have a narrowest diameter of 20 mils, a narrowest diameter less than a film thickness, and a widest diameter greater than narrowest diameter. The widest diameter may be about 125% or more of the narrowest diameter in an embodiment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for preparing electrospun matrices comprising at least one natural biological material component and at least one synthetic polymer material. The natural component makes the matrices highly biocompatible while the molecular weight polymer component can impart additional strength mechanical strength to the scaffold and/or improve ease of manufacture by increasing viscosity and spinning characteristics of the solution during electrospining.

Abstract: A fiber spinning process comprising the steps of providing a polymer solution, which comprises at least one weakly interacting polymer dissolved in at least one weakly interacting solvent to a spinneret; issuing the polymer solution in combination with a blowing gas in a direction from at least one spinning nozzle in the spinneret and in the presence of an electric field; forming fibers and collecting the fibers on a collector.

Abstract: Nanofibers and methods for making the nanofibers are described. Porous metal oxide nanofibers and porous metal oxide nanofibers comprising metal nanoparticles made via electrospinning methods are also described.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to, in one embodiment, a method for forming a composite nonwoven web configured to deliver skin wellness agents to the skin of a user. According to the method, an aqueous system of a hydrophilic polymer and a skin wellness agent is formed. The aqueous system is then electrospun onto a surface of a nonwoven web containing synthetic fibers. The resulting nanofibers have an average diameter of from about 50 nanometers to about 5000 nanometers, such as from about 200 nanometers to about 700 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures where such structures can be formed on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.) where such fibers and/or structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber web comprising polymer fiber having an average fiber diameter of about 20 to 5000 nm, where the polymer fiber comprises a polyarenazole polymer having an inherent viscosity of greater than about 20 g/dl and the fiber web has a basis weight of from about 0.1 to 200 grams per square meter. Also provided are articles comprising such webs and methods of preparing such webs.

Abstract: A nanofiber membrane is formed on a microfiber membrane. The nanofiber membrane may be electro sprayed directly onto the microfiber membrane and becomes integrated with the microfiber membrane to form a filter. The microfiber membrane provides structural integrity to for the nanofiber membrane, and an additional microfiber membrane may be added to sandwich the nanofiber membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel hybrid polymer electrolyte, a lithium secondary battery comprising the hybrid polymer electrolyte polymer and their fabrication methods. More particularly, the present invention provides the hybrid polymer electrolyte comprising superfine fibrous porous polymer matrix with particles having diameter of 1-3000 nm, polymers and lithium salt-dissolved organic electrolyte solutions incorporated into the porous polymer matrix. The hybrid polymer electrolyte has advantages of better adhesion with electrodes, good mechanical strength, better performance at low and high temperatures, better compatibility with organic electrolytes of a lithium secondary battery and it can be applied to the manufacture of lithium secondary batteries.

Abstract: A method of making a composite filter media includes, in an exemplary aspect, forming a nonwoven fabric substrate that includes a plurality of bicomponent synthetic fibers by a spunbond process, calendering the nonwoven fabric substrate with embossing calender rolls to form a bond area pattern having a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area to bond the synthetic bicomponent fibers together to form a nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 50%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure. The method also includes applying a nanofiber layer by electro-blown spinning a polymer solution to form a plurality of nanofibers on at least one side of the nonwoven fabric. The composite filter media having a filtration efficiency of at least about 75%, measured in accordance with ASHRAE 52.2-1999 test procedure.