Abstract: A process, method and/or system for preparing polymer-coated nanoparticles and/or other ultrafine particles utilizing a supercritical fluid, e.g., supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2), as an antisolvent that may be added to a solution of a polymer and an organic solvent in which insoluble nanoparticles or the like are suspended. The coating process occurs when the supercritical fluid (e.g., SC CO2) and the nanoparticle-containing suspension are combined to cause the suspended nanoparticles to precipitate as coated nanoparticles. Processing parameters for optimizing and/or enhancing the efficacy and/or efficiency of the coating process, method and/or system and for controlling the coating and/or agglomeration of coated particles are also described. The process, method and/or system has wide ranging applicability, e.g., for coating and/or encapsulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, chemicals, agrochemicals, pesticides, polymers, coatings, catalysts and the like.

Abstract: We disclose novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to selected polymer blends which can be used for production of films or sheets having reduced defects, and also to a process for preparation of the polymer blends.

Abstract: A method and composition for making hybrid nanoparticles and use of such nanoparticles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise a phase change material (PCM) and a metal layer encapsulating the phase change material. In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise a phase change material, a polymer layer encapsulating the phase change material, and an outer metal layer encapsulating the polymer layer. In another embodiment of the invention, the hybrid nanoparticles comprise an inner core of a PCM encapsulated by a polymer shell containing embedded nanoparticles that have a high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and methods of making such nanoparticle compositions that are useful for the production of electrically conductive features and catalysts.

Abstract: A hollow microsphere particle generator comprising at least one inlet for receiving at least one shell fluid; an inlet for receiving a core fluid, an inlet for receiving a sheath fluid; a fluid outlet, from which the at least one shell fluid and the core fluid exit in a continuous stream arranged such that the core fluid coaxially covered by the at least one shell fluid to form a continuous casting stream; and a discretizer capable of discretizing the continuous casting stream into discrete units to form the hollow spherical particles. The at least one shell fluid and the core fluid form the continuous coaxial casting fluid stream that exits at the fluid outlet. The casting fluid stream is discretized upon exiting the outlet, and dispensed into a sheathing fluid stream formed from the sheathing fluid such that exposure to air is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a granulation method with increased drying effect while assuring the pressure for spraying the aqueous solution and the necessary number of nozzles equivalent to those of conventional design. Specifically, the granulation method uses a granulator structured by a fluid bed which fluidizes the granulating-particles, an air feed pipe to introduce air, a nozzle for spraying the raw material aqueous solution being located at center part of the air feed pipe, and a perforated plate to feed a fluidization air to the fluid bed, thus granulating the raw material aqueous solution by spraying thereof from the nozzle into a granulation part, wherein a multi-nozzle in a specified shape having a plurality of nozzle ends thereon is used as the nozzle for spraying the raw material aqueous solution.

Abstract: Embolization, as well as related particles and methods, are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making very fine particles containing at least an active principle inserted in a host molecule and a device for implementing said method. The method is characterized in that it consists in forming a solution of the active principle in a first liquid solvent and of a product formed by the host molecules in a second liquid solvent, then in contacting the resulting solutions with a supercritical pressure fluid, so as to precipitate the host molecules which are dissolved therein.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a dispersion of fine particles characterized in that the micelles are ones which have been formed in a aqueous medium with an amphiphilic block copolymer represented by the general formula PB and in which the shell of each micelle has been cross-linked with hydrophilic groups of the hydrophilic side chains wherein the particles formed are metallic particles having a reducing characteristic of metal ions.

Abstract: Methods for making composite flakes are disclosed. The composite flakes are formed from particles and one or more monomers and/or resins or resin systems. The polymer matrix of the flakes is highly crosslinked and/or high molecular weight. Use of the particles in powder coatings is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microcapsule composition comprising a core material in a matrix of polymorphic shell material, releases said core material in an aqueous environment in accordance with zero order linear release profile. A preferred composition comprises a core material having a degree of water solubility entrapped in a beta crystalline matrix of water insoluble shell material which matrix may, optionally, be surrounded by a contiguous core material-free layer of water insoluble shell material. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of microcapsules comprising subjecting a flowable mixture of core material and a first amount of water insoluble shell material to a pressure force to form a pressure-treated mixture, and passing said pressure-treated mixture through a spray nozzle into a chilling zone to form a solidified composition.

Abstract: Processes of manufacturing polymeric microspheres facilitate the generation of polymeric microspheres of size ranges smaller than 600 microns diameter by forming beads of a predetermined size from a starting material which may include a template polymer, and subsequently contacting the beads with a structural polymer. After crosslinking of the structural polymer has taken place, the template polymer may be removed to form the finished microspheres.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol method, and accompanying apparatus, for preparing powdered products of a variety of materials involving the use of an ultrasonic aerosol generator (106) including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120) underlying and ultrasonically energizing a reservoir of liquid feed (102) which forms droplets of the aerosol. Carrier gas (104) is delivered to different portions of the reservoir by a plurality of gas delivery ports (136) delivering gas from a gas delivery system. The aerosol is pyrolyzed to form particles, which are then cooled and collected. The invention also provides powders that include coated particles made by the method and devices made using the coated particles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing particles, especially nanoparticles, by way of precipitation from solution on a rotating surface (1) of a rotating surface reactor is disclosed. Nanoparticles with a tight size distribution may be manufactured in bulk and without the problems of agglomeration that are associated with traditional stirred-tank reactors. Use of a rotating surface reactor allows precipitation of nanoparticles from viscous, supersaturated solutions by way of homogeneous nucleation aided by strong micromixing.

Abstract: Energy devices such as batteries and methods for fabricating the energy devices. The devices are small, thin and lightweight, yet provide sufficient power for many handheld electronics.

Abstract: The present development relates to a process for enrobing active catalytic materials with a protective coating to form pastilles, and to an apparatus for making the pastilles. The process comprises mixing an active catalyst powder with a hydrocarbon material in a low-shear jacketed blender at a temperature slightly above the congealing point of the hydrocarbon, and then making pastilles from the catalyst/hydrocarbon mixture while cooling the mixture to temperature below the congealing point of the hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method for producing composite particles using a supercritical fluid extraction technique on an emulsion. First and second materials (for example; a polymer and a biologically active material) are dissolved or suspended in a preferably solvent to form a solution or dispersion. The solution or dispersion is emulsified in a polar solvent to form an oil-in-water or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion. The emulsion is contacted with a supercritical fluid to extract the solvent. Removal of the solvent by the supercritical fluid from the emulsion supersaturates at least the first material in the solution causing the first material to precipitate out of the solution as composite particles that include both the first and second materials.

Abstract: A method for repeatedly converting a solvent from a state of solvent to a state of antisolvent with relatively little loss of solvent. The method is used to allow for processing of large amounts of solute material with minimum amounts of solvent.

Abstract: Among the conventional processes for producing solid dispersion, the solid dispersion obtained by a solvent method is excellent in terms of solubility and bioavailability of a poorly soluble drug. However, due to frequent uses of organic solvents in the solvent method, problems have arisen such as organic solvent residue in products, environmental pollution and operational safety as well as corporate problems such as capital investment and the like required to avoid such events. The present invention provides a process for preparing pharmaceutical solid preparations without use of organic solvents frequently used in conventional solvent methods.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that use focused acoustic energy to generate solid particles containing at least one compound of interest. Focused acoustic radiation serves to eject droplets containing a compound of interest dissolved in a solvent. The droplets are subjected to a condition that allows for the compound of interest to precipitate out of solution, thereby generating solid particles. The particles are typically of controlled size, composition, and/or structure. Often, particles of substantially identical size are generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of small particle precipitation, retention and dispersion of a solid or semi-solid material onto or into a carrier material. In this method, solute particles are precipitated from a pressurized gaseous fluid solution or a liquid solution and effectively retained and dispersed within a carrier material. This technique can be advantageously used in pharmaceutical processing to produce a blend of solid or semi-solid material particles and carrier material, a granulation of the solid or semi-solid material particles with carrier material, carrier material partially or fully coated with the solid or semi-solid material particles, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A gyricon display containing modified particles is disclosed. The gyricon display has an arrangement of bichromal or polychromal elements which are disposed between a first and second electrode. One of the electrodes is substantially visually transparent. The display also has means for creating a potential difference between the two electrodes. Also, each bichromal element has two hemispheres, wherein one of the hemispheres has at least a surface containing at least one modified colored pigment having attached at least one organic group and the other hemisphere has at least a surface with a different color and different electrical property. The organic group preferably includes at least one ionic, ionizable group, or both. Each bichromal or polychromal element is enclosed within a shell wherein a liquid is present between the shell and the element so that the element is free to rotate in response. Methods of making the gyricon display are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the fabrication of improved graphite granules from unimproved graphite granules, where a polymer solution is uniformly sprayed onto a fluidized bed of unimproved graphite granules that are being stirred three dimensionally in high speed. The granules are then heat to dry to obtain coated graphite granules. To further improve the electrochemical properties of the final improved graphite granules, the coated graphite granules are immersed in a surface modifier, filtered, heat to dry and sifted. Then, they are solidified and carbonized in an inert environment to obtain final improved graphite granules. This invention is simple, easy to implement, and easy to implement for industrial production. The improved graphite granules made using embodiments of this invention, when used as the material for the negative electrode of a rechargeable battery produces a battery that has high initial charge/discharge efficiency, high reversible specific capacity and good cycle ability.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing microsphere composite of collagen and bioceramic powder. This method first mixes a collagen solution with bioceramic powder and alginate, and squeezes the mixture solution to spherical droplets being discharged into a divalent cation solution undergoing gelling to form microspheres. Next, the microsphere is coated with a chitosan solution. Then, interior alginate and surface chitosan of the microsphere are liquefied and washed out with an aqueous buffer solution such as phosphate based buffer, and collagen in the microsphere is reconstituted to fiber network at the same time. The prepared microsphere composite has similar composition components of bone tissue, and the collagen thereof has a network of reconstituted fibers. The microsphere composite of this invention provides a similar growth environment of bone tissue cells, is used as a carrier to carry cells, coat and fix bone growth factors, and is applied in bone repair.

Abstract: Chemical-mechanical planarization slurries and methods for using the slurries wherein the slurry includes abrasive particles. The abrasive particles have a small particle size, narrow size distribution and a spherical morphology and the particles are substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing granules includes a spray nozzle disposed within a granulating chamber of an apparatus body. The spray nozzle feeds by spraying into the granulating chamber a liquid material comprising at least one of mixture having solid and liquid in a mixed state and solution including solid dissolved therein. An air blowoff portion is provided at a lower region of the granulating chamber for feeding air for floating and fluidizing the liquid material and fine particles under granulation inside the granulating chamber. An air exhaust port is provided at an upper region of the granulating chamber for exhausting the air present inside the granulating chamber. The spray nozzle is designed to spray the liquid material upwardly.

Abstract: The current invention, Supercritical Antisolvent Precipitation with Enhanced Mass Transfer (SAS-EM) provides a significantly improved method for the production of nano and micro-particles with a narrow size distribution. The processes of the invention utilize the properties of supercritical fluids and also the principles of virbrational atomization to provide an efficient technique for the effective nanonization or micronization of particles. Like the SAS technique, SAS-EM, also uses a supercritical fluid as the antisolvent, but in the present invention the dispersion jet is deflected by a vibrating surface that atomizes the jet into fine droplets. The vibrating surface also generates a vibrational flow field within the supercritical phase that enhances mass transfer through increased mixing. Sizes of the particles obtained by this technique are easily controlled by changing the vibration intensity of the deflecting surface, which in turn is controlled by adjusting the power input to the vibration source.

Abstract: The current invention, Supercritical Antisolvent Precipitation with Enhanced Mass Transfer (SAS-EM) provides a significantly improved method for the production of nano and micro-particles with a narrow size distribution. The processes of the invention utilize the properties of supercritical fluids and also the principles of virbrational atomization to provide an efficient technique for the effective nanonization or micronization of particles. Like the SAS technique, SAS-EM, also uses a supercritical fluid as the antisolvent, but in the present invention the dispersion jet is deflected by a vibrating surface that atomizes the jet into fine droplets. The vibrating surface also generates a vibrational flow field within the supercritical phase that enhances mass transfer through increased mixing. Sizes of the particles obtained by this technique are easily controlled by changing the vibration intensity of the deflecting surface, which in turn is controlled by adjusting the power input to the vibration source.

Abstract: A vial pack cover, a vial pack kit, and a method for forming the vial pack cover is provided. The vial pack cover can simultaneously cover a plurality of containers while preventing the contents of the containers from degrading or permeating through the cover. In addition, the vial pack cover allows a user to access individual containers without having to remove the cover from the un-accessed containers. The vial pack cover generally includes: (1) a plurality of plug portions joined together and formed from a heat curable rubber; and (2) a barrier layer covering each of the plug portions.

Abstract: A method and device for generating solid particles using focused acoustic energy are provided. A solution of a compound of interest is provided in a solvent, which may be an aqueous fluid, a nonaqueous fluid, or a supercritical fluid. Focused acoustic energy is used to eject a droplet of the solution, which is then directed into or through an antisolvent that upon admixture with the solution droplet causes the compound in the droplet to precipitate. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is an aqueous or organic liquid, and the antisolvent is a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing ceramic balls for water treatment capable of exerting microbicidal activity in water and solution, more particularly a method for manufacturing ceramic balls for water treatment having excellent water-purifying and water-treating function capable of sterilizing microorganism or bacteria living or breeding in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method and device for generating pharmaceutical agent particles using focused acoustic energy are provided. A solution of the pharmaceutical agent is provided in a solvent, which may be an aqueous fluid, a nonaqueous fluid, or a supercritical fluid. Focused acoustic energy is used to eject a droplet of the solution, which is then directed into or through an antisolvent that upon admixture with the solution droplet causes the pharmaceutical agent in the droplet to precipitate. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is an aqueous or organic liquid, and the antisolvent is a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A crucible is formed of a cylindrical body member and a disk-shaped nozzle member fitted to the bottom portion of the body member, and the nozzle member is provided with a nozzle hole for discharging out a semiconductor molten solution dropwise therethrough. The semiconductor molten solution drops discharged out of the crucible through the nozzle hole are cooled and solidified during falling to become semiconductor grains. Silicon grains having high crystal quality can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing microsphere composite of collagen and bioceramic powder. This method first mixes a collagen solution with bioceramic powder and alginate, and squeezes the mixture solution to spherical droplets being discharged into a divalent cation solution undergoing gelling to form microspheres. Next, the microsphere is coated with a chitosan solution. Then, interior alginate and surface chitosan of the microsphere are liquefied and washed out with an aqueous buffer solution such as phosphate based buffer, and collagen in the microsphere is reconstituted to fiber network at the same time. The prepared microsphere composite has similar composition components of bone tissue, and the collagen thereof has a network of reconstituted fibers. The microsphere composite of this invention provides a similar growth environment of bone tissue cells, is used as a carrier to carry cells, coat and fix bone growth factors, and is applied in bone repair.

Abstract: Dual shell microcapsule aggregate particles and copy materials coated therewith, such aggregate particles having inner shells surrounding chromogenic nucleus material, and outer shells encompassing multiple such inner shells to form aggregate particles thereof. The inner shells are derived from polar pre-polymer compositions. The outer shells are derived from complex colloids such as gelatin and gelatin derivatives. The outer shell material causes agglomeration of the inner shells into aggregate particles, thus increasing the sizes of the particles without increasing the sizes of the respective inner-shell microcapsules which contain the chromogenic material.

Abstract: A microcapsule composition comprising a core material in a matrix of polymorphic shell material, releases said core material in an aqueous environment in accordance with zero order linear release profile. A preferred composition comprises a core material having a degree of water solubility entrapped in a beta crystalline matrix of water insoluble shell material which matrix may, optionally, be surrounded by a contiguous core material-free layer of water insoluble shell material. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of microcapsules comprising subjecting a flowable mixture of core material and a first amount of water insoluble shell material to a pressure force to form a pressure-treated mixture, and passing said pressure-treated mixture through a spray nozzle into a chilling zone to form a solidified composition.

Abstract: A method for making microencapsulated gyricon beads comprising the steps of converging a first, second, third and fourth materials in a liquid state; forming a bead from the first and second materials, the bead having two hemispheric surfaces with one surface differing from the other in optical and electrical characteristics; surrounding the bead with the third material; encapsulating the third material with the fourth material; and solidifying the fourth material.

Abstract: A method of making spherical bodies from powder, which comprises (1) preparing an adjusted powder so as to have at least one powder characteristic selected from the group consisting of an average particle size, a powder particle size distribution and a BET specific surface area, (2) preparing nuclei having a particle size larger than that of the adjusted powder, (3) rotating the nuclei, and (4) adding the adjusted powder and a solvent to the rotating nuclei so that particles of the adjusted powder accumulate on the nuclei to form granular bodies. Also disclosed is a spherical body having a core or nucleus formed in the spherical body, an adjusted powder composition for forming a spherical body, and a method for manufacturing spherical sintered bodies of silicon nitride.

Abstract: In a process for producing a pulverulent product from a liquid substance or mixture of substances, the liquid substance or mixture of substances to be pulverized is first provided in a pressure vessel. A gas is then dissolved under elevated pressure in the liquid substance or mixture of substances. The resulting liquid/gas solution is then conducted out of the pressure vessel and to an expansion element, through which it is passed and rapidly expanded. Upstream of the expansion element, in the expansion element or downstream, in particular just downstream, of the expansion element, a solid pulverulent auxiliary is admixed. In this manner, a stable pulverulent product results from the solution or from the substance or mixture of substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel granules and novel methods for manufacturing such granules. In particular, the invention describes granules formed by the agglomeration of resin wetted powder. When the powder is aerated before applying the resin to the powder, granules that are densely packed and homogeneous throughout are formed through agglomeration conditions. The densely packed granules are free of air bubbles greater than 10 microns in diameter. Such novel granules are useful in the manufacture of fabricated products of superior quality.

Abstract: A method of producing a free flowing and compressible liquid/power admixture of an active drug substance, by converting the active substance into a liquisolid system. This is accomplished by introducing by the drug into a non-volatile liquid or a mixture of non-volatile and volatile liquids to from a mixture, selecting at least one solid carrier material and admixing these components to produce a non-adherent, free-flowing and compressible liquid/power mass admixture, the amounts of drug and carrier being selected to optimize flow and compressibility.

Abstract: A synthetic aggregate and a process for converting a waste material into the synthetic aggregate. The synthetic aggregate includes a finely divided waste material and an amount of a sulphur binder for substantially coating the waste material such that the waste material is encapsulated therein The finely divided waste material acts as a stabilizer to stabilize the structure of the sulphur binder. The process comprises creating a molten sulphur binder. No chemical stabilizer is used. An amount of the waste material is mixed into the molten sulphur binder such that the waste material is substantially coated by the molten sulphur binder to produce an encapsulated waste material. The encapsulated waste material is separated into discrete particles having a size suitable for use as an aggregate to produce the synthetic aggregate. The molten sulphur binder is cooled to harden the encapsulated waste material.

Abstract: A suspension, dispersion or emulsion is introduced into a burner. A two-stage after-treatment is then carried out. The resulting powder can be employed as a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing stably fine-particle powders. The invention starts from a process for producing stably fine-particle powders in which one or more substances A and one or more substances B are dissolved in supercritical fluids, and the solutions are decompressed along a holdup section. In the process, substances A and B are each dissolved in separate supercritical compressible fluids, and the holdup sections interpenetrate, with the solubility limit of A in the appropriate fluid being exceeded at an earlier time than is the solubility limit of B in the appropriate fluid.

Abstract: Methods for preparing dry powders having hydrophobic and hydrophilic components comprise combining solutions of the components and spray drying them simultaneously in a spray dryer. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic component are separately dissolved in separate solvents and directed simultaneously through a nozzle, usually a coaxial nozzle, into the spray dryer. The method provides dry powders having relatively uniform characteristics.

Abstract: I have developed an agglomeration process by which granules are formed by the steps of: (a) injecting polymer having sufficient viscoelasticity, and (b) impacting particles on the polymer at the injection point. The present invention is advantageous because it overcomes the problems of previous granulation process and subsequent art processes by having a very low recycle rate and allowing for control of granule size. It is particularly useful for fertilizer granule formation using a ureaform polymer and particles comprised of ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A composition and method of fabrication are presented with which nanoparticles may be used as a tool to deliver drugs to a specific target within or on a mammalian body Specifically, by using stabilizers other than Dextran 70.000 during the polymerization process, according to the present invention, surfactants, which were deemed necessary coating material in the prior art, are no longer required. This is a significant simplification of the fabrication procedure. Many substances are useful as stabilizers, but the preferred stabilizers comprise Dextran 12.000 or polysorbate 85. In the present invention a drug is either incorporated into or adsorbed onto the stabilized nanoparticles. This drug/nanoparticle complex is then administered to the organism on any route such as by oral application, injection or inhalation, whereupon the drug exerts its effect at the desired site of pharmacological action.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol method, and accompanying apparatus, for preparing powdered products of a variety of materials involving the use of an ultrasonic aerosol generator (106) including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (120) underlying and ultrasonically energizing a reservoir of liquid feed(102) which forms droplets of the aerosol. Carrier gas (104) is delivered to different portions of the reservoir by a plurality of gas delivery ports (136) delivering gas from a gas delivery system. The aerosol is pyrolyzed to form particles, which are then cooled and collected. The invention also provides powders made by the method and devices made using the powders.