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: Described is a process for producing pulverulent, antioxidant-comprising coating compositions, comprising providing an aqueous polymer dispersions comprising one or more antioxidants and a polymer obtained by radical polymerization of a) N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and b) at least one radically polymerizable compound selected from esters of ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids with C1-C8-alkanols, wherein the antioxidants are incorporated into the aqueous polymer dispersion in the form of a solution or of a dispersion, and spray processing the aqueous polymer dispersion to provide a powder form.

Abstract: Sulfur seeds may be produced by spraying liquid molten sulfur from a sulfur spray nozzle into a moving stream of liquid. Some of the sulfur may pass through the liquid and some of the sulfur may be entrained in and transported by the stream of liquid, or all of the sulfur may be entrained in the stream of liquid. The sulfur droplets that are entrained in the stream of liquid may be carried by the liquid to a cooling tank, which may be a spiral dewaterer tank with an angled bottom and a screw conveyor. An opening may be made in the bottom surface of the screw conveyor housing of the spiral dewaterer tank for liquid to drain from the screw conveyor as it moves sulfur seeds from the tank to a the drum. A screen may be disposed across the opening, and a drain trough attached to the screw conveyor housing to capture any liquid and solids that move through the screen. A wash line may assist in moving solids that pass through the screen.

Abstract: In foamable polystyrene resin particles that are obtained by granulating a polystyrene resin containing a flame retardant and a foaming agent, the flame retardant has a bromine atom in a molecule, contains less than 70% by mass of bromine, has a benzene ring in a molecule, and has a 5% by mass decomposition temperature in a range of from 200° C. to 300° C., and a ratio (B/A) between (A) the amount of the flame retardant contained in the total foamable polystyrene resin particles and (B) the amount of the flame retardant contained in the surface of the resin particles is in a range of from 0.8 to 1.2. By pre-foaming the foamable polystyrene resin particles and then foaming the particles in a mold, a polystyrene resin foam-molded article having flame retardancy is obtained.

Abstract: A fine agglomerates mixture formed from pyrolysis of recyclable polymeric material such as scrap tires, polymeric automotive components, used rubber materials, and plastic containers. The mixture contains a carbon content ranged between about 80% to about 95% by weight of the fine agglomerates mixture. The fine agglomerates mixture has agglomerate particles averaging less than or equal to 35 nm. The fine agglomerates mixture also has a nitrogen surface area greater than or equal to 73 m2/g and includes an inorganic functional filler in a range between about 5% to about 20% weight of the fine agglomerates mixture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mineralized collagen/bioceramic composite useful as a hard tissue replacement material or substitute material, comprising about 10% to 95% by weight of mineralized collagen and about 5% to 90% by weight of bioceramics, and a method of manufacturing the same. Wherein, the mineralized collagen is used as a binder for the bioceramics, such as calcium phosphate ceramics, calcium sulfate ceramics, calcium carbonate ceramics, and other biocompatible ceramics. The bioceramic used in the mineralized collagen/bioceramic composite can be either in powder form or in granular form.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal comprising the steps of providing a permeable substrate, and forming a plurality of depressions into a surface of the permeable substrate to provide the therapeutic device. A method of treating a wound comprises: providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: The invention provides stable, solid dosage forms and pharmaceutical compositions in particulate form comprising a fibrate, for example fenofibrate, dissolved in an non-aqueous vehicle in order to ensure improved bioavailability of the active ingredient upon oral administration relative to known fibrate formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of preparing silk nanoparticles and microparticles, methods of encapsulating an active agent into the silk nano- and microparticles and compositions comprising these silk particles. In particular, the silk spheres are prepared from phase separation of silk and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), without exposure to an organic solvent. The method employs a chemical, PVA, which is an FDA-approved ingredient in drug formulations. Different parameters can be adjusted to control the size and shape of the silk spheres during the fabrication process. The silk particle compositions of the present invention may also encapsulate active agents or chemicals. Such compositions allow the active agents to be controllably and sustainably released to the target organs or tissues. The silk composition entrapping active agents also provides for a long-term storage medium for the active agents so entrapped.

Abstract: A composite nuclear fuel pellet comprises a composite body including a UO2 matrix and a plurality of high aspect ratio particies dispersed therein, where the high aspect ratio particies have a thermal conductivity higher than that of the UO2 matrix. A method of making a composite nuclear fuel pellet includes combining UO2 powder with a predetermined amount of high aspect ratio particles to form a combined powder, the high aspect ratio particles having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the UO2 powder; mixing the combined powder in a solvent to disperse the high aspect ratio particles in the UO2 powder; evaporating the solvent to form a dry mixture comprising the high aspect ratio particles dispersed in the UO2 powder; pressing the dry mixture to form a green body; and sintering the green body to form the composite fuel pellet.

Abstract: Systems for pelletizing hot asphaltenes are provided. Asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be dispersed to provide two or more asphaltenic particles. The asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be at a temperature of from about 175° C. to about 430° C. The asphaltenic particles can be contacted with a film of cooling medium. The film can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 500 mm. At least a portion of the asphaltenic particles can be solidified by transferring heat from the asphaltenic particles to the cooling medium to provide solid asphaltenic particles. The solid asphaltenic particles can be separated from at least a portion of the cooling medium.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a resin microparticle aqueous dispersion, which can produce monodisperse resin microparticles, does not cause clogging by a product, does not require a high pressure, and has a high productivity. Thus, provided is a method for producing a resin microparticle aqueous dispersion, wherein a fluid having at least one kind of resin dissolved in a solvent with which a resin is soluble and compatible and a fluid of an aqueous solvent join together in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged opposite so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, whereby resin microparticles are obtained in the thin film fluid by way of separation/emulsification.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ionization tube and an ionization device including the same. The ionization tube according to one aspect of this invention has a hollow structure, and the tube is formed using a mixture of a ceramic and a radioactive material, and the radioactive material is distributed along the entire length of the tube. Consequently, the ionization tube according to this invention can enhance ionization efficiency because the surface area over which alpha particles are emitted can be increased.

Abstract: Speriodal polymer beads having a uniform size are prepared by polymerizing uniformly sized monomer droplets formed by dispersing a polymerizable monomer phase over a cross-flow membrane into an aqueous phase. A shear force is provided at a point of egression of the polymerizable monomer phase into the aqueous phase, the direction of shear substantially perpendicular to the direction of egression of the monomer phase. The polymer beads can be employed in applications where beads having uniform diameters of 10 to 180 ?m are useful.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a solid dispersion of a polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-PEG graft co-polymer), such as Kollicoat IR with a BCS Class II drug or a BCS Class IV drug, whereby the method comprises: a) dissolving the polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-PEG graft co-polymer) separately in a water/first alcohol mixture; and b) dissolving the BCS Class II drug or a BCS Class IV drug, in a mixture of a second alcohol with a non alcoholic organic solvent in which the compound has an high solubility; and c) mixing the both solutions to obtain a third solution with a total amount of solved solid of 1 to 15 g per 100 ml, and optionally having an acid, including inorganic acids including hydrohalic acids, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Bi2223 oxide superconductor composed of Bi, Pb, Sr, Ln, Ca, Cu, and O, wherein the Ln is at least one selected from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, and the composition ratio of Sr to Ln is a composition ratio described below. The Bi2223 oxide conductor has a high critical current density in a magnetic field at low temperature and is capable of maintaining a high critical current density in a self magnetic field even at 77 K. Sr:Ln=(1?x):x (wherein 0.002?x?0.015) Also, the present invention provides a method for producing the Bi2223 oxide superconductor, the method including a step of ionizing a material containing elements, which constitute the Bi2223 oxide superconductor, in a solution; and a step of removing a solvent and causing a thermal decomposition reaction by spraying the solution into a high-temperature atmosphere to produce a powder containing atoms constituting the oxide superconductor.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising microparticles of a water-insoluble or poorly soluble compound, at least one phospholipid, and at least one surfactant, produced by applying an energy to a mixture comprising particles of the compound, the at least one phospholipid, and the at least one surfactant so as to obtain the microparticles. The invention also provides a process for preparing microparticles of a water-insoluble or poorly soluble compound. The process includes mixing particles of a water-insoluble or poorly soluble compound with at least one phospholipid and at least surfactant to form a mixture and applying energy to the mixture sufficient to produce microparticles of the compound. The methods of the invention allow for the production of microparticles smaller than particles produced through previously known methods and the microparticles exhibit advantageous properties including remarkable resistance to particle size growth during storage.

Abstract: In one example of an embodiment of the invention, a method for producing an aggregate is disclosed comprising mixing sewage sludge from a waste water treatment facility with a non-coal combustion ash silicoaluminous waste material, agglomerating the mixture to form an agglomerate, and pyroprocessing the agglomerate to form an aggregate. The waste material may comprise municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash, incinerator fly ash, incinerator filter dusts, cement kiln dusts, waste glass, blast furnace slag, kiln dusts, and/or granite sawing residues, for example. The method may further comprise milling the waste material prior to mixing. Preferably, the milling is wet milling. Pyroprocessing of the agglomerate may take place in a rotary kiln. The resulting aggregate may be a lightweight or a normal weight, sintered or vitrified aggregate. Aggregates and methods for making aggregates of high and low calcium silicoaluminous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing microspheres comprising an ionically crosslinked polymer, the process comprising: (a) producing liquid aerosol droplets (13) from a solution (3) comprising an ionically crosslinkable polyionic polymer into a continuous gas stream by using an ultrasonic nebulizer; (b) transferring the gas stream into a gelling solution (10) comprising di-, multi- or polyvalent ions, whereby crosslinked polymer microspheres (14) are formed, (c) separating the microspheres from the gelling solution, and (d) optionally, filtering the microspheres through a screen.

Abstract: Provided are a ceramic-fine-particle producing process making it possible to produce, with ease, ceramic fine particles which have a spherical shape close to a complete round and an excellent mono-dispersibility, and are made only of a solid component of a simple ceramic material without making a fine channel structure complicated, and an apparatus used therein for producing ceramic fine particles. The process includes the step (S100) of feeding a dispersion phase made of an aqueous liquid containing a gelling agent to act upon cooling and a ceramic material into a continuous phase made of an oily liquid containing a surfactant, thereby producing fine droplets; the step (S110) of collecting and cooling the produced fine droplets; the step (S120) of washing the cooled fine droplets; the step (S130) of drying the washed fine droplets; and the step (S140) of firing the dried fine droplets.

Abstract: A method for producing microbeads comprising an active component encapsulated within a gelled polymer matrix comprises the steps of providing a suspension of denatured whey protein and an active component, treating the suspension to generate microbeads, and immediately curing the microbeads by acidification. The microbeads are discrete droplets of gelled whey protein having an average diameter in the micron range (for example, from 80 to 500 microns) and which, suitably have a generally spherical shape. The microbeads are capable of surviving passage through the stomach, and delivering the encapsulated active agent in the instestine. Ex-vivo and in-vivo data shows that active agent encapsulated within microbeads retains its functionality upon delivery to the intestine, and that coating of the microcapsules allows targeted delivery of the active agent to the distal part of the intestine.

Abstract: A process for preparing a spray-dried detergent powder having: (i) detersive surfactant; and (ii) other detergent ingredients; wherein the process has the steps of: (a) dosing an aqueous detergent slurry into a drop tank; (b) transferring the aqueous detergent slurry from the drop tank to a pipe, and transferring the aqueous detergent slurry along the pipe through at least one pump to a spray nozzle; (c) contacting a detergent ingredient to the aqueous detergent slurry in the pipe to form a mixture; (d) spraying the mixture through the spray nozzle into a spray-drying tower; and (e) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder, wherein the ratio of (i) the volume of the pipe of step (b) in litres to (ii) the volume of the drop tank of step (a) in litres is less than 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable density fluid compositions and methods for using such compositions in a subterranean formation. One exemplary embodiment of the variable density fluid compositions of the present invention comprises a variable density fluid comprising: a base fluid, and a portion of variable pressure weighting material particles.

Abstract: A granulator, having a granulation unit having a bottom floor with a perforated plate as its bottom part; an upper air-supplying pipe for supplying a fluidizing air to the bottom floor of the granulation unit; a lower air-supplying pipe; air-spouting pipes, each of which is branched from the lower air-supplying pipe, and has an opening in the bottom floor of the perforated plate, for jetting the air into the granulation unit; and spray nozzles for spraying a granulation raw material liquid, which each are provided in the center of an air outlet of the air-spouting pipe, or a granulator, having: the bottom floor; the air-supplying pipe; and spray nozzles for spraying a granulation raw material liquid each of which are provided in an opening in the bottom floor of the perforated plate, and use a high-pressure atomizing air as an auxiliary gas, wherein, in each granulator, the spray nozzles are provided in a triangular arrangement.

Abstract: A powder of a titanate compound of an alkaline earth metal (MTiO3: M is one or two or more selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca and Mg), having an average particle diameter of 50 nm or smaller, an average aspect ratio of 1.0 to 1.2 and a refractive index of 1.8 to 2.6, is useful as a high-refractive index powder.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a nuclear fuel for use in various types of nuclear reactors and/or waste disposal systems are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a nuclear fuel may include a fuel element having a plurality of tristructural-isotropic fuel particles embedded in a silicon carbide matrix. An exemplary method of manufacturing a nuclear fuel is also disclosed. The method may include providing a plurality of tristructural-isotropic fuel particles, mixing the plurality of tristructural-isotropic fuel particles with silicon carbide powder to form a precursor mixture, and compacting the precursor mixture at a predetermined pressure and temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to covered porous biodegradable polymer microspheres for sustained-release drug delivery and tissue regeneration which has an interconnected inner open pore structure having a wide surface area and high porosity and an outer closed pore structure in which the surface of the microsphere is covered with a thin layer of a biodegradable polymer, and thereby the pores formed on the surface and exposed to the outside are closed; and methods for preparing the same. Due to such a characteristic pore structure, the covered porous biodegradable polymer microspheres according to the present invention can prevent the biologically active material from being excessively released in the early stage immediately after administration, and after that, can gradually release the biologically active material through the interconnected inner pore structure over a prolonged period as the biodegradable polymer thin layer is degraded.

Abstract: In certain embodiments novel nanoparticles (nanowontons) are provided that are suitable for multimodal imaging and/or therapy. In one embodiment, the nanoparticles include a first biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer, an inner core layer (e.g., a non-biocompatible material), and a biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer. The first gold layer includes a concave surface that forms a first outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The second gold layer includes a convex surface that forms a second outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The first and second gold layers encapsulate the inner core material layer. Methods of fabricating such nanoparticles are also provided.

Abstract: A granulation process wherein a liquid is sprayed into a prilling tower (1) by means of a rotating prilling bucket (15) having a perforated side wall (15a), and the liquid jets exiting said perforated side wall are subjected to a vibrating action according to the axial direction (A-A) of the prilling tower (1), while the remaining liquid mass inside the bucket is kept substantially free from said vibrating action. A suitable apparatus is also disclosed, wherein the peripheral side wall (15a) of the prilling bucket (15) is connected to vibration imparting means and has a flexible connection with the frame (15b, 15c) of the bucket.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a micronized sulphur powder product as well as a micronized sulphur cake intermediate. Production of the micronized sulphur powder using this process, which comprises preparation of a micronized sulphur emulsion from molten sulphur and a dispersant solution, from which the dispersant solution is subsequently removed, produces a product of superior quality, and the method of production itself has enhanced safety and economic attributes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising active contraceptive drugs in a patient. Specifically, the pharmaceutical compositions may comprise progestogen-only contraceptives (“POC”), such as Drospirenone.

Abstract: An oral delivery product comprising a semi-permeable pouch designed for delivery of an active agent in the oral cavity of a subject. The pouch encloses multiple particles, and the particles are alginate matrices that comprise an active agent, e.g. nicotine. The alginate is e.g. sodium alginate, such as Protanal LFR 5/60 or Protanal LF 10/60.

Abstract: A process for producing monodispersed carbon spheres comprising the steps of mixing supercritical-carbon dioxide fluid under pressure with a solvent in an inert atmosphere; heating the mixture in to a temperature to carbonise the solvent; and modulating the pressure to the heated mixture to produce carbon spheres. Subsequent addition of an organometallic precursor can be used to induce the nucleation and growth of nanocrystals across the surface of the spheres.

Abstract: Provided are a method of controlling the compositional gradient and solubility of doped-additives at grain boundaries during sintering of a uranium-based oxide green pellet including the additives, and a method of manufacturing a sintered nuclear fuel pellet having a large grain size using the same. The grain boundary solubility of the doped-additives is maintained at a certain level by stepwise varying of an oxygen partial pressure during isothermal sintering of a uranium-based oxide green pellet including the additives. The method of manufacturing a sintered nuclear fuel pellet having a large grain size includes preparing additive mixed uranium oxide powder, forming an additive mixed uranium oxide green pellet using the mixed powder, heating the green pellet to a sintering temperature in a gas atmosphere having a low oxygen partial pressure, and sintering while a sintering gas atmosphere is changed to stepwise increase an oxygen partial pressure at the isothermal sintering temperature.

Abstract: A highly loaded concentrate pellet composition includes an active ingredient in a concentration of at least about 60% by weight, and a low molecular weight binder in a concentration of up to about 35% by weight. The active ingredient is substantially evenly dispersed in the binder. The binder has a melting point that permits the composition to melt under shear in an extruder. The binder is non-metallocene and non-stearic.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic polymer powder that is made by subjecting an acrylic triblock copolymer (B)(A)(B) to an underwater cutting process to obtain a thermoplastic polymer powder, wherein block (A) has structural units originating from an acrylic ester; and block (B) has structural units originating from a methacrylic ester, this thermoplastic polymer powder is suitable for use as molding, skin material, and the like which are excellent in weatherability, flexibility, mechanical strength, low-temperature properties, adhesion to polar resins, rubber elasticity, safety, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a manufacturing method for processing polymeric microspheres which are suspended in a liquid. The invention also provides polymeric microspheres produced by the method which can be used in medical settings as tissue fillers, tissue bulking agents, embolization agents, and/or as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: The present application defines an antimicrobial composition comprising (a) at least two antimicrobial agents having different antimicrobial mechanisms of action and being present in amounts that together provide a synergistic antimicrobial effect or (b) an antimicrobial agent and a surface modifying agent, an antimicrobial masterbatch comprising antimicrobial composition (a) or (b) and a polymer carrier, an antimicrobial fibre composition comprising the antimicrobial masterbatch and a fibre substrate, an antimicrobial fibre comprising a fibre body or a fibre surface having the antimicrobial fibre composition, and a process for producing antimicrobial fibres.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for forming fine particles of a substance in a precipitation chamber, in which the apparatus has means to convey the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to at least one particle collection chamber, downstream of the precipitation chamber, the particle collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet. The invention also provides a method of forming fine particles of a substance, the method comprising contacting a non-gaseous fluid containing the substance with a dense fluid to expand the non-gaseous fluid in a precipitation chamber, conveying a resulting mixture of fluid and the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to a collection chamber, the collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods of producing particles that include a polymer, a wax and/or lipid and, optionally, a biologically active substance. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a load stock including a polymer, a wax and/or a lipid that is a solid at standard temperature and pressure and, optionally, a biologically active substance is provided. The load stock is contacted with a supercritical fluid to form a melt. The melt is contacted with a polar solvent under suitable conditions to form an emulsion. The emulsion is expanded across a pressure drop to form solid particles that include the load stock. The methods and apparatus facilitate the production of very small particles that have a narrow particle size distribution.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for making nanopanticles of amphiphilic copolymers by flash precipitation. Nanoparticles may be of amphiphilic copolymer alone or may contain an additive target molecule, preferably an organic active. The inclusion of additive target molecules in amphiphilic copolymer nanoparticles can alter their water solubility characteristics, fluid dynamics, and/or stability. Changing an additive target molecule's solubility and stability in an nanoparticle can make a water insoluble compound suitable for pharmaceutical administration as well as specifically target the molecule to a specific area of a patient's body. The process affords the production of nanoparticles at high absolute active content, at high yield, high productivity, and high processing rates while using unusually low amounts of amphiphilic copolymers. Furthermore, the resulting particles exhibit sufficient stability for post processing as desired.

Abstract: A transition metal silicide-Si composite powder and a method of manufacturing the composite powder are provided, the composite powder containing one or more transition metal elements (M), and having a Si/M ratio (z) of 2.0?z?20.0 and a specific surface area of 2.5 m2/g or more. In addition, CaSiy-based powder for manufacturing transition metal silicide-Si composite powder and a method of manufacturing the CaSiy-based powder are provided, the CaSiy-based powder having a Si/Ca ratio (w) of 2.0?w?20.0 and containing at least a Ca-silicide phase.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer particles by polymerizing liquid droplets in a gas phase by metering a liquid comprising at least one monomer from at least one feed by means of a multitude of bores into a reaction chamber comprising the gas phase, wherein ratio of length of the feed to greatest diameter of the feed in the region of the multitude of bores is at least 10.

Abstract: The invention provides a device (1, 301, 501) for producing a spherical segmented flow of fluid, which device includes: a functional fluid conduit (6, 506) arranged to contain a functional fluid (15, 515); at least two carrier fluid conduits (7, 8, 507, 508), each carrier fluid conduit arranged to carry a carrier fluid (16, 514), the functional fluid conduit merging with the carrier fluid conduits at a junction (9) to form an encased flow conduit (9a, 529) thereby permitting functional fluid to be sandwiched (or encased) by the carrier fluid to form an encased flow, the encased flow conduit having a discontinuity (10, 510) therein such that the encased flow forms into a flow of alternate segmented spheres after the discontinuity, wherein the device is provided with a segmented flow conduit (11, 511) downstream of the encased flow conduit, the encased segmented flow conduit being provided with an enlargement (21, 512) in cross-section.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for obtaining para-type wholly aromatic polyamide particles, comprising the steps: a) introducing an aramid polymer solution into a water-based coagulating liquid to obtain a hydrous shaped product; and b) subjecting the never-dried or partly-dried shaped product having a water content of 10 to 99% by weight to freeze-grinding. These aramid polymer particles can be used as a filler material.

Abstract: A method of preparing nano-dispersed high-all-trans-carotenoid microcapsules is provided, comprising: preparing 10-20% carotenoid suspension by milling the high-all trans-carotenoid crystals with dichloromethane until the particle size thereof is in the range of 2-5 ?m, then supplying the suspension together with preheated dichloromethane of another pass into a dissolving tank to obtain a solution of 0.5-2%; delivering the solution together with ethanol or isopropanol into a crystallization device having high gravity rotating packed bed simultaneously and continuously, and then into a wiped-film evaporator for desolvation until the solid content is 10-20%, then a transparent alcohol dispersion of carotenoid is obtained; mashing the alcohol dispersion together with an aqueous solution containing an antioxidant and protective colloid and spray drying to obtain nano-dispersed high-all-trans-carotenoid microcapsules.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a polyester in powder form, which process comprises: (a) rendering a polyester comminutable by (i) chemical pre-treatment of the polyester, or (ii) irradiating the polyester; and (b) comminuting the polyester produced in step (a) to form a powder.

Abstract: Hollow, porous, spherical metal-carbon composite particles, having nanostructures, are prepared from suitable precursor solutions containing metal-organic ligand coordination complexes with template. Such precursors may be made for each elemental metal to be in the spherical particles. The precursor solution is atomized as an aerosol in an inert gas stream and the aerosol stream heated to decompose the organic ligand portion of the precursor leaving the spherical metal-carbon composite or metal alloy-carbon composite particles. The organic ligand serves as a structure directing agent in the shaping of the spherical particles after the ligand has been removed. Other materials may also be used as permanent or removed templates. The morphology of the particles may be altered for an application by varying the preparation and composition of the metal precursor material, and the optional use of a template.

Abstract: Prill heads having prilling assemblies that include adjustable openings. Prilling methods using the prilling assemblies can allow for the size of the openings to be varied during processing to alter the size of the prills as desired, or for clogged openings to be cleared, while maintaining operation of the prilling process. The prilling assemblies and prilling methods can be used to produce fertilizer products, including fertilizers comprising ammonium sulfate nitrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polymer mixtures of i) polypropylene carbonate and ii) at least one further polymer, including the following steps: (a) reaction of propylene carbonate with carbon dioxide in the presence of a zinc catalyst, cobalt catalyst, or lanthanoid catalyst—in excess propylene carbonate or in an aprotic non-water-miscible solvent, (b) addition of an aqueous acidic solution to the reaction mixture after termination of the reaction, (c) removal of the aqueous phase, (d) optionally washing of the remaining organic phase with water, (e) addition of polymer component ii), (f) degassing and drying of the resultant polymer mixture and optionally removal of the aprotic, non-water-miscible solvent, and (g) pelletization of the polymer melt.