Abstract: Ink-receiving print media products having multiple capabilities including (A) minimal drying time; (B) improved smear-fastness; (C) a high level of water-fastness; (D) the ability to generate high-definition images; and (E) excellent ink compatibility. The media products have at least one ink-receiving layer on a substrate (e.g. paper pre-coated with one or more binders and/or pigments). The ink-receiving layer includes a pigment (boehmite, pseudo-boehmite, or mixtures thereof) optimally combined with a special binder blend [polyvinyl alcohol, a poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer, and a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl acetate) copolymer]. Also included is a special dye fixative (namely, a cationic emulsion polymer) which provides enhanced water-fastness. This fixative is of a particular type (a quaternary amine) that also allows high pigment levels to be employed (at least about 65% by weight) which further promotes the foregoing benefits.

Abstract: A disclosed method for coating a substrate with an ionomer, applies the ionomer as a component of a stable foam, then dries the applied foam layer. The substrate to be so coated, in particular embodiments, is an electrode substrate, with or without a catalyst layer applied thereon. In another embodiment, the substrate is an ion-exchange membrane. In yet more particular embodiments, the substrate is suitable for use in an electrochemical fuel cell. Also disclosed are products made by the disclosed methods, namely, ionomer-coated substrates, including ionomer-coated electrode substrates and electrodes. The foam layer may also comprise catalyst powder to form a catalyst layer. Membrane electrode assemblies, fuel cells, and fuel cell stacks that incorporate the substrates are also disclosed, as are motor vehicles, and stationary and portable electrical power-generating plants that incorporate the fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: In a method of making an absorbent composite, a porous, stabilized structure is formed and impregnated with a flowable superabsorbent precursor. The flowable superabsorbent precursor is cross-linked to form a superabsorbent material within the stabilized structure. The surface area of one of the flowable superabsorbent precursor impregnated with the stabilized structure and the superabsorbent material formed within the structure is increased. In one embodiment, the surface is increased by freeze drying the impregnated structure.

Abstract: A recording material for back-printing contains (i) a back-printing sheet comprising a transparent substrate, an ink-absorbing layer that is provided on the transparent substrate, and a porous ink-receiving layer that is provided on the ink-absorbing layer and has filler dispersed in a binder resin, and (ii) a back-printing sheet cover film having a cover substrate, and an adhesive layer that has an adhesive resin and is formed on the cover substrate, the refractive index of the filler and the refractive index of the adhesive resin are different to one another. Specifically, the difference between the refractive index of the filler and the refractive index of the adhesive resin is at least 1.0.

Abstract: A method for applying a foam to a paper web is provided. Specifically, a foam is first formed from a liquid-based composition and a gas, such as air. Once formed, the foam is applied by a foam applicator to the web. In one embodiment, for example, the foam applicator applies the foam without substantially contacting the web. When applied with the foam, the web typically has a solids consistency less than about 95% by weight of the web. In some embodiments, one or more vacuum slots can be utilized in conjunction with the foam applicator to facilitate uniform application of the foam to the paper web.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb wall-flow filter is prepared by plugging channels in a clay containing ceramic honeycomb by a method that has the following steps. First, a mixture of a dispersing liquid and ceramic powder is formed. Second, the mixture is inserted into at least one channel of a clay containing green ceramic honeycomb to form a plugged green ceramic honeycomb wherein the dispersing liquid essentially fails to swell the clay. Alternatively, the mixture is inserted into a calcined ceramic honeycomb to form a plugged calcined ceramic honeycomb. Finally, the plugged green or calcined ceramic honeycomb is heated to a temperature sufficient to sinter the plugged green ceramic honeycomb to form a porous sintered plugged ceramic honeycomb. The method is particularly useful for simultaneously making the plugs and discriminating layers in the channels.

Abstract: A printing paper sheet is provided in which cellulose fibers are coated with solids of a substantially organic solvent-free silicone resin emulsion composition which is obtained by emulsion polymerization of a mixture comprising (a) a singly water insoluble, silanol group-bearing silicone resin and/or a radical polymerizable vinyl group-bearing alkoxysilane and (b) a radical polymerizable vinyl monomer. The paper sheet in which cellulose fibers are coated with the acrylic silicone resin is minimized in deformation or stretching and contraction upon water absorption and thus suited for printing by an ink jet printer. The quality of printed image is equal to ordinary coated paper sheets.

Abstract: A method for applying a foam composition to a paper web is provided. Specifically, a foam applicator is positioned adjacent to a surface of the web. The foam applicator comprises an extrusion head defining an extrusion channel through which the foam composition is capable of flowing. The foam applicator further defines a dispensing slot through which the foam composition is capable of exiting the foam applicator. The method also includes flowing the foam composition through the extrusion channel of the foam applicator. The foam composition is impinged with at least one gaseous stream (e.g., air stream) to fragment or break up gaseous bubbles contained therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a coating implement for applying a nonvolatile liquid for protection treatment, which does not dissolve a coloring material, to a recorded product which is provided with a porous layer as an ink-receiving layer on the surface of a substrate, and on which an image has been formed with the coloring material adsorbed on at least the porous layer, thereby protecting the image, wherein a coating surface for applying the liquid to the porous layer having the image is supported by a supporting member, and the coating surface can hold the liquid.

Abstract: Method of selectively removing volatile components from a composition, comprising coating the composition onto a first substrate surface of a substrate, wherein the composition comprises a nonresident volatile component and a resident volatile component. The method further includes positioning at least a portion of the coated substrate between a condensing surface having a condensing surface temperature and a heating surface having a heating surface temperature that is greater than the condensing surface temperature, wherein the condensing surface is in a spaced apart, confronting relationship to the coated surface of the substrate and wherein the heated surface is in thermal contact with a second substrate surface opposite the first substrate surface. In the method, the heated surface temperature and the condensing surface temperature are such that the positioning step causes the nonresident volatile component to be selectively removed from the portion of the coated substrate.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a membrane includes forming a porous substrate and then impregnating the porous substrate with a polymeric material. The porous substrate is made by first dispersing fibres in water to form a slurry, then depositing the slurry onto a mesh bed to form a fibre network, drying and compacting the fibre network, and, either before or after drying and compacting, applying to the fibre network a dispersion of a binder of silica and a fluorinated polymer.

Abstract: A method for sintering a porous coating on an open-structure substrate, i.e., a substrate with pre-made pores or openings. The open-structure substrate is spread with a coating paste that is prepared with such a viscosity so that the paste will not drip through the pores/openings on the open-structure substrate. The coating paste is then sintered to form a porous layer on the surface of the open-structure substrate. Optionally, the porous coating may be further coated with a catalyst for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A method for applying a foam composition to a paper web is provided. Specifically, a paper web is initially formed from papermaking fibers and is carried by a first moving papermaking surface so that a first surface of the paper web faces the first moving papermaking surface (e.g., fabric). A foam composition is deposited onto a second moving papermaking surface (e.g., fabric). The second moving papermaking surface is positioned adjacent to the first moving papermaking surface so that a second surface of the paper web faces the second moving papermaking surface. As a result, at least a portion of the foam composition is transferred to the paper web.

Abstract: A disclosed method for coating a substrate with an ionomer, applies the ionomer as a component of a stable foam, then dries the applied foam layer. The substrate to be so coated, in particular embodiments, is an electrode substrate, with or without a catalyst layer applied thereon. In another embodiment, the substrate is an ion-exchange membrane. In yet more particular embodiments, the substrate is suitable for use in an electrochemical fuel cell. Also disclosed are products made by the disclosed methods, namely, ionomer-coated substrates, including ionomer-coated electrode substrates and electrodes. The foam layer may also comprise catalyst powder to form a catalyst layer. Membrane electrode assemblies, fuel cells, and fuel cell stacks that incorporate the substrates are also disclosed, as are motor vehicles, and stationary and portable electrical power-generating plants that incorporate the fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: Process for the production of hydrophobic layers on optical substrates which have an alkaline earth metal fluoride or alkali metal fluoride layer as the outermost layer or consist of alkaline earth metal fluorides or alkali metal fluorides, by thermal vapor deposition with polyfluorohydrocarbons in a high vacuum.

Abstract: A porous, low-k dielectric film that has good mechanical properties as well as a method of fabricating the film and the use of the film as a dielectric layer between metal wiring features are provided. The porous, low-k dielectric film includes a first phase of monodispersed pores having a diameter of from about 1 to about 10 nm that are substantially uniformly spaced apart and are essentially located on sites of a three-dimensional periodic lattice; and a second phase which is solid surrounding the first phase. Specifically, the second phase of the film includes (i) an ordered element that is composed of nanoparticles having a diameter of from about 1 to about 10 nm that are substantially uniformly spaced apart and are essentially arranged on sites of a three-dimensional periodic lattice, and (ii) a disordered element comprised of a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 2.8 or less.

Abstract: A method for fabricating carbon electrode coated with a porous metal film includes the steps of: positioning a roll of carbon material within a vacuum chamber; winding the carbon material off the roll at a certain speed, winding the carbon material on a different roll while coating a porous metal to a thickness of a few Řa few &mgr;m on the carbon material between the two rolls from a metal evaporation source; and stabilizing the thusly coated carbon material under a vacuum. The coated porous metal film is of Li, Al, Sn, Bi, Si, Sb, Ni, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Mo, W, Ag, Au, Pt, Ru, Ir, In or their alloys. Since the stable film is formed on the surface of the carbon material, when the thusly coated carbon material is use for forming a cathode electrode of a secondary battery, the reversibility and high rate charging and discharging characteristics of the carbon electrode can be improved.

Abstract: An artificial stone veneer product has a thin substrate covered by a stone veneer having a pitted, uneven surface having an appearance similar to travertine. To make the product, layers of polymer resin and particulate matter are applied to a substrate. A thin layer of polymer resin is first applied to the substrate, followed by a layer of fine particulate matter that at least partially settles into the resin, and the resin is allowed to set partially. Another layer of polymer resin is applied to the underlying layers in a nonuniform manner over the underlying layers, resulting in a moderately porous layer having randomly located voids of varying size and shape. A final layer of particulate matter is then applied over the polymer layer, and the resin is allowed to set completely. In an optional step, the surface of the final product is finished to smooth it, during which some of the larger particulate matter is dislodged and removed, enhancing the uneven rough appearance of the veneer.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams by photopolymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous material excelling in stability of preservation is produced. A method for the production of a porous material comprising a step for obtaining a porous polymer by polymerizing an HIPE containing a polymerizable monomer is disclosed, which method comprises a step for adding a compound capable of reacting with a polymerization initiator and/or a compound capable of reacting with an unsaturated double bond to said emulsion, said porous polymer and/or said porous material having a conversion of not less than 70%. According to this invention, it is made possible to produce a porous material excelling in stability in storage and to decrease the polymerization initiator and the residual monomer very simply.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing porous ceramic layers on metallic, ceramic, enameled or glass substrates using crystalline nanoparticles of particle sizes of between 3 nm and 100 nm via a wet-chemical process and functionalising of this porous ceramic layer through introducing a second component into the pores of the porous ceramic layer which serves as carrier layer.

Abstract: An acrylic foam pressure sensitive adhesive, having a low density and having cells finely and uniformly dispersed therein, and its production method. An acrylic foam pressure sensitive adhesive having a cell average diameter of no more than 300 &mgr;m and its standard deviation of no more than 115 &mgr;m. A production method of an acrylic foam pressure sensitive adhesive comprising: introducing an acrylic foam precursor composition and a cell forming gas into an agitation and mixing apparatus equipped with a casing provided with a flow path through which a fluid flows, and agitation blades disposed within said casing capable of vibrating in the axial direction of said casing, forming cells within the acrylic foam precursor composition by agitating and mixing the acrylic foam precursor composition and the cell forming gas in the agitation and mixing apparatus, coating the acrylic foam precursor composition containing the cells onto a substrate, and curing the coated acrylic foam precursor composition.

Abstract: A high quality ink jet recording medium is formed of a dimensionally stable absorbent paper base sheet and a coating that is primarily a reaction product of polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid. The reaction product has molecule bonds that are principally polyvinyl alcohol-boric acid-polyvinyl alcohol bonds which, when applied to the substrate, form a three-dimensional sieve or screen-like coating facilitating penetration to the absorbent base-sheet of ink carrier vehicle and holding out on the sieve or screen the ink pigments and colorants. The coating facilitates manufacture of a high quality recording medium of exceptionally low cost, ideally suited for high-speed multicolor ink jet printing in continuous web form. Methods of making the coating and the medium are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low dielectric materials essential for a semiconductor having high density and high performance of the next generation, particularly to a process for preparing a porous interlayer insulating film having low dielectric constant containing pores with a size of a few nanometers or less. The present invention provides a process for preparing a porous wiring interlayer insulating film having very low dielectric constant for a semiconductor device comprising the steps of a) preparing a mixed complex of pore-forming organic molecules and a matrix resin, b) coating the mixed complex on a substrate, and c) heating the mixed complex to remove the organic molecules therefrom, thereby forming pores inside the complex.

Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided a low-temperature process to remove at least a portion of at least one pore-forming phase within a multiphasic film thereby forming a porous film. The pore-forming phase may be removed via exposure to at least one energy source, preferably an ultraviolet light source, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of confined synthesis of nanostructured material inside a mesoporous material. The method includes the step of providing mesoporous material having uniform and ordered mesopores. Next, a monolayer of charged functional group is attached on the pore surface of mesoporous host material by reacting with functional molecule. A oppositely-charged molecule is incorporated into the confined space of mesoporous material by either ion exchange or incipient wetness impregnation. Finally, the incorporated molecule is reduced or oxidized or further reacted with secondarily-incorporated molecule to form nanostructured material in mesoporous material.

Abstract: A metal oxide electrode coated with a porous metal film, a metal oxide film or a carbon film, its fabrication method and a lithium-ion secondary battery using it are disclosed. The porous thin film of Li, Al, Sn, Bi, Si, Sb, Ni, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Mo, W, Ag, Au, Pt, Ir, Ru, carbon or their alloys are coated to a few Řa few &mgr;m, so as to remarkably improve the capacity of a battery, high rate charging and discharging characteristics and a durability characteristic. The method can be applied to a fabrication of every secondary battery.

Abstract: This invention comprises methods for making nanostructured and nanoporous thin film structures of various compositions. These films can be directly patterned. In these methods, precursor films are deposited on a surface and different components of the precursor film are reacted under selected conditions, forming a nanostructured or nanoporous film. Such films can be used in a variety of applications, for example, low k dielectrics, sensors, catalysts, conductors or magnetic films. Nanostructured films can be created: (1) using one precursor component and two reactions, (2) using two or more components based on differential rates of photochemical conversion, (3) using two precursors based on the thermal sensitivity of one precursor and the photochemical sensitivity of the other, and (4) by photochemical reaction of a precursor film and selected removal of a largely unreacted component from the film.

Abstract: A sacrificial ceramic fixture precursor is furnished with a shaped portion thereof shaped to receive a supported article. The sacrificial ceramic fixture precursor is immersed into a molten reactive metal for a period of time sufficient to permit the sacrificial ceramic fixture precursor and the reactive metal to react together. The result is a reacted ceramic fixture comprising an open-cell solid foam of ceramic cell walls having an interconnected intracellular volume therebetween. The reacted ceramic fixture is contacted to a supported article to produce a process assembly. The process assembly is processed as required for the supported article, which typically includes heating to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to insulating material and to a method for coating nozzles, pouring spouts, pouring-stream protective tubes and similar tools for casting or converting melts, especially molten baths used in the steel industry. The aim of the invention is to produce a low-cost insulation which does not damage people's health, is not harmful to the environment, is thermally stable at operating temperatures especially at temperatures of over 1200° C.—and which exhibits low thermal conductivity. The insulation material is a mixture of at least one raw material and at least one binding agent. Said mixture forms a microporous structure once it has hardened. The surface of a workpiece for forming the insulation is at least partially coated with the insulating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a proteinaceous coating on a medical implant, comprising the steps of: submersing the implant in a first aqueous solution comprising a protein and magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions through which a gaseous weak acid is passed; degassing the solution; allowing a coating to precipitate onto the implant; submersing the coated implant in a second solution to redissolve the magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions and to obtain the proteinaceous coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and a continuous process produce composite structural insulated panels (SIPs). Lower boards are placed on a conveying system through a foam application zone and then upper boards are applied. The foam material adheres to the upper and lower boards to form a structural insulated panel after passing through a curing apparatus.

Abstract: Defect-free dielectric coatings comprised of porous polymeric matrices are prepared using nitrogen-containing polymers as pore-generating agents. The dielectric coatings are useful in a number of contexts, including the manufacture of electronic devices such as integrated circuit devices and integrated circuit packaging devices. The dielectric coatings are prepared by admixing, in a solvent, a polymeric nitrogenous porogen with a high temperature, thermosetting host polymer miscible therewith, coating a substrate surface with the admixture, heating the uncured coating to cure the host polymer and provide a vitrified, two-phase matrix, and then decomposing the porogen. The dielectric coatings so prepared have few if any defects, and depending on the amount and molecular weight of porogen used, can be prepared so as to have an exceptionally low dielectric constant on the order of 2.5 or less, preferably less than about 2.0.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an acid component, at least about 0.1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, and a stable foam forming amount of a foaming agent system composed of a non-ionic alkyl polyglycoside alone or with additional non-ionic foaming agents. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition in the form of a foam also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for irradiating material in web form by means of electron beams and/or UV rays, wherein the material is applied to a transport means, the material on the transport means is guided through a first irradiation in which the material is irradiated on the open side, the material is transferred from the transport means to a substrate, and the material on the substrate is guided through a second irradiation in which the material is irradiated on the second, hitherto unirradiated, open side.

Abstract: A method of treating a membrane comprises the steps of providing a membrane with surfaces that define a plurality of pores extending through the membrane. Providing a dispersion of oleophobic fluoropolymer solids. Stabilizing the dispersion with a stabilizing agent. Diluting the dispersion with a wetting agent. Wetting surfaces which define the pores in the membrane with the diluted and stabilized dispersion. Removing the wetting agent and the stabilizing agent from the membrane. Coalescing the oleophobic fluoropolymer solids of the dispersion on surfaces that define pores in the membrane. A composite membrane comprises a porous membrane having a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the membrane and made from a material which tends to absorb oils and certain contaminating surfactants. A coating is disposed on surfaces of the nodes and fibrils defining the interconnecting passages in the membrane.

Abstract: A closed space is formed in a reduced pressure drying station, and the closed space is brought to a vacuum state. In this state, an EB unit irradiates a wafer mounted on a hot plate with an electron beam to foam an insulating film material. Subsequently, the hot plate is raised to a predetermined temperature, and drying processing is performed under a reduced pressure. As described above, since the foaming processing is performed in the reduced pressure drying station, bubbles remain in the insulating film, so that the existence of the bubbles can decrease the relative dielectric constant.

Abstract: This invention provides a concept of using porous materials on ceramic substrate planarization. This planarized substrate consists of a ceramic substrate, a buffer layer, and a nanostructure layer. The ceramic substrate provides structural strength and surface-mount capability. The buffer layer provides the adhesion between the substrate and the nanostructure layer. The nanostructure layer provides the required surface smoothness of the ceramic substrates for performing thin-film processing techniques and enhances adhesion for metallization and electronic materials.

Abstract: Small particles of polymeric material are produced by expansion of a mixture of monomers and a propellant. The size and shape of the particles can be precisely tailored by materials selection and expansion conditions. Particles of 10 nanometers to 100 microns can be produced. If monomers exhibiting solid state reactivity are utilized, the particles thus formed can be polymerized at any time after formation. The particles produced by this method can be molecularly imprinted by incorporating a template into the particle prior to fully curing the particle, in a manner which allows selective extraction of the template from the cured particle after formation without deformation of the imprint site. A two step polymerization process allows the particles to be deposited on and adhered to a wide variety of substrates without additional agents.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant article (10, 30, 40) for use, while submerged or partly submerged in molten glass, in a glass article manufacturing operation, the article having a ceramic element (12, 32, 42) coated on its molten glass contacting surfaces with a thin base coating of a nickel chromium-aluminum-cobalt-yttria-composite powder (18, 34, 44) and a somewhat thicker coating (20, 36, 46) of a prealloyed ceria-yttria stabilized zirconium oxide superimposed on the base coating.

Abstract: A method for sintering a porous coating on an open-structure substrate, i.e., a substrate with pre-made pores or openings. The open-structure substrate is spread with a coating paste that is prepared with such a viscosity so that the paste will not drip through the pores/openings on the open-structure substrate. The coating paste is then sintered to form a porous layer on the surface of the open-structure substrate. Optionally, the porous coating may be further coated with a catalyst for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A composite barrier membrane coated on a substrate and membrane is formed by phase inversion technique utilizing a water-insoluble wax and a water-insoluble polymer dissolved in a solvent. The barrier membrane coated upon the substrate is used to control transmembrane transport of a liquid and a gas. The substrate can be a starch based food package material, a protein based food package materials, a natural fabric, a synthetic fabric, or a paper product.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates including the steps of: providing a substrate; exposing said substrate to a plasma glow discharge in the presence of a fluorocarbon gas; maintaining said gas at a pressure between about 50 mTorr and about 400 mTorr; generating said plasma as a modulated glow discharge; pulsing said discharge at an on time of 1-500 milliseconds; pulsing said glow at an off time of 1-1000 milliseconds; maintaining said plasma glow discharge at a power density of 0.02-10 watts/cm2; and applying a hydrophobic coating to said substrate.

Abstract: A ceramic foam consisting of two layers in and out, in which a highly pure ceramic shell covers up the surface layer of the fly ash, is provided along with a process for producing such a ceramic foam. The process for producing a ceramic foam 10 includes the steps of: coating the surface of raw fly ash material containing impurities 12 with alumina slurry; granulating the coated fly ash; and sintering the granulated fly ash in a manner that the granulated fly ash is heated in a furnace with raising temperature, then kept at a predetermined temperature for several hours and then, slowly cooled down to room temperature. The impurities are sealed inside the fly ash 11 not to transfer to the outside so that the surface of the fly ash is covered up with a ceramic shell 13 to form the ceramic foam 10 having two layers in and out.

Abstract: A process for producing the ceramic porous body comprising the steps of (1) forming micelles in liquid by mixing {circle around (1)} surfactant molecules, {circle around (2)} surfactant molecules and given organic molecules, or {circle around (3)} different kinds of surfactant molecules, (2) forming a precursor of a ceramic porous body having an organic-inorganic structure is formed through mixing a ceramic material or a precursor of the ceramic material into the liquid containing the micelles, the precursor of the ceramic porous body comprising a template having the micelles arranged in a hexagonal, cubic or lamella form and the ceramic material or the ceramic material precursor adsorbed around the micelles, (3) removing the surfactant molecules or the surfactant molecules and the given organic molecules in the precursor of the ceramic porous body by photo-oxidation through irradiating vacuum ultraviolet light upon the precursor to leave an inorganic skeleton alone, and (4) thereby forming the ceramic porous

Abstract: A unitary membrane for use in a pressing apparatus includes a pair of longitudinal edge portions and a semipermeable portion having a plurality of intercommunicating pores. The semipermeable portion is positioned between the pair of longitudinal edge portions. Wherein the unitary membrane includes a formed fabric and has a thickness less than about 0.1 inches. The semipermeable portion has a permeability greater than zero and less than about five CFM per square foot as measured by TAPPI test method TIP 0404-20. A method of making the unitary membrane includes the steps of providing a carrier fabric which is very permeable and forming a plurality of intercommunicating pores in the carrier fabric.

Abstract: A process of making a nonwoven fabric comprising providing a three-dimensional surface that comprises surface features that are air permeable, depositing fibers or a web comprising fibers onto the surface, and stabilizing the fibers to form a nonwoven fabric is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dense and crack-free ceramic membrane which selectively transports oxygen when it is subjected to an oxygen partial pressure gradient, by the following steps: a) preparation of a porous ceramic substrate, with an open network of pores, which allows the transport of gas; b) deposition of a film or coating of an oxygen ion conducting material onto the porous ceramic substrate, by contacting the porous substrate with a colloidal dispersion or slip; c) thermally treating the substrate and film or coating to produce a dense, crack-free membrane on the surface of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A method for foaming a liquid-based composition, such as a softening composition, onto a tissue is provided. The foam composition can be formed in a foam generator by combining the liquid-based composition and a gas, such as air. The foam composition has a blow ratio, i.e, ratio of air volume to liquid volume, greater than about 3:1. Moreover, the foam composition is also generally stable such that it has a half-life greater than about 3 minutes. In one embodiment, a tissue product having elevated regions and non-elevated regions can be foamed with a foam composition such that the elevated regions are applied with a greater amount of the foam composition than the non-elevated regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an element comprising a substrate and at least one anti-reflection coating with pores. The dimensions of the anti-reflection coating are below the wavelength of visible light or the neighboring spectral ranges. The invention also relates to an element produced according to this method with at least one anti-reflection coating, for example optical lenses, mirrors or other optical components. The optical anti-reflection coating of these elements is essentially improved.