Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vacuum chuck. The vacuum chuck includes a forming surface having a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a curved region. The first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end define a longitudinal axis, and the curved region defines a radius of curvature along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of elongate grooves are formed into the forming surface in the curved region. Each elongate groove of the plurality of elongate grooves has a length, a width, and a depth extending into the forming surface. The length of each elongate groove is greater than the width. At least one conduit is configured for connection to a vacuum source and is disposed beneath the forming surface. The at least one conduit extends transversely across the plurality of elongate grooves, and the at least one conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of elongate grooves.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reinforced separator including pretreating a porous support using a first solution including a first ionic polymer and ethanol; and impregnating a second solution including a second ionic polymer and a solvent into the pretreated porous support, wherein a concentration of the first ionic polymer in the first solution is lower than a concentration of the second ionic polymer in the second solution, a reinforced separator manufactured using the same, and a redox flow battery.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a shoe having excellent comfort. The present invention provides a shoe including an upper material that is partially or fully formed of a fiber sheet, wherein the fiber sheet exhibits specific tensile characteristics at least in one direction.

Abstract: An object to be achieved by the present invention is to provide an industrially useful adhesive sheet that can be used to bond various adherends and has excellent peel adhesion, excellent push strength, and excellent holding power under static load. The object of the present invention can be achieved by an adhesive sheet having, on one side or both side of a substrate, an adhesive layer (A) having a tensile strength of 6 N/cm2 or more as determined from a stress-strain curve (a so-called S-S curve) at a strain of 100%.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of organic oxyimide salts as flame retardants for plastics and to a corresponding flame retardant plastic composition. The invention also relates to a method for producing said type of plastic composition or a molded part produced therefrom, a molding compound, a molded part, paint or a coating.

Abstract: A coating agent and films coated with it are provided, of which the coating comprises an enhanced mechanical and chemical resistance and a formability adequate for 2-D-film-insert molding processes. The coating agent, comprising (a) at least one thermoplastic polymer with a proportion of at least 30% by weight of the solid content of the coating agent; (b) at least one UV hardenable reactive thinner with a proportion of at least 30% by weight of the solid content of the coating agent; (c) at least one photo-initiator; and (d) at least one organic solvent, wherein the proportion of ethylenically unsaturated groups amounts to at least 3 mol per kg of the solid content of the coating agent, wherein the at least one reactive thinner comprises at least three polymerizable (meth)acrylate functions in the molecule and wherein the ester-oxygen atoms of the (meth)acrylate functions in the molecule of the reactive thinner are separated from one another by a chain of at least six atoms.

Abstract: An article, comprising a substrate and a polymer film attached to the substrate is provided, the polymer film comprising a first layer of a first polymer functionalized by a first functionalization compound covalently bound to said first polymer and bearing at least one catecholic group being present on a surface of the first layer. The polymer film is a layered film, a top layer of which is formed by the first layer, the layered film comprising at least one further layer of at least one further polymer functionalized by a further functionalization compound covalently bound to said further polymer and bearing at least one catecholic group being present on a surface of the at least one further layer, wherein an average ratio of catecholic groups per polymer molecule is equal to or less than 1 in case of the first polymer and greater than 1 in case of the further polymer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating buckypaper or similar sheets of nanostructures having relatively high aspect ratios. A dispersion of nanostructures such as nanotubes is subjected to fluid dynamics/forces which promote alignment of their axes of elongation while in suspension in the flow. An agglomeration of better aligned nanostructures is isolated from the carrier fluid into a useable form. In the case of nanotubes, one form is buckypaper. One example of alignment forces is Taylor-Couette flow shear forces. One example of isolation is filtering the flowing dispersion to collect better aligned nanostructures across the filter into a sheet or film. The degree of alignment can produce anisotropic material properties that can be beneficially used in application of the sheet or film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent conductive film which is low in terms of surface resistivity and high in terms of transparency. The transparent conductive film according to the present invention includes an adhesive conductive layer in openings of a conductive metal mesh layer provided on at least one surface of a transparent base material, wherein the conductive layer is composed of a conductive adhesive composition containing (A) a water-soluble vinyl polymer, (B) an organic additive, and (C) a conductive organic polymer compound, the organic additive (B) is at least one member selected among water-soluble polyhydric alcohols, water-soluble pyrrolidones, and hydrophilic aprotic solvents, and the conductive organic polymer compound (C) is at least one member selected among polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A laminated film includes a resin layer provided on at least one surface of a thermoplastic resin film substrate, wherein the resin layer comprises an acrylic-modified polyester whose acrylic resin component has a glass-transition temperature of not lower than 67° C. and a sugar alcohol and/or a sugar alcohol derivative; the mass ratio of the acrylic-modified polyester to the sugar alcohol and the sugar alcohol derivative (the mass of the acrylic-modified polyester/the total mass of the sugar alcohol and the sugar alcohol derivative) is from 75/25 to 97/3; the total content of the acrylic-modified polyester and the sugar alcohol and sugar alcohol derivative is 65% by mass or more based on the total resin layer; and the haze value of the laminated film is not more than 2.0%.

Abstract: A coated polymer film, such as a coated polyester film, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the coated film may be used as a substrate for digital printing. In one embodiment, the coating contains an anionic anti-static agent comprising a sulphonated copolyester resin. In an alternative embodiment, the coating contains an anti-static agent comprising an organometallic, such as an organo zirconate, in combination with metal oxide particles. The metal oxide particles may comprise nanoparticles. In one embodiment, the coating can further contain a print enhancing agent and an adhesion promoter.

Abstract: A method for coating an extension spring. A helical extension spring is provided. The extension spring has a plurality of coils disposed along a longitudinal axis between a first end portion and a second end portion with the coils touching each other in absence of force acting on the spring that is sufficient for extending the same. The spring is then extended to an extended position. In the extended position the spring has a predetermined distance between successive coils. In the extended position a coating material is disposed onto the surface of the spring such that the coating material is disposed onto a surface portion of the spring where the coils touch each other in absence of extension.

Abstract: Methods apply a layer of material to a glass sheet having a non-planar shape. The methods can each include the step of providing the glass sheet having an initial non-planar shape including a thickness defined between a first sheet surface and a second sheet surface. The method further includes the step of at least partially flattening the glass sheet into an application shape. The method further includes the step of applying the layer of material to the first sheet surface while the glass sheet is in the application shape. The method then includes the step of releasing the glass sheet to relax into a post non-planar shape.

Abstract: A composite film comprising: (i) a heat-stabilised oriented polyester substrate comprising a UV-absorber in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10% based on the total weight of the polyester substrate, and (ii) on one or both surfaces of the substrate a polymeric coating layer, which has a thickness in the range of from about 10 nm to about 200 nm, and which comprises an ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer, wherein the composite film exhibits a shrinkage at 150° C. for 30 minutes of less than 0.1% in both the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the film, and use thereof in the manufacture of photo-voltaic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyester film that can be suitably used in the applications requiring excellent transparency and slipping property, for example, such as a film member for a transparent electrode used in touch panels, etc., and a member for molding films.

Abstract: A method for preparing a flexible film substrate with a low glass transition temperature can be used in the production of an article that retains dimensions and improves the surface smoothness after high temperature processing. The invention, for example, would enable low temperature films such as PET and PEN to be dimensionally stable and ultra flat at conditions commonly used in electronic processing which can typically exceed 200° C. More specifically, the methods enable the use of e.g. barrier films based on PET or PEN in OLED/PLED manufacturing.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electrode wire for electro-discharge machining and a method for manufacturing the same. The electrode wire includes a core wire including a first metal including copper, a first alloy layer formed at a boundary region between the core wire and a second metal plated on an outer surface of the core wire due to mutual diffusion between the core wire and the second metal, and a second alloy layer formed due to diffusion of the first metal to the second metal. A core wire material is erupted onto a surface of the electrode wire for electro-discharge machining, which includes the core wire, the first alloy layer, and the second alloy layer, along cracks appearing on the second alloy layer, so that a plurality of grains are formed on the surface of the electrode wire.

Abstract: A method for producing a polarizing element includes: forming particulate materials of a metal halide on a glass substrate; forming a protective film that covers the particulate materials in a non-plasma environment; stretching the particulate materials by heating and stretching the glass substrate; and forming acicular metal particles by reducing the metal halide constituting the stretched particulate materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wire mesh type diffuser plate, a method of fabricating the same, and a liquid crystal display device having the same. A film type diffuser plate having predetermined tension is fabricated through traction by using a wire mesh instead of a diffuser plate based on an existing extruding method to improve egg mura generated in a backlight unit. The liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel displaying an image; a plurality of lamps installed below the liquid crystal panel and providing light to the liquid crystal panel; a plurality of optical sheets installed between the plurality of lamps and the liquid crystal panel; a reflection plate installed below the plurality of lamps; and a diffuser plate formed of a wire mesh having predetermined tension and installed between the plurality of lamps and the optical sheet and having predetermined tension.

Abstract: A resin film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate film; and an antistatic layer formed on one side of the substrate film and including a binder resin and a conductive material. The binder resin includes a polyurethane-based resin; the antistatic layer has an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra of 10 nm or more; and the conductive material includes a conductive polymer.

Abstract: A method of making colored multifilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin yarn, including feeding at least one substantially untwisted multifilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin yarn, coating the substantially untwisted multifilament yarn with a coating composition comprising colorant in a thermoplastic resin carrier, with the coating composition being adhered to the filaments of the multifilament yarn, and heating the multifilament yarn while stretching the yarn without fusing of the filaments of the multifilament yarn. The resultant yarn is a colored multifilament yarn having improved color-fastness. The thermoplastic resin has a lower melting point than the filaments of the multifilament yarn. Preferably, a plurality of the substantially untwisted multifilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin yarns are processed together.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method of forming a micro- or nano-pattern on the surface of a composite material. The pattern may be a herringbone pattern with a jog angle of greater than or less than 90° or a graded wrinkled pattern. The micro- or nano-patterns on composite materials produced by the methods may be used to modulate, confer or control thin film material properties; as the basis for thickness measurements; to enhance light extraction in OLED; to enhance light harvest in opto-electronic devices; to tune adhesion properties, wetting, and friction of surfaces; to reduce fluid flow drag; and for anti-fouling purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-component composite film comprising a) polymer support layer, and b) porous gellable polymer layer which is formed on one side or both sides of the support layer of a), wherein the support film of a) and the gellable polymer layer of b) are unified without the interface, a method for preparing the same, and a polymer electrolyte system applied the same.

Abstract: A laminated polyester film provided on at least one side with layer (X) made from acrylic urethane copolymer resin (A), isocyanate compound (B), epoxy compound (C), compound (d-1) having a polythiophene structure and compound (d-2) having an anion structure, wherein the layer (X) has a continuous phase structure.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for manufacturing a coating film whereby a problem of planarity in a plastic film wound up into a roll form can be eliminated and the coating film can be formed uniformly and precisely. There is therefore provided a method for manufacturing a coating film in which a plastic film wound into a roll form is wound off to be allowed to run and is fed while winding the film around a heat roller so as to eliminate deformations in the plastic film, and then a coating liquid is applied onto the plastic film, wherein in a position where wrinkles begin to form in the plastic film due to heating by the heat roller, the plastic film is pneumatically pressed by air jetted from an air nozzle at a pressure equal to or higher than a pressure at which the wrinkles disappear.

Abstract: Methods apply a layer of material to a glass sheet having a non-planar shape. The methods can each include the step of providing the glass sheet having an initial non-planar shape including a thickness defined between a first sheet surface and a second sheet surface. The method further includes the step of at least partially flattening the glass sheet into an application shape. The method further includes the step of applying the layer of material to the first sheet surface while the glass sheet is in the application shape. The method then includes the step of releasing the glass sheet to relax into a post non-planar shape.

Abstract: A method for producing a polarizing element includes the steps of: forming an island-shaped film of a metal halide on a glass substrate; forming needle-shaped particles of the metal halide by stretching the glass substrate through heating to elongate the island-shaped film; and forming needle-shaped metal particles composed of a metal by reducing the metal halide of the needle-shaped particles, wherein the metal halide is deposited on the glass substrate by a reactive physical vapor deposition method.

Abstract: A method for producing a polarizing element includes the steps of: forming a coating film of a metal on a glass substrate; forming an island-shaped film composed of a metal halide on the glass substrate by partially removing the coating film and also halogenating the metal; forming needle-shaped particles of the metal halide by stretching the glass substrate through heating to elongate the island-shaped film; and forming needle-shaped metal particles composed of a metal by reducing the metal halide of the needle-shaped particles.

Abstract: An antistatic article having an antistatic layer disposed on a substrate is disclosed herein. The antistatic layer is formed from a cationic copolymer, a non-cationic (meth)acrylic polymer, and a crosslinking agent. The cationic copolymer consists essentially of a cationic monomer, a hydrophobic monomer, a crosslinkable monomer, and an optional nitrogen-containing monomer. The substrate may comprise an optical film such as a multilayer optical film. Methods for making the antistatic article and display devices containing the antistatic article are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an intermediate transfer belt, materials and processes for producing an intermediate transfer belt, and an image transfer apparatus used in electrophotographic printing devices, wherein the intermediate transfer belt can comprise a thermosetting polyimide comprising the reaction product of a polyamic acid and a hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene.

Abstract: The present invention provides for concentrated aqueous silk fibroin solutions and an all-aqueous mode for preparation of concentrated aqueous fibroin solutions that avoids the use of organic solvents, direct additives, or harsh chemicals. The invention further provides for the use of these solutions in production of materials, e.g., fibers, films, foams, meshes, scaffolds and hydrogels.

Abstract: An electrically conductive film has an electrically conductive layer on at least one side, which is a thermoplastic resin film in which the electrically conductive layer contains a carbon nanotube (A), a carbon nanotube dispersant (B) and a binder resin (C), the total of contents of (A), (B) and (C) in the electrically conductive layer is 90% by weight or more relative to the entire electrically conductive layer, and weight rates of (A), (B) and (C) satisfy the following, and a weight ratio of (B) and (A) ((B)/(A)) is 0.5 or more and 15.0 or less: (A) 1.0 to 40.0% by weight, (B) 0.5 to 90.0% by weight, and (C) 4.0 to 98.5% by weight (provided that the total of contents of (A), (B) and (C) is let to be 100% by weight).

Abstract: A pretreatment method for a printing material is performed prior to ink jet textile printing on the printing material and includes the steps of imparting a tension force to at least a printing area of the printing material on which ink jet textile printing is performed so as to put the printing area in a tensioned state, and applying a pretreatment agent having an ink permeation inhibiting property on the printing area in the tensioned state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation of nanostructures, including carbon-based nanostructures, are generally described. In certain embodiments, substrate configurations and associated methods are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tensioning a preform made from interlaced fibres and a process for fabricating a part made from a ceramic matrix composite material, using this preform. During this process, the preform is tensioned before and during its densification using the tensioning device (100), which comprises a main body (2), a first assembly element (3) and a second assembly element (4) and a control rod, rotation of the control rod causing translation of the second assembly element, separation of the first and second assembly elements from each other and tensioning of the preform along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Methods for making collagen based biocomposite constructs and related devices include: (a) winding at least one collagen fiber a number of revolutions about a length of a support member having a long axis, the winding having at least one defined pitch and/or fiber angle relative to the long axis of the support member to form an elongate construct; and (b) applying a fluid polymeric material, such as, for example, an acrylate emulsion and/or other thermoplastic material, onto the collagen fiber during the winding step. Optionally, the fluid polymeric material can include antibiotics and/or other therapeutic agents for additional function/utility.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of preparing a composite sheet material having strength and barrier properties suitable for use as a housewrap, the methods comprising extrusion coating a polyolefin film layer onto a surface of an area-bonded, spunbond nonwoven substrate to form a composite sheet material, the composite sheet material having a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CD), and stretching the composite sheet material to impart to the composite sheet material a hydrostatic head of at least 100 cm, and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m2/24 hr at 50% relative humidity and 23° C.

Abstract: An identification label with a three-dimensional wrinkled structure may be formed by depositing a hard film with a high elastic modulus on an elongated substrate of a lower elastic modulus. Wrinkles with defects develop as the substrate is subsequently allowed to relax. Defects such as ridge endings and ridge bifurcations are randomly distributed over the wrinkled surface, and allow to uniquely identify any given identification label with the high degree of accuracy. Since the formation of defects is a random process, the wrinkled structure cannot be reproduced or counterfeited. The labels are thus forgery-proof.

Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymers, transducers and devices that maintain pre-strain in one or more portions of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers described herein may include a pre-strained portion and a stiffened portion configured to maintain pre-strain in the pre-strained portion. One fabrication technique applies pre-strain to a partially cured electroactive polymer. The partially cured polymer is then further cured to stiffen and maintain the pre-strain. In another fabrication technique, a support layer is coupled to the polymer that maintains pre-strain in a portion of an electroactive polymer. Another embodiment of the invention cures a polymer precursor to maintain pre-strain in an electroactive polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing lithium ion secondary batteries includes the steps of: (A) preparing an electrode sheet with lead-forming parts, (B) intermittently forming porous insulating layers containing an inorganic oxide filler and a binder on a surface of the electrode sheet excluding the lead-forming parts, (C) connecting a lead to each of the lead-forming parts, and (D) fabricating batteries by using the electrode sheet to which the leads are connected. The step B includes: the step of applying a slurry containing the inorganic oxide filler and the binder to the outer surface of a gravure roll, and transferring the slurry applied to the outer surface of the gravure roll on a surface of the electrode sheet that is being transported by a plurality of guide rolls excluding the lead-forming part; and the step of moving at least one selected from the gravure roll and the guide rolls to make the electrode sheet away from the gravure roll in the lead-forming part.

Abstract: Heat sealable food packaging films, methods for the production thereof, and food packages comprising heat sealable food packaging films are provided. The heat sealable food packaging film includes a humidity-dependent permeable film having a moisture vapor transmission rate that increases with an increase in relative humidity (RH). An outer coating comprises a coating material on at least one surface of the humidity-dependent permeable film. The coating material is selected from a nanoclay dispersed in a poly-vinylidene chloride (PVdC) polymer or a stretchable urethane polymer, a stretchable acrylic polymer, or a combination of stretchable urethane polymer and stretchable acrylic polymer. The coating material may further comprise an anti-blocking agent. The heat sealable food packaging film is biaxially oriented.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for uniform metal plating onto a semiconductor wafer, such as GaAs wafer, are disclosed. One such apparatus can include an anode and a showerhead body. The anode can include an anode post and a showerhead anode plate. The showerhead anode plate can include holes sized to dispense a particular plating solution, such as plating solution that includes gold, onto a wafer. The showerhead body can be coupled to the anode post and the showerhead anode plate. The showerhead body can be configured to create a seal sufficient to substantially prevent a reduction of pressure in the plating solution flowing from the anode post to holes of the showerhead anode plate.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer comprising a polyimide polymer and a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene. A method of manufacturing a fuser member containing a polyimide polymer and a hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene is presented.

Abstract: The present invention has been aimed to propose a process and a device of fabricating a prepreg for a printed circuit board which are capable of controlling respective thicknesses of resin layers on the opposite surfaces of a resultant prepreg, removing air bubbles from the resultant prepreg, and improving productivity. The present invention is a process of resin-coating the opposite surfaces of an elongated substrate sheet 3. The process includes the steps of: feeding the substrate sheet 3 while tensioning the same in a feeding direction along the length of the substrate sheet 3; coating, by the coating head 2 of the first dispenser 1a, one surface of the substrate sheet 3 with the fluid resin 4 while pressing against the one surface to bend the substrate sheet 3; and subsequently coating, by the coating head 2 of the second dispenser 1b, the other surface of the substrate sheet 3 with the fluid resin 4 while pressing against the other surface to bend the substrate sheet 3.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for finishing knitted fabrics and fabrics finished by the novel process. In one embodiment, the method of finishing a knitted fabric includes the steps of: (a) stretching the fabric above about 5% but less than about 25% in width, and above about (?)7% but less than about 10% in length, (b) heat-setting the fabric to the stretched width and length at a temperature above about 120 degrees Centigrade and lower than about 250 degrees Centigrade, and (c) applying a polymeric protective binder coating resin to the fabric at a concentration of at least 5% but less than 25% based on the weight of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a description for an instrument for creating arrays of metal nanostructures allows on various substrates at the wafer scale. Embodiment methods permit for the formation of individual and arrays of metal alloys of nanostructures by bringing an array of liquid metal droplets droplet in contact with an array of metal patterns by using high precision manipulation mechanism. Top view and side view optical lenses are used to observe the manipulation process and also allow for aligning the metal droplets with film of solid metal patterns. As one example, this instrument is capable of pattering high aspect ratio nanostructures such as silver-gallium (Ag2Ga) nanowires onto prefabricated microstructures. This invention also describes a method for forming arrays of liquid metal droplets on the tip of micro structures by bringing a flexible membrane containing a liquid metal film, in contact with a pattern of microstructures.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a flexible display substrate having reduced moisture permeability and reduced oxygen permeability, nanosized or microsized particles are uniformly dispersed in a molten polymer matrix. The molten polymer matrix are formed into plate-shaped molten polymer. The plate-shaped molten polymer is extruded between two extruding rollers to form a polymer or plastic sheet, to orient the nanosized or microsized particles in parallel with a surface of the polymer or plastic sheet. The polymer or plastic sheet is stretched between a glass transition temperature and a melting point to form a polymer or plastic film, exfoliating and orienting the nanosized or microsized particles further in parallel with a surface of the polymer or plastic film. The polymer or plastic film is coated with an organic film to flatten a surface of the flexible display substrate. Heat treatment is performed to cure the organic film.

Abstract: Methods of treating laminates, treated laminates, and articles with treated laminates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a substrate with a fluid. This method comprises the steps: (i) of supply of a substrate and of a yield point fluid; and (ii) of shearing of the fluid and of application of the fluid to the substrate, the fluid supplied comprising a solvent-free reactive polyurethane mixture.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, water impermeable composite sheet material is provided which is suitable for use as a housewrap material, and is also useful for other applications such as tarpaulins, or as covers for automobile, boats, patio furniture or the like. The composite sheet material includes a nonwoven substrate and an extrusion-coated polyolefin film layer overlying one surface of the substrate. The nonwoven substrate is comprised of polymeric fibers randomly disposed and bonded to one another to form a high tenacity nonwoven web. The nonwoven substrate has a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons (40 pounds) in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CD). The extrusion coated polyolefin film layer is intimately bonded to the nonwoven substrate. The film layer has micropores formed therein to impart to the composite sheet material a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m2/24 hr. at 50% relative humidity and 23° C.