Abstract: The present disclosure provides a preparation method of a plasma-treated nanofiber-based hydrogen gas sensing material, including the following steps: (1) stirring a mixed solution of absolute ethanol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), N,N-dimethylformamide, SnCl2·H2O, and Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O uniformly on a constant-temperature magnetic stirrer to obtain a spinning solution; (2) electrospinning the spinning solution and depositing on an aluminum foil to obtain a spinning fiber; (3) annealing the spinning fiber in a muffle furnace to obtain a hydrogen gas sensing material sample; and (4) subjecting the hydrogen gas sensing material sample to a vacuum argon plasma treatment with a Hall ion source to obtain the nanofiber-based hydrogen gas sensing material. In the method, nanofibers are prepared by electrospinning and subjected to the vacuum argon plasma treatment through the Hall ion source.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (“3D”) printing system for printing on a substrate, the printing system including a plurality of powder feeders, the plurality of powder feeders dispensing a powder on the substrate in a first direction and in a second direction; and a powder uniformization device located adjacent to the plurality of powder feeders, the powder uniformization device rotatable along the substrate in directions opposing the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: An example sensor includes a flow cell, a detection device, and a controller. The flow cell includes a passivation layer having opposed surfaces and a reaction site at a first of the opposed surfaces. The flow cell also includes a lid operatively connected to the passivation layer to partially define a flow channel between the lid and the reaction site. The detection device is in contact with a second of the opposed surfaces of the passivation layer, and includes an embedded metal layer that is electrically isolated from other detection circuitry of the detection device. The controller is to ground the embedded metal layer.

Abstract: Functionalized textile materials are provided. At least a portion of a textile surface in includes a ceramic material, such as a binderless porous structured ceramic, and optionally, one or more functional layer is applied, resulting in a textile material with one or more desirable functional properties, such as hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, flame retardancy, photocatalysis, anti-fouling, and/or deodorant properties.

Abstract: A privacy display comprises a spatial light modulator and a compensated switchable liquid crystal retarder arranged between first and second polarisers arranged in series with the spatial light modulator. In a privacy mode of operation, on-axis light from the spatial light modulator is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance. The visibility of the display to off-axis snoopers is reduced by means of luminance reduction over a wide polar field. In a wide angle mode of operation, the switchable liquid crystal retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance is substantially unmodified.

Abstract: A molded article containing a copolymer including a tetrafluoroethylene unit and a perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) unit, wherein a surface roughness Ra of the molded article is 0.20 ?m or less, and a water contact angle of the molded article is 80 degrees or less. Also disclosed is a method for producing the molded article.

Abstract: Aspects described herein are directed to compositions, systems, and methods of manufacturing a polymer-based construction material comprising polymeric resin and filler such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). A surface of the polymer-based construction material may be treated such that the surface energy is increased from the material's inherent value to a predetermined value of at least 40 dynes/cm2. Further, the surface energy of the treated surface may persist within 20% of the predetermined value for at least three days.

Abstract: Provided is a ceramic complex having high luminous characteristics. Proposed is a ceramic complex including a rare earth aluminate fluorescent material, glass, and calcium fluoride, wherein, when the total amount of the rare earth aluminate fluorescent material, the glass, and the calcium fluoride is taken as 100% by volume, the content of the rare earth aluminate fluorescent material is in a range of 15% by volume or more and 60% by volume or less, the content of the glass is in a range of 3% by volume or more and 84% by volume or less, and the content of the calcium fluoride is in a range of 1% by volume or more and 60% by volume of less.

Abstract: Disclosed are 3D printing equipment, a system, and a method for food design and production. The 3D printing equipment has a bipolar microwave heating antenna for focusing heating on a material in an extrusion nozzle. The extrusion nozzle is between the anode antenna and the cathode antenna of the bipolar microwave heating antenna. The anode antenna and the cathode antenna limit a microwave electric field between them, thereby implementing focused heating on the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic, multi-functional ultra-thin coatings deposited onto substrates for different applications, with excellent performance in terms of stability and durability. The present invention also describes improved methods to deposit the hydrophilic, multi-functional ultra-thin coatings of the present invention. The coatings are deposited by means of a low pressure and low power plasma polymerization. The present invention also comprises substrates coated with a method and a coating according as described in the present invention.

Abstract: Various systems and methods relating to two-dimensional materials such as graphene. A membrane include a cross-linked graphene platelet polymer that includes a plurality of cross-linked graphene platelets. The cross-linked graphene platelets include a graphene portion and a cross-linking portion. The cross-linking portion contains a 4 to 10 atom link. The cross-linked graphene platelet polymer is produced by reaction of an epoxide functionalized graphene platelet and a (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide functionalized cross-linker.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed is to provide a method of manufacturing a nanoporous multilayer graphene membrane, including a first step of oxidizing a surface of a multilayer graphene membrane, a second step of reducing the oxidized surface of the multilayer graphene to carry out reductive etching such that oxidized carbon atoms on the surface are naturally and randomly dispersed, and a third step of repeatedly performing a series of the first and the second steps until nanopores penetrating the multilayer graphene are formed.

Abstract: A process for correcting defects in a primary coating on a glass optical fiber involves providing an optical fiber configured for propagation of an optical signal, coating the optical fiber with a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and at least one acrylate monomer, curing the composition to form a relatively soft primary coating covering an outer surface of the optical fiber, the primary coating being a thermoplastic product of the polyurethane and the at least one acrylate monomer, coating the optical fiber with at least one relatively harder secondary coating layer disposed over the primary coating, heating the coated fiber to a temperature above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to cause the primary coating to flow and correct defects, and cooling the coated fiber to a temperature below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic product to provide a substantially defect free primary coating.

Abstract: A polymeric composite derived from a reclaimed polymeric material. The polymeric composite in particulate form can be thermally compressed into panels and other embodiments that require a component that possesses sufficient mechanical strength and moisture resistance. In certain embodiments, the panel may be utilized as one layer in a multilayered article.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a near-net shape erosion shield, a method of forming a shielded article, and a near-net shape erosion shield are provided. The method of fabricating a near-net shape erosion shield includes providing a base, positioning an energy source relative to the base, and depositing at least one wear resistant material over the base with an energy beam from the energy source. The at least one wear resistant material deposited on the base forms the near-net shape erosion shield configured to be positioned on a turbine component. The method of forming a shielded article includes removing the base from the near-net shape erosion shield, and securing the near-net shape erosion shield to a turbine component. The near-net shape erosion shield includes a near-net shape erosion-resistant portion configured to be positioned on a turbine component.

Abstract: This disclosure provides economical and effective methods and apparatus for repairing scratches and scuffs on refillable bottle surfaces that minimally contaminates the bottle during the refurbishing process. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of: a) adding at least one fluid into the polymeric packaging material such as a bottle to form at least a partially filled packaging material; and b) applying at least one heat source to an exterior surface of the at least partially filled packaging material to form a repaired polymeric packaging material. Apparatus and recycling systems that incorporate this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems, apparatuses, and methods of three-dimensional plasma printing or processing. In one embodiment, a method includes introducing chemical precursors into one or more point plasma sources, generating plasma in the one or more point plasma sources from the chemical precursors with one or more power sources, and locally patterning a substrate disposed over a stage with the generated plasma by moving the stage with respect to the one or more point plasma sources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a consolidated material and a method of consolidating a mixture of materials. The method can include providing a first material with the first material being substantially fully crystallized. The method may also include providing a second material, wherein the second material is partially crystallized. The method may further include combining the first material and the second material into a mixed material and consolidating the mixed material into a consolidated material. Further disclosed is a consolidated material made according to this method.

Abstract: A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing a printable film comprising: providing a web of film; at a first location subjecting at least a first surface of the film web to a modified atmosphere dielectric barrier discharge (MADBD) treatment; winding the film web onto a reel; transporting the wound film web to a second location; unwinding the film web from the reel; and subjecting the first surface of the film to corona treatment. The invention also concerns printed films obtainable by the process of the invention, and articles of packaging and/or labeling made from such films.

Abstract: A container for culturing cells having nanostructures according to the present invention comprises a cell culture surface onto which adult stem cells are adhered so as to be proliferated and differentiated, wherein the cell culture surface comprises nanostructures placed thereon at regular intervals, the nanostructures comprise nano-pillars protruded from the cell culture surface, the width of the nano-pillars is 40-500 nm, and the height of the nano-pillars is 10 nm-1 ?m.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for displaying images. Some such apparatus include an array of display elements coupled to a substrate and an elevated aperture layer (EAL) suspended over the array of display elements. The EAL is coupled to the substrate, and includes, for each of the display elements, at least one aperture for allowing passage of light therethrough. Methods for manufacturing such apparatus include at least one of forming etch holes through the EAL, employing an at least partially sublimatable sacrificial mold, employing a two phase release process, and releasing the apparatus such that a portion of a sacrificial mold remains surrounding portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing a textured surface on a thermoplastic material that include treating the material with a plasma and subsequently shrinking the substrate to induce formation of textures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of complicated electronic and/or mechanical structures and devices and components using homogeneous or heterogeneous 3D additive build processes. In particular the invention relates to selective metallization processes including electroless and/or electrolytic metallization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier comprising at least one substrate, which has a coating in at least certain regions produced from individual modules by plasma polymerization, and the coating has one or more free spaces in at least certain regions for accommodating at least one solution containing a biological sample.

Abstract: Methods for applying an underfill with vacuum assistance. The method may include dispensing the underfill onto a substrate proximate to at least one exterior edge of an electronic device attached to the substrate. A space between the electronic device and the substrate is evacuated through at least one gap in the underfill. The method further includes heating the underfill to cause the underfill to flow into the space. Because a vacuum condition is supplied in the open portion of the space before flow is initiated, the incidence of underfill voiding is lowered.

Abstract: A fiber-and-plastic composite includes a fiber composite, a plastic part, and a silane coupling agent layer and an adhesive layer formed between the fiber composite and the plastic parts. The silane coupling agent layer directly bonds with the fiber composite. The adhesive layer directly bonds with the plastic parts. The silane coupling agent layer comprises hydrolytic silane coupling agent. The adhesive layer includes one-component polyurethane.

Abstract: Methods for processing substrate surfaces comprising metallic nanoparticles are disclosed. The methods involve providing a substrate surface comprising metallic nanoparticles, and exposing the substrate surface to a plasma.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for clustering particles, especially water contaminants, by liquid-phase electric plasma discharge. According to certain implementations, the discharge may be applied continuously, and may be of relatively low power, e.g., a voltage between 300 V and 5000 V and an amperage between 0.1 A and 1 A. The electrodes introducing the electric discharge may be in a point-to-point configuration and with at least one electrode having a large aspect ratio. In some implementations, one or more of the voltage and amperage of the electric discharge, electrode configuration and aspect ratio, and the conductivity of the medium may enable the generation of plasma containing hydroxyl and other radicals. The radicals may catalyze polymerization of the particles, resulting in an increase in particle size and, thus, improved filterability. The polymerization process may continue after the electric discharge is discontinued or removed from influence of the medium.

Abstract: A method of and system for recirculating a fluid in a particle production system. A reactor produces a reactive particle-gas mixture. A quench chamber mixes a conditioning fluid with the reactive particle-gas mixture, producing a cooled particle-gas mixture that comprises a plurality of precursor material particles and an output fluid. A filter element filters the output fluid, producing a filtered output. A temperature control module controls the temperature of the filtered output, producing a temperature-controlled, filtered output. A content ratio control module modulates the content of the temperature-controlled, filtered output, thereby producing a content-controlled, temperature-controlled, filtered output. A channeling element supplies the content-controlled, temperature-controlled, filtered output to the quench chamber, wherein the content-controlled, filtered output is provided to the quench chamber as the conditioning fluid to be used in cooling the reactive particle-gas mixture.

Abstract: A protective treatment for silicide coated materials and objects, including heating elements so treated, which may be used to improve the electrical stability, oxidation resistance, energy efficiency and performance is disclosed as well as improved silicide materials. Use is made of Al—O type compounds and silicides to treat heating elements in a manner which improves their electrical stability during use. The treatment may consist of a colloidal alumina in slurry form applied to materials and objects. The resultant heating element may be used to conserve energy during its life-cycle because of the use of lower power. It is envisioned that materials other than silicide coated ones may treated in a like manner.

Abstract: A molding method includes: drawing cross-section elements of a three-dimensional object as a molding target on a drawing surface of a drawing stand with a liquid whose curing is precipitated by receiving activation energy as cross-section patterns; applying the activation energy to the liquid configuring the cross-section patterns in a state in which the cross-section patterns is pinched between the drawing stand and a molding stand; and detaching the cross-section patterns after being applied with the activation energy from the drawing stand and transferring the cross-section patterns to the molding stand side, wherein the drawing surface has a liquid repellent area that is an area representing liquid repellency for the liquid and a lyophilic area that is independently formed in an island shape within the liquid repellent area and is an area representing lyophillicity stronger than that of the liquid repellent area for the liquid.

Abstract: A producing method of a plasma polymerized film includes irradiating a composition containing at least one kind of radically polymerizable compound, and at least one of a polymerization initiator and a chain transfer agent with plasma. The plasma polymerized film is formed by polymerizing a composition containing at least one of a polymerization initiator and a chain transfer agent, and at least one kind of radically polymerizable compound by irradiation of plasma.

Abstract: Methods of forming polymeric articles using plasma treated polymer resins, and orthopedic implants comprising a polymeric article wherein the polymeric article has reactive groups bonded to polymer molecules in an interior region of the polymeric article.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus serve for sterilizing parisons made of a thermoplastic material which are provided for producing blow-molded containers. Sterilization is carried out using a plasma. A sterilizing device is provided, for this purpose, with a plasma generator. Sterilization is carried out following insertion of the parison into a blow-molding station or on a transfer wheel. The plasma is generated outside the parison and introduced into the parison.

Abstract: A method of making carbon-coated nano- or micron-scale particles comprising entraining particles in an aerosol gas, providing a carbon-containing gas, providing a plasma gas, mixing the aerosol gas, the carbon-containing gas, and the plasma gas proximate a torch, bombarding the mixed gases with microwaves, and collecting resulting carbon-coated nano- or micron-scale particles.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a template manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a template for use in an imprint processing in which a pattern having irregularities are formed on a principal surface, and the pattern is brought into contact with a resist member formed on a substrate to be processed, to transfer the pattern to the resist member, the method including implanting charged particles at least into the bottoms of concave portions of the template.

Abstract: Provided are: a readily sinterable silicon carbide powder substantially having a stoichiometric composition and from which a dense sintered body can be obtained; a silicon carbide ceramic sintered body having a low specific resistance; and a production method thereof. This readily sinterable silicon carbide powder has a carbon/silicon elemental ratio of 0.96 to 1.04, an average particle diameter of 1.0 to 100 ?m, and a ratio of 20% or less of an integrated value of an absorption intensity in a chemical shift range of 0 to 30 ppm to an integrated value of an absorption intensity in a chemical shift range of 0 to 170 ppm, in a 13C-NMR spectrum. By sintering this silicon carbide powder under pressure, there can be produced a dense sintered body having a low specific resistance and a high purity.

Abstract: Provided are graphene-based nanopore and nanostructure devices, which devices may include an insulating layer disposed atop the graphene, which can be in a planar shape or nanostructured into a ribbon or other shapes, containing a single graphene layer or several layers. Graphene layers and nanostructures can be placed nearby horizontally or stacked vertically. Also provided are related methods of fabricating and processing such devices and also methods of using such devices in macromolecular analysis.

Abstract: A nanocomposite including: a thermoelectric material nanoplatelet; and a metal nanoparticle disposed on the thermoelectric material nanoplatelet.

Abstract: A blood clotting substrate and device which has a plurality of oxygen plasma-treated polypropylene pillars extending from the surface of a polypropylene film.

Abstract: Graphene sheets having a plurality of holes in their basal planes are described herein. Methods for making the graphene sheets can involve contacting graphene sheets with an activated gas that has contacted a helium or argon atmospheric pressure plasma. The size and/or number of holes introduced can be altered by changing the contact time, the stand-off distance, the activated gas concentration, and/or the plasma power. Polymer composites containing the perforated graphene sheets are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of making are provided for mesoporous metal oxide microspheres electrodes. The mesoporous metal oxide microsphere compositions comprise (a) microspheres with an average diameter between 200 nanometers (nm) and 10 micrometers (?m); (b) mesopores on the surface and interior of the microspheres, wherein the mesopores have an average diameter between 1 nm and 50 nm and the microspheres have a surface area between 50 m2/g and 500 m2/g. The methods of making comprise forming composite powders. The methods may also comprise refluxing the composite powders in a basic solution to form an etched powder, washing the etched powder with an acid to form a hydrated metal oxide, and heat-treating the hydrated metal oxide to form mesoporous metal oxide microspheres.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for surface modification of catheters. The surface modification can be localized to a lumen surface of the catheter. The surface modification to the lumen surface extends radially into the catheter body a predetermined distance to provide a hardened zone having a hardness that is greater than a hardness of an exterior surface of the catheter body.

Abstract: A hollow carbon sphere having a carbon shell and an inner core is disclosed. The hollow carbon sphere has a total volume that is equal to a volume of the carbon shell plus an inner free volume within the carbon shell. The inner free volume is at least 25% of the total volume. In some instances, a nominal diameter of the hollow carbon sphere is between 10 and 180 nanometers.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes an elongated tubular body defining a longitudinal axis and extending to a distal end thereof, the tubular body having at least one lumen and a cuff disposed around the tubular body configured to contact tissue, the cuff formed from a plasma-treated material having enhanced tissue ingrowth properties.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include a micromachined implantable drug delivery devices, grippers, and syringes that are wirelessly powered and controlled by frequency tuning of external radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields. An illustrative device can be designed and constructed with passive circuitry and microvalves that operate without batteries, e.g., through thermal actuation of hydrogel microvalves and/or shape-memory alloy members. The frequency selectivity in the device control provides not only a path to achieving reliable and safe operation of drug delivery but also potential applications for selective delivery of multiple drugs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composite material comprising a ceramic component having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion, and oxidic ceramic particles, to its obtainment process and to its uses in microelectronics, precision optics, aeronautics and aerospace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a patterned polymer layer with high aspect ratio to be used in contact with biological solutions or fluids, as well as the method of production of said layer, comprising a phase of polymerization moulding, that uses an acrylic and/or epoxy polymerizable material with a mold of organic or inorganic nature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a composite sheet. The method comprises (a) irradiating a sheet of fibres and a matrix film at an irradiation zone with a plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure, and (b) impregnating the sheet of fibres with the matrix at an adhesion zone. The processes (a) and (b) are performed simultaneously, and the matrix film is irradiated with a plasma at said irradiation zone after being unwound from a roller and prior to entering said adhesion zone.