Abstract: Our invention allows for control of particle formation at the nanoscale, providing a means to control nanoparticle and nanostructure formation using feedback on the fly from nanoparticle characteristic analysis and optimization/knowledge extraction control algorithms. A closed loop feedback controller causes the interaction of a shaped flaser pulse with a substrate. The substrate can be one or more solid, liquid or gas or any combination thereof. Nanoparticles are produced and their characteristics are measured. The measured characteristics are compared with the desired nanoparticle characteristics. If the measured and desired characteristics are not equivalent, the closed loop feedback controller modifies the shape of the laser pulse and the next cycle begins. With successive loop of the control process the difference between the desired and measured characteristics converges until they are equivalent.

Abstract: A flame spray pyrolysis method for making nanoscale, lithium ion-conductive ceramic powders comprises providing a precursor solution comprising chemical precursors dissolved in an organic solvent, and spraying the precursor solution into an oxidizing flame to form a nanoscale, lithium ion-conductive ceramic powder, wherein a concentration of the chemical precursors in the solvent ranges from 1 to 20 M. The precursor solution can comprise 1-20% excess lithium with respect to a stoichiometric composition of the ceramic powder. Nominal compositions of the nanoscale, ceramic powders are Li1.4Al0.4M1.6(PO4)3 where M is Ti or Ge.

Abstract: A method for forming nanoparticles containing uranium oxide is described. The method includes combining a uranium-containing feedstock with an ionic liquid to form a mixture and holding the mixture at an elevated temperature for a period of time to form the product nanoparticles. The method can be carried out at low temperatures, for instance less than about 300° C.

Abstract: A method for preparing polymer microparticles with a reduced initial burst, and the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, the method including: contacting polymer microparticles with an alcohol aqueous solution, the polymer microparticles prepared thereby, and use for drug delivery of the polymer microparticles.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel spacers include a deflection-limited elastic rod contact. Spacers may additionally include a rigid contact without elastic functionality. A degree of deflection may be chosen based on plastic deformation threshold, maximum fuel rod movement, anticipated transverse loads related to fuel assembly, inspection, handling, transportation, operation, accidents, and/or any other operating characteristic. Spacers include deflection-limited elastic contacts and/or rigid contacts in several arrangements within the spacer and/or on a single fuel rod. Spacers are compatible with a simple fabrication method that forms rigid, deflection-limiting, and elastic components from a single substrate. Nuclear fuel spacers are useable with several fuel assembly types.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus enabling manufacture of a microparticle dispersion liquid at high efficiency in a short time while suppressing drug degradation, etc., are provided. In a dissolving step, a poorly soluble drug and a dispersion stabilizer are dissolved in a volatile organic solvent in a container 13. In a fixing step following the dissolving step, the organic solvent, contained in a solution, is eliminated by evaporation, a pellet-form residue 1 is obtained by the organic solvent elimination, and the residue 1 is fixed on an inner wall of the container 13. In a water injecting step following the fixing step, water 2 is injected into an interior of the container 13.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for applying a force to at least one of an inner stream, an outer stream or both of a combined stream to produce a plurality of capsules, receiving image data, processing the image data, detecting undesirable capsules from the processed image data, applying a bias charge only to the detected undesirable capsules, and segregating the biased undesirable capsules from the unbiased desirable capsules. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a composite material, a catalyst material is patterned within a deposition area to form an array of catalyst regions. A first array of bundles of filaments is grown on the catalyst regions. Adjacent filaments in the bundle are spaced by an inter-filament gap. Adjacent bundles are spaced in the array by an inter-bundle gap substantially free of filaments. The free tips of the filaments are drawn together within each bundle, so that the inter-filament gaps become smaller at the tip of each bundle than at the base of each bundle where the filaments remain attached to the catalyst region. These steps are repeated to provide a second array of bundles of filaments. The second array are positioned or grown at least partly in the inter-bundle gaps of the first array. The inter-filament gaps and inter-bundle gaps of both arrays are impregnated with a matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of polymer composite material, and a nano particle/polyamide composite material, a preparation method therefor and a use thereof are disclosed. The nano particle/polyamide composite material comprises 0.01-99 parts by weight of inorganic nano particles and 1-99.99 parts by weight of a polyamide matrix. The preparation method for the nano particle/polyamide composite material of the present invention comprises hydrolysis polymerization or anionic polymerization. The nano particle/polyamide composite material of the present invention has the particular functions of nano materials, while having the advantages of the polymer matrix such as good mechanical performance and being easy for processing and molding.

Abstract: Disclosed are aerosol-mediated methods for synthesizing particles for biomedical and drug delivery applications. The method is based on the production of particles from sprayed polymeric micro or nano-droplets obtained by, for example, an air-jet nebulization process that is followed by gelation and/or hardening in a crosslinking fluid, non-solvent, precipitating solvent, or supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Cryogranulation systems with improved dispenser assemblies are provided for use in manufacturing frozen pellets of pharmaceutical substances in a fluid medium. Methods of cryogranulating the pharmaceutical substance in the fluid medium are also provided. In particular embodiments, the dispenser assembly is used with suspensions or slurries of pharmaceutical compositions including biodegradable substances, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical substance can be adsorbed to any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier particles suitable for making pharmaceutical powders. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier can be, for example, diketopiperazine-based microparticles. The dispenser assembly improves the physical characteristics of the cryopellets formed and minimizes product loss during processing.

Abstract: A method of producing solid composite lipid/drug nanoparticles that includes the steps of: (1) dissolving a lipid and a drug in a suitable organic solvent to form a solution; (2) emulsifying the solution in a liquid to form an emulsion having a discontinuous phase of micelles comprising the organic solvent, the drug and the lipid, and a continuous phase comprising the liquid; and (3) contacting the emulsion with a supercritical fluid under conditions suitable to keep the supercritical fluid in a supercritical state, whereby the supercritical fluid extracts the organic solvent from the micelles, causing them to precipitate as organic-solvent free solid composite lipid/drug nanoparticles suspended or dispersed in the liquid.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing finely powdered spherical magnesium includes a gas compressor that compresses argon gas, a gas heating unit that heats the compressed argon gas, and a tundish that receives molten magnesium. The device further includes a reactor having a nozzle injection unit that injects heated argon gas into the reactor, a recovery unit that recovers magnesium powder produced in the reactor, and a first gas cooler that cools the argon gas passing through the recovery unit. The device further includes a filtering unit that filters the cooled argon gas, a buffer tank that receives the filtered argon gas, and a compression blower that adiabatically compresses the argon gas. The device further includes a second gas cooler that cools the compressed argon gas, an adiabatic expansion duct that adiabatically expands the cooled argon gas, supplies the expanded argon gas to the reactor, and cools the magnesium powder.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for encapsulating a liquid, which method comprises the steps of providing a suspension of droplets of the liquid to be encapsulated; stabilizing the suspension of droplets with a surfactant; adding a layered inorganic material to the stabilized suspension; and subjecting the suspension to a treatment which establishes that a shell of a hybrid material is formed around the droplets, which hybrid material comprises at least part of the inorganic material and at least part of the surfactant. The invention further provides encapsulated liquid droplets obtainable by said method.

Abstract: Capsules comprising crumpled graphene sheets that form a crumpled graphene shell encapsulating an internal cargo comprising nanostructures of a second component are provided. Also provided are anode materials for lithium ion batteries comprising the capsules, wherein the nanostructures are composed of an electrochemically active material, such as silicon.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for obtaining solid micro- or nanoparticles with a homogeneous structure. A method is provided for obtaining solid micro- or nanoparticles with a homogeneous structure having a particle size of less than 10 ?m where the processed solid compound has the natural, crystalline, amorphous, polymorphic and other features associated with the starting compound. In accordance with the invention a method which also makes it possible to obtain solid micro- or nanoparticles with a substantially spheroidal morphology is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of biosourced aliphatic polyester powder having a volume median diameter of less than 30 ?m, comprising: a step consisting in supplying an aliphatic polyester having an inherent viscosity of less than 0.5 dl/g; and a step consisting in grinding the polyester, so as to obtain a polyester powder having a volume median diameter of less than 30 ?m. The invention also relates to a powder in which the particles have a volume median diameter of less than 30 ?m and are impregnated with a compound selected from among polyols and/or carboxylic acids. The invention further relates to the use of the powder for the production of cosmetic, pharmaceutical and perfume products.

Abstract: A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C.

Abstract: To provide an inorganic fiber that suppresses adverse effects on a human body and living environments, exhibits high biosolubility, and also exhibits excellent heat resistance as a constituent material for a filter material, a sealing material, or the like. The inorganic fiber comprises 30 mass % or more and less than 81 mass % of Al2O3, more than 19 mass % and 65 mass % or less of MgO and 0 mass % to 40 mass % of SiO2, wherein the total content of Al2O3, MgO and SiO2 relative to the entire fiber is 98 mass % or more.

Abstract: A method for producing particles, including: bringing a compressive fluid into contact with a pressure plastic material, so as to produce a melt of the pressure plastic material; and discharging the melt of the pressure plastic material by differential pressure to a space, so as to form particles, wherein the discharging includes at least one of (A) discharging the melt of the pressure plastic material while a compressive fluid is supplied to the melt of the pressure plastic material, and (B) discharging the melt of the pressure plastic material through one or more through-holes, to which vibration is applied, so as to change the shape of the melt of the pressure plastic material from a columnar shape, through the columnar shape with constrictions, into a particle shape.

Abstract: A process for forming microspheres is disclosed. The process includes contacting a solvent with a modified cellulose to form a solution; contacting the modified cellulose solution with at least one bioactive agent to form a discontinuous phase liquid; contacting the discontinuous phase liquid with a continuous phase liquid to form an emulsion; and contacting the emulsion with a third phase liquid to extract the solvent from the emulsion, thereby forming a plurality of modified cellulose microspheres.

Abstract: A fusion fuel capsule is disclosed having a substantially spherical ablator shell. The interior surface of the shell is lined with a nanoporous scaffold layer wetted with either a fully or partially liquid mixture of deuterium and tritium.

Abstract: A method for producing particles of predetermined sized and/or morphology of a substance in a production arrangement comprising the steps of: i) mixing within a spray nozzle and under flow conditions a stream of a liquid solution in which the substance is dissolved with a stream of a fluid, and ii) passing the mixture in the form of a spray through a spray outlet of the nozzle into a particle collecting container, and iii) separating and collecting within the container the particles. The characteristic feature is that the solvent is a liquid and the fluid is an aqueous liquid in a subcritical state. Preferred nozzles have two coaxial internal transport conduits. One aspect is a production arrangement that can be used in the method. Its characteristic features are functions for a) recycling fluid used in the process, b) for including a make-up agent in the fluid stream, and/or increasing production by paralleling particle formation.

Abstract: A toner for developing an electrostatic image is provided. The toner includes at least a binder resin; a colorant; and a particulate release agent. The particulate release agent is prepared by heating the release agent to a temperature not lower than a melting point of the release agent to melt the release agent, dissolving the melted release agent in a supercritical fluid or a sub-critical fluid, and feeding the solution into a liquid so that the solution is depressurized and the particulate release agent is formed in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations comprising (A) at least one aminocarboxylate, selected from methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA) and glutaminic acid diacetate (GLDA), and salts and derivatives thereof, and (B) at least one alkyleneimine polymer which is covalently modified with at least one carboxylic acid or at least one derivative of a carboxylic acid or at least one derivative of carbonic acid, where up to at most 75 mol % of the nitrogen atoms of the primary and secondary amino groups of the alkyleneimine polymer have been reacted with carboxylic acid or derivative of carboxylic acid or carbonic acid.

Abstract: A fabrication method of nanoparticles is provided. A substrate having a plurality of pillar structures is provided and then a plurality of ring structures is formed to surround the plurality of the pillar structures. The inner wall of each ring structure surrounds the sidewall of each pillar structure. A portion of each pillar structure is removed to reduce the height of each pillar structure and to expose the inner wall of each ring structure. The ring structures are separated from the pillar structures to form a plurality of nanoparticles. Surface modifications are applied to the ring structures before the ring structures are separated from the pillar structures on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a nonwoven electret web comprising fibers made from a thermoplastic polymer material which comprises a polymer, a first additive (a) and a second additive (b), wherein the first additive (a) comprises a hindered amine and the second additive (b) comprises a metal salt of a carboxylic acid and/or an organic amide derived from a carboxylic acid and an amine. The invention further provides a process for making the nonwoven electret web, a fiber, a process for making the fiber, a mullti-layer sheet, and the use of the nonwoven electret web, the fiber or the multilayered sheet as a filter material or as a dust-removing fabric for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A containment tube includes a sealed tube comprising silicon carbide, first and second ends, an inner bore extending along at least a portion of its axial length between the first and second ends, and contains a radioactive material within the bore of the sealed tube. The first end has a plug residing in the inner bore to close the first end, and the second end has a distal wall that closes the inner bore at the second. At least one of the first or second ends is bonded to the sealed tube by a sinter bond.

Abstract: Formulations comprising (A) at least one aminocarboxylate selected from methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA) and glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA), and salts and derivatives thereof, and (B) at least one alkoxylated alkyleneimine polymer with an average molecular weight Mw in the range from 800 to 25 000 g/mol which has a positive charge density of at least 5 meq/g and which has in the range from 2 to at most 80% by weight alkylene oxide side chains, based on total alkoxylated alkyleneimine polymer.

Abstract: Use of solid formulations with a residual moisture content in the range from 0.1 to 15% by weight, comprising (A) at least one compound selected from aminocarboxylates and polyaminocarboxylates, and (B) at least one cationic (co)polymer with a cationic charge density of at least 5 milliequivalents/g, (C) at least one silicate selected from sodium silicates, potassium silicates and alumosilicates, (D) optionally at least one compound selected from alkali metal percarbonate, alkali metal perborate and alkali metal persulfate, and (E) optionally, polyvinyl alcohol as or for producing formulations for washing dishes and kitchen utensils.

Abstract: Dianhydrohexitol pellets, whose fluidity is preserved even after lengthy storage, include between 90% and 100%, preferably between 95% and 100%, and more preferentially between 97% and 100% of dianhydrohexitols by weight, on a dry weight basis, and have the particularity of not being subject to caking. A process for preparing the dianhydrohexitol pellets is also described.

Abstract: A method for preparing uniquely sized nanoparticles of CaF2 by simultaneously spray drying a first NH4F and a biocompatible salt solution and a second Ca(OH)2 and biocompatible salt solution to form CaF2 solid particles in a soluble salt matrix wherein the salt is more soluble than CaF2. The salt matrix may then be dissolved and the separate CaF2 nanosized particles collected for use as a dental therapeutic material. The technique is useful in the preparation of other discrete, nanoparticle sized compounds and combinations by carefully choosing the solvents and solutes of the two spray dried solutions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement for applying a layered structure onto a convex surface of a lens. After thermoforming the layered structure, a curvature direction of the layered structure is inverted. The structure is then applied on the lens surface by continuously pushing the structure against the lens surface, starting from a contact point between a convex surface of the structure and the convex surface of the lens. The curvature direction of the layered structure is then inverted again, so that it recovers the curvature direction that resulted from thermoforming. Stresses within the layered structure are then reduced, and the structure can be assembled with the lens without defects.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyolefin pellets by cuffing a raw material which contains a molten polyolefin resin and which is extruded from an extrusion orifice (121) of a die (12) into predetermined lengths with an underwater cutter (14) which is set in close vicinity to the die face of the die (12) and which rotates in water, satisfying the following requirements (A) to (C): (A) the average linear velocity (u) of the raw material passing through the extrusion orifice (121) as defined by the equation (Eq-1) is 50 to 650 mm/sec, (B) the fictitious aspect ratio (r) as defined by the equation (Eq-2) is 1.6 or below, and (C) the r/u value is 0.002 or above wherein Q is extrusion rate (mm3/sec) of the raw material per extrusion orifice; R is radius (mm) of the extrusion orifice; and t is cutting time (sec) defined as an inverse number of the product of the number of revolution of the under-water cutter and the number of blades of the cutter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nitride nuclear fuel characterized in that the nitride fuel is a pellet of a material with a single-phase solid solution of elements comprising at least a nitride of americium (Am), and that the material has a density of around 90% of the theoretical density. The invention further relates to a method for producing the said nuclear fuel by using the steps: mixing of starting powders, sintering of the powders into a dense pellet and a subsequent heat treatment.

Abstract: Methods for producing drug-containing bioabsorbable fibers. Also disclosed are methods for treating diseases using a bioabsorbable drug delivery device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing and treating plastic pellets. According to said method, a melt of the plastic material is granulated to give pellets, the pellets are cooled in a cooling fluid, the pellets are separated from the cooling fluid and the pellets are crystallized. The device according to the invention is characterized by comprising a control unit which monitors the crystallization step and controls the method in such a manner that, in case of a disturbance of crystallization, the pellets are supplied to an intermediate storage alter separation of the pellets from the cooling fluid and, as soon as the disturbance is removed, the pellets temporarily stored in the intermediate storage are supplied to crystallization and are crystallized.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hemisphere-shaped dosage form containing drug. A high molecular weight solution containing the drug is prepared, and the solution is then dropped onto a base material. The interface phenomenon between the solution and different base materials causes the solution to form a hemisphere-shaped liquid drop dosage. After solidifying by cross-link or evaporation, a hemisphere-shaped dosage form containing drug is obtained. The advantages of the preparation method are a simple and fast process, and simple operation. Applications of the preparation method to prepare a hemisphere-shaped dosage form containing drug are also provide.

Abstract: UO2 nuclear fuel pellets are fabricated by adding additive powder comprising Mn compound and Al compound into UO2 powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for producing particles via supercritical fluid processing. In one embodiment, the method includes expanding a supercritical fluid plasticized melt across a pressure drop to form solid composite particles that are simultaneously dispersed, foamed and cooled, and milling the solid particles produced to achieve the desired size distribution. In another embodiment, a pressure vessel containing a supercritical fluid plasticized melt is depressurized to form a cooled solid porous mass, which is then milled to obtain solid composite particles.

Abstract: A fabrication method of burnable absorber nuclear fuel pellets and burnable absorber nuclear fuel pellets fabricated by the same are provided, in which the fabrication method includes adding boron compound and manganese compound to one or more type of nuclear fuel powders selected from the group consisting of uranium dioxide (UO2), plutonium dioxide (PuO2) and thorium dioxide (ThO2) and mixing the same (step 1), compacting the mixed powder of step 1 into compacts (step 2), and sintering the compacts of step 2 under hydrogen atmosphere (step 3). According to the fabrication method, sintering can be performed under hydrogen atmosphere at a temperature lower than the hydrogen atmosphere sintering that is conventionally applied in the nuclear fuel sintered pellet mass production, by adding sintering additives such as manganese oxide or the like.

Abstract: Spray dried solid dispersions comprising a sparingly soluble drug and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) provide increased aqueous solubility and/or bioavailability in a use environment.

Abstract: A new interface between the cladding and the stack of pellets in a nuclear control rod. According to the invention, an interface joint made of a material transparent to neutrons, in the form of a structure with a high thermal conductivity and open pores, adapted to deform by compression across its thickness, is inserted between the cladding and the stack of pellets made of B4C neutron absorber material over at least the height of the stack. The invention also relates to associated production methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles for encapsulating compounds, the preparation and uses thereof, comprising a casein matrix, a basic amino acid and a metal selected from a divalent metal, a trivalent metal and combinations thereof. Said nanoparticles can encapsulate a water soluble or fat soluble biologically active compound. The invention is applicable in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors and in the nanotechnology sector.

Abstract: A fiber is provided, including a cladding material that is disposed along a longitudinal-axis fiber length. A plurality of spherical particles are disposed as a sequence along a longitudinal line parallel to the longitudinal fiber axis in at least a portion of the fiber length, and include a spherical particle material that is interior to the fiber cladding material and different than the fiber cladding material. To produce particles, a drawn fiber, having a longitudinal-axis fiber length and including at least one fiber core that has a longitudinal core axis parallel to the longitudinal fiber axis and that is internally disposed to at least one outer fiber cladding layer along the fiber length, is heated for a time that is sufficient to cause a fiber core to break-up into droplets sequentially disposed along the fiber core axis. Fiber cooling solidifies droplets into spherical particles interior to fiber cladding.

Abstract: A toner manufacturing method, a toner manufacturing apparatus, and a toner are disclosed. The toner manufacturing apparatus includes a droplet generating unit that includes a thin film in which plural nozzles are formed, and an annular vibrating unit that is arranged at a perimeter of a deformable domain of the thin film for vibrating the thin film; a storage unit for storing a toner-containing liquid that includes at least a resin and a colorant, and for supplying the toner-containing liquid 10 to the droplet generating unit; and a granulating unit for solidifying droplets that are periodically breathed out from the nozzles of the droplet generating unit to form toner particles.

Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for forming particles including drugs in a solution, changing the bulk or surface properties of a drug particle, and/or microencapsulating drug particles, and compositions produced thereby. In some embodiments, the process described utilizes mechanical agitation, more specifically low-frequency sonication, under controlled conditions, which provides mild shear forces during forming and/or precipitation to control the particle growth and mixing properties. Particle size can range from less than about 200 nanometers to greater than about one millimeter, depending on the processing conditions and application.

Abstract: A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating porous UO2 sintered pellets to be fed into an electrolytic reduction process for the purpose of metallic nuclear fuel recovery is provided, which includes forming a powder containing U3O8 by oxidizing a spent nuclear fuel containing uranium dioxide (UO2) (step 1), fabricating U3O8 green pellets by compacting the powder formed in step 1 (step 2), and fabricating UO2 sintered pellets by sintering the U3O8 green pellets fabricated in step 2 at 1000 to 1600° C., in an atmospheric gas, and cooling the same for reduction, by changing the atmosphere to a reducing atmospheric gas (step 3). The porous UO2 sintered pellets can be fabricated, which do not have any defects. The volatile fission products are sufficiently removed from the fabricated porous UO2 sintered pellet, the O/U ratio is 2.00, the permeation of the electrolyte during reduction is facilitated, and the electrolytic reduction velocity increases.